Lawrence Kids / Winter, 2014

LK

LAWRENCE KIDS

WINTER, 2014

Creating Confident Smiles (785) 832-0809 / 12 W. 8th Street / Lawrence

CONTENTS 12 16 19 24 30 32 34 47 64 66

VIEWPOINT SEASON’S READINGS HEALTH MAMA D’S FUNNIES THINGS WE DIG AT WORK HEALTHY KIDS FROM THE BLACKBOARD WINTER MUST DOS REUSE

FOR THE KIDS: HEALTHY SPROUTS THE FUTURE OF LAWRENCE SCHOOLS GROCERY GANG

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If you ask Maci, my 3 year-old daughter, what I do when I go to work, she says “help people at the Red Cross”.

And she’s totally right. That’s what I do.

While it seems simple that she could connect my work with helping those in need, it is one of many lessons that I hope to teach her as she grows up. The heart of every Red Cross story I share paints a picture of compassion, resilience and determination. And through good times and bad, these are the lessons that I hope will not only continue to bring passion to my life, but also to Maci’s.

Maci already sees the importance of helping those in need and it truly has a way of bringing me back to reality. Although young and innocent, she is able to simplify what I do into the basics of helping others in need, doing the right thing and being (overly) excited about all of it at the same time (a lot like me!). It is refreshing to take a step back from the chaotic pace of Red Cross communications and disaster relief and be able to see the big picture.

I love the fact that I can include Maci in my career by involving her in my deployment and preparedness stories, and teaching her lessons in a way that she can understand. Maci has already been touched by the Red Cross through her learn-to-swim program. I can see that, even as a toddler in preschool (yikes, she is growing up so fast!), she absorbs a lot of what I tell her and that is already taking after me.

After returning home from my most recent deployment to assist in relief efforts after the Colorado floods, she brought me a sticker and she said, “Mommy, it’s a Red Cross, you like it?” Well, of course I did. She melted my heart into a big

puddle. And that’s how I know she gets it. Now, maybe I am the only one who can see it and to everyone else she looks like your typical 3 year-old. But I can definitely see that she is already a determined little girl ready to take after mommy’s footsteps.

I see her compassion when she is playing doctor, her resilience after falling down and her determination to learn and put the pieces together with a new toy or game. Whether it is her telling me to “stop crying mama” before heading out on a 2-week deployment to assist those affected by disaster, or returning home and getting the biggest, tightest squeeze around the neck, it is all totally worth it and incredible to see the emotion on her face. Of course, after the hug she asks where her presents are. I mean, I have to bring something home with me, right?

The best part is that I love every second of it. I love including Maci and watching her relate to what I do every day. I am so passionate about my work with the Red Cross and I am happy to see my enthusiasm rub off on Maci.

I’m also lucky that so many of the core values and lessons I see daily at the Red Cross are also important practices we have as a family. I am fortunate that I have an amazing little girl that already shows qualities and traits that I am proud of, whether she follows in my footsteps or not.

LK Meghan is a Communications Director for the Red Cross.

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Winter Reading Suggestions from the Librarians at the Lawrence Public Library PICTURE BOOKS The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywait.

Count the Monkeys by Marc Barneet.

Inside Outside by Lizi Boyd.

Mystery Vine by Cathryn Fawlwell.

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert.

Apples and Pumpkins by Anne Rockwell.

LITTLE KIDS The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.

If you haven’t picked up this old favorite in a while, be sure to revisit it this winter. A Caldecott winner for its amazing illustrations, somehow both bold and delicate, this classic provides a twist on the common “country” winter theme by exploring the first snowfall in an urban landscape.

Listen, Listen by Phillis Gershator.

Full of beautiful, detailed, and humorous illustrations, this book follows the changing seasons through the sounds that we hear around us. Little ones will love learning the sounds and pointing out their favorite things on the pages.

Singing Away the Dark by Caroline Woodward.

As a little girl walks to catch the school bus on a dark and windy winter morning, she finds that by singing, the woods aren’t as scary, the walk isn’t as long and the wind isn’t as cold. “This quietly stunning tale empowers all young children -- whether they get to school by snowshoe or SUV -- to overcome fear with imagination” (Quill & Quire Starred Review). Beautiful illustrations by Julie Morstad.

Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, illustrated by Mary Azarian.

Wilson Bentley used photography and science to bring the wonder of snowflakes to us. This is the story of his life in a simple, meaningful Caldecott Medal winner.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

by Barbara Robinson.

Read this out loud to anyone over about four years old for lots of laughs. The six mean Herdman kids lie, steal, and smoke cigars (even the girls). They go to church for the first time after being told that the church offers snacks, and end up with roles in the Christmas pageant, wreaking havoc.

YOUNG FICTION The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde.

In this story, over a century old, Oscar Wilde sets his social commentary against a cold winter backdrop.

