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January 2018

Private Schools Local guide

Rise from the Ashes Educators’ tales

DIY Foosball Build a game SAT vs. ACT How to choose

Come Discover HARVEST

The Art of Academic Excellence Twin Hills Middle School 6-8

A safe, small country school with high academic and elective standards. Teachers focus on character development and lifelong learning habits.

harvestpetaluma.org Now Accepting Applications

We offer a challenging high school prep environment. Electives: Culinary arts • Dance • Spanish • Music • Art • Photoshop • Video editing • Technology MATHEMATICS ENGLISH • SCIENCE CREATIVE ARTS ATHLETICS • HISTORY

Call (707)763-2954 TK - 8th Grade

Are you ready for a challenge? 707.823.7446 www.twinhillsusd.org

700 Watertrough Rd. Sebastopol, CA, 707.823.6278 twinhillsusd.org

H ARVEST CRISTIAN SCHOOL Charter Middle 6-8

Y APPLAY D HOOL TO GH S C

HI TES T MEN T PL ACE ARY 13 JA NU

Where Students Succeed

Academically, Spiritually & Socially

At St. Vincent, we have been providing excellence in Catholic education for more than 100 years. Committed to the success of our students’ well-rounded development, we offer a wide variety of extra-curricular opportunities and new athletic fields as well as 20+ sports teams. Our Debate team is also ranked top 5% in the nation. Over 99% of our students go on to college and in 2015, our graduates earned $3.7 million in scholarships. Tuition assistance and scholarships are available. 849 Keokuk St. Petaluma 707-763-1032 x113 www.svhs-pet.org

January 2018

Every Issue 6

Dear Reader

8

Bits and Pieces Fuel Kids’ Creativity Leap, Twist, Twirl South African Harmonies

10 Features 7

SAT vs. ACT Which test is best for your child?

Nominate a Local Hero Wave of the Wand Chocolate and Chums What’s Your Fire Story?

18 Calendar of Events Let It Snow

10 Children of the Phoenix Fire-damaged schools are bouncing back.

12 School Search Tips for finding the right program.

13 Sonoma County Private School Guide Get the scoop on 27 local institutions.

26 The Chicken Diaper Our humorist on the latest in poultry attire.

12 4 SonomaFamilyLife

27 DIY Foosball Game Make your own fun with a cardboard box.

18

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

9

We Grow Them★

Now Enrolling 2.9 years-Pre-K

Full time (5 days) 7:30am-4:30pm $ 585 a month For more information call 707-545-6772

REDWOOD STRONG! Classes for all ages Birthday Parties! CHECK OUT OUR NEW CLASSES FOR 2018

★reg

St. Luke Preschool 905 Mendocino Ave. • Santa Rosa • www.stluke-lcms.org

since 1978

Redwood Empire Gymnastics www.regymnastics.com 707.763.5010

SAFE SWIMMERS START HERE

2018-2019 Gravenstein Elementary School

Kindergarten Discovery! Program Registration begins January 1, 2018. All paperwork available in the office or online, www.grav.k12.ca.us

TK and Kindergarten Open House–

Saturday, January 27 10:00-11:00 

Energetic and compassionate teachers!



Beautiful, rural school setting!



Engaging curriculum to address all abilities!



All Kindergarten students receive weekly Activity lessons: Art, Music, Spanish, PE, Dance, Drama, Library, Garden, and Hands-on Science.



Bathrooms in each TK/Kindergarten classroom



Separate recess/lunch schedule



Age-appropriate exposure to technology



Before/after school care



Full-day program

Contact Keri Pugno, Principal Gravenstein Elementary School

REGISTER NOW FOR SWIM LESSONS

SONOMA COUNTY FAMILY YMCA 707-545-9622 x 3138 www.scfymca.org

(707) 823-5361 or kpugno@grav.k12.ca.us 3840 Twig Avenue Sebastopol, CA 95472

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Sonoma County Family YMCA 1111 College Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95404 • 707-545-9622 • F 707-544-7805 The Y is a non-profit Community Organization. Financial Assistance is available.

January 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 5

Dear Reader

O

ne of the best gifts we can give children is a good education. Locally, there are Sharon Gowan many avenues Publisher/Editor Sharon@family-life.us for academic adventures. Just turn to our Sonoma County Private School Guide (page 13) for a list of high-quality institutions. Find a few that spark your interest, check out their websites, and plan a visit. Some schools have been particularly challenged by the wildfires that recently hit Santa Rosa. But, thanks to community support, they are bouncing back. Find out their stories, and how to

help, in “Children of the Phoenix” (page 10). When the family needs to take a break from school and other serious stuff, turn to our Calendar of Events (page 18) for a plethora of fun activities, many of which are free. And for a good laugh, check out “The Chicken Diaper” (page 26), a Sebastopol mom’s take on one of the most entertaining “hobby gifts” she’s ever received. Happy New Year! May your family’s 2018 be filled with creativity, growth, and dreams come true.

Office Manager Patricia Ramos patty@family-life.us

Business Marketing Renee Nutcher renee@family-life.us Warren Kaufman warren@family-life.us

Features Editor Melissa Chianta melissa@family-life.us

Production Manager Donna Bogener production@family-life.us

Web and Social Media

Annual Food & Funds Drive The devastating fires in our region have resulted in an increased need for food and nutrition assistance in our community. The Redwood Empire Food Bank needs your help. Please, give generously.

Give now at refb.org.

Natalie Bruzon natalie@family-life.us

Contributing Writers Holly Hester Greg Kaplan

Billing Jan Wasson-Smith

Publishing Office P.O. Box 351, Philo CA 95466 Tel (707) 586-9562

Together,

we can end hunger. 6 SonomaFamilyLife

(707) 523-7900 | WWW.REFB.ORG

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

SAT vs. ACT

section that plays to their strengths. The science in this section does not overlap with traditional high school biology, chemistry, and physics classes. The questions call for students to interpret graphs and data. The SAT has more reading comprehension questions. The SAT reading comprehension section features more complex passages and questions and is almost twice as long as the ACT reading

Which One Should Your Child Take?

O

By Greg Kaplan

f all the requirements for applying to college, the SAT and ACT cause students and parents the most anxiety. The concepts tested are presented in unfamiliar formats, the time pressure is intense, and their importance in the college admissions process is unrivaled. Today 47 percent of college-bound high school seniors have an “A” grade point average or higher, making the SAT or ACT the first point of differentiation among applicants applying to highly selective colleges.

The first step to scoring well is determining which test is right for your child. Eighty percent of test takers have a clear preference for one test over the other. It is critical to determine which test is a better fit so that your child can take advantage of his or her test-taking strengths. From there, you can develop an effective plan to obtain a competitive score for your child’s college goals. Below are some of the main differences between the tests. www.sonomafamilylife.com

The first step to scoring well is determining which test is right for your child. The SAT offers more time per question—33 percent more time than the ACT. For students that struggle to answer all of the questions on either test, the SAT may be a better fit. The ACT has a science section. Aspiring STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students may welcome another quantitative January 2018

Eighty percent of test takers have a clear preference for one test over the other. comprehension section. Students that struggle with this section relative to the other sections may prefer the ACT in which the section is shorter and comprises a smaller portion of the composite score. The best way to determine which test is a better fit for your child is to have him or her take full-length, prior-released exams in simulated testing conditions. Whether it is at the library, school, or a test-prep company, give your child the best opportunity to obtain a competitive score by preparing for the test that caters to his or her strengths. ¶ Greg Kaplan is a college application strategist, the author of Earning Admission: Real Strategies for Getting into Highly Selective Colleges, and the founder of College Path, the first web app that provides personal and affordable weekly college counseling. College Path is dedicated to helping students develop and market their passions to earn admission to their dream colleges. For more information, visit collegepathweekly.com or earningadmission.com.

