Bear Essential News August 2020, Tucson Edition

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August 2020 • Tucson Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

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November 2018 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

In This Picture: Find a bow tie, an A+, the word HOT, a raindrop, an ice cream cone, a flower, a slice of pizza, the word FIELD TRIP, a lightning bolt and the word TEACHER.

FEATURE

NEWS

FAMILIES

NEWS

Bear's S uper S urvey! Sports Fa ns Are Ready A Tale of Two Twins Kids' Mental Health Breakfast Pops Contest & online resources pages 8, 9 & 10

Spotlight on John Lewis’ Legacy News Highlights page 5

& more news kids can use Scoops pages 7, 13 & 14

Back-to-school tips for home page 11

An easy & fun recipe Back Cover

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

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August 2020

August Is Drowning Impact Awareness Month!

Drowning is 100% preventable when following the ABC’s of Water Safety!

Fill Fill in in the the missing missing words words from from the the word word bank bank to complete the nine water safety rules. to complete the nine water safety rules.

1. ________________________ to swim.

2. Never swim _________________________ .

3. No __________________________ in shallow water.

4. No ___________________________containers around the pool.

5. Swim only in clear __________________________ and head for cover when a storm threatens.

6. No ________________________ or horesplay.

7. Keep ____________________ appliances away from the water.

8. Do not __________________ in the water to save someone in trouble; throw something to them for assistance.

9. Call 911 in case of _____________________ .

Word Bank

Active Adult Supervision • Always watch children when they are in or near ANY body of water, without being distracted • Never leave children unattended • Keep young children within arm’s length of an adult • Designate an official Water Watcher - an adult tasked with supervising children in the water

a. running b. electrical c. emergency

d. weather e. diving f. learn

Barriers • Pool fencing around pools and spas • Self-closing, selflatching gates • Teach children to never climb over the gate or fence • Install a door alarm from the house to the pool area • Keep pool and spa covers in working order

g. jump h. alone i. glass

Coast GuardApproved Life Vest & Classes • All inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest in or near all bodies of water.

• Choose a life vest that is right for your child’s weight and water activity.

• Arm floaties are toys. They are not a life-saving device and should never replace a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.

• Enroll children in swimming lessons • Take CPR classes just in case of an emergency

August 2020 •

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There’s always something fun in the pages of Bear Essential and on Bear’s website. Fill out the survey in this month’s feature (pages 8 & 9) and complete the entry form on page 10 for a chance to win!

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August 2020

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News Highlights

Sports Adjust, Athletes Return to Action There are few aspects of our lives that haven’t been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and sports are no exception.

The spotlight is on football as the NFL figures out how to safely play this season. While football has its own challenges being a contact sport, there are models for how other sports have restarted their seasons.

Some athletes have OPTED not to play this season due to safety concerns, but many of our favorite players are back in action.

Golf was the first sport to resume as the PGA returned on June 11 with 350-plus players, caddies and other personnel traveling around the country.

The WNBA returned to action on July 24, and the NBA resumed their season on July 30. The NBA created a bubble: all of the teams playing this season, 22 of them, are living in hotels at Walt Disney World and playing their games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

This follows the model of Major League Soccer which returned to action on July 8 with a 54-game tournament being held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

The National Hockey League returned on Aug. 1 with 24 teams competing for the Stanley Cup. Similar to the NBA, the NHL is trying to limit players’ expo-

sure to the virus by limiting travel. All of the remaining NHL games this season will be played without fans in attendance in two cities: Toronto and Edmonton.

Major League BaseDr. Fauci baseball trading card ball returned at the end of July as well for a 60-game season plus playoffs. Unfortunately, as soon as the season started, there was a major bump in the road as more than 15 players from the Miami Marlins tested positive for COVID-19, leading to a quarantine of the team and a delay of several games.

While baseball fans can’t attend games this season, one team got creative about filling their stadium.

The Oakland Athletics has an option for individuals to upload a photo and pay for a cutout of themselves or their favorite furry friend to fill a seat at the Coliseum!

