Hooray for Famioy Central Texas Dec 24

FREE!

December 2024

Full STEAM Ahead Program Photo by Photography by Cecy

See article pg. 7

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Speech & Language Therapy Free Screenings

Medicaid and most insurances accepted.

Specializing in the treatment of: Autism Articulation Oral Expression Auditory Comprehension Reading Deecits Language Deecits Stuttering Developmental Delays

Academic Tutoring Math Reading Study Skills Writing Spelling Comprehension Tutoring services are performed by certiied teachers and are conducted during or after school hours.

Phone: 254-235-1850 Fax: 254-235-4879

7545 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX

info@therapygroupofwaco.com www.therapygroupofwaco.com 3

A L! I EC ER P S FF O

th i w y pp a h s? u e o d y a gr s Are ‛ d l i ch r u o y

One-to-One Instruction Individualized Programs NO CONTRACTS! Guaranteed Results

Reading Math Writing Study Skills

Pre-Algebra Algebra I Geometry Algebra II

Call us today to schedule your FREE Diagnostic Assessment and Test Consultation!

NOW OFFERING! SAT/ACT Test Prep Program

Our SAT/ACT Program provides every student with the essential tools needed to perform well on these critical tests.

The Tutoring Center's SAT/ACT Program is an intense 16 week course providing individualized One-to-One Instruction™ Students are provided the most innovative and comprehensive test prep materials available. We couple these cutting edge materials with advanced testing strategies and One-to-One Instruction™ utilizing our certified Test Prep Instructors.

Each student is sure to leave us with the confidence and knowledge needed to perform well on these critical tests.

www.tutoringcenter.com 4

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Ballet Modern

Tap Jazz Hip Hop Contemporary Musical Theater Dance/Drill Team Prep Mommy & Me Ballet Boys Hip Hop Ages one - adult

Award Winning Dance Studio

(254) 776-1797

254-265-6237 4600 Franklin Ave., Waco www.onceuponachildwaco.com

www.jsodwaco.com Full-time Part-time Parents’ Day Out Ages 3 - 8 years

NINJA ZONE

Register Now for Classes!

254-776-6248 800 Schroeder Ste. C, Waco, TX 6

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Education & Childcare Service Monday - Friday Year Round | 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Social Studies Art Music 254-732-2262

Temple 3009 Saulsbury Dr. Temple, TX www.focusacademycenter.com

STEM

Waco 620 N Robinson Dr. Robinson, TX @focusacademytx

Featured Cover Spotlight

Thanks to a grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services and the Texas State Library & Archives Commission’s Special Projects Program, Hewitt Public Library is opening new learning pathways for young learners by integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Aimed at students aged 3 to 18, this initiative fosters a passion for learning and equips youth with critical future-ready skills. Here’s a look at how HPL is bringing these concepts to life.

Imagine a lively environment where students build robots, explore 3D printing, and experiment with circuits. The library’s Full STEAM Ahead program makes this possible, transforming abstract concepts into practical, hands-on experiences. For example, students might guide a Sphero BOLT robot through an obstacle course using block coding, developing key collaboration and problem-solving skills along the way.

In line with standards from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Hewitt Public Library’s STEAM programs are designed to help students explore new ideas and solve challenges independently. Young visitors engage in projects that foster exploration and creativity, like creating circuits, crafting digital art, and learning the basics of 3D printing.

These activities not only build foundational knowledge in technology and engineering but also encourage students to think critically and adaptively.

For younger learners, STEAM learning comes alive through interactive storytimes and art activities. During storytime, library staff introduce scientific ideas through engaging books, followed by hands-on projects that expand on these themes. For example, after reading about the water cycle, children might take part in a simple experiment on evaporation and condensation, making learning both fun and memorable.

Older students benefit from having a say in their own learning through the Teen Advisory Board, which helps shape library programs for teens. Expanded STEAM offerings include littleBits circuits and engineering kits, bringing academic concepts to life in a fun, practical way. These activities help teens strengthen communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills—all invaluable for future success.

By investing in STEAM, Hewitt Public Library is cultivating the next generation of creators, problem-solvers, and thinkers. Supporting these programs equips students with skills they’ll need to thrive in an evolving world and inspires them to dream big.

For more information about the Hewitt Public Library, visit www.cityofhewitt.com/32/Library, call (254) 666-2442, or visit the library at 200 Patriot Court, Hewitt, TX 76643.

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The Premier Playhouse in Central Texas!

Give the gift of experience this holiday season and purchase a youth camp or show tickets for your loved ones to enjoy!

Christmas at the Civic It's a Wonderful Life: The Musical Dec. 5 -15 Rat Pack Christmas Dec. 19 - 22 Youth Winter Show

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Show Dates: Dec. 20 - 22

Youth Winter Camp

Frosty the Snowman Camp Dates: Dec. 30 - Jan. 4 (no class on Jan.1)

To purchase tickets for shows or register for a class/camp, please visit our website or contact the box office.

Registration is Open for Our 2025 Spring Class & Summer Camps!

Spring Class: 101 Dalmatians Summer Camps: Magic Treehouse: The Knight at Dawn Kids, Beetlejuice Jr., Willy Wonka Kids & Moana Jr.