SonomaFamilyLife 7

Bits & Pieces

Fuel Kids’ Creativity

I

f you want to keep your kids busy through the last days of holiday break, the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa may be just the place to go. At its one-day classes for kids, students can learn to make digital art, cartoons, and even short animated movies. They can participate in hands-on science and cooking projects, too. Classes, which are $25–$32 each, will be held on January 2 in two different sessions: 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1–4:30 p.m. Find full course descriptions and register at schulzmuseum.org/learn/ classes-camps. ¶

Leap, Twist, Twirl

Golden Dragon Acrobats

I

n China, the art of acrobatics has a history that spans 25 centuries. See the lithe performers of the Golden Dragon Acrobats bring the ancient art to life on the stage of the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa. The troupe will use strength, balance, and flexibility, as well as traditional and contemporary music, to create a colorful theatrical display. The 90-minute show will be held on January 21 at 3 p.m. Admission is $16 for children and $21 for adults, with lap passes for kids 2 and under available for $5 on the day of the show only. At 2 p.m., kids can participate in pre-show art projects. Find out more information and purchase tickets at the lutherburbankcenter.org. ¶

South African Harmonies

W

hen Paul Simon released Graceland in 1986, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a South African a cappella male vocal ensemble featured on the album, became famous overnight. Since that time, the group, which went on to win several Grammy Awards, has toured the world, sharing the traditional choreographed music of the Zulu people. You can see their performance on January 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center in Rohnert Park. Tickets are $25–$50 and may be purchased via gmc. sonoma.edu. ¶ 8 SonomaFamilyLife

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Nominate a Local Hero

D

uring the firestorm that hit Sonoma County, everyday people became heroes. They helped neighbors escape burning homes, volunteered at shelters, and found places for evacuated farm animals and pets to stay. Many went above and beyond, risking their own lives to save others. Nominate one of your courageous and dedicated community members to receive recognition from the Red Cross. Nominees will include not just those who were of great assistance during the fires, but also those who work hard each day to protect the environment, give students the best education possible, and offer life-saving medical care. Categories include the following: Animal Hero, Blood Services Hero, Disaster Services Hero, Education Hero, Environment Hero, First Responder Hero, Healthcare Hero, Humanitarian Hero (youth and adult), International Services Hero, and Service to the Armed Forces Hero. Awards can be given posthumously. Find out more details about each category and submit your nominees, until January 26, at redcross.org/CalNWHeroes2018. Award winners will be honored at the Red Cross 2018 Heroes Breakfast on April 27 at 7:30 a.m. at Hyatt Vineyard Creek in Santa Rosa. ¶

Chocolate and Chums

Wave of the Wand

I

f the rainy-day blues have struck, brighten up the day with a little magic. Mike Della Penna will be performing his illusions, inspired by winter holidays around the world, at a free all-ages show. Penna, a 20-year comedy improv vet and second-grade schoolteacher, infuses his tricks with plenty of laughs. See him on January 20 at 11 a.m. at the Cloverdale Regional Library in Cloverdale. For more information, go to mikedellapenna.com/about.html and sonomacounty.libcal.com. ¶

F

Mike Della Penna

riendship bracelets have a long history. Some say they date back to primeval South America, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that their modern iteration took the United States by storm. Wherever and whenever they originated, their appeal as gifts of devotion or symbols of popularity still remains. Kids can learn to make the macramé jewelry while sipping hot chocolate at a free class on January 4, 10:30–11:30 a.m., at the Healdsburg Library in Healdsburg. Learn more at sonomacounty.libcal.com. ¶

What’s Your Fire Story?

T

he firestorm left an indelible imprint on the psyches of all those who experienced it. The Sonoma County Museum wants to make sure that future generations remember it, too. To this aim, the museum is gathering firestorm-related objects to be stored in a permanent collection. If you have an object, photograph, recording, or other documentation that you would like to be considered for the Fire Collection, go to museumsc.org/the-fire-project to find a link to a submission form and guidelines. In a related effort, the museum will soon be accepting work for its Fire Wall project, “a searchable, digital community repository of creative reflections and personal stories about the fires.” Find out more at the above URL. ¶ www.sonomafamilylife.com

January 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 9

Children of the Phoenix Santa Rosa Schools

St. Rose students in class at their temporary home.

Rise from the Ashes

O

ne of Kathy Ryan’s biggest tests arrived in the early morning hours of October 9. Not even 25 years serving as the principal of St. Rose Catholic School could have prepared her for the Santa Rosa Tubbs Fire.

“At first I was in denial,” she says. She did not want to believe that her school, built in 1985, had sustained significant damage. But then it became clear that, no, she would not be welcoming students within the same mauve-colored walls again. Not only had the fire taken two classrooms, a playground, and a covered eating area—not to mention the entire adjacent preschool—but a post-fire effort to re-pressurize the water lines went awry and “sent thousands of gallons of water flowing through the main building,” Ryan reports.

School, John B. Riebli Elementary School, and the Hidden Valley Satellite School—did, namely where to put an entire student body without a home. The logical choice was to take her 260 elementary students to the parish building in downtown Santa Rosa. And that is where they went, filling up unused rooms and the old convent grounds with the laughter of children. “A lot of parishioners have remarked how nice it is to hear the sound of kids down at the parish,” she says.

“The children really are very resilient. The parents have been troopers as well.” —Kathy Ryan lucky enough to land in their own designated learning environments. “We got creative with our teaching spaces,” explains Jacqueline Parker, the principal of the public Hidden Valley Elementary School. After the Hidden Valley Satellite School burned to the ground, she placed its 85 kindergarteners through second graders at the main campus.

That was it. The school had to be gutted.

Meanwhile, 45 preschoolers took up residence at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Santa Rosa.

In order to accommodate them, counselors gave up their offices, and existing classrooms were transformed, with the help of donated partitions, into makeshift learning spaces.

