Savvy Kids August 2013

August 2013 • www.savvykidsofarkansas.com

Arkansas’s New

Special Olympics program our annual

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field trip fun guide Consignment:

1-2-3! it’s as easy as

Plus...

combating jitters prepping for bedtime Immunizations local students share their stories of making the grade

...and more! august 2013 savvy k i ds

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Wear It! It’s in our nature.

agfc.com

2 | savvy k i ds August 2013

To find out more about boating education courses or to buy a license, visit agfc.com.

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Pathfinder is a private, non-profit, community based organization which provides an array of services for the disabled. Services are provided for those citizens, of Arkansas, with developmental disabilities. Our goal is for each participant to become a self-supporting, productive member of society.

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august 2013 savvy k i ds

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contents AUGUST 2013

14

Back To School Milestones

ON THE COVER:

Pierce Rued, photographed by Brian Chilson.

We would like to thank the North Little Rock School District for allowing us access to their school bus depot.

Stories of local students making the grade

30

CoNSIGNMENT It’s as easy as 1-2-3

36

new special olympics program

DEPARTMENTS

Immunizations, prepping for bedtime, combating jitters

and more!

4 | savvy k i ds August 2013

8 Odds and Ends 10 Little Hero,Big Heart 12 mailbox 40 eats and treats 42 Book of the Month

App of the Month 44 Savvy arts 46 Calendar of Events 48 Pop Topics 50 Kids Eat Free 54 Savvy Science

august 2013 savvy k i ds

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Editor’s Letter

Back to Class

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editor

For a no

Alan Leveritt alan@arktimes.com

Photo by Brian Chilson

Call me crazy, but back-to-school season has always been one of my favorite times of the year. Not necessarily actually going back to school, but all the shopping involved, especially school supplies. I went to Catholic schools so there wasn’t much back-to-school fashion shopping, though I fondly remember my pale-pink Reebok high tops, circa 1986.

My obsession with school supplies is lifelong and continues today even though my school days are over (office supplies just aren’t as cool!). Every time I go to Target around this time, I spend more time than what’s probably normal browsing the school supplies. I can’t help myself. I’ve never been able to resist a pack of perfectly sharpened colored pencils.

This summer, we’ve been happy to have three youngsters visit our office to learn and help out. Our 10-year-old columnist Jasper Potts hung out with me and learned the ins & outs of producing a magazine. You can read her reflection about starting middle school on page 16 (her regular column will return next month). Sixteen-year-old Tyroneshia Branscomb interned with our art department this summer as part of a program called Jump Start. Read all about her and the program on page 38. And, 13-year-old Lila Leveritt wrote our We Pinned It section (see below) and Book and App of the Month page, and helped with the Field Trip Guide on page 52. We thank them for helping put together this issue.

August is a great month. It’s my birthday month, but it’s also a great time for everyone to make a fresh start in a new school year.

Have a great year, everyone!

Erica Sweeney, Editor ericasweeney@arktimes.com

Erica Sweeney ericasweeney@arktimes.com

simply c

Bryan Moats

visit us

Patrick Jones

We offer

Rose Gladner rose@arktimes.com Lesa Thomas lesathomas@arktimes.com Ellen Weiner ellenweiner@arktimes.com

by appoi

digital media producer editorial art director account executive

production manager Weldon Wilson

advertising coordinators

Roland Gladden, roland@arktimes.com Kelly Schlachter Carr, kellys@arktimes.com

graphic artists

Kai Caddy, Bryan Moats, Patrick Jones, Mike Spain

photographer Brian Chilson

controller

Weldon Wilson

accounts payable Kelly Lyles

it director

Robert Curfman

billing/collections Linda Phillips

A Place For New Beginnings.

Directio

Since 1985, our goal has been to provide the best

• Take e

circulation director Jack Higgins

ALL MATERIALS ARE HANDLED WITH DUE

P.S. If you haven’t already, be sure to “like” our

Facebook page to stay up-to-date on events and happenings. There might even be a giveaway or two!

We

publisher

inned It!

Follow our Pins on Pinterest

HOWEVER, THE PUBLISHER ASSUMES NO psychiatricBecome and behavioral healthCARE; care while A

Follow us on Twitter

Facebook Fan

RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARE AND SAFE RETURN OF UNSOLICITED MATERIALS. ALL LETTERS AND PICTURES SENT TO SAVVYKIDS™ WILL BE TREATED AS INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION AND ARE SUBJECT TO SAVVYKIDS'™ UNRESTRICTED RIGHT TO EDIT OR TO COMMENT EDITORIALLY. 201 E. MARKHAM ST. SUITE 200, LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 501-375-2985. ALL CONTENTS ©2013 SAVVY KIDS™

supporting the whole family. New beginnings are pos-

100 Rive

From Lit

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Highw

sible at Rivendell where our mission is “changing lives

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through compassionate healing.”

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savvykidsofarkansas.com

The school year is getting closer and closer, and you know what that means! Supplies, friends, teachers and classrooms! You’ll find these pins and more at www.pinterest.com/savvykidsmag.com.

• Turn l

1 Make an impact at your school this year! Find inspiration at www.myclassroomideas.com.

6 | savvy k i ds August 2013

It’s almost that time again! Get ready with this Great decorative ideas for kids’ libraries. adorable wallpaper! Details at www.wallpaper- Details at www.homedit.com. swala.com.

Find great books and a far off world in your library, and arrange them in rainbow colors!

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How To Access Us a no charge assessment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,

mply call us at: 501-316-1255 or 800-264-5640 or

it us on the web at: www.rivendellofarkansas.com. offer a mobile assessment that is available in most areas

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Managing Behavior Utilizing 123 Magic Friday, September 20, 11:30-1pm

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Changing lives through compassionate healing for over 27 years! august 2013 savvy k i ds

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ODDS & ENDS

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Dresses for a Cause Meredith Corning was inspired to create Divas Dressing Darlings after seeing a television-news story about Little Dresses for Africa, a similar organization, which provides dresses made of pillowcases to orphanages, schools and churches in Africa.

In 2011, Corning, also the founder of Compassion Fashion Events & Design, an event-planning and marketing company, decided to hold a pillowcase drive to get things started. The organization also got a “big boost” from Little Rock Fashion Week organizers, she said.

The first year, 50 dresses were sewn and donated to Little Dresses for Africa. Ever since, Compassion Fashion has organized volunteers and designers to make dresses for girls in Africa. Designers use pillowcases, fabric scraps or fabric provided by Corning’s organization to create the dresses.

“I hope the dresses make the girls feel good about themselves and feel love from someone,” she said.

In 2012, Divas Dressing Darlings partnered with Change of Face, a surgical mission team from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, to send 50 dresses to Kenya for children receiving facial reconstruction surgery, Corning said.

This year, the organization sent 50 dresses through Hope 4 Kids, with the help of local designers, including Sheila Scott, Nichelle Terry, Angela McKenzie, Snee Dismang, Edward Coleman, Chavon Sewell, Thurshala Banks, Shonda Ali-Shamaa, Natasha Rawls, Shamirra Clark, Nancy Tucker and Ashia Hernandez-Ackov.

To get involved, email info@compassionfashionevents.com or visit www.facebook.com/CompassionFashion.

Entrepreneurship, Public Service and Teens A new program for teenagers is combining entrepreneurship, business and public service through a partnership with the Clinton School of Public Service and the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business.

Founded by Arkansas businessman Steve Clark and Clinton School alumni Chad Williamson and Trish Flanagan, the program, called Noble Impact, kicked off on July 8 with a twoweek program where 38 students from around central Arkansas worked with local businesses and organizations to identify community problems and create solutions.

“I believe in the power of students,” Clark told an audience at a Clinton School during the program’s introduction on July 9. “We will give them the tools to observe, recognize and fix a problem. Students will apply entrepreneurial tenets to social issues.”

Clark said the current generation of teenagers has a wealth of information and content at their fingertips, and believe in the “no purpose, no reason” philosophy in understanding the world around them.

“Talking is not the same as doing, and we’re doers,” he said, referring to those sharing his entrepreneurial spirit.

The program is free for students. Recruitment began in February, when Noble Impact organizers sent emails to high schools, and students were referred by teachers, Williamson said. He said organizers started with a goal of 16, but ended up more than doubling the number of participants.

Students participating come from seven area high schools, including Little Rock Central, LISA Academy, eStem Public Charter and Pine Bluff High School. Williamson said Nobel Impact’s ultimate goal is to incorporate entrepreneurship and social programs into high school curricula.

Clinton School Dean Skip Rutherford commended the program and its founders, as examples of the school’s philosophy.

“It’s rewarding as dean that graduates are taking their talents and abilities in social entrepreneurship to a new level,” he said.

8 | savvy k i ds August 2013

august 2013 savvy k i ds

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LITTLE HERO

little hero

Big Heart

North Little Rock teen goes above and beyond to break down barriers for youth with special needs

By Erica Sweeney

10 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Photo by BrIan Chilson

Laura Leigh Turner is a teenager like no other. Besides being a straight-A student and participating in several extracurricular activities, she devotes so much of her free time to helping youngsters with disabilities that she calls it a “lifestyle.”

Special Olympics Arkansas is the organization nearest and dearest to Turner’s heart. Her inspiration has been her 11-year-old cousin Jessica Askins, who has Down syndrome. Askins joined the organization about four years ago, and Turner followed suit.

Turner, who will be 17 later this month, was a student at Lakewood Middle School when she formed her first team. Now, the soon-to-be-junior at North Little Rock High School has taken her work with the organization several steps further and has no plans to stop.

During the last school year, Turner got her school involved in a new Special Olympics fundraiser, called Cool School. They raised more than $1,300 so that one of the school’s coaches would take a Polar Plunge in December, she said. North Little Rock High School’s team raised the most for this program and took home the first-ever Special Olympics Cool School trophy.

Turner also works with about 15 Special Olympics athletes at her school, and a few younger kids, like Jessica, to help them train and prepare for competitions.

She said teens with special needs particularly enjoy it when “typical” teens take an interest and form friendships with them. It’s all about breaking down barriers.

“It’s so good for these kids,” she said. “It means the world to them when you just go and say ‘hi.’ I’m so blessed to have Jessica and the others in my life. The smile on their face says it all.”

Getting other teens involved is another of Turner’s causes. In fact, “TNT: Teens Nurturing Teens,” which encourages teens to build friendships with their peers with special needs, was her platform when she was crowned Miss Arkansas’s Outstanding Teen in 2012.

As Miss Arkansas’s Outstanding Teen, Turner said she has enjoyed visiting elementary schools and performing a puppet show. The puppets have disabilities and the show taught “typical” kids how to interact with kids with special needs, by pointing out their similarities, rather than their differences, she said.

In the future, Turner hopes to continue her platform by forming a Special Olympics board of teenagers in central Arkansas.

“I want to teach other teens to just reach out,” she said. “It’s awesome to see teens work with these kids. You learn to open your heart to others, and you grow as a person.”

She also hopes to inspire younger kids to become advocates for a cause and volunteer. Being thought of as a role model is a job Turner doesn’t take lightly.

“Little eyes are always watching,” she said. “Jessica taught me how to love un-

conditionally. I hope little kids look at me and think ‘I want to do that.’”

Turner not only excels at advocating for others, she also participates in many other activities. She is a member of the cheer squad, dance troupe, competitive speech team, drama department, Spanish honor society and secretary of student council at North Little Rock High School. She said sciences are her favorite classes, and she also loves musical theater. She played the lead in her school’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” last year, quite a feat for a sophomore.

She also dances competitively at Ms. Karen’s Dance Studio and is on the North Little Rock Mayor’s Youth Council. Even though Turner is busy with school, activities and philanthropy, she finds a little time for hobbies like singing, dancing, making crafts, spending time with family and hanging out at the lake.

Turner said that being involved in so many activities is hard work but very rewarding. She said she’s learned how important it is to be a leader.

“It’s hard to ask teens to get involved because it’s not the norm,” she said. “It’s important to step out of your comfort zone.”

Special Olympics Arkansas provides year-round athletic training and competitions to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information about Special Olympics programs, to volunteer or to donate, visit www.specialolympicsarkansas.org.

august 2013 savvy k i ds

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Mailbox Dear Editor, My name is Zippy Lichoro. vy Kids, the April 2013 issue. were visiting yed reading your magazine, Sav enjo I ch mu how w kno had a conference there) and we you let I am writing to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where my dad from ing common for (com not as is ans w, Ark kno k, I Little Roc snowing days (snow, My family and I were visiting and we were just finishing our a Iow es, t…we’re pretty Am tha n from tha e er com I oth family and e other attractions, but som and ity vers Arkansas for the first time. My Uni e Stat a ity, Iow beside it. I’ve never es). We’re known for our univers s treats that had a newsstand ciou deli with cafe you guys in the southern stat ery/ bak a e nearby d DISNEY WORLD!! ongous!! I found you’re magazin ma 2 times, and FlORIDA’S gran aho Okl as, Tex g small. But, Little Rock is hum udin incl re befo and he also e or city and I have traveled to R!! My dad is really great at golf seen a kid’s magazine in any stat on the magazine was a GOLFE girl The she made ed! pris how sur yed kly enjo ly quic real was I azine, I ic. I loved the article and tast fan is golf Looking at the cover of the mag , But nis. ten like I’m getting pretty good. I mostly teaches my mom and me. And ideas so many can such an article on her fashion the team. Good Luck Golfer!

It’s ver y smart of her to write g. hin clot ool -sch k-to Bac ’s on Jasper I also loved your other article Fun Times Fashionista! iring stor y and I so I might have to wait a bit… mer sum is teamwork. It was a great insp it see. But, right now help grow some plants using who s girl er farm as ans Ark 7 ut those Another great article was abo love reading. I bet mwork!

Tea rific been a couch potato all day, I Ter it. learned a lot from about living healthy and I’ve not lot a ed talk It ! mn colu gs lthy livin At last, but not least your hea p!! about your magazine and kids as well. Healthy Living Hel re mo ired insp l Library! I’m also ver y happy ntia side Pre ton your column also Clin the lly ecia artificial. It’s so cool!