254-776-1591 8

wacocivictheatre.com

HoorayForFamily.com

boxoffice@wacocivictheatre.com

Great Gift Idea!

Family Martial Arts

THE FAMILY THAT KICKS TOGETHER STICKS TOGETHER!

Martial Arts for All Ages Starting at 18 Months!

Mention this ad and receive 2 weeks for $49!

Two Locations!

7005 Woodway Dr., Woodway, TX 254-772-KICK (5425) (across from Regal Jewel Theater)

10201 China Spring Rd., Waco, TX 254-836-0999 (across from McDonalds)

www.familymartialartsoftexas.com

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FLIPS

GYMNASTICS

Quality Gymnastics for All Ages

Enroll Now for Classes!

31 Years in

Waco!

Birthday Parties Recreational Classes Cheer/Tumble Classes Tumbling Classes Preschool Field Trips www.FlipsWaco.com 6933 Woodway Dr., Waco 254-776-2150 10

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Resale Boutique

Be a

Shop with us!

We pay CA$H or CREDIT on your gently used baby equipment • bouncers • pack & plays cribs • high chairs • and so much more!

We accept baby clothes up to a child’s size 20 and maternity clothes!

ASK AB OUT O U R L OYA LT Y P R O GR A M!

4316 W. Waco Drive next to la bella salon and jason’s deli Connect with us! www.smartypantswaco.com

Express Yourself with the Art of Dance!

Birthday Parties Date Nights Team Building Ballet Pointe Lyrical Tap Jazz Contemporary Hip-Hop Acrobatics Pom Musical Theatre

254-776-1672 16200 Badger Ranch Blvd. Woodway, TX www.expressionsdancewaco.com expressionsdancewaco@gmail.com

1007 Wooded Acres Dr, Waco, TX

Owner/ Director Jenni Holley, B.A. Dance & Theatre Certiied Dance Masters of America, Acro Dance Teachers Association & More Than Just Great Dancing

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Start Creating Holiday Gifts Now! www.practicallypikassowaco.com

an eclectic art studio

HOURS: Mon. 5 - 9 p.m., Tues. - Fri. 1 - 9 p.m., Sat. 12 - 8 p.m., Sun. 1 - 6 p.m.

HEAD START | ENROLL NOW Free Programs for Eligible 0 - 5 Year Olds Includes children with disabilities and pregnant moms

Early Literacy Program | Texas School Ready Participant

“Community Choices in Children’s Care”

Accepting applications for employment at: terra.scott@ct4c.org “We are committed to building stronger Central Texas communities, one child and family at a time.”

Head Start is a Pre-School program for ages 0 - 5 years (including prenatal moms), also including children with disabilities.

Head Start es un programa de Pre Escolar para las edades de 0 - 5 incluyen a niños con discapacidades.

www.CT4C.org 12

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Services provided: Social Educational Dental Nutritional Health Disability Main Office, Temple: 504 N. 5th St. Temple: 1100 S. 33rd St. Killeen: 802 N. 2nd St. Belton: 1640 S. Wall St.

254-778-0489 254-215-6178 254-501-9232 254-939-2510

Unlock Your Creativity!

DIY Workshops for All Ages

Children’s Entertainment

Birthday Parties Special Events Face Painting Photos Packages Available Mascot Characters

254-338-3524 www.tootytot.com

Show us this ad & enjoy 10% off your next workshop www.facebook.com/tootytot254

CORYELL COMMUNITY CHURCH Growing in community while sharing the love of Jesus Christ

254-294-8496 www.fuzzlabwaco.com

930 Austin Ave., Waco, TX

G of the ive Da Gi nc ft Where Your Child is ALWAYS in First Position! e Superior Training Budget-Friendly !

ALL THAT JAZZ

Register Now! All Abilities Playground & Prayer Garden open to the public

There's a place for you here.

@coryellchurch

@coryellcommunitychurch7101

Classical Ballet Pointe Jazz Tap Private Lessons Adult Classes Lyrical Modern Pilates Hip Hop

www.wacodance.com

www.coryell.church

Specializing in RV & Boat Storage Offering fully enclosed units for RVs, boats, personal & business items.

Units range in size from 17’ x 35’ to 17‘ x 50’, all with 14' overhead doors.

Mention this ad for the 1st month FREE! 24 HR Access Lights & Electric in every unit Commercial Ice Maker RV Dump Station Air Compressors Commercial Wash Bays Restrooms On-Site Mangement www.ctxboatrvstorage.com 1709 W. Spring Valley Rd., Hewitt, TX

254-776-6485

Birthday Parties Celebrations Date Nights 100 N. New Road Ste. B, Waco, TX 254-776-2600 www.u-swirl.com 13

Find Fun Holiday Fashions & Gifts!

Local Company with Great Service

254-752-0777 | 9030 China Spring Hwy., Waco, TX | www.ChinaSpringCountryStore.com

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Complimentary Consultation | No-Interest Financing | Most Insurances Accepted

Josh M. Knowles, D.D.S., M.S.D. Board-Certiied Orthodontist

254-773-8028 | 209 Hilliard Rd. | Temple, TX www.smileattheworld.com