Kid's Directory Arkansas Magazine July 2024

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING

Incoming 9th, 10th, & 11th Grade Students www.amfra9-12.org 501-942-6372 **Not required to join the military THIS AD WAS 100% FUNDED BY THE $1.25 MILLION US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS SUBGRANT AWARDED TO ARKANSAS MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDERS ACADEMY

JOIN THE AMS LITTLE ROCK OWLS

FIRST CLASS TUITION-FREE K-8 CHARTER SCHOOL OPENING FALL 2024 • 20+ years experience • Preparing your student for success in high school and beyond.Focus on character building (respect, responsibility, friendship) • Affordable before & after school care • Healthy and nutritious meals for ALL students

• Rigorous STEAM curriculum • Strong parent communication and collaboration • Variety of K-8 extracurricular clubs and sports options • Zero tolerance bullying policy • Safe, secure campus environment

WELCOMING OUR FIRST CLASS IN FALL 2024

APPLY TODAY

(501) 295-3424 • enrollams.org/little-rock Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 3

OUR ADVERTISERS Academy of Math & Science.............................3, 18 & 19 Agape Academy............................................................ 29 All For Kids.......................................................................6 Arkansas Academy of Dance......................................... 27 Arkansas Better Beginnings .................................... 5, 28 Arkansas Childrens Hospital, Nutrition........................ 30 Arkansas Childrens Hospital, Research........................ 27 Arkansas Military & First Responders Academy..............2 Arkansas Skatium............................................................6 Arkansas Soccer Club.................................................... 16 Ballet Arkansas.............................................................. 25 Baptist Health..................................................................7 Barksdale Federal Credit Union................................... 10 Central Arkansas Pediatric Dentistry............................ 24 Dancers’ Corner............................................................. 29 Fancyful......................................................................... 15 Grow Learning Centre................................................... 23 Jacksonville Parks & Recreation................................... 11 Jax's Gym...................................................................... 17 Little Rock Zoo............................................................... 10 Miki the Monkey.......................................................... 11

Old Statehouse Museum............................................. 10 Salon Jadore ................................................................ 26 Shuffles & Ballet II........................................................ 23 Tasha Teaches Spanish.....................................................6 The Decker School......................................................... 25 The Painted Pig............................................................. 16

PLUS KID CALENDER..........................................................8 & 9 BEAT THE HEAT......................................... 12, 13, 14 & 15 GETTING CULTURED..............................................20 & 21 LEARNING ANOTHER LANGUAGE................................. 22 SUMMER WORD SEARCH............................................. 31

Published by Kid’s Directory, LLC A KD Consulting Company Information: (501) 975-6776 team@kidcentralar.com | KidCentralAR.com This Directory is copyrighted and no part may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

June 10-July 28

Register online at cals.beanstack.org

R E M M SU @ CALS 4 • Find us online at KidCentralAR.com

Performances by: Tommy Terrific Stephin Booth mömandpöp Big Poppa Bubble Scott Davis

More info at cals.org/summer.

Thanks to our sponsor

Kindergarten

READINESS

Help your child or grandchild start school with confidence.

Kick off kindergarten readiness at your house this summer with the free Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar. The year-long, weekby-week guide helps children learn literacy and math basics and creative activities help them develop the fine motor control needed to hold a pencil correctly and use scissors – essential skills for kindergarten. They are also encouraged to learn to deal with change, develop self-help, problem-solving and various social skills.

Visit our website to find star-rated early care and education providers who help children prepare for kindergarten through age-appropriate and positive learning experiences.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 501-320-6161

Getting Ready for Kindergarten A calendar of family activities | August – July

Scan the code below to find the Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar and more.

6 • Find us online at KidCentralAR.com

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 7

THE KID CALENDAR Kid-Approved Things To Do

THURSDAY, JULY 4TH

40TH ANNUAL POPS ON THE RIVER FIRST SECURITY AMPHITHEATER | POPS.ARKANSASONLINE.COM FAMILY FUN, FOOD, KIDS ACTIVITIES, MUSIC FROM THE ARKANSAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE LARGEST FIREWORKS DISPLAY IN THE STATE! FREE ADMISSION. CHAIRS AND BLANKETS ARE ENCOURAGED. OPEN AMPHITHEATER SEATING IS AVAILABLE BUT LIMITED. YOU CAN PURCHASE RESERVED SEATING ONLINE.