Little Rock, Arkansas a lot, esp Arkansas that are natural, not from kids true Finally, I like to say that I love but s, edo tux s with with tons of makeup and boy that it doesn’t use fake models !!

KiD VY I am a SAV I’m also ver y glad to say that Thanks Savvy Kids, Zippy Lichoro, age 10 Ames, Iowa

THE NUMBERS ARE IN...

SAVVY KIDS IS NO. 1 THANKS TO READERS LIKE YOU.

MONTHLY READERSHIP

SAVVY KIDS 30,968 SOIREE 27,570 LITTLE ROCK FAMILY 24,154 AY MAGAZINE 23,435 INVITING ARKANSAS 19,995 ARKANSAS LIFE 16,236 SOURCE: THE MEDIA AUDIT FEB.-MAR. 2013

FREE ON NEWSSTANDS EVERYWHERE 12 | savvy k i ds August 2013

There’s never been a better time to go to college or an easier way to apply for financial aid

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education reviews and approves academic programs for the state’s 11 public universities and 22 public two-year colleges.

In addition, the agency is responsible for distributing approximately $170 million annually from state revenues and lottery funds in the form of financial aid.

For complete information about our programs, visit www.adhe.edu to review program rules and regulations. The eligibility requirements and rules governing the programs administered by ADHE are subject to legislative and regulatory amendments. Please e-mail the Financial Aid Division at finaid@adhe.edu for additional information.

• Application period is from January 1 to June 1 for upcoming academic year • Must complete FAFSA as well as YOUniversal scholarship application • Download free YOUniversal app for any smart phone august 2013 savvy k i ds

| 13

local students share their stories of making the grade

School Age

Starting kindergarten is a transition for youngsters, and mom

By Monika Rued

Photo by Brian Chilson

I wake him up by gently stroking his hair, and in the sweetest mom voice I can muster early in the morning tell him it’s time to wake up and start our day. I’ve never been a morning person and there’s an e-card going around that says something like, “They told me I’d be a morning person after I had kids. Now I just have a witness to how much I dislike mornings.” This accurately sums up mornings at our house: me trying to actually formulate a coherent thought and get us both ready on time.

Fortunately, I have a great work schedule so I don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn.

But, that’s about to change with an early morning wake up call when my baby starts kindergarten later this month. My 5-and-ahalf-year-old baby, Pierce.

Since he was 12 weeks old and I had to go back to work, Pierce has been at First United Methodist CDC downtown. They all know him there. They know us. He’s had many of the same kids in his class too, and we’ve watched them grow up together. Soon, Pierce will be off to a new school, where they don’t know him.

He won’t walk in the door and hear everyone say, “Good morning, Pierce!” They won’t stop me and tell me funny stories about him. They won’t love him, and that’s making me tear up as I write this. I’m a firm believer that it takes 14 | savvy k i ds August 2013

a village to raise a child and while my head tells me he’ll be just fine in kindergarten at Lakewood Elementary, my heart is afraid of moving on.

I know he’ll make new friends; he’s a social guy. I know I’ll meet new parents too, but it’s hard to say goodbye. When Pierce had his pre-K graduation, I was surprised how emotional I was. Even the moms with more than one child were too. I was relieved for some odd reason, thinking I was inline with the “normal” moms! I’ve counted on them and his teachers to help guide me in this wild, wonderful, crazy thing called motherhood. I can cock my head to one side and widen my eyes and they instantly know what kind of morning we’ve had without saying a word. They know him. They like him. They love him.

I’m trying not to be neurotic about the milestone of starting kindergarten.

We pass by his new school often and I say, “There’s your new school and where you’ll stay after school right next door, Pierce! Aren’t you excited? It’s gonna be great!” Once again, trying to use an excited yet non-manic voice to prepare him for the move. After a few times, he sighs and says, “Mom! Stop saying

that all the time! Ugh. I knoooooooow.” He’s not anxious at all and his nutto mom is crying at the thought of “big boy school.” You’d think I was dropping him off at boarding school instead of up the hill from our house.

I’m excited for him and know he’s prepared. Now it’s just getting me there.

I was a hot mess when I went to kindergarten. My poor mother had to sit in the back of class at first because I was such a mama’s girl and would have a come-apart lasting the whole day. I was the definition of separation anxiety before it was defined or understood. I envision Pierce being more of the “see ya, wouldn’t want to be ya” type when I drop him off. That’s actually comforting and disturbing at the same time.

Monika Rued is a redheaded journalist and director of social media at the Arkansas Times, who tries to find the humor and compassion in life.

She’s also the proud, crazed and humbled mom of a 5-year-old son, Pierce, who gives her plenty of writing material.

Head of the Class

Local high school senior reflects on being the “big” person on campus

By Jett Garner choices that shape me into an adult. Leaving your home and the town where you grew up and spent the first 18 years of your life is a huge step. This next phase of my life is truly monumental, and I want to make it count!

Jett Garner lives in Little Rock and will soon start her senior year at Little Rock Christian Academy.

Photo by Brian Chilson

Class of TWENTY-ONE-FOUR, the excitement is building like never before!

Becoming a senior in high school is a milestone to me. It’s the last year you typically spend living with your family before you start out on your own and start taking care of yourself. After this school year, I will have many more responsibilities such as waking myself up to go to class, doing my laundry, using my free time wisely and many other things my parents typically do for me now.

As an incoming senior at Little Rock Christian Academy, I definitely feel a duty to set a good example for my younger peers. There is the added pressure of knowing that the decisions I make have an important impact on my future and an effect on the choices of others around me. I’m thrilled to be the “big” person on campus and to be in charge. However, I am nervous because I can’t decide if I’m really ready to grow up and face the world all by myself.

When you’re a child, you only think about the next TV show you’re going to watch or the next game you’re going to play...not what college you might attend or your eventual career. I recall looking up to seniors when I was a little kid and thinking they were so grown up. Now that I am the senior, I realize that I don’t feel as mature as I thought I would.

I remember starting kindergarten at Baker Elementary and being so nervous not to be with my mommy all day every day. My life back then was very sheltered. The transition to middle school for me was exciting because I looked forward to finally being a teenager and having more independence. Those days were a challenge trying to realize who I was and worrying more about my social life than school work. Starting high school was a true reality check for me that I was definitely growing up. There was much more homework and decisions to make as well as learning to drive, balancing a social life and getting a part-time job. These stepping stones through school and childhood seemed super scary at the time.

My advice looking back is to not overly stress about it. Within a few weeks, you will know the routine and feel more comfortable. My other advice is to truly enjoy each and every day of school and growing up. Appreciate the people around you: your parents, friends, family and teachers because they do help guide and direct you towards the next steps in life.

It’s both exciting and scary to think about going off to college next year. I plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, and then I’m fairly sure I want to go on to law school. I think college will be a great experience to further discover who I am as a person and to be out on my own making

august 2013 savvy k i ds

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MILESTONES

In the Middle

Savvy Kids columnist reflects on lockers, changing classes and making new friends

By Jasper Potts OK, so, perhaps my ideas of middle school are a bit deformed. (Hey, we work with what we’ve got, right?) I have no older siblings, and middle school was a bit more prehistoric way back when the older generation opened their locker for the first time (no offense, Ma), but just hear me out on my idea of what middle school (might, maybe, perhaps, possibly) could be like.

Maybe entering a new school shouldn’t seem so big to me, because it will be the eighth time I’ve been through a new school transition, including daycare.

Perhaps new things, like switching classes, make it different. I am a little nervous about that. I mean, how am I supposed to memorize where eight different classes are and get to them in four minutes?! And my meanest elementary school teacher’s supply of homework pales in comparison to the uniform eight sheets a night of middle school. (I mean, take turns making us have school at home, will ya?)

Unfortunately, most of my friends are not going to the same middle school as me (curse this multi-schooling system). But, a few of my old fifth grade classmates will be going to the same school I am. Even only having like two of them is pretty lucky, because usually when I go to a new school, I don’t know anyone.

Starting middle school is a move that everybody makes, not just me. Maybe

that makes it not as hard. I think the only thing I will miss about elementary school is being the biggest one there. This takes me back to kindergarten, when I looked up at the fifth graders and thought that they were impossibly huge. Then, I was one, and I realized they really aren’t so big. Now, going into sixth grade, I look at the eight graders and think they are the huge ones. I will be the small one in middle school.

While I doubt I will be shoved in a locker, I won’t have that “high-andmighty” thing going for me anymore. Although, you have to take that first step into middle school if you ever want to be able to say, “I am Zeus! Bow to me!” again. And I have heard rumors that there is more bullying in middle school, but I don’t think that’s true.

Well, I am pretty excited (more excited than nervous, fortunately) to start my very first year in middle school. A new year and a new experience. I can wait, at the same time can’t wait for this new experience.

Jasper Potts writes the column, Potts’ Picks, for Savvy Kids, which does not appear this month. She lives in Little Rock and will soon start sixth grade at Dunbar Magnet Middle School.

Photo by Brian Chilson

16 | savvy k i ds August 2013

savvykids_ad.pdf

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7/15/13

9:31 AM

Looking Ahead Ninth-grader sets sights on high school life

By Ethan Weiner As a ninth grader, it feels like I have been in school for an eternity now, but in reality, I am just now entering my first year of high school. It feels strange being called a freshman and I never thought I would get here but here I am.

This year, every grade and action I make counts to what college I will go to.

Colleges only offer scholarships to students who have high grades and ACT scores. All my life I haven’t really put that much effort into my grades, but now that it counts I will study and work harder than I ever have. My personal goals are just to be able to say that I put 100% into my academic and athletic career during high school, and if I can say that, everything else will fall into place.

As I leave middle school behind, I will miss the teachers and the fun times and memories that were made with my friends. Middle school was a lot of fun, but I know the friendships and memories I made there will only get stronger in high school.

Looking forward, I have a nervous yet exciting feeling about all that awaits me in high school. I regard the upper classmen as role models in both the classroom and on the athletic field, and I know someday a freshman will be looking up to me in the same way. Needless to say, starting high school has me a little nervous but I know after that first day of my freshman year I’ll realize that high school won’t be so bad after all and that it actually will be kinda cool!

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Ethan Weiner lives in North Little Rock and will be in ninth grade at Central Arkansas Christian Academy.

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Photo by Brian Chilson august 2013 savvy k i ds

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YEARBOOK

In the back-to-school spirit, members of the Savvy Kids team decided to share their school pictures. We all enjoyed reminiscing about our school days, and telling stories about the photos. There were also a few giggles at some of the very dated hairstyles and clothing choices.

KELLY CARR, ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Kindergarten, (Naperville, Ill.), 1990

18 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Brian Chilson, photographer Second grade, Delmar-Harvard Elementary (University City, Mo.), 1971

Roland Gladden, advertising coordinator First grade, Jones Elementary (Hot Springs, Ark.), 1974

Patrick Jones, editorial art director 12th grade, Lakeside High School (Lake Village, Ark.), 1986

Alan Leveritt, publisher 10th grade, North Little Rock High School, 1968

Bryan Moats, digital media producer Seventh grade, The Master’s School (Hanford, Calif.), 1989

Erica Sweeney, editor First grade, Immaculate Conception Catholic School, (North Little Rock) 1986

Lesa Thomas, account executive 10th grade, Paris High School (Paris, Ark.), 1976

Ellen Weiner, account executive 12th grade, Jonesboro High School, 1989

Weldon Wilson, production manager Sixth grade, Beebe Elementary, 1978

august 2013 savvy k i ds

| 19

School Rules: Throwing a Back-to-School Bash Story and Photos by Stephanie Keeping When my four-year-old son, Sam, expressed some nervousness about starting school in September, I turned to what I know best: party planning.

To get him excited about the adventure ahead and ease his anxiety, I threw a back-to-school bash.

As the owner of Spaceships and Laser Beams, a blog and Etsy shop focused on parties, I have always loved any excuse to throw a celebration. What better excuse than to get Sam school-ready? But rest assured, with a play-to-learn philosophy firmly behind it, a party focused on school can be lots of fun.

I focused activities on key areas of learning and enrichment, including art class, music, gym, literacy and spelling as well as science or math. Of course, you can’t forget about recess – or it just wouldn’t be a party.

The kids drew during art class and practiced their math skills with a fun activity that involved counting green apples. I then cut some of the apples open so the kids could learn about the different parts of an apple during science class.

Dollar store recorders were given to each of the children during music class so that they could learn to play the song “Three Blind Mice.” I joked to one

Vanilla bean cupcakes were on the menu during the party’s recess time. To create your own School Rules cupcakes, you can download these printable cupcake wrappers at www. spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/ schoolrules.

Party Places

Not into throwing a back-to-school bash at home? Central Arkansas has many options for places to party. Here are a few ideas for back-to-school party locations.

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum 120 Riverfront Park Drive; North Little Rock (501) 371-8320 www.aimm.museum Arkansas Skatium 1311 Bowman Road; Little Rock (501) 227-4333 www.arkansasskatium.com Funland 25 Funland Drive; North Little Rock (501) 753-7307 www.nlrpr.org Jump Zone 9250 Commerce Cove, North Little Rock (501) 907-5867 4000 Dave Ward Drive, Conway (501) 932-0970 www.jumpzoneparty.com 20 | savvy k i ds August 2013

The Little Gym 1121 S. Bowman Road, Suite C-1; Little Rock (501) 225-5437 www.tlglr.com Little Rock Athletic Club 4610 Sam Peck Road; Little Rock 225-3601, ext. 335 www.lrac.com Millennium Bowl 7200 Counts Massie Road, Maumelle (501) 791-9150 www.millenniumbowl.net

mom that I might not recommend this activity again! I don’t think I heard anything remotely close to the song being played – but they did have a blast doing it!

Sam and his friends first snacked on apple slices, mini sandwiches and juice boxes – all typical of a school lunch. The party’s recess time was the perfect excuse to bring out the vanilla cupcakes, which were served in adorable School Rules-themed cupcake wrappers.

