Family and Parenting 2020

Family, Parent & Teacher

RESOURCE GUIDE

Owatonna People’s Press | January 2020 © ADOBE STOCK

PAGE 2

FAMILY AND PARENTING

Janaury 2020

The Great Homework Debate

Schools across the country are taking a fresh look at the role of homework in education, and taking steps to ensure that homework is effective.

The National PTA and the National Education Association have long recommended that students be given 10 minutes of homework per grade level.

In other words, 10 minutes for first grades, 20 for second grade, and so on. High school students who take rigorous courses may need more homework. It’s not uncommon, however, for students to receive more homework.

THE BENEFITS OF HOMEWORK A 2006 research analysis

by Duke University psychology professor Harris Cooper found a positive correlation between homework and student achievement. Cooper found that homework has benefits for improving study habits, attitudes toward school, self-discipline, inquisitiveness and independent problem solving skills.

Many schools have

modified their homework policies to address both quality and quantity. Some schools have even adopted no-homework policies.

Since the research seems to indicate some benefits of homework for students, it’s easy to see how some parents would be concerned that their children might be missing out on an educational advantage without it.

In general, research shows a modest benefit for elementary school students, with the benefit increasing in middle and high school.

QUALITY VS. QUANTITY Given the strain placed on the limited time children have to spend with their families each day during the school year, it’s

See What You Love, Love How You See!

Professional eye care services and products for all your family’s vision needs.

Dr. Beth Gilthvedt • Dr. Nick Vincelli Dr. Penny Vizina • Dr. Eric Dillinger Optometrists We welcome any doctor’s lens prescription

Member of

2560 Harvest Lane NW 507-451-3072 l eyecareowatonna.com

Hours: Mon. 8-7; Tues. 9-5; Wed. 8-5; Thurs. 7-7; Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8-12

© ADOBE STOCK

important to be sure any time they spend doing homework is meaningful.

In an interview with Edutopia.org, veteran middle and high school English teacher Brian Sztabnik recommends that teachers ask themselves the following five questions when assigning homework: • How long will it take to complete?

• Have all learners been considered?

• Will an assignment encourage future success?

• Will an assignment place material in a context the classroom cannot?

• Does an assignment offer support when a teacher is not there?

Check with your school to see if it has a policy regarding homework. Even when districts do establish policies, they usually include some flexibility. If a student is routinely receiving more homework than district or school policy

advises, reach out to the school with your concerns.

MAKE THE MOST OF HOMEWORK The U.S. Department of Education offers the following tips for helping your child get the most out of homework: • Make sure your child has a quiet, well-lit place to do homework.

• Make sure the materials your child needs, such as paper, pencils and a dictionary, are available.

• Help your child with time management.

Establish a set time each day for doing homework, and don’t leave it until just before bedtime.

• Be positive about homework. Encourage a positive attitude about homework by modeling that attitude.

• When your child does homework, you do homework. This will help your child associate homework

with tasks he will need to perform as an adult.

• When your child asks for help, provide guidance, not answers.

• Participate in homework assignments when the teacher requests it.

• If homework is meant to be done by your child alone, don’t get involved.

• Talk with your child’s teacher so you understand the purpose of homework and any class rules about homework.

• Have your child do the hard work first, then move on to easier tasks.

• Watch your child for signs of failure and frustration. Let her take a short break if needed.

• Reward progress in homework. Go out for pizza or a trip to the park to celebrate hard work.

Janaury 2020

FAMILY AND PARENTING

PAGE 3

Insight On What’s Best for Sight!

For generations, countless adults have urged children to eat carrots to protect their eyesight. “Carrots are good; spinach is better! Colorful vegetables, like spinach, kale, winter squash, sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, pumpkin, and others contain lutein, a nutrient essential to the health of the retina of the eye,” explains Dr. Beth Gilthvedt, optometrist at Horizon EyeCare Professionals. So what else should everyone know about promoting good vision? Here are common questions and answers about your vision.

skills or comprehension, behavior issues, eye rubbing, head tilting are other signs that can signal that your child is having near vision problems. “I recommend that children have a professional eye examination before starting school,” says Dr. Nick Vincelli, optometrist at Horizon EyeCare, “ and then every 1 to 2 years after that depending on the results of the initial exam.”

