SAVVYkids | March 2021

PHOTO BY MARK MATHEWS

News & Notes 2 | Spring Break pg 6 | Meet the Parent pg 9

SPRING BREAK

IS ON

THIS YEAR, THINK SMALL.

NEWS & NOTES BACK AT THE RANCH

March 10

On National Ranch Day you can eat as much Ranch as you want with impunity — and without judgement. Go ahead, just put it on everything. It’s time to honor the beloved condiment and American staple long credited with getting kids to eat their vegetables.

GO GREEN

March 17

Who wouldn’t love Tree? With a big, swoopy tail and a friendly face for all the dogs in his rescue, this real-life Treeing Walker hound is a special dog in a special place.

It’s the one day on the calendar that everyone gets to claim Irish heritage. No parades this year, but you can still get into the spirit with crafts, food and fun (and, according to my kids, the Lucky Charms — the forbidden fruit). Make it easy on yourself and recycle that “Green Eggs and Ham” recipe you made for Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Originally a religious feast day commemorating the famed Irish patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries around the world than any other single-day national festival.

COLOR ME HAPPY

March 31

Coronavirus Also Affects Minds That’s why we are available anytime from anywhere, offering all our services in the safest possible manner – from telehealth to in-person psychiatric testing with plexiglass screen and PPE

Call 877-778-1197

info@MethodistFamily.org

The crayon inspires nostalgia — the brilliant colors, the distinct smell, the waxy texture.

Celebrate National Crayon Day with two of our favorite books: Oliver Jeffers’ playful and witty “The Day the Crayons Quit” and “The Day the Crayons Came Home.” Fun fact: More than 12 million crayons are made daily.

Fun craft: Don’t know what to do with the 12 million broken crayon pieces in your house? Use them to make new ones!

Simply preheat the oven to 150 degrees, fill a muffin tin with crayon pieces, and bake just until the wax melts, probably about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the shapes after they have cooled. Even the least crafty among us is sure of success.

SAVVY kids PUBLISHER BROOKE WALLACE | brooke@arktimes.com

EDITOR KATHERINE WYRICK | katherinewyrick@arktimes.com SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE LESA THOMAS ART DIRECTOR KATIE HASSELL

MARCH BOOK RELEASES

Local Et Alia Press has two children’s books out this month, adding to their already impressive lineup:

“CARTWHEELS: FINDING YOUR SPECIAL KIND OF SMART”

Based on the real-life teacher/student relationship between veteran teacher and author Tracy Peterson and student Sloane LaFrance, “Cartwheels” tells the story of a lively, creative first-grader who struggles with reading. Peterson hopes her book will open up a conversation about learning differences and explain the basics of dyslexia to children. Available March 9.

FROM COTTON TO SILK: THE MAGIC OF BLACK HAIR

Crystal C. Mercer’s “From Cotton to Silk” chronicles the tale of two sisters, Gisele and Elise, and their love for their hair in its natural state. This ode to cultural beauty encourages girls everywhere to love themselves just the way they are. Its enchanting pages reveal hundreds of hours of hand-stitching — 467 to be exact — poured into “textile renderings that blend cloth, culture, and the superpowers of the kinky, curly coif.” The idea for the book came during Mercer’s time living in Accra, Ghana. Available March 20. (Check Stephanie Smittle’s Jan. 26 interview with the author at arktimes. com.)

ONGOING HAPPENINGS AT CALS

Tips for More Fun and Fewer Fights

Join the Central Arkansas Library System at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, for Cooking Matters at Home: Kids Say Yes to Fruits and Veggies. Learn how to prepare delicious, affordable meals the whole family will enjoy. In each 30-minute group discussion, they’ll talk about different ideas for saving money while cooking tasty family meals. This online series will be held over Zoom, so you will need either a stable internet or phone connection.

Also check out Nature Quest at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library and Learning Center. This program offers kids the chance to go on a nature-themed scavenger hunt at any time during the month. Get the first clue from the front desk from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and take back the code word for a prize! A new hunt occurs around the beginning of each month.

Great Things STILL Happening at LRSD

Building STRONG SCHOOLS and Even STRONGER COMMUNITIES

OPTIONS TO MEET EVERY NEED

Dedicated early open enrollment period has ended, but it is never too late to join the LRSD family.

