Bear Essential News December 2019, Tucson Edition

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December December 2019 2019 •• Tucson Tucson Edition Edition •• www.bearessentialnews.com www.bearessentialnews.com

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November 2018 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

Nominate

Someone who is

DOING

G. Shepard

GOOD

in the community!

See page 3 for details In This Picture: Find a musical note, a stocking, the word KWANZAA, a dreidel, a mitten, a piñata, a Santa hat, the word JOY, a tree ornament and a gingerbread man.

FEATURE

NEWS

NEWS

FAMILIES

FUN

S eason of Lights

F loodin g in Venice!

Kids F lyin g P lanes?

A cademic G uide

Color the Monkeys

We celebrate in many ways! pages 12 & 13

Spotlight on going plastic-free News Highlights page 5

& more news kids can use!

Scoops pages 7, 10, 11, 19 & 21

Finding the best school Pages 17,18 & 20

a Reid Park Zoo activity Page 4

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

December 2019

Chef Turns to Healthy Farming in Litchfield Park

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December 2019 •

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Send Your Entry to: Both the winning nominee and nominator will be recognized at the Sustainability Solutions Festival —Sustainability Family Day event at the Arizona Science Center on Feb. 17, 2020. Plus, each will win a family 4-Pack of tickets to the Arizona Science Center for the event.

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December 2019

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December 2019 •

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B

News Highlights Photo courtesy of Allis

on Lince-Bentley/wik

imedia.org

have happened since 2000, and the week that made headlines last month brought four “exceptional” high tides.

“Having four such events in one week is unprecedented, not just because of the severity of it, but also because they have been so frequent," Dasgupta says.

Since Venice is known for floods, some people have asked why the government hasn’t found a way to be better prepared. A project was started 16 years ago to install moveable floodgates that would protect Venice from these high tides. The project has already cost more than $5 billion, and engineers have said they are trying to finish the project by the end of 2021.

Thieves Make Off with Priceless Royal Jewels DRESDEN, Germany—It’s the jewelry HEIST heard round the world! Early in the morning on Nov. 25, at least two thieves managed to break into the historic palace that houses the world famous Green Vault.

Dresden, the capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, attracts tourists worldwide who visit its many museums and enjoy the city’s ORNATE architecture, some of which dates back hundreds of years.

The Green Vault takes up two floors. On the lower level there are eight opulent display rooms of royal jewelry and other amazing objects, collected by or gifted to Augustus II the Strong of Saxony, who became the King of Poland in 1697. The king began his collection in 1723 and passed away 10 years later.

Toward the end of World War II, three of the eight display rooms were destroyed by bombs dropped

by Allied forces, including the United States. But the rooms and the rest of the palace were rebuilt, and the thousands of treasures were put back on display for the world to enjoy.

5

Small Country Has Big Plastic-Free Goal!

Floods Hit Venice!

Last month, the Italian city of Venice faced its worst flooding in more than 50 years.

In 1966, 6 feet 4 inches of water overwhelmed Venice and caused significant damage. In November, the city saw its waters rise again to 6 feet.

Flooding is not uncommon in the City of Canals.

The 53,000 residents are used to seasonal flooding, which is known as acqua alta in Italian. Unfortunately, many were not prepared for the unusually high tide that hit in November and flooded more than 80 percent of the historic city.

It left shop owners, locals, and volunteers scrambling to save everything from artwork to books before the water could damage them. The flooding also brought life to a halt as schools shut down and some supermarkets were closed. It also presented a challenge for the 30 million tourists that visit Venice each year—yes, 30 million!

Shouro Dasgupta, an environmental economist with the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change, says that while Venice has always struggled with flooding, there are records to show it is getting worse.

He says that between 1872 and 1950, there was one “exceptional” high tide—when water reached more than 4 feet 7 inches above sea level. According to Dasgupta, between 1951 and 2019 there have been 21 of these severe floods. Thirteen of those 21 events

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According to news reports, a fire broke out near the palace and knocked out power to the streetlights and perhaps the alarm system to the Green Vault on Nov. 25. At least the video surveillance system was working and showed the two thieves dressed in black entering the Jewel Room. Using what appears to be a small ax, the thieves smash through the bulletproof glass of three displays and make off with the loot.

Fortunately, the museum’s most famous piece, the 41-carat Dresden Green Diamond, is on loan to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Also, some of the pieces were stitched into the displays and couldn’t be grabbed.

The jewelry thieves still made off with several priceless pieces, including a sword with a diamond-studded handle and matching scabbard, a diamond star worn on the chest of Polish royalty and an ornate hat clasp with a very large 16-carat diamond as its main stone.

The jewels are part of Saxony’s heritage, and officials believe that if they aren’t recovered soon, the pieces might be broken apart to make selling some of the individual stones easier.

Costa Rica is a small country with very big goals: to become the first country to be plastic-free and carbon-free by 2021!

Since 2014, the country’s energy has run on 99 percent renewable sources. In 2015, Costa Rica ran for 75 consecutive days on fully renewable energy, and they did it for a consecutive 76 days the next year!

Costa Rica is a country in Central America known for its beaches and variety of wildlife. It is home to 4.9 million people and it draws in many tourists every year— those eager to see the beautiful sights the country has to offer.

Those natural resources have helped the country in its quest to use renewable energy.

Costa Rica relies on its rivers, volcanoes, and the wind and sun for its power. This includes the largest hydroelectric plant in Fact Box:

• Costa Rica contains nearly 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity • The country accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth’s surface • The National Parks and Reserves covers more than 25 percent of the country’s land • Costa Rica has a tropical climate all year

NICARAGUA COSTA RICA

Carribbean Sea

San José Pacific Ocean

PANAMA

Central America, seven wind turbine plants, a solar plant, and more!

Local officials know the value of their country’s lush rainforest and the wildlife that lives there and have been making efforts to protect their country since the 1980s. They have definitely stepped up their efforts in the last few years and made headlines for the big goals they have set for the country.

In 2017, the Costa Rican government focused on getting rid of single-use plastics by 2021. Then in 2018, Carlos Alvarado Quesada was elected as Costa Rica’s president. During his inauguration, he announced that the country’s goal was to become the world’s first carbon-free country.

“Decarbonization is the great task of our generation, and Costa Rica must be one of the first countries in the world to accomplish it, if not the first,” Alvarado Quesada said at his inauguration speech in 2018.

Costa Rica certainly has a history of living up to the environmental goals it sets, and we will all be able to see soon whether it can become carbon-free and plastic-free by 2021!