Little Red Panda’s Really Big Adventure Kora, a 19-pound red panda at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, was reported missing on the morning of July 22. News outlets across the country reported the story, and the zoo told people that Kora was not a threat to the public because red pandas are gentle NOCTURNAL creatures. Kora’s keepers noted that she was also quite shy and easily spooked, so they were anxious to get her home safely.

In the late afternoon of July 23, two guests at the zoo spotted Kora in some dense foliage. After the guests reported the sighting to zoo staff, a team of animal health care experts quickly arrived. Unfortunately, Kora wasn’t quite ready for her adventure to end and climbed high into a nearby tree.

The zoo staff tried to coax Kora down from the tree with her favorite treats. When that didn’t work, they brought her two cubs to the area. Kora moved toward

the cubs and responded to their noises, but she wasn’t ready to go home just yet.

The zoo staff decided the safest decision was to tranquilize her and catch her in a net after she fell asleep and fell from the tree. She was safely returned to her habitat and reunited with her cubs. While she hadn’t traveled far within the zoo, it was certainly an exciting couple of days for her!

As for how Kora found her way out of her enclosure, zoo officials can only guess. There were strong storms the night before Kora was reported missing, and zoo officials said the storms may have caused the tree branches to bend in a way that gave Kora a path out of her home.

In the wild, red pandas live in central and southwest Asia and share their bamboo forests with giant pandas. However, red pandas aren’t pandas at all!

They actually belong to their own unique family. Red pandas are endangered, largely because of deforestation and habitat loss.

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Civil Rights Leader John Lewis Honored America honored one of its greatest Civil Rights leaders last month after U.S. Rep. John Lewis lost his six-month battle with cancer on July 17. He was 80.

Lewis dedicated his life to peacefully pursuing equal rights for Americans and fighting discrimination. As a young man growing up in the SEGREGATED South, he became a leader in the Civil Rights Movement of the early 1960s, standing beside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and writing and delivering some famous speeches during historic protests.

As he marched with thousands and thousands of protesters, Lewis suffered beatings by the police and was arrested several times.

Courageously, he continued to lead peaceful protests to fight things like segregation and unfair voting laws that prevented many Black Rep. John Lewis FACTS: • Born Feb. 21, 1940, Alabama • Became a leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the ’60s • Elected to Atlanta City Council in 1981 • Elected U.S. Representative for Georgia in 1986

people from voting. Segregation in the United States was racially based and affected things like where African Americans could live, the medical care they could receive, how they could use public transportation, and the education they received.

“You must find a way to get in the way,” Lewis said in a famous 2014 college graduation speech. “You must find a way to get in trouble—good trouble, necessary trouble.”

The American Civil Rights hero didn’t stop when segregation came to an end and the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Lewis helped millions of people register to vote. In 1986 he became a Congressman representing Georgia in his fight for equality.

Since his passing, Lewis has been honored in many ways. On July 26, his flagdraped coffin was carried by horse-drawn wagon over the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Alabama, the site where he had nearly lost his life at the hands of state troopers.

In Washington, D.C., his body lay in state under the Capitol dome for two days before being taken to Atlanta for his funeral services, where three former presidents spoke.

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August 2020

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News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

A Tale of Two Twins—for National Twin Day! Maximus, the older twin (by minutes!)

Sophia, the younger twin

by Reporter Maximus Bradley, Sonoran Science Academy East

by Reporter Sophia Bradley, Sonoran Science Academy East As we get a little bigger we understand how interesting it is to be a twin and how lucky we are! I am actually the youngest in our family. Max was born 2 minutes before I was.

What is good about being a twin is that Max and I get silly together a lot, and everything is funny. We also protect each other if bullied and encourage each other in difficult situations. If Max or I are angry or sad, we can cheer each other up, and we are never lonely or without someone our age to play with, and we swim together almost every day.

Basically, we are never really alone, but we are different in many ways.

I have hazel eyes, and Max’s are blue. I prefer vegetables and bread products while Max would rather have meat....although he loves tomatoes and I can’t eat those things. He likes math and I enjoy reading. I am very outgoing, while Max takes more time to get to know.