Visit: LRSD.org – Student Registration (K-12) or LRSD.org/earlychildhood (Pre-K) Great THINGS are still happening at LRSD! The Little Rock School District is proud of its 3,500 dedicated professionals who remain committed to meeting the needs of each student, even during a pandemic.

From rigorous academic engagement for those identified as gifted and talented to support for those facing learning, speech or physical challenges, LRSD — the state’s second largest district — offers unique, comprehensive educational approaches for pre-K to 12th-grade students.

LRSD takes pride in its highly qualified teachers — nearly half of all classroom teachers have a masters or doctoral degree and 155 have National Board Certification — among the most in the state. LRSD continues to operate the state’s only K-8 STEM campus, eight magnet schools and a uniquely-focused language and literacy elementary academy, and last year, continued to expand Little Rock West High School of Innovation, adding a 10th grade class. Subsequent grades will be added each year for a 9-12 delivery.

Little Rock Hall STEAM Academy was also introduced, enhancing its focus on science and engineering academies under the Academies of Central Arkansas (Ford NGL) umbrella. High school college preparatory programs, including pre-AP, AP, classes with local universities and the District’s

EXCEL program, provide multiple options for families. These programs allow students to align their educational experience with their interests, preparing them for college and career and equipping them to meet the challenges of a global society.

LRSD consistently places among the top tier of state schools with National Merit Semifinalists, as well as Commended, National Hispanic and AP Scholars.

LRSD is proud of its highly accomplished students and the community partnerships that enhance their educational experiences.

Students will continue taking their learning to the next level at the newly constructed career-focused Little Rock Southwest High School.

LRSD is also the state’s largest provider of public preschool programs with certified teachers in every class. The District’s pre-K students continue to outperform students who do not use LRSD’s pre-K program in every skill area. The District maintains its mission to provide students with equitable access to educational opportunities, equipping them with what they need to succeed.

the project prevent

s n o i s s i m sub epted acc 1 1 y r a u Jan - to 1 2 0 2 , 9 l Apri

Arkansas students in grades K-3 can create artwork to help others REACH the truth about smoking, dipping or vaping.

to learn more, visit projectpreventar.org and follow us on social media @projectpreventar.

youth coalition presents

Arkansas students in grades 4-6 can write an essay to REACH family and friends to help them quit tobacco or REACH the truth about e-cigarettes and vaping.

REACH!

SPRING BREAK IS ON

This year, think small.

BY KATHERINE WYRICK

N

o one has ever sighed in exasperation, “Ugh! I need a staycation!” But, yet, here we are. It’s hard to get excited about staying home when we’ve had to do just that for a year. Spring break is still happening. But what will it look like?

You may think that over the past 12 months (or is it years?), you’ve exhausted all possibilities for fun at home. You’ve left no craft undone, no picture book unread, no game unplayed. And now you find yourself faced with how to fill the hours during a week off of school.

With travel restrictions still in place, we suggest thinking close to home and small. So this spring break, we’re embracing the “microadventure.” It’s a term that my husband claims to have coined but was actually popularized by British author Alastair Humphreys. Defined as an adventure that is “short, simple, local, cheap yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding,” the microadventure requires a shift in perspective — and some creativity. Here, we share some ideas:

PARKS, PRESERVES AND MORE

The Nature Conservancy’s preserves are easily accessible, invaluable resources, and we’re so grateful to have them. Devan Schlaudraff, conservation leadership development program manager at TNC, is offering a very cool camp (see below for details), but you can go it alone and visit TNC’s preserves yourself anytime.

Take one of the two canoes provided for free at William Kirsch Preserve within Ranch North Woods (a.k.a. The Ranch) and head out for a paddle on the Little Maumelle. You may spot a leggy heron picking its way through cypress knees and hear the breeze whisper through the reeds. Is that a vole rustling in the thicket?

And, oh, look at those cute turtles sunning themselves on that log! The Ranch really is an oasis.

Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area, another TNC property near Pinnacle, has a new driveway, well-maintained paths and newly installed maps to make hiking easy. The unspoiled, sweeping views at the top of the ridge aren’t so bad either.

Word has it that a new TNC trail is in the works, but no details yet.

STATE AND CITY PARKS Forgo the often congested West Summit Trail, and opt for one of the new Monument Trails at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Then head to the Visitor Center and make use of that quaint paddle boat for a delightful outing on the little pond.