DOES NOT WEARING GLASSES DAMAGE VISION? Dr. Penny Vizina, optom- WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME priate depends largely on a for everyday use. The type of TO START WEARING person’s reasons for want- lenses prescribed depends etrist at Horizon EyeCare, CONTACT LENSES? ing to wear contacts. Some on their use, the eyes’ health says the answer depends on Doctors Gilthvedt, people want to wear contact needs, the lens prescription, why the glasses were preHOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU with learning.

Dr. Eric scribed. In general, if glass- Vincelli, Vizina and Dillinger lenses just for playing sports HAVE YOUR EYES Dillinger, optometrist at es were prescribed there’s all agree that the age at or for special occasion.

EXAMINED BY AN EYE Horizon EyeCare probably a good reason for which contacts are appro- Others want contact lenses Continued on page 4 CARE PROFESSIONAL? Professionals, reminds them to be worn. “Most of Most eye care professionals parents that school vision the time, I prescribe glasses recommend having a screenings primarily look for children because withcomprehensive eye exam for vision problems that out them they struggle to every one to two years, prevent children from see clearly and / or comfortdepending on your age, risk seeing clearly at a distance ably,” Dr. Vizina said. “The factors, and whether you of 10 feet or more. However, brain needs to receive clear currently wear eyeglasses or these days, especially with images from each eye at the contact lenses.

Health the increasing use of same time to develop depth conditions like diabetes, computers, iPads, and smart perception and efficient eye high blood pressure, as well phones, your child needs to teaming. Children and as taking certain see clearly, comfortably and adults need to wear their medications require that efficiently at near to succeed glasses so that their brains you have annual eye exams. in school and life. A child receives clear and comfortThose with eye diseases, with poor far distance vision able input from both eyes.” like glaucoma or diabetic may squint, move closer to If someone resists wearing retinopathy, may need to the TV or complain about glasses, Dr. Vizina added, have even more frequent not seeing, but a child with then we ask if there are par• Early Childhood Family Education Parents are their children’s first eye exams. Children need poor near vision may simply ticular activities for which Parent/Child Classes and most important teachers. eye exams to detect vision avoid near vision tasks. wearing the glasses might • Bright Beginnings Community Education is a program of problems that may interfere Headaches, poor reading be most important. (a school readiness) Preschool Owatonna Public Schools, and has exciting early learning experiences for children • ‘Lil Learners Preschool FAMILY TIME 2020 A special publication of the Owatonna People’s Press between the ages of birth to kindergarten • Early Childhood Screening entrance and their families.

Publisher Media Consultants

SIGHT

Celebrating Life and Learning

Steve Fisher

Regional Director of Sales Mark Nelson

Community Partnerships

Amber Casterton Sarah Escamilla Crystal Hobart

Look for this section on Family Time January 2020 is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Owatonna People’s Press at no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2020 All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.

Roosevelt Community School Celebrate Life & Learning

Roosevelt Community School 122 E McKinley Street, Owatonna

507-444-7900

• Amazing Newborn Clinic • Early Learning Network • Owatonna Early Childhood Initiative • Steele Co. Children’s Mental Health Collaborative

PAGE 4

FAMILY AND PARENTING

Janaury 2020

Helping Young Readers

Helping a child learn to read is a unique pleasure. Seeing their eyes light up when they pronounce their first words can be heartwarming and rewarding.

Getting there takes work — and patience. The reading journey begins when children are very young — even in the womb.

PRE-NATAL Children learn patterns of language even before they are born. Research

SIGHT

Continued from page 3 and the visual demands.

Contacts for children are usually prescribed after the age of 10. A child has to be mature enough to handle the lenses, apply them, and remove them. Good hygiene is also crucial. Dr. Vincelli asks, “Is this young person brushing her or his teeth twice a day with no reminders? If so, then the child is likely ready for contact lens wear.” Even so, the doctors at Horizon EyeCare most

Psychology Today. Skoler recommends familiarizing yourself with your local library and even getting your child a library card before he’s born. Children recognize their parents’ voices in the womb, so reading every day to your unborn baby will help form a bond with your child.

shows that babies who are read to in the womb have greater brain activity.