A small swallow setting out for warm Egypt before winter falls lands on a statue of a prince overlooking a city. The statue, seeing poverty and strive all over, enlists the swallows help. A heartbreaking tale of charity, selflessness, and sacrifice.

Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 story and art

by David Petersen.

Three mice patrol the borders and make safeways to keep the Mouse Territories free from predators. The winter of 1152 brings a food shortage that threatens the lives of many a mouse, and it is possible not every Guard will survive. This is a graphic novel with charming art.

LK

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THE DOG DAYS OF WINTER (cough... sniffle)

Seasonal Health Issues by Dr. Kirsten Evans / Lawrence Pediatrics It’s here. The mid-point of Winter. The holidays are over, kids are back in school and the cold temperatures are here. We can wash our hands and cover our mouths all we want. Sometimes, however, we just get sick. Knowing your symptoms and how to treat them can go a long way in helping your family get back on your feet. cont.

Influenza and Pneumonia Influenza, sometimes called “the flu”, is a viral illness characterized by coughing, congestion, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, headache and fever that lasts three to seven days. It can sometimes be accompanied by nausea and diarrhea, but it is not the same thing as the “stomach flu”, which is a viral illness causing multiple episodes of vomiting and diarrhea in a 24-hour period.

Influenza is like a cold, only much more severe. Children most at risk for serious complications are those with neurological, pulmonary and cardiac conditions.

Respiratory droplets spread influenza. In other words, it is spread by someone who is infected coughing or sneezing near someone who is not. It is a highly contagious disease, and it spreads rapidly from person to person. It can also be spread by contact with infected surfaces. Because it is a virus of birds and mammals, it can also be spread through bird droppings. It spreads around the world in epidemics, causing

three to five million cases of illness and 250,000 to 500,000 deaths every year. The infectious strains of the virus vary annually.

One of the most severe consequences of influenza is pneumonia, both viral and a secondary bacterial pneumonia. This pneumonia is frequently severe and often fatal, and it happens even in healthy young people. Pneumonia should be suspected in anyone with high fever and difficulty breathing, and a health care provider should see patients with suspected pneumonia immediately.

There is not a single effective treatment for influenza. Antiviral medicines like Tamiflu are available and help reduce the severity and length of the illness, but they do not kill the virus that causes influenza. Some antivirals only work against one strain of flu, and some strains are resistant to the medications. Rest, fluids and pain and fever relief are important in the care of anyone with influenza.

Prevention remains the most effective remedy for influenza.

Good consistent hand washing, avoiding contact with contagious people and sanitizing surfaces with alcohol or dilute bleach will help contain spread. Vaccination is the single best deterrent and is extremely effective in protecting the public from infection. The vaccine changes each year to reflect the changing flu strains, and the protection only lasts approximately a year, so it is important to vaccinate yearly. There is an injectable vaccine for everyone over 6 months of age, and a nasal mist for people 2-49 years of age who have no other medical issues.

Influenza is a serious and sometimes deadly infection that

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can be prevented by vaccination. Its spread can be slowed or even stopped by careful cleanliness precautions. If you suspect your child may have influenza, contact your child’s physician and keep your child at home until he or she has recovered.

Bronchiolitis Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small airways, the bronchioles, which we have in our lungs. It affects babies and young children under three. It causes a lot of mucous, which can cause coughing, congestion, and difficulty breathing. It can make babies have a hard time drinking, so they can become dehydrated. It can also cause fever. In older children it is a bad cold.

Viruses cause bronchiolitis. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), is one virus, but others, such as human papillomavirus and adenovirus, do as well. These viruses are very common in the winter months. Adults and older children will catch a cold from these viruses, but babies can get very sick, mostly because their airways are smaller and they get plugged more easily.

Because viruses cause bronchiolitis, there are no medicines to cure it, and antibiotics are not helpful. Therefore, treatment is mainly supportive. The most important thing is to suction the mucous out of your baby’s nose. The easiest way to do this is to put a few drops of nasal saline into the nostril, then use a bulb syringe or a battery operated suction machine

(sold at pharmacies) and suction out the mucous. You should do this before feeds and before sleeping. Running a humidifier may help deep the secretions thinner and make it easier to suction the baby. Keeping the baby’s head elevated will also help relieve the mucous plugging. It is also important to give the baby smaller, more frequent feedings, as it is hard for your baby to suck when she is so congested.

The cough from bronchiolitis can last up to eight weeks, but the baby should look and act better within a week. Reasons to call your doctor include decreased feeding, extreme fussiness, fast or hard breathing, or simply if you are concerned.

There is no way to prevent bronchiolitis, other than avoiding the viruses that cause it. For that reason, babies born in the winter months should not go out among people for the first two months of life. Everyone near the baby should wash his or her hands, and nobody sick should touch the baby. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

LK

Dr. Kirsten Evans has practiced pediatrics in Topeka, Kansas City, and Virginia.