The only minuses of being twins are that we like a lot of the same toys and if you take something and forget to ask or forget it isn’t yours there is an argument. Sometimes, my twin will get mad and we wrestle or we just stay mad at each other. But the BEST part….when someone asks me if my brother and I are identical or fraternal…..um….

We can tell you what’s good about being a twin: What’s good about being a twin is that you always have a person to play with. And when you are lonely your twin can help you. And when you are sad, your twin can help cheer you up.

What’s bad about being a twin: What’s bad about being a twin is that when you want to be alone and your twin does not, it turns into an argument.

(National Twins Day happens the first weekend of August.

See another Young Reporters’ twins story on page 14.)

Goal Is Set: Building a Personal Computer

by Reporter Harrison Arden, Mansfeld Middle Magnet School I‘m saving money because I want to build a Personal Computer. I’m going to need one for school projects that require educational websites. Another reason I want a PC is because I want to play video games with my friends, and watch YouTube videos, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

The PC I want needs several necessary parts.

It would contain a graphics card which would cost about $150–200 (for a good quality one) and RAM, which would cost approximately $100 for 16 gigabites. It would also need a motherboard, which would cost about $120. I could buy other parts like fans, the processor and the case from my brother for cheaper than they would cost on

Ebay or Amazon.

The reason I want to build my PC is because it will be less expensive than getting one already built. Also, my brother has experience building computers so he can help me build mine. In addition, I read a library book about how and what you need to build a PC. Another expense would be a monitor costing about $200. So adding every cost of each thing, plus accessories, it would cost about $800.

So far I’m only at about $150 and I have been saving for about six months. I could just keep saving for about two years or I could earn money by dog walking, babysitting and entering competitions and get to my goal much quicker.

Math Festival Goes Online

by Reporter Rori L. Divijak, Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 Recently I was able to attend the first Chief Science Officer (CSO) Math Festival. CSO Sahiba helped to plan the event and presented to those in attendance.

Students were able to select two 45-minute breakout sessions to attend in addition to being a part of the general session for everyone. The available sessions included: Interactive Math Problems, Problem Solving Strategies, Math Theory, and Math in Real Life.

I attended the problem solving session where we

2 C

E=M

looked at a geometric problem with a large and many small squares. Using the information we were provided about the length of several sides, we worked together to identify the lengths of all sides in order to find the area of the larger square.

During the second session, Math Theory, participants visited Square Land. In Square Land we explored how many small squares we could cut from a big square.

MORE MATH FESTIVAL, page 13 ➧

Plastics Pollute Our Oceans

by Reporter Elizabeth Gleeson Legacy Traditional NW Every second tons of carbon dioxide is released into the air. Every minute, one garbage truck full of plastic is discarded into the oceans. Every day the average American produces 4–5 pounds of trash.

We need to stop the pollution before it destroys our beautiful planet. We need to act now! You can start by riding your bike to school or work, turning off lights when not in use and using less hot water.

We are also polluting our oceans.

MORE OCEANS, page 14 ➧

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August 2020

NOW

August 2020

Trending...

T

ell us what you think! We want to know what’s trending with you!

This is your chance to share what school looks like for you these days, how you are feeling, and what things you miss.

We also want to know what you look forward to seeing in the pages of Bear Essential each month, and what you would like to see in future issues. Fill out the survey, send it in, and you might win a great prize!

3.

7.

What’s your go-to physical activity that’s a welcome break from being on the computer or other electronic device?

• Playing outside

• Dancing

Since face masks will be required at school, do you plan on wearing one with a design, or superhero or just a regular mask?

• Online (remote) Learning ______________________________

4.

Overall, what are two of your favorite parts of Bear Essential News?

• News Highlights & In the Spotlight

• Home School _____________________________________________

• The main feature

• Go to a School In Person ___________________________________

• Scoops! stories written by Young Reporters

Virtual teaching &

learning is the “N

ew Normal” for no

• The front cover Seek ’N Find

2.

