New Mexico Kids! Sept/Oct 2024

OPEN HOUSE

Cover by Indigo Eyring, 3rd Grade

Taking the Stress Out of Back to School Mornings

By SARAH LYONS

School mornings can be stressful for both parents and kids. With limited time to eat breakfast, get dressed, gather belongings and get to school on time, things can get hectic. Here are some ideas for families to lower the stress and create a smoother school morning.

Lunch solution

Packing a healthy school lunch (or multiple lunches) can take a lot of time in the morning. Get a head start on lunch preparations the evening before. “If my kitchen is clean, I feel like I am ahead of the game. Every night before going to bed I prepare lunches for the next day, put away clean dishes and reload the dishwasher,” says Kim Burnette, mother of two. By getting a head start the night before, you eliminate a big step, leaving you time for other things in the morning.

Backpack solution

After the kids have completed their homework, have them pack up their backpacks. Parents can sign permission slips, go through school papers and gather any supplies needed for school the next day and pack them as well. Does your child have their gym uniform and band instrument?

Wardrobe solution

Check the weather the evening before school so that kids can lay out their clothing and outerwear for the next day. With the jackets and hats set out, there is less scramble to find everything the next morning. Also try laying out the entire

week’s clothing on Sunday. “We have a small plastic set of drawers with five drawers that can be purchased in the storage section at Target. We put an outfit for both of the kids in each on Sunday,” says Alicia Dafferner, mother of two.

Prep yourself

Many parents find that if they can wake up before the kids, they feel more refreshed and prepared for a productive morning. This gives them a few minutes to wake up and enjoy a cup of coffee or grab a quick shower. Mother of three Jessi Cole says, “I find that it helps if I get up early and get myself ready before my kids get up. That way, I only have to worry about them.”

Breakfast solution

Help make breakfast healthier and quicker by planning ahead. Sherry Hoffman, mom of two boys, says, “I make several (continued on Page 7)

Photo by Note Thanun.

What's in this issue for you!

Stories & Special Features Regular Features

2: Taking the Stress Out of Back to School Mornings

8: Getting Youth Involved Local Government

10: Little People Gain Massive Experience in New Musical Theater Camps

12: 5 Tips to Encourage Picky Eaters

16: Empathy Is Hardwired, But Few Maximize It: Help Your Child Develop Empathy to Its Full Potential

29: Best NM Places for Families Ranked

6: Kids' Coloring Page

14: Let's Read!

18: Kids' Crossword

20: Albuquerque Kids! Calendar

24: Santa Fe Kids! Calendar

30: Afterschool Activities Directory

34: Young Historian

36: Young Scientist

38: Let's Draw!

Cover Art Story

If you would like to submit art to be considered for a New Mexico Kids! cover, please email a copy to kids@newmexico-kids.com or send a snapshot of the work to Prime Time Publishing, 111 Iron Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Don't forget to include your phone number!

Publishers

Ashley Conner

Dana Benjamin

Editor

Tania Soussan

Calendar Editor Autumn Gray

Customer Relations

Dana Benjamin

Contributing Writers:

Art Director/Graphic Designer

Ashley Conner

Dana Benjamin

Kimberly Blaker, Autumn Gray, Keli Holt, Sarah Lyons, Aileen O’Catherine, Tania Soussan

Advertisers Contact: Dana Benjamin at 505-967-7812 or email kids@newmexico-kids.com

New Mexico Kids! is published bimonthly by Prime Time Publishing, 111 Iron Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Phone 505-967-7812. Email kids@newmexico-kids.com. Copyright 2023/2024 by Prime Time Publishing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Locally and Women Owned. Printed by the Santa Fe New Mexican with soy-based recyclable inks.

The Publisher does not take responsibility for the accuracy or legitimacy of the advertiser’s message or that of the guest writer/ columnists or any aspect of the business operation or conduct of the advertisers in the paper.

Indigo Eyring, 3rd Grade

Kids' Coloring Page

Taking the Stress Out of Back to School Mornings

(continued from Page 2)

breakfast options that are freezer and toaster oven friendly on the weekends that we can choose throughout the week.” Ideas include breakfast burritos, waffles, French toast and muffins. There are also easy to make options like whole grain cereal, yogurt with fruit and granola or a breakfast smoothie. Many of these items can be prepared the night before.

Early to bed, early to rise

“I have noticed that it makes our mornings much smoother if my kids get enough sleep, so early bedtimes are a must,” says Hoffman. Kids who have a consistent early bedtime are more rested for an early wake up. Rested kids also are in better moods and stay on task on school mornings, causing less stress and conflict.

Eliminate electronics

With limited time to be prepared for school, it is best to eliminate electronic distractions. Parents and kids need to focus on the goal, which is getting to school on time. Distractions like television, handheld devices and video games only slow down the process. Remind kids that there will be time for electronics after school, when their chores and homework are complete.

Adjusting to a new school schedule can take a while, but if parents do their best to prepare the night before and teach kids to do the same, the mornings will run much more smoothly.

Santa Fe

Getting Youth Involved Local Government

By TANIA SOUSSAN

Santa Fe High School junior Amelia Balwit is passionate about government and issues such as global climate change.

She’s also interested in a career in politics and already is involved in local issues as a member of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Board and starting a democratic socialists club at her school.

“This is one of the ways that I feel like I can connect with the community and also learn from other people, develop my own opinions and get my voice out there, too,” she said about the advisory board.

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The board meets monthly, often with sponsor Councilor Alma Castro, to plan programs for the Santa Fe Teen Center, develop recommendations for city leaders and work on issues such as mental health and substance abuse.

“It’s been a great way to take an active stance on bettering the community,” said Bodhi Lewis, a senior at Mandela International Magnet School who has been on the board for more than a year.

The city of Albuquerque has a similar Mayor's Youth Advisory Council made up of high school students.

“We’re grateful to have so many young people dedicated to improving our communities and pushing us all to step up and take action,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement. “Young people are advocating on critical issues like gun violence and access to educational opportunities.”

Getting young people involved in government and politics is incredibly important, said Hannah Wood, state director of New Mexico Youth and Government, a nonpartisan program of the YMCA of Central New Mexico.

“Teaching students what the process looks like makes it less intimidating when they have an issue that they want to talk to their elected representative or to a public official about,” she said.

New Mexico Youth and Government is a civic education and leadership training program that teaches students about the importance of engagement, voting and active participation in the democratic process. Through a model government program, high school students take on roles in the legislative, executive and judicial branches of state government. They attend training, learning skills such as how to write a bill, choose a gubernatorial cabinet or argue a court case. Then, the students attend a three-day conference at the Capitol where they play out their roles.

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Santa Fe

Get ting Youth Involved Local Government

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“We try to model it as closely as we can to the real thing and really teach students about how our state government works so that they understand,” Wood said. “It really helps to break down barriers and make it more accessible to them.”

The program will expand with a middle school conference this year and is starting a group of students to lobby for youth issues at the next legislative session. “It's very impactful to have students sit in front of a legislator to advocate for issues that directly affect kids.”

Youth and Government participants are more likely than nonparticipants to register to vote and engage in politics, according to polling by the organization.

In Santa Fe, the Youth Advisory Board students are doing just that when they engage with city elected officials and other young people.

“It’s a platform for us youth to share our perspective in the city,” said board member Charlie Chapman, a Mandela senior. The board put on a youth symposium in October to learn what’s important to middle and high school students.

Aseneth Ultreras, who joined the board as a high school student and now is studying political science and social work at New Mexico Highlands University, gave a presentation at the symposium about health issues and the loneliness many young people have been struggling with since COVID.

She said she wants to work with youth and help young

SOARING

people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, access the resources they need to succeed.

For many of the board members, activism and community engagement have become part of their lives. Elise Gutierrez, a junior at St. Michael’s High School, has gone door-to-door for campaigns, for example. She and the other students — and other experts —suggest ways youth can become active in their communites:

• Get involved in your political party or a cause you believe in

• Volunteer to take part in political campaigns or voter registration drives

• Reach out to your city councilor or even your mayor to share your views

• Attend a local government meeting

• Join youth activism organizations such as the RISE Youth Collective, facebook.com/RISEYouthNM, in Santa Fe

The state Public Education Department maintains a list of youth engagement resources at webnew.ped.state.nm.us/ bureaus/languageandculture/youth-engagement-resources.

Little People Gain Massive Experience in New Musical Theater Camps

By AUTUMN GRAY

When people think of children’s theater, it most likely brings up images of school auditorium plays, holiday church performances, or adult productions that include some lucky child cast as a tree.

Albuquerque Little Theatre (ALT) is crushing these stereotypes with its new Musical Theater Camps. The programs offer ages 9-17 of all experience levels a chance to participate in professional, staged productions, from the casting experience, to the rehearsal schedule, to a large full-scale theater workshop of staging, sets and costumes.

“We are bringing the professional production staff to bear on these, and they do everything with the children that they would have done quality-wise with adults,” said ALT education co-coordinator Kathryn Morales. “We don’t ask the kids to settle for second best.”

“Disney’s Descendants” was ALT’s first Musical Theater Camp production, held over six weeks this past summer. It involved 31 children performing for two nearly sold-out houses.

“Alice in Wonderland Junior” will be the second camp, which is slated for after-school rehearsal hours three days weekly Nov. 5 through mid-January, with holiday breaks. Performances are set for 2 p.m. Jan 18-19 and 25-26.

“It is a pretty well-known (Disney) musical production, but it’s made for small people to do,” said ALT executive director Rob Armstrong Martin. “It’s the real deal in terms of quality of writing and quality of music and staging, so it’s giving the kids a chance to go to the next level with their skills.”

Every child who enrolls in an ALT Musical Theater Camp auditions on the first day of class, and everyone is guaranteed to be cast.

“Not everybody can play the leading role or end up with the role they hoped for, but everyone will have a role and be given ample opportunity for a featured moment,” Morales said.

Competitive casting is part of the educational experience at ALT, which is emphasizing workforce training more and more as it works to expand its youth programming.

For example, children involved with “Disney’s Descendants” were encouraged to put up posters around the community to advertise their production. They were also asked to take a photo of where each was placed so the “Descendants” and summer musical camp director Dejah Padon could track their locations. About 160 posters went up.

“That’s distinguishes our program,” Martin said. “Kids are learning to negotiate and relate to community business

The posters also resulted in about a third of the audience attending purely due to interest in the show, not because they knew a child who would be on stage.

Any child can register to perform in “Alice”. “We welcome newcomers,” Morales said. “Part of learning to do theater in groups is to see the diversity of people around you and learning from that.”

Enrollment, which costs $375, is first-come, first-served for 30 spaces and is happening now online at https:// albuquerquelittletheatre.org/youth-productions/. Some scholarships are available through the ABQ Theater Guild, www.abqtheatre.org/youth-scholarships, and ALT is also willing to work on payment plans with families.

“We believe that every child deserves theater,” Martin said. “Because kids have such a developmental impact from a live

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ALT Summer Musical Camp Production of Disney Descendants. Photo courtesy of Albuquerque Little Theatre.

Albuquerque

Little People Gain Massive Experience in New Musical Theater Camps

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setting that includes movement and emotional empathy, we think that’s something every kid deserves, so we’re trying to fill a gap where those gaps exist.”

While some children will come away with improved soft skills, such as how to work as a team, how to listen and follow instructions, and even how to agree to disagree, a few will get bitten by the theater bug, their sights set on a performing career.

That happened to Oakley Jeffery, 11, whose first professional stage performance was in the ALT role of King Ben, a primary character in “Disney’s Descendants.”

For casting, Oakley said, “They (the educators) really look at how you interact with people and what your personality is like to determine who’s best suited for each role. The director said I was very bold and brave at performing.”

Oakley is already looking forward to the fall after-school camp and even wants to attend Albuquerque’s Public Academy for Performing Arts Charter School.

“The way (ALT) ran this camp, it was so professional,” said Oakley’s mom, Danielle Jeffery. “I can see how a child who had this experience would have the foundation to do it later in life. … What struck me, too, and was such a great gift was the

beautiful community that was created by these kids coming together.”

Sunni DeeAndra Stromei Chavez, mother of 12-year-old Jude, who has been performing on stages since age 4, said, “Ever since Jude stared taking classes at ALT, I noticed that his confidence levels really rose, he’s more outgoing and able to talk with anybody - skills that have benefitted him on and off stage.

“ALT is such a wonderful place for students to learn and grow. There’s something for everybody, and it’s such a safe place for people to be themselves.”

Jude played the starring role of Carlos, the son of Cruella De Vil, in “Disney’s Descendants” in July. He has also performed in ALT productions “The Wizard of Oz,” “Camelot,” “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” and has most recently been cast as a member of the ensemble in ALT’s all-adult season opener “Jesus Christ Superstar”. Performance dates are Aug. 30-Sept. 15. However, Jude readily admits he doesn’t always get the role he wants when he auditions: “I keep my hopes low, and I like to have a mindset that if I don’t get the part, I’m still happy I got the experience.”