As a pediatrician who has worked in private practice, a faculty member at The University of Kansas Medical Center, and a pediatric hospitalist at Stormont Vail Health Care, she has treated children of all ages with a wide variety of illnesses. She also serves as adjunct faculty for Saint Louis University and is a board member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, tiny-k and Safe Kids.

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Lawrence Pediatrics believes in complete preventive care and Dr. Kirsten Evans has lived in Lawrence since 1989. healingschool for children from birth She completed medical and residency at Theto ageMedical 21. Center and has practiced University of Kansas

pediatrics in Topeka, Kansas City and Virginia, treated children of all ages withmission: a wide variety of illnesses. Dr. Our Evans has workedprovide in private practice, as faculty at The comprehensive pediatric KU Med Center and as a pediatric hospitalist at Storcare for your child’s lifelong mont Vail Health Care. Dr Evans serves as adjunct fachealth. ulty for Saint Louis University and is president Welcome of the Welcome Kansas Medical Education Foundation.

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“Santa foh-got my Baby Chou-Chou,” Amelia cried out between heaving sobs as she collapsed into my lap, just a few days shy of her fourth birthday, the day after Christmas 11 years ago.

I eyeballed the birthday gift wrapped purposely in pastel pinks and bright yellows so as to stand out from the barrage of red and green still left under the tree and considered telling her the truth: Santa did not forget anything; her dad and I didn’t want Santa to get the credit for giving her Baby Chou-Chou, the most high-tech baby doll ever invented, so we decided to hold off and give her the doll ourselves for her birthday December 29th.

But instead I pulled something out of my backside (as we parents tend to do) and managed to ease her concerns about Santa without giving anything away.

Her deep desperation for a baby that would eat, drink, need a diaper change, giggle, coo and cry made actually receiving one on her birthday even sweeter.

Just like real babies (and I, pregnant with my fourth at the time, had become quite familiar with them), ChouChou started out adorable. We all took turns holding her, ogling over her tiny and delicate features. Amelia’s big sister jumped at the chance to cuddle with her new electronic niece. My husband and I caught a glimpse of our – hopefully very distant – future as grandparents, cradling Chou-Chou in our arms while she slept and handing her back off to her mommy when she cried, exactly as our parents had done with our children.

We marveled at the care little Amelia gave to her even littler babe. We chuckled as she gently bounced Chou-Chou and sang whenever the doll began to cry.

We taught about car safety, showing her how to buckle Chou-Chou in her infant carrier and secure it in place with a seatbelt.

And then, just as with real babies, the novelty and awe slowly wore off. Christmas vacation was over and school started up again. Amelia was feeding ChouChou every morning, changing her clothes and diaper before heading off to preschool. I flipped the doll’s switch off after returning home from the school drop and turned it back on again just before pick-up because, as I mentioned before, I was pregnant with my

fourth and did not want to rush into caring for another crying infant – UPS-delivered or not – any sooner than I had too.

A few days dragged by watching Amelia fall into the rut of so many first-time moms… wake, feed self, feed baby, get dressed, dress baby, go to work (or half-day preschool), come home to baby, feed baby, feed self, feed baby again, realize you just met with a new client wearing two different shoes and spit-up on your freshly-cleaned blazer, change another diaper, crash in bed, repeat.

Less than a week into her life as a single mom going to school part time to pursue her pre-reading education, Amelia was strung-out and exhausted.

We tried to encourage her to power the baby off once in a while, but Amelia – who would later prove to be the strongest endurance athlete in our family – refused to consider it. She was in it to win it. And if raising Baby Chou-Chou meant she would no longer be able to take part in other activities she used to enjoy prebaby, like the Fisher Price Farm or dressing up her baby brother in her Barbie underwear, then so be it. Parenthood, she quickly figured out, was about sacrifice and sweat and tears.

And those tears came at a tsunami-like rate in the middle of the night shortly after New Year’s Day, when Amelia staggered into our bedroom, rings and bags under her eyes, saying, “I need help! Baby Chou-Chou won’t stop crying!”

Just as my mother had done for me three times before – and once more to come – I gently took Chou-Chou from Amelia’s arms and led my post-partum daughter back to bed, assuring her Chou-Chou would be just fine spending a night in our room with her ever-loving grandparents and removed the batteries, never to be seen again.

Amelia awoke to a quieter, happier Chou-Chou and spent the rest of the winter delighting in the bliss of her newfound life-balance. In fact, we all did.

(UPDATE: I recently found a Chou-Chou online for $379. I have one I’m willing to part with for half that… batteries not included!)

LK

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Things We Dig

Winter, 2014 / Winter’s Night Sky After the sun sets, walk outside and look up. See that? Those stars, that universe... that’s the stuff of dreams. We love stargazing and there is no better time to do it than during the last few weeks of Winter.