“Talking and singing with your baby and reading with your baby even before birth can be a way to foster early social interactions and even later learning,” writes Tricia Skoler Ph.D., for often recommend single use or one day contact lenses. These contacts require less care and are safer, especially for young eyes, as they are fresh and new every time they are worn. But even then, he added, following proper contact care and handling techniques is important. Although some contacts may be FDA approved for overnight wear, sleeping in contacts increases the chance of infection.

THE FIRST YEARS After baby arrives, you should try to weave reading throughout your day, Skoler writes. Squeeze in 10 minutes here and 20 minutes there, working up to 30 to 60 minutes a day by the time baby is 4 months old.

ARE DECORATIVE CONTACTS OK? Decorative or cosmetic contacts are used to change eye color or to make eyes look like those of a cat or a zombie as part of a costume.

Dr. Dillinger stated, “In the USA, it’s illegal to sell decorative lenses over-the-counter, which means that they require correct fitting and a prescription from an eye doctor even if the contacts have no prescription power to correct vision. Even those who are familiar with contact wear and care can sus-

ASSOCIATED PRESCHOOL 800 Havana Road, Owatonna

OPEN HOUSE AND REGISTRATION FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR Monday, February 10th, For more information 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm & ongoing registration Tuesday, February 11th, Call 451-004 and 10:30 am - 12 pm & 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Follow us on Facebook!

2, 3 & 5 Day Classes for 3-5 Year Olds

preschool@associatedchurch.org • www.associatedpreschool.org

PRESCHOOL Preschool is an exciting time for young learners, as they begin to make rapid progress toward reading and writing. By preschool, children need lots of exposure to written and spoken language to advance their reading skills. “Kids need to understand that things you

say can be written down,” ences to help them learn said Georgia Kent, a read- about writing. You might ing specialist in Lake ask your child, “What did Zurich, Ill. Write shopping you do today?” Then record lists with your child and his musings about his day talk to them about what and read them back to him, you’re doing any time pointing out each word as you’re writing can help a you read. This helps expose child form those connec- children to many aspects of tions, she said. written language, accordExercises as simple as ing to Kent, such as the fact pointing out the first letter that text is read from left to of a store name on a sign right, there are spaces can help children under- between words, and the stand phonics, Kent said. importance of the first For example, point out the sound in each word.

T in Target or the M on the Another useful exercise McDonald’s sign. at this age is to “stretch out” The “language experience approach” is a way of using a child’s own experi- Continued on page 6

tain severe eye injuries from cosmetic contacts which often limit the oxygen that the eye receives.”

allowed to play with BB or pellet guns because of the risk for eye and other injuries.

Having caregivers read to the baby, as well, will help enhance the experience, as babies need to be exposed to different reading styles.

Having extended family members read to the baby when they visit also helps build relationships.

affect a person’s sleep cycle.

Lense with blue light filters as well as putting awy all electronic devices for at least 2 hours before sleep COULD LOOKING AT A can lead to falling asleep COMPUTER OR OTHER more quickly and staying ELECTRONIC DEVICES FOR asleep through the night.

LONG PERIODS HARM THE EYES? WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS “Too much screen time TO PREVENT EYE will probably not permaINJURIES? nently damage the eyes,” Dr. Vizina said that it’s said Dr. Gilthvedt. “But too hard to anticipate everymuch screen time is not thing that could hurt the good for the overall devel- eyes because even someopment of children.” she thing as seemingly innocuadded. Spending a lot of ous as a child’s fingernail time in front of a screen may can cause a serious injury. cause eye strain and head- Still, she said, it’s important aches, especially if one has to try to prevent eye injuries. undetected, uncorrected “For starters, Dr. Vizina said, astigmatism.

“Constant “be very careful around firescreen time is like doing works, lawn mowers and push-ups for three hours,” trimmers that could eject she said. “Give your eyes a debris, and sharp objects break and look up from that like sticks.” All four doctors screen to gaze around the at Horizon EyeCare recomroom from time to time.” mend that eye protection is Also blue light emitted by worn during certain sports, the screens of phones, tab- especially those that involve lets and computers can cre- smaller balls. Dr. Vizina also ate visual discomfort and advised that children not be

READERS

DON’T NEGLECT YOUR EYES OR TAKE YOUR VISION FOR GRANTED. Regular preventative eye exams are important for everyone, and optometrists are primary care eye professionals who provide eye health and vision care to people of all ages. If you have questions about what is best for your eyes and vision or about glasses, contact lenses, laser vision correction, vision therapy, vision and learning, eye diseases and disorders, see your optometrist.