ALT expects to schedule two Musical Theater Camps per year.

The sooner you start saving for a child’s future with a 529 education savings plan from The Education Plan, the more time the money has to grow. And there are significant benefits to a 529 plan, too. A 529 plan can be used to pay for qualified expenses associated with attending college or vocational school, as well as K-12 private tuition and apprenticeship expenses. Get started today with The Education Plan to help your loved ones excel.

5 Tips to Encourage Picky Eaters

Feeding an entire family can be difficult enough on its own with busy evenings full of hustle and bustle. One additional factor that can cause even more headaches is dealing with a picky eater, especially a child whose preferred menu ranges from hot dogs to candy.

If you’re looking to widen the palate of your picky eater (or eaters), consider these tips to start down a path toward a more expansive slate of family meals.

Start Slow

Loading up your little ones’ plates with steamed veggies and sauteed fish may be a surefire way to send them to the pantry for a less nutritious snack. Instead, try combining personal favorites with small portions of foods you’d like to introduce, such as chicken nuggets alongside green beans or topping pizza with black olives.

Don’t Force It

While it can be frustrating to constantly hear “no” to fruits and veggies, forcing them upon children may turn them away for good. In addition, a struggle over eating certain foods may create a constant sense of frustration around mealtime, which may only decrease a child’s desire to expand his or her horizons.

Create a Fun Experience

Remember not every meal has to include something new. On occasion, mix up mealtime by serving your children’s favorites,

even if it’s as simple as a hamburger or as creative as breakfast for dinner.

Bring Your Sidekicks to the Store

Introducing your children to the place your family’s food comes from may help them feel more comfortable with new flavors. Plus, by letting them in on the shopping process, you can have some help choosing foods they’re more likely to be willing to try.

Let Children Help Cook

Much like choosing their own ingredients increases the likelihood they’ll try something new, perhaps becoming part of the cooking process can help children see how a meal comes together. It doesn’t have to be a gourmet experience – simply seasoning roasted asparagus with salt and olive oil, for example, can introduce your up-and-coming chefs to the kitchen while helping make the cooking (and eating) process a fun adventure.

For more food tips and kid-friendly recipes, visit Culinary.net.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque

Let's Read!

These book reviews were written by Christine Laffler's 4th Grade Students

Good Housekeeping: 1,2,3

Cook! My First Cookbook

Author: Kate Merker Ages: 4 - 8

Publisher: Hearst Home Kids

This book is for anyone who loves to cook! Your little one can cook for the first time with this book. (But always make sure that they have safety tools and an adult to help!) I like this book because it teaches younger kids how to cook for the first time. I also really like this book because it has fun foods like Beaver Pancakes, One-Bite No-Bake Cookie Cheesecake, and Berry Cool Cookie Pizza. This book is really fun with wonderful photos! It is great for kids of all ages to learn how to cook!

By Rey R. Age

10

See you on the Other Side

Author: Rachel Montez Minor

Illustration by Mariyah Rahman

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers Ages: 3 - 7 years

Have you lost someone who was important to you? This book tells about how even though you can't see someone or feel them, they are always with you. Even if you can't hear them they are always going to be by your side. There are so many beautiful ways you can see them… in the stars, in your dreams, and even in the clouds above. Just keep in mind that even though you can't see someone they are always with you in your heart.

By Syndel S., Age: 9

Pizza, Pickles, and Apple Pie: The Stories Behind the Foods We Love

Author: David Rickert

Publisher: Kane Press Ages 8- 12

Did you know that sandwiches were made so that you could work with one hand and eat lunch with the other? Did you know that the first pickle jar lid was made of pig bladder? This book is great for any food lover or anyone into history! There are so many great facts in this book. The illustrations in this are very cartoonish but amazing! Find out more cool food facts in Pizza, Pickles, and Apple Pie.

By Ben S., age 10

Don’t Worry Wuddles

Author and Illustrator: Lita Judge

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers Ages: 4 - 8

Are you ready for a laugh? Don’t Worry Wuddles is a hilarious book about a young duckling who wants to make sure the other farm animals are warm in the winter. The only problem? Duckling is using Wuddles the sheep’s wool and ends up using all of it to keep other animals warm. Oh no! What about Wuddles? Now Wuddles doesn’t have any wool but luckily Duckling has a plan. Read Don’t Worry Wuddles to find out what the plan is!

By Harper S., age 10

The Little Tiger

Author and illustrater: Nicola Killen Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books Ages 4 - 8

This book has a lot of wonderful illustrations and some of them even have little sparkly stars embossed on them! If you love animals, this is for you! It's about a little girl named Olly who goes on an adventure on her birthday. She receives a tiger costume, flies to the forest, and meets other animals: Elephant, Monkey, Sloth, Rhinoceros, Zebra, and Lion. They all throw her the best birthday party ever!

By Cayetano V., age10

Aldo Renaldo and the Renegade Alphabet

Author: George M. Johnson

Illustrator: Dawn Burn Ages 3 - 5

Publisher: Histria Kids

When you were little did you have trouble with the alphabet? (Or do you now?) Well this is the case for little Aldo Renaldo. Aldo Renaldo has always been bad at learning the alphabet but soon he will know all the letters… if only the letters would cooperate! Aldo Renaldo sees the letters move out of their places and start fighting with each other. They demand things from Aldo Renaldo and he gets frustrated until he figures out a way to go back to their places! I recommend this book for toddlers and little kids that don’t know the alphabet yet but it is still fun for everyone!

By Rebecca W., age 9

Albuquerque & Artesia

Empathy Is Hardwired, But Few Maximize It: Help Your Child Develop Empathy to Its Full Potential

By KIMBERLY BLAKER

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another's shoes. It's similar to sympathy but with an important difference. To sympathize is to care about and understand the suffering experienced by another. When you sympathize with someone, you feel sorry for them. Sympathy gives you the ability to say the right thing to comfort another.

But empathy goes a step further. It's the ability to actually experience or relive the feelings of another. When you empathize, rather than focusing on your own feelings about the other person's situation, you're able to focus on the emotions of that person. When you empathize, the other person can tell you're really listening to them. Furthermore, empathy increases your ability to help the person with whom you empathize.

According to neuroscientists, the vast majority of us are born with the brain wiring necessary to empathize but most don't fully develop it or use it to its potential.

Benefits of empathy

Empathy is beneficial in many ways, according to Katherine Pears, Ph.D., in "Why Empathy Benefits Everyone." It provides us the ability to act kindly toward others, forgive family and friends, and bond with others over their ups and downs. Without the ability to empathize, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to form and maintain friendships. In fact, we'd have difficulty getting along with others at school or work and in society.

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, in an interview with CBS This Morning, revealed another vital benefit of empathy. Without it, he says, "There is no way we could innovate." This makes a lot of sense. Although some people would still have the desire to innovate for personal gain, innovation would be far more limited. People would lack the motivation to innovate

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Photo by Annie Spratt.

Bring your kids! Explore Santa Fe’s trails! Get some Fresh Air! Meet your community!

Looking for fun things to do with your kids on the weekends? Check out these free hikes in Sept and Oct for you and your kids to enjoy.

Vámonos Hike

Saturday, September 14

9am to 11am

Join us as we check out hundreds of petroglyphs, dating from pre-contact time and the Spanish colonial era, along a mesa above the Santa Fe River. Meet at 664-666 Paseo Real.

Vámonos Hike - Pecos Nat’l Monument

Saturday, October 5

8:30am to 1:30pm

Come walk the 3.8 mile South Pasture Loop Trail and see the Pecos River, Sangre de Cristos and the Glorieta Mesa. Registration required for free bus transportation. Email info@sfct.org!

To see all 30 of the free Vámonos walks and hikes from May through October, go to sfct.org/vamonos

Thank you SF Walking Collaborative!

Kids' Crossword Let's Party!

Albuquerque

"After School Starts" By Thess Fenner For Ages 8-15

ACROSS

1. First day of the weekend, abbreviated

4. One form of neurodiversity

8. Lee of Marvel Comics

12. Early Bronze Age

13. Sit down in this for class or dinner

15. Ginger ___, a spicy soda

16. Laugh Out Loud

17. Cut in two

18. Your father

19. Ellipse centers

21. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory workers, Oompa __

24. Fragrant herb in turkey stuffing

27. Balloons are filled with this, helium is one

28. Labyrinth

31. Stadium seating level

32. White House title, abbr.

33. "Poke-___!" (kids' book series)

34. Writing tool, ink

35. Superman's human name is Clark

36. ___ de France, French word for isle

38. Body part with billions of neurons, it learns in school

40. Cavity near the nose that gets stuffy

44. Dessert with a crust, at holidays and parties

45. Dolly Parton's "... ___ of many colors" to keep you warm

47. Not a daughter, but a ___

49. Mobile-game annoyances

50. Arithmetic, take away

51. Paid athlete

52. The common name for a group of about 100 insect species

53. Old Italian currency

54. When you have a family gathering, you ___ the table

DOWN

1. Common portrait subject, when you draw you

2. "Peek-___"

3. Softest mineral, bath powder mineral

4. "Oh, my!" in German

5. Lentil dish, another spelling for 'dal'

6. Ring of light or a game

7. Pieces of turf dug out of a lawn

9. Verbal flourish, "I did it!"

10. Worry word like "Bummer!" only older

11. Friend of Nancy Drew

14. Rapid Eye Movement, abbr

20. Subject of Newton's first law

22 Popular orange pie ingredient

23 "___ friends forever", a childhood promise

24. Baseball tracking card score and figure

25. This First kit is for emergencies

26. Find your phone with its ___ location

29. "___ you kidding?"

30. Totally relaxed, so to speak, a meditative word

34. Writing tool, graphite

37. Brother to Thor's actor

38. Wait patiently as time passes

39. After a workout, sit down to ___

40. Dino___

41. "___ small world after all"

42. Send your birthday cards through the post office

43. Your throat might be this from a cold

44. Shaking appendage with your dog

46. 1-___ (way to guard)

48. "Sorry ___ sorry!"

Crossword Answers on Page 38

Empathy Is Hardwired, But Few Maximize It

(continued from Page 16)

to help others unless it offered a personal reward. The field of medicine is a perfect example. Over the decades, many strides have been made in medicine, often resulting from human empathy.

How to teach kids empathy

Experts believe, based on a large body of evidence, that empathy can be shaped and improved in both kids and adults. By practicing the following as a family, you can foster your and your child's ability to empathize.

Active listening: This is a crucial component of empathy. Practice really listening to each other and trying to understand the other's perspective. Active listening includes paying close attention to body language and facial expressions so you can better understand the other person. It also requires refraining from interrupting. Parents' modeling of active listening is particularly crucial to kids' development of this skill.

Give back: Talk with your kids about the experiences, feelings and needs of those who are less fortunate. Consider various forms of adversity, such as a terminal illness, homelessness, poverty and the need to be in nursing homes. Ask your kids open-ended questions. Have them consider how it feels to be in those other people's shoes. Then make a plan with your kids to help out in some way.

Commonalities: Despite the ability to empathize, people are often less empathetic toward those of other races or who are stereotyped in some way, studies have found. Consider

the things you have in common with those who are different and talk about these commonalities with your child. Also, ask your kids what they might have in common with someone of another ethnicity or race.

Lose yourself in fiction: Reading fiction is a great way to experience and understand one another, even though the characters are not real. This will improve your ability to empathize in real-life situations and teach kids empathy. Children's books commonly have characters dealing with challenging situations.

Practice reading faces: People often don't share what they're feeling or experiencing. Yet, it's sometimes written all over their faces. Pay attention to people's expressions and try to understand what they're feeling.

Look for opportunities to care: Every day there are people around us in need. So, set an example for your kids. If an elderly person is struggling to load heavy groceries into their car, quickly put yourself in their shoes. Then offer to help. Also, have your kids practice looking for ways to care (while also adhering to rules for safety with strangers).

Share in excitement and joy: Empathy isn't only about understanding people's downs. It's also the ability to share in their happiness. Regardless of how busy you are, when your child is excited about something, take a moment to really share in their enthusiasm. Likewise, share your experience with your child when something brings you great joy.

Santa Fe

Albuquerque

Albuquerque Kids! Calendar

By AUTUMN GRAY

Our calendar is as accurate as possible, but dates, times, places and prices of events can change. So, be sure to call ahead. Events listed are child- and teen-appropriate to the best of our knowledge. As families have different ideas of “age-appropriate,” we encourage you to confirm that any activity you attend is appropriate for your child. To have your events listed for free in our next calendar, fill out the calendar form at newmexico-kids.com or send the date, time, place, cost, description of the activity, sponsoring organization, and contact phone number to kids@newmexico-kids.com. The deadline is October 14 for listings in the November/December calendar. Listings are not guaranteed due to space limits. Phone numbers have a 505 area code unless otherwise noted.