These days our kids are more likely to look at constellations on their iPad or laptop than while gazing up in the backyard. We know, our kids do it too. But in the Winter, while the sun sets earlier in the evening and the skies clear, put on a coat and hat, grab a blanket and get outside. The cold air seems to make the stars shine even more brightly. If your kid just can’t let go of her iPad, you can always have them download a constellation app and identify the stars for you.

Be sure to check online for the clearest of nights and the best hot chocolate recipe.

Then, head out of town (our favorite star peeping spot is near Clinton Lake) for an evening a dreams and stories.

If you really want to educate your kids, you can always begin Latin lessons. We do, after all, live in Kansas. Ad Astra Per Aspera...

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“Snow days don’t always mean I get to stay at home. As a small business owner and a mom (with another one on the way!) things still need to get done at the studio. In order to be productive I have to include my son, Kristian, on special tasks so he feels like he’s helping and so I don’t lose my sanity chasing him around!”

Emmalee Schaumburg, At Work, with her son Kristian (4).

Healthy Kids

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How WIC Helps Kids For one college student the New Year started with a welcome surprise, she was pregnant.

With no primary care doctor or health insurance, she turned to Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department’s WIC program. She had heard about the program through friends.

“I want to do everything possible for my baby,” she said emotionally.

During an hour-long appointment, she listened intently to the advice that WIC Supervisor Jolene Croxell, a registered nurse, provided. Croxell talked about proper nutrition and exercise and the benefits of breastfeeding. She provided a brochure, “Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy.”

She pointed out foods not to eat, which included: deli meat unless it’s heated, raw fish, unpasteurized cheese and alfalfa sprouts. Croxell also provided referrals for health insurance and medical care. The student also received a check to buy nutritional foods for her and the baby.

Teary-eyed, the mom-to-be expressed her thanks.

One in three babies born in Douglas County receive assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, commonly called WIC. The program is for pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, and children ages 5 and under, who meet income guidelines.

“A lot of our clients don’t just need nutrition information,” Croxell said. “They have all sorts of things going on in their lives, so we refer them to other Health Department services such as the Healthy Families program or elsewhere if we can’t provide the service.” cont.

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The WIC program also provides classes and events like “Kickin’ It With WIC,” which focuses on affordable, fun ideas to be active as a family.

Brittany Wisdom, a single mom, said the program is beneficial for her and her children Lita (4), John (3) and her third child who is due to arrive in March. She said the WIC nutritionists provide valuable information, from breastfeeding tips to activity ideas and nutrition. For example, she said, Lita is a picky eater and prefers drinking juice instead of eating foods. WIC nutritionists suggested diluting the juice with water to cut down on sugar and calories.

“Juice can be a great way to get fruits in, but it also contains a lot of sugars,” Croxell said. “We encourage parents to dilute juice with water - so use 50 percent water and 50 percent juice, or even more water if you can get away with it.”

It’s just one of the ways parents can help their children from becoming overweight. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one third of U.S. children and adolescents are overweight or obese, which puts them at increased risk for several types of cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke and osteoarthritis.

Croxell said more than 40 percent of the children in the Douglas County WIC program are overweight or obese. She said three common causes are sugarsweetened beverages and foods, an abundance of milk and not enough physical activity for the growing obesity epidemic.

“I think that’s the dangerous triad that causes obesity.”

Croxell offers the following tips to help children get a healthy start: 1. Drink reduced-fat milk. Croxell said one of the easiest changes parents can make is to switch to low-fat milk at age 2 because the children still get the nutritional benefits but not the extra calories. Also, don’t provide too much. She said most kids and adults only need two cups per day.

“Most kids love milk, which is good, but if they fill up on milk, they don’t want to eat the other foods that give them other nutrients that are so important for their growth.”

2. Eat fruits and vegetables. It’s important for kids to get five servings of fruits and vegetables every day because they are packed with much-needed nutrients. She suggests allowing children to help pick out

fruits and vegetables while at the store because they are more likely to be excited about eating them once they are home. Better yet, plan to start a small garden with them this spring. Additionally, children often have issues with the texture, not necessarily the taste. Croxell said they might prefer fresh or steamed vegetables instead of boiled.

“Continue to offer them the choices and try preparing them in different ways,” she said. “I frequently recommend yogurt smoothies to families because kids will drink just about anything you put in a cup. So, that’s a great way to sneak in veggies and fruits.”

3. Get between 30-60 minutes of activity per day. Croxell encourages the entire family to be active together.

“It doesn’t have to be an aerobics class. It can be just running around outside playing games or taking a walk. Make it fun,” Croxell said. If it’s too cold outside, she suggested going to one of Lawrence’s recreation centers which are free to use or staying home and playing an interactive board or video game or putting on some music and dancing.