Dr. Beth Gilthvedt, optometrist, practices at Horizon EyeCare Professionals, Vision Source Owatonna, 2560 Harvest Lane NW. Founded in 1991, Vision Source is the number one network of premier, private practice optometrists and includes more than 3300 offices in all 50 states and in Canada.

Janaury 2020

THE PROBLEM The following sobering facts from the National Alliance on Mental Illness put the problem of mental health in among schoolaged children into perspective: • bout one in five youth age 13-18 live with mental health conditions and appro imately of people with mental health issues develop them prior to the age of 24.

• Thirty seven percent of students age 14 or older with a mental health issue drop out of school.

• uicide is the third leading cause of death in students aged 10–24. Of those students having an underlying mental illness.

In addition, the Association for Children’s Mental Health cites research showing 1 in 10 young people have a mental health challenge that is severe enough to impair how they function at home school or in their community According to ACMH, mental health disorders

FAMILY AND PARENTING

PAGE 5

Student Mental Health Mental health problems are strikingly common among young people and can affect their ability to learn. Schools are beginning to tackle the problem and assist student in getting the help they need. © ADOBE STOCK

can affect two areas critical to students’ success: classroom learning and social interactions.

NEXT STEPS In recent years schools seem to have been ratcheting up their response to the need among students, with resources such as therapy dogs, counseling and support groups becoming more commonplace, along with parent education about issues such as anxiety depression and suicide ACMH encourages parents to build strong relationships with their school’s teachers and administrators to help ensure their child’s needs are met. Even a child who does not have an individualized educational plan or plan tools set out by federal law to help children with disabilities the school still is likely willing to help parents address their children’s mental health concerns with accommodations such as modifying deadlines, providing services or working to identify

and de escalate an iety In 2018, New York state launched an early intervention program to support the students’ mental health.

The program includes comprehensive services at every grade level, mental health assessments and interventions, access to behavioral and mental health services and programs, outreach to the Department of Education for support, and efforts to strengthen relationships between schools, families and communities.

Writing for InsideHigherEd.com, college professor John Warner recommended focusing less on achievement and more on student engagement tudents are less engaged in school each year from fifth through th grades he wrote with of fifth-graders reporting that they’re engaged in school and only by their senior year I’d love to see school reformers attack this problem with the same fervor they’ve directed toward raising test scores,” Warner wrote They may even be surprised how test

scores go up as school is organized around helping students thrive in all dimensions of the human experience without being

constantly measured and judged.”

MENTAL HEALTH HELP Resources Below are some resources to help identify and treat mental health problems among schoolaged children.

National Suicide Prevention Line: 800-273-TALK (8255), www.sprc.org Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s peerto-peer online support group: adaa.org/adaa-online-supportgroup Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance online support groups: https://bit.ly/2p6Y3bl ACMH list of possible red flags: https://bit.ly/2ohE9tJ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services mental health resources for educators: www. mentalhealth.gov/talk/educators.

Let’s Smile, Inc.’s purpose is to change lives by improving access to oral health care, increase oral health literacy, and raise awareness about the importance of oral health’s impact on overall health.

We provide outreach services to daycare centers, preschools, schools, and community organizations.

Let’s Smile, Inc. provides preventive dental care for children and adolescents up to the age of 19 that have state insurance MHCP (MA, South Country Health Alliance, Ucare, & Blue Plus) or no dental insurance.

Schedule an appointment by calling or texting 507-363-3023 • letssmileinc.com non-profit 501(c)3 organization since 2013

PAGE 6

FAMILY AND PARENTING

READERS

Continued from page 4 words and point out each individual sound. You can even create a sound box, a visual representation of how a word is put together. Draw each part of the word in a separate box, then move a bead, a bean, a penny or any other small object from box to box as you sound out the word.

© ADOBE STOCK

A NEW READER Once your child can read on his own, it’s tempting for parents to stop reading to their child — but don’t. It’s still important for children to have reading modeled for them, and it will increase their enthusiasm for reading.

Knowing your child’s reading level can help you guide your child toward books that are appropriate

for her ability. Ask your child’s teacher which reading scale the school uses (there are a handful) and where your child is currently performing on the scale.