September

ARTS & CRAFTS

Sept. 14, Steampunk Jeweled Dragonflies, 3-5 p.m. Use hardware, wire, and beads to make jeweled dragonflies and other insects. All materials provided. Registration required. Ages 13+. South Broadway Library, 1025 Broadway Blvd. SE, 764-1742.

Sept. 26, Salt Painting, 3:30-5 p.m. Make paintings using paint, glue and salt. Alamosa Library, 6900 Gonzales Rd. SW, 836-0684, https://abqlibrary.org/alamosa.

CULTURAL CENTERS & MUSEUMS

Sept. 11, Sensory Friendly Time at Explora, 5:30-7 p.m. A low-sensory hour with special adaptations for quieter visits, including limited attendance, full-immersion sensory kits, noise and light reduction, and calming spaces. Included with admission, Explora, 1701 Mountain NW, 6006072, explora.us/events.

Sept. 14, Explora Cure for Kids with Cancer! 6-8:30 p.m. CureMEC hosts its annual blood drive with live music, local beer, a wine garden, and food. Raise funds for pediatric cancer research. Free. Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd NW, 699-4613, www.cureMEC.org/events.

Sept. 27, Film Screening: Bless Me, Ultima, 7 p.m. This screen adaptation of Rudolfo Anaya’s beloved book is set in 1940s rural New Mexico. It tells the story of a young boy and the mysterious healer who opens his eyes to the wonders of the spiritual realm. Rated PG-13. Run time: 102 minutes. Free. Food trucks starting at 5 p.m. National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Bank of America Theatre, 1701 4th St. SW. https://www.nhccnm.org/events.

Sept. 28-29, New Mexico Railroad Days, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn how and when the railroad came to New Mexico, how rail transportation helped Albuquerque grow into a vibrant city, and about the immigrants and women who worked the

rails. Free. Wheels Museum, 110 South 2nd St., 243-6269, https:// wheelsmuseum.org/.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Sept. 2, R4Creating STEM Festival, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Enjoy 3D printing, robotics, Rubik's cube challenges, carnival games, food trucks, music, and a special appearance by the Albuquerque Bomb Squad. Free. Park at the Elks Lodge, 1530 Barbara Loop SE, Rio Rancho. Event at 4311 Sara Road, 715-7732, R4creating.org.

Sept. 21, Latino Conservation Week Fiesta in the Park, 10 a.m.-noon. Latino Outdoors hosts a free, family-centered event celebrating Latino Conservation Week. Music, food trucks, bike rodeo, art, and booths. Barelas Park, 801 Barelas Road Southwest. https:// latinooutdoors.org/eventbriteevent/lo-nm-cdtc-lcw-fiesta-inthe-park/

Sept. 28-29, Harvest Festival at Casa San Ysidro, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Variety of activities, music, and heritage craft demonstrations from traditional New Mexico artists. Free. Casa San Ysidro, 973 Old Church Road, Corrales, 8983915.

Sept 28-29, Corrales Harvest Festival, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Community service/fundraising project of the Kiwanis Club of Corrales Foundation that allows attendees to learn about Corrales’ history, including its culture, agricultural heritage, and today’s artists and merchants. Admission costs $15 for ages 13 and older. 500 Jones Road, Corrales, 797-7676, https:// www.corralesharvestfestival.com/.

Sept. 29, Albuquerque Folk Festival, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Music, dance, song, petting zoo, arts/ crafts, food, and storytelling from many cultural traditions. Join a workshop or take an instrument to join a jam. Save money by buying tickets online at https:// my.nmculture.org/32464. Tickets also available at the gate. Prices vary by age, family rates. Free admission ages 11 and younger. Discounts for military, students, and seniors. National Hispanic

Cultural Center, 1701 4th St., 505710-9641, abqfolkfest.org.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Area libraries offer activities like Lego Club, book groups, Read to the Dogs, movies, craft clubs, science groups and live music. Check websites for calendars and details: abqlibrary.org/events, riorancholibraries.events.mylibrary. digital, placitaslibrary.com.

Sept. 7, LEAP into Science: Do You See What I See? 11 a.m.noon. Enjoy using mirrors to bounce light all over the room and see around corners. Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, 291-6260, https://abqlibrary. org/juantabo.

Sept. 12, UV Reactive Necklace/ Bracelet, 3-5 p.m. Make UV reactive bracelets, and experiment with what makes the bracelets glow brighter or dimmer. Ages 7+. South Broadway Library, 1025 Broadway Blvd. SE, 764-1742.

Sept. 18, STEM Workshop: Lego Labyrinth, 4-5 p.m. Put your hippocampus to the test by creating and solving Lego mazes. Build a labyrinth, and test it by rolling a marble through it. Ages 6–10. Registration required. Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos Rd NW, 761-4020, https://abqlibrary. org/losgriegos.

Sept. 19, Fun and Games with Drums: An Experience for the Whole Family, 4:30-6 p.m. Learn basic drumming skills and rhythms, and then use them in rhythmic games and musical creations. All ages. Rudolfo Anaya North Valley Library, 7704 2nd NW. 505-768-4959.

Sept. 20, Movie Watch Party, 4-6 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month watching an animated film that recounts Mexican folk tales including the Day of the Dead. Snacks provided. All ages. Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo Blvd NE, 888-8100, https:// abqlibrary.org/ernafergusson.

Sept. 21, The Search for the Rings, 2-4 p.m. Celebrate Hobbit Day by hunting down the missing Rings of Power. Part clue-finding, part puzzle-solving.

All ages. Central & Unser Library, 8081 Central Ave. NW, 7684320, https://abqlibrary.org/ centralunser.

Sept. 27, Science with Mr. Josh, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Hands-on science and fun learning to levitate orbs using static electricity. Ages 5–13. Westgate Library, 1300 Delgado Drive SW, 833.6984.

MUSIC & DANCE

Sept. 21, Blues Night on Civic Plaza, 6-9 p.m. Featuring Sue Foley & The Texas Horns; Zenobia; & Felix y Los Gatos. Event is part of the larger 18th Annual New Mexico Jazz Festival. Doors open at 5 p.m. All ages. Free. 401 2nd St. NW. https://tickets. holdmyticket.com/tickets/435303.

SCIENCE & NATURE

Sept. 4, Traditional Gardening at Coronado Historic Site, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join a park ranger for a demonstration of traditional Pueblo gardening. All ages. Included with admission of $7 for adults and free to children 16 years and younger, NM residents 60 years and older with ID, people with Native/Tribal affiliations, disabled veterans, and foster families. nmhistoricsites.org/ coronado.

Sept. 14, Bosque Evening Hike, 7-8:30 p.m., Experience the Bosque coming to life through use of your senses to make new observations and discoveries. Families. Free. Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd. NW, 768-4951, cabq.gov/ parksandrecreation/open-space/ events.

Sept. 14, International Observe the Moon Night, 5-9 p.m. Enjoy self-guided hikes and a 6 p.m. presentation on NM raptors before NM Museum of Natural History & Science Space Science Director Jim Greenhouse leads a talk at 7 p.m. on the upcoming lunar eclipse. Explore the night sky with an automated telescope that projects the cosmos onto a nearby monitor. Sandia Mountain Natural History Center, 60 Columbine Lane in Cedar Crest. Parking is limited, and a pass is required to park at the Center.

(continued on next page)

https://nmnaturalhistory.org/ events/international-observemoon-night-1?instance=0

Sept. 15, Foothills Wild Guided Hike, 8-11 a.m. Join Open Space Nature Guides and Trail Watch Volunteer Stewards on an adventure including information about the area’s history, its flora and fauna, and geology and archaeology. Take water, snacks, and closed-toed shoes. Meet at the Cottonwood Springs parking lot. Elena Gallegos, 7100 Tramway Blvd. NE, 768-4959.

Sept. 17, The Lunar Eclipse that Almost Wasn’t, 7 p.m. See tonight’s partial lunar eclipse and hear a talk about NASA’s upcoming Artemis program, which will return astronauts to the moon in the next few years. A planetarium program will explain how this eclipse is happening and why it will be hard to see. Activities will include coloring pages and puzzles, as well as telescope viewing of the eclipse. Admission by donation. New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, 1801 Mountain Road NW, 841-2800.

Sept. 21, Morning Bosque Hike, 8-11 a.m. Learn about your open space lands, its diversity of flora and fauna, and its complex human history with this moderate-strenuous hike. Take water, snacks, and closed-toed shoes. Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd NW, 768-4951, cabq.gov/parksandrecreation/ open-space/events.

Sept. 28, Family Nature Club, 10 a.m.-noon, Explore the Cottonwood Springs Trail on a one-mile walk with an Open Space educator at the Elena Gallegos Open Space. Engage in hands-on learning as a family, listen to natural history fun facts, enjoy storytelling, and seek wildlife. All ages. Free. Elena Gallegos Open Space, 7100 Tramway NE. Registration required at play.cabq.gov, 768-4959.

STAGE

Sept. 7, Auditions for BRT's Nutcracker and Beauty & the Beast, 10:45 a.m.-4 p.m. Auditions for Ballet Repertory Theatre’s 2024/25 season. Contact BRT for specific audition times. Free. BRT, 6913 Natalie Ave. NE, 888-1054; brtnm.com.

Albuquerque Kids! Calendar

Sept. 22, Popovich Comedy Pet Theater, 4 p.m. Show featuring over 30 rescued animals, including dogs, cats, ferrets, white mice, geese, doves, and even a parrot. These furry and feathered performers, all adopted from animal shelters, showcase the importance of trust, respect, care, and friendship between animals and humans. Show organizer Gregory Popovich is a world-record setting juggler, trained clown, alumnus of the Great Moscow Circus and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and a native of Kiev, Ukraine. Cost: $30. Albuquerque Little Theater, 224 San Pasquale Ave. SW, 242-4750, https:// albuquerquelittletheatre.org/.

STORYTELLING

Sept. 5, Animal Tales with the ABQ BioPark, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join the BioPark for “Animal Tales” and enjoy a reading of an animal related book. The BioPark will bring animals and biofacts that represent the animals in the story for the kids to meet. Central & Unser Library, 8081 Central Ave. NW, 768-4320, https://abqlibrary. org/centralunser. (Also 10:1511:15 a.m. Sept. 4 at South Valley Library, 3904 Isleta Blvd. SW, 877-5170, https://abqlibrary.org/ southvalley.

JUST FOR TEENS

Sept. 13, Haunted Birdhouses, 4-5 p.m. Celebrate Friday the 13th by painting a haunted birdhouse. All materials provided. Registration required by calling (505) 897–8816. Ages 11–18. Taylor Ranch Library, 5700 Bogart St NW, 897-8816, https:// abqlibrary.org/taylorranch.

ESPECIALLY FOR /PARENTS

Sept. 17, Ombud Empowering Families (virtual), 6:30-8:30 p.m. Workshop to empower parents of gifted and twice-exceptional children. Featuring Education State Ombud Michelle Tregembo, who will provide valuable insights into the IEP process, student rights, and available resources. Free. Zoom. Register: www. AAGTS.org. 562-221-2725, www. AAGTS.org, info@AAGTS.org.

Sept. 19, Grieving Children, Grieving Families Webinar (emphasis on suicide loss) 1-2

p.m. Mickey Kivitz, director of education for The Grief Center of New Mexico presents a onehour talk for any caring adult interacting with a grieving child – as a guardian or community member. Free via Zoom. 3230478, https://griefnm.org/ events/; info@griefnm.org.

Sept. 21, Intro to the Outdoors: Learn to Rock Climb, 9 a.m.-noon. Meet at Route 66 open space area and hike to the climbing area. All equipment (helmet, harness, ropes, anchoring materials, belay/rappel devices, gloves) provided. Participants will learn basic climbing knots, climbing and rappelling commands, and belaying. Ages 18+. Class size is limited. More information provided after registration. Free, but registration required at play. cabq.gov. Registration closes Sept. 19 at 11:59 p.m. Directions: At the intersection of Central and Tramway, head east on Central for .7 miles. Parking on your right. 768-4959, https://www.cabq.gov/ parksandrecreation/open-space/ events.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Sept. 15, Gifted kids playing board games together, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Games and pizza for gifted families, sponsored by ABQ Assoc. for Gifted & Talented Students. Look for the green owl. Free. Slice & Dice, 2225 Wyoming Blvd. NE, www.AAGTS.org.

Sept 13, Esperanza Bicycle Safety Clinic, 10 am-2 pm. Get free bicycle safety checks and learn the basics of bicycle maintenance, such as how to fix brakes and change a flat tire. Cherry Hills Library, 6901 Barstow St. NE, 857-8321, https://abqlibrary. org/cherryhills. (Also Sept 20 at Central & Unser Library, 8081 Central Ave. NW, 7684320, https://abqlibrary.org/ centralunser.)

October

ARTS & CRAFTS

Oct. 2, Fall Cardmaking, 1-3 p.m. From intricate designs of pumpkins and acorns to heartfelt messages of gratitude, create hand-made greeting cards infused with the spirit of the season. Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 888-8100,

abqlibrary.org.