After lunch, the kids had gym class in the backyard. They played tag, tried to throw a Frisbee to each other and learned how to kick a soccer ball.

The best thing about the whole party was that, for under $50, Sam and his friends were left excited about starting kindergarten in the fall. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Stephanie Keeping is the mother of a four-year-old son and owner of Spaceships and Laser Beams, a blog and party shop at www.spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com.

Structure the party around activities that the children will experience once they are in school. A simple canvas and easel from a dollar store allows little guests to experience art class. It also works as a wonderful memento to take home.

Play Time Pizza 600 Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop, Little Rock (501) 227-7529 www.playtimepizza.com Professor Bowl 901 Towne Oaks Drive; Little Rock (501) 224-9040 www.professorbowlwest.com Splash Zone 201 W. Martin St., Jacksonville (501) 982-7946 www.cityofjacksonville.net The Wonder Place 10301 N. Rodney Parham; Little Rock (501) 225-4050 www.thewonderplace.com

Museum of Discovery 500 President Clinton Ave, Suite 150; Little Rock (501) 537-3073 or (501) 396-7050 www.museumofdiscovery.org

Wild River Country 6820 Crystal Hill Road; North Little Rock (501) 753-8600 www.wildrivercountry.com

Party Central 3805 Benton Parkway; Benton (501) 315-8300 partycentral.samsbiz.com

Willow Springs Water Park 3903 Willow Lake Road; Little Rock (501) 888-4148 www.willowsprings.net

To bring the School Rules theme onto the table, I created a table runner that looked like a ruler and ran the whole length of the table.

Using one piece of poster board and precut numbers, the grand total for this DIY was only $2.

Party Downloads Download printable place cards at the Spaceships and Laser Beams Etsy Shop (www.etsy.com/shop/ spaceshipslaserbeams).

Download the School Rulesthemed cupcake wrappers free from the Spaceships and Laser Beams website (www. spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com).

Through September 22 at Museum of Discovery!

Inspired by the Mister Rogers Factory Tours

$5 admission during Download our camp brochure Riverfest Weekend HowatPeople Make Things tells the story of how familiar childhood objects are Saturday, May 25- Monday, May 27 museumofdiscovery.org (Closed Friday, May 24) manufactured. Use a die cutter to create a box and a horse, operate a 3-axis mill to carve a block of wax and even assemble parts of a real golf cart! Deform a

penny, mold pourable wax and explore vacuum forming. Bring the whole family to discover How People Make Things!

Schedule your school fieldtrip or

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501.396.7050 august 2013 savvy k i ds

| 21

A Case of the Jitters: First day of School Anxiety Story and photo By Lisa Lakey

She had her brand-new Barbie backpack filled with supplies and was ready to go. The first day outfit had been chosen, as well as what would be packed in her hot pink lunchbox. My soon-to-be kindergartener was prepared and ready. And then came open house.

That night, reality hit my sweet little Ella square in the face. She went from ready to reluctant about five minutes after walking through the doors of her new school. Over the next two weeks, my heart ached for her over fears of getting lost and not making friends. The unknown seemed to be just too much for a 5-year-old to handle.

According to Matthew Reel, an acute therapist at Pinnacle Point Hospital in Little Rock, it is perfectly normal for children to experience anxiety over the first day of school.

“Anxiety is a perfectly natural response to situations in which we know, or think, will be fearful or dangerous,” he says. “Anxiety alerts us to danger, and young children often experience a great deal of anxiety early on in their educational experience because they are completely unfamiliar with the places and people in which their parents are putting them.”

Anxiety about the first day of school can stem from fears of getting lost or doubts over being able to do school work to feelings of abandonment. Reel says it’s important for parents to talk with their children about the first day of school and acknowledge any fears they may have.

“The best thing parents can do is to attempt to normalize their child’s anxiety,” he says. “For parents of younger children, talking to the child about what he or she may experience on their first day is a good first step.

Make sure to talk to the child about how they feel about going to school, acknowledge their fears and insecurities and make sure the child understands that everyone, mommy and daddy too, feel anxious and that being anxious will not hurt them.”

While anxiety is normal, and extremely common in young children, Reel says changes in behavior are often the first sign that these fears are outside of the normal range.

Any aggressiveness, defiance toward teachers and staff or chronic stomach and headaches should be discussed with a doctor or therapist.

Much to my relief, Ella’s first day went without tears. The ride home was filled with animated stories of new friends, lunchtime laughs and what she liked most about her new teacher. Despite her worries, and some of mine too, she was ready.

One year later, as she approaches being an official “grader,” we talk about what she will learn and who she is looking forward to playing with. She has put away her Barbie backpack, and along with it all of her kindergarten fears.

Now, she looks forward with anticipation to the start of a new school year. And shopping for a new backpack.

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

22 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Ella on her first day of kindergarten last year.

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Immunizations: Is your child ready for school?

By Lisa Lakey With the start of school just around the corner, parents are scrambling to find last minute supplies to prepare for the big day. But if your child is behind on immunizations, are they really prepared?

The state of Arkansas requires all children entering into a public school to be up to date on immunizations. According to the Arkansas Department of Education, kindergarteners must have the following vaccinations before being admitted: • Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTP) – at least four doses • Polio – at least three doses • Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) – at least two doses • Hepatitis B – at least three doses • Varicella (chicken pox) – at least two doses Students heading into seventh grade need an additional dose of the Tetanus/Diphtheria/Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. If your child is behind on immunizations, Dr. Dennis Kuo, a primary care pediatrician at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, says there is still time.

“They can be admitted to school if they know they are in the process of receiving the vaccine,” Kuo says. “In other words, if you are truly behind and they cannot complete the vaccines before your child starts school, you can have your doctor or a public health nurse write a letter that says they are in the process of finishing the vaccines.”

These vaccines protect school-age children from passing around certain contagious diseases. Kuo says that schools and other childcare environments have the potential for outbreak of disease. But it can also mean more than keeping the healthy children healthy. He says vaccinations also protect children who cannot get vaccines or do not respond to them because of underlying health issues.

“There are also going to be some children that are susceptible to diseases because they have problems with their immune system or they’re on medications that suppress their immune system,” Kuo says. “They are healthy enough to go to school, but we want to protect them as much as possible.”

Some children may experience a small reaction to a vaccine, typically a lowgrade fever and swelling or soreness at the sight of the injection that should

go away within a few days. But Kuo says immunizations are a vital part of a child’s health.

“Any chance of side effect is small and tends to be short lived and local,” he says. “The risks from them getting the disease are far greater than any risk they’re going to have from a vaccine.”

While most children receive vaccines at the doctor’s office, county health departments also administer immunizations. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program offers free vaccines to uninsured, underinsured and Medicaid-eligible children. If you are unsure whether or not your child has had the required immunizations, or to find out more about the VFC Program, contact your county health department.

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

Be sure to bring a copy of your child’s immunization record.

Free Immunization Clinics

24 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Back to School Expo sponsored by the Arkansas Health Department: Saturday, August 3; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Awareness Center International Baptist Health Free Immunization Clinics: St. John Baptist Church: Wednesday, August 7 & 21; 3-6:30 p.m.

Greater Second Baptist Church: Monday, August 5; 3-6:30 p.m.

St. Mark Baptist Church: Saturday, August 3; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas: Tuesday, August 6; 2-4 p.m.

Heaven’s Loft: Wednesday, August 14; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Baptist Health-Southwest: Monday, August 12; 3-6:30 p.m.

North Little Rock Academy (Rose City): Saturday, August 17; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

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The Common Core:

New state standards and forthcoming assessment put Arkansas students on track to compete globally

By Erica Sweeney The upcoming 2013-’14 school year is a milestone for the state’s academic standards and assessments. This year, the Common Core State Standards will be in full effect for kindergarten to 12th grade. This year also marks the end of Arkansas’s end-of-year Benchmark assessments.

The Common Core was adopted by the state in 2010 and gradually implemented at various grade levels. The standards were first applied to grades K-2 in the 2011-’12 school year, and grades 3-8 followed the next year. Starting this year, all Arkansas students in public elementary, middle and high school will follow these standards, said Laura Bednar, assistant commissioner of teaching services at the Arkansas Department of Education.

Arkansas is among 45 states using Common Core curricula, which specifically outlines what students must know before moving on to the next grade.

Standards currently only exist for Math and English Language Arts, but science standards are in the works, Bednar said.

Common Core State Standards are aligned with college and workforce expectations, evidence and research based, influenced by standards in other countries and include rigorous content and application of knowledge, according to the state department of education’s Common Core website.

“It’s still reading, writing and arithmetic,” said Rosie Coleman, administrative director for elementary education at the North Little Rock School District.

“It’s just not that separate. It’s true integration of all content areas together. We used to segment lessons, but now we have more time to stay on content areas and students have more time to absorb deeper instead of broader. Kids see how things connect across curricula. This is what they need for the real world. When they leave us, they are competent to do whatever anyone else can do.”

Linda Remele, deputy superintendent for learning services at the Pulaski County Special School District, emphasizes the Common Core’s “depth of knowledge.” She said 20-30 standards exist for each grade, and teachers now emphasize communication, project-based learning and problem solving.

“Students are no longer sitting at their desks and listening to lectures,” she said. “Now, they are actively involved.”

The Common Core enables Arkansas students to compete nationally and even globally, Remele said. And because today’s society is so mobile, students who move from state to state can pick up where they left off academically. Bednar said previously states were left to develop their own standards, which were not always the same. Now, students know how they compare to their peers all over the country, and are better prepared for college or career.

“These educational standards ensure that all students are on a level playing field,” Bednar said. “These new standards are critical first steps in improving education across America. All students, no matter their ZIP codes, are prepared for post-secondary education.”

Learn More 26 | savvy k i ds August 2013

The New Assessment Soon, a new assessment will accurately test Arkansas students’ success with the Common Core. In the 2014-’15 school year, the state will move away from the annual Benchmark and End of Course exams to the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment.

In June, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported that achievement rates in math and literacy had dropped on the Arkansas Benchmark Exam this year. Education officials attributed the decline to the shift from the previous standards to the Common Core curricula, which does not align with the state’s Benchmark Assessment.

PARCC is an entirely online assessment, a different approach for Arkansas students and a “huge transition” with a wide learning curve, Bednar said.

PARCC is a next generation assessment, which will include performance-based aspects to measure students’ knowledge and ability.

The Arkansas Department of Education has been conducting surveys of school districts’ technological capacity to determine their readiness for PARCC. Bednar said results show the state is “in pretty good shape.” As of mid July, 89 percent of schools had met the minimum requirements and 48 percent had met the recommended requirements for PARCC technology readiness.

Deborah Coffman, professional development coordinator at ADE, said districts must first grasp the digital learning standards and their technological capacity to instruct and administer the PARCC assessment. To help, PARCC has developed an online tool for districts to evaluate their computer inventory and bandwidth.

To prepare for the next generation of online assessments, the 89th Arkansas General Assembly formed the Quality Digital Learning Study Committee to “establish and maintain the necessary infrastructure and bandwidth to sufficiently facilitate and deliver a quality digital learning environment in each school district and public charter school,” Coffman said. The committee will study the evolving needs of teaching and learning in a digital age, research technology, identify short- and long-term infrastructure and create ways to establish and maintain sufficient broadband capacity.

ADE has also established a State Readiness Coordinators Team to assist schools with preparing for PARCC, Coffman said. This team provides online resources and a help desk for to assist schools with information technology needs.

School district administrators express concern for their districts’ and students’ readiness for PARCC. Remele and Coleman say their goals for the upcoming year include identifying and fixing problems and training students and teachers on the electronic assessments.

There are still many unanswered questions about PARCC, Bednar said. She said over the past few years, many of the state’s school districts have used American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) or grant funds to increase and upgrade technology.

“This school year, teachers will be integrating technology and learning to use it in a meaningful way,” Bednar said.

To learn more about the Common Core State Standards and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessment, check out these state and national resources.

Arkansas Department of Education Common Core State Standards Initiative www.commoncorearkansas.org

National Common Core State Standards Initiative www.corestandards.org

Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers www.parcconline.org

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| 27

Good Night, Sleep Tight: Consistency is key in getting your child their zzz’s

By Lisa Lakey During the school year, Jaime Combs of Little Rock makes bedtime a top priority. At 8:30 p.m., her 7-year-old son is in bed.

“I try to aim for a realistic bedtime to ensure we have time to complete tasks such as dinner, homework bath and family time,” she says. “I notice that he’s not as cooperative when his sleep is interrupted. Sleep deprivation makes him quicker to meltdown.”

Most children tend to be disagreeable when tired, but the effects of not getting a good night’s rest can be more harmful than a bad mood. Children who don’t get enough sleep can experience poor concentration, impaired verbal and auditory memory and impaired processing skills which only makes the school day more difficult.

According to Wendy Ward, a child psychologist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, a child’s emotional and physical health can also be negatively impacted by lack of sleep.

“Insufficient sleep is associated with moodiness, irritability, depressive symptoms, greater anxiety fatigue, etc.,” she says. “It also is associated with impaired immune functioning which results in greater risk of illness.”

All good reasons for parents to enforce a bedtime. But Ward says the time you put your child to bed isn’t as important as ensuring your child is getting enough sleep. She notes that every child is a little different in the amount of sleep needed, so there isn’t a “one size fits all” recommendation. But establishing a bedtime routine can help your child fall asleep to get their optimum amount of zzz’s.

“This is critical,” Ward says. “It helps cue the brain that the sleep period is coming and will assist in sleep onset. Most children and adults fall asleep

within 15-30 minutes after going to bed. With a proper bedtime routine, this can be shortened with less frustration in getting them to fall asleep.”

Ward suggests starting the routine after a bath or shower because as the body cools it promotes sleepiness. Follow this with low levels of stimulation. Dim the lights and absolutely no television or video games. Put the cell phones away too. She suggests soft music, reading or relaxed conversation before putting the child to bed.