Did you attend school in person before they were shut down due to the coronavirus?

• Yes

• No

If Yes, what did you miss the most?

• Friends • Teachers • Recess • Afterschool Clubs • Lunch • Sports • Other: __________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

w.

• The activities • Other: _____________________________________

5.

Write down a topic you’d like Bear to cover or a regular column you’d like to see added to the pages of Bear Essential News:

________________________________________________

6.

As you continue to learn remotely or home school, how supported do you feel by your family?

• I feel well-supported.

• I feel somewhat supported.

• I don’t feel supported much at all

Page 9

If you haven’t yet explored the new online STEM Resource Directory SciTech Institute recently developed to help parents find quality educational resources and support students learning at home, then you don’t know what you’re missing. The Resource Directory is a comprehensive catalog that compiles STEM-related educational opportunities and activities from hundreds of leading local and national organizations in a single place, organized clearly by audience and topic.

Parents have had to adjust to a new normal of both working at home while also being teachers for their children who are learning remotely. As these last days of summer come to an end and we embark on another school year, SciTech Institute’s free online Resource Directory provides quality, vetted resources to support online learning and to help meet parent, teacher and student needs.

The directory offers families access to a wealth of engaging and interactive content in an easy-to-navigate format that is fun to search and explore.

• Riding a bike

10.

shutterstock.com

1.

• Other: __________________________

• Swimming

Take Boomer Bear’s Super Survey!

BEAR 40 YEARS

Find out What’s Trending in SciTech Institute’s New STEM Resource Directory.

This comprehensive guide helps parents keep children engaged with learning

_________________________________

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

For the time being, would you prefer to do school remotely (online learning), be home schooled or go to school in person? Please give a few of your reasons why!

•

Another Boring Afternoon—Not!

Students around the country are finally heading back to school—some virtually, and some back into the classroom! BEAR wants to know how kids in Arizona are feeling about the upcoming changes.

8.

What’s something you’re looking forward to learning about this school year or are passionate about?

Also explain why.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

9.

Check out five of SciTech Institute’s favorite featured resources of the month:

What is one thing you can try to do to make sure that you don’t fall behind in your classes this year?

_____________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

If you have a new teacher(s) this year, what is something you’d like to know about this person?

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

1

2

See next page for Contest Entry Instructions and, watch for the Survey Results in the September issue of Bear!

50 Easy Science Experiments

Kids Can Do at Home With Stuff You Already Have You don’t need special equipment or a Ph.D. to get kids excited about science. These easy science experiments are a snap to pull together, using household items you already have on-hand. Let the learning—and fun—begin! (As always, take proper safety precautions and provide adult supervision as needed.) https://www.weareteachers.com/ easy-science-experiments/

Space Station Explorers

A community of educators, learners and organizations that make STEM learning fun and exciting through connections with the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab. We collaborate with many partners on innovative programs and resources for K–12 students, educators and the public, including opportunities to design experiments to launch to space! https://www.spacestationexplorers.org/

See more resources and Contest on next page!

shutterstock.com

Page 8

BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2020

NOW

August 2020

Trending...

T

ell us what you think! We want to know what’s trending with you!

This is your chance to share what school looks like for you these days, how you are feeling, and what things you miss.

We also want to know what you look forward to seeing in the pages of Bear Essential each month, and what you would like to see in future issues. Fill out the survey, send it in, and you might win a great prize!

3.

7.

What’s your go-to physical activity that’s a welcome break from being on the computer or other electronic device?

• Playing outside

• Dancing

Since face masks will be required at school, do you plan on wearing one with a design, or superhero or just a regular mask?

• Online (remote) Learning ______________________________

4.

Overall, what are two of your favorite parts of Bear Essential News?

• News Highlights & In the Spotlight

• Home School _____________________________________________

• The main feature

• Go to a School In Person ___________________________________

• Scoops! stories written by Young Reporters

Virtual teaching &

learning is the “N

ew Normal” for no

• The front cover Seek ’N Find

2.