Oct. 7, Make Your Own Friendship Bracelet, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Bring a friend and create your own friendship bracelet or other jewelry. Materials provided. Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 888-8100, abqlibrary.org.

CULTURAL CENTERS & MUSEUMS

October 4, Virtual Reality (VR) Balloon Experience, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Experience the feeling of flight without your feet leaving the ground during a 10-minute VR balloon journey. Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE, 768-6020, balloonmuseum.com/ museum_events.

October 5, Meet a Scientist at Explora, 10 a.m.-1p.m. Meet local scientists and learn about how STEAM is used in our city. Free with admission. 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072. explora.us.

October 7, New Mexico Day at the Museum, 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. NM residents present photo ID or utility bill with a New Mexico address to the ticket booth and receive free entry. Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE, 768-6020, balloonmuseum.com/ museum_events.

Oct. 8, Arte Para Chiquitos, 10-10:45 a.m. Program cultivates creativity and self-expression through the exploration of Hispanic/Latine arts and culture. Ages 0 to 4 years. Engage in artmaking, music, movement, dance, drama, and bilingual story time. Free. Register at https:// my.nmculture.org/30048/30051 or call 505-724-4771. National Hispanic Cultural Center, Domenici Education Building, 1701 4th St. SW.

October 10, S.T.E.A.M. Nights at the Balloon Museum, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Explore science, technology, engineering, art, or math themes related to ballooning through performance, demonstrations, and experimentation. Food and drink. All ages. Free with admission. Anderson-Abruzzo Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon (continued on next page)

Museum NE, 768-6020, balloonmuseum.com/museum_ events.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Area libraries offer activities like Lego Club, book groups, Read to the Dogs, movies, craft clubs, science groups, and in June, Summer Reading live music and movies. Check websites for calendars and details: abqlibrary. org, riorancholibraries.org, placitaslibrary.org.

Oct. 18, Hocus Pocus Brews & Potions, 3:30-5 p.m. Cast a spell with your own homemade witch potion, or concoct a spooky brew with creepy crawly slime. Ages 5+. Alamosa Library, 6900 Gonzales Rd SW, 836-0684, https:// abqlibrary.org/alamosa.

Oct. 31, Mini Calvera Pumpkins, 3:30-5 p.m. Celebrate the Day of the Dead, painting your own sugar skull mini pumpkin. Ages 5+. Alamosa Library, 6900 Gonzales Rd SW, 836-0684, https://abqlibrary.org/alamosa.

MUSIC & DANCE

Oct. 5, Sunset Concert with Albuquerque's Kubatana Marimba Southwest, 6-8 p.m. Zimbabwe-style music including seven wooden marimbas, ranging from smaller sopranos to a large bass marimba, with vocals, drum, hosho (shakers) and the mbira ("thumb piano"). Free. Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd. NW, 505-768-4950.

Oct. 12, Sandia Mountain Dulcimers: Sweet Sounds of History, 3-4 p.m. The musical group the Sandia Mountain Dulcimers will play a variety of music styles, from slow airs to rousing Celtic jigs to traditional fiddle tunes. Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos Rd. NW, 761-4020, abqlibrary.org.

Oct. 26, Ehecatl Aztec Dance Performance, 1-2 p.m. Celebrate Día de los Muertos watching the Ehecatl Aztec Dance Group, and learn about the cultural significance of Aztec dancing. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and treats. Erna Fergusson Library, 3700 San Mateo Blvd. NE, 8888100, abqlibrary.org.

SCIENCE & NATURE

Oct. 2, Traditional Gardening at

Albuquerque Kids! Calendar

Coronado Historic Site, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join a park ranger for a demonstration of traditional Pueblo gardening. All ages. Included with admission of $7 for adults and free to children 16 years and younger, NM residents 60 years and older with ID, people with Native/Tribal affiliations, disabled veterans, and foster families. nmhistoricsites.org/ coronado.

Oct. 19, Family Nature Club: Valuable Volunteering, 10 a.m.-noon. Support the Rio Grande Bosque by participating in Dia del Rio, a public Open Space community service event. Learn how to use tools such as mattocks, loppers, and spades and then use those skills to help the animals, plants, and the land they live on. Tingley Beach, 1800 Tingley SW, 505-768-4959.

STORYTELLING

Oct. 31, Spooky Storytime, 11:1511:45 a.m. Wizards, ghouls and faeries come out for the stories, craft, and seasonal gathering. Costumes welcomed. All ages. Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos Rd. NW, 761-4020, abqlibrary.org.

JUST FOR TEENS

Oct. 12, Book Page Pumpkins, 2-4 p.m. Make pumpkins out of old paperback books. Materials provided. Registration required. Teenagers and older. Juan Tabo Library, 3407 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, 291-6260, abqlibrary.org.

ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS

Oct. 3, Happy Arte Hour, 6 p.m. Artistic fun in a relaxed social setting, which includes snacks, refreshments, and beer & wine for sale from Pop Fizz. Ages 21+. Free, but donations are encouraged to support the artists & purchase supplies. Register at https://my.nmculture. org/30293/30295. National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. SW, 246-2261.

Oct. 19, Tincturing with Local Medicinal Plants for Cold and Flu Season, noon-3 p.m. Join Dara Saville of Albuquerque Herbalism for this class on preparing for cold and flu season with common medicinal plants of our area. Includes demo to learn simple at-home tincturing techniques to make your own remedies. Free.

Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd NW, 505-768-4951.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Oct. 11, Hope Christian School Admission Open Houses, 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Prospective preschool through high school families enjoy a brief information session, Q&A, and campus tours. Preschool and elementary families in the morning, and middle/high school in the afternoon. Free but RSVP required at HCSNM.org/openhouse. 6731 Palomas Ave NE, 505-822-5399; HCSNM.org; admissions@hcsnm. org

Oct. 20, Gifted kids playing board games together, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Simply games and pizza for gifted families, sponsored by ABQ Assoc. for Gifted & Talented Students. Look for the green owl. Free. Slice & Dice, 2225 Wyoming Blvd. NE, www.AAGTS.org

Oct. 20, Passport to Prep Open House, 2 p.m. Prospective students entering grades 6 - 12 in fall 2025 and their families can experience hands-on curriculum stations, tour campus, and meet the Prep community. Free. Sandia Preparatory School, 532 Osuna Road NE, 505.338.3007; www. sandiaprep.org/admission.

Ongoing

CULTURAL CENTERS & MUSEUMS

Toddler Time, 9-11 a.m. Mondays at Explora! This is a reserved timeslot for the museum’s youngest visitors to explore. 505.600-6072. 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072. Explora.us. Indian Pueblo Cultural Dance Program, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sats and Suns. Pueblo communities celebrate seasonal cycles through prayer, song, and dance that connect ancestors, community, and traditions while honoring gifts from the Creator. Included with admission, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th St. NW, 8437270, indianpueblo.org/culturaldance-program.

Dawn to Dusk, First Sundays through October, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Coronado Historic Site offers extended hours, when early mornings are a great time to see birds, while evenings offer

unparalleled views of the Sandia Mountains glowing pink at sunset. Free for NM residents. All ages. Free, Coronado Historic Site, 485 Kuaua Road, Bernalillo, 771-0416, nmhistoricsites.org/coronado.

STORYTELLING

Stories & Music in the Sky.

Choose from two sessions Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. An award-winning early childhood education programming featuring stories, music, movement, and art produced by the ABQ Balloon Museum; for ages up to 6. Stories are brought to life, and stories and music are shared from around the world in multiple languages by incorporating books, songs, fingerplays, and movement. Free, Anderson Abruzzo ABQ International Balloon Museum, 9201 Balloon Museum NE, visitalbuquerque. org/event/stories-%26-music-inthe-sky/55549.

NATURE & SCIENCE

Bosque Wild Guided Hike, first Saturdays, 8-11 a.m. Moderately strenuous. Take water, wear comfortable closed-toed shoes, and dress for the weather. Free. No pets. Open Space Visitor Center, 500 Coors NW, 505-7684950.

Guided Bird Walks, Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30-10 a.m. Join a volunteer naturalist and fellow birders for a guided walk through the Nature Center, including some areas normally off-limits to visitors; limited to 12. Registration required. Meet at the blind at the east end of the parking lot. $3 parking/day use fee or FRGNC or State Park pass on the dash, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, 2901 Candelaria NW, 344-0274, rgnc.org/index.php/calendar.

STEM Day Fun Day, fourth Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. Learn about science, technology, engineering, and math in new and creative ways. Do an experiment or a craft. The HUB @ Enchanted Hills, 7845 Enchanted Hills, Rio Rancho, 8915008, riorancholibraries.events. mylibrary.digital.

GAMES

Chess in the Parks, first and third Saturdays through September, (continued on next page)

8:30 a.m.-noon. Join other chess players, coaches, and volunteers for a morning of chess. There will be tables, chairs, chess equipment, clocks, and variant sets to lend out. Volunteer chess coaches to teach and discuss the game; all welcome. Free, ABQ Downtown Growers’ Market, Robinson Park, 810 Copper NW, learnerschess.org/ chessintheparks.

Chess & Board Game Club, Tuesdays 4-5 p.m. Increase your skill level or become familiar with the classic strategy game. Ages 6-12. Los Griegos Library, 1000 Griegos Rd NW, 761-4020, https:// abqlibrary.org/losgriegos.

JUST FOR TEENS

Teen Creative Writing Club, first Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Share work, find a group to push you past writer’s block, and find tips and tricks to hone skills. Free, Loma Colorado Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 8915013, riorancholibraries.events. mylibrary.digital.

Young Adult Book Club, fourth Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. Each month read a different book chosen by club members. Talk and eat snacks, enjoy crafts and other activities related to the book that was read. Free, ages 12-18, Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado NE, RR, 8915013, riorancholibraries.events. mylibrary.digital.

FREE ADMISSION

Though many museums and cultural centers offer free admission days, availability may change and restrictions may apply during high-traffic dates like Balloon Fiesta, please call before you visit to verify the dates of your visit are not restricted.

ABQ Museum, Tuesday-Sunday, ages 3 and under; members with ID; first Wednesdays; Sundays from 9 a.m.-1p.m., 2000 Mountain NW, 243-7255, cabq. gov/artsculture/albuquerquemuseum/plan-your-visit/ admission-ticketing.

Balloon Museum, Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; first Fridays; ages 5 and under; Museum Foundation Members; and ICOM, AAM and NMAM members, 9201 Balloon

Albuquerque Kids! Calendar

Museum NE, 768-6020, cabq. gov/artsculture/balloonmuseum/ plan-your-visit/admission-onlineticketings.

Coronado Historic Site, Wednesday-Monday, 10am-4pm. Free 16 and under; first Sundays NM residents; NM residents 60 years and older with ID admitted free every Wednesday; Museum of New Mexico Foundation members, Friends of Coronado and Jemez members, Native/ Tribal affiliations, disabled veterans, and foster families all foster families; 485 Kuaua Rd, Bernalillo, 867-5351, nmhistoricsites.org/coronado.

Explora, Monday-Sunday, under age 1; members; 1701 Mountain NW, 600-6072, explora.us/visitorinformation.

Jemez Historic Site, WednesdaySunday, 10 am-4 pm, Free 16 and under; first Sundays NM residents; Museum of New Mexico Foundation members, Friends of Coronado and Jemez members, Native/Tribal affiliations, disabled veterans, and foster families; 18160 NM4, Jemez Springs, 829-3530, nmhistoricsites.org/jemez.

National Hispanic Cultural Center Visual Arts Museum, Tuesday-Sunday, free for ages 16 and under; members; all NM foster families; first Sundays NM residents; NM residents 60+ with ID on Wednesdays; active military and reservists, and up to five family members; NHCC Foundation Members, foster parents and children in the custody of foster parents, 1701 4th SW, 724-4771, nhccnm.org/ visit/hours-admission.

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, MondaySunday, under age 5, 601 Eubank SE, 569-0865, nuclearmuseum. org/visit.

NM Museum of Natural History and Science, Wednesday-Monday, ages 2 and under; NMMNHS Members must reserve their free tickets ahead of time by calling the membership desk at 8412851, 1801 Mountain NW, 841-2800, nmnaturalhistory.org.

State Parks Free Entrance Days are listed at nps.gov/ planyourvisit/fee-free-parks-state. htm.

Tingley Beach Recreational Area is free every day, anglers 12 and older need a valid NM fishing license; ponds are restocked

approximately every 3-4 weeks, 1800 Tingley SW, cabq.gov/ artsculture/biopark/tingley.

Albuquerque

Santa Fe Kids! Calendar

By Autumn Gray

Our calendar is as accurate as possible, but dates, times, places, and prices of events can change. So, be sure to call ahead. Events listed are child- and teen-appropriate to the best of our knowledge. As families have different ideas of “age-appropriate,” we encourage you to confirm that any activity you attend is appropriate for your child. To have your events listed for free in our next calendar, fill out the calendar form at newmexico-kids.com, or send the date, time, place, cost, description of the activity, sponsoring organization, and contact phone number to kids@newmexico-kids.com. The deadline is October 14 for listings in the November/December calendar. Listings are not guaranteed due to space limits. Phone numbers have a 505 area code unless otherwise noted.