“At bedtime the child should be placed in bed with a brief verbal exchange,” Ward says. “In my house we do one kiss, one hug and a ritualized phrase that is comforting, ‘sweet dreams, see you in the morning.’ But families can develop their own exchange. They key is consistency.”

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

A Good Night’s Sleep While the sleep needs of each child can differ,here is a general guide for what’s appropriate for each age group.

Infants 14-15 hours (includes naps and nighttime sleep) Toddlers (1-3 years) 12-14 hours (includes naps and nighttime sleep) Preschoolers (4-5 years) 11-13 hours (includes nap if child still takes one) Children (6-12 years) 10-11 hours Adolescents (13-18 years) 8-10 hours 28 | savvy k i ds August 2013

august 2013 savvy k i ds

| 29

d n a h d n o c e S s e v Sa It’s time again. The time of year children dread all summer long and the time that makes moms and dads everywhere clench their debit cards just a little tighter. Neon “sale” signs flash around every corner and the mall is as packed as a Justin Bieber concert. It’s back-to-school shopping time.

Outfitting your backpack-toting munchkins doesn’t have to be comparable to a trip to the dentist. Your bill, and sanity, can be bear a much lighter load by taking a savvier approach this year. We’re talking about shopping, secondhand style.

“I have really expensive tastes and love fashion, but have a really small budget,” Misty Bedsole, a mother of two in Benton, says. “I love to dress my kids in boutique clothing or in certain brands that are maybe favorites of my husband and I, but I cannot, and actually do not like to pay large amounts of money on these items. I actually shop secondhand for myself too.”

Bedsole isn’t alone with her brand-name dreams. Popular kid brands including Gymboree, Gap, Mudpie and Ralph Lauren sell quickly for just a fraction of the cost. She says that while she doesn’t know exactly how much money she has saved on shopping secondhand for her young ones, she has snatched up several steals including a boutique outfit with her daughter’s initial already monogrammed on the front.

“It’s hard to say for sure because I’ve shopped this way for them for so long,” she says. “But I know that retail on Ralph Lauren boys’ Polos and girls’ dresses are $35-$60 usually and I’ve gotten shirts and dresses in perfect condition for as little as $10.”

And it isn’t just these savvy shopping moms that are snagging all the best deals. Kerri Sangalli, a Little Rock mom of two has become a pro at selling her children’s clothes. She is in her seventh year as a consignor with Duck Duck Goose Sales.

“On average, I typically generate $400-$800 per sale for what I consign,”

Black Dog Boutique in Bryant 30 | savvy k i ds August 2013

A Savvy Mom’s guide to back-to-school shopping

By Lisa Lakey

she says. “I love it because it’s like I’m shopping for free. I say free because I typically will spend around the same amount that I make. After seven years of shopping Duck Duck Goose, it’s hard for me to even shop retail anymore.”

Sangalli says that her two young boys are just now at the age where their clothes get worn out, but their closets are still filled with gently worn or even new clothing with tags. While being able to make a little money to buy her boys’ clothing for next season is always a plus, Sangalli says that it isn’t always about what she receives when she consigns.

“It just makes me feel good as a fellow mom to be able to help another mom out,” she says. “And in return she gets really cute clothes for her kids!”

For the record, secondhand shopping isn’t what it used to be. The internet is now filled with places to buy and sell children’s clothes. Ebay and Dirty Secrets Boutique are just two of the online treasures. But for moms who prefer to browse through clothing in person, there are two great options: the big sales and local resale boutiques. Here’s a rundown of what to expect and what to know from the pros.

The Big Sales

Moms who want a one-stop shopping experience for all things kid and baby will have the best luck at what secondhand shopping moms call “the big sales.”

Sales like Duck Duck Goose and Rhea Lana’s offer large scale shopping twice a year at various locations throughout the state. Cindy Brantley, founder of Duck Duck Goose Sales, says retail just can’t compare to one of their consigning events.

“Moms love to shop at Duck Duck Goose because our selection is incredible,” she says. “You cannot go to a retail store and find more brands, styles and variety on a rack. You will rarely see the same item twice.”

Items range from baby gear, toys and bedding to clothing and shoes for baby through teenagers. All items are priced by the consignor and moms can pick up new and used clothing for next to nothing.

“Prices are incredible,” Brantley says. “Our price point starts at $2 and moves up. As a result of our amazing low prices, the bargains get even greater when shopping our Half Price Sale. Moms can literally get great children’s items that cost as little as $1.”

But the prices aren’t the only thing bringing moms back to the big sales.

Both Duck Duck Goose and Rhea Lana’s offer their consignors 70% of the sale price, which is standard at most consignment stores.

For the mom looking for school uniforms, Brantley suggests shopping early to get the best items. The Back to School events will have uniforms in every size, including some with school logos.

“The best deals are in the eye of each shopper,” she says. “There is something for everyone.”

For the consigning newbies, Brantley says to be picky. Stained items will not sell. Also, remember to price it right and present it well. For those new to

shopping a big sale, her advice is a bit out of the ordinary.

“Your best friend will be something with wheels,” Brantley says. “Bring something with wheels to carry your treasures in.”

Taking it Local

“If you haven’t shopped resale before, I would tell you to come in with an open mind,” says Ginger Bush, who owns Black Dog Boutique in Bryant with her husband, Mike Bush. “Children’s clothing has a very short life cycle usually because the child outgrows it so fast. Yet the name brands can be quite pricey. Resale is an avenue for parents to have some return on their clothing investment.”

For the moms who prefer to avoid the crowds that large sales can bring, consider taking a walk through some of your local resale/consignment shops.

Many offer only children’s clothing, and only quality name brand clothing at that. Black Dog Boutique pays cash for clothing or offers store credit. Shops such as these tend to be a bit pickier on the clothing they choose since they are ultimately risking a bit more by buying outright.

“We are always looking for name brand items in excellent used condition,” Bush says. “It isn’t uncommon to find a boutique outfit that retails for $80 in our store for $19.99.”

A quick way to find quality used clothing boutiques is to ask around. Other moms are often the best source of information for deal seekers. Ask if the shop has a website or Facebook page where you can see the merchandise they offer. It might save you some time shopping around at secondhand stores that sell lower quality clothing.

“Don’t let resale phobia get in your way,” Bush says. “The first week we were open, two women were in our shop and one kept telling the other to just touch the clothes because her friend obviously had a resale phobia. The lady finally touched the merchandise and got past this issue to realize the great bargains to be had.”

For newbie moms looking to shop locally, take Bush’s advice to keep an open mind. Don’t assume that used means lesser. Leave your secondhand fears at home, and go out on a limb. The deals you can find might just turn you into a savvy secondhand shopper.

Lisa Lakey is a freelance writer, wife and mother of two in Benton.

Shop Like a Secondhand Pro

Here is a sampling of the many places to buy and sell children’s clothing in central Arkansas.

Black Dog Boutique 3411 Main St., Ste. 3, Bryant (501) 658-1119

Rhea Lana Visit RheaLana.com for sale dates and locations

Caroline’s Children’s Consignment Boutique 1917 N. Grant St., Little Rock (501) 614-9294

Simon Says Wear It Again 920 Edison Ave., Ste. 5, Benton (501) 778-3383

Duck Duck Goose Visit DuckDuckGooseSale.com for sale dates and locations

Weecycle Station 10720 N. Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock (501) 246-4736

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| 31

How to Beat

Back-to-School Clutter

By Heidi Smith Luedtke

In the back-to-school rush, parents’ best intentions may be buried under kids’ backpacks, homework assignments and missives from administrators.

The best offense against back-to-school overwhelm is a strong zone defense at home. With this three-zone approach to organization, your family can keep everything under control this year.

Zone 1: The Launch Pad

If your mornings often include a large-scale search for shoes or sports equipment, you need a family staging spot. Former teacher turned professional organizer Debby Lea of White Rock, British Columbia, recommends designating a place near the door for hanging coats and backpacks. Install hooks on the wall and use bins or cubbies to corral kids’ shoes. Label hooks and bins to clarify whose items belong where.

Make the launch area part of your family routine. Encourage kids to hang their coats and backpacks as soon as they enter the house after school, and to leave their shoes in the entry area. Items may be taken out for sports’ practice or homework time, but they should be returned after each use.

Give kids responsibility for making sure they have what they need by adding a preflight check to their bedtime routine. Post a checklist of must-have items for each child to make it easy. Laminate the list so your child can check off items with a dry erase pen. “If you have very busy children, multiple checklists may save you a lot of headaches,” Lea says. Label them clearly with “What I need for school,” “What I need for piano,” and “What I need for soccer.” Putting everything in the launch pad at bedtime ensures your family can blast off fast after breakfast.

Zone 2: The Homework Station

“Not all children enjoy working at a desk,” says New York area professional organizer Seana Turner. Work with your student to design a desirable homework space. Some kids prefer to do homework at the kitchen table where they can see what else is going on. Others might prefer a stand-up work station or a quiet corner in the bedroom. “If your child has trouble concentrating for long periods of time, consider doing different kinds of homework in different spaces,” Turner says. A change of scenery can renew kids’ energy.

Gather homework supplies into a portable caddy. This might be a rolling cart or a lidded plastic bin. Stow scissors, tape, pencils, markers, glue sticks, erasers, rulers, a stapler and a calculator in the homework station. This keeps your child from wasting time searching for supplies in kitchen drawers and minimizes the 32 | savvy k i ds August 2013

chance that the stapler off your desk will be missing when you need it.

“Many children and teens are afraid to throw anything away during the school year,” says Mary Ann Lowry, M.Ed., an educator and certified coach in Mesquite, Texas. Invest in a file system your child can use to store old notes and assignments. On a monthly basis, encourage kids to excavate their backpacks, sort through binders and move materials from completed units into the home archive. This keeps materials handy for final exam study sessions and prevents backpacks from growing too heavy.

Zone 3: Information Central

Keep tabs on what’s happening with a centralized information station. “This should be the single location for all the details family members need to know at any given time,” says professional organizer Katherine Trezise of Flanders, N.J. A commonly used, easily-accessible part of your home, such as the kitchen or family room, is ideal.

Your information center should include a master calendar everyone can see at all times. It can be either paper or electronic. The format is less important than the calendar’s comprehensiveness. “Transfer all scheduled activities, both school and recreational, onto the master calendar, then toss the paper reminders,” Trezise says. This decreases paper clutter and puts everything in one place, so you avoid scheduling conflicts.

Create a simple inbox/outbox system for each child in the information station. Teach your children to put any papers they bring home in the IN tray after school. Sort through the inboxes each evening. Write events on the master calendar, and sign papers as needed. Place items that need to go back to school in the child’s OUT tray. Before bedtime, each child should check his outbox and put papers into his backpack to return to school. At the end of the day, all the trays should be empty.

File kids’ art projects, essays and grade reports in expandable folders – one for each child each year. At year’s end, sort through papers with your child and toss unwanted items. Store the rest for safe keeping. “When your child graduates, you’ll have 12 or more neatly labeled folders containing his or her school memorabilia,” Trezise says. Grown up kids love to look back at old school work when they’re feeling nostalgic.

Heidi Smith Luedtke is a mom of two kids who frequently lose track of shoes and library books. She is the author of Detachment Parenting.

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Breakfast You probably heard it from your own parents: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But now you’re the one saying it — to your sleepy, frazzled, grumpy kids, who insist “I’m not hungry” as you try to get everyone fed and moving in the morning.

Even if you eat a healthy morning meal every day, it can be tough to get kids fueled up in time for school, childcare or a day of play. But it’s important to try. Here’s how to make breakfast more appealing for everyone.

Why Bother With Breakfast?

Breakfast is a great way to give the body the refueling it needs. Kids who eat breakfast tend to eat healthier overall and are more likely to participate in physical activities — two great ways to help maintain a healthy weight.

Skipping breakfast can make kids feel tired, restless or irritable. In the morning, their bodies need to refuel for the day ahead after going without food for 8 to 12 hours during sleep. Their mood and energy can drop by midmorning if they don’t eat at least a small morning meal.

Breakfast also can help keep kids’ weight in check. Breakfast kick-starts the body’s metabolism, the process by which the body converts the fuel in food to energy. And when the metabolism gets moving, the body starts burning calories.

Also, people who don’t eat breakfast often consume more calories throughout the day and are more likely to be overweight. That’s because someone who skips breakfast is likely to get famished before lunchtime and snack on high-calorie foods or overeat at lunch.

Breakfast Brain Power

It’s important for kids to have breakfast every day, but what they eat in the morning is crucial too. Choosing breakfast foods that are rich in whole grains, fiber and protein while low in added sugar may boost kids’ attention span, concentration and memory — which they need to learn in school.

Kids who eat breakfast are more likely to get fiber, calcium and other important nutrients. They also tend to keep their weight under control, have lower blood cholesterol levels and fewer absences from school, and make fewer trips to the school nurse with stomach complaints related to hunger.

Making Breakfast Happen

It would be great to serve whole-grain waffles, fresh fruit and low-fat milk each morning. But it can be difficult to make a healthy breakfast happen when you’re rushing to get yourself and the kids ready in the morning and juggling the general household chaos.

So try these practical suggestions to ensure that — even in a rush — your kids get a good breakfast before they’re out the door: • stock your kitchen with healthy breakfast options • prepare as much as you can the night before (get dishes and utensils ready, cut up fruit, etc.)

• get everyone up 10 minutes earlier • let kids help plan and prepare breakfast • have grab-and-go alternatives (fresh fruit, individual boxes of cereal, yogurt or smoothies, trail-mix) on days when there is little or no time to eat If kids aren’t hungry first thing in the morning, be sure to pack a breakfast that they can eat a little later on the bus or between classes. Fresh fruit, cereal, nuts, or half a peanut butter and banana sandwich are nutritious, easy to make, and easy for kids to take along.

34 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Basics You may also want to check out the breakfasts offered at school or daycare. Some offer breakfasts and provide them for free or at reduced prices for families with limited incomes. If your kids eat breakfast outside the home, talk with them about how to make healthy selections.