Did you attend school in person before they were shut down due to the coronavirus?

• Yes

• No

If Yes, what did you miss the most?

• Friends • Teachers • Recess • Afterschool Clubs • Lunch • Sports • Other: __________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

w.

• The activities • Other: _____________________________________

5.

Write down a topic you’d like Bear to cover or a regular column you’d like to see added to the pages of Bear Essential News:

________________________________________________

6.

As you continue to learn remotely or home school, how supported do you feel by your family?

• I feel well-supported.

• I feel somewhat supported.

• I don’t feel supported much at all

Page 9

If you haven’t yet explored the new online STEM Resource Directory SciTech Institute recently developed to help parents find quality educational resources and support students learning at home, then you don’t know what you’re missing. The Resource Directory is a comprehensive catalog that compiles STEM-related educational opportunities and activities from hundreds of leading local and national organizations in a single place, organized clearly by audience and topic.

Parents have had to adjust to a new normal of both working at home while also being teachers for their children who are learning remotely. As these last days of summer come to an end and we embark on another school year, SciTech Institute’s free online Resource Directory provides quality, vetted resources to support online learning and to help meet parent, teacher and student needs.

The directory offers families access to a wealth of engaging and interactive content in an easy-to-navigate format that is fun to search and explore.

• Riding a bike

10.

shutterstock.com

1.

• Other: __________________________

• Swimming

Take Boomer Bear’s Super Survey!

BEAR 40 YEARS

Find out What’s Trending in SciTech Institute’s New STEM Resource Directory.

This comprehensive guide helps parents keep children engaged with learning

_________________________________

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

For the time being, would you prefer to do school remotely (online learning), be home schooled or go to school in person? Please give a few of your reasons why!

•

Another Boring Afternoon—Not!

Students around the country are finally heading back to school—some virtually, and some back into the classroom! BEAR wants to know how kids in Arizona are feeling about the upcoming changes.

8.

What’s something you’re looking forward to learning about this school year or are passionate about?

Also explain why.

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

9.

Check out five of SciTech Institute’s favorite featured resources of the month:

What is one thing you can try to do to make sure that you don’t fall behind in your classes this year?

_____________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

If you have a new teacher(s) this year, what is something you’d like to know about this person?

_________________________________

_________________________________

_________________________________

1

2

See next page for Contest Entry Instructions and, watch for the Survey Results in the September issue of Bear!

50 Easy Science Experiments

Kids Can Do at Home With Stuff You Already Have You don’t need special equipment or a Ph.D. to get kids excited about science. These easy science experiments are a snap to pull together, using household items you already have on-hand. Let the learning—and fun—begin! (As always, take proper safety precautions and provide adult supervision as needed.) https://www.weareteachers.com/ easy-science-experiments/

Space Station Explorers

A community of educators, learners and organizations that make STEM learning fun and exciting through connections with the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab. We collaborate with many partners on innovative programs and resources for K–12 students, educators and the public, including opportunities to design experiments to launch to space! https://www.spacestationexplorers.org/

See more resources and Contest on next page!

shutterstock.com

Page 8

10

BEAR 40 YEARS

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August 2020

Another Boring Afternoon—Not! SciTech Institute’s favorite featured resources continued from Feature:

3 4

Wide Open School

Wide Open School is a free and open collection of online learning activities for PreK-12th grade students and families. The website is created by Common Sense Media, with input from education, media and technology partners. Wide Open School is an easy-to-navigate hub of resources that will be invaluable to teachers, students and families. https://wideopenschool.org/

Freeport-McMoRan’s Dig Into Mining: The Story of Copper – From Ore to More Virtual Lab Get a behind-the-scenes look at a working copper mine in Arizona and hear from different professionals to learn about their role in the mining process, from mine planning to reclamation. Explore the incredible technology, equipment and chemistry at work and show your students an exclusive look at the careers inside the copper industry. https://www.digintomining.com/virtualfieldtrips/archive

5

Wonderopolis

Let natural curiosity and imagination lead to exploration and discovery in learners of all ages. Each day, find an intriguing question—the Wonder of the Day®—and explore it in a variety of ways. https://wonderopolis.org/

Be sure to take advantage of SciTech Institute’s STEM Resource Directory to enhance online learning. With this tool, students can continue to explore, connect, and build their skills and knowledge, all while having fun with STEM. https://scitechinstitute.org/resources

SciTech Institute is dedicated to enhancing and promoting STEM awareness and engagement in Arizona and beyond.