“You can incorporate activity in just about everything you do.” She recommends that children watch less than two hours a day of television.

4. Create family mealtimes. Children can tend to graze all day long, which can make it difficult for parents to monitor portion sizes and know whether their children are getting the nutrients they need. Croxell encourages families to come up with mealtime rituals where everyone stops what they are doing and enjoys a meal together. Better yet, she said, get the kids involved by letting them help with cooking or setting the table.

5. Be a healthy role model. “If parents are good role models, the kids most likely will follow in their footsteps. They’re going to make healthy choices moving forward and create those healthy habits for a lifetime,” Croxell said.

For information about the WIC program and other Health Department services, visit ldchealth.org and click on “Our Services” or call 843-0721. The program serves about 1,600 individuals and provides $1 million worth of food and formula assistance annually.

LK

FOR THE KIDS / Winter, 2014

HEALTHY SPROUTS OF LAWRENCE Healthy Sprouts of Lawrence works to bring fresh, locally grown produce to childcare centers by connected centers with local farmers.

We’re trying to teach kids and families that good, healthy food is available

right here in

Lawrence.

- Emily Hampton / Healthy Sprouts

No matter whom you ask, the program isn’t about food. In fact, the program isn’t about the farmers or the kids, either. Healthy Sprouts is about an idea.

Healthy Sprouts, a department of the Douglas County Child Development Association, is a Farm-to-Preschool program that teaches children where their food comes from at an early age to instill healthy habits for life.

Healthy Sprouts partners with childcare centers and in-home care providers to set up gardens where children learn to plant, grow and most importantly eat nutritious foods. In addition to gardens, Community Supported Agricultural groups sell bundles of fresh produce to pre-school families on-site. Healthy Sprouts also delivers training for center cooks, childcare providers and families to increase knowledge about gardening, nutrition and the preparation of locally grown foods.

The program works with nearly 1,000 preschool children a year at 30 in-home day cares and eight day care centers.

“We’re trying to teach kids and families that good, healthy food is available right here in Lawrence,” says Emily Hampton, Program Director. “Our goal is to get families to eat fresh produce from some of our great local producers. In the two years we’ve done this, the response has been tremendous. Families love it. Childcare centers love it and the local farmers love it.”

Hampton says the childcare providers love the idea of additional learning opportunities for their kids and the ability to provide high quality produce in their meals. Since the programs inception in 2011, no childcare provider has left the program. In fact, Hampton says, their room for growth is immeasurable.

“Well for us it’s been great,” says Karen Pendleton of Pendleton Country Market. “We are thrilled with the CSA.” Pendleton says their farm delivers bundles of seasonal produce to Princeton Children’s Center in northwest Lawrence once a month. Families join the CSA and pay a monthly fee for the bundles.

“On our end we know what we are selling, who’s buying it and when they’ll get it,” Pendleton says. “Most families pay in advance when they join the CSA, so we have cash flow in the early spring, which is a great help to buy the seeds, when we don’t have much else to sell. And, of course, we love the idea of parents making it a priority to serve their families fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally.”

For the past two years the program had been funded through a United Methodist Health cont.

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Ministry Fund grant and various health foundations. As 2013 came to a close, funds were close to running out and the program was at a serious risk of ending.

“It was very stressful,” Hampton explains. “I think most of us were really down about that fact that, unless we secured funding, all our work would be for not. We worked very hard to get this program on it’s feet, and we certainly didn’t want it to end.”

In November, good news began to come in. The group received a $25,000 grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, $6,000 in donations from the community and a $6,000 grant from Bill Self’s Assists Foundation.

“The grant from the Kansas Health Foundation was the best news,” Hampton says with a relieved sigh. “Without that grant, our program would have ended. That grant, and the subsequent grants and donations will allow us to operate Healthy Sprouts through August.”

The funds will help Hampton continue her work with childcare centers and local farmers. In addition, the grant money will help pay for additional outreach programs headed by Melissa Freiburger.

Erin Zimney, Executive Director of Bill Self’s Assists Foundation, said Healthy Sprouts is exactly the kind of organization the foundation tries to support.

“The group works to better the lives of youth in Lawrence,” Zimney explains. “That corresponds perfectly with what the Assist’s Foundation works to do. Their grant application was viewed very favorably by the committee.”

Though the recent influx of operating funds is a big relief, Hampton knows her days as a fundraiser are far from over.

“These grants and the individual donations are not, by any means, taken for granted,” she says. “But we need to find funds to help sustain the program. We are working with business advisors and listening to all advice.”

The group plans a major fundraiser for the end of January.

Healthy Sprouts’ Sunday Soirée will be held Sunday, January 26 at Abe & Jake’s Landing. The fundraiser will feature drinks, live music, chef-made hor d’oeuvres, desserts and dancing. A range of items will be available for bidding at silent and live auctions.