6

BEAR 40 YEARS •

December 2019

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December 2019 •

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Get the Scoop!

Wright Flight Lets Students Soar!

by Reporter Rori L. Divijak, Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 My fifth grade Gifted Education in Marana (GEM) class and I participated in a very exciting program called Wright Flight.

In Wright Flight you study about things related to flight like the Wright Brothers—who are credited with inventing planes—and a lot about planes and how they evolved. There are nine weeks worth of lessons that you study in the Wright Flight curriculum. There are also lots of facts that you have to learn in order to pass tests to be able to fly an airplane.

After you are done learning the lessons you get the chance to fly a plane. You go to an airport (Marana or Tucson International) and they give you a test. You have to answer every question correctly in order to fly an airplane.

I got to participate this year and it was very exciting. I was very nervous and then once we were in the air, it was amazing. You and one other student do a preflight check and then board the plane with a pilot.

You are able to pilot the plane with the support of your pilot for thirty minutes, and then you land and switch and the other student gets to fly for thirty minutes.

I think flying is something you will never forget and I recommend that when you get to fifth grade you ask about the Wright Flight program.

What Is the Deal with Pockets?

by Reporter Diya Bhattacharya, BASIS Oro Valley clothing for women) finally was heard when the World Pockets are such a necessity on clothes. We use Wars came around. Women were finally privileged with them to keep our hands warm, keep our phones put sensible clothes that had pockets. This only lasted for away, or anything else that is needed to be stashed a little while though. After the wars were over, pockets away for further usage. We all know pockets are disappeared as if they never came in the first place. amazing, what some of us might not know is that Women’s clothes became slimmer and we continued to women’s clothing has significantly fewer or smaller carry handbags which, back then, were called reticules. pockets than men’s clothing does.

Now I bring you into the 21st century— The issue with the size or amount of modern day. Women finally have pockets! A pockets on women’s clothing is not a recent point for the females...or is it? Are women issue. In fact, this has been a problem and men having pockets really a symbol for many years. It all starts from before of equality when women’s pockets are so the 17th century. Back then men and tiny they can barely fit their hands? If you women had to carry a small pouch which don’t believe me, believe studies that contained their belongings. However, have shown women’s jean pockets are after the 17th century men started significantly smaller than a man’s. Plus, getting pockets on their clothes while why do we have fake pockets sewn women didn’t. Instead, women had to Image courtesy: Victoria & Albert Museum into our clothes when men get huge real carry a pouch around their waist under A woman purse, or pockets in every pair of pants, khakis, or their petticoats. “reticule” from 1820 jeans they own?

By 1790 women’s pockets had Don’t misunderstand me, I love fashion. I just completely disappeared so a female’s figure think that if companies are going to create a new Iphone could be more apparent. That was the excuse paired every year which is used by men and women alike, with the fact that a woman’s husband was supposed then everyone should have an accessible place to keep to carry around her money. Apparently society deemed that phone, or any other belongings they have. On the that a women could have numerous children to take mission to gender equality we need to start small. What care of, but she can’t take care of herself. better to begin with than pockets?

The 20th century was revolutionary for females’ clothes. The Rationalist Dress Society (founded in 1891 to call for less restrictive, more comfortable and useful MORE SCOOPS, page 10 ➧

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7

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids Fostering a Pet Is Good for You & Others, too

by Reporter Ysrael Hernandez Arizona Virtual Academy Do you know what fostering a pet is?

It is when you take a pet to your home for a while, so later another family will love it forever.

Some of my friends foster cats. They have been fostering cats every fall to spring. Last year they fostered a pregnant cat. I got to meet the kittens when they were very young. They hadn’t opened their eyes yet. Some of the kittens are waiting to be adopted and some were adopted.

That inspired my sister, Zhanna, to use some of her chore money to foster a dog.

It was needing love and help. She had to foster-to-adopt because it needed an eye removed and it had a broken tail. But she adopted Bengi and will love him forever.

She fostered him from Pima Animal Care Center. PACC received a three-year grant from Maddie’s Fund to support a large foster program. You can foster pets like cats and dogs, but sometimes rabbits, too.

It is good for the pet because it gives a temporary home or a real home. It is good for PACC because it reduces crowding so other dogs or cats can come in, and it reduces food cost. It is good for the earth because cats will eat wildlife when they are loose, and dogs without homes can be dangerous. Plus, it is good for you because you will have someone to love, to be responsible for and to talk to.

Sign up to be a Reporter at

Young Reporter Night!

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(Story editing at 4:30)

Helping Others: Bring in some non-perishable food items for the Tucson Food Bank

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

December 2019

Teacher Month of the

Nominate Your Teacher!

Parents, faculty & students—let us know who you think should be in the spotlight!

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

Making teachers smile! Each month Dr. JAW Orthodontists honors our teachers for their commitment, hard work and dedication by sponsoring the Teacher of the Month column in Bear Essential News.

Teacher Believes in a Creative Approach

E

lizabeth Valenzuela has been teaching for five years, three at Wheeler Elementary. She teaches the fifth-grade GATE class.

Valenzuela is originally from Sonora, Mexico. She came to the United States when she was 10 years old. She recalls, “I didn’t really like school when I was in elementary. I felt left out because of the language barrier.”

She says that experience helps inspire her to really connect with her students. Valenzuela was nominated by student Eduardo.

“She gives me extra time on my projects if I need it. She makes school fun. I used to hate school but now I love school,” writes Eduardo.

He adds, “She makes school fly by—at the end of the day I feel like I’ve been at school for five minutes and I never want to go home. Ms. V is just the best.”

Valenzuela studied child psychology before she decided to pursue teaching as a career. “I have always been interested in how the brain works, especially in children, and in child development,” she explains.

She worries that in today’s society “we have such high expectations for children, unrealistic expectations.” She encourages her students to follow their interests, keep a growth mindset and be creative.

Valenzuela says her GATE students are great at

self direction. She provides the materials, and they explore topics and make connections.

“I love that I’m able to pose a question, and they (respond with enthusiasm) and creativity,” she says. “As an adult, our creativity spark gets diminished over the years.”

The sciences are very creative, she believes, as ingenuity can be found in making things or in solving problems.

Valenzuela has her own creative spark. She was a photographer for a long time, she explains. She worked in a studio, and at weddings and fashion events.

These days, Valenzuela likes to ski, climb, do yoga and meditate. She also loves to travel. She has a goal to visit every National Park. She has been to 11 so far, and says her favorite one, to date, is Joshua Tree National Park in California.

The reason she likes Joshua Tree is “because it looks so alien—like you’re on Mars.”

