Things To Do

TEDDY BEAR TEA PARTY AT AZ AIR TIME WHEN: Friday, January 20, 10 a.m.-noon WHERE: AZ Air Time, 13802 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 145, Scottsdale COST: $5/hour per child DETAILS: Calling all preschoolers who love their teddy bears! Ages 6 and under are invited to bring their favorite teddy bear to jump and play with at AZ Air Time trampoline park from 10 a.m. to noon. Lemonade, iced tea, and cookies will be served. Complimentary coffee will be served to parents. Foam pit and rock wall climbing is included with admission. For more information call (480) 427-2000 or visit www.azairtime.com

PVCC AT BLACK MOUNTAIN STAR PARTY WHEN: Thursday, January 26, 7:00-9:45 p.m. WHERE: PVCC at Black Mountain, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale COST: Free DETAILS: Join us Thursday evening for our free community Star Party. Observe the night skies through high power telescopes. The event is a partnership with PVCC Astronomy faculty and the Phoenix Astronomical Society. RSVP are requested so we can ensure we have enough telescopes. Info: 602-561-5398; RSVP: events@pasaz.org CONNECT2STEM WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 10a.m.-3p.m. WHERE: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, 435 N. Van Buren Street, Phoenix COST: Free DETAILS: The University of Arizona in partnership with Cox Communications presents Connect2STEM 2017, a free event that is focused on inspiring kids about science, technology, engineering, math and medicine with over 100+ hands-on STEM activities where guests can touch synthetic cadavers, explore space equipment and network with STEM professionals. For mor information Visit phoenixmed.arizona.edu/ connect2stem2017 or call 602-827-2453.

2ND ANNUAL DOGGIE STREET FESTIVAL WHEN: Saturday, January 28. 10a.m.-4p.m. WHERE: Steele Indian School Park Memorial Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix COST: Free DETAILS: This not-to-be-missed dog and cat adopt-a-thon and family friendly, fun celebration features yummy eats, music, vet tips and auction prizes. Bring your friendly dog. Become a sponsor, member or volunteer. dog. Become a sponsor, member or volunteer. For more information call 323-445-5087 or visit doggiestreetfestival.org

2017 FAMILY SUMMER CAMP E X PO SUNDAY, MARCH 5 SAVE THE DATE! ENCHANTED ISLAND AMUSEMENT PARK | ENCANTO PARK CENTRAL PHOENIX | SUNDAY 1pm-5pm ZONAin theBecome a vendor or a sponsor today! Contact us: heidi@iminthezona.com

COVER STORY

DVUSD KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS RECEIVE ART, MUSIC, AND P.E. EVERY DAY

Kindergarten has truly changed over the years, evolving into a program that focuses on strong academic, social, and emotional skills that young learners will need to succeed in school and in the future.

The best kindergarten programs balance high academic expectations with “brain breaks” that encourage the development of creativity. Parents have come to expect and love the Deer Valley kindergarten program that focuses on nurturing the youngest learners.

“I absolutely love the healthy, nurturing, and fun learning environment in the kindergarten program. By the end of the year, my daughter not only knew how to read well, but she now enjoys reading. She is excelling in Math. It was so amazing to watch my daughter’s progress and know that she was excited about school and learning,” said parent Amy Kearney.

One of the ways that Deer Valley Unifi ed School District (DVUSD) balances learning is by providing specials, including art, music, and P.E. classes every day for kindergarten students at all of the DVUSD K-6 and K-8 schools to enhance overall learning, growth, creativity, and physical development.

“My child participated in specials each day, and these classes are benefi cial and important for all students. These classes can be emotionally therapeutic for students and allow them to recharge to get through their academic day. They promote creativity and allow our children to use their imagination to create while building skills. They open the door for lifelong appreciation of the arts and for maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise,” said another kindergarten parent, DiEsta Kiesling.

Several studies have shown that these types of classes increase achievement in literacy and mathematics, including a 2006 Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum study on art education, which showed a link between arts education and improved literacy skills.

Another way that kindergarten has changed is the increase in communication from school to home. “We were continuously informed about upcoming lessons, progress that was made with reading, homework expectations, and friendly reminders that helped us stay organized at home, said Kearney.

“I love the consistent and open communication regarding academic, developmental, and behavioral progress of my child,” added Kiesling. “In addition, I believe full-day kindergarten improves overall success by providing the time needed to learn the skills necessary to move onto fi rst grade.”

Deer Valley Unifi ed School District has offered free full-day kindergarten since 2014 and this is the second year that special classes are offered every day. For more information about the kindergarten program including registration forms, visit www.dvusd. org/kindergarten.