FRIDAY, JULY 5TH

FOAM PARTY MAGIC SPRINGS THEME AND WATER PARK | MAGICSPRINGS.COM MAGIC SPRINGS KICKS OFF FAMILY FUN FRIDAYS! GET TWO EXTRA HOURS OF WAVE POOL FUN WITH A LIVE DJ AND A FOAM DANCE PARTY! THIS EVENT IS FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION OR A SEASON PASS.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 17TH

BEAUTY VISIT & STORY BOB HERZFELD MEMORIAL LIBRARY | SALINECOUNTYLIBRARY.ORG PRINCESSES ARE ALWAYS UP FOR ADVENTURE! BEAUTY WILL BE AT THE BENTON LOCATION FOR A STORY AND PICTURE OPPORTUNITIES! THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE! YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A PARTICIPANT OF THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE TO COME TO THE EVENT. BUT, THE SUMMER READING CHALLENGE IS FREE TO PARTICIPATE AND YOU CAN EARN PRIZES- NO MATTER YOUR AGE.

FRIDAY, JULY 19TH

WORLD ORANGUTAN DAY 2024 LITTLE ROCK ZOO | LITTLEROCKZOO.COM CELEBRATING AND RAISING AWARENESS OF THIS ICONIC ENDANGERED SPECIES. AT THE LITTLE ROCK ZOO, WE HAVE AN ORANGUTAN FAMILY: BERANI (MOM), BANDAR (FATHER), AND KASIH (INFANT). ENJOY ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SURPRISES TO LEARN HOW WE CAN TAKE ACTION TO PRESERVE THESE AMAZING ANIMALS.

SATURDAY, JULY 27TH

CONWAY KIDS’ TRIATHLON UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS HPER CENTER | CONWAYKIDSTRI.COM THE CONWAY KIDS’ TRIATHLON IS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S PREMIERE YOUTH TRIATHLONS.WE PROVIDE A MORNING FULL OF TRIATHLON FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL ABILITIES FROM AGES 6-15. THIS EVENT EMPHASIZES HEALTH, SELF-ESTEEM, SELFCONFIDENCE AND FUN IN A SAFE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.

Find More Fun @kidcentralar.com And Submit Events, Too!

YOUTH ACCOUNTS!

Join our Barksdale Buddies!

bfcu.org | 800-647-2328 Federally Insured By NCUA.

MEMBERS MAKE THE

MAGIC LITTLE ROCK

year of the dragon

BECOME A MEMBER AT:

LittleRockZoo.com 10 • Find us online at KidCentralAR.com

Invite a Live MONKEY to Your • Party • Festival • Carnival • Corporate Events • Day Care

817-269-1379 Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 11

BEAT THE

Heat

How to avoid heatrelated illnesses.

By: Alison Baldridge, APRN, MNSc

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 1,200 people in the United States die every year from extreme heat.

Arkansas is known for its many opportunities for outdoor adventures as well as hot and humid summer days. When temperatures soar to 90+ degrees, outdoor fun can quickly become dangerous and even life threatening.

Young children, older adults, pregnant women, those with chronic medical conditions, and outdoor workers are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.

It is very important to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses while enjoying the great outdoors. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body can no longer properly cool itself. Typically, the body will sweat to cool itself but in extreme heat sometimes that is not enough, and the body temperature rises faster than the body can cool. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.

Heat Cramps Heat cramps are the first sign of a heat-related illness.

Cramps are usually in the legs and stomach and include heavy sweating. If you experience heat cramps you should stop activity in the heat, move to a cool environment, rest, and hydrate with water. Massaging the cramps should help relax the muscles and give some relief. If cramps last longer than 1 hour, you need to seek medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion If heat cramps are not addressed, they can lead to heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, weakness, cool, pale, and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and a fast, weak pulse. It is very important to move to a cool environment, loosen clothing, and apply cool wet cloths or sit in a cool bath. Drink sips of water as much as you can tolerate. If you start to vomit or if symptoms last longer than 1 hour, you need to seek medical attention.

Heat Stroke Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which is a medical emergency. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, throbbing headache, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103 degrees, red, hot, dry or damp skin, fainting or loss of consciousness, and rapid and strong pulse. It is important to move to a cool environment while calling 911 and applying cool cloths or sit in a cool bath. Do not try to drink at this point.