Visit Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park in Scott. This site was a ceremonial ground for prehistoric Native Americans and stands today as an important and fascinating piece of history. You’ll feel compelled to climb on them, but DON’T. Since you’re out that way, swing by Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets in Keo to pick up a slice of their toothsome pie.

Go for a stroll at the Little Rock Audubon Center (4500 Springer Blvd.) and enjoy a scenic view of the city from the southeast. Where else will you find a nepheline syenite glade? (Hint: NOWHERE. It’s a rare ecosystem unique to Pulaski and Saline counties, and there is ONE THERE. It doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world! How amazing is that?) The Little Rock Audubon Center protects two of these rare glades and the plants and animals that live there. The 1-mile loop winds through oak savannah habitat and has a picnic area, firepit and benches. There’s also a pollinator garden, rain garden, vernal pool, Chimney Swift towers, bat boxes and diverse nesting boxes. Don’t know what these things are? Go find out!

PHOTO BY MARK MATHEWS

DEVAN MAYER OF THE NATURE CONSERVANCY WITH A HAPPY CAMPER.

Note: The Center itself is closed to the public and all in-person programming is suspended, but the trails are open from sunrise to sunset daily.

Ride a bike at Two Rivers or about town. Can’t afford a bike? Get a free one at the laudable organization Recycle Bikes for Kids. Not confident in your bike-riding skills or need a little boost? Rent an electric one at Pedego on Kavanaugh. You can also rent regular bikes (and kayaks) at Rock Town River Outfitters in Little Rock and jump on the trail (or in the water) right then and there.

Recent improvements at Reservoir Park have made this our park of choice these days. It’s rarely too crowded, the playground equipment is clean and new and there’s room for spreading out and exploring. You feel miles away from the traffic on Cantrell Road.

For the sporty, there’s also a disc golf course, tennis and basketball courts, and a softball field.

A little further afield, take a half-day trip to Garvan Woodland Gardens where the Tulip Extravaganza should be hitting its stride with its more than 150,000 breathtaking flowers, March 1-April 30.

For updates on peak bloom times, visit garvangardens.org.

THE BACKYARD CAMPOUT

LEVEL UP YOUR BACKYARD CAMPOUT WITH THESE ITEMS & ACTIVITIES!

Marshmallow Crossbow

Let’s break this thing down: Pitch a tent, not a fit! Don’t have a tent? Inexpensive ones

at big chains average around $40 for one that sleeps 1-4. After setting it up, set the scene: Artfully arrange some camping chairs around a fire or camping stove; Hang twinkle lights for instant atmosphere; Add an aesthetically pleasing retro lantern and Sherpa Puffy Blanket (RUMPL) from Domestic Domestic; hang a hammock (the Wise Owl Outfitters one is our favorite). You’ve just made camp!

Create some movie magic. To take things to the next level, make it a movie night by turning an old white bedsheet or canvas drop cloth into a big screen.

Play games. Cornhole, anyone? Flashlight tag is also fun because it’s like hide-and-seek but in the dark. (Tip: Glow stick bracelets make the finding a little easier.) Domestic Domestic also has games like Outdoor Bingo and Match a Leaf (a tree memory game), as well as toys like a marshmallow crossbow (!), smashable geode kit and bendable Bigfoot to add to the fun. Because what’s a campout without a Bigfoot sighting, right?

Stargaze. Even if you don’t have a telescope, there are plenty of apps that will help you identify what’s happening in the night sky above you. (We like Night Sky for iPhone.) Sometimes, the International Space Station even comes into view, and you can spot it with the naked eye.

Light a fire. If you don’t have a firepit, there are alternatives.

My husband made an unsightly “rustic” one from a galvanized metal utility tub he got at Kraftco. We just discovered the OneLogFire, handmade in Minnesota (where they know about these things). It’s a fire log that burns from the inside out for up to two hours and is super easy to light. You can find one at The Toggery.

Treat yourselves. It goes without saying that s’mores are a must. We just picked up this retractable marshmallow stick at Box Turtle. Too messy? Opt for s’more dip, a family favorite and crowdpleaser. Simply place broken Hershey bars in a pie dish or skillet, add marshmallows on top and brown under the broiler for a minute or two. Serve with graham cracker sticks. This is a tidier alternative and easier for little kids.

Smashable Geode Kit What’s a campout without a Bigfoot sighting?

Products available at Domestic Domestic, Toggery or Box Turtle.