Parents, faculty & students—let us know who you think should be in the spotlight!

Teacher name: _______________________ School: _____________________________ Your name: __________________________ Grade: ______ Phone: _________________ email: ______________________________ Why is your teacher great? ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Send your nomination to Bear Essential/Teacher of the Month 2525 E. Broadway #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 or submit by email to renee@bearessentialnews.com or at bearessentialnews.com under TEACHERS tab

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

December 2019 •

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Get the Scoop!

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Holsum Bakery Outlet Is Great

by Reporter Madison Hernandez, Arizona Virtual Academy The Tucson Holsum Bakery Outlet store is a great place to buy food, especially bread. You can get a loaf for 99 cents! You also can get a free one for every $6 you spend. There are specialty breads for $2–3. There are also a whole lot of sweets.

The bread is not the only thing that makes the store great—it’s also sustainable. The store improved its waste and recycling program to increase internal support, identify new recycling opportunities, and share best practices. Also, the store sells products in 100 percent recyclable bread bags. They have a goal of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, and having zero waste in the landfill by 2025.

The Holsum Company was bought by Flower Foods. Our local Holsum Bakery Outlet is located at 2801 S. 4th Ave. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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December 2019 •

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AWANA Is Bible Study for Kids

by Reporter Ellie L. Divijak, Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 Do you want to know more about Jesus and have fun too? If you do, then you should go to AWANA. AWANA is a very fun place because you get to learn about the Bible and you also participate in fun outdoor games each week. You may wonder what AWANA means well, it means Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. My favorite part about AWANA is that you get to know more about God and you get to say Bible verses that you memorize each week. For example, a verse I know by heart is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

AWANA is for kids from ages 2–18. Young kids are Puggles, then you become a Cubby, Sparky, and T&T. Middle and high school students participate in Trek and Journey programs. If you want to know more check out www.awana.org.

Comic Writer Loves Batman

by Reporter Maximus Bradley Sonoran Science Academy East Have you ever read the comics “Kingdom Come” or “Superman: Birthright”? Maybe the popular titles Daredevil, Fantastic Four, Flash or Justice League? If you have, then you have read the works of Mark Waid, who I interviewed at Tucson Comic-Con 2019!

I learned that when Waid grew up, he loved Batman. It was everything to him, and was what made him want to be a writer for comic books. His favorite comic he has done is “Superman: Birthright.” He has written about 2,000 comics so far, but says he will make more before he runs out of steam.

Waid says his comic books are mostly about hope and the idea that if you are kind and patient, it is a big deal in this world. He says making comic books is a job like any job, but he likes it.

Maximus & Waid

MORE COMIC-CON STORIES, page 21 ➧

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Page 12

BEAR 40 YEARS

www.bearessentialnews.com

• December 2019

Favorite Family

The first candy canes were probably made in Germany during the late 17th century, when sugar stick treats were popular.

Holiday Traditions!

Children carry candles and walk through the streets singing, seeking shelter for the night. Some may be dressed like angels. Two people may dress as Mary and Joseph, or a group might carry figures of the Holy couple as they reenact the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

This traditional procession is called “Las Posadas,” and it takes place from Dec. 16 until Noche Buena, the Holy Night, on Dec. 24. Children normally lead the procession, with musicians and others joining in the group.

Posada is the Spanish word for inn. Houses in a neighborhood act as inns, and the innkeepers turn away the pilgrims, or peregrinos, until finally one grants them admittance. The children sing traditional carols to ask for shelter, and the residents of the homes RESPOND in song. When Mary and Joseph finally find a resting place, everyone is invited in for a party with more music and a piñata.

The tradition of Las Posadas began in Mexico in the 1500s. In some communities, the procession occurs for nine nights until Mary and Joseph find lodging on Dec. 24. In other places, communities may choose one night to reenact the journey. Presents are not usually given in December, but are exchanged on Jan. 6 on the Day of the Holy Kings or Three Kings’ Day. Photo credit: Renee Bracamonte

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that usually occurs in December but sometimes falls in late November. The holiday dates back to 162 B.C., when the Syrian King Antiochus IV ordered an altar to be placed in the Temple of Jerusalem. He was trying to get the Jewish people to make sacrifices to his gods.

Judah Maccabee and his sons led a successful rebellion. The Temple was cleansed and a new altar was dedicated. According to Judaic history, only a limited amount of oil was available for relighting the perpetual lamp. Miraculously, it lasted for eight days.

Hanukkah came to be known as the Feast of Lights and the Feast of Dedication.

A menorah (eight-branched candlestick) is lighted— one candle on the first evening, and then one each

What Is Kwanzaa?

Gung Hay Fat Choi!

Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili, the common language of East Africa. But the celebration started here in the United States!

After the terribly destructive Watts riots in Los Angeles in August of 1965, Professor Maulana Karenga of Cal State University created Kwanzaa to bring the African-American community together.

Celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, Kwanzaa is a time to renew community ties, to celebrate family unity and to reconnect with African heritage. Songs, dances, drums, storytelling and poetry make this time special.

A candleholder called the Kinara displays three red candles, three green candles and a black candle in the middle. A child usually lights the candles, marking the days.

Each day of Kwanzaa stands for a different principle: Unity, Selfdetermination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. On the final day, celebrants put on a communitywide feast called Karamu, during which children receive gifts and elders are honored.

This year’s theme is “Living Kwanzaa and the Seven Principles: An All-Seasons Celebration and Practice of the Good.”

Also called the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is the most important of traditional Chinese celebrations. And celebrate the Chinese do (along with many neighboring countries) with bright decorations, presents, festive food, new clothing, fireworks and even a dragon or lion dance.

The new year is determined according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar and is marked by the second new moon after the winter solstice. For

Greensboro Pu

blic Library

Wishing You Great Happiness & Prosperity (for the Chinese New Year)

Photo credit:

Las Posadas Fills Streets with Candles, Songs

•

BEAR 40 YEARS

Page 13

8 Candles for Hanukkah!

Image: shutterstock.com

Thereʼs a chill in the air, and darkness comes early.

Fortunately, there are many celebrations to brighten things up this time of year. From Christmas to Kwanzaa, from Hanukkah to Chinese New Year, these festivities warm up the season and fill it with color and light!

December 2019

Light the Lamps for Diwali Thousands of candles, lamps and tiny lights ADORN roofs and windows. Houses are sparkling clean. Children are up early (at 3 a.m.!), bathed and dressed in their best clothes.

It must be Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights!