The organization strives to make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) accessible to all.

Send in your completed survey, and !

KIDS Enter to WIN some Really Fun Prizes!

Robo Blox

Get ready for some fun and games from Bear Essential News!

Just complete the Survey on pages 8 & 9, fill out the entry form and send it all to the address at the bottom of this page.

Good luck!

Simple Machines age group 10 to 11

age group 12 to 14

Super Survey & Game Entry Form Classic Jenga age group 6 to 7

Name: ______________________________ Age: _____ Email: ________________________________________ City: ________________________ ZIP: _____________ Tel: __________________________________________

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Parent Signature: _______________________________ DEADLINE—Entries must be received by Sept. 4 2020 Winners will be chosen by random drawing in September.

Send your completed survey & contest entry form to: Bear Essential News • 2525 E. Broadway Blvd. • Suite #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716

August 2020 •

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Mental Health Tips as You Learn from Home!

I

t’s a new school year—well, sort of! With the coronavirus continuing to ALTER school plans, families will face new challenges. So Bear Essential News asked its friends at Cathexis, a psychotherapy agency and group practice, for a few tips on ways to adapt and to be resilient.

Tim Mills is the clinical director of Cathexis. “One of the challenges with…the pandemic is the lack of stability that we’ve had. There are routines that we had like going to school and parents going to work. All of that’s suspended,” he says.

Taking care of our mental health is something we all should be doing—especially doing PROACTIVE things.

What is meant when we talk about mental health? “Mental health is the ability to be happy during the day and enjoy your time and not worry about things,” Mills explains.

Staying positive even when things aren’t perfect is a good example parents can set for their kids. Parents having a good, positive attitude toward online learning can help as can modeling resilience. And maintaining communication between a kid and the parent is important, too.

Many kids thrive when they have routines to follow, like breaks for fun physical activities (like dancing, sports or playing tag), having family meals together and a set bedtime. Knowing what’s expected of them throughout the day also can help.

“Parents, don’t forget to help your children get physical exercise!” Mills encourages. “Our brains are part of our bodies, and if you exercise, it helps us get the energy that we need. And it gives kids a sense that things are going to be OK— that things are normal rather than being cooped up in the room.”

Images: shutterstock.com

Still our new normal comes with stressors and circumstances that can work against our mental health.

The uncertainty swirling about because of the virus can lead to anxiety— “when you don’t know what’s going to happen and you worry about something bad,” Mills describes it. He calls this an anxious time and suggests parents unplug from the news a bit. Enjoy some family fun time instead, “play board games with your family or do a puzzle together!” he suggests.

Depression is also a common mental health issue that affects children, teens and adults. “It’s when you feel sad most of the time—when you don’t want to get out of bed; you don’t want to do much of anything; you feel like you don’t have any energy,” Mills describes. “Everybody can feel sad at times. But when that becomes feeling that way more often than not, then it’s time to ask for help.”

If you’re feeling like something is not quite right, are worried or sad or irritable, it’s important to turn to a trusted adult—a parent, teacher, school Helpful References: counselor or even a big sister or National Suicide Prevention: brother.

1-800-273-8255 Kids might start The Calm App can help with having more physical problems like anxiety and worry: stomachaches and headaches, too! https://www.calm.com/ Parents should “ask their child if they’re OK—ask them how they’re feeling,” Talkspace online therapy: https://www.talkspace.com/ Mills says. “Be curious about what your child is experiencing.”

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Not valid for groups or day care providers.