She faced the same dilemma that the administrators of many other schools— such as Cardinal Newman High

Ryan’s were just some of the numerous Sonoma County students that were displaced. And not all of them were

Ron Calloway, Superintendent of the Mark West Union School District, faced similar space issues when

10 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

he tried to find a place for the 450 students who attend fire-damaged John B. Riebli Elementary School. But he had an additional problem: His back-up buildings—Mark West Elementary and San Miguel Elementary—were also shut down, because of their proximity to toxic burn sites. “We had to remediate all three campuses,” he explains. It was three weeks before he could get Riebli students into Mark West and San Miguel. Cardinal Newman—a private Catholic school that lost 20 classrooms, the administration building, library, and an all-weather turf baseball field—had to ship its students to four different parish buildings throughout Sonoma County. Teachers split their time between the sites—and the principal? “I call my truck my mobile office,” Graham Rutherford says. He’s got his phone on him all the time, and his students are doing a lot of learning online, to make up for imperfect classroom settings. Rebuilding efforts are happening at varied rates for everyone. Thanks to parent-contractors and other professionals willing “to move heaven and earth,” Ryan says St. Rose is set to open its refurbished building on January 22. That’s the same date Cardinal Newman is planning to have portable units set up for students on campus. Meanwhile, Parker has yet to hear of any rebuilding plans and the district expects to get Riebli students back into their school January 8. Even though administrators uniformly remarked that displaced www.sonomafamilylife.com

students have been welcomed with “open arms” at their host sites, the upheaval has been tough, especially since so many kids were forced out of not just their schools, but their homes. At Cardinal Newman,

“The school is the people, the students, not the buildings.” —Graham Rutherford Hidden Valley, Riebli, and St. Rose alone, more than 500 students lost their homes; nearly 1,500 public school students lost their residences countywide. But the kids are staying strong, Ryan says: “The children really are very resilient. The parents have been troopers as well.” Generous community support has helped. “We have gotten thousands and thousands of [consolation] cards from children all over the place. One school held a bake sale for us; another held a spaghetti feed,” she relates. “From gift cards to books to school supplies to fulfilling teachers’ wish lists on Amazon—the care, the response has been amazing,” Parker enthuses. Calloway, too, has received assistance “beyond [his] wildest dreams”: 75 volunteers from the Bayside Church in Sacramento and 25 people from a company called Sales Force, as well as parents and other community volunteers, helped him move Riebli in just two and a half hours. This kind of neighborly support has, for Rutherford, softened the blow January 2018

of his losses and made him reflect on what matters: “The school is the people, the students, not the buildings,” he says. Ryan would agree. Aided by an advisory council president and others who, decades ago, were once her elementary students, she finds herself grateful for enduring connections. “There is a very strong community spirit of so many people wanting to help. It’s just been phenomenal,” Ryan says. Because of that spirit, soon she will be walking into a huge “silver lining”—a new school. More positive change for St. Rose, Cardinal Newman, Riebli, and Hidden Valley Satellite is still waiting to be made. Help make it happen. See the sidebar below. ¶

Want to Help? Cardinal Newman High School Donate at cardinalnewman.org. Hidden Valley Satellite School Send gift cards to Hidden Valley Elementary School, attention Jacqueline Parker, 3135 Bonita Vista, Santa Rosa, 95404. John B. Riebli Elementary School Donate to the Redwood Credit Union (redwoodcu.org) and the Sonoma County Office of Education (scoe.org). Or send gift cards to the Mark West Union District Office, attention Kelly Sansone, at 305 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa, 95404. St. Rose Catholic School Donate at strosecatholicschool.org.

SonomaFamilyLife 11

Find Top-Notch Local Programs

college or trade school do you want your child to attend after he or she graduates?

School Search H

ow do you choose the right school for your child? It helps to break down the decision-making process into manageable tasks.

First, go on a fact-finding mission to discover what’s out there. Are you considering a private school? Start your search on the facing page with the 2018 Sonoma County Private School Guide. We surveyed staff and researched websites of 27 local private schools to collect vital information for this annual guide.

While you are in research mode, don’t ignore your neighborhood public schools. Is there one that might be a great fit? You may be able to transfer. Ask the district office. (Charter schools, even though they’re public, generally don’t require transfer approval.) Figure out your priorities. What is your child interested in? What are your top expectations of a school? What

Next, decide on three to five schools for a “deep dive.” Write down questions to ask administrators before you schedule tours. Visit the schools’ websites and review upcoming deadlines. Talk to teachers and parents, especially parents whose children graduated from the schools you’re visiting. If possible, attend some school events to get a feel for the culture and community. Apply to your dream school and back-up schools as soon as you can, as spaces fill up quickly. Finding the right school can be a daunting experience. There are so many options in our area. The best school for your child is out there, just waiting for you to find it!

Priority Registration OPPORTUNITIES FOR Learning for aLearning lifetime - Committed future for a lifetime - Committedtoto the the future

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trong Career Technical Educ thletic Teams S rams Top A g o r P t n e d Placem Advance earning L d e s t Ba Projec

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Priority Registration

GradesJanuary TK*-1210-February • Transfers10Welcome Opening in Grades TK-12 • Transfers Welcome *Transitional Kindergarten

CHECK OURAll SCHOOL TOUR DATES AND OPEN HOUSE NIGHTS studentsWEBSITES are entitledFOR to a successful education. Our focus is learning. WeAT are WWW.CRPUSD.ORG a team. 12 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

2018 Sonoma County Private School Guide MAKE THIS YEAR

Healdsburg The Healdsburg School. $14,800.

GREATER THAN LAST YEAR!

Inspiring compassionate leaders through academic excellence. K–8th. Avg. class size: 25. Enrollment Current/Max: 197/210. Offers: extended care, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. Financial aid available. 33H Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 433-4847. thehealdsburgschool.org.

Special Offer

A new school year brings a fresh start—and Mathnasium will help make it a success!

707-890-5500

620 Raley’s Towne Center, Rohnert Park

mathnasium.com/rohnertpark

A NEW HIGH SCHOOL

Rio Lindo Adventist Academy.

IN THE HEART OF SANTA ROSA

$12,366. Our goal is to maximize every student’s potential, no matter the background. Our motto is: “Learn. Serve. Lead.” 9th–12th. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 160/190. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Dress code. 3200 Rio Lindo Ave., Healdsburg. 431-5100. riolindo.org. St. John the Baptist Catholic School.

$6,900. Challenging the intellect & nourishing the spirit. TK–8th. Avg. class size: 23. Enrollment Current/ Max: 300/300. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/ lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 217 Fitch St., Healdsburg. 433-2758. sjshbg.org.

Come learn about a new kind of school where students drive their education in a supportive community of learners. NGL Academy prepares students to forge a path towards a future they have yet to imagine.

OPEN HOUSE January 18th

Petaluma

6:30-8:30 PM 1500 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa To Register: ngla.me/20180118

Harvest Christian School.

$6,750–$7,230. HCS is a distinctively classical education. TK–8th. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/ Max: 150/250. Offers: extended care, financial aid, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 3700 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma. 763-2954. harvestpetaluma.org. St. Vincent de Paul Elementary.

$7,188. Faith. Academics. Service. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Discover a college-prep high school with technology-infused curriculum, expert teachers, small classes, affordable tuition, and scholarships. Experience mini-classes and find out more about the innovative curriculum and hands-on learning environment. NGL Academy provides an education that is flexible, personal, and engaging in an encouraging and rigorous learning environment.

QUESTIONS? media@ngl.academy or call 707-733-6452 Apply at www.ngl.academy for 2018-19 academic year January 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 13

2018 Sonoma County Private School Guide

Their future begins with a great education. Registration for One & Two Year Kindergarten for Santa Rosa City Schools begins on January 16, 2018. Albert F. Biella, Brook Hill, Luther Burbank, Hidden Valley, Helen Lehman, Abraham Lincoln, James Monroe, Proctor Terrace, Steele Lane, SR Charter School for the Arts, SR French-American Charter, Cesar Chavez Language Academy. Before and after-school day care at selected sites. Register early, classes fill quickly!

