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President’s Corner Happy Holidays NCPG Mamas! Can you believe that the holidays are right around the corner!? As we approach the end of 2023, I can’t help but reflect back on the past year. In that time, NCPG has educated and helped foster connections for almost 300 moms in the Phoenix area. We were also able to start a new class, Parenting Exceptional Kids, that is meeting an unmet need for so many parents inside and outside of our NCPG community.
2023-2024 Board of Directors President: Ilyssa Reading Vice President: Jenna Roehm Treasurer: Gita Mishkin Exec Admin: Sara Ortega Education: Jenny Marusiak & Meredith Marks Childcare: Alicia Schroeder & Shannon Larson
These are quite the accomplishments and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of such an incredible organization! If you are looking to get more involved in NCPG, please consider joining the Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 year. The board will be hosting our annual Board and Bites information session during the first portion of our board meeting on Monday, January 8th at 6:30 PM at Christ Church of the Ascension. If you are interested in attending, please email president@ncpgaz.org to get more information and to RSVP. Serving on the board has been such a rewarding experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to give back to our wonderful community of moms.
Outreach: Rachel Hall & Whitney Emmerson
We may be wrapping up 2023, but we still have a lot to look forward to during the 2024 portion of the year! Be on the lookout for updates from the Board about events including our Annual Salvation Army Christmas Angel program, spring events and play dates, and of course Sip & Bid! As always, the Board wants to hear from you about any feedback you may have to make NCPG the best it can be. If you have questions, concerns, feedback, or suggestions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Public Relations: Delia Prucz
I hope you all have a magical holiday season and I can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store for us! Sincerely, Ilyssa Reading President 2023-24 president@ncpgaz.org The information provided by NCPG instructors should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
Special Events: Lauren Siddall, Ashlee Merrill & BreAnn Foster Fundraising: Jill McMeekin, Amy Dillon & Ciara Rubalcava Social: Tayler Low & Rylee Chalmers Membership: Michelle VanDerWerf & Alana Hildebrand Sponsorship: Brooke Dahn, Michele Jaycox & Paige Rafi Communications: Amanda Shaw & Catherine Jacobson Alternate Director: Shannon Kolacevski Transitional Director: Jen Dupuy NCPG is a non-profit, non-denominational organization providing classes to parents of infant to elementary school aged children.
www.ncpgaz.org • Follow us:
@ncpgaz
Parent Times
Members, this monthly magazine is for your benefit, so we want to ensure our team is publishing content that is valuable, useful, informative, and fun! Please let us know if you have suggestions, comments, concerns, or any input that would help us to improve this publication. Shoot us an email at communications@ncpgaz.org. Thanks for your help! Editors – Catherine Jacobson & Amanda Shaw Designer – Neill Fox, foxnoggin.com, neill@foxnoggin.com Front Cover – Payton Klarich Photo – Tommie Girl Photography @tommiegirlphotography
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Raising Resilient Readers By Dr. Emma Whitman, Head of School, All Saints’ Episcopal Day School
As parents, we often dream about the days our child comes to us with a book asking, “Read with me!” However, with the whirlwind of activities and household responsibilities, it can be challenging to carve out time together wrapped up in a good story. On my busiest nights, I regularly find myself looking at the old rocking chair in my daughter’s room longing to have extra time to sit and read with her before hustling to our scheduled activity for the evening. On those nights, we are lucky to fit in a few quick stories right before bed, and if I’m being honest, I often keep my fingers crossed that she doesn’t pick the longer books and sticks to the regulars she has memorized. I go to bed wishing we had read for longer and telling myself I’ll try to make more time tomorrow. 4 ncpgaz.org
In reality, we need to give ourselves more credit when it comes to reading with our kids. Dedicating daily time to reading is extremely important, but all reading counts! It’s most important to get our children excited about reading and to give them access to books they enjoy. If you make reading together one more thing to add to your to-do list, your child will learn to take the same approach. Here are my top five tips to make reading fun and engaging for you and your child: 1. P ick books that are engaging and developmentally appropriate. Let your child make selections. This reading is about them, after all! 2. If your child is a beginning reader, don’t try to challenge them with every selection. Read to them, with them, and let them read to you. Reading to them allows them to work on fluency and comprehension. It also shows them you like reading too. Every night, my daughter and I pick a few books for me to read to her, and she chooses a few to read to me. 3. H aving kids read books multiple times is a good thing! They feel successful, and their comprehension grows every time. 4. I f your child is just starting to read, track the words you are reading with your finger. Do the same when they are reading. If they come to a tricky word, cover part of the word and let them sound it out. “Wait time” is a real thing. When we are in a hurry, five seconds feels like eternity. Give them a chance to do it on their own. If they are frustrated at every word, go to an easier book or read with them so they don’t feel frustrated the entire time. 5. Have your kids track the number of books they read with tallies, stickers, or pictures to show them how much they have accomplished. Reading doesn’t need to lead to an external reward—the tracking is a way of showing them that they are in fact readers. continued
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If kids feel excited about reading, they will challenge themselves to do more, learn more, and read often. The process of reading is often unique for every child and the most important thing is to inspire them to be excited about the world of literature. Here are some book recommendations from the All Saints’. We hope you and your child enjoy them!