ASPIRATIONAL TRAVEL The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends avoiding all nonessential travel, but a girl can dream, can’t she? It’s really a matter of when, not if, travel will open up again. Having a travel adviser will be more important than ever when that time comes. Poe Travel is already booking trips for late 2021 and well into 2022.

The following Q&A with Ellison Poe, president of Poe Travel, has got us daydreaming about future plans.

Any predictions about what the hot family destinations will be postall-of-this? Galapagos, Sea of Cortez, East African Safari and New Zealand.

These places have long been, and will continue to be, great for families.

Describe a memorable trip you’ve taken with your daughter.

I took Jane to India when she was 11 years old ... a smorgasbord of all the senses ... sacred cows wandering the streets, chaotic traffic, bodies burning in the Ganges in Varanasi, Taj Mahal at sunrise, getting our hands painted with henna, amazing food, trying on huge, real jewels.

Please share any popular spring break ideas of yore.

Montana; Charleston, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; and Marfa, Texas, for the art and landscape.

Any spring break memories of your own you’d like to share?

Ballyfin, a fabulous early 19th century house in Ireland, where you get to wear period costumes at dinner.

What’s a unique experience you’ve arranged for a family with younger kids? Having the actors who played the Von Trapps in “The Sound of Music” singing when the family got off the plane in Salzburg.

Rise.

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CAMPS

The Nature Conservancy is hosting a Spring Break Adventure Day Camp for ninth and 10th-grade students March 22-26.

Activities include hiking in the Ouachitas, rock climbing, fishing, archery and trap shooting, axe throwing, paddling in the Delta and more. The group will travel around Central Arkansas to experience outdoor recreation at its best. No experience is needed. The maximum number of participants is eight, with two leaders. All COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed, and all participants must present a negative COVID-19 test taken between March 1721. Gear and food will be provided; leaders and students will be transported together. Participants will receive daily instructions on what to bring. Drop-off (8 a.m.) and pickup (5 p.m.) at The Nature Conservancy, 601 N. University Ave, Suite 2. For more information or to sign up, contact Devan Mayer at devan.mayer@ tnc.org. The deadline is March 9, cost is $50.

We asked Devan why she thinks it’s important for kids to connect with nature, and she had this to say: “Nature is healing! Nature is fun!

Nature allows you to slow down, calm down or challenge yourself.

Whatever you’re looking for, nature can most likely provide what you need. Outdoor recreation offers incredible opportunities for youths to experience nature in an exciting and active way. If kids learn different outdoor recreation skills, then they have a way to connect with nature for their lives. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the benefits.

You just need enough courage to learn the basic skills and grow from there. That’s what I want to achieve during the Spring Break Day Camp. The camp is designed to accommodate all experience levels, especially beginners. Hopefully throughout the week, everyone can find an activity that resonates with them.”

Pre-pandemic, our family went on a TNC canoe outing with Devan and other families to Electric Island on Lake Hamilton. We loved it.

Our 8-year-old son said of the experience, “It was rather windy, but it was peaceful and fun and exciting. The swimming was the best.”

Junior Naturalist Camp, led by Central Arkansas Master Naturalists at Wildwood Park for the Arts Day Camp, for ages 7-11, runs March 22-26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with drop-off beginning at 8:45 a.m. and pickup lasting until 4:30 p.m. Bill Toland, a certified Arkansas Master Naturalist and an NAI Certified Interpretive Guide, leads the naturalist programming with additional certified Central Arkansas Master Naturalists.

Campers will hike Wildwood’s winding trails, play outdoor games and engage in hands-on instruction in lake ecology, reptiles and insects native to Arkansas and how to stay safe in the woods.

LIVIN’ THAT RV LIFE

RV travel really falls into the macro-adventure category but warrants a mention because it has become so wildly popular during the pandemic. This is because it allows families to remain safely in their bubbles when away from home, therefore minimizing risk. And with more parents and kids working and schooling online, normally time-crunched families are taking advantage of the opportunity to travel without worrying about vacation days. Huddleston RV Rentals in Hot Springs is one local outfitter, and they offer a 10% discount to military, first responders and teachers.

Of course, The Natural State has an abundance of parks to explore via RV. A less expensive option? Convert your minivan into a camper.

That can mean something as simple as putting a full-sized mattress in the back of your van or creating a fully tricked-out version.