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 13

TIPS TO AVOID HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS Plan outdoor activities in the morning and evening avoiding the heat of the day. Stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest part of the day, typically from 11 am-3 pm.

Wear lightweight, loose clothing.

Cut down on exercise during the heat. It is important to start slowly and gradually increase your pace when working or exercising in the heat.

Avoid hot and heavy meals. This can increase your body temperature.

Use the buddy system. When working or playing outdoors, never go alone. Heat-related illnesses can cause confusion so it’s important to have a buddy where you can monitor each other.

Never leave a person or pet in a car unattended.

Temperatures can rise dangerously in as little as 10 minutes.

HYDRATE UP Staying hydrated is an important part of preventing heat-related illness. An average person needs to drink approximately ¾ gallon of water daily, but those needs can vary depending on activity, age, and health.

How to stay well-hydrated this summer Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks.

Drink water often. Do not wait until you feel thirsty. The goal is to drink 8 oz every 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to drink more than 48oz in an hour as this can make the salt concentration in your blood too low and cause a medical emergency.

If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you are losing in sweat.

Pay attention to the color of your urine. A dark yellow/orange color can indicate that you are not drinking enough. If your urine is dark brown you need to seek medical care immediately.

14 • Find us online at KidCentralAR.com

Summer is a great time to explore the great outdoors, but you have to take precautions to protect against the extreme heat.

References https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about/index.html https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/extreme-heat-safety.html https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/prevention/index.html

Swimming Mermaids FANCYFUL.COM Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 15

16 • Find us online at KidCentralAR.com

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 17

The Academies of Math & Science, a national Title I tuition-free charter school network, welcomes its first class this fall.

The Academies of Math and Science (AMS), a network of tuition-free, public K-8 charter schools, is proud to announce the opening of our first Arkansas campus, AMS Little Rock this fall. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome our first class of K-8 students and families in the Little Rock community!

AMS, a longstanding Arizona Title I charter school network that has been in operation for more than twenty years, has achieved coveted A ratings B ratings for all our Arizona campuses. These exceptional results highlight the tremendous effort of AMS students, families, administrators, teachers, and staff who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality education. These letter grades emphasize AMS’s dedication to growth and excellence in closing the educational gap, particularly among underserved student populations.

Michala Patterson, Elementary School AP,

Kate Bracher, a seasoned education professional, is and Kate Bracher, Executive Director and honored to be the Executive Director for AMS Arkansas.

Founding Principal.

With a decade of dedicated service to students and families in Texas as a teacher, campus leader, and strategist for a statewide initiative, she brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the educational landscape.

“As a parent or guardian, we understand how important and personal it is to make the right school choice for your child. AMS will offer “the Best Education in the Best Environment” for every student who walks through our doors.”

––– Kate Bracher –––

Kate obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University and will earn her Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University in the summer of 2024.

Kate’s vision for AMS Little Rock is clear and compelling. She believes that every child, regardless of their background, deserves an exceptional educational experience that empowers them with choice and opportunity. As a leader, she is committed to fostering a culture of high expectations and collective partnership between staff, students, families, and the broader community, all working together to make this vision a reality.

Join our First Class at AMS Little Rock, home of the Owls! We look forward to this journey with your family!

NEW TUITION-FREE K-8 SCHOOL OPENING FALL 2024!

Preparing your student for success in high school and beyond.

• Rigorous STEAM curriculum • Focus on character building (respect, kindness, responsibility, friendship) • Affordable before and after-school care • Free nutritious meals for all students • Zero tolerance bullying policy • Safe, secure campus environment • Variety of K-8 clubs & sports options

HOME OF THE AMS OWLS

(501) 295-3424 • enrollams.org/little-rock

APPLY TODAY!

Getting Cultured Experiencing an appreciation for diverse societies, their lifestyles, and interests.

by Kat Daniels Photo: Will Newton/ADPHT

When someone says they like arts and culture, it generally implies an appreciation for a variety of interests, often including visual arts such as painting, sculpture, and photography, performing arts like music, theater, and dance, as well as literature, film, and architecture.

It also suggests an inclination towards exploring and valuing the diverse traditions, customs, and social practices that define different communities and historical periods.

So why get cultured? Why does this matter?

A person who enjoys arts and culture is likely to engage in activities such as visiting museums and galleries, attending concerts and theater productions, reading books, watching films, and perhaps even creating their own art. When someone is open to these experiences, it tends to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the human condition, encouraging empathy and a broader perspective on life.