This book is nominated for a 2024 Grand Canyon Reader Award. Children love the rhyming text and humor surrounding a green pea’s adventures!
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn.
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr.
“What To Do With an Idea” by Kobi Yamada.
A heartwarming story about how the distance between a child and their loved ones makes their bond grow even stronger.
and John Archsmbolt. Not only a vibrant, visually appealing book for children, it’s also filled with crucial concepts such as rhyming, repetition, and letter recognition!
An extremely inspirational book that discusses how all ideas are amazing, because you never know what that one idea can lead to!
“What Does It Mean To Be Kind” by Rana DiOrio. A beautiful book that discusses the meaning and im-
“Chester Van Chime Forgot How to Rhyme” by Avery Monsen. This book engages young readers as they anticipate the rhyming
“¡Vamos! Let’s Go to The Market!” (and other titles) by Raúl The Third. Chronicles the fun adventures of Little Lobo and his dog
words in the story.
Bernabe, who deliver supplies to the market.
portance of kindness, courage, and other important qualities.
SERVICES WE OFFER ◦ Women’s Small Group Training ◦ Men’s Small Group Training ◦ Private Training ◦ 1:1 Online Training
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“The Runaway Pea Washed Away” by Kjartan Poskitt.
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Their future is in your hands. Plan accordingly. Estate Planning | Wills | Trusts I make the estate planning process easy and convenient to serve busy parents like you. I can guide you through the process in person or via Zoom. Evening and weekend appointments available. --- NCPG members automatically get a 10% discount. --To schedule a free consultation:
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CLASSES FOR TODDLERS THROUGH 4TH GRADE PRESCHOOL-ELEMENTARY
ccsaz.org
COME LEARN WITH US!
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ENRICHED BY FAITH 4015 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley 602.381.9906 • info@ccsaz.org
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2023-2024 Calendar Class Schedule 8:45 am 9:00 -9:40 am 9:45*-11:30 am
Nursery opens Refreshments served Classes are held
*Teachers will start promptly at 9:45!
11:45 am 11:30 am-1:15 pm
Nursery closes Newborn A
Board Announcements General As a reminder, please park in the designated parking spots and only use the handicap parking spots if you have a permit to do so. St. Barnabas has also asked us to leave our food and drinks outside of the classrooms. Water is, of course, allowed, but other food/ beverages are not permitted. As a rule of thumb, we want to leave our rooms and spaces better than we found them. Thank you for your help!
Membership Saint Barnabas on the Desert Episcopal Church 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Class Dates November 15 December 6 January 10** January 24 February 7
February 21 March 6** April 10 April 24 May 8**
**Parent Times magazine distributed.
Board Meeting Schedule November 6 January 8 February 5 March 4
April 31
Communications Please email any photos or birth announcements to communications@ncpgaz.org so they can be featured in our next Parent Times magazine. With all the your fun holiday shoots coming up, we would also love to feature some professional photos on our cover. For the Jan/Feb issue we will be looking for something wintery. Keep us in mind! Send your best shots to communications@ncpgaz.org
(Last Official Meeting)
May 6
(Transitional Meeting)
(Slate Presentation) DID YOU KNOW THAT BOARD MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP? If you are ever interested in attending one of NCPG’s monthly board meetings, please email president@ncpgaz.org to get more information.
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It is not too late to register! Tuition is $399 and spots are given on a first come, first served basis. We have several classes that still have space! Spread the word to your mom tribe that they can now send their registrations in to join NCPG before it is too late. For more information, contact membership@ncpgaz.org or check the website.
Social Please join us between 9:00 and 9:40 am for breakfast burritos and hot coffee in Hutton Hall. Come hungry!