September

ARTS & CRAFTS

Sept. 1, Family Art Making, 10 a.m.-noon. Create silly animal combinations. Light snacks. Free to NM residents. Vladem Contemporary, 404 Montezuma Ave., 476.5062, https://www. nmartmuseum.org/events/familyart-making-10/.

Sept. 1, Animal Paint-Fest, 1-3 p.m. Join artist Ron Archuleta Rodriguez painting large carvedwood animals made by Ron, or create your own peg animal. All supplies provided. Families. Free for NM residents. Museum of International Folk Art, Outdoor Classroom, 706 Camino Lejo, 4761204, https://moifa.org/events.

Sept. 21, Extravaganza on Museum Hill, 1-6:30 p.m. Celebrate Mexican cultural heritage and living traditions of Indigenous communities with music, dance, theater, educational activities, hands-on art, food and a live luchador wrestling match on Milner Plaza on Museum Hill, 706 Camino Lejo, 476-1204, https:// moifa.org/events.

Sept. 22, Pop-Up Playground, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Kids of all ages can build a fort city using recycled materials like logs, pallets, boxes, rope and fabric. Free event and parking. Railyard Park, 740 Cerrillos Road, 316-3596, https:// railyardpark.org/events/event/ pop-up-playground/

Sept. 12, 19, and 26, Create with O’Keefe: Collage Bouquets, 3:30 p.m. Using collage materials such as magazine pages, craft paper, photographs, and construction paper, create your own collage bouquet masterpiece. Various libraries. See https://www. okeeffemuseum.org/events/?_ event_type=community-events. CULTURAL CENTERS & MUSEUMS

Sept. 7, Science Saturday with “Mr. Science,” 2-4 p.m. Fun educational experiments and projects with guest scientists and STEAM instructors. Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050

Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org/ events.

SCIENCE & NATURE

Sept. 9, Community Day in the Garden, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. New Mexico residents receive free admission to explore the garden. Botanical Garden at Museum Hill, 715 Camino Lejo, 505.471.9103, https://visitsfbg.org/event/.

Sept. 28, Science Saturday –with Santa Fe Reptile & Bug Museum, 2-4 p.m. Conduct fun and educational experiments and projects with guest scientists & STEAM instructors. Wade Harrell will bring reptile pals to meet all guests. Included with museum admission. Santa Fe Children's Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, https:// santafechildrensmuseum.org/ event.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Area libraries offer ongoing activities like Bilingual Books and Babies, Read to a Pup!, Game Time, chess clubs, after-school clubs, Storytimes, movies, and knitting clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: santafe. librarycalendar.com/events, vglibrary.org.

JUST FOR TEENS

Teen Lounge, every Wednesday, 2-4 p.m. A safe space for teens to decompress after school with art supplies, homework tables, laptops and Wi-Fi, board games, tea, and snacks. La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862.

ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS

Sept. 17, Ombud Empowering Families (virtual), 6:30-8:30 p.m. Workshop to empower parents of gifted and twice-exceptional children. Featuring Education State Ombud Michelle Tregembo, who will provide valuable insights into the IEP process, student rights, and available resources. Free. Zoom. Register: www. AAGTS.org. 562-221-2725, www. AAGTS.org, info@AAGTS.org. Sept. 19, Grieving Children, Grieving Families Webinar (emphasis on suicide loss) 1-2

p.m. Mickey Kivitz, director of education for The Grief Center of New Mexico presents a onehour talk for any caring adult interacting with a grieving child – as a guardian or community member. Free via Zoom. 3230478, https://griefnm.org/ events/; info@griefnm.org.

Sept. 25, Nature Nerd Trivia Night at the Garden, 5:30-7 p.m. Bring a team of 4-6 people to prove your nature knowledge to compete for prizes. Check- in and team registration from 5:30 – 6 p.m. Santa Fe Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 505.471.9103. Suggested donation of $5.

October

ARTS & CRAFTS

Oct. 10, Create with O’Keeffe: Finish the Painting, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Using a variety of materials, participants will choose a famous painting that has been split in half, and finish it using their own artistic style. All ages. La Farge Library, 1730 Llano St. (Also Oct. 17 at Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar Drive and Oct. 24 at Main Library, 145 Washington Ave.)

Oct. 13, Family Day: Above the Clouds, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. In celebration of New Mexico’s biggest festival—Balloon Fiesta— October Family Day will look at Georgia O’Keeffe’s fascination with the big, blue New Mexico sky. Free. Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, 217 Johnson St. https:// www.okeeffemuseum.org/events/

CULTURAL

CENTERS & MUSEUMS

Oct. 5, Science Saturday with “Mr. Science,” 2-4 p.m. Fun and educational experiments and projects with guest scientists & STEAM instructors. Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org/ events.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS

Oct. 26, Halloween Carnival, noon. Carnival games, bouncy houses, music, food trucks, raffles, a costume contest,

haunted house, sweet shoppe and more. Free, open to public. Buy raffle tickets, wristbands to play games. Carlos Gilbert Elementary, 300 Griffin St., 617-858-1451, https://www.carlosgilbertptk. comcarlosgilbertptk.com.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Area libraries offer ongoing activities like Bilingual Books and Babies, Read to a Pup!, Game Time, chess clubs, after-school clubs, story times, movies, and knitting clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: santafe. librarycalendar.com/events, vglibrary.org.

Oct. 19, Taylor Swift Eras Party, 2-3:30 p.m. Celebrate Taylor Swift with friendship bracelets, snacks, music and dancing! Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6781, santafe.librarycalendar.com/ events.

SCIENCE & NATURE

Oct. 16, Community Day in the Garden, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. New Mexico residents receive free admission to explore the garden. Botanical Garden at Museum Hill, 715 Camino Lejo, 505.471.9103, https://visitsfbg.org/event/.

Oct. 26, Science Saturday –with Santa Fe Reptile & Bug Museum, 2-4 p.m. Conduct fun and educational experiments and projects with guest scientists & STEAM instructors. Wade Harrell will bring reptile pals to meet all guests. Included with museum admission. Santa Fe Children's Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, https:// santafechildrensmuseum.org/ event.

ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS

Oct. 30, Nature Nerd Trivia Night at the Garden, 5:30-7 p.m. Bring a team of 4-6 people to prove your nature knowledge to compete for prizes. Check- in and team registration from 5:30 – 6 p.m. Santa Fe Botanical Garden, 715 Camino Lejo, 505.471.9103. Suggested donation of $5.

ALSO OF INTEREST

Oct. 20, Santa Fe Girls’ School Open House, 3 p.m. Families of 4th-6th-grade students can

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meet current students, teachers and alumnae, and learn about the school’s unique programs. Free. Santa Fe Girls’ School, 310 W Zia Road, 820-3188; https://santafegirlsschool.org/ admissions/.

Ongoing

CULTURAL

CENTERS & MUSEUMS

Animal Meet & Greet, Thursdays, 12:30-1 p.m. Learn fun facts about the museum pets and see them eat their lunch. Say “hi” to Cornelius (Corn snake), Bisquick (Tortoise), Fafnir (Lizard), and Loki (Mexican Black Kingsnake). Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org/ events.

Books and Blooms, Wednesdays through October, 10-11 a.m.

A story-time in the garden for children 6 and under followed by time exploring activity stations. Cost of admission; free for children and members. Santa Fe Botanical Garden, Pavilion, 715 Camino Lejo, 505.471.9103, https://visitsfbg.org/event/booksand-blooms-september-2024/. Can You Dig It Archaeological Program, select Wednesdays and Sundays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See website for schedule. Handson archaeology dig for kids and families provides chance to learn about archaeology and New Mexico history by digging in a simulated archaeology pit. Ages 5 and older. Parent supervision required. Included with admission. Free to members and children 12 and under. NM residents get free admission Wednesdays, with a valid ID. El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, 334 Los Pinos Road, 471-2261, https:// golondrinas.org/event/.

Fine Art Friday, Fridays, 2-4 p.m. An exploration into the arts with special guests and hands-on activities. Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org/ events.

Seeds & Sprouts, Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Kids explore nature from fun in the backyard,

Santa Fe Kids! Calendar

to in-house programming. Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org/ events.

Wee Wednesdays, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Parents and toddlers enjoy discovery with story time and play. Included with admission, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8359, santafechildrensmuseum.org/ events.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Area Libraries offer activities like Bilingual Books and Babies, Read to a Pup!, Paws and Pages, Game Time, chess clubs, after-school clubs, story times, movies, and knitting clubs. Check websites for calendars and details: santafe. librarycalendar.com/events and vglibrary.org.

Baby and Toddler Play Hour, Second Saturdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free, unstructured play where children can explore and interact with other children and new educational toys. Learn and make social connections together with your toddler. Main Library Community Room, 145 Washington, 955-6781, santafe. librarycalendar.com/events.

Pajama Story Time / Hora Del Cuento En Pijama, Thursdays, 6:30pm - 7:30 p.m. A cozy, evening story time that includes a snack and a craft. Preschool. Southside Library Community Room, Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafe. librarycalendar.com/events.

MUSIC & DANCE

Caregiver and Tot Creative Movement, 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 10 a.m. A gentle introductory class for children and their caregiver with discovery of dance through play, that sparks a lifelong appreciation for movement arts. Free. Main Library, 145 Washington, 9556837, santafe.librarycalendar. com/events.

SCIENCE & NATURE

Saturday Birding Meetup, Saturdays, 8:30-10 a.m. A guided walk through the gardens and property; all welcome. Free, Randall Davey Audubon Center, 1800 Upper Canyon, southwest.

audubon.org/event-type/birdwalks.

STORYTELLING

Elements of Art: Story Time, every other Monday beginning Sept. 9 at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-5 learn about a basic element of art though story, song, and craft. Introduces children to concepts such as color, line, and form. New Mexico Museum of Art Library, Plaza Building, 107 West Palace Ave., 476.5063, https:// www.nmartmuseum.org/events/ storytime/.

Bilingual Books and Babies, 10-10:30 a.m. The power of music and song is used as an introduction to language in this program for babies and toddlers. Free: Wednesdays, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6781; Fridays: La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862; Saturdays: Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820, santafe.librarycalendar. com/events/upcoming.

Children’s Storytime and Craft, 10:30-11:30am. Free, Tuesdays: Southside Library, 6599 Jaguar, 955-2820; Wednesdays: La Farge Library, 1730 Llano, 955-4862; Thursdays, Main Library, 145 Washington, 955-6781, santafe. librarycalendar.com/events.

GAMES & CLUBS

Youth Chess Club, Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m. A chance for schoolage youth to continue to improve critical thinking skills through chess. While playing with other youth, new techniques, strategies, and tricks are introduced. For youth of all ages who know the basic elements of chess and can play without aid. Free, Main Library, 145 Washington, 9556780, santafe.librarycalendar. com/events/upcoming.

FREE ADMISSION

Though many museums and cultural centers offer free admission days, restrictions may apply during high-traffic dates like Balloon Fiesta, please call before you visit to verify the dates of your visit are free admission days. To see a full list of hours and prices, visit newmexicoculture.org/visit/ hours-and-admission-prices.

IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Children (under 16), members, Native and Indigenous peoples, and United States military veterans, daily; free to all, Fridays. 83 Avan Nu Po, 983-8900, iaia.edu/free-fridays-at-the-iaiamuseum-of-contemporary-nativearts.

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Dora, 5

Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, Open every day 10am5pm (May through October). NM foster families and children 16 and under, daily; NM residents, first Sunday of each month; NM

Santa Fe Kids! Calendar

seniors 60+ with ID, Wednesdays. 710-708 Camino Lejo, 476-1269, indianartsandculture.org/hours.

Museum of International Folk Art, Open every day 10am-5pm (May through October). NM

foster families and children 16 and under, daily; NM residents, first Sunday of each month; NM seniors 60+ with ID, Wednesdays. 706 Camino Lejo, On Museum Hill, 476-1204, moifa.org/visit/ hours-admission.html.

NM History Museum, Open every day 10am-5pm (May through October). NM foster families and children 16 and under, daily; NM residents, first Sunday of each month; NM seniors 60+ with ID, Wednesdays. 113 Lincoln, 4765200, nmhistorymuseum.org/ visit/hours-and-admission.html.

NM Museum of Art, Open every day 10am-5pm (May through October). NM foster families and children 16 and under, daily; NM residents, first Sunday of each month; NM seniors 60+ with ID, Wednesdays. 107 W. Palace, 4765072, nmartmuseum.org/visit.

Santa Fe Botanical Garden, Monday-Sunday, ages 3 and under, members, 715 Camino Lejo, 471-9103, santafebotanicalgarden.org/visit.

Santa Fe Children’s Museum, Wednesday-Sunday, under age 1 and members; free to all, Thursdays 4-6pm, 1050 Old Pecos Trail, 989-8356, santafechildrensmuseum.org/ explore/plan-your-visit.