This appreciation can enrich one's life, providing both intellectual stimulation and emotional fulfillment.

ArtsArts andand culture culture playplay a significant a significant rolerole in enhancing in enhancing social social andand cultural cultural awareness. awareness.

When When children children andand their their families families participate participate in cultural in cultural events, events, festivals, festivals, andand exhibitions, exhibitions, theythey gaingain a broader a broader understanding understanding of different of different traditions, traditions, histories, histories, andand perspectives. perspectives.

ThisThis exposure exposure fosters fosters empathy, empathy, tolerance, tolerance, andand appreciation appreciation for for diversity, diversity, which which are are essential essential qualities qualities in our in our increasingly increasingly interconnected interconnected world. world.

By learning By learning about about andand celebrating celebrating various various cultures, cultures, families families cancan strengthen strengthen their their ownown bonds bonds andand create create shared shared experiences experiences thatthat enrich enrich their their relationships. relationships.

In addition, In addition, for for children children andand families, families, incorporating incorporating artsarts andand culture culture intointo their their lives lives creates creates a well-rounded a well-rounded development development andand enriching enriching their their overall overall quality quality of life. of life.

Exposure Exposure to various to various forms forms of artistic of artistic expression expression stimulates stimulates creativity creativity andand imagination imagination in in young young minds. minds.

Engaging Engaging in these in these activities activities encourages encourages children children to to think think outside outside thethe box,box, develop develop problem-solving problem-solving skills, skills, andand express express themselves themselves in unique in unique ways. ways.

ThisThis creative creative outlet outlet cancan alsoalso boost boost their their confidence confidence andand provide provide a sense a sense of accomplishment, of accomplishment, which which is crucial is crucial for for their their emotional emotional andand psychological psychological growth. growth.

In addition In addition to social to social andand personal personal benefits, benefits, engaging engaging withwith artsarts andand culture culture cancan alsoalso have have educational educational advantages. advantages.

Studies Studies have have shown shown thatthat children children whowho are are involved involved in artistic in artistic activities activities tend tend to to perform perform better better academically. academically.

TheThe skills skills theythey develop develop through through thethe arts, arts, such such as critical as critical thinking, thinking, attention attention to detail, to detail, andand perseverance, perseverance, are are transferable transferable to other to other areas areas of learning. of learning.

Furthermore, Furthermore, artsarts education education cancan make make learning learning more more engaging engaging andand enjoyable, enjoyable, thereby thereby increasing increasing students' students' motivation motivation andand enthusiasm enthusiasm for for school. school.

By prioritizing By prioritizing artsarts andand culture culture in their in their lives, lives, families families cancan provide provide children children withwith a well-rounded a well-rounded education education thatthat prepares prepares them them for for future future success. success.

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 21

Learning Another Language (and, no, it isn't making more money)

by LaTasha Moore, Uniting Communities Through Language

HOLA! I started becoming fluent in the Spanish language over 10 years ago. When I would tell people about my language learning journey, the most common response I would get is "Whoo! You are going to be making that big money!" Everyone has a different definition of what a large amount of money is, so I can't say exactly what they consider to be "big," but the message behind their words was clear: by me learning another tongue I was setting myself up to make more money than the average person.

This idea has stood the test of time. When I speak with groups of young people today about how learning Spanish can help them, one of their first answers is that they can "make more money."

While this kind of thinking isn't wrong, it puts the focus on the wrong thing.

There is a plethora of benefits of learning a foreign language, but financial gain isn't the most important. Instead, one of the greater benefits for our children is that they become global citizens and lose the sense of entitlement and perfection that develops from the cushioned lives we live today.

When our children learn another person’s language, they learn their culture by default. They become aware of other nations’ histories, concerns, and present-day problems. They learn that life goes far beyond how we do things here in the U.S. and allows them to better connect with the non-natives they encounter daily. How can your child relate to the student in their class who just arrived from Nicaragua, speaks no English, and is wearing sandals in 30-degree weather when they've allowed their morning to be ruined because you simply told them they couldn't have Starbucks? Early language and culture acquisition gives our children the advantage of seeing the world through a multi-perspective lens and teaches them at a young age what really matters in life.

This is a life-long benefit that goes far beyond the value of the “big money” your child can make. The financial gain only benefits them. The ability to better connect with people of varying backgrounds benefits all of us.