Jan/Feb 2023
Childcare
Sponsorship
If you would like to schedule childcare for the days of class please email childcare@ncpgaz.org with your Child’s Name, Date of Birth, Your Name, Your Cell Phone Number, if your child has any allergies, and any notes on snackpreferences, etc.
If you have or know of a business who might be interested in being a sponsor or advertiser with NCPG, please email us at sponsorship@ncpgaz.org. NCPG members receive 20% off all sponsorship packages. Also, please stop by to say hi to our sponsors before class!
Childcare chairs will promptly reply confirming your spot. You must request or cancel your spot at least 48 hours in advance of class. If you cancel within those 48 hours of class you will still be charged a fee, as we have to cover the BusyBees.
Public Relations Be sure to follow @ncpgaz on Instagram and NCPG Facebook for the latest announcements and updates. These are private pages for current members only.
Outreach
HOLIDAY RAFFLE DRAWING TAKES PLACE DECEMBER 6* *WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED IF NOT IN ATTENDANCE RAFFLE OPEN TO NON-MEMBERS, LOCAL WINNERS ONLY
Tickets 1 for $30 4 for $100 GRAND PRIZE: MAVRIC ‘CRUZ’ E-BIKE
ALL PRIZES MAKE GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS & ACTIVITIES:
All NCPG fundraisers benefit NCPG Scholarships, NCPG Cares Outreach & Members Only Events
SALVATION ARMY CHRISTMAS ANGELS TOY DRIVE We are so excited to be partnering with the Salvation Army on their annual Christmas Angel program for the 7th straight year! NCPG IS ONE OF THE LARGEST DONORS IN ARIZONA, WHICH IS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT WE ARE VERY PROUD OF!
Electronic tags will become available later in November so be on the lookout for email and social media communication about that, as well as how and when you can pick up a clear plastic bag for your gifts. Once you have selected your tag, we ask that you purchase ALL gifts listed. Gifts will then be dropped off at Christ Church School during our annual Christmas Angel Drop Off event on Wednesday, December 13th from 7:30 am to 10 am. Please reach out to outreach@ ncpgaz.org with any questions. *This will be a drive thru like previous years.
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Member to Meet Elizabeth Hall ELEMENTARY
Children: Hudson - 6.5, William - 4.5 and Andrew - 1.5 Spouse: Andy Hall Hometown: Atlanta, GA Career or former career: M&A Tax Partner at PwC Favorite activity to do with your kids: Playing boards games and cards, puzzles, lego sets, and getting one-on-one time. Favorite breakfast spot with your kids: The Henry
Your “can’t live without” travel item/s: White noise, ipads, pack n play, googles, snacks Ways you simplify the bedtime routine: Baby goes to bed, then older boys go to bed together as they share a room Most meaningful moment as a parent: Watching my three kids play and be kind to each other. Most “OMG did that really happen” moment as a parent: Forgetting to pick up my kids from school.
Favorite meal to cook your family: My kids say the food I make is “disgusting.”
Best parenting advice given to you: Sometimes kids just need you to listen and validate rather than solve the problem.
Favorite place to vacation with the family: Any place that has a kids camp option or with my family.
Best thing learned at NCPG so far: Let your kids be part of big decisions that impact them.
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8/19/22, 3:12 PM
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NCPG Fall Festival 2023
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Mother Nature’s Farm
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AUTUMN ADVENTURES 2023
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Birth Announcements Help us welcome these new additions to our NCPG family! Help us welcome these new additions to our NCPG family!
Juliette Estelle Mayer
Cora Ann Hildebrand
July 31, 2023 6 lbs, 9 oz • 19.5 inches Sibling: Carter (2.5) Parents: Jennifer and Daniel Mayer
August 11, 2023 7 lbs, 6 oz • 19.5 inches long Siblings: Carson (5.5), Hattie (3.5) Parents: Alana and Colin HIldebrand
4510 N 24th Street • Phoenix, AZ 85016 • (602) 954-9088 • staphxschool.org
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St. Francis Xavier School, a faith community grounded on Jesuit principles of superior education, cultivates excellence in mind, body, and spirit sending forth Kids for Others. school.sfxphx.org
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TEACHER’S CORNER Kristin Klecka — 2B
How can parents best instill confidence in a child?
One of the best ways for parents to instill confidence in their child is allowing the child to do things for themselves. The over involvement of the parent makes the child believe that the parent does not trust them when they do something independently. Children need to go through the process of trying, failing, trying again, and eventually succeeding. Through this process they gain confidence in themselves. If the child is constantly told when, how, and what to do they never learn to trust themselves to make these decisions for themselves. Allow them to answer questions for themselves, make decisions for themselves, feel pain and discomfort, and allow them to struggle. It’s hard to do but the outcome will be a strong, confident child who is willing to take risks and not afraid to fail.