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www.skatecountry.com • 298-4409 • 7980 E. 22nd St. Volume 41 • Issue 12

Editor & Publisher

Sales Director & Publisher

Stephen B Gin

Nancy Holmes

City Editor

YR Coordinator

Copy Editor

Art Director

Mike Loghry

Gary Shepard

Renee Griffith

Julie Madden

Bear Essential News for Kids®

is published monthly by Kids’ View Communications Corp. to educate, enrich and entertain children and their families. Content of this newspaper is designed to promote reading and writing skills as well as creativity.

Classroom educators are welcome to reproduce any portion of this newspaper for their students.

Call or fax Kids’ View Communications for any additional information on stories.

Please Call (520)

792-9930 for any editorial or advertising inquiries.

©2020 Kids’ View Communications Corp.—all rights reserved • 2525 E. Broadway #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 Fax# (480) 792-2580 • Bear Essential News is distributed free each month.

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Arizona Education Association

12

BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2020

Teacher Month

Making teachers smile!

Dr. JAW Orthodontists wants to thank all teachers for their commitment, hard work and dedication in these challenging times.

Have a great school year!

of the

James A. Weaver D.D.S., M.S. Laura Robinson-Rabe D.M.D., M.S. Kyle Rabe D.D.S., M.S.

Dr. JAW Orthodontists and Bear Essential News would like to congratulate the outstanding educators recognized as Teachers of the Month during the 2019–20 school year!

Thanks again to all the students, parents and others who nominated an outstanding teacher from Southern Arizona last school year.

A BIG thank you to all teachers for your flexibility, persistence and commitment to learning!

Elyse Greenberg Donaldson Elementary

Elizabeth Valenzuela Wheeler Elementary

Paul Pierce Acacia Elementary

Brittany Camden Gale Elementary Last school year did not end the way anyone expected. Many teachers had only days to convert their in-person lessons into online classes. In these trying times, teachers are working hard to keep students learning—at home, online or in the classroom.

Kristin Breinlinger Sycamore Elementary

Joanne Grove Tanque Verde Elementary

Patrick Brennan White Elementary

It is a whole new world for school administrators and staff, too.

Schools are changing the ways they do things to keep everyone safe. School will look very different this fall, but with patience, determination and enthusiasm, it can be a great year!

Bear Essential News would like to say a BIG Thank You to Dr. JAW Orthodontics for all their support over the years!

They have helped BEAR and it’s readers to be introduced to the diverse and wonderfully talented teachers that our community is honored to call our “Teachers of the Month.”

Thank You.

August 2020 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

B

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 7

Enjoy Harry Potter at Home

by Reporter Abigail Hernandez Arizona Virtual Academy This school year, a lot of us may have extra time on our hands, and why not use it to expand our minds? In late May, J.K. Rowling and Wizarding World released a new podcast, Harry Potter at Home.

Harry Potter at Home features cast members from the Harry Potter movies, the Fantastic Beast cast, the Cursed Child cast, and other actors. Each podcast is a new chapter, and it’s fun to hear the voices of the actors pretend to make the voice of the characters. I started listening to it in early June, and it’s AMAZING! My favorite chapters are “The Sorting Hat, Halloween, and The Boy who Lived.”

Not only does the Harry Potter at Home have podcasts, but the Wizarding World Website releases quizzes, games, and even crafts for each chapter. As a Harry Potter fan, I really like the crafts. Also, with your parent’s permission, you can make an account and take quizzes by J.K. Rowling on the site. The Wizarding Passport features your Hogwarts house (mine’s Slytherin), your wand, and your patronus. To check it out, visit www.wizardingworld.com/ collections/harry-potter-at-home.

The podcast is available on Iheart Radio app, Spotify, and Audible.

If you like Harry Potter like me, the podcast is a great resource for you and your family to dive back into the magical pages of the Harry Potter books.

Reporter Meeting Goes Virtual

by Reporter Madison Divijak, Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 In July, my sisters and I participated in the first ever virtual Bear Essential News Young Reporter meeting with reporters from Tucson and Phoenix. The Zoom meeting was facilitated

by Bear Essential News staff members.