What not to serve for breakfast is important too. Sure, toaster pastries and some breakfast bars are portable, easy, and appealing to kids. But many have no more nutritional value than a candy bar and are high in sugar and calories. Read the nutrition labels carefully before you toss these breakfast bars and pastries into your shopping cart.

Breakfast Ideas to Try

The morning meal doesn’t have to be all about traditional breakfast items. You can mix it up to include different foods, even the leftovers from last night’s dinner, and still provide the nutrients and energy kids need for the day.

Try to serve a balanced breakfast that includes some carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Carbs are a good source of immediate energy for the body. Energy from protein tends to kick in after the carbs are used up. Fiber helps provide a feeling of fullness and, therefore, discourages overeating. And when combined with adequate liquid consumption, fiber helps move food through the digestive system, preventing constipation and lowering cholesterol.

Good sources of these nutrients include: carbohydrates: whole-grain cereals, brown rice, whole-grain breads and muffins, fruits, vegetables protein: low-fat or nonfat dairy products, lean meats, eggs, nuts (including nut butters), seeds, and cooked dried beans fiber: whole-grain breads, waffles, and cereals; brown rice, bran, and other grains; fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts Here are some ideas for healthy breakfasts to try: • whole-grain cereal topped with fruit and low-fat yogurt • whole-grain waffles topped with peanut butter, fruit or ricotta cheese • whole-wheat pita stuffed with sliced hard-cooked eggs • hot cereal topped with cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or cloves • peanut butter on a whole-grain bagel with fresh fruit (banana or apple wedges) and low-fat milk • breakfast smoothie (low-fat milk or yogurt, fruit and teaspoon of bran, whirled in a blender) • vegetable omelet with whole-wheat toast and orange juice • bran muffin and yogurt with berries • hummus on whole-wheat pita and milk • lean turkey on a toasted English muffin and vegetable juice • heated leftover rice with chopped apples, nuts, and cinnamon, plus fruit juice • low-fat cream cheese and fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, on wholegrain bread or a whole-grain bagel • shredded cheese on a whole-wheat tortilla, folded in half and microwaved for 20 seconds and topped with salsa And don’t forget how important your good example is. Let your kids see you making time to enjoy breakfast every day. Even if you just wash down some whole-wheat toast and a banana with a glass of juice or milk, you’re showing how important it is to face the day only after refueling your brain and body with a healthy morning meal. © 1995-2013. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. Reprinted with permission.

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Photo by Brian Chilson

Special needs

Team Work New Special Olympics Program Unites Children of All Abilities

By Erica Sweeney Breaking down barriers and quashing stereotypes by bringing all students together through academics and athletics is the goal of a new Special Olympics program, which is making its debut in schools all over the state this year.

Called Project UNIFY, the program is education-based, and strives to foster respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities and their peers. Structured like a social club, Project UNIFY joins “typical” children with children with special needs through education and sports, said Rex French, director of field services, initiatives and volunteers at Special Olympics Arkansas.

“Project UNIFY brings everyone together,” French said. “It gives all students the same opportunity to represent their schools through athletics. Students can all share the same joy, and no one is excluded.”

Project UNIFY is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education and provided by Special Olympics programs in 38 states. According to the national Special Olympics website, the program focuses on seven key characteristics: youth leadership, school/community collaborations, continuous improvement, communications, professional development, unifying programming and creating and sustaining relationships.

“The program brings the whole school together,” French said. “Students learn together and play together.”

In the program, children are organized into sports teams and extracurricular academic programs based on their age and ability, where they will build friendships and make connections, he said. French said in other states, Project UNIFY has also helped significantly reduce bullying of kids with special needs.

In the coming academic year, Project UNIFY will be in seven school districts and five colleges in Arkansas. To kick off the program, schools are planning 36 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Jessica Askins (right) and Cassidy Wharton race to the finish line.

“rallies for respect” and other events, like sports fun days to teach students the rules of the sports offered, which include flag football, soccer, basketball and softball, French said.

French said the hope is that Project UNIFY expands statewide into the 90% of schools that already participate in Special Olympics programs. Schools can set up a program by simply contacting Special Olympics representatives, who will help get things started. In the past few months, French and other representatives have visited schools to promote the program, and “get the ball rolling.”

Terri Weir, executive director and CEO of Special Olympics Arkansas, said she’s excited that Project UNIFY is now part of the state’s lineup of programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She explains that this program and other new initiatives go beyond the organization’s mission.

“We’re working to get more youth involved and be more innovative, through activity and inclusion,” Weir said.

Another way for schools to get involved is through the Cool School Challenge, a recent statewide initiative to raise money for Special Olympics. Last year, the program was piloted in the Little Rock area, with much success, said Shelly Yielding, Special Olympics Arkansas development director. North Little Rock High School raised the most money, more than $1,300 for one of the school’s coaches to take a Polar Plunge.

The 2013 challenge will run from December to February, in conjunction with the more than 20 polar plunges in the state, Yielding said.

Special Olympics Athletics

Participating in athletics helps children with special needs make friendships, boosts self-esteem and promotes a positive attitude, Weir said. That

Photo by Brian Chilson

is consistently demonJessica Askins (left) and Cassidy strated throughout the Wharton show off their medals. year with regular Special Olympics programming.

Weir said Special Olympics athletes may not always be on the “same playing field” as “typical” children in other areas, but participating in the sports is an “opportunity to be in the spotlight.”

“It gives these athletes the opportunity to know success,” said Yielding.

“It’s an opportunity to be recognized and for their family to be proud.”

Cassidy Wharton, a third-grader at Indian Hills Elementary in North Little Rock, joined Special Olympics two years ago.

She competes in track and field and basketball.

Her mom, Stacie Wharton, said the experience has given Cassidy a sense of accomplishment and pride.

“It’s great camaraderie,” Stacie Wharton said. “It means a lot for a mother.

All anyone wants is to be accepted.”

Leigh Anna Askins, whose daughter, Jessica, joined when she was 8, said the exercise has been another benefit of Special Olympics. Jessica, now 11 and a sixth-grader at Lakewood Middle School, competes in track, softball, basketball and gymnastics.

According to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, when children – both typical and those with special needs – become more active physically, they experience improved muscle strength, coordination, flexibility and endurance. Athletes also have better balance, motor skills, body awareness and an increased life expectancy. Exercise also helps with attention spans, staying focused on activities, reducing stress and anxiety.

“Athletes have the opportunity to have fun, to learn, to grow, to participate, meet new people and grow socially,” French said.

Askins, a special education teacher and Special Olympics coach at Lakewood Middle School, said the best part of working with the organization is seeing the athletes’ faces when they win medals, a major source of pride for them. Many athletes often wear their medals to school for several days after competitions.

“They’re so proud,” Askins said. “It’s really neat to see.”

Traditional Special Olympics programs begin at age 8 in public schools and run through adulthood. There is also a young athletes program for ages 3-7, which starts in pediatric therapy centers, Weir said. To be eligible, individuals must have intellectual disabilities and receive special services through their school districts, she said.

Currently, there are more than 10,500 Special Olympics athletes under age 18 in the state, Weir said.

Special Olympics programming relies heavily on volunteers, which coach and train athletes in sports, like bowling, track, basketball and gymnastics.

Training most often runs during the school year, with several competitions along the way and an annual summer games, Weir said.

For more information about Special Olympics Arkansas, visit www.specialolympicsarkansas.org.

august 2013 savvy k i ds

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Special needs Savvy Kids intern Tyroneshia Branscomb

Learning on the Job Program provides internships for teens with visual impairments

By Erica Sweeney

Phtots by Brian Chilson

Sixteen-year-old Tyroneshia Branscomb loves painting and drawing, and hopes to one day have a career in an art-related field. To get a little taste of what such a career might be like, she spent three weeks as an intern in the Savvy Kids art department.

Branscomb’s internship was part of a program called Jump Start, which is for high school students who are blind or have visual impairments. The program aims to help students with the transition from high school to secondary education or into the workforce, said Kandy Cayce, rehabilitation program and planning director for the Department of Human Services, Division of Services for the Blind, which administers the program.

This summer, 21 students from all over the state participated in the threeweek program held each year in June. In the mornings, students were placed in part-time jobs matched to their interests, Cayce said. Jobs included clerical work at law firms and senior centers, working with summer camps and more.

In the afternoons, students participated in educational and recreational activities, focusing on independent living, life skills and vocational training. Topics included meal planning, cooking, money management, computer training and writing resumes. Students also visited the State Capitol, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Cayce said.

During her time at Savvy Kids, Branscomb, who will be a senior at Arkansas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired, worked directly with the magazine’s art director, Patrick Jones, to learn about the artistic elements of creating a publication. Branscomb said she learned how to use Adobe Creative Suite programs, Photoshop and InDesign, and enjoyed editing photos the most.

“I like art and want to try any kind of activity that deals with art,” she said, explaining why she wanted to learn about possible art careers and get some “on-the-job experience.”

Branscomb, a West Helena native, describes herself as shy and said interacting with people was the most challenging part of the internship. And, not being a morning person, she said, getting up early and going to work was a new experience.

Jones enjoyed the opportunity to pass along his skills to the next-genera38 | savvy k i ds August 2013

tion artist.

“This was my first experience with a Jump Start student,” Jones said.

“I was thrilled to have the chance to place an intern from the program in our office. Having been a commercial artist and photographer for all of my adult life, it was exciting to imagine that a visually impaired teenager was of the opinion that even though life had handed her a significant challenge, that wasn’t going to affect her pursuit of being a working artist. It’s been a pleasure getting to know Tyroneshia and seeing some of her drawings and sculptures, as well as having to opportunity to pass on knowledge from my career in the field of graphic design and photography.”

For many of the teenagers involved in Jump Start, it was their first experience being away from home, having a job and receiving a paycheck, Cayce said. Students lived in the Arkansas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired dormitories during the program.

While students work at various organizations, they are actually paid through Jump Start. They receive minimum wage ($6.25 per hour) as well as a $20 a week stipend, Cayce said.

“Jump Start brings students one step closer to adulthood,” she said. “It gives them a lot of confidence and self-esteem. It’s uplifting to see kids bloom and develop and become confident. I love helping students realize their potential and their dreams.”

Branscomb said she is proud of what she accomplished during her time with Savvy Kids. She said she enjoyed showing off her work to her Jump Start peers, and, most of all, adding graphic design skills to her portfolio.

“I like art and want to try any kind of activity that deals with art.”

Jump Start applications are usually due in March of each year. For more information about the program, call 1-800-960-9270 or visit www.humanservices.arkansas.gov/dsb. The Division of Services for the Blind also provides vocational rehabilitation services to individuals age 14 and up, who are blind or who have visual impairments.

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august 2013 savvy k i ds

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Eats & Treats

Small Batch

Loblolly Creamery scoops up delicious, locally made artisanal ice cream Story and Photos by Daniel Walker

Perhaps you’ve noticed that, occasionally, it gets a tad warm here in Arkansas. Luckily, there’s plenty of ways to “beat the heat” in this state—water parks, lakes and pools, just to name a few. But when the family has a hankering for a cool treat on a hot day, you’ll find no better way to whet their whistle than with the incomparable Loblolly Creamery. Located in downtown Little Rock, on the south side of Main Street, Loblolly Creamery (alongside a handful of other fantastic, locally-owned restaurants, markets and shops) has made this neck of woods one of the hottest (and coldest) parts of town. Co-owners, Rachel Moore and Sally Mengel have single-handedly changed the way Arkansans see ice cream and other frozen treats. Their brilliant minds are constantly churning, developing intriguing and exciting flavors that will keep your entire family begging for regular return visits.

At the core of Loblolly’s operation is their lovely, small batch artisanal ice cream. Often they venture into the less-oft-explored flavor territories with their frozen concoctions—caramel lavender, sweet corn and tomato basil ice creams are just a few fine examples. Parents will find this an excellent opportunity to introduce picky eaters to new flavors, delivered in a vehicle that’s sweet, fun and familiar. Even their simple, more conventional flavors get an inordinate amount of attention, yielding a product that’s unparalleled anywhere in the Natural State. Their exemplary “double vanilla” comes to mind—a thick, creamy treat, boldly-flavored by both vanilla bean and vanilla extract. There’s a focus on locally-produced, organic ingredients, ensuring that your family is partaking in only the highest quality product each time you visit. Each batch is made without artificial preservatives, additives, pre-mixes or colorings. If it’s in season, chances are you’ll find Loblolly incorporating it into their ice cream at some point.

They don’t stop at ice cream, however. They’ve always got a menu offering

40 | savvy k i ds August 2013

lighter options—sorbets, coconut-milk creams and sherbets. They do a wide range of hand-crafted sodas as well, each using only natural cane sugar. Most are caffeine-free (with the exception of a few tea-based sodas), so young ones won’t be completely wired the rest of the night after drinking one or two of these. These sodas, lemonades and teas offer a splendid opportunity to slurp down something cold and sweet without the three cups of sugar one would expect from your average canned soda. I’ve always been partial to their fizzy strawberry soda, but you’ll not want to miss other fantastic combinations such as watermelon limeade, honey lavender or plum jasmine. If it’s not already clear to you, there aren’t many folks in Arkansas with the ingenuity and creativity of Loblolly Creamery.

As a gluten-free company, they use no flour products in their baked items (waffle cones, cookies, and brownies)—only rice, corn and potatoes. They’re conscious of customers with various allergies—peanut, lactose, etc.—and offer items for nearly all comers.

There is rarely a week that I can’t find an excuse to visit Loblolly Creamery—any minor celebration, success or out-of-town visitor will do. Parents can rest assured that their kids are getting the freshest, most wholesome treats available. And there’s no child in the world that would be unhappy with an occasional trip to the ice cream parlor.

Loblolly Creamery is located inside the Green Corner Store at 1423 Main St., Little Rock.