Register at the school. For age requirements and school contact information, visit www.SRCSchools.org

K–8th. Avg. class size: 16. Enrollment Current/Max: 220/290. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 100 Howard St., Petaluma. 762-6426. svelem.org. St. Vincent de Paul High School. Call

for rates. College prep. Develops spiritual, academic & social potential. 9th–12th. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/Max: 240/400. Offers: multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 849 Keokuk St., Petaluma. 763-1032. svhs-pet.org. The Spring Hill School. Starting

707-528-5272 • www.SRCSchools.org

SIGN UP TODAY FOR

n u FBlast! Weekend

Find out what’s happening this weekend.

SonomaFamilyLife.com 14 SonomaFamilyLife

at $8,350. Bilingual Toddler– Kindergarten Montessori. 1st–8th. Science-focused, STEAM, bilingual, global curriculum. Enrichment program: art, drama, makers, music. Small class size. Enrollment Max: 170. Offers: extended care, summer enrichment programs. 825 Middlefield Dr., Petaluma. 763-9222. springhillmontessori.org.

Rohnert Park Cross & Crown Lutheran Church & School. Call

for rates. Christian– based, Spanish, art, music enrichment. PK–6th. Avg. class size: 10. Enrollment Current/Max: 75/200. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount, summer programs. Requires uniforms for elementary only. 5475 Snyder Ln., Rohnert Park. 795-7853. crossandcrownrp.org.

Santa Rosa Beth Ami Religious School.

$500–$1,500. Leadership, exploration & the love of Jewish life & learning. Tuesdays & Fridays.

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

2018 Sonoma County Private School Guide

Bennett Valley Union School District 4–6 p.m. PK–9th. Avg. class size: 8. Enrollment Current/Max: 30/50. Offers: multi-child/family discount. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. 360-3000. bethamisr.org.

Registration for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten (Kinder Bridge) for 2018-19 School Year begins February 6 & 7

Call 542-6272 to sign up

A limited number of interdistrict transfer requests for 2018-19 will be accepted

California Distinguished Schools

Yulupa Primary School Preschool–Third Grade 2250 Mesquite Drive, Santa Rosa 707 542-6272

Strawberry Intermediate School Fourth–Sixth Grade 2311 Horseshoe Drive, Santa Rosa 707 526-4433

Consistently high student academic achievement at both schools

Bridge Haven School. $9,500 max. Day school with homeschool classes available. Strong creative arts program. K–8th. Avg. class size: 8. Enrollment Current/Max: 24/25. Offers: multi-child/family discount, summer programs. Requires uniforms. Santa Rosa. 241-6942. bridgehavenschool.org.

• Excellent Teachers • Reduced Class Size (K–3) • Kinder Bridge Transitional Kindergarten • Extended Day Kindergarten (8:30-1:25) • Fully Staffed Libraries and Technology Labs • Visual and Performing Arts Programs

Brush Creek Montessori School.

YMCA provides on-site child care

$10,000–$12,750. Montessori, AMS affiliated. PK–6th. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 70/100. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 1569 Brush Creek Rd., Santa Rosa. 539-7980. bcmontessori.org.

Call to reserve tours: Yulupa 11/28, 12/20, 1/16, 1/24, 2/13, 2/21, 3/6, 3/14, 3/18 Strawberry by reservation only 526-4433

Your child’s joy of learning is nurtured with our: • Band, Percussion and Chorus (4th–6th) • Boys’ and Girls’ Interscholastic Basketball (4th–6th) • Emphasis on Environmental Stewardship • Gifted and Talented Education (4th–6th)

Registration Packets available Jan. 9. Children must be five on or before Sept. 1, 2018 to be eligible for kindergarten. Two year Kinder Bridge program offered for children turning five on or after Sept. 2, 2018.

707 542-2201 • Visit us at www.bvusd.org

Cardinal Newman High School. $15,500. Co-ed Catholic college-preparatory high school. Educating mind, body & spirit. 9th–12th. Avg. class size: 25. Enrollment Current/Max: 624/NA. Offers: cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing, summer programs. 50 Ursuline Rd., Santa Rosa. 546-6470. cardinalnewman.org. NGL Academy. $14,950.

A college-prep high school that is flexible, personal & engaging. 9th–12th. Avg. class size: 12. Enrollment Max: 200. Offers: extended care, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Full scholarships & financial aid available. 1500 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa. 733-6452. ngl.academy. www.sonomafamilylife.com

Five Amazing Schools Enrolling Now for 2018-19 La Tercera Elementary School

Featuring a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Loma Vista Immersion Academy Charter School

Featuring the internationally acclaimed Dual Immersion Language Model

Miwok Valley Language Academy Elementary Charter School Featuring a focus on language and Expeditionary Learning

Old Adobe Elementary Charter School

Featuring a focus on Arts and Ecology

Sonoma Mountain Elementary Charter School

Kid’s Care Program

Available at all schools 6:30a.m.–6p.m.

Featuring a focus on Arts and Music

845 Crinella Drive, Petaluma • 707-765-4321 • www.oldadobe.org

January 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 15

Redwood Adventist Academy.

EDUCATING THE WHOLE CHILD PARK SIDE (K-4) Rigorous Academics Social Skills & Collaboration Global Stewardship

BROOK HAVEN (5-8) Academic Excellence Art, Engineering, Music Makerspace, Wood Working, Comprehensive Athletics Program

CASTLE CHILD CARE Preschool & School Age Programs Before and After School Care Convenient, Safe, Nurturing School Vacation Camps

Come for a tour ENROLL O N E C O M MNOW UNITY

sebastopolschools.org 3 AMAZING SCHOOLS (707)829-4570 16 SonomaFamilyLife

$5,465–$8,750. Academic, physical, social & spiritual growth focus. K–12th. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 100/200. Offers: extended care, multi-child/ family discount (4th child free), cafeteria/lunch program. 385 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. 545-1697. weloveredwood.com. Rincon Valley Christian School. Call

for rates. Celebrating 48 years of quality Christian education. PK–12. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/ Max: 220/500. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/ lunch program, transportation/busing, summer programs. 4585 Badger Rd., Santa Rosa. 539-1486. rvchristian.org. St. Eugene’s Cathedral School.

Call for rates. Catholic philosophy. Foreign languages. PK–8th. Avg. class size: 30. Enrollment Current/ Max: 300/360. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 300 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa. 545-7252. steugenesch.org. Call for rates. Nurturing environment with high academic standards, committed to the development of the whole person. PK–8th. Avg. class size: 32. Enrollment Current/ Max: 270/320. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. Requires uniforms. 4300 Old Redwood Hwy., Santa Rosa. 545-0379. strosecatholicschool.org. St. Rose Catholic School.

Sonoma Academy. $42,500.