First, we were asked to introduce ourselves and share something special with one another during Show and Tell. Next, we discussed some of our story ideas with one another.

Last but not least, we talked about what we were doing during our time at home during COVID-19 before saying our goodbyes. It was fun to be part of something new and different, and to be a Young Reporter for Bear Essential News.

More Math Festival We also identified how to divide the square into an odd number of parts.

Following the breakout rooms we were introduced to three special guests.

The first was Mark Sal, a senior scholar. He discussed the importance of math and how we have the ability to learn as much as we can with focus and effort.

Next, Brian May shared how numbers are utilized in marketing. May is so skilled that he does not use a calculator, instead he solves problems mentally.

The last presenter, Scott Flansburg, is known as the human calculator— he is in the Guinness Book of World Records. He shared how he practiced numbers a lot as a child. Flansburg memorized calendar patterns and can tell you the day your birthday will be on within seconds of learning your birth date.

He also highlighted his skills by counting by 17s as easily as we count by twos.

I love math and had a great time attending the Math Festival. I recommend it for anyone who loves math.

MORE SCOOPS, page 14 ➧

BEAR 40 YEARS

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

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www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2020

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 7

Twins Celebrate Together

by Reporters Ellie and Madison Divijak Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 National Twins Days 2020 happened Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 9. This event occurs on the first full weekend in August each year.

Being a twin is special because you have someone that understands you.

Your twin gets you through hard times and is always there by your side to help you, no matter what.

Another special part that we love about being twins is that we get to share special moments together, like our birthdays (even though Ellie is nine minutes older!)

For us, our twin sister is our built in BFF. We always have each other to share things with, and to help with homework.

On the Road Back to School

by Reporter Tegan McCarthy, Sahuarita Middle School Most of us usually start school in the early days of August, but as you know, the coronavirus has changed schedules.

Despite this, we still must be ready for our first day back.

Whether we homeschool or go back to brick and mortar, we still need school supplies.

Don’t share you supplies or your mask. That’s a one-way ticket to Covid with a 14-day isolation without any contact.

This year, masks count as school supplies unless you plan on homeschooling. Masks are said to protect you and others from obtaining the virus. No flinging them, sharing them or horseplay. This could get you infected; yes the very thing essential workers are trying to fight off.

Sadly you must keep a 6-foot distance from everyone including your friends. This is only so we stay safe. Try not to hug your friends this year. Well, an air hug is fine so air hugs are okay.

This school year might be tough, but remember we are all in this together!

Follow the rules and stay healthy!

More Oceans

continued from page 7

Sea turtles and other marine life are dying because we can’t throw away our trash in the garbage. You can help save marine life when you recycle, avoid using products containing micro beads and reduce your use of single-use plastics, like water bottles.

Our land is getting polluted every day, too. Some ways we can stop harming the land is by recycling, buying items with less packaging and not using plastic water bottles—Use refillable water bottles instead.

You and I can help save the world and us by doing the simplest things. If you want to save our planet, all you have to do is ask yourself this question...what does this product do to our planet before I use it?

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

August 2020 •

BEAR 40 YEARS

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

August 2020

Back to School with

What’s In It for YOU?

www.bearessentialnews.com

MILK!

Make a special breakfast treat for your family!

MILK helps

Calcium Vitamin D Phosphorus

helps build & maintain

Strong Teeth & Bones

Promote

Vitamin A

helps keep

G R O W T H

Breakfast Popsicles

Skin & Eyes Healthy

Protein helps build & repair

Riboflavin Pantothenic Acid

Muscle Tissue

helps

Body Use Carbs, Fats & Protein for Fuel

2 cups vanilla Greek Yogurt 1/2 cup milk 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles Combine the Greek yogurt, milk and vanilla until smooth. Add the sprinkles and stir to combine.

Pour the mixture into your popsicle molds or cups with a wooden stick.

Freeze for at least 6 hours.

Enjoy!

Vitamin B12

Niacin Used in

helps with

Normal Blood Function

helps keep the

Nervous System Healthy

Energy Metabolism in the Body

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