On this day, celebrated in India, Nepal and many other places, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, enters homes that are bright and pure bringing with her good fortune. It is also the celebration of the victory of good over evil (light over dark). Different stories are told, but one of the most important is that of Prince Rama’s defeat of Ravana, the 10-headed king of Lanka.

Rama rescues his wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon king and brings her home to Ayodhya, where the people welcome them by decorating the city with tiny “diyas” or lamps.

Diwali (short for the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” meaning row of lights) falls on a new moon in October or November. This year it was Oct. 27. It will be on Nov. 14 in 2020.

night of the festival. This year it begins on Dec. 22.

Hanukkah is celebrated with gifts, plays, games and meals featuring latkes (potato pancakes).

Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the lunar year, near the winter solstice.

2020, Chinese New Year starts on Jan. 25, and it is going to be the Year of the Rat! The celebrations start on the first day and continue for 15 days. Itʼs a time to forget old grudges and to wish everyone a happy and PROSPEROUS year. Red is the color associated with good fortune, and adults give kids money in small red envelopes for the new year.

Families also do a thorough house cleaning to sweep out the bad luck and make room for the good luck the new year will bring. People hang red paper decorations and positive words around doors and windows. Celebrations end on the 15th day with whatʼs called the Lantern Festival, during which children visit the temples with paper lanterns and try to solve riddles written on the lanterns.

Bake up a Fun Holiday Tradition with Boomer!

Color the Artwork!

Page 12

BEAR 40 YEARS

www.bearessentialnews.com

• December 2019

Favorite Family

The first candy canes were probably made in Germany during the late 17th century, when sugar stick treats were popular.

Holiday Traditions!

Children carry candles and walk through the streets singing, seeking shelter for the night. Some may be dressed like angels. Two people may dress as Mary and Joseph, or a group might carry figures of the Holy couple as they reenact the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

This traditional procession is called “Las Posadas,” and it takes place from Dec. 16 until Noche Buena, the Holy Night, on Dec. 24. Children normally lead the procession, with musicians and others joining in the group.

Posada is the Spanish word for inn. Houses in a neighborhood act as inns, and the innkeepers turn away the pilgrims, or peregrinos, until finally one grants them admittance. The children sing traditional carols to ask for shelter, and the residents of the homes RESPOND in song. When Mary and Joseph finally find a resting place, everyone is invited in for a party with more music and a piñata.

The tradition of Las Posadas began in Mexico in the 1500s. In some communities, the procession occurs for nine nights until Mary and Joseph find lodging on Dec. 24. In other places, communities may choose one night to reenact the journey. Presents are not usually given in December, but are exchanged on Jan. 6 on the Day of the Holy Kings or Three Kings’ Day. Photo credit: Renee Bracamonte

Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival that usually occurs in December but sometimes falls in late November. The holiday dates back to 162 B.C., when the Syrian King Antiochus IV ordered an altar to be placed in the Temple of Jerusalem. He was trying to get the Jewish people to make sacrifices to his gods.

Judah Maccabee and his sons led a successful rebellion. The Temple was cleansed and a new altar was dedicated. According to Judaic history, only a limited amount of oil was available for relighting the perpetual lamp. Miraculously, it lasted for eight days.

Hanukkah came to be known as the Feast of Lights and the Feast of Dedication.

A menorah (eight-branched candlestick) is lighted— one candle on the first evening, and then one each

What Is Kwanzaa?

Gung Hay Fat Choi!

Kwanzaa means “first fruits” in Swahili, the common language of East Africa. But the celebration started here in the United States!

After the terribly destructive Watts riots in Los Angeles in August of 1965, Professor Maulana Karenga of Cal State University created Kwanzaa to bring the African-American community together.

Celebrated Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, Kwanzaa is a time to renew community ties, to celebrate family unity and to reconnect with African heritage. Songs, dances, drums, storytelling and poetry make this time special.

A candleholder called the Kinara displays three red candles, three green candles and a black candle in the middle. A child usually lights the candles, marking the days.

Each day of Kwanzaa stands for a different principle: Unity, Selfdetermination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith. On the final day, celebrants put on a communitywide feast called Karamu, during which children receive gifts and elders are honored.

This year’s theme is “Living Kwanzaa and the Seven Principles: An All-Seasons Celebration and Practice of the Good.”

Also called the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year is the most important of traditional Chinese celebrations. And celebrate the Chinese do (along with many neighboring countries) with bright decorations, presents, festive food, new clothing, fireworks and even a dragon or lion dance.

The new year is determined according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar and is marked by the second new moon after the winter solstice. For

Greensboro Pu

blic Library

Wishing You Great Happiness & Prosperity (for the Chinese New Year)

Photo credit:

Las Posadas Fills Streets with Candles, Songs

•

BEAR 40 YEARS

Page 13

8 Candles for Hanukkah!

Image: shutterstock.com

Thereʼs a chill in the air, and darkness comes early.

Fortunately, there are many celebrations to brighten things up this time of year. From Christmas to Kwanzaa, from Hanukkah to Chinese New Year, these festivities warm up the season and fill it with color and light!

December 2019

Light the Lamps for Diwali Thousands of candles, lamps and tiny lights ADORN roofs and windows. Houses are sparkling clean. Children are up early (at 3 a.m.!), bathed and dressed in their best clothes.

It must be Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights!

On this day, celebrated in India, Nepal and many other places, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, enters homes that are bright and pure bringing with her good fortune. It is also the celebration of the victory of good over evil (light over dark). Different stories are told, but one of the most important is that of Prince Rama’s defeat of Ravana, the 10-headed king of Lanka.

Rama rescues his wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon king and brings her home to Ayodhya, where the people welcome them by decorating the city with tiny “diyas” or lamps.

Diwali (short for the Sanskrit word “Deepavali,” meaning row of lights) falls on a new moon in October or November. This year it was Oct. 27. It will be on Nov. 14 in 2020.

night of the festival. This year it begins on Dec. 22.

Hanukkah is celebrated with gifts, plays, games and meals featuring latkes (potato pancakes).

Hanukkah begins on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the lunar year, near the winter solstice.

2020, Chinese New Year starts on Jan. 25, and it is going to be the Year of the Rat! The celebrations start on the first day and continue for 15 days. Itʼs a time to forget old grudges and to wish everyone a happy and PROSPEROUS year. Red is the color associated with good fortune, and adults give kids money in small red envelopes for the new year.

Families also do a thorough house cleaning to sweep out the bad luck and make room for the good luck the new year will bring. People hang red paper decorations and positive words around doors and windows. Celebrations end on the 15th day with whatʼs called the Lantern Festival, during which children visit the temples with paper lanterns and try to solve riddles written on the lanterns.