Independent college-preparatory high school. 9th–12th. Avg. class

size: 15. Enrollment Current/ Max: 310/320. Offers: cafeteria/ lunch program, transportation/ busing, summer programs. 2500 Farmers Ln., Santa Rosa. 545-1770. sonomaacademy.org. Sonoma Country Day School. Call

for rates. Bringing learning to life. TK–8th. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/Max: 280/300. Offers: extended care, tuition assistance, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 4400 Day School Pl., Santa Rosa. 284-3200. scds.org. Summerfield Waldorf School & Farm. $5,300–$20,000.

Waldorf, college-preparatory, arts & academics. PK–12th. Avg. class size: 12–28. Enrollment Current/ Max: 370/400. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. 655 Willowside Rd., Santa Rosa. 575-7194. summerfieldwaldorf.org.

Sebastopol Pleasant Hill Christian School. Call for rates. Academic excellence & character development. TK–6th. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 50/80. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program. 1782 Pleasant Hill Rd., Sebastopol. 823-5868. phcs.org.

Sonoma The Presentation School. $11,900.

Founded in the Catholic tradition, embracing all faiths. K–8th. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/ Max: 194/200. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount,

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 20872 Broadway, Sonoma. 935-0122. presentationschool.com.

414 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 939-1133. soloquest.com.

St. Francis Solano Catholic School.

$2,300–$6,900. Christ-centered education. PK–8th. Avg. class size: 18. Enrollment Current/Max: 276/388. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount. Requires uniforms. 10285 Starr Rd., Windsor. Preschool: 838-3084. K–8: 838-3757. windsorchristianacademy.org.

Call for rates. Faith, excellence, innovation & service. K–8th. Avg. class size: 20. Enrollment Current/ Max: 190/270. Offers: extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 342 W. Napa St., Sonoma. 996-4994. saintfrancissolano.org. SoloQuest School & Learning Center. Call

for rates. Serving the needs of students through 1:1 instruction. 6th–12th. Avg. class size: 1:1. Enrollment Current/Max: 13/25. Offers: summer programs.

Windsor Windsor Christian Academy.

Outside County Justin-Siena. Call

for rates. A Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition. 9th–12th. Avg. class size: 24. Enrollment Current/ Max: 660/660. Offers: cafeteria/

WAUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

lunch program, transportation/ busing, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 4026 Maher St., Napa. 255-0950. justin-siena.org. San Domenico School.

$30,000–$60,000. Exceptional education & a sense of purpose. K–12th. Avg. class size: 15. Enrollment Current/Max: 671/N/A. Offers: boarding school, extended care, multi-child/family discount, cafeteria/lunch program, transportation/busing, summer programs. Requires uniforms. 1500 Butterfield Rd., San Anselmo. 415-258-1900. sandomenico.org.

Spanish Immersion & Cultural Arts Preschool 2-5 year olds

Relentlessly Pursuing Success for All

Choosing a preschool is as important as choosing a college. The right preschool sets the stage for the learning that will continue through kindergarten and beyond. Our Mission: To engage each child in joyfully learning the Spanish language through Mexican arts & culture, enabling them to engage with diverse Spanish-speaking communities. For our students to succeed in elementary school, college, and beyond by providing each child with the pre-kinder concepts necessary to further their educational journey. Provide social-emotional development that expands each student’s view of themselves and the world that they engage in.

Now Enrolling for 2018-2019

Corona Creek & Meadow School Transitional Kindergarten–6th Grade Computer, Art & Music Teachers, Band, Librarians, Classroom Aides, STEAM Emphasis, Animation Lab, Maker Lab & Small Class Sizes

Our Values: Kindness, Diversity, Health, Education, Environment, Wisdom/Consciousness, Community

COME FOR A TOUR Call (707) 765-3331 to make a reservation

1851 Hartman Lane, Petaluma

www.waughsd.org

www.sonomafamilylife.com

Day School

www.LaCasitaDaySchool.com 1824 Peterson Lane, Santa Rosa • 707.536.1241

Home-based preschool licensed by the state of California #493008561.

January 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 17

January

Calendar of Events

Let It Snow

A

re you an East Coast transplant who remembers fondly the joys of throwing snowballs at siblings and building ice caves with the neighborhood gang? Let your temperate-clime children in on some of that wintry fun (without the nuisance of bone-chilling cold) at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa. During its Snow Days, the facility’s parking lot will be the home of 40 tons of flakes, including a toboggan hill and a toddler zone. When the white stuff loses its charm, kids can retire to the indoors, where there will be art projects, snow slime, and face painting with Clementine the Amazing, as well as hot chocolate and coffee. The event will be held January 13–15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; tickets are $15 and can purchased at cmosc.org. ¶

Monday 1 Surf-to-Redwoods First Day Hike.

Wear sturdy shoes & hat, bring hiking sticks, water, snacks & binoculars. Rain will cancel walk. Ages 8 & up. 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Reef Campground Trailhead. 19005 Hwy. 1, Jenner. fortross.org. Happy Newt Year! Start the New Year off with an adventure to frog pond. Explore the special habitat California newts use each winter to meet mates & lay eggs. Event: free. Parking: $7. 10 a.m.–noon. Spring Lake Regional Park. Environmental Discovery

Center. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. 565-2041. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Beach. 201 Doran Beach Rd., Bodega Bay. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Ukiah on Ice. Skate in downtown historic Ukiah. $10/day for unlimited skating. Includes skates. Jan. 1: noon–4 p.m. Jan. 2–7: noon–7 p.m. 300 S. Lincoln, Fort Bragg. 463-6231. cityofukiah.com.

FREE Project Linus. A nonprofit organization that provides blankets to children in need. Teens individually or in pairs create knotted fleece blankets for donation to the local Linus Project chapter. Ages 12 & up. 3–4:30 p.m. Windsor Library. 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. 838-1020. sonomacounty.libcal.com.

Tuesday 2 King Tide Stroll. Have you ever seen the beach disappear with an extreme tide? Watch the Pacific Ocean as the planets & tides align to create a “king” tide on this short family walk. Event: free. Parking: $7. 9–10 a.m. Doran

Thursday 4 Stand Up Sonoma. A comedy benefit

for fire victims. Features Joel McHale, Nick Kroll, Chris D’Elia, Nikki Glaser,

Watch your child gain new skills and grow in confidence with each new level.

Sonoma County Children’s Music 867 Third Street Santa Rosa (707) 527-7900

Enroll now at

www.childrenlovemusic.com 18 SonomaFamilyLife

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Choose from several epic packages

T S E #B HDAY

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SonomaFamilyLife 19

Kyle Kinane & Chris Porter. Proceeds go to the Sonoma Pride Fundraiser at the King Ridge Foundation. $55–$125. 8 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. 546-3600. lutherburbankcenter.org.

Friday 5 FREE P is for Parks: Nature & Books Unite! Bilingual songs, nature

stories & nature-themed crafts. Ages 3–5 & accompanying adults. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Healdsburg Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov. Gem Faire. Fine jewelry, gems, beads,

crystals, minerals, gold, silver & more. $7. Ages 11 & under: free. Jan. 5: noon–6 p.m. Jan. 6: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Jan. 7: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds. Grace Pavilion. 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa. Visit

20 SonomaFamilyLife

website to print 2 for 1 admission. gemfaire.com.