“This event will be, hopefully, just the beginning,” Hampton says. “We have work to do, we know that. But we are so excited about the possibilities for this program.”

LK

Sunday Soiree A Charity Event for Healthy Sprouts

Jan. 26 / 3-6pm at Abe and Jake’s Landing, 8 E. Sixth St. Tickets are $30, or $50 for two, and can be purchased at the door or online at www.dccda.org/food-education.html

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FROM THE BLACKBOARD

by Vanessa Sanburn, USD 497 School Board President

For the last four years, the school board for Lawrence Public Schools has set goals around engagement. These goals are aimed towards developing a learning community of school, family and community partnerships committed to ensuring educational equity and excellence so that all students achieve at high levels and graduate prepared for success in college, careers and life. It’s quite a mouthful. If you are a parent of one of our students, or a member of this community, you are the target of this goal, because our board knows that our students benefit when they have an engaged community behind them. Connections matter.

We’re fortunate to live in a community with such an active and generous citizenry. Last year, House Minority Leader Paul Davis and Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger graciously volunteered their time to help pass the impressive bond issue, which is in the works now and will significantly impact student experiences in our district facilities. I’m always blown away at the support for our schools when I attend the Lawrence Schools Foundation’s annual Community Education breakfast. Additionally, the district hosts an awards assembly, recognizing a volunteer impacting each one of our schools.

Every year principals talk about their struggle to select just one person to recognize from the many individuals that spend countless hours working to improve the education of Lawrence’s kids.

There are so many ways to get involved. Parent Teacher Organizations, PTAs, and/or Booster Clubs exist at each of the schools and coordinate special events, conduct fundraisers and increase school spirit. These groups are always looking for extra hands for a variety of activities. Each school has a Site Council, serving as an advisory group for each school. This group includes parents, teach-

ers, school staff and members from each school community, including business partners from each neighborhood. If you are interested in becoming a member of a Site Council, please contact the school’s principal.

There are also a variety of special committees based upon the needs of our district. Currently, each school with significant improvement from the passed bond issue has a Design and Construction Committee that works closely with the architect to plan the future of our schools. Community members and parents continue to play an integral role in this process of designing spaces that support our goals of excellence, equity and engagement. The board will be relying on help from the Boundary committee as community populations shift and we must plan the future boundaries to best utilize our facilities and staff resources.

Engagement is also our job as board members.

By continually reaching out to the community we do a better job of making sure the decisions made reflect the needs and values of the community served by our schools. School Board Meetings take place on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at the district offices. Each meeting provides time for public comments and welcomes the opportunity to hear from patrons. Our meetings can be streamed live (or archived) from our website, www.usd497.org.

And, you are welcome to call or email anytime to share your thoughts or concerns. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you, Lawrence, for your continued support of our public schools. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to improve the schools and serve the students of our district.

LK

THIS IS THE FUTURE OF LAWRENCE

SCHOOLS and the future is BRIGHT photos by Tasha Keathley Helms

I REALLY DO THINK ALL EDUCATIONAL

MODELS ARE HEADED

TOWARD BLENDED LEARNING, AND I’M VERY EXCITED ABOUT IT. - Diana Bailey / Deerfield 5th Grade Teacher

BLENDED LEARNING IN

LAWRENCE SCHOOLS

In many ways, Diana Bailey’s 5th grade classroom in Lawrence’s Deerfield Elementary is typical. Kids in sweatshirts and sneakers clamor for their teacher’s attention. They raise their hands, laugh with their friends and act like typical 11 year-olds.

Gone, however, are the traditional desks and structured lesson plans. Bailey can’t be found standing in front of the sitting students, pointing to a blackboard. In fact, the teacher is often hard to find in the active, almost constantly moving classroom.

But after speaking with Bailey for 10 minutes, one thing becomes clear: the future of Lawrence public education is taking place in her classroom.

“I really do think all educational models are headed toward blended learning,” Bailey says with an enthusiasm that seems boundless. “And I’m very excited about it. I think what we’re doing with blended learning is setting the standard for education.”

There is no set definition of blended learning. A 2012 report by the Innosight Institute, defines blended learning as “a formal education program in which a student learns at least in part through online delivery of content and instruction with some element of student control over time, place, path or pace. While still attending a ‘brick-and-mortar’ school structure, face-to-face classroom methods are combined with computer-mediated activities.” cont.

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Bailey says the idea has revolutionized the way she teaches.

“If you walk into my classroom, the first thing you will notice is that it is not structured like a traditional classroom,” Bailey explains. “The desks aren’t in rows facing the front of the room. I don’t stand in front of the class and present lessons.

Instead the students are engaged in projects and activities that interest them. I might help one student with a history lesson and then help another group with some science lesson.”

Though not specifically following the method of student instruction, Bailey admits Blended Learning does borrow some of the major characteristics of Montessori education.