Meet the Parent:

HENRY MURPHY

Henry Murphy is the development and special projects coordinator at Youth Home Inc., father of Niko and husband of Lauren, an ER nurse. Here, this devoted dad shares a thoughtful — and practical — take on parenting and how his family finds balance and joy.

How do you and Lauren balance work and family (and online school if that’s what’s happening at your house)?

I was a stay-at-home husband — usually I just refer to myself as a housewife — for several years, so I understand the work that goes into being a homemaker.

Trying to do all the things you think are important requires a committed partner, someone who can pick up your slack or forgive your failings. And everyone needs downtime, free time, self-care time. We are good at appreciating each other, and my wife says that is a choice we make every day.

Our son and nephew participate in virtual school from our house even though they’re from two different districts. Lauren and I are extremely fortunate.

Our workplaces are flexible enough that we can take care of that. I cannot imagine working somewhere that doesn’t allow this flexibility. The work/home environment since last March has been demanding enough, even with the advantages we have.

Any favorite father-son activities?

Niko is a member of Scouts Pack 30, and I love making him participate in every variety of activity, so he has real childhood experiences, i.e. is forced to do things he can’t fully appreciate the value of at the time. We like to play chess and board games (shout out to Game Goblins on Bowman) and video games with Lauren and our nephew. One of our favorite things is — or was — sliding on cardboard at the Clinton Library. We also like just exploring almost anything — a department store, a city park, a corner of the Buffalo River, a new restaurant menu.

FAMILY MAN EXTRAORDINAIRE, HENRY MURPHY RELISHES HIS ROLES AS HUSBAND OF HIGHS CHOOL SWEETHEART LAUREN AND DEVOTED DAD OF NIKO, 11. THEY ALL ENJOY ADVENTURING AND SPENDING TIME TOGETHER WHETHER IT’S A GAME OF CHESS OR A HIKE. HENRY AND NIKO ARE ALSO PROUD MEMBERS OF THE CUB SCOUTS AND PARTICIPATE IN ANY AND ALL SCOUTING ACTIVITIES.

Name three things that are helping your family get through the pandemic.

For getting through the pandemic: video games, family, a schedule or routine, and reading. When the weather is nice we play tennis, bocce, croquet and other yard games after school. Spending time with my wife in a new way, like gardening or trying to learn songs she likes for the guitar. When you actually see people it’s so special, so exciting. Levelized billing for your utilities because staying at home all day gets expensive.

Please share any parenting advice or wisdom you’ve been given over the years that has stuck with you.

It sounds simple, but loving your children above everything may be the best advice. Even very young they will do things that challenge you, and it’s only love that lets you accept that. But I also think that it’s good with every relationship — marriage, parenthood, work — to not take things so personally. People always have their own reasons for doing things that are not necessarily related to you. That is hardest to follow when it comes to your child, I have discovered. I tend to take my relationship with Niko very personally.

IN THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR, the Pulaski County Special School District implemented AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) across all elementary schools and sixth and ninth grades. AVID increases student engagement while activating a deeper level of learning. This initiative emphasizes rigorous coursework and relationships.

Deborah Grimmett, AVID coordinator at Joe T. Robinson Middle School, has seen the program grow despite the ongoing adjustments caused by COVID-19 as the district aims to reach both traditional and virtual students.

“As an AVID teacher,” said Grimmett, “I get the opportunity to connect with students on a higher level.

When they have challenges in their lives - at home, with friends, or at school - AVID is often the first place they turn. Students have increased their grades in all classes, improved attendance, and become more active in their own learning!”

2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR

Students are also seeing a difference.

Sebastian Young: I joined AVID because I felt that I am not good at organization. I have gotten better at organization. It has helped with getting my work turned in. AVID is hard work but it’s going to pay off.

Jordyn Barnes: I think one of the biggest changes I’ve made is focusing more on my work and that has helped my grades this year. AVID is really fun, we play games and do a lot of group activities. If I could tell someone something about joining AVID it would be that some things will be hard but you won’t regret it.

Emily Martin: I’ve become more organized and am finishing work on time. If you need help getting your schedule together, AVID is for you. It helps you become more organized and used to doing the extra work.

AVID introduces and encourages continued education. Grimmett says her middle school students have researched colleges and had virtual guest speakers.

The class has built their eBinders and learned how to use Google Sites to stay organized.

ABOUT PCSSD

REGISTER NOW

pcssd.org/register 501.234.2000

Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 25 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.

PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.