Daniel Walker is a resident physician in dermatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and a freelance food writer and blogger for the Arkansas Times. He and his wife have two kids, Max and Vivian, and live in Little Rock.

august 2013 savvy k i ds

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of the month

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Courtesy of the Children’s Department at the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock

Fancy Nancy and the Mean Girl Good Manners at School

By Jane O’Conner This book is funny and will have you wanting more Fancy Nancy.

Nancy must overcome obstacles to run the race and win for her team.

It teaches children that they too can overcome problems.

By Ann Ingalls This book is great for the young ones starting school.

The book explains what to do and how to do it in certain situations.

They will carry these rules through their school years.

APP OF THE MONTH Kindle PBS Parents Play & Learn

By AMZN Mobile LLC Free This app will help keep children busy with all kinds of books. The Kindle has thousands of children’s books to keep your little one busy, along with magazines and textbooks! Adults will love this one too. Available for Android, iPhone and iPad.

42 | savvy k i ds August 2013

By PBS KIDS Free This PBS app is a head start for the school year. It allows children to play educational games, which connect math and literacy skills.

It’s just like PBS on the go! The app can go on all smart phones and devices.

Fall lacrosse KicK-oFF! A place where children with learning differences and developmental disabilities can grow and develop in an environment tailored to meet their unique needs.

saturday, august 17 War MeMorial stadiuM 3-5pM All Ages Welcome • FREE Entrance

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A School & a Therapy Clinic

BaCk To SCHool SplASH Friday, august 23 7:30 – 9:30pm

Pleasure Park Complex 201 W. Martin St. Jacksonville 501.982.SWIM(7946) www.cityofjacksonville.net

Kids ages 11-15 slip, slide & dive into the night and dance to the music By dJ chad mansField $2 at the door $1 For slides must Be 48” or taller to ride slides

Concessions Available • Handicap accessible.

Dates, times, & location subject to change.

(in lieu of rain location will move to the Community Center)

For More InFo Call 501-982-4171

OUTPATIENT THERAPY SERVICES

Occupational • Physical • Speech If your child has been diagnosed with a development disorder: Autism, Asperger syndrome, PDD, Down syndrome, Apraxia or other language disorders, or sensory integration issues, contact us today for more information or to schedule an evaluation for your child.

(501) 663-6965 • 1600 Riverfront Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas We work with a variety of private insurance providers as well as ARKids 1st, Medicaid, TEFRA and TRICARE. august 2013 savvy k i ds

| 43

Savvy Arts

MangaMania Japanese-style graphic novels are a big hit among teens

By Erica Sweeney

Full of distinct illustrations, action-packed story lines and a hint of fantasy, graphic novels, particularly Japanese manga, are more popular than ever among teenagers. The graphic novel trend gets youngsters excited about reading and attracts them to local libraries.

A graphic novel is a full-length book that is written and illustrated like a comic book, but graphic novels are serialized and follow a longer, continuous storyline than comics, said Kyna Hockenberry, teen librarian at the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock.

Manga, the most popular type of graphic novel among teens, originated in Japan and has a distinct style and look. For example, characters in manga often have large eyes, small mouths and nontraditional hair colors, said Jonathan Nichols, teen programmer at the Central Arkansas Library System’s Main Library in downtown Little Rock. The volumes are also read from the right side to the left, and pages open to the right, which is backwards compared to traditional American books.

Nichols and Hockenberry attribute the popularity of manga to the popularity of Japanese animation, or anime, among teens. Hockenberry said graphic novels appeal to teens because they are “like reading a comic based on anime. You see the action as it’s happening.”

“They’re fascinated with Japanese culture,” she said. “It’s amazing how much they know.”

And, the librarians agree, manga flies off the shelves.

Teens have their own reasons for getting into the manga craze, but most say it’s the action-filled stories that draw them in. Some say reading manga has even led them to read more traditional books.

Shae Smith, a 10th-grader at North Little Rock High School, said she likes manga because she says she can relate to it and most enjoys the vampirerelated stories. This has inspired her to read The Vampire Diaries novel series.

Logan Andrews, also a 10th-grader at NLRHS, said Naruto is his favorite manga series because the stories start in the middle of the action. He said he’s read about 30 of the more than 60 volumes in the series. Hockenberry said Naruto is the most popular manga series at Laman.

Get Involved

44 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Reaching Reluctant Readers The visuals and action of graphic novels attract youngsters who dislike reading or are visual learners because they are full of illustrations and contain less text than traditional books. Graphic novels also come in a variety of subjects, like sports, science and even classic literature, Nichols said.

“There is a graphic novel for everyone out there,” he said. “They are a great start for reluctant readers.”

Nichols said graphic novels are not a substitute for reading traditional books, and encourages teens to read the graphic novel version of classic literature side by side with the actual classic.

Librarians have embraced the popularity of graphic novels and their value as a teaching aid and lure for the next-generation library patron. Graphic novels were included in summer reading programs, and local libraries regularly hold manga, anime, graphic novel and costume play (cosplay) events to attract kids and teens.

And, so far, Nichols and Hockenberry say these events have been very popular.

Hockenberry said graphic novel-related workshops and events provide an outlet for socializing in a safe place and allow teens to explore their creativity.

Andrews and Smith, both 16, regularly attend events at Laman. Smith said she particularly enjoys cosplay because she “gets to be someone else” and likes making her own costumes, which they do at the library.

“Everyone gets to be nerdy the entire night,” she said.

Nichols said the library’s group activities teach social, vocabulary and art skills. CALS’ manga and anime workshops focus “flushing out stories,” storyboarding and drawing, he said.

“We encourage them to express themselves in any way possible,” he said, explaining that developing a story and turning it into a graphic novel takes an “incredible amount of creativity.”

During the school year, the William F. Laman Public Library in North Little Rock hosts Anime Tuesdays, featuring trivia, games, drawings, discussions, cosplay and other projects. Visit www.lamanlibrary.org for more details.

The Central Arkansas Library System hosts regular manga and anime programs at its Main Library downtown and branches around the city. Programs include manga drawing classes, writing workshops, anime club and more. Visit www.cals.org for more information.

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Calendar

August2013

Calendar of Events REMBRANDT, VAN DYCK, GAINSBOROUGH: THE TREASURES OF KENWOOD HOSE, LONDON August 1-31: This exhibition at the Arkansas Arts Center features 48 works representing the greatest artists of their periods, including Rembrandt van Rijn, Thomas Gainsborough, Anthony van Dyck, Frans Hals, Joshua Reynolds, J.M.W. Turner and more. Most of these paintings have never traveled to the States before, and many of them have rarely been seen outside Kenwood House. Donated by Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh (1847-1927) and heir to the world’s most successful brewery, the collection features portraiture, landscape and 17th century Dutch and Flemish works. In addition to the masterworks from the Iveagh Bequest, the exhibition includes works acquired specifically for Kenwood. For more information, call (501) 372-4000.

MASM DINOSAURS August 1-31: The Mid-America Science Museum has a special exhibit about Dinosaurs going on, but it won’t last long, so plan a trip today!

For more information, call (501) 767-3461 or visit www.midamericamuseum.org.

7TH ANNUAL WALK FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES August 2: The walk features food and live music by The Gable Bradley Band. Registration is at 6 p.m. and the walk starts at 7 p.m. Registration: $20 for individuals and $50 for families. Event place: The Big Dam Bridge. For more information, call (501) 661-0720, ext. 7301 or visit www. methodistfamily.org.

LAMANPALOOZA August 2: This library-wide celebration features music, games, food and prizes!

Lamanpalooza marks the end of the Summer Reading Programs, but is open to everyone. Event place: the library at 2801 Orange Street in North Little Rock. Visit www.lamanlibrary.org for more information.

STAR PARTY August 3: Join amateur astronomers at Pinnacle Mountain’s Visitor Center for an evening with the stars and other celestial phenomena. As twilight settles in, the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society will provide telescopes for viewing objects

august

S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

46 | savvy k i ds August 2013

in the night sky. If cloudy skies prevent observation with telescopes, an indoor program on astronomy will be presented at 9 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (501) 868-5806.

CLINTON CENTER SUPER SUMMER SATRUDAYS August 3: All summer, the Clinton Presidential Center is offering free educational activities in conjunction with its exhibits. In August, the topic is “March on Washington and Freedom for All: The Jobs and Freedom ‘I Have a Dream.’” The activities are for preschoolers to high-schoolers, and include storytelling, crafts and more. Event time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, call 501-748-0472 or email jwillis@nullclintonfoundation.org.

OLD STATE HOUSE MUSEUM FREE SATURDAY PROGRAMS August 3: Every Saturday in August, the Old State House Museum is hosting FREE programs on the hour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. The event includes special in-depth tours of the building, games on the law and crafts for kids. Visit www.oldstatehouse.com for details.

ARKANSAS TAX-FREE WEEKEND August 3-4: The state’s tax-free holiday allows shoppers to purchase school supplies, art supplies, school instructional materials and clothing free of state and local sales or use tax.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH & TAX FREE WEEKEND August 3-4: Shop tax free at The Promenade at Chenal Back-to-School Bash weekend. The kick-off is at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Chenal 9 Theatre, where the first 100 kids (12 and under) receive one FREE movie ticket (per adult accompaniment for a G- or PG-rated film playing on Aug. 3, while supplies last).

Donate your old school clothes and gear at the Goodwill drop-off. For more information, visit www.chenalshopping.com.

HOORAY FOR HERPS WEEKEND August 3-4: Spend the weekend at Pinnacle Mountain State Park learning about this group of very misunderstood animals. Park interpreters will host hikes, crafts, games and talks about Arkansas’s native reptiles and amphibians, including opportunities to meet live animals up close. Call (501) 868-5806 for details. Admission is free.

RHEA LANA’S – SEARCY SALE August 5-10: Shop clothing, toys, baby gear, nursery furniture, maternity and more! Sell your children’s items as a consignor and earn 70%.

Items are guaranteed. Checks are ready on Pick-Up-Day! Volunteer and shop early. Event place: White County Fairgrounds, 802 Davis Drive, Searcy. For more information, visit www. rhealana.com.

HOME SCHOOL FAIR August 6: All homeschooling families are invited to attend the Christian Home Educators Fellowship’s annual Home School Fair. Join us for an evening with guest Speaker Michael Smith, President and co-founder of Home School Legal Defense Association, kids programs, vendor showcase and refreshments. Event time: 6 p.m.

Location: Antioch Baptist Church, 150 Amity Road, Conway. Register at http://chefar.eventbright.com.

Visit www.chefar.org for details.

MOVIES IN THE PARK – “THE AVENGERS” August 7: Free outdoor film series on Wednesdays at sundown. Bring your own picnic or concessions will be for sale. Location: First Security Bank Amphitheater at Riverfront Park.

Event time: park opens at 6:30 p.m.; film begins at sundown. For more information visit www. moviesintheparklr.net.

GARVAN WOODLAND GARDENTS FIRST WEDNESDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAM – “FABRIC GARDEN” August 7: Join Garvan Woodland Gardens Education Director Megan Bradshaw to learn how to create a garden out of fabric strips and display the funky masterpiece. To avoid the summer heat, the program will be indoors at the Magnolia Room.

Event time: 10 to 11 a.m. Cost is $5 per child; parents are admitted free and must accompany children. Children’s programs are held the first Wednesday of each month. Call (501) 262-9300 or visit www.garvangardens.org for details.

34TH ANNUAL CAVE CITY WATERMELON FESTIVAL August 8-10: Crafts, food concessions and free entertainment. The event will take place at Park Street in Cave City. For more information, call (870) 283-5959.

METEOR SHOWER MANIA (BOAT CRUISE) August 10: View shooting stars from the middle of Lake Maumelle! Join a park interpreter on this guided boat cruise to learn about stars and constellations then watch a slice of the annual Perseid meteor shower. Advance payment is required.

Admission: $12 for adults and $6 for children, age 6-12. Event place: Jolly Roger’s Marina. For more information or to make reservations, call (501) 868-5806.

CLINTON CENTER SUPER SUMMER SATRUDAYS August 10: All summer, the Clinton Presidential Center is offering free educational activities in conjunction with its exhibits. In August, the topic is “March on Washington and Freedom for All: The Jobs and Freedom ‘I Have a Dream.’” The activities are for preschoolers to high-schoolers, and include storytelling, crafts and more. Event time:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, call 501-748-0472 or email jwillis@nullclintonfoundation.org.

ARKANSAS KENNEL CLUB ANNUAL CONFIRMATION SHOW August 10-11: At the 125th Arkansas Kennel Club Confirmation Dog show, 1,000 dogs will compete for Best in Show. Location: Arkansas State Fairgrounds, Barton Coliseum. Event time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: Kids 6 and under, free; ages 6-12, $2; over age 12, $3. Call (501) 8829798 or (501) 288-7492 for details.

BOATING EDUCATION (AGFC LITTLE ROCK) August 13-15: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is hosting an Arkansas Boating Education Safety Course. Registration is required.

Hearing impaired interpreters will be available. The course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible boating, necessary to reduce loss of life, personal injury and property damage while increasing boating enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. Take the class and pass the test. The basic six-hour boating course includes: Arkansas Boating law, Boat Classification, Registration and Trailering, Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets, etc.), Rules of the Road, Maintenance and Boating Accidents.

All three days must be attended to complete the course. Location: AGFC Headquarters Office, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock. Event time all 3 nights: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Students under age 18 need parent or guardian signature on permission slip prior to attending class. For more information or to make reservations, call (501) 223-6377.

ARKANSAS TRAVELERS GOODWILL DONATION DRIVE August 15: Bring a bag of clothing to the Travelers game and receive a voucher for $3 off general admission. One voucher per person.

Location: Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock.

Event time: gates open at 6:10 p.m.; game starts at 7:10 p.m.