How do you recommend handling separation anxiety in toddlers?
Separation anxiety is tough and it’s often more difficult for the parents to experience than the child. Parents walk away from a screaming child, feel terrible the entire time they are away, only to find out the child stopped crying within 5 minutes and had a blast. Communication is key.Prep your child before you are going to leave them. Tell them where they are going, who will be there, what they will be doing, what you will be doing, how long you will be away, and what you will do after you pick them up. When you drop them off, find something to get them started on, give a quick hug and walk away without turning back. Allowing them to bring a comfort item is also helpful. The most important thing is to never sneak out. Have a signature good-bye, give them a quick hug, but never sneak away without them knowing you are leaving.
Chelsea Kunde — 3A
How can parents best instill confidence in a child?
Providing genuine praise with specific feedback is always helpful. I recommend saying things to your child such as, “not only I am proud of you but aren’t you so proud of yourself? Isn’t it amazing working hard for something and doing it, you did that, how does that feel?” Pointing out not only how proud you are of them, but how proud they should be is how they gain confidence. I also love a good positive affirmation. It helps to write your affirmations out and place them on your child’s mirror as a reminder.
How do you recommend handling separation anxiety in toddlers?
Simply allow it! It is important to build a foundation where your children learn the expectations and rules with consistent feedback. In doing so, when they are ready, you can slowly give them more room for independence. They have learned the expectations and boundaries. You can allow them to try things on their own. Give small steps towards more independence, and as they earn your trust and show you they can handle the independence, you can continue give them more. If they can’t handle it, then you give them less. But you will never know if and when they are ready for more independence unless you try it. Take small steps and watch how proud your kiddos are when they do something on their own. I always try to tell my girls, “you can do hard things!”
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It’s That Time of The Year
AGAIN! The official countdown has begun! While you’re still in the midst of planning your Thanksgiving dinner, I’m sure you’re also thinking of what your elf will be doing this year! The Scout Elves will soon make their grand comeback and maintaining this creative endeavor for twenty-four days (or more if you choose to follow the Scout Elf “Return Week”, starting the week of November 23) is a lot! If your Elf has been part of your family for a while, you might need some new and creative concepts for the weeks leading up to Christmas. These
that your kids will love them and they won’t drive mom and dad crazy worrying about what to do each night! Here are a few fun ideas to keep the kiddos entertained this December! 22 ncpgaz.org
Image by wirestock on Freepik
simple ideas won’t require much time, ensuring
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park
Hugs & Kisses
Tic Tac Toe Anyone?
Hot cocoA
Snowball Fight!
ELF YOURSELF!
The Broken Leg
SpA DAY
GAME NIGHT
GET OUTSIDE AND PLAY!
Candy Cane Garden (3 days worth!) ncpgaz.org 23
Recipe: Cranberry Brie Bites
PREP TIME: 20 minutes TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes SERVINGS: 24 CAL/SERV: 79 INGREDIENTS: • 1 (8-oz.) tube crescent dough • Cooking spray, for pan • Flour, for surface • 1 (8-oz.) wheel of brie • 1/2 c. whole berry cranberry sauce • 1/4 c. chopped pecans • 6 sprigs of rosemary, cut into 1" pieces
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DIRECTIONS 1: Preheat oven to 375° and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. On a lightly floured surface, roll out crescent dough, and pinch together seams. Cut into 24 squares. Place squares into muffin tin slots. 2: Cut brie into small pieces and place inside the crescent dough. Top with a spoonful of cranberry sauce, some chopped pecans, and one little sprig of rosemary. 3: Bake until the crescent pastry is golden, about 15 minutes.
Cut out these merry notes and share some holiday love with your friends and neighbors!
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NCPG COLORING CONTEST
Introducing NCPG’s coloring pages on the following pages. Check out each issue for some fun. We would love to feature your “artists” in the upcoming Parent Times! Snap a pic of your cutie’s masterpiece and email it to communications@ncpgaz.org by December 15. Please include your name and your child’s name and age in the email to see if they will be featured in the next issue.
HERE ARE LAST ISSUE’S WINNERS!
Aden Jaffe, 4 years old
Frankie Shaw, 5 years old
Arik Mishkin, 5 years old
Kate Reading, 5 years old
Emery Kaufman
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