Bake up a Fun Holiday Tradition with Boomer!

Color the Artwork!

BEAR 40 YEARS •

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December 2019

KIDS!

Play It Safe!

IMPORTANT Safety Tips!

Use the number code to complete these important toy safety tips:

1. Throw away plastic ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 26

1

7

21

21

15

1

12

and all ___ ___ ___ ___ that toys come in so nobody 5

7

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chokes or suffocates on them.

2. Read ___ ___ ___ & gift ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 20

14

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to know how to use them safely.

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3. Also, buy a ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ when you buy a 13

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bicycle, inline skates or scooters.

15

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4. Buy ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ and ___ ___ ___ ___ 26

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___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ and a helmet when 16

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you purchase inline skates.

5. Before you buy gifts and toys, read age-group ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ .

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6. Talk to your ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ before 21

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you play with ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 7

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equipment for the first time.

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7. Put your toys and gifts in a safe place so that younger ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ or 5

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___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ don’t get into 12

dangerous situations.

Letter Code 1=r 2=c 3=f 4=z

5=b 6=m 7=a 8=d

9=y 10=v 11=j 12=s

13=h 14=o 15=e 16=g

17=n 18=i 19=x 20=t

21=p 22=l 23=q 24=u

Protecting children from unsafe toys is the responsibility of everyone. Careful toy selection and proper supervision of children at play is still—and always will be—the best way to protect children from toy related injuries. With more purchases being made online, parents don’t have the ability to see the product in person to review the safety level of the toy. Over 200,000 children each year are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for toy related injuries.

Holiday Safety Tips!

• Buy age-appropriate toys • Read safety labels • Properly dispose of plastic bags and packing materials • Riding toys are responsible for the majority of toy injuries among children ages 14 and under.

• When visiting friends & family be extra careful to keep an eye on kids. Not everyone lives in a child-proof home!

• Caution with button batteries!

The number of serious injuries or deaths as a result of button batteries has increased more than 9-fold in the past decade.

The average age of a child seen in the emergency department for swallowing a button battery is 3.9 years.

25=k 26=w

Answers: 1. wrappers—bags, 2. toy —labels, 3. helmet, 4. wrist—knee guards 5. labels, 6. parents—athletic, 7. brothers—sisters,

14

(U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

December 2019 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

B Letters to Boomer

Sponsored by

Write to Boomer Bear at

Bear Essential News • 2525 E. Broadway Blvd., #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 or e-mail your letters to boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Boomer Bear, My favorite family tradition for the holidays is making tamales with my dad’s family!

Your friend, A.H.

Dear A.H., YUM! What a great family tradition this time of year.

Making a tasty tamal isn’t easy, either. My favorite are green corn tamales with some gooey cheese and a sliver of green chile running down the middle.

When I first arrived in Arizona, I made the mistake of tucking the corn husk into the front of my shirt, thinking it was supposed to be some sort of built-in napkin.

And to you, too, B.E.!

The amazing card you made this year is on the front desk of our office so everyone can enjoy your fireplace art with the 3D stockings hanging over it.

Wishing you a Beary one, Boomer

Wow, C.A. and K.E.!

Those are simple but very thoughtful ways to help people this season. I love collecting for my school’s canned food drive here at Bear Canyon Elementary. And all sizes of clothing from kid through adult sizes can brighten a family’s holiday. (Remember, warmer clothes are needed, too.)

Make things bright,

Boomer Bear

2020 SciTech Festival Program A guide to all of the festival’s amazing Signature Events plus articles from the community and activities!

Yours truly, A.B.

Dear Boomer, I would like to help others by going to or donating to a children’s hospital or writing a story (about what they do there).

Dear Boomer, I’m helping other people this holiday season by donating to our school’s canned food drive.

—C.A. Boomer, I would like to help others this holiday season by donating clothes.

Volume 41 • Issue 4

Your Reporter, K.S.

Dear Boomer, I hope you have a Merry Christmas! You’re a wonderful friend to me, and working for Bear Essential News (as a Young Reporter) is so much fun. I think of you every time I read Bear Essential News. I have lots of fun reading your newspaper every month.

I hope all your Christmas wishes come true and are full of many special and unforgettable memories.

Happy Holidays, A.B. & K.S.!

Yours truly, K.E.

Those are some very generous and thoughtful ways of helping to make things brighter for other kids (and for yourselves, too).

The Marines’ annual Toys for Tots Drive is short on gifts right now, and there’s also KVOA’s Season 4 Hope drive, where you can donate food, new toys and clothes.

Thank you! Boomer Bear

Which Stocking Is Different?

An Award-Winning Arizona Original for Kids & Families 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.

©2019 Kids’ View Communications Corp.—all rights reserved 2525 E. Broadway, #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 Fax (520)792-2580 Bear Essential News is distributed free each month.

y!

Get One Toda

Empowering Kids for a Brighter Future!

Pizza Hut Locations 1502 W. St. Mary’s 1865 W. Valencia 2680 E. Valencia 2943 N. Campbell

884-8780 294-4490 889-9583 322-9825

3801 S. 6th Ave. 6305 E. 22nd St. 10605 N. Oracle 3964 N. Oracle 4710 E. Speedway 7082 E. Speedway

294-0876 747-0472 575-8181 293-9118 323-0042 290-0600

7665 N. La Cholla Blvd.

8906 E. Tanque Verde 9564 E. Golf Links 8140 S. Houghton Rd. 8245 N. Silverbell Rd. 4811 E. Sunrise #151

219-0320 749-0900 296-9273 663-5656 744-0848 529-2607

15

Coming Next Month!

Hello, Boomer Bear!

I would like to help other kids by sharing my toys this season.

I’ll take a dozen, please!

Boomer Bear

Merry Christmas, B.E.

BEAR 40 YEARS

BearEssentialNews.com Printed with recycled newsprint.

ENDORSED BY THE

Arizona Education Association

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

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December 2019

Don’t miss the 12 page

Arizona SCITECH insert in Bear’s January issue!

Enter to WIN Great Prizes at BearEssentialNews.com/contests You could win tickets, discounts and other special offers from a variety of fun places all around Tucson!

Check out Bear’s website today, and enter to win some fun!

December 2019 •

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Academic Advantage Guide

O

ne of the most important decisions you will make as a parent is deciding on your child’s education. You know your child better than anyone else. You know their strengths, weaknesses, personality and what interests them most. Deciding on what type of school will work best is for each family to decide.

There are so many types of schools now. Public, magnet, charter, private and homeschool—so many choices can make choosing the right school a difficult and stressful process.