Saturday 6 Spaghetti Feed. Benefits fire-ravaged Mark West Community Preschool. Wine & beer, live music, silent & live auctions. $30–$100. Ages 5 & up: $15. 6–10:30 p.m. Alexander Valley Community Hall. 5512 Hwy. 128, Geyserville. rebuildmarkwest spaghettifeed.brownpapertickets.com. FREE KidsWorks at Friedman’s.

The theme changes monthly, so come celebrate the seasons & have a blast exploring the Museum-on-the-Go’s interactive displays. Rain or shine. 9 a.m.–noon. Friedman’s Home Improvement Center. 4055 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. Giant canopy next to garden center. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

Whirling Waters Vortex. New exhibit. Be prepared to get wet. Weather permitting. $9–$12. 12 mos. & under: free. Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steele Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-4069. cmosc.org. FREE Make a Wooden Block Calendar. You & your child can

assemble a wooden block calendar at participating Home Depots. 9 a.m.– noon. Home Depot locations: 100 Bicentennial Way, Santa Rosa. 4825 Redwood Dr., Rohnert Park. 6280 Hembree Ln., Windsor. Register: homedepot.com/workshops. Science Saturday. Kids design their own miniature marble mazes out of household items. Event: free. Parking: $7. Wheelchair accessible. Classes at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m. Spring Lake Regional Park. Environmental

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Discovery Center. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. 539-2865. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov.

Library, 2–3 p.m. sonomacounty.libcal. com.

Sunday 7

FREE 12th Annual Bucket Brigade. Fire Department Blood

Drive Challenge. Bring photo ID to donate. 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Truck Bay. 5200 Country Club Dr., Rohnert Park. Schedule appt. at bloodheroes. com. Click “Donate Blood” & enter sponsor code: RPDPS. FREE Push, Pull, Crash! Scientists

experiment with push & pull to cause & avoid collisions, create art & engage in exploration of the powers of force & friction. Sponsored by the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Jan. 6: Cloverdale Library, 11 a.m.–noon. Petaluma Library, 2–3 p.m. Jan. 13: Healdsburg Library, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Rohnert Park

Wildcat Adventures. Featuring 5 live wild cats from around the world. Seating is limited; reserve tickets in advance. $5–$10. 3–4 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. 874-3176.

with a comedy about 3 gals who are determined to better their lives & follow their dreams to Nashville. Weekends. $22–$38. Thru Fridays: 7:30 p.m. Saturdays: 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. (except no 2 p.m. on Jan. 13) Sundays: 2 p.m. Additional shows: Jan. 18: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28: 6:30 p.m. 6th Street Playhouse. 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. 523-4185. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Thursday 11

Saturday 13

FREE Game Night. Bring snacks, drinks, games & cards to share. Everybody is welcome. 6–9 p.m. Monte Rio Community Center. 20488 Hwy. 116, Monte Rio. (Across from movie theater). monterio.org.

Snow Days. 40 tons of fresh snow for children to explore. Features toboggan hill & special toddler zone. $12–$15. 12 mos. & under: free. Thru Jan. 15. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. 1835 W. Steel Ln., Santa Rosa. 546-4069. cmosc.org.

Friday 12 Honky Tonk Angels. Combines

more than 30 classic country tunes

CELEBRATE

FREE 50 Years of Franklin. After the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., teacher Harriet

KIDS LOVE PIZZA!

THE NEW YEAR with Mountain Mike’s Birthday Parties Baseball Teams Soccer Teams Holiday Party Fundraisers

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January 2018

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SonomaFamilyLife 21

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Glickman wrote to Charles Schulz about integrating the world of Peanuts. The result was the character of Franklin. Exhibit is a display of correspondence between Glickman & Schulz. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thru Aug. 5. Charles M. Schulz Museum. 2301 Hardies Ln., Santa Rosa. 579-4452. schulzmuseum.org.

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Annual Parks 6001 includes: Commerce Blvd. Membership Free parking at 50+ Rohnert Park, regional parks CA 94928 Free night of camping Festival admission 707-588-8878 Free boat launching

Gift Memberships available at Regional Parks’ Office, REI, Oliver’s Markets, Whole Foods Markets and other retail partners

sonomacountyparks.org

Santa Rosa Rec & Park’s 7th annual

St. Patrick’s Day 5K Sunday March 11 Finley Community Center Prepare with our 7-week 5K training program taught by certified coaching staff from Fleet Feet Santa Rosa. Trainings are either Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu and begin 1/22 & 1/23. Sign up for the training program & register for the 5K online

www.srcity.org/spdrun

22 SonomaFamilyLife

FREE Trail Ethics & Safety. Learn important skills on this 2-mile hike, for both seasoned and beginner hikers. Tips for safely hiking in inclement weather & outdoor injury prevention. Event: free. Parking: $7. 2–5 p.m. Ragle Ranch Regional Park. 500 Ragle Rd., Sebastopol. (Meet at gazebo.) 565-2041. parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov. Coastal Crabbing. This introductory

clinic includes basic crab-catching techniques, cleaning, preparation & cooking. Finish with lunch & a crab boil. No fishing license required. Fishing equipment included. $10. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Spud Pt. Marina. 1818 Westshore Rd., Bodega Bay. 565-2041. Registration required: sonomacountyparks.ticketleap.com/ coastal-crabbing-1.

Sunday 14 Bowl for Our Kids. A fundraiser for Love in a Shoebox, which helps foster youth. $25 for 3 games. Check-in: 10–10:30 a.m. Bowl: 11 a.m. Double Decker Lanes. 300 Golf Course Ln., Rohnert Park. Call Traci 228-0264 for a pledge sheet ($5 donations). FREE New Year, New You. Second Sunday Family Fun. Country artist Danny Click performs. BBQ, beer & wine (for sale), face painting, kids crafts & lots of toys & games. 1–4 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Synder Ln., Rohnert Park. facebook.com/rpcommunityservices.

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Tuesday 16 FREE National Park Service.

Entrance fees will be waived on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 7 a.m.–dusk. Find a park near you: findyourpark.com.

Friday 19 Youth Overnight. Every 3rd Friday,

kids are invited to sleep over & participate in an evening of swimming, games, movies, arts & crafts & more. Snacks & breakfast are served. Grades 1–6. $20–$50. Jan. 19., 7 p.m.–Jan. 20, 9 a.m. YMCA. 1111 College Ave., Santa Rosa. 545-9622. scfymca.org.

Saturday 20 Family Hikes. Learn about our local plants & animals while participating in a citizen science project. Event: free. Parking: $7. Two hikes start

on the hour: 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Spring Lake Regional Park. Environmental Discovery Center. 393 Violetti Rd., Santa Rosa. 539-2865. parks. sonomacounty.ca.gov. FREE Intro to Virtual Reality. Try out the Oculus Rift headset. Ages 14 & up. Ages 14–17 must bring signed waiver. 1–3 p.m. Healdsburg Regional Library. 139 Piper St., Healdsburg. 433-3772. Make appointment & complete waiver form online: sonomacounty.libcal.com/ event/3825192.