“Students have much more control over their work, that’s for sure,” Bailey says. “That idea is very similar to Montessori. We put a big emphasis on collaborative work. Let’s face it, when these kids are in the real world, they will absolutely have to know how to collaborate with others in order to be successful. That is stressed here.”

Bailey’s class utilizes technology to increase student engagement. For example, her class followed the Quatrill’s Raid Twitter re-enactment in August. The students were fascinated by the “first-person” accounts of the horrific events and their interest resulted in research into the characters and events of the day. While some Lawrence classrooms might have had the event described to the students, Bailey’s classroom was engaged and took the initiative to learn more.

Another big hit with students involves Skyping with another classroom. In another country. On another continent. The two classrooms play an international game of 20 questions.

All questions must pertain to the geographic location of the school.

“The kids absolutely love that,” Bailey says. “We’ll Skype with a school in Africa or somewhere and the students really have to ask thoughtful geographic questions in order to locate the school. I think it takes learning about another place way beyond the book. The kids are looking at books and maps and online trying to locate the other school. All the while they are interacting with those students. They can see classrooms from across the world and meet kids from different countries.”

Sometimes the kids don’t plan very well, and the game ends quickly.

“The kids learned pretty early not to wear a University of Kansas t-shirt on days we Skype,” Bailey says.

Bailey’s classroom is the product of USD 497’s increasing efforts to expand the reach of their blended learning programs. In fact, one of the school district’s major goals is to develop a rollout plan for expansion of blended learning for the 2014-15 school year.

Angelique Kobler, USD 497 Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, says that the success of blended learning in classrooms like Bailey’s have affirmed her believe that the method is not only useful, but needed in the school district.

“First of all, Diana is a rock star,” Kobler explains. “That’s the most important thing to know. Without our great professional educators, nothing we do would work. But their success and their students’ success are a testament to our belief that integrating blended learning into our schools is incredibly important. Our hopes were affirmed and the new method increased student engagement in the classroom and

enhanced their learning experience.”

Last school year, the district implemented blended learning curriculum in 8 classrooms. Those 8 rooms were selected strictly because of the teachers. Kobler says they asked for teachers to apply for the “field test” position and they were very careful when deciding who would give the new method a test run.

“We looked for specific qualities in the educators,” Kobler says. “We knew we needed educators that were willing to go out on an ledge with us. We needed problem solvers and those who were willing to disrupt the traditional notion of a schoolroom. In our district we employ professional educators and we found some really great people to implement blended learning. They are all honest about the shortcomings and have communicated well their thoughts for improvement.”

The results of last year’s “field test” were overwhelmingly positive and the district is quickly expanding funding for blended learning. Kobler hopes to have 40 fully functional blended learning classrooms next school year.

“We’ve been very happy with the reaction from students, educators and parents,” Kobler says. “I know some of our professional educators that have children in elementary school and are actively trying to get them into one of our blended learning rooms. They see the benefits of the teaching model.”

As with any form of expansion in the school district, funding stipulates how many blended learning classrooms can be added. Kobler says the district is constantly looking for new funding sources and configurations to help pay for what they deem to be in the best interest of the district’s students.

“We have to fund a great, innovative and effective program that has lead to increased student happiness and more engaging professional educators,” Kobler says. “That’s a good problem to have.”

Though the initial reaction to blended learning has been ‘overwhelmingly positive,’ both Kobler and Bailey understand the open-room, less-structured method of blended learning isn’t the best fit for all students. Kobler says only a few parents have asked to have their child removed and assigned to a more traditional classroom.

“We understand some parents and students are more comfortable in a traditional classroom,” Kobler explains. “That’s fine. Of course we are always going to do whatever we can to make our parents feel comfortable and help our students succeed.”

Bailey says she has been implementing aspects of blended learning into her classroom for years. Now that the idea has a name, a plan and school district backing, she is thrilled for future possibilities.

“I get that this form of classroom structure isn’t best suited for all students,” she says emphatically. “And I don’t want to send the impression that all our class time is spent on computers or behind screens. I stress the importance of unplugging and the real beauty of reading a book. We’ll never loose that, but I love how blended learning engages students more than any other teaching method I’ve used. I’m excited to come into the classroom everyday and I can tell a difference in the students. I can tell that they are excited too.”

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A Lawrence Gang Characters developed by a Lawrence kid are about to become a very, very big deal.

Max Ford didn’t have big plans. In fact, he was just drawing. When he was 10 years-old he loved to draw and he loved superheroes. The Grocery Gang just kind of happened.

“The first time I saw these characters I was really amused,” says Lori Watson, Max’s mom. “I really didn’t think anything of it - certainly not what has happened. Max started drawing the food characters with his friends and making comic strips with them just for fun. They made up stories and adventures with them.”