Jayne, 9

Santa Fe

Albuquerque

My Home Visitor Is: On my side

When I first became pregnant, I had many, many worries. My home visitor, Marisol, has been a great support. She answers all of my questions and gives me advice based on what’s going on with me at that moment.

—Jazzmin

Turnbull, Los Lunas

Having a li le one is a life-changing experience. Home visitors help support you along the way!

Scan to learn more about this free service, available to ALL New Mexico families who are pregnant or have children ages 0-5.

ROADRUNNERS OF ALBUQUERQUE AQUATIC CLUB

THE 2024 CORRALES HARVEST FESTIVAL

SEPT 28 & 29 9AM - 5 PM

RIDE THE TRACTOR-PULLED HAYWAGONS AROUND THE 2 MILE LOOP THROUGH THE VILLAGE!

¬ Food Trucks in Food Courts

¬ Live Music, Lots!

¬ Kids Korner: Mechanical Bull, Jumpies, Rock Climbing Wall (included)

¬ Fine Arts Fair in the Park

¬ Casa San Ysidro Museum (included)

¬ Historic Old San Ysidro Church - Pie Walk, Photo Ops, Tastes of Harvest, Kids Fun

¬ Beer Garden: Local Craft Beers

¬ Horse Demos & Rides (included)

¬ Wagners Farmland Experience (extra fee)

¬ Vote for Pet Mayor ($1 = 1 Vote)

¬ Business and Crafts Vendors

¬ Hootenanny: Sat. from 7–10:30PM; Dance to January Storm, only $20

¬ Pet Parade on Sunday at 9AM

¬ Growers’ Market on Sunday 9AM–Noon

¬ Dine at Local Restaurants

¬ Unique Local Shopping

Adults $15 Free for Kids 12 & Under Free Parking

Leala, 7

PresleeAnn, 9

Corrales

Best NM Places for Families Ranked

STAFF REPORT

The best places to raise a family in New Mexico span the state, with six of the top 10 located in the Albuquerque metro area, according to a 2024 report.

Niche.com, an online ranking and review site that provides information on K–12 schools, colleges, cities, and neighborhoods, listed Los Alamos as the best spot in the state, with its suburb of White Rock coming in second, and Sandia Heights, a Bernalillo County community in the Albuquerque foothills, rounding out the top three.

Winning attributes of each included their public schools, housing, and residents’ health and fitness. All scored poorer on cost of living. Those seeking a robust nightlife also may wish to look elsewhere.

Rio Rancho ranked No. 6, Los Lunas ranked No. 26, Albuquerque proper ranked No. 27, and Santa Fe placed at No. 34. For the full list, including resident reviews, visit https://www. niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-for-families/s/ new-mexico/.

The Best Places to Raise a Family ranking provides a comprehensive assessment of key factors that are meaningful for families, Niche states. These include key factors such as the quality of local schools, safety, affordability, and access to family amenities.

Mckinlee, 6

The company states that its data team uses advanced algorithms and statistical techniques to compare, score, and connect millions of data points to thoroughly analyze U.S. schools and neighborhoods. These rankings are based on data from the U.S. Census, FBI, Bureau of Labor Statistics and the centers for Disease Control, as well as other reputable data sources.

Pittsburgh-based Niche was founded in 2002 and was formerly known as College Prowler, a publisher of print guidebooks on U.S. colleges.

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Albuquerque

Santa Fe Area

ART SCHOOL

Afterschool Activities Directory

Art School Santa Fe, 3600 Cerillios Rd unit 717 (700 Lofts), Santa Fe, NM 87507. Phone: 505-364-3256; Contact: Ronny; Email: ronny@ artschoolsantafe.com; Website: Artschoolsantafe.com; Ages 6 and up; Tuesday – Friday. Fine art program geared towards skill, building and innovative thinking With an emphasis on classical masters techniques such as sketching, shading, painting, perspective, and portraits while also embracing modern expressions of art like fantasy, comics, and manga. Financial Aid Available. Classes meet once a week.

CLIMBING

The After School program at the Santa Fe Climbing Center creates a stimulating environment in which climbers at all levels will push their physical and mental limits while having fun and exploring the world of indoor rock climbing! The challenges and climbing games led by our experienced instructors promote teamwork, confidence, flexibility, balance, problem solving and more. Our After School programs meet once a week from 3:45-5:15pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, 1:30-3:00 on Friday, and 12:30-2:00pm on Saturday. Our first session starts the week of August 19th.The After School Classes are divided in the following age groups, 5-8 year old and 9-13 year old climbers and the cost is $160.00 for 8 weeks. 3008 Cielo Court. Call (505) 986-8944, Email info@climbsantafe.com or visit https:// climbsantafe.com/classes-programs/youth-programs/after-schoolsummer-camps/.

SKATEBOARDING

Skateboarding School, 1219 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe, NM. Phone: 505-920-5448; Contact: Joe Lehm; Email: skateschoolsantafe@gmail. com; Website:skateboardsafety.com. Ages: 3 and up. Lessons for Homeschoolers Tuesday-Friday 11am - 4pm. Lessons for everyone Saturday-Sunday 10am - 1pm for all ages and abilities. Use our school boards, helmets and gear to get started. Curriculum includes skateboard homework, vocabulary and exploring the history of skateboarding.

Albuquerque Area

ART

Albuquerque Museum School, 2000 Mountain Rd. NW, Abq, NM 87104. 505-243-7255; Contact: Elizabeth Becker; albuquerquemuseum. org. Albuquerque Museum School art classes for children ages 3–14 Visit our website for class listing and registration. Painted Iguana Art Classes, 142 Big Horn Ridge Ct. NE, Abq, NM 87122. Phone: 505-7201906. Contact: Theresa Hall, Artist & Educator; Email: paintediguana@ gmail.com; Website: paintediguana.com; ages 6 and up. Small group classes; Tuition: $105 monthly plus tax/4 classes. Weekday afternoons – 1 1/2 hour long classes. Small classes in NE Albuquerque where students receive expert instruction on the use of quality art materials, & create in a studio setting. We work with watercolors, acrylics, clay, pastels, metals & more. Come learn new sketching skills, sculpt, or create with clay to be fired in our kiln. For the young explorers to the experienced young artists, students receive a high quality art experience in a creative, FUN, nurturing environment. Our classes encompass a complete comprehensive art program that students really enjoy. Art appreciation & creative thinking skills are developed in class. We learn about famous artists throughout history, while creating our own unique masterpieces. Join us & see why students never want their art adventure to end each day! Call or check the website in August for the after-school schedule. The Fall semester begins after Labor Day in September.

Painted Iguana Art Classes, 142 Big Horn Ridge Ct NE, Alb., NM 87122. 505-720-1906 Contact: Theresa Hall, artist & educator; Email: paintediguana@gmail.com; Website: paintediguana.com; Grades or ages 6 & up; Enrollment (No.): small group classes; Cost: $105 plus tax/4 classes; Days/Hours: After-school - 1 1/2 hour long classes. Small classes in NE Albuquerque where students receive expert instruction on the use of quality art materials, & create in a studio setting. Serving

Albuquerque families for 15+ years. We work with watercolors, acrylics, clay, pastels, metals, fabric, & more. Come learn new sketching skills, sculpt, or create with clay to be fired in our kiln. For the young explorers to the experienced young artists, students receive a high quality art experience in a creative, FUN, nurturing environment. Our classes encompass a complete comprehensive art program that students really enjoy. Art appreciation & creative thinking skill are developed in class. We learn about famous artists throughout history, while creating our own unique masterpieces. Join us & see why students never want their art adventure to end each day! Call or check the website August 1 for the after-school schedule & times. The Fall semester begins after Labor Day in September. Limited enrollment - register early.

CHILDCARE

City of Albuquerque - Youth & Family Services - Before & After School Programs, Administrative Office - 700 4th St. SW, Alb., NM 87102. Phone: 505-767-5800; Website: cabq.gov/family/crei; K-8th Grade; Cost: One Time $10 Registration Fee; Days/Hours: M-F, starting time based on APS Schedules, ends at 6pm. Before and After School Programs operate at 22 community centers and 10 APS school sites. Most programs transport from school to the community centers and offer free hot supper meals after school. Programs offer various recreation activities like art, computer labs, outdoor activities, billiards as well as some homework help. Financial Aid Available - Fees can be waived in approved circumstances. Youth need a community center membership to be registered into out-of-school time programs. Memberships are free.

Department of Senior Affairs - After School Program, Santa Barbara Martineztown Multigenerational Center, 1825 Edith Blvd NE, Alb., NM 87121. Phone: 505-767-5671; Contact: Matthew Montoya; Email: Matmontoya@cabq.gov; Website: https://www.cabq.gov/seniors/ youth-programs; Kindergarten through 8th Grade; Cost: $20 for the yearly membership and $15 a month; Days/Hours: Monday to Friday 3:00pm-6:00pm. We're proud to offer an engaging after-school program for students from Longfellow Elementary and Jefferson Middle School. We also welcome students from private schools who can be dropped off. Each day is filled with planned activities to keep kids active, learning, and having fun! The multigenerational youth after-school program runs from the first full week of school to the last day of the regular calendar school year. Each program follows the Albuquerque Public School (APS) schedule. Please check with your child’s APS school for a calendar of start/end dates, in-service days, and holidays as our program aligns with the same scheduled off days.

DANCE

Ballet Repertory Theatre of NM's Ballet Academy, 6913 Natalie Ave. NE, Abq, NM 87110. Phone: 505-888-1054; Email: brt@brtnm.com; Website: brtnm.com. Ages: 3 years - Adults. Variety of classes available Monday - Saturday. BRT's focus is on the training of classical ballet which is paired with a Modern Dance program. At Ballet Repertory Theatre, our professionally trained teachers guide each student using a well-developed syllabus. Ballet Repertory Theatre’s goal is to create an environment that is challenging, disciplined and rigorous while, at the same time, safe, healthy and nurturing...providing a welcoming environment where every student is valued while pursuing excellence in dance.

Dance Theatre Southwest: Moving Forward!! 3805 Academy Parkway South, NE, Abq, NM 87122. Phone: 505-296-9465; Contact: Patricia Dickinson Wells; Email: dancetheatresouthwest@gmail.com; Website: www.dtsw.com. Looking For An Alternative For Your Dancer? DTSW has won many national accolades and is always a safe place for dance arts education. On-going classes with new fall schedule now! Find us on Facebook And Instagram. Dance Education for All Ages: Toddler through Professional Level with strong Adult and Mature Adult programs also. Days/Hours: M-F: 4pm-7:30pm, Sat: 9:30am1:45pm. DTSW offers all levels of Ballet with Pointe and Pre-Pointe, Adv. and Int. Partnering/Pas de Deux training along with Toddler classes, Discovering Dance for younger 3–4 year-olds, all levels of Modern/

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Afterschool Activities Directory

Contemporary and Jazz. Under the direction of Patricia Dickinson Wells, DTSW has always valued quality over quantity. Patricia and Faculty adhere to safe kinesthetically sound dance instruction in a nurturing environment. Many students have gone on to professional careers in dance companies around the world, on Broadway, in academia, and many alumni have found successful fields outside of dance thanks to the discipline they learned through dance education. DTSW will continue to provide all students with regular DTSW continues to bring the best in dance arts education to everyone of all ages. Scholarships are available for families who cannot afford to pay full tuition. Dance Theatre Southwest is the home of Festival Ballet Albuquerque which produces “Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment,” “Dracula, A Love Story” and “Sacred Journeys” in collaboration with Robert Mirabal and Jock Soto, along with 3 to 4 major repertory productions annually.

Highland Dance Albuquerque, 3848 Rio Grande Blvd NW Suite B, Alb., NM 87107. Phone: 443-624-6658; Contact: Emma Trentman; Email: emma@highlanddanceabq.com; Website: www.highlanddanceabq. com; Ages 3-adult. Join us for fitness, friendship, and fun! We offer Highland Dance classes for all ages.

Keshet Dance and Center for the Arts - Keshet Fall Classes, 4121 Cutler Ave NE, Alb., NM 87110. Phone: 505-224-9808; Contact: Alissa Trujillo, Education and Engagement Coordinator; Email: frontdesk@KeshetArts. org; Website: www.KeshetArts.org; Ages 2-102! Cost: $0-$20 per class; Days/Hours: Monday through Saturday. Bound into fall with Keshet! We offer dance classes for youth Monday through Saturdays! August 12 through December 7, 2024, all ages, all levels, and all abilities! Classes in Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, and more! (No classes Nov 25-30, 2024). Visit our website to see the full schedule of classes! Financial Aid Available - All classes offered on a sliding scale starting at $0!