So check out Bear’s Academic Advantage Guide as you choose a school that will bring out the best in your child!

Read the following from the U.S. Department of Education:

“The No Child Left Behind Act provides new education options for many families. This federal law allows parents to choose other public schools or take advantage of free tutoring if their child attends a school that needs improvement. Also, parents can choose another public school if the school their child attends is unsafe. The law also supports the growth of more independent charter schools, funds some services for children in private schools, and provides certain protections for homeschooling parents. Finally, it requires that states and local school districts provide information to help parents make informed educational choices for their child”.

TYPES OF SCHOOLS: Charter Schools: These are public schools that are individually run. They do not charge tuition and they must meet all state standards like a traditional state or government funded public school.

HomeSchool: Teaching a student at home instead of sending them to a traditional school. Many times the parents are the teachers, or there are homeschool groups with various teachers. Some homeschool students take classes using online programs.

Magnet Schools: These schools are part of a traditional public school, but they focus on certain academics like STEM, but they also follow the state standard curriculum.

Online or Virtual Schools: These are like homeschooling, but with online courses and instructors to help with lessons. They follow the state standard curriculum and many will have a local classroom setting where students come in to take tests and receive tutoring.

Public Schools: Public schools are learning institutions that are funded by local, state and sometimes federal governments. They offer general education opportunities to students in K–12.

BEAR 40 YEARS

17

2019– 2020

Private Schools: Sometimes known as Independent Schools, these schools are not funded by the government and parents usually pay tuition. Many of these schools are religious based.

RESEARCH, VISIT AND APPLY After you have decided on what type of school you want your child to attend, do some research on the school. Visit their website and read reviews from other parents. Consider things like the style of teaching, the curriculum, enrichment opportunities, extracurricular activities, before and after school care and does the school provide breakfast and lunch, either free or for purchase.

Attend open house events or see if the school gives tours of their school.

This gives you the opportunity to see the campus, classrooms, lunchroom, playground and more. Sometimes just the little things like a shaded playground or a music room full of instruments can make all the difference in your choice.

Apply to the school(s) you choose. Consider applying to more than one school in case there is a waiting list for one of your choices. You’ll want to begin the process as early as possible to avoid missing deadlines or being put on a waiting list. When applying make sure to see if financial aid is available in tuition based schools and get those forms submitted early too.

You can visit the U.S. Department of Education for helpful information

www2.ed.gov/nclb/choice

18

2019–2020

BEAR 40 YEARS •

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December 2019

Academic Advantage Guide

W

hether you are choosing your child’s first preschool, elementary, middle or high school, parents have some decisions to make. It is a good idea to research a school by checking their website, find public school report cards, ask for a tour and attend an open house if one is available.

Visit the U.S. Department of Education for helpful ideas. www2.ed.gov/nclb/choice.

ANSHEI ISRAEL’S ESTER B. FELDMAN PRESCHOOL

5550 E. 5th St. (at Craycroft) • Tucson 745-5550 Grades 14 months to 6 years old Year Round Jewish Pre-K and K Teacher/Student Ratio: 1–6 PkDir@caiaz.org www.caiaz.org

Offering: STEM, music, art, PE movement, Spanish, language arts, visits by specialists, and parenting classes; nurturing environment; secure facility with park-like shaded playground. Also offered: A free weekly Parent/Tot class open to the public.

CATALINA FOOTHILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT cfsd16.org

Families with children who will be five years old prior to Sept. 1, 2019, are invited to

attend a “Show and Tell” in January at one of CFSD’s elementary schools to learn about kindergarten, which is offered as a half-day program, with a tuition-based full-day option.

Please sign up for a “Show and Tell” session by telephoning your neighborhood school.

• Canyon View Elementary 209-7700 December 2 OR January 13, 2:00 p.m.

• Manzanita Elementary 209-7800 December 4 OR January 15, 2:00 p.m.

• Sunrise Drive Elementary 209-7900 December 5 OR January 16, 2:00 p.m.

• Ventana Vista Elementary 209-8000 December 3 OR January 28, 2:30 p.m Note: Open Enrollment applicant families are welcome to attend.

For families outside the district interested in enrolling students at any grade level, CFSD is accepting applications through Jan. 31 under the state’s open enrollment program.

To apply, visit CFSD’s website, cfsd16.org Partial language immersion programs are available. To learn more about the Spanish immersion program, click on the Academics tab on the Ventana Vista website at http:// vves.cfsd16.org/ To learn more about the Chinese immersion program, click on the Academics tab on the Sunrise Drive website at http://sdes.cfsd16. org/

CHILD LANGUAGE CENTER WINGS ON WORDS (WOW)

Early Childhood Learning Center Toddler, Preschool & Summer Camp Programs 202 E. Speedway • Tucson 628-1659 Grades: Toddlers/Preschool Ages: 2–5 www.clctucson.org One-of-a-kind in Southern AZ. WOW’s curriculum supports a child’s early literacy, communication, and social-emotional development in a nurturing environment.

Close to Pima College Downtown campus and the Univ AZ main campus.

DESERT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 9415 E. Wrightstown Rd. • Tucson Preschool 795-7161 Elementary and Middle School 885-4800 www.DesertChristian.org

In partnership with Christian families, DCS is committed to providing an educational experience, centered on the foundation of a Biblical Christian Worldview. At DCS, it is our mission to: • Pursue excellence in Christian education • Foster Christ-Centered relationships • Endeavor to meet the unique learning needs of every student

THE GREGORY SCHOOL 3231 N. Craycroft • Tucson, 85712 327-6395 Grades 5-12 Teacher/Student Ratio: 1–9 admission@gregoryschool.org www.gregoryschool.org

The Gregory School provides an individualized

education of the whole child. Personal and social growth and nurturing of a civic conscience go hand in hand with the importance of developing intellectual curiosity and abilities. Our commitment to challenging academics is strengthened by our dedication to conveying the importance of hard work, leadership, personal responsibility and good citizenship. With small classes, our faculty can put their stellar qualifications to best use, helping students delve deeper, create connections, and rise to challenges in ways that suit each individual student. We are the only AZ school-based member of the MIT Fab Lab Network. Individualized academic plans and college counseling are a key benefit at The Gregory School. Prospective families are invited to DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE: January 26, 1 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR PEACE 4625 E. River Rd. • Tucson, 85719 299-8908 Grades: Preschool Teacher/Student Ratio: 1–8 cathy@internationalschoolforpeace.com www.internationalschoolforpeace.com

Tucson’s first Spanish Immersion preschool offers small class sizes, flexible hours, partial immersion classes, as well as Farsi, Hebrew, gardening, and multicultural music enrichments through a play-based, anti-bias curriculum that teaches peaceful conflict resolution and celebrates diversity.