Max’s doodles have evolved. At first, the characters weren’t all part of a healthy gang of produce chilling in the store. But Max has developed the characters into The Grocery Gang, a group of cartoon characters that live in a grocery store.

“It didn’t start out necessarily being about eating healthy and exercising,” Lori says. “However, my friend and now business partner, John White fell in love with Max’s characters and together they came up with the idea of making all the characters healthy foods, and have them all live in a grocery store together. All the stories and adventures would take place in that magical grocery world.”

Athletic Apple, President Pear and Construction Cabbage are among the characters Max has developed.

With the help of his mom and White, the group have created a 32-page coloring and activity book.

“A few years ago we created a 16-page book,” Watson explains. “There was a lot of interest in Max’s characters, so we made a book with more characters and activities. We’ve gotten a lot of really great feedback, and interest in the books is really high.”

When Watson says ‘interest in the books,’ she isn’t

talking about friends and neighbors. No, they are aiming a little bit higher than that.

“Well, we’ve proposed the books to the health departments of 6 states,” Watson says with her customary laugh. “We’ve quoted one state prices based on an order of 500,000 copies.”

The Grocery Gang isn’t limited to the book, however.

“We would like to have more products than just the coloring activity book, like story books, puzzles and games,” Lori says. “We thought this was a good place to start introducing the characters in an interactive way with kids.”

Max and Lori are excited because his simple idea is being embraced by policy makers. They are hopeful the Grocery Gang can make a difference in the lives of families.

“We want to get kids interested in healthy eating,” Watson said. “Since all these characters were developed by a kid, we’re pretty sure kids will get a kick out of them. Max is really excited about getting these creations out into the world and having other kids enjoy them. Hopefully we can help some parents get their kids excited about fruits and vegetables!”

Books are for sale at The Crayola Bookstore at Crown Center for $3.95. I can also sell them to anyone who would like to get in touch with me. Planning on talking to local stores to sell them, but haven’t done that yet.

To help get your kids through the cold winter, check out some of The Grocery Gang...

LK

WINTER MUST DOS

WINTER, 2014 MUST DOS 1. GO SLEDDING Winter is a mixed bag of fun, freezing and hoping for Spring. When the skies are grey and the temperature dips, it’s hard to get outside and play. However, when the snow falls, we suggest doing everything you can to get out of your house and head for the nearest hill. As much as many of us may complain about the snow, it never seems to stick around too long.

Take advantage while you can. If you need help finding a spot, send us an email and we’ll send our list of the best sledding hills in town.

Now until the final snow melts.

2. KU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Coach Self and his boys grab most of the headlines in the winter. Yes, we’re big fans. But, we’re also big fans of Coach Bonnie and her team. Women’s game days are always fun at the Fieldhouse. Seats are more affordable, kids can move around and Coach Bonnie always has her ladies playing hard. Be on the lookout for great promotions geared at Lawrence families like Superhero Day and the annual Pink Game. Grab the kids, invite grandma and make it a day of basketball, popcorn and chasing Baby Jay. All Winter long / Allen Fieldhouse

3. PLAY BOARD / CARD GAMES Maybe we’re old fashioned, but we really love playing board games with our kids. Sure, battling a few rounds of Mario Cart is fun, but video games have nothing on sinking a battleship, connecting four or landing on Boardwalk. Our house if full of new and classic games. We have everything from Candyland to Millionaire Monopoly. We don’t always pic tradition over technology, but when we do, we play games.

Pick a day, any day, all season

4. WATCH THE OLYMPICS WITH YOUR KIDS Hard to believe 4 years have passed since the last Winter Olympics. We know that most people (including us) are bigger fans of the Summer Games, but we’re excited for the snow games.

Take advantage of the event to teach your kids about a new sport. Who knows, maybe that rambunctious 4 year-old kid of yours is the next great American Bobsled champion! Encourage them to try new activities, but we suggest you steer them away from the street luge.

February 7 - February 23

5. BE HELPFUL Do what you can for those you know. Acts of kindness are contagious and a great example.

REUSE LAWRENCE KIDS / CITYSCAPE COLLAGES Looking for something for the kids to do during those dog days of Winter?

Using your Lawrence Kids, make these fun and colorful Cityscape Collages. Get out the cars and characters for a bit of seasonal fun.

1. Check out Toot Toot Beep Beep for inspiration.

2. Cut and paste your road to the base paper. Add some white stripes to the center.

3. Using your old Lawrence Kids, cut rectangles of various sizes from colorful pictures. Add scrapes of other construction paper.

4. Add pre-cut cars, trees, lights and whatever else your kids deem neces sary. Can they create a street in Lawrence?

5. Kids can combine their collages and make an entire city!

By Rebecca Dunn / Full-time stay-at-home-mom by day, part-time youth librarian by night and on weekends, Rebecca has pages of creative ideas for seasonal fun on her beautiful blog www.sturdyforcommonthings.com.