Sunday 21 Golden Dragon Acrobats. Premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company performs acrobatics, traditional dance, ancient & contemporary music & much more. $16–$21. 3 p.m. Luther Burbank Center. 50 Mark West

sonoma

Springs Rd., Santa Rosa . 546-3600. lutherburbankcenter.org. Art Gives Back. A benefit organized

by the Bay Area Arts Community. Proceeds donated to farm workers & immigrant families affected by the fires. $20. 4–8 p.m. Minnesota Street Project. 1275 Minnesota St., San Francisco. artgivesback.org. Crab & Crémant Aboard the Skunk Train. Featuring crab chowder & wine.

Grape juice available for those under 21. Gluten & dairy-free food. Trains depart at 11 a.m. from Willits & 11:15 a.m. from Fort Bragg depots. $10–$66. Jan. 21 & 28. 299 E. Commercial St., Willits & 336 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. 964-6371. skunktrain.com.

Thursday 25 Rancho Cotate High School Cheer Fundraiser. Create &

KUNG FU BUILDS STRONG

BODIES & MINDS

Learn Real Life Skills

• Fun Exercise • Builds Confidence • Athletic Skills • Strength & Flexibility • Improves Focus • Instills Respect • Self Control • Positive Attitude

LOCAL

#1 local resource for for 25 years local families

magazine • web • email • events

www.sonomafamilylife.com

FREE TRIAL CLASS FOR KIDS! 707-338-2233 • www.Wu-Academy.com 1880 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa January 2018

SonomaFamilyLife 23

paint 12”x12” wood sign (with wall hanger attached) using paint, stencil & brush. $35. 6–8 p.m. Sally Tomatoes. 1100 Valley House Dr.,

Rohnert Park. eventbrite.com/e/ rchs-cheer-fundraiser-tickets.

Saturday 27 LumaCon Comic Convention for Youth. Meet well-known artists,

Mom & Dad Please Put Your Affairs in Order Be Prepared • • • • •

Nominate Guardians for Minors Wills & Revocable Living Trusts Powers of Attorney Meet at Your Home FREE Consultation

Evening & Weekend Appointments Available

illustrators & writers of comic books & graphic novels. Local youth artists will display & sell their artwork. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Lucchesi Community Center. 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. lumacon.net. Rancho Cotate High School Pasta & Crab Feed. Auctions, 50/50

raffle, music & drinks. Benefits athletic programs. $60. 21 & older only. 5–10:30 p.m. Rohnert Park Community Center. 5401 Synder Ln.,

707-431-7250

Maria Grace Wilson, Attorney at Law mgracewilson@mgracewilsonlaw.com

©P N

TS

Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

Where would you like to go? You can fly direct, connect, and enjoy. Seattle (SEA) - Portland (PDX) - Los Angeles (LAX) Orange County (SNA) - San Diego (SAN) - Phoenix (PHX) San Francisco (SFO) - Minneapolis (MSP)

Rohnert Park. eventbrite.com (search on event name). Sebastopol Guitar Festival. Music,

exhibitors, workshops, talks & mini-concerts. $28–$32. ($20 for evening show only.) Noon–10 p.m. Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. 823-1511. seb.org.

Sunday 28 Green Eggs & Ham & Tubby the Tuba. Santa Rosa Symphony

Family Series. Sam-I-Am serves up a feast of endless surprises for a Seussical Diva in this Dr. Seuss classic. $12–$17. 3 p.m. Instrument Petting Zoo: 2 p.m. Sonoma State University. Green Music Center. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 546-8742. srsymphony.org.

Tuesday 30 Cross & Crown Lutheran School 2 - 5 years Preschool Jr. Kindergarten – Kindergarten 1st through 6th Grade

CCLS - PSP Private Satellite Program K-6th

REGISTER NOW FOR 2018-19 (707) 795-7863

www.crossandcrownschoolrp.org

Hops & Harmonies. Music, raffle, food & beer. Live music by Vardo (acoustic jazz) & O Happy Dagger (folk/Americana). Benefits Matrix Parent Network, which supports families with special needs children. $10–$15. Ages 6 & under: free. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Lagunitas Brewing Company. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. eventbrite.com (search on event name).

Preschool license #490100475

Hair & Skin Care for the Entire Family!

Book your tickets today at:

24 SonomaFamilyLife

www.flySTS.com

Champagne Hair Lounge

7981 Old Redwood Hwy. • Cotati

Special

Cut & Color $75 Special for 1st time clients.

Call for an appointment 707 665-5826 7 days a week

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Classified Marketplace Schools

After School

Childcare/Preschools

Childcare/Preschools

Educating the Whole Child

YMCA PRESCHOOL

Homeschool Program Grades K-5

www.sunridgeschool.org 707-824-2276

Lessons

Got Art? We Do!!!

Painting • Drawing Cartooning Mask Making Glass Staining Silk Painting Wood Burning Mosaic • Clay

YMCA PRESCHOO

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE SANTA ROSA GROW.LEARN.THRIVE 2590 PINER SANTA RD. ROSA

BASEBALL

For children with physical and/or intellectual challenges. Male and Female Players ages 5-25 Online Registration Dec 1–Feb 11 Register In Person at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Jan 13 & 14 1975 Cleveland Ave. Santa Rosa

(707)331-1321

www.eteamz.com/ northbaychallenger

Montessori in Motion & More! Kinder & Preschool 3-6 yrs.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

707.544.1829

PRICINGwww.scfymca.org & Health & Nutrition, Motor Skil REGISTRATION: Interpersonal Relationships, S Register at the Parks and Recreation Office

YMCA Program Office The Y isConfidence, a non-profit community based organization. and Cognitive 9291 Old Redwood Hwy., Bldg. 300D 707.544.1829 Financial Assistance is available. 838-1260 • townofwindsor.com/preschool Academic Skills.

5435 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park • 285-2002 www.scribblesandgigglesart.com

The Y is a non-profit community based organization. Financial Assistance is available.

W

All ages & riders welcome!

W

Visit us at markweststables.com

Lessons Grooming Camps Pony Rides & More!

for your next birthday party!

Have an adventure party! 433-8102 egfencing

www.sonomafamilylife.com

YMCA Office b io’s Program Since 1981 707.544.1829 Montessori School

Preschool•Kindergarten The Y is a non-profit Parent-Toddler Class community based Ages 18 months organization. to 6-years

Financial Assistance is available.

preschool@fumcsantarosa.org www.fumcsantarosa.org/preschool License#490110699 25th Anniversary!

2017 Introductory Special

3 LESSONS FOR $99!

Year-round • Play based Ages 2 - 5 (Pre-Kindergarten) Excellent Teacher-Child ratios Open 7am-6pm

PRICING & REGISTRATION: Casa dei Bam

Diane: 546-7012

MARK WEST STABLES (707) 538-2000

 Paternity and Child Support  Order Establishment   Payment Collection Services   Payment Tracking and     Accounting   Child Support Modification   

Sonoma County   Child Support Services  3725 Westwind Blvd., Ste 200  Santa Rosa, CA 95403  

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&

ini

We can help! 