COLOR IN MOTION 5K RUN August 17: Get your moving body plastered in an explosion of vibrant color with all your friends and family! Why not color outside the lines while being active, social, and a little wacky! The Color in Motion 5K run gives you all these benefits plus unforgettable fun and heaps of memories. By the end of the CIM5K run your blank canvas will be brighter than ever—your clothes, health, and outlook on life will be changed for the better. You just show up wearing white and we do the rest. As you sprint, jog, waddle, or leisurely stroll along you will be bombarded with bright colors that transform a group of ordinary runners into a moving rainbow. The color that you will be showered in is completely safe and washes off easily. If you don’t think you can beat your friends with speed, see if you can be the real winner by coming out of the race covered head to toe in a vibrant springtime camouflage. Event meeting place: Arkansas State Fairgrounds. Event cost: $50. For more information, visit www.colorinmotion5k.com/Little_Rock.

MEET HELLO KITTY AT MAGIC SPRINGS August 17: Magic Springs Water and Theme Park is hosting a Back-to-School Bash with Hello Kitty. Enjoy a meet and greet or have lunch with Hello Kitty at a Meet-n-Greet. Lunch is served at noon at Lakeside Theater. For more information, visit www.magicsprings.com.

EVENING CANOE FLOAT August 17: Explore the Big Maumelle River with a park interpreter on this guided canoe float.

Meet at the Big Maumelle Pavilion to experience the serenity of twilight as it slowly changes into a peaceful moonlit night. Advance payment is required. Admission: $35. Event place: Big Maumelle Boat Ramp. For more information or to make reservations, call (501) 868-5806.

FALL LITTLE ROCK LACROSSE KICKOFF August 17: Find out what lacrosse is all about at the Little Rock Lacrosse free fall kickoff. Kids can try out practice stations with the Hendrix College men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. Boys and girls of all ages are welcome. Location: War Memorial Stadium. Event time: 3 to 5 p.m. Visit www.littlerocklacrosse.com for details.

CLINTON CENTER SUPER SUMMER SATRUDAYS August 17: All summer, the Clinton Presidential Center is offering free educational activities in conjunction with its exhibits. In August, the topic is “March on Washington and Freedom for All: The Jobs and Freedom ‘I Have a Dream.’” The activities are for preschoolers to high-schoolers, and include storytelling, crafts and more. Event time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: Clinton Presidential Center. For more information, call 501-748-0472 or email jwillis@nullclintonfoundation.org.

EAST TERRACE ARTS AT CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART August 18: Enjoy making art outdoors on the museum’s East Terrace, along with a familyfriendly musical performance. Free. Event time: 1 to 3 p.m.

CIVIL WAR ARKANSAS, 1861-1865 EXHIBIT August 19 - September 1: The Jacksonville Museum of Military (100 Veterans Circle, Jacksonville) will host the Civil War 1861-1865 traveling exhibit. The exhibit displays a timeline of the Civil War in Arkansas and includes images and narratives of places and battles. Produced by the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission in cooperation with the Old State House Museum and the Arkansas Humanities Council. Admission: $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and military, and $1 for students. For more information, call (501) 241-1943.

BACK 2 SCHOOL SPLASH August 23: From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. kids ages 11-15, are invited to slip, slide and dive into the

night at the last Splash Zone (201 Main Street, Jacksonville) bash of the summer. Swim & dance to music by DJ Chad Mansfield. Must be 48” or taller to ride the slides. Concessions available.

Date, time, and location subject to change. Admission: $2 entry and $1 slides. For more information, call (501) 982-4171.

first state park in Arkansas thanks to the efforts of Dr. T.W. Hardison. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) laid the foundation for the park as we know it today. Celebrate the founding and building of the park with this family-friendly program. Call (501) 727-5441 for details. Admission is free.

GEOCACHING WEEKEND August 24-25: Join Pinnacle Mountain State Park interpreters all weekend to immerse you and your family into the world of geocaching.

Learn about Arkansas State Park’s geocache tour and geocaches found right in the park. Events will introduce geocaching to participants who are interested, but don’t know where to start. For more information, call (501) 868-5806. Admission is free.

BREAKFAST WITH GREAT APES August 31: Join the Little Rock Zoo for a delicious breakfast buffet in Café Africa and a unique keeper chat all about Great Apes. The zoo highlights animals during its breakfast series and provides guests with a special up-close-andpersonal look at some of the most interesting creatures! Maximum capacity is 40 guests per breakfast, unless noted. Seating is very limited and prior reservations are a must!

Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. sharp! Please be on time. Admission: Members: Adult $16.95, Child $12.95; NonMembers: Adult $21.95, Child $16.95. Reservations require a Visa, Master Card or Discover Card. Changes or cancellations are accepted through the Friday before the event by 2 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call (501) 661-7218.

FAMILY SUNDAY AT CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART August 25: Admission to the “Angels & Tomboys” exhibition is free for this special Family Sunday! We’ll have activities throughout the museum inspired by the play and pastimes you’ll see in this exhibition of fascinating 19th century paintings. The exhibit features 72 works exploring the myriad ways artists portrayed young girls in the 19th century, from the sentimental, innocent stereotype to the free-spirited individual. Free, no registration required. Event time: noon to 5 p.m.

Visit www.crystalbridges.org for more details.

RUNNIN’ FOR THE KIDS August 17: The first-ever first Runnin’ for the Kids event benefits special needs children by helping Kidsource to purchase safety playground equipment. This is a horseshow with many events for all ages including children with special needs and will be followed by a jackpot for barrels and poles. Event time: 10 a.m. Location: Saline County Riding Club, Highway 67 at Graham Road in Haskell. Visit www. kidsourcetherapy.com for details.

RHEA LANA’S – CONWAY SALE August 25-31: Shop clothing, toys, baby gear, nursery furniture, maternity and more! Sell your children’s items as a consignor and earn 70%. Items are guaranteed. Checks are ready on Pick-Up-Day! Volunteer and shop early. Event place: Conway Expo Center, 2505 East Oak Street, Hwy. 64 East. For more information, visit www. rhealana.com.

END OF SUMMER BLOWOUT August 30 - September 2: Join us as we celebrate the official end of summer and daily interpretive programming (we’ll still offer weekend programs in the autumn season) at Lake Catherine State Park. Bring the whole family to enjoy lake and kayak tours, hikes, crafts and educational programs. Join us as we close the nature cabin down for the summer and have a release party for its animal inhabitants. Contact the park for details, (501) 844-4176. Admission is free.

PETIT JEAN FOUNDERS AND BUILDERS DAY August 31: In 1923, Petit Jean became the

august 2013 savvy k i ds

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Pop Topics

Nobody told me this stuff:

Appreciating Single Parents

By Robert Bell • ILLUSTRATION BY BRYAN MOaTS

So we’re expecting kiddo No. 2 in January.

It’s very exciting and we’re very happy, but I don’t know how to even begin to explain this to our boy, who’ll be just older than two when his little brother or sister arrives.

When my little brother was born long about the autumn of 1981, I remember my parents gave me this really cool Tonka truck and said that it was a gift from him. I was confused by this gift. “He’s not even here yet, so how did he get over to True Value?” I wondered. “And where did he get the money to buy this thing in the first place?” As a near-4-year-old, these were my concerns.

But the truck was really, really cool, so any lingering incredulity on my part evaporated as soon as that thing was out of the packaging. It was a logging truck with big plastic logs that you could load on the trailer.

Anyway, it’s going to be interesting, explaining the notion of a younger sibling to a little dude. I think I’ll start keeping an eye out for cool toy trucks.

The other element of our state of expectation is that my lovely wife has been feeling very crummy lately. So I’ve been taking on a good bit more of the chores and the housework and the what-have-you these last few weeks. Which is fine, it’s just what you have to do when your better half is laid out with exhaustion and nausea.

I will say this though: it’s given me a new and even more sympathetic disposition toward single moms and dads. I’ve always acknowledged what an insanely tough thing it must be to raise a child or children with no live-in assistance. But after a few weeks of something loosely approximating single parenthood, I can tell you with some authority: That right there is a doozy of a job, folks.

For one thing you’re tired when you wake up because it’s early and you went to bed late. For another thing you’re tired because the reason you went to bed late was because you were up late working after spending the whole day working and then you got home and the dishes needed to be done and the cat litter needed to be emptied and the plants watered and the laundry done and the grocery shopping taken care of. For another thing, you’re tired because you spent the hours preceding and following work chasing down a particularly feisty toddler who’s hell-bent on preventing you from feeding him, changing him, putting him to bed or putting 48 | savvy k i ds August 2013

him into some clothes so he can go to school for Pete’s sake!

And I’ve only been doing this for a few weeks now. There are so many people out there doing that grind every single day for years!

A lot of us think we’re tough because we do extreme yoga or Crossfit or ride a Harley-Davidson or whatever. But try wrangling a young’un or two every single day with no help. That’s tough.

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Our classrooms are comprised of more than 220 acres of forests, creeks, fields, and a six-acre flat-water lake.

AOS is located west of Little Rock at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center.

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ARKANSAS OUTDOOR SCHOOL august 2013 savvy k i ds

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kids eat free

Kids Eat FREE! EVERY DAY

CiCi’s Pizza Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet.

Conway: 1250 Old Morrilton Hwy, (501) 764-0600 Hot Springs: 3321 Central Ave., (501) 321-2400 Jacksonville: 120 John Harden Drive, (501) 241-2224 N. Little Rock: 2815 Lakewood Village, (501) 753-1182 Golden Corral Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet.

N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605 JJ’s Grill Free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal. All day. Kids 12 and under.

Conway: 1010 Main St., (501) 336-1000 Larry’s Pizza Ages 4 and under.

Bryant: 4500 Hwy 5 North, (501) 847-5003 Cabot: 2798 South Second St., (501) 843-7992 Conway: 1068 Markhan, (501) 329-3131 Little Rock: 1122 S. Center St., (501) 372-6004; 12911 Cantrell Road, (501) 224-8804; 801 S. Bowman, (501) 400-8260 N. Little Rock: 5933 JFK Blvd., (501) 812-5353 San Francisco Bread One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, after 5 p.m.

Hot Springs: 261 Cornerstone Blvd., (501) 525-7322 Zaxby’s One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased. 5 p.m. to close.

Dine in only.

Jacksonville: 209 Marshall Road, (501) 241-0546 Maumelle: 104 Carnahan Drive, (501) 851-9777 Sherwood: 208 Brookswood Road, (501) 833-9777

MONDAY

American Pie Pizza Kids eat free after 4 p.m.

Little Rock: 10912 Colonel Glenn Road, (501) 225-1900 Maumelle: 9709 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 758-8800 N. Little Rock: 4830 North Hills Blvd., (501) 753-0081 Chick-Fil-A First Monday of each month N. Little Rock: 4320 McCain Blvd., (501) 945-1818 Gusano’s Chicago-Style Pizzeria Kids’ Night for 12 and under. 8” pepperoni or cheese pizzas are $1.99.

Conway: 2915 Dave Ward Drive, (501) 329-1100 Little Rock: 313 President Clinton Ave., (501) 374-1441 IHOP (N. Little Rock Location Only) One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m.

N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457 The Promenade at Chenal Get a free kid’s meal with a paid adult at the following restaurants located at The Promenade at Chenal: A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, The Tavern Sports Grill and YaYa’s Euro Bistro. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., lunch and 50 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Below is a listing of locations and days in which kids, 12 and under, can eat free with a paid adult (unless otherwise noted).

dinner kids menu entrees only. Kids must be 12 and under (limit 1 kids meal per each adult entrée ordered). Drinks not included. Not valid with any other discount or offer.

See restaurants for details.

Little Rock: 17711 Chenal Parkway, (501) 821-5552.

Shorty Small’s Up to two kids’ meals free per paying adult.

Little Rock: 1110 N. Rodney Parham, (501) 224-3344 Ta Molly’s $1.99 kid’s meal with purchase of adult meal, 5-9 p.m.

Bryant: 206 W. Commerce St., (501) 653-2600

TUESDAY

Arkansas Burger Company One free kid’s meal per adult meal purchase. Dine in only, 5-9 p.m.

Little Rock: 7410 Cantrell Road, (501) 663-0600 Beef ‘O’ Brady’s One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased, 4 p.m. to close.

Maumelle: 115 Audubon Drive, (501) 803-3500 Denny’s Restaurant Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m.

Little Rock: 4300 S. University, (501) 562-5651; 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264 Golden Corral Discounted prices for kids 12 and under, and ages 3 and under always eat free.

N. Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, (501) 771-4605 Lonestar Steakhouse All day Little Rock: 10901 Rodney Parham, (501) 227-8898 Mooyah Burgers One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult meal, 5-9 p.m.

Little Rock: 14810 Cantrell Road, (501) 868-1091 Pizza Hut 5-8 p.m., dine in only Little Rock: 11410 W. Markham St., (501) 228-7000 Stromboli’s One free kid’s meal (12 and under) per adult meal purchased at regular price. Dine in only. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Conway: 605 Salem Road, (501) 327-3700

WEDNESDAY

IHOP (N. Little Rock Location Only) One free kid’s meal with the purchase of an adult entrée, 3-9 p.m.

N. Little Rock: 11501 Maumelle Blvd., (501) 753-4457 Zaxby’s One kid’s meal per adult meal purchased.

Bryant: 2207 N. Reynolds Road, (501) 847-3800 (ages 10 and under) Cabot: 2215 W. Main St., (501) 941-2601

(ages 12 and under) Conway: 3800 Dave Ward Drive, (501) 329-5000 (ages 12 and under)

THURSDAY

Captain D’s Benton: 1419 Military Road, (501) 778-7909 Hot Springs: 1906 Central St., (501) 321-4288 Jacksonville: 1109 W. Main St., (501) 982-3330 Little Rock: 6301 Colonel Glen Road, (501) 568-6244 N. Little Rock: 5320 JFK Blvd., (501) 758-5144 Mexico Chiquito One free kid’s meal per adult entrée for kids 12 and under. Dine in only.

Conway: 1135 Skyline Drive, (501) 205-1985 Jacksonville: 1524 W. Main St., (501) 982-0533 Little Rock: 13924 Cantrell, (501) 217-0700; 11406 W. Markham, (501) 217-0647 N. Little Rock: 4511 Camp Robinson, (501) 771-1604 Moe’s Southwest Grill 4 p.m. to close. One free kid’s meal with paid adult meal.