National Institute of Flamenco - Conservatory of Flamenco Arts, 1771 Bellamah Avenue Suite A, Alb., NM 87104. Phone: 505-2427600; Email: flamencoabq@nifnm.org; Website: www.nifnm.org; Ages: 3 years old to 65+; Days/Hours: Monday through Saturday. The Conservatory of Flamenco Arts (CFA) is the school of the National Institute of Flamenco. Established in 1999, CFA offers year-round, community-based and pre-professional dance training as well as music programming in Albuquerque, New Mexico’s historic Sawmill District. CFA is a world-renowned flamenco school that follows a proven curriculum to offer pre-professional training, professional development, and community enrichment in an inclusive and nurturing environment. At the Conservatory of Flamenco Arts (CFA), we offer instruction in two separate tracks: Community Classes and the Pre-Professional Training Program. COMMUNITY CLASSES offer a focused and diverse plan of study. These classes are intended for individuals who are new or relatively new to flamenco and/or desire a more relaxed training experience. The PRE-PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM incorporates a comprehensive curriculum, designed to develop well-rounded dancers. With the discipline, confidence, and skill cultivated through CFA’s Pre-Professional Training Program, students are equipped to pursue careers as professional dancers, dance in higher education, or find success in other fields. The CFA tracks of engagement further breakdown into four programs of study designed for students of different levels, ages, and interests. Students in each distinct track will be engaged with the art at the pace of their choice. Financial Aid Available.

DAY CAMPS

National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, 601 Eubank Street SE, Alb., NM 87123. Phone: 505-245-2137; Email: brobin@nuclearmuseum. org; Website: https://www.nuclearmuseum.org/educate/kidscamp/2024-fall-break-camps; Cost: $75.00 member discount available Science is Everywhere Day Camp: Parent Teacher Conference - Oct 09; 7:30am - Sponsor: National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. Chemistry Cadets Join our discussion about chemistry as we delve into the wild world of chemical reactions. We’ll mix up vibrant colorchanging concoctions, conduct magnificent reactions with household items, and more. This crash course in chemistry is sure to get some great reactions.

Science is Everywhere Day Camp: Parent Teacher Conference - Oct 10; 7:30am - Fun with Physics (Grades K-6). Learn all about physics as we bang, crash, and smash our way to understanding the physics of our world. We’ll learn about Newton’s Laws of Motion and get hands-on to demonstrate them. This day of physics fun is sure to be smashing.

Science is Everywhere Day Camp: Fall Break - Oct 11; 7:30am - ElectroKids (Grades K-6). Learn all about electricity and magnetism as we zap through hands-on activities. We’ll bust out a Van de Graaff generator, make electromagnets, and more. This day of electromagnetic wonder is sure to spark your camper’s curiosity.

Science is Everywhere Day Camp: Indigenous Peoples Day Camp - Oct 14; 7:30am - Sponsor: Astro Academy (Grades K-6). Climb aboard the Space Shuttle Nuclear for this day of space exploration as we blast off to a new world of knowledge. We’ll build and launch rockets, learn what makes our solar system spin, and more. This day of science will be astronomically fun.

LEARNING

City of Albuquerque - Youth & Family Services - Early Childhood Education Programs, Administrative Office, 707 Broadway NE, 3rd Floor, Alb., NM 87102. Phone: 505-767-6500; Contact: Monica Watrin or Lisa Lopez; Website: cabq.gov/earlyeducation; ages: 0-5 years old; Days/ Hours: Monday – Friday. The Division of Child and Family Development Services is committed to supporting families working toward selfsufficiency and raising a generation of healthy and self-realized children. The City of Albuquerque Child Development Centers promote school readiness by enhancing children's cognitive, social, and emotional development in a safe and age-appropriate learning environment. Our child development programs are a collaborative effort of Federal, State, and City funding to provide quality care and education for children from birth to 5 years old.

Tutor-Me, 5528 Eubank NE, Ste. 6, Abq, NM 87111. Phone: 505307-4170; Contact: Sandra Akkad, Founder. Web site: mytutorme. com. Covid-safe Environment. Ongoing online tutoring. Focusing on K-12. Homework Help. Tutor-Me is a premier learning center that offers a hands-on approach when helping students. We stimulate & motivate while enriching and helping our students. Tutor-Me provides a safe, conducive and nurturing environment. We offer classes in all Math, Reading, Reading Comprehension, Phonics, English, Science, standardized testing, PSAT, ACT, SAT and more. Classes in Spanish, French and Arabic. We offer a free trial. Check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mytutorme.

SCIENCE

Explora, 1701 Mountain Rd. NW, Abq, NM 87104. Phone: 505-6006072; Contact: Reservations office, 505-600-6734; Email: reservations@ explora.us; Website: explora.us. Cost: Explora Members $150, Nonmembers $170 for most programs. Financial assistance available. Ages 2 1/2 - 15. Explora has 4 programs: 1. Growing a Scientist for preschoolers ages 2 1/2 – 5 with their adults (required). Meets every other week. Participants make discoveries about science by questioning, experiencing, and investigating. 2. Science to Grow On, Grades K - 3; Meets every other Saturday 9:30–11am. Grow your child’s love for science! In Science to Grow On™, children make discoveries by questioning, experiencing and investigating. Explora educators engage children and their adults in age-appropriate activities incorporating science, art and fun! Each session focuses on a different theme. Adult participation encouraged but not required. 3. Engineering Investigators, Saturdays 9:30am. Participants investigate how things move and use that knowledge to build a series of connected actions! Meets every other week. Adults welcome but not required.

4. Home School Explorations Series, Grades: 6-9 (11-15 years)

Explora members: $105; Non-members $120. Explora’s Home School Explorations Series offers your child a semester of weekly, hourlong experiential science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) programs. These are materials-rich classes that actively engage every child in inquiry activities. In these classes, children will make discoveries in STEAM through questioning, experiencing and investigating. Children will be encouraged to build their own knowledge and cultivate skills

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Afterschool Activities Directory

such as observation, creativity, critical thinking, cooperative learning, communication and innovation as they explore a different topic each week.

R4Creating Competitive/Noncompetitive - Robotics Programs, 1530 Barbara Loop SE, RR, NM 87124. Phone: 505-715-7732; Contact: Shelly Gruenig; Email: Info@R4creating.org; Website: R4creating.org; Grades: Elementary - High school. Join R4Creating for the 2024-2025 Robotics Competition Season! We offer three dynamic programs: BEST Robotics (Mid-High School): Take on an entrepreneurial and engineering challenge while working collaboratively with teammates for a common goal. VEX IQ (Elementary-Mid School): Engage in handson learning with our competitive and non-competitive tracks. VEX VRC (Mid School - High School): Push their skills further and join this exciting competition where strategy and engineering meet. Our teams meet weekly to prepare for competitions, develop skills, and immerse themselves in the world of robotics. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or brand new, there’s a place for you here.

SPORTS

i9 Sports - Leagues, Camps, and Clinics, 11 Locations to Choose from Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Phone: 505-209-2000; Email: leagueoffice280@i9sports.com; Website: www.i9sports.com; Ages 3-14 Weekday Evening Clinics: Master specific skills in their favorite sport. Weekend League Play: Build teamwork and sportsmanship in team competitions. Weekday Multi-Sport Camps: Let them explore Soccer, Basketball, Flag Football & more! We offer: Inclusive environment: Every child welcome, regardless of skill level. Sportsmanship focus: Learn to win and lose with grace, on and off the field. Variety of sports: Soccer, Flag Football, Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball, Tennis and Cheer! Family-friendly fun: Multiple sports at the same time and location, so everyone can join! Put the FUN back in youth sports! Visit our website or call today to find the perfect program for your family! Limited spots are available, so register now at www.i9sports.com. Financial Aid Available.

Lil’ Kickers & Skills Institute, 1311 Cuesta Arriba Ct NE, Alb., NM 87113. Phone: 505-393-2010; Contact: AJ Piland-Wish; Email: andrew@ lilkickersnm.com; Website: https://www.lilkickersnm.com; ages: 18 months to 12 years old. Lil’ Kickers is first and foremost a child development program. Our purpose is to help children mature on all levels by helping them build strong physical, intellectual, and emotional skills that help them be successful on and off the soccer field. We believe in teaching children in ways that suit their developmental level by creating an atmosphere that is effective AND fun. In other words... soccer is a side dish, the main meal is a compassionate child!

Running 505, 11500 Menaul Blvd NE, M1, Alb., NM 87112. Phone: 505-379-4817; Contact: Melani Farmer; Email: youthrunning505@ gmail.com; Website: www.running505.com; ages: 5th-8th Grades; Days/Hours: After School Hours. Running 505 is a non-competitive wellness nonprofit, supporting our kids in the 5th-8th grades. Having started in 2014, we have mentored hundreds of kids through the years, with the intention that through mentorship, strong-age appropriate themed lessons, and long-term planning goals our participants will take with them, for many years to come the strategies, connections, and success for resilience in all arenas that come their way. Running 505 is at various locations around the city. From September-May, we meet one time per week for 90 minute sessions. Each month we partner with Run Fit to run/walk run-walk 5k races-encouraging parents to participate and bring their kids in those extra events. There is no cost to participate, although we always welcome donations. Whether Running 505 is located at your school or community center, or not, any child is welcome at any of our locations! Additionally, Running 505 kids can workout at our partner gym: BFit505 at no cost, parents reduced price! Our mission is wellness. Our understanding is that: to have a strong community, we must start here, with programs for our families and community at large.

THEATRE

ALT Education and Youth Program Fall/Winter Production Camp - Alice and Wonderland Jr.; ages 9-17; Camp Rehearsals: November 5th to

January 17th ; Camp Times: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 4 pm-6 pm & Saturdays from 9 am-12 pm. Tech Week (rehearsals MondayFriday): January 13th & 14th from 4pm- 6pm & January 15th-17th from 4pm-7pm. Cost: $375.00 (Camp/Show T-Shirt included and show script). Register at: www.albuquerquelittletheatre/youth-productions/ Join us for this 8 ½ week production camp, discover your passion for performing and embark on an unforgettable theatre adventure with our program. Rehearse, prepare, and perform in a musical theatre production with new friends from all over Albuquerque. As you sing, dance, and act your way through this camp take your next steps as a young performer. Our production team will inspire and guide you to become a better actor, singer, and dancer while working with fellow students as a team to put together the best musical theatre experience. We aim to produce an exceptional musical for the community, requiring extensive preparation from ALT staff, the production team, and performers. This will also provide young performers with comprehensive musical experience. Campers/Performers must be available for all performances. Performers must be available from November 5th – January 26th. NO CAMP/REHEARSAL DAYS (Holidays): November 26 – 29 (Thanksgiving break), December 24 – January 2nd (Christmas/New Years break). Performance Dates: January 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th at 2:00 pm. If you are interested in this camp and have financial concerns, we offer payment options. Call the box office at 505-242-4750 ext.2 for more information or email the camp director at dejah@abqliltheatre.org.**Payment Options Available, please call the Box Office at 505-242-4750 ext.2

New Mexico Young Actors - Storybook Theater & Open-Enrollment Theater Classes, Menaul School, 301 Menaul Blvd NE, Alb., NM 87107. Phone: 505-821-8055; Contact: Rachel Ribeiro; Email: info@ nmyoungactors.org; Website: www.nmyoungactors.org; ages 5-19; Cost: $160/class. Financial Aid/Multi-class and sibling discounts available. New Mexico Young Actors has trained children and youth in the dramatic arts for 45 years, with a focus on youth performing for youth! Starting in September: Storybook Theater (ages 5-8; Sat. 10a/11a); Encore: Elevate Your Musical Theater Voice (ages 9-19; Mon 4:45); Advanced Improv (ages 13-19; Mon 4:45); Explore Theater Arts (ages 9-12; Tues 4:30); Playwriting Lab (ages 13-19; Wed 5:00). Registration/more info on our website, www.nmyoungactors.org.

THERAPY

We Need to Talk and More! Therapy, 3351 Candelaria Rd. NE, Suite E, Abq, NM 87107. Phone: 505-200-9962; Contact Malia Vigil; Email: weneedtotalkllc@gmail.com; Website: weneedtotalkandmore.com. Ages: Birth-65. We Need to Talk and More! Therapy provides speech,

Join Running 505, where fun, fitness, and friendship come together! This isn’t just about running and walking—we’re all about learning how to take care of our bodies, too. In our club, you’ll discover how to eat well, move well, and get fit in a way that’s fun and empowering. Whether you’re a speedster on the track, in sports, or just getting started, you’ll find a supportive, energetic community where everyone is welcome. Make new friends, build confidence, and learn healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Let’s get moving, learning, and growing together!

We are celebrating our TENTH year!

Since 2014 we have supported kids 10-14 years old in wellness, in health, and in fitness through our locations around the Abq area We are excited to continue our programs this year, and need your help! Did you know that we meet 1x/week for 90 minutes? Did you know we have lessons that support our mission? Did you know that we can’t do any of this without volunteer mentors? Did you know that as a mentor you are able to run 5k’s each month with Run Fit? We do these races each month with the kids, and mentors get registration! Did you know you get a ticket to our annual Gala in April? Did you know that you truly make a difference, long term, in the lives of our kids? All of this is true, and more!