Part Time /Full Time Care

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: PROGRAM OBJECTIVES: Health & Flexible Nutrition, Motor Skills, Plans Available

Academic Skills. REGISTRATION:

Now Enrolling

Program of First United Methodist Church

Classes • Camps Birthday Parties

SANTA ROSA 2590 PINER RD. Serving 2-5 year olds

Nutrition, Relationships, Motor Skills,Self Interpersonal Montessori In Motion: 3–6 yrs. Health & Serving 2-5 year olds Relationships, Self Confidence, and Cognitive & Children’s Circle: 2.5–3.5+ yrs. Interpersonal Academic Skills. & Confidence, and Cognitive KinderClub: 3–5 yrs. PRICING &

Services

Celebrating 26 Years

Part Time2590 /Full Time Care PINER RD. Flexible Plans Part TimeAvailable /Full Time Care Flexible Plans Available Serving 2-5 year olds

Rh

Educating the whole child; head, heart, & hands.

GROW.LEARN.THRIVE YMCA PRESCHOOL

FUMC

Preschool & Child Care Center

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Joy of Learning Order & Detail Concentration Grace & Courtesy

2427 Professional Dr. • Santa Rosa Near Steele Lane & Hwy 101

707-528-0889•www.rhioscasa.com

St. Eugene’s Cathedral PRESCHOOL

Small, accredited, private preschool ages 2.9-Kindergarten entry. Developmentally appropriate curriculum focusing on socialization and kindergarten readiness. Accepting applications March 1, 2018 for the 2018-2019 school year. Open House Preschool-8th Grade: Sunday, January 28th 10am-12pm or call to schedule a tour.

(707)528-9133 360 Farmers Lane, Santa Rosa

January 2018

The Bridge School. Located in Central Santa Rosa, 1625 Franklin Ave. Year-round full/half–day. Rich nurturing environment. Center based program for ages 3–5 with separate 2’s program. Caring, qualified teachers. Julie & Andrew Day; owners. Lic.#493005697. 575-7959.

Playtime Daycare/Preschool Join our loving family. Spacious playroom, large yard, meals provided. CPR & first aid certified. M-F. Infants & up. Call Wendy 539-7524. Lic. #04746.

SonomaFamilyLife 25

Humor Break

Photo courtesy Pampered Poultry

The Chicken Diaper You Thought You’d Seen It All By Holly Hester

W

hen you have a hobby people tend to give you gifts based on that hobby. I’ve never had this happen to me before because I don’t think I’ve ever had a well-defined hobby. When I was a kid I used to get Holly Hobbie dolls but that was because of my name, not because I had a love for playing with floppy cloth dolls. (I didn’t.) And, of course, whenever I’ve been pregnant I’ve gotten a lot of baby-themed gifts, but I wouldn’t really call parenting a hobby. Unless you think of a hobby as something that brings you an incredible amount of joy while draining the life out of you at the same time.

But, in the last few years, I’ve received gifts that fall under the category of “funny farm-related products for the hobby farmer.” Gifts have included a book on pig tricks, a swing for your chickens, and some goat bells. But none has compared to the latest hobby-farm gift: the chicken diaper. It’s from a website called Pampered Poultry, which sells “designer chicken attire that is both stylish and comfortable.” It’s worth taking a look at this site even if you don’t have chickens. I mean, really, how often do you get to see a rooster in a homemade 26 SonomaFamilyLife

sweater? (Hopefully, your answer is not that often.) The chicken diaper’s instructions are easy enough. You just snap the straps over each wing, and put the diaper over its butt so that your chicken is ready for “mess-free fun” inside

I mean, really, how often do you get to see a rooster in a homemade sweater? your house. I was excited by this gift because I just happen to have the perfect candidate to inhabit it—Lacy. Lacy comes in our house every day like clockwork. She heads to the kitchen to look for food, then usually lounges on the couch with us for a while, sometimes napping or just giving us a cold. Lacy doesn’t usually go to the bathroom in the house and that is one of the big reasons why we let her in. But recently I have noticed that she’s gotten a little more relaxed with her bathroom habits, so the chicken diaper came at the perfect time. Except that I can’t get Lacy to wear it. It’s not that I’ve struggled to put it on her, and she’s pecked me and run

away. It’s that ever since the chicken diaper arrived, Lacy has refused to come in the house. At first I thought I was imagining this, but then it started to all make sense. After all, our cats have an amazing ability to hide right before going to the vet, our dogs make themselves scarce five minutes before I break out the dog shampoo, and our kids can disappear in our yard faster than I can say, “Can you empty the dishwasher?” All creatures are programmed to self-protect when it comes to doing things they don’t like. And now I’ve discovered that, when it comes to chickens, the abhorrent activity is putting on a floral outfit (with suspenders) that catches your poop. I’m going to keep trying though. I just need to be very Zen about the whole thing. When I’m around Lacy, I need to clear my head of all thoughts of chicken diapers, and then grab her when her guard is down. At least that’s what I do with my kids and the dishwasher. ¶ Holly Hester lives in Sebastopol and writes about life on her blog, Riot Ranch. Find her book, Escape from Ugly Mom Island!, on Amazon.

January 2018 www.sonomafamilylife.com

Crafting with Kids

DIY Foosball Game

Make Your Own Arcade Fun

By Mark at foozballzone.com

S

tuck at home with bored kids? Teach little ones to make their own miniature version of a foosball game.

Materials Medium-sized cardboard box, utility knife, 4 plastic straws (2 red and 2 white, or use other colors), tempura paint (for decoration), 16–24 wooden grill sticks, 8 clothespins (4 in white, 4 in blue), marker, glue, light ball such as a ping-pong, rubber, or sponge ball Instructions 1. Make holes for the goals in the center of the wide sides of the box, making sure the ball is able to pass through each hole without difficulties. 2. Divide the box into equidistant quarters by making four sets of parallel holes along the long sides of the box. The holes should be slightly bigger than the plastic straws that will go into them. www.sonomafamilylife.com

3. Now is a good time to color and decorate the box, especially if using paint or anything else that will need time to dry. 4. For rods, place two to three wooden grill sticks inside each plastic straw to ensure the straws don’t break. Seal ends of straws with glue and let dry. 5. After the box decorations and seals on the straws have dried, run straws through the four sets of holes that run along the length of the box. 6. For players, affix clothespins to straws, applying glue at the juncture where clothespin meets straw. (See photo for placement. I use UHU glue but Elmer’s is ok.) The two different colors, for instance blue and white, represent two different teams. If you don’t have two different colors, use marker to color one set of clothespins so as to differentiate it from the other. Affix one clothespin each on the straws that sit in front of each goal. Each clothespin should be in front of the center of each goal. January 2018

One goal’s clothespin should be blue and the other white. From the goal clothespin, place equidistant three of the other color clothespins on the next straws. So if a blue clothespin is in front of one goal, the next line of players should be white, then blue, with a white clothespin at the opposing goal. Let glue dry. 7. You’re ready to play. Note: If you use a larger or smaller sized box, then you will use more or less straws and clothespins. Straws and clothespins should fit without being cramped. If you use a larger box, you may need to make one rod out of two straws connected with tape. ¶ Mark is a blogger who writes about everything foosball at foosballzone.com/ harvard-foosball-table.

SonomaFamilyLife 27

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