Bryant: 7409 Alcoa Road, (501) 778-3111 Conway: 625 Salem Road, (501) 336-6500 Little Rock: 12312 Chenal Pkwy, (501) 223-3378 N. Little Rock: 4834 North Hills Blvd., (501) 812-5577

SATURDAY

Boston’s Gourmet Pizza Restaurant Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 Denny’s Restaurant Ages 10 and under, 4-7 p.m.

Little Rock: 4300 S. University, (501) 562-5651; 310 S. Shackleford, (501) 224-8264 Dixie Café $1.99 kids’ meals with purchase of an adult meal, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids 12 and under.

Little Rock: 1301 Rebsamen Park Road, (501) 663-9336; 10700 Rodney Parham, (501) 224-3728; 10011 Interstate 30, (501) 568-6444 North Little Rock: 2724 Lakewood Village Pl., (501) 758-4777 Cabot: 302 S. Rockwood, (501) 843-1700 Conway: 1101 Fendley Drive, (501) 327-4777 Luby’s Cafeteria Little Rock: 12501 West Markham, (501) 219-1567

SUNDAY

Boston’s Gourmet Pizza Restaurant Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Drive, (501) 235-2000 Corky’s Kid’s meals are half off, 4 p.m. to close Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Drive, (501) 954-7427

If you know of other places with a kids eat free or discounted kids meals, let us know! Call (501) 375-2985 or email ericasweeney@arktimes.com.

Schedule Your Field Trip TodaY Free admiSSion

You have the students, studying their history. We have the programs, making it real . ls r detai 1 o f l l a C 4-935 501-32

Grades K-3: Compare and contrast the past with today.

• Historic House Tours: year-round The Old State House Museum is a museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

• Self-guided Exhibit Visits: year-round • Hands-on Programs: Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May

Grades 4–6: Experience how pioneers lived and made their decisions.

• School Fairs: Oct, Apr • Black History Month Programs: Feb

Engage Both Artsy & Science Minded Students In One Field Trip THE Field Trip Destination For Arts AND Science

All geared to frameworks and common core.

Learn more about our school programs or find resources to use in your own classroom at HistoricArkansas.org

Grades 7-12: Use our historic Arkansas homes to delve into the issues of early 19th century life.

History really happened here.

Come experience it with us. Call today.

200 E. Third Street Downtown Little Rock 501-324-9351

HistoricArkansas.org 701 Main Street • Pine Bluff 870.536.3375 • artSSciencecenter.org

A museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage

august 2013 savvy k i ds

| 51

2013

Field Trip Fun Guide Field trips are a fun, hands-on way to enrich any educational lesson. They can help students connect lessons learned in the classroom to tangible, real-world objects or situations. Going on field trips allows students to see, feel and experience something firsthand, which has a much more powerful impact than reading or hearing about it. Seeing and doing new things broadens students’ horizons, and studies have shown that these new experiences improve standardized test scores. As all grades move to the Common Core State Standards this year, students will be required to demonstrate their knowledge through project-based learning. Field trips are essential in helping students learn to apply their knowledge.

Savvy Kids has complied a list of field trip sites. Our list is categorized to help parents and teachers find something to fit any interest or lesson plan.

ARTS Arkansas Arts Center

501 E. 9th St., Little Rock

(501) 372-4000

www.arkarts.com

Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre

501 E. 9th St., Little Rock

(501) 372-4000

www.arkarts.com

Arkansas Educational Television Network

350 S Donaghey Avenue, Conway

(501) 682-2386

www.aetn.org

Arkansas Repertory Theatre

601 Main St., Little Rock

(501) 378-0405

www.therep.org

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

2417 N. Tyler St., Little Rock

(501) 666-1761

www.arkansassymphony.org

Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas

701 S. Main St., Pine Bluff

(870) 536-3375

www.artssciencecenter.org

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

600 Museum Way, Bentonville

(479) 418-5700

www.crystalbridges.org

Wildwood Park for the Arts

20919 Denny Road, Little Rock

(501) 821-7275

www.wildwoodpark.org

CIVICS/GOVERNMENT Arkansas State Capitol

500 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock

(501) 682-5080

www.sos.arkansas.gov

Governor’s Mansion

1800 Center St., Little Rock

(501) 324-9805

www.arkansasgovernorsmansion.com

Heifer Village

1 World Avenue, Little Rock

(501) 907-2697

www.heifer.org

Little Rock Fire Department

All locations

(501) 918-3759

www.littlerock.org/citydepartments/fire/

(501) 371-8320

www.aimm.museum

HISTORY Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

120 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock

Delta Cultural Center

141 Cherry Street, Helena

(870) 338-4350

www.deltaculturalcenter.com

Grant County Museum

521 Shackleford Road, Sheridan

(870) 942-4496

www.deltaculturalcenter.com

Historic Arkansas Museum

200 E. 3rd St., Little Rock

(501) 324-9351

www.historicarkansas.org

Jacksonville Museum of Military History

100 Veteran’s Circle, Jacksonville

(501) 241-1943

www.jaxmilitarymuseum.org

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

2120 Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock

(501) 374-1957

www.nps.gov/chsc

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

503 E 9th St., Little Rock

(501) 376-4602

www.arkmilitaryheritage.com

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

501 W. 9th Street, Little Rock

(501) 683-3593

www.mosaictemplarscenter.com

Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie

921 E 4th Street, Stuttgart

(870) 673-7001

www.grandprairiemuseum.org

National Civil Rights Museum

450 Mulberry Street, Memphis

(901) 521-9699

www.civilrightsmuseum.org

Old State House Museum

300 W. Markham St., Little Rock

(501) 324-9685

www.oldstatehouse.com

Ozark Folk Center State Park

1032 Park Avenue, Mountain View

(870) 269-3871

www.ozarkfolkcenter.com

Plantation Agriculture Museum

U.S. 165, Scott

(501) 961-1409

www.arkansasstateparks.com

Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park

490 Toltec Road, Scott

(501) 961-9442

www.arkansasstateparks.com

William J. Clinton Presidential Center

1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock

(501) 748-0419

www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org/

LIBRARIES Central Arkansas Library System Main Library

100 Rock Street, Little Rock

(501) 918-3000

www.cals.org

Faulkner County Library

1900 Tyler St., Conway

(501) 327-7482

www.fcl.org

52 | savvy k i ds August 2013

Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library

4800 W. 10th St., Little Rock

(501) 978-3870

www.cals.org

Saline County Library

1800 Smithers Drive, Benton

(501) 327-7482

www.saline.lib.ar.us

William F. Laman Public Library

2801 Orange St., North Little Rock

(501) 758-1720

www.laman.net

(501) 821-6884

www.arkansas4hcenter.org

OUTDOORS & SEASONAL Arkansas 4-H Center

1 Four-H Way, Little Rock

Arkansas Forestry Commission

3821 W. Roosevelt Road, Little Rock

(501) 296-1940

www.forestry.arkansas.gov

Bo Brook Farms

13810 Combee Lane, Roland

(501) 519-5666

www.bobrookfarms.com

Bradbury Tree Farm

9427 Donna Lane, Mabelvale

(501) 602-2449

Hicks Family Farms

184 Lasiter Road, Lonoke

(501) 941-2703

Johnston Pumpkin Farm

31 Rocky Road, Greenbrier

(501) 679-5078

www.hicksfamilyfarms.com

Mary’s Place

3505 Arkansas 5, Bryant

(501) 920-6854

www.marysplaceinbryant.com

Motley’s Pumpkin Patch

13724 Sandy Ann Drive, Little Rock

(501) 888-1129

www.motleyspumpkinpatch.com

Peabody Park

202 E. LaHarpe Blvd., Little Rock

(501) 375-2552

Peebles Farm

Hwy 64, between Augusta and McCrory

(501) 919-6162

www.peeblesfarm.com

Petit Jean State Park

1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton

(501) 727-5441

www.petitjeanstatepark.com

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Little Rock

(501) 868-5806

www.arkansasstateparks.com

Scott Pumpkin Patch

11221 Craig Road, Scott

(501) 920-2901

Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

602 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock

(501) 907-0636

Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo

847 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs

(501) 623-6172

www.arkansasalligatorfarm.com

Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas

701 S. Main St., Pine Bluff

(870) 536-3375

www.artssciencecenter.org

www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com

SCIENCE

Barnyard Friends and Stables

110 Jones Lane, Morrilton

(501) 208-7287

Mid-America Science Museum

500 Mid America Boulevard, Hot Springs

(501) 767-3461

www.midamericamuseum.org

Little Rock Zoo

1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock

(501) 666-2406

www.littlerockzoo.com

Museum of Discovery

500 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock

(501) 396-7061

www.museumofdiscovery.org

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs

(479) 253-5841

www.turpentinecreek.org

Allfam Bowling

2350 Lakewood Drive, Cabot

(501) 941-3225

www.allfambowling.com

Arkansas Skatium

1311 South Bowman Road, Little Rock

(501) 227-4333

www.arkansasskatium.com

SPORTS & RECREATION

Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club

400 West Broadway Street, North Little Rock

(501) 664-1555

www.milb.com

Celebrity Attractions

300 S. Spring Street, Little Rock

(501) 244-8800

www.celebrityattractions.com

Joyland Skating

2020 S. 2nd St., Cabot

(501) 843-7341

www.joylandskating.com

The Little Gym

1121 S. Bowman Road, Suite C-1, Little Rock

(501) 225-5437

www.thelittlegym.com

Magic Springs and Crystal Falls

1701 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs

(501) 318-5370

www.magicsprings.com

Millennium Bowl

7200 Counts Massie Road, Maumelle

(501) 791-9150

www.millenniumbowl.net

Party Center

3805 Benton Parkway, Benton

(501) 315-8300

www.partycentral.samsbiz.com

Playtime Pizza

600 Colonel Glenn Plaza Loop, Little Rock

(501) 227-7529

www.playtimepizza.com

Verizon Arena

Verizon Arena Way, North Little Rock

(501) 663-4328

www.verizonarena.com

War Memorial Stadium

1 Stadium Drive, Little Rock

(501) 663-6385

www.wmstadium.com

Wild River Country

6820 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock

(501) 753-8600

www.wildrivercountry.com

Scholarship

Field Trip

The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff offers $50 field-trip reimbursements to schools visiting the museum during the school year.

Sponsored by the Arkansas Discovery Network, which is funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the reimbursement helps with transportation costs. Public and private schools are eligible for the reimbursement. Schools must schedule field trips in advance with 50 or more students and arrive at the museum by bus (vans and minivans do not apply). Tours are scheduled first come, first served.

Reimbursement forms can be downloaded at www.artssciencecenter.org. For more information, call (870) 536-3375.

$ august 2013 savvy k i ds

| 53

Savvy science

VOLCANO IN A CUP: Erupting Wax Project Courtesy of Museum of Discovery When you hear about an erupting volcano you probably think of red chunks of lava flying through the air and magma pouring from the volcano, right? However, in reality, that is not always how volcanoes look when they erupt. Some volcanoes erupt underwater. In this activity, you can see what underwater volcanoes look like (in a safer environment, of course).

What you need: Burner or hot plate Sand Wax Heat-proof glass container or beaker Water

Directions: 1. Place a one-inch-by-one-inch piece of wax in the bottom center of the glass container.

2. Pour enough sand in the container to completely cover the wax.

3. Slowly pour water in the container until it is nearly full.

54 | savvy k i ds August 2013

4. Place the heat-proof container onto a burner or hot place and turn the heat to medium-high.

5. Watch as the wax heats beneath the sand. As it melts, it floats up through the sand to the top of the water.

How Does It work?

The core of the Earth has hot liquid magma that sometimes erupts through the crust. In fact, nearly 80 percent of all volcanic eruptions occur underwater.

This activity allows you to recreate liquid magma by heating the wax.

The wax bubbles up through the sand causing miniature eruptions as it hits the sandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface. Once the wax passes through the sand, it is met with the colder water, causing the wax to cool and harden.

What this program can do for you: Free Public Workshops: These presentations take place at various locations in Pulaski County to inform residents of ways to avoid peak day and time demand watering; maintain a healthy landscape; and be more efficient with automatic sprinkler systems by using new technologies to ultimately save money on your water bill!

Upcoming Workshops: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at these locations • August 6th - Thompson Library, 38 Rahling Circle, Little Rock, AR 72223 • August 14th - Terry Library, 2015 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212

Site and Home Consultations: Receive a FREE evaluation of your home or business sprinkler system. See how to properly use all of the components and find out just how much water your sprinkler system is using. You can also get helpful advice on landscape options that are more water efficient. Call 501.340.6650 for more information.

Presentations for Civic Groups & P.O.A.s: These short presentations are for groups that want to learn about being more water efficient. Call 501.340.6650 to schedule.

3 simple steps that can help reduce your water bill:

1. Avoid afternoon watering, as well as watering during the peak water usage time

of day from 5:30 – 7:30 am. Divide the watering session into half before the peak time of day and half after to get the most out of your watering and avoid run-off.

2. Keep an efficient sprinkler system. Make sure heads are working properly

and not leaking. Keep spray off of streets, sidewalks, and other hardscapes.

3. Install a rain shut off device. Consult an experienced irrigation contractor to install

a new rain sensor to keep your system from running during or after a rain shower.

Learn more at carkw.com or uaex.edu

501.340.6650

Scan this QR code to learn more about this important program.

carkw.com

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Acute and Residential Inpatient Services Offered Statewide and e calmer, happier, liv to n ar le es ili m lps fa al health Pinnacle Pointe he gh quality behavior hi g in id ov pr by es more productive liv settings: s in the following m ra og pr t en tm ea tr AtIent Acute Inp nt l InpAtIe IA t n e Id s Re nt outpAtIe d n A d e s A school-B Ased school-B same h Services offer the lt ea H al or vi ha Be ient lp, please The Pointe Outpat ur family needs he yo n he W . es ag l al quality care for ar you. contact a facility ne d ntact us for a free an Co . ily m fa ur yo r ppen fo 3322.

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