Consider having your child participate in a Running 505 program (they can attend ANY location, even if they don’t attend there) Consider being a mentor this year too!

Check out our Facebook, Instagram, and website! @Running505 www.running505.com youthrunning505@gmail.com

STEM FESTIVAL

MONDAY | SEPTEMBER 2ND | 10AM-1PM

PLEASE PARK AT THE ELKS LODGE

Best NM Places for Families Ranked

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Love Where You Live? We Want to Hear from You! Whether you agree or disagree with Niche’s description of your community and its ranking, Niche accepts resident reviews, and so do we! New Mexico Kids! Family Magazine invites you to submit a blurb of no more than 100 words describing what you love about where your family lives. We’ll select a few to publish in our next edition.

Rio Rancho

Albuquerque

Young Historian: O Say Can You See: The Story Behind the National Anthem

By KELI HOLT

On Sept. 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key watched an American flag whip in the wind through a porthole on a British ship in Baltimore Harbor. For three days, British troops had sought to capture Fort McHenry, which stood guard over Baltimore — first from land and then from the sea. Scott, a prominent Baltimorean and lawyer, had boarded the British ship earlier that day to try and negotiate the release of an American citizen imprisoned by the British. Instead of releasing the civilian, the British instead took Scott captive as they attacked the American fort. Through 25 long hours of bombardment, Scott looked on with pride as the tattered American flag flapped in the wind, taunting the attacking British soldiers and sailors. An amateur poet, Scott began writing on the back of a letter he had in his pocket, “O say can you see …”

Background: For the second time in 36 years, America was at war with Britain. The American Revolutionary War (1776-1783) saw 13 very different British colonies band together to declare independence from the British Empire. While a fight against the largest empire of the time initially brought these colonies together, by 1789 and the adoption of the Constitution, the 13 former colonies coalesced into one independent nation on a quest for a better future free of foreign interference.

The British, however, refused to respect the independence of their former colonies and frequently ignored the treaty that had ended the Revolutionary War and guaranteed American independence. British soldiers still manned forts on American soil; British ships still prowled American fisheries, and British leaders still encouraged their Native American allies to resist American westward expansion. Most heinous of all to American sensibilities, however, were the British seizures of American ships in the Atlantic and the forcible “impressment” of Americans into the British Navy.

Since 1803, the British Empire had been locked into a series of wars against its archenemy and former American ally, the French Empire, now led by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. This 12-year series of wars drained both empires of men and money. While America remained neutral throughout the conflict, American ships and sailors in the Atlantic were an appealing target to both the British and French.

British Naval officers especially would stop American merchant ships, board them and claim that the sailors on board were really British subjects trying to avoid service in the British Navy. This policy of forcing Americans into British military service outraged the American public, and President James Madison declared war on Britain in 1812.

By 1814, the War of 1812 was going terribly for America. Twice, America invaded British-held Canada only to be repulsed by inept generals and mutinous militia who refused to fight outside of their states. To make matters worse, by 1814 there was a pause in fighting in Europe between the British and the French empires. Battle-hardened veterans from the Napoleonic Wars were now sailing for America determined to teach the upstart Americans that the British Empire still controlled the North American continent.

On Aug. 24, 1814, British troops easily brushed aside American militia en route to the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. In retribution for the American burning of York (modern day Toronto) earlier in the war, the British set fire to almost every public building in D.C., including the recently built “President’s House” (now known as the White House). Washington, D.C., however, was not strategically important to the British, and they left the following morning heading toward the real prize; the strategically located and third largest city in America, the port of Baltimore.

The Battle for Baltimore began on Sept. 11, 1814, with an attack by the British General Robert Ross and his troops, the very same force that had just burned D.C. However, this time the defensive lines hastily arranged by a Maryland senatorturned-militia-general held against the British assault on land. General Ross himself was killed leading his troops on the front lines. Determined to take the port and prove its dominance, the British launched a bombardment from the sea; for 25 straight hours, British ships bombed Fort McHenry at the mouth of Baltimore Harbor.

Watching from his imprisonment aboard a British ship, the poet and lawyer Francis Scott Key watched the most powerful navy in the world bomb the fort. As the smoke cleared, Key just made out a tattered American flag blowing in the wind — a symbol of American defiance in the face of a much larger

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Albuquerque

5111 Homestead Circle NW

5111 Homestead Circle NW

Albuquerque, NM 87120

Albuquerque, NM 87120

1st Class Learning Center is a childcare center licensed by the State of New Mexico.

• NOW Hiring all positions!

1st Class Learning Center is a childcare center licensed by the State of New Mexico.

• Quality childcare 6 weeks to 12 years.

• New Mexico Pre-K slots available.

• Quality childcare 6 weeks to 12 years.

• ECECD subsidized care available, no sales tax charged.

• Reasonable prices & discounts.

• ECECD subsidized care available, no sales tax charged.

• FOCUS Pre-K & NM Pre-K.

• Reasonable prices & discounts.

• FOCUS & NM Pre-K.

• Age appropriate curriculum through FOCUS & NM Pre-K.

• Age appropriate curriculum through FOCUS & NM Pre-K.

• Nutritional meals mandated by CACFP, included in the price.

• Nutritional meals mandated by CACFP, included in the price.

• All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and background cleared.

• All staff are CPR/First Aid certified and background cleared.

• Staff also takes childcare training mandated by ECECD.

• Staff also takes childcare training mandated by ECECD.

COVID-19 safe practices!

COVID-19 safe practices!

Please feel free to visit our newly renovated center in Taylor Ranch, across the street from LBJ Middle School. (505) 898-5702

Please feel free to visit our newly renovated center in Taylor Ranch, across the street from LBJ Middle School.

(505) 898-5702

1stclasslearningcenter@gmail.com 1stclasslearningcenter.com facebook.com/1stClassLearningCenter

1stclasslearningcenter@gmail.com 1stclasslearningcenter.com facebook.com/1stClassLearningCenter

Make A Difference - Be A Teacher

$62,000 Grant Available

Learn to teach from a master teacher and earn your master’s degree at the same time!

Complete a one-year residency working alongside a mentor teacher. Spend 60% of the school week at the school site and spend 40% completely devoted to your coursework.

You are ready to apply if:

☐ You want to live in New Mexico or Colorado

☐ Have your Undergraduate Degree

☐ Graduated with a 3.0+ GPA

☐ Want to invest in the Next Generations

☐ Want to teach Secondary Math, Secondary Science, or Special Education

For more information: Padlet.com/swtqp/information, scan the QR Code, call Rayla Vigil at 575-776-7264 or call Bobbie Zemanek - White at 505-486-4874

Albuquerque & Rio Rancho

Young Scientist: Looking for Life on Other Planets

By AILEEN O'CATHERINE

When scientists search for life beyond Earth, what should it look like? It’s easy to think of life as looking like we do — or like the plants, animals and ocean creatures we know. It’s fun to think about ETs, or extraterrestrials, as those little green men with big eyes. But life takes many forms, not just the ones we’re familiar with today, and the Earth itself has contained many different kinds of life in the roughly 4.5 billion years it has been around. In a sense, Earth has been many different Earths, not just the one we know now. So, how do we know what to look for when we look for life? How will we know if we are alone in the galaxy? Or have we met other kinds of life already and were unaware of it?

Astrobiology studies the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. Astrobiologists focus on three basic questions: How does life begin and evolve? Is there life elsewhere in the universe? How do we search for life in the universe?

On Earth, we are surrounded by life, but we don’t know if life is common or rare elsewhere in the universe. We don’t know how many different forms life can take, or what kind of timescales it takes for life to form. For many years, scientists thought that if an atmosphere on an exoplanet contained oxygen, there would be signs of life there. Since then,

theoretical models have been created that contain oxygen but don’t contain life. Today, astrobiologists are interested in a more general definition of life that does not depend on specific chemistry but is more connected to what life is as a process that organizes chemistry. It may be time to stop looking for life as we know it and to begin looking for life as we don’t know it.

Life forms that exist in extreme environments, “extremophiles,” thrive in conditions that would kill anything else. The superheated vents on the ocean floor, the dry

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Europa's icy ocean may hold signs of life. Photo courtesy of NASA/JPL/University of Arizona.

Albuquerque

Young Scientist: Looking for Life on Other Planets

(continued from previous page) Albuquerque

valleys of Antarctica and the boiling geysers of Iceland contain extremophiles that may be similar to life on distant worlds.

To really understand the possibility of life, we need to find a second example somewhere else. The salty ocean beneath the icy crust of Jupiter’s moon Europa may hold life as we don’t currently know it. On Oct. 10, NASA will launch the Europa Clipper on a mission to investigate the icy moon and look for signs of possible life in its extreme environment.

Astrobiologists search for chemical “biosignatures,” which are molecules or combinations of molecules that might signal life. Europa has the essential ingredients for life as we know it: water, chemistry and energy.

In the beginning, there was the big bang, and the simplest elements formed. Then, organic molecules of carbon attached themselves to other molecules to create a self-sustaining, selfreplicating system of life. Earth developed its forms of life. This may have happened a few times or millions of times on other planets, or it could have happened only here. We don’t know the answer. In the meantime, the search for life continues.

PARENTS AND PRIMARY CAREGIVERS OF A CHILD UNDER AGE FIVE

We are interested in talking with you in an interview about your child care choices and experiences.

• You do not have to use formal child care to be eligible.

• You will be screened to ensure you meet income eligibility for the study (for example, a minimum of $51,000/ year for a family of two to $78,000/year for a family of four).

• Interviews take approximately 30 minutes.

• Participants will be compensated with a $40 gift card.

SCAN THIS CODE to determine if you are eligible. Contact Project Director David Purcell at 505.433.7127 or dpurcell1@unm.edu with questions.

MADRES/PADRES Y CUIDADORES PRINCIPALES DE UN NIÑO MENOR DE CINCO AÑOS DE EDAD

Estamos interesados en hablar contigo por medio de una entrevista sobre tus opciones y experiencias con el cuidado infantil.

• No tienes que usar un servicio de cuidado infantil formal para ser elegible.

• Se te evaluará para asegurarnos de que cumples con los requisitos de ingresos para poder participar el estudio (por ejemplo, un mínimo de $51,000/al año para una familia de dos personas y $78,000/al año para una familia de cuatro personas).

• Las entrevistas duran aproximadamente 30 minutos.

• Los participantes recibirán una tarjeta de regalo de $40.

ESCANEA ESTE CÓDIGO para ver si eres elegible. Contacta al director del proyecto David Purcell al 505.433.7127 o dpurcell1@unm.edu si tienes preguntas. Este estudio está siendo llevado en el Cradle to Career Policy Institute de la Universidad de Nuevo México.

This study is being conducted at the University of New Mexico Cradle to Career Policy Institute.

Let's Draw!

Become a published artist! Create your own drawing below and mail or email it to Prime Time Publishing: 111 Iron Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102; kids@newmexico-kids.com. Call us at 505-967-7812 with any questions. Some drawings will be selected to illustrate future issues! Please include your name, age, hometown and contact info.

Francisco,

Albuquerque

Albuquerque

Young Historian: O Say Can You See

(continued from Page 34)

and more powerful force. Key wrote the beginning of what would become our national anthem:

O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Once again through the midst of war and struggle, an American was inspired. As the guns of Lexington and Concord in 1775 inspired Thomas Jefferson to pen the Declaration of Independence and the political chaos of the 1780s inspired James Madison and the founding fathers to write the Constitution, an imprisoned lawyer on a British ship was inspired by hours of bombing to write our national anthem.

The American flag still waved over Fort McHenry in defiance of an empire determined to snuff out American freedom. Some 210 years later, the flag and the anthem it inspired continue to challenge all who value freedom to defy those who do not.

The quest for a more perfect union shall continue.

Albuquerque

Keep Them Healthy

At CHRISTUS St. Vincent, we are always committed to providing the best and safest healthcare to you and your family. From routine check-ups or vaccinations to acute illnesses – we are always ready to care for you and your loved ones. Visit us in one of our six conveniently located Primary Care locations.

Adult & Family Care

Offering Family Medicine for newborns, children, adults and seniors

465 St. Michael’s Dr. Suite 230 Santa Fe, NM 87505

Arroyo Chamiso Pediatrics

Offering Pediatric Care for newborns through18 years of age

465 St. Michael’s Dr., Suite 200 Santa Fe, NM 87505

Entrada Contenta Health Center

Offering Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Urgent Care

5501 Herrera Dr. Santa Fe, NM 87507

Family Medicine Center

Offering Family Medicine for newborns, children, adults and seniors 2025 Galisteo St. Santa Fe, NM 87505

Pojoaque Primary Care

Offering Family Medicine for newborns, children, adults and seniors 5 Petroglyph Circle, Suite A Pojoaque, NM 87506

Center for Healthy Aging

Offering Family Medicine and Geriatric Care for older adults and seniors

1692 Hospital Drive, Bldg. A Santa Fe, NM 87505

Call (505) 913-DOCS (3627) to schedule your primary care appointment today.