Before and After Care 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

2020-21 Registration opens early February.

Limited scholarships. DES contracted.

Summer Program Available!

More Academic Guide on page 20

December 2019 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

B

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 11

Skunk Expelled from School

by Reporter Rori L. Divijak Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 Recently a striped skunk was spotted at my school. A teacher saw the animal in front of our school before students arrived. The skunk was in a small hole that it dug right next to the wall. It climbed up the wall between the metal and the brick when it was scared by people that were nearby.

After observing the skunk, our school called Animal Experts who set two traps—one used fruit as bait and the second used fish (anchovies). Because the location of the skunk was in the sun, they made sure to provide shade in case it ended up in the trap before sunset so it would not get too hot. The next morning the skunk was captured in the trap with different fruits.

Animal Experts returned to the school and loaded the skunk into their vehicle and drove it to its new home before the start of the school day. In order to prevent the skunk from spraying as it is loaded, Jeff Carver is one of the founders of the company. Carver said, “When I am carrying a skunk, I am careful and quiet so I don’t scare them—that way they won’t spray.” Carver relocates animals to new homes. He says, “I took it to a very nice spot along the DeAnza Trail where the Santa Cruz River runs.”

Animal Experts works to humanely capture and remove wildlife for our community. To learn more, visit at www.animalexpertsinc.com.

Ranger Rick Shares Nature Tales

by Reporter Lizzy Barrett, Old Vail Middle School Do you like learning about nature? The book “Ranger Rick’s Story Book,” written by a variety of authors, is about the lifestyles of nature.

For example, the setting takes place in deserts, forests, and oceans. What I enjoy about this book is that the stories are teaching nature in a fun way. What I don’t like is that the book doesn’t explain the plots.

Also, what I like about the illustrations is that the artwork is good. However, the artwork doesn’t relate to the whole text. This is a great book for younger kids because it exposes them to nature early on. I would also recommend this book because you can learn about nature.

Polar Express at Gadsden-Pacific

by Reporter Madison Divijak Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 The Polar Express visited the Gadsden-Pacific Toy Train Museum for a free event on Dec. 7. Kids could visit with Mr. Claus and Mrs. Claus and tell them their Christmas lists in a train caboose. There was free hot chocolate and lots of other fun activities.

The whole train museum will be decorated for the holidays and all of the trains on display will be running. This annual showing of “The Polar Express” movie happens the first Saturday of December. If you missed this special Polar Express Night, there are still two open houses on Dec. 15 and 22.

The train museum is open on the second and fourth Sundays of the month from 12:30–4:30 p.m., but they are closed in the summer. The museum is run by volunteers and is funded by donations.

MORE SCOOPS, page 21 ➧

BEAR 40 YEARS

19

Young Reporter Nigh t Is Every Third T hursday Join Us at

Bookmans–East 6230 E. Speedway

Thursday, December 19 • 4:30–6 pm 4:30 p.m. Article Editing Helping Others: Bring in some non-perishable food items for the Tucson Food Bank

For more info please call 792-9930 Proudly Sponsored by:

• Free snack & drinks for reporters!

• YR kits for new reporters • Bring in your story for editing & a chance to win a special prize!

20

BEAR 40 YEARS •

2019–2020

www.bearessentialnews.com

December 2019

SUPPORT THE CHILD LANGUAGE CENTER, Inc.

RECEIVE A DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR TAX CREDIT

Every child has something important to say.

Words, clearly spoken and understood, are the foundation for literacy, healthy relationships and well-being.

At The Child Language Center, Inc. nationally certified speech language pathologists and early childhood specialists provide interactive learning and effective therapy services in caring and friendly classrooms.

Help us make a difference now and in the future.

Make your Arizona Charitable Tax Donation Today!

Donate online: www.clctucson.org

202 E. Speedway Blvd. • Tucson • 520-628-1659 The Child Language Center is a not-for-profit community outreach program that has provided early intervention services to young children with speech/language disorders since 1989.

DAISY

Early Learning Preschool

15 Years of Great Beginnings, Bright Futures

Gear Up for

Kinder!

Enrolling Ages 3+ • Using the CREATIVE CURRICULUM® for Preschool • Nurturing, family-focused preschool • Breakfast, lunch, and snack included • Safe, secure camps with monitored access • Exciting your child about science with STEMScopes

520-665-3450

delainfo@sonoranschools.org 2325 W. Sunset Road, (River & La Cholla) Tucson, 85741

Mon—Fri: 6:30 AM–6:30 PM Full and half-day schedules

Academic Advantage Guide Continued from page 18

SATORI SCHOOL

3801 N. 1st Ave. • Tucson, 85719 887-4003 Ages 2 1/2 Years–8th grade Teacher/Student Ratio: 1–8 office@satorischool.org www.satorischool.org Satori serves a diverse population of children age 2 1/2 through 8th grade in our private and charter campuses with an emphasis on community, creativity and critical thinking. Our approach allows us to meet the intellectual, emotional, behavioral and social needs of creative and inquisitive children in an engaging environment that values individuality, creativity and diversity.

ST. ANDREW’S PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

7650 N. Paseo del Norte • Tucson, 85704 742-2969 Preschool–K Teacher/Student Ratio: 1–9 cplaner@sapctucson.org www.sapctucson.org/school Low student to teacher ratios. Handson curriculum. Individulized approach to learning. Collaborative education partnership. Nurtuting environment that fosters emotional maturity, independence, and academic success.

Kindergarten enrollment open now.

Open enrollment for preschool starts Feb. 13th. Join us for Look & Learn Mornings, Dec. 13, Jan. 9 and Feb. 13.

TUCSON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

9239 E. Wrightstown Rd. • Tucson, 85715 296-0883 Grades Preschool–8 Teacher/Student Ratio: 1–22 tcdcharterschool.com At Tucson Country Day School, every student is a Champion and every Champion is a leader. We offer a robust program focused on both academic and social excellence. Students receive a well-rounded educational experience that includes a strong academic program, gifted and accelerated classes, physical education, art, general music, band, orchestra, choir, Spanish, technology, and after school clubs and sports. The President of the Arizona Charter School Association calls us “One of the highest performing schools in Tucson.”

TUCSON INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

immersion school in four languages.

Students learn in a fun, relaxed atmosphere with a sharp focus on our acclaimed curriculum. Students develop higher thinking and build character and selfesteem through a curriculum delivered leadership program. For more information email us at admissions@istucson.org or call 230-3828.