A librarian at your public library will be able to help you find suitable books. Be sure to let your child be involved in choosing from books at her reading level.

This will make her more likely to read for enjoyment.

Vibrant Living For Individuals 55 & Older

“Let us take care of the details” • No Yard Maintenance • Daily Van Service • Secure Entrance

• Basic-Extended Cable • Single-Level Convenience • Laundry

1 or 2 Bedroom Apartment Homes Available for purchase Starting at $24,976 Call Jon at 507-455-3735 for a tour

235 22nd St SE, Owatonna 507-455-3735

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Supporting independence with affordable housing for individuals 55 and over. An Equal Housing Opportunity.

Janaury 2020

© ADOBE STOCK

Community Resources Raising children is hard work. Many parents will take all the help they can get. When it comes to getting the resources you need, look no further than your community. Many valuable resources for parents are right under your nose.

MUSEUMS Science and history museums, zoos and nature centers allow students to better visualize the concepts they are learning in school. A visit is a great way to reinforce your child’s education and inspire enthusiasm about learning.

Many children are visual-spatial learners, meaning they learn better when they can “see” and “do.”

Visiting museums can get pricey, so keep an eye out for free community days or see if your employer offers discounts or even free tickets. Some libraries offer a passport program that allows patrons to “check out” a limited number of museum and other attraction passes.

HOUSES OF WORSHIP Some churches offer programs for puberty and sexual education that help students navigate puberty and adolescence. Youth groups also help kids build

friendships and strengthen their faith. Look into what your church, temple, mosque or other house or worship has to offer.

HEALTH SERVICES Children learn best when they are happy and healthy. Making sure they are getting regular checkups and have access to care when it’s needed can go a long way toward supporting your child’s learning. If your family struggles to afford health or dental services, look for help in your local community. Many counties offer services for free or on a sliding scale to those who can’t afford to pay.

SUMMER MEALS For many children, when the school year ends, so does their access to adequate nutrition every day.

In order to keep stomachs full and kids in peak shape for learning all summer long, the federally funded, state-run Summer Food

Service Program provides summer meal programs to replace the free and reduced lunches that keep schoolchildren fed during the school year.

To find a program near you, visit https://www.fns. usda.gov/summerfoodrocks.

OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Is there a community garden where your child can satisfy their curiosity about plants, the environment or conservation?

What about a civil rights nonprofit where you child can volunteer and learn more about social issues?

Many public libraries, or county or social service agencies, offer workshops and seminars for parents on issues such as public health concerns like substance abuse and mental health. Seek out these valuable resources that are available for free right in your community.

Janaury 2020

FAMILY AND PARENTING

PAGE 7

Avoiding the ‘Summer Slide’ Summer learning loss, or “the summer slide,” happens every fall when children return to school. It’s the setback in the progression of their learning that many children experience after returning from three months of summer break.

THE PROBLEM Grades and test scores can slip as children get out of practice on the concepts they’ve learned. There’s evidence that the summer slide affects low-income children disproportionately compared to their more affluent peers. “Studies show that kids from lowincome families fall behind an average of two months in reading while their middle-income peers tend to make slight gains,” said a news release from First Book, a nonprofit that provides books and other literacy resources to children in need. “Those three months off take a disastrous toll. [The summer slide] erases months of hard-earned progress in school, lost ground that kids in need can’t afford.”

It’s a topic of great concern to modern teachers, who often spend the first few weeks of school reviewing last year’s material in hopes of partially combating the summer slide.

Researchers have been interested in summer learning loss since 1906, according to the Brookings Institution. But Scholastic reports that only about a third of parents have even heard of the phenomenon.

The well-informed parent can take steps to help a child start the new year with last year’s learning fresh in their mind and

ready for new learning experiences.

THE SOLUTIONS According to First Book, access to books over the summer can be something of a panacea for summer reading loss. “Books are the answer,” the organization wrote in a 2013 news release. “Unlike their more affluent peers, most of them don’t spend summer break at the library or reading books in the backseat on family trips. In fact, many of them won’t open a book until school starts up again. … Studies show that kids from low-income families who have access to books over the summer not only beat the summer slide, but make even greater gains than kids from wealthy and middle-class families.”