LEARN MORE tashateachesspanish.com

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 23

24 • Find us online at KidCentralAR.com

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 25

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 27

Play to learn

SCIENCE

Quality early educators know children learn best when they’re having fun. What may appear to be plain good fun and a fair chance of getting wet, is actually an introduction to science.

While playing at the water castle, children learn to experiment and observe. Their early educators encourage problem-solving by asking, “Why do you think that toy floats?

What happens if you pour water into the boat? Why do you think the shovel didn’t float? What else do you think will float?”

Visit our website to find star-rated quality early educators who help children prepare for school with hands-on, positive learning experiences.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 501-320-6161

EXPERIMENTS

Make a Rainbow in a Jar Ingredients 1) Honey 2) Light corn syrup (add food coloring) 3) Blue or green dish soap 4) Cooking oil 5) Rubbing alcohol (add food coloring to contrast with the dish soap)

You’ll also need: • A tall clear container with a tight-fitting lid • A pipette or a drinking straw • A permanent marker or grease pencil

Step1: Prepare your container.

Measure the height of your container and divide by six. Give the oil two times as much space as the other ingredients. Mark the portions on the container with the marker.

Step 2: Prepare your ingredients.

Determine your color scheme and add food coloring to the clear liquids.

Note: cooking oil is not clear, AND it won’t mix with food coloring.

Step 3: Slowly pour each ingredient in the order they are listed above.

Aim for the center of the container as you pour ingredients 1 through 4.

Don’t pour number 5 into the center! The alcohol needs to be gently dripped down the inside wall of the container using a pipette or a drinking straw. (See how to use a straw as a pipette below. ) Something unexpected is going to happen! See if you can guess by looking at the finished Rainbow in a Jar photo.

What is happening? Here’s the science: The liquids remain separate because their densities are different. The ingredients are added in order so that the most dense liquid is on the bottom. Oil is the least dense of the liquids, so it floats to the top.

Spoiler alert! What liquid is on the top?

Don’t miss the fun!

Experiments should always have parental participation.

How to use a straw as a pipette: Put one end of the straw into the alcohol and cover the other end firmly with your finger. This creates a small vacuum that holds liquid in the straw. Lift your finger from the straw to release the liquid to gradually transfer liquid from one container to the other.

See all the activities in our science library. Click here!

Click here to visit our Resource Library. You’ll find activities and tips to help you prepare your child for life.

ARBetterBeginnings.com • 1-501-682-8590

Scan the code below to get free fun science activities for learning at home in our Family Resource Library Also en Español.

Ballet • Pointe • Jazz & Tap • Mommy & Me REGISTER NOW FOR JULY! WEEKLY CLASSES: Ages 2 - Adult KIDS NIGHT OUT: Ages 3 -10 Friday, July 19

• Ages 2 – Adult • All Levels • Dance Company for Advanced Dancers • Story Themed Spring Recital • Always Age-Appropriate

Tanglewood Shopping Center • 501-666-9538 7509 Cantrell Rd., Ste. 120 • Little Rock • www.DancersCornerLR.com

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 29

IS YOUR KIDDO 8-12 YEARS OLD? THEY MAY QUALIFY FOR A 3 TO 4 VISIT STUDY Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center is seeking volunteers for a study examining the effects of stevia-sweetened beverages on the weight gain of children aged 8 to 12 years.

For more information call us at (501) 364-3309 or email us at ACNCSTUDIES@ARCHILDRENS.ORG 30 • Find us online at KidCentralAR.com

word search W

A

T

E

R

P

L

A

Y

A

B

N

I

A

E

R

N

O

T

A

E

H

O

A

E

E

F

N

O

W

E

E

N

L

N

W

T

U

U

P

S

V

E

O

E

R

S

S

R

E

M

M

I

W

S

M

E

O

R

A

R

L

E

E

L

M

R

S

A

N

D

C

A

S

T

L

E

E

A

S

U

M

M

E

R

O

W

T

T

O

H

T

S

A

N

D

A

E

A

A

N

E

E

R

C

S

N

U

S

E

W

B

E

A

C

H

S

N

O

W

H

SUMMER

BEACH

SUNSCREEN

SWEAT

SUN

SANDCASTLE

POOL

WATERPLAY

HOT

SWIMMERS

WATERMELON

HEAT

Please say you saw it in Kid’s Directory • 31