TUCSON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT tucsonunified.org

Tucson Unified School District’s Magnet Programs are the original public school choice option, providing your family with ways to meet the individual learning styles and interests of your children. Our Magnet and Two-Way Dual Language Programs offer the Tucson community optimum choices for public school education. They are an essential component of the District’s effort to support integration, increase academic achievement, increase graduation rates and increase parent engagement.

Magnet themes include: Fine, Performing & Communications Arts: Carrillo K-5 Magnet, Holladay Elementary Magnet, Tucson High Magnet Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: Borton Elementary Magnet (Systems Thinking), Booth-Fickett Math/Science K-8 Magnet, Mansfeld Middle Magnet, Palo Verde High Magnet, Tucson High Magnet Dual Language/Spanish Immersion: Bloom Elementary, Davis Bilingual K-5 Magnet, Grijalva Elementary, Hollinger K-8, Mary Belle McCorkle Academy of Excellence K-8, Misson View Elementary, Pistor Middle, Pueblo High, Roskruge Bilingual K-8 Magnet, Van Buskirk Elementary, White Elementary Traditional Academics, Montessori, Gifted and Talented: Bonillas Traditional Elementary Magnet, Dodge Traditional Middle Magnet, Drachman Montessori K-8 Magnet, Tully Gifted and Talented Elementary Magnet Visit tusd1.org for more information about our schools and school tours.

Check Out ALL Our Listings Online, Too!

230-3828 Grades: K–12 Broadway Campus: 1230 E. Broadway Blvd.

East Campus: 450 N. Pantano Rd. Midvail Campus: 1645 W. Valencia Rd. #101 West Campus: 2700 W. Broadway Blvd. admissions@istucson.org

Tucson International Academy has four campuses throughout Tucson. Well established as an excellent language

BearEssentialNews.com

December 2019 •

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B

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 11

Tucson Comic-Con Rocks!

by Reporter Candace Armbruster, White Elementary Have you ever been to Comic-Con? Recently my grandma took me and some of my family members. I will tell you some information about the history of Comic-Con and some of the experiences I had.

Comic Con is an event of pop culture.

It involves different activities based on characters from movies, books, and don’t forget comics! These activities include buying, selling, board games, video games, art, the wearing of costumes, and especially costume contests.

Tucson Comic-Con started in 2008.

It was founded by a man named Mike Olivares. It began as a one-day event. As time went on it became three days, and in 2015 over 10,000 fans attended!

When we went to the 2019 Tucson Comic-Con in November, I had an AMAZING time! First we went to the gaming room and played The Simpsons video game with unlimited lives for free, since all games were free! Then we went down stairs to the main Comic Con floor and boy was it packed! From then on we roamed around buying and collecting all different kinds of things. Those included badges, stickers, free candy, SLIME, and an Aladdin genie lamp necklace. I had an AMAZING time and hope to go again.

BEAR 40 YEARS

Actor Appears at Comic-Con

by Reporter Anastasia Bradley, Sonoran Science Academy East This year, I interviewed Christopher McCullough when I visited Tucson Comic-Con. McCullough is the voice of the Five Nights at Freddy’s animatronic Foxy, and the voice of the Wandering Wares merchant in the game Prodigy.

McCullough told me that his life as a famous FNaF character is amazing.

He never thought about being a part of such a popular game. He says that he is also a gamer—playing the popular series—and that being part of it was very exciting. His favorite part of FNaF was voicing the character. He is friends with the actors of Funtime Freddy and Handunit from Five Night’s at Freddy’s 5: Sister Location.

McCullough’s favorite animatronic is Foxy and in his opinion, the scariest animatronic is Chica from the original FNaF. Though he never met the creator of FNaF, Scott Cawthon, face to face, he knows him through email.

It was such an exciting time meeting McCullough, and it was fun, too!

Local Artist Always Loved to Draw

by Reporter Sophia Bradley, Sonoran Science Academy East Chiara Bautista’s creations can be found online, and I think she is one of the most fascinating artists on the internet. She has almost 800,000 followers on Facebook, and has been an illustrator for the Arizona Daily Star!

I got to interview her at Tucson Comic-Con. I learned that when Bautista was a little girl, she loved to draw pictures all the time. She went to school and got her degree in graphic design.

Bautista makes some of her drawings using paper and pencils and then adding color with digital programs. Some of it is full digital and some is in traditional media like acrylics and watercolor. She loves being an artist. I presented my art to her at Comic-Con!

Kindergarten Enrollment

OPEN NOW! Join Us for Look & Learn Mornings

December 13 January 9 February 6 Open Enrollment for Preschool starts February 13

International School for Peace

Promoting an individualized approach to learning in a nurturing environment.

St. Andrew’s Preschool and Kindergarten

7650 N. Paseo del Norte • 742-2969 sapctucson.org/school

Tucson’s First Spanish Immersion Preschool Play-based, multicultural, non-biased curriculum that celebrates diversity. Low teacher-student ratio.

Call to schedule a tour!

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2020–2021 Registration opens early February Half Day, Full Day & Extended Day Options Summer Care Registration opens March 2020 Enrichment Classes Daily

4625 E. River Road

(Located on the grounds of St. Francis in the Foothills)

Call 299-8908 for more info or visit www.internationalschoolforpeace.com

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December 2019

December Skate Sale!

10 FREE Passes with Every New Skate Purchase

5

5 5

For $

Bring in this coupon

Bring in this coupon

and for $5 get admission for up to 5 skaters.

Open every day of your Winter Vacation!

www.skatecountry.com 7980 E. 22nd St.

298-4409

Valid only Mon.–Fri., 1–4 p.m.

Dec. 20, 2019­­—Jan. 3, 2020.

Not valid for birthday parties or day cares. Limit one coupon per week.

Skate Rental Extra.

Closed Christmas Day

5

For $

and for $5 get admission for up to 5 skaters.

Valid only Mon.–Fri., 3–6 p.m.

Dec. 20, 2019­­—Jan. 3, 2020.

Not valid for birthday parties or day cares.

Skate Rental Extra.

Closed Christmas Day

TEACHERS!

FREE CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS By the editors of Bear Essential News for Kids

Bear Essential News offers five classroom presentations for students grades 2–8. These free presentations promote strong writing and interviewing skills and teach the fundamentals of journalism. We also encourage students and teachers to participate in our award-winning Young Reporters Program. e-mail: julie@bearessentialnews.com

Call us at 520-792-9930

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

December 2019 •

BEAR 40 YEARS

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

December 2019

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