You should take advantage of any materials your child’s school sends home to keep kids learning over the summer. In addition, the Colorado Department of Education offers the following tips to parents on helping keep the summer slide in check: • ccess to books is critical. When it comes to your public library, think more than just the summer reading program. Most libraries offer fun activities, classes and workshops for children during the summer months, providing many

FIRST BOOK

opportunities to keep kids learning.

• When a child can choose their own reading materials and read for enjoyment, they are more likely to improve their reading skills.

• Want to encourage your child to read? Model that behavior by being a frequent reader yourself.

• our child doesn’t have to read a lot during the summer to prevent the summer slide. Reading just four to six books is beneficial.

• ou have the best

chance at beating summer slide when your community organizations are involved, such as schools,

libraries, community centers, parent groups and social service agencies.

Consider reaching out to

see which resources they offer and spread the word to others.

Good Shepherd Preschool 2500 7th Ave NE, Owatonna

• Christian Curriculum • Classes for 3, 4, 5 Year Olds • Extended Care & Transportation Options • Scholarships Available

Registration NOW OPEN! goodshepherdowatonna.com • 507-451-6821

PAGE 8

FAMILY AND PARENTING

Janaury 2020

The Middle School Transition

While the beginning of each school year can bring uncertainty, the transition to middle school can be an especially fraught time for students.

Between changes in their body and emotions, new responsibilities and expectations, and a new environment that can be challenging for some students, beginning middle school can be downright daunting. Helping children navigate this challenging time is critical to their success.

The Jewish Social Service Agency gives parents a heads-up that they might expect to see some unusual behavior from their child as they navigate the change, including hyperactivity, distractibility or agitation.

When parents are prepared for the transition, they can help their child prepare for the transition.

ASK YOUR CHILD HOW HE’S FEELING Talk frankly with your child about his concerns about the coming year. He may worry about the workload or the teachers; he might be intimidated by the size of the school (they’re typically larger and more difficult to navi-

gate than elementary schools); or he might be apprehensive about making friends. Ask your child what he thinks middle school will be like, and how you might help him feel more comfortable about the change. Assure your child that many students are feeling similar apprehension and that it is normal.

TALK ABOUT HIGHER EXPECTATIONS From remembering materials to turning in assignments to bringing home gym uniforms to be laundered, middle school students are expected to do more. This is because they are being prepared for high school, where the stakes will be even higher, with students being tasked with choosing classes, managing their study habits and even applying to college and applying for financial aid.

Talk to your child about the fact that the expectations will be higher in middle school. If your student struggles with organi-

zation and executive functioning issues such as planning and followthrough, help her identify strategies that might be helpful to put in place from the beginning of the new year. This might include using an organization system such as a zipup binder, using sticky notes or a smartphone to help remind her to turn in assignments or bring home homework, or learning to use the school website or app to find necessary information.

has learned about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and ask them to model how they would respond if a friend or classmate were to try to persuade them to try such substances. Now is also a good time to beef up your child’s self-esteem. Assure him of his value as a human being, and make a concerted effort to encourage a strong sense of selfworth in your child.

Discuss the harm gossip can do and encourage him not to participate.

forms have a minimum age of 13 for accounts.

Insist that your child stick to those guidelines. If your child does use social media, educate them about the potential dangers and appropriate use of social media. Remind them to think before they post, and to never post

anything they wouldn’t say to someone’s face. You also should check your child’s privacy settings and teach them about the value of their privacy online and otherwise.

SOCIAL MEDIA Given the social upheaval of the tween years, social media can be a landmine. Most plat-

SOCIAL PRESSURE Your child might feel various social pressures during the first year of middle school. This can include pressure to engage in romantic relationships, pressure to try drugs or alcohol, or pressure to spread rumors or change aspects of his appearance or personality to “fit in.” If your child hasn’t had any exposure to health classes or discussions at home about puberty, now is the time to broach the subject.

Reinforce what your child

Depend on expert veterinarian services you can trust!

When it comes to your furry friends, trust in our team of experienced doctors and vet technicians to treat you and them like family.

507-451-8153

Dr. Tami J. Bauer Dr. James R. Gute

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5:30pm • Thu 8am-7pm • Sat 9am-12 Noon

© ADOBE STOCK

1930 Cedar Ave. S Owatonna, MN