Dear Future Kindergartner... (and
“The teachers meet the social, emotional and intellectual needs of my student. It is a great introduction to the reality of full day school but also fun for the students. Compare other districts to DVUSD, and you will see why parents choose DVUSD!” - Lindsay, DVUSD Parent
Deer Valley Kindergarten Preview Nights! March 1-3, 2022
For a Full List of Deer Valley’s Spring Preview Nights Dates & Times: www.dvusd.org/kinderevents
Get In Touch:
2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 85027
888-313-7916
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Press Releases:
Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Events Calendar:
Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the March issue is March 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
Stay Connected: facebook.com/EpicKidsAZ @epickidsaz
Staff:
Natasha & Brian Beal / Publishers
Sondra Barr / Editor
Shannon Carrillo / Production & Design
Erica Odello / Ad Design
Notes:
Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
Headliners
Martial arts bring purpose and positivity to Scottsdale family.
Siblings Jana, Hamza, and Yara ElGengaihy have found the practice of martial arts to be a positive force in their lives.
“My kids have always been focused and self driven. But doing martial arts definitely gave them the tools to help grow and polish these qualities,” says their mom Rasha Fahmy. “They learned how to set goals for themselves and work on steps into achieving these goals. It gave them a lot of confidence and self respect.”
Epic Kids recently caught up with the trio to learn more about the benefits of their Taekwondo training.
Jana El-Gengaihy
Age: 15
School: BASIS
Scottsdale
Grade: 9th
What do you like about martial arts?
I like that it teaches me discipline, both physically and mentally. Through martial arts I learn valuable leadership skills that help me progress in life, while also learning how to defend myself.
What’s your favorite martial arts move?
Side kick. It can easily generate a lot of power.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to my parents, who are both incredibly hard-working and intelligent. I look up to my Taekwondo instructors, because they demonstrate important
control in their techniques and have their own unique ways of teaching.
What’s your martial arts goal?
My main martial arts goal is to be able to defend myself and get myself out of trouble if I were to be put in a dangerous situation. I also would like to achieve my third degree black belt.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Currently, I am mainly interested in writing and physics, so I could very well aim for a career in either of those areas. I also have a passion for art (drawing, painting, etc.).
Hamza El-Gengaihy
Age: 13
School: BASIS Scottsdale Grade: 8th
What do you like about martial arts?
I like the fact that it teaches me how to protect myself from a multitude of dangers. I also like that it teaches me how to discipline myself, so that I don’t use the stuff I learn for something negative.
What’s your favorite martial arts move?
The butterfly kick.
Who do you look up to?
My parents because they both work so hard to make my life (and my siblings’ lives) the best it can possibly be, while making sure I end up being a good person.
What’s your martial arts goal?
My martial arts goal is to earn a forms district champ title this tournament season.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a doctor, or a person who can help people in any way I can.
Yara El-Gengaihy
Age: 10
School: BASIS Scottsdale Grade: 5th
What do you like about martial arts?
I love that I learn how to protect people but I also have so much fun! Martial arts also teaches me self discipline.
What’s your favorite martial arts move? Jump reverse hook kick.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to many people, but mostly my parents and instructors. My instructors help me learn self control, self discipline, honor, honesty, courtesy, and much more! My parents help lead me on the right path for my life and if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be in martial arts.
What’s your martial arts goal?
To get my first degree black belt, I’m SO close!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be someone that can help people and animals! Whether I’m a vet, doctor, engineer, or anything!
Headliners
ROAD TRIPPING
Don’t leave home without these kid-approved travel essentials. Hi!
I’m Nicholas, your Epic Kids columnist. I’m a second grade CEO, and this month I’m writing about my favorite road trip finds for spring and summer vacations.
1. Travel toys
My brothers and I like bringing toys on vacation, but my parents never have room for very big items. Some of our top picks for small travel toys include Kanoodle, Stickers by Number, and some sort of building toy (we like small Plus Plus blocks or Magnatoyds Magnetic Builders).
2. Blog!
3. Travel apps
Tell your parents to download GyPSY Guide. The app is a narrated driving tour that uses your location to play stories and information about the areas you’re visiting. We used it throughout the Tetons/Yellowstone and learned so much about the area; we also recently used it in Maui and it told us a bunch of stories about our journey to Hana.
I might be young, but I love travel blogging. V-tech has a great “Kidi Cam” that doubles as a selfie stick and all-in-one editor. I do hotel tours of the properties we visit and snap photos during our adventures. My mom also likes us to keep a travel journal while we’re on the road, it’s a great way to track your daily activities.
4. Map it out
Whenever we go on long road trips through several states, my mom buys a paper map and lets us plot the trip with a highlighter. It’s super cool to learn about the routes we travel, and it also lets us help her look for signs and turnoffs. Now I have a map collection!
Join me on my epic journeys via Instagram @creationsbynicholas and creationsbynicholas. com.
Nicholas with his two brothers and his mom on a family road trip.
Fit Kids KETTLEBELL CHALLENGE
By Linkan Marler
Hi,it’s Linkan back again with another Fit Kids monthly challenge. This month, we’re doing kettlebell swings and burpees. If you don’t remember how to do a burpee, refer to page 7 of the December issue of Epic Kids.
First, a bit of history on what kettlebells are. They look like a cannonball with a handle, which is called the horn. Kettlebells originated in ancient Russia and were first used as a counter weight for purchasing goods at markets and from farms.
Russian farmers realized that by swiping and pressing the kettlebells, they could increase their strength and endurance. Contests were held in villages and towns during festivals, fairs,
and circuses, and it became an official sport in 1958. How to Do a Kettlebell Swing
First, place the kettlebell on the ground between your feet.
Keep your feet a little wider than shoulder-width. Slightly bend your knees and bend at the waist while grabbing the handle with both hands.
Keeping your back straight, neck neutral, shoulders back, and abs tight, hike the bell back like a football and then forcefully stand up by thrusting your hips forward. This is an explosive movement. Don’t lift the kettlebell with your arms. Let the force of your hips bring it up. Let the kettlebell swing back between your legs while keeping the same position in your back and neck.
Be careful not to swing a kettlebell around anyone, or anything breakable—that’s dangerous. Have a parent help you to make sure you’re doing them safely. Even better, suggest they do the challenge with you.
35 kettlebell swings
The goal is to finish this challenge in 15 minutes. Trust me, the first time you do this it’s not going to be easy, but as you keep doing this and practicing, it’ll get easier.
Linkan Marler is a 12-year-old fitness enthusiast.
Giving Back
HELPING OTHERS
Claire Severs considers community service a family activity.
For Claire Severs, an eighthgrade student at Explorer Middle School, community service is a family affair. Actively volunteering with the National Charity League – Cactus Wren Chapter for the past year, Claire, her older sister, and her mother are involved in several community service projects and volunteer their time at Puppy Luv, Feed Our Starving Children, and Mom’s Pantry.
“My family has instilled the value of giving back to the community since I was a small child. My mom talks to us about donating food and clothes for the holidays every year. She has always loved us and taught us about giving back to the community. Last year, we were fortunate to have friends extend an invitation to join the National Charity League - Cactus Wren Chapter,” says Claire.
During her year of community service work and volunteering, Claire and her family have been able to work together while helping others in the community.
“We have donated time helping out at the animal shelter Puppy Luv, which was a lot of fun with the dogs. We also helped out at Feed My Starving Children, which makes food packages for impoverished children overseas. My favorite was Mom’s Pantry, where we packaged food for families in need and homeless families.
Claire Severs volunteers her time at Puppy Luv, Feed Our Starving Children, and Mom’s Pantry.
Some families came in for food while we were volunteering, and it makes me realize how lucky we are,” she says.
If you want to get involved in community service but don’t know where to start, Claire’s advice is to volunteer in your community or just spread kindness. “There are a lot of organizations that appreciate our help, and you can volunteer with your friends and family,” she says.
Claire enjoys friendly competition with her sister, especially when cooking and baking chocolate chip cookies for their family. Claire currently holds the family title of making the best scrambled eggs. After she completes high school and college, Claire aspires to have a career with NASA.
Ages 6-14 years old
Sign up for the Epic Kids eNewsletter by February 28 for a chance to win a family four pack to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Tempe. (a $120 value!)
Career Day
EQUESTRIAN
Justin Cowden trains horses to perform in the show ring.
Justin Cowden
Profession: Arabian Show Horse Trainer
Age: 30
What do you do for a living?
I am a professional horse trainer. I train Arabian and half-Arabian show horses for a farm named Royal Arabians LLC in Scottsdale. I spend most of my time riding and caring for horses to make sure we perform perfectly when we enter the competition arena. I also
teach and train others to ride and care for horses. What type of training do you need to do your job?
Training horses is generally experienced based. Most successful people make their way through the industry by learning from others through apprenticeships and assistant training positions. I started riding at a young age and have ridden for many years, practicing many hours a week to get more experience. It takes a lot of practice and constant learning to be a horse trainer.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is being involved with horses from the time they are born all the way through to training them at the highest level for competition. They all have their own personalities and they are so much fun to get to know.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Horses have always been my passion, becoming a trainer was what I always wanted to do. I would spend
as much time around horses as I could and still do.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
Put yourself out there to take any opportunity to be around horses to learn about them. It is a very satisfying career that has so many rewarding aspects to it.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
My favorite pastime when not on a horse is wakeboarding or snowboarding.
Justin showing at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
Horse trainer
Justin Cowden started riding at a young age.
Giving Back
COMMUNITY PROJECT
Thirteen-year-old Ally Wodka aims to let senior citizens know they’re still valued.
Eighthgrader Ally Wodka used her creativity and networking skills to make her school community project a success. A student at Scottsdale’s Mountainside Middle School, Ally reached out to a local senior center to get approval to bring in care bags for their aging clientele.
“I got the idea from homeless care bags,” says Ally. “Originally, I wanted to do this for the homeless, but thought to myself that there might be other people in need, so I decided that working with our seniors would be great. I decided to do research and found that more than 40 percent of seniors living in homes do not get visitors. I
wanted to make sure they felt like someone cares about them.”
Ally reached out to her neighbors through social media to get suggestions and solicit donations for the senior care bags.
“I posted on Nextdoor about the project and people were so nice! They all were asking about donations, as well as suggesting what could be in the bags,” says Ally. “I wasn’t surprised because I know how kind people can be. I’m glad my comment reached the right people!”
Her post on Nextdoor elicited over 120 comments with suggestions to include items like fuzzy socks, hand lotion, tissues, stamped envelopes, and eye masks in the care bags. Along
with the suggestions and offers for donations were heartwarming notes of encouragement for Ally, like a comment from James that said: “Any suggestions that I had are mentioned here, but I felt I had to congratulate you and your effort. Most people my age think the youth of today are selfish and uncaring. Thanks for proving them wrong Ally!”
As for what Ally hopes the care bags will accomplish, she says, “I hope that the seniors know that people are thinking about them, even if they do not get visitors. I want people to know the kindness in the world and how it can spread. I hope my efforts can inspire other people to do the same thing!”
Ally Wodka put together care bags for her local senior center.
Cover story YOUNG LEADERS
Eighth grader Kiara Vicario Nava and seventh grader Caden Young participate in the Creighton Kids Congress Program.
Program
gives voice to students to create more inclusive environments for
learning.
Student voice is a necessary component to decision making in the Creighton School District. To help gather input, student representatives from each school within the district meet multiple times a year as part of the Creighton Kids Congress Program. Students provide input on a variety of topics from remote learning structures and formats, strategies to make learning more engaging, as well as teacher
professional development needs. These students are chosen for their outside-ofthe-box thinking, willingness to exchange ideas with peers, along with their ability to approach problems creatively.
Recently, students gathered to take part in the Creighton Strategic Planning Process to help steer the creation of the next three to five years of district goals.
They discussed both adventurous learning and health and wellness. Students shared strong, positive perceptions about adventurous learning and its importance. They described adventurous learning in many ways, with one student stating that, "Adventurous learning means having opportunities to express your interests and explore topics and ideas that you are passionate about."
They also advocated for more outside activities, group projects, more class competitions, and strategy based online learning. They also expressed a desire for more field trips to learn about different communities and learn in different environments and most importantly experiencing learning that they like and enjoy.
The students also indicated that health and wellness continues to be a major need on campuses. They described their own experiences with social emotional learning and were able to describe events such as class circles, lessons on positive affirmations, and mindfulness as positive strategies. Students also shared strong prospective on scholarly discussions as well as open
and respectful communication between students and adults. Another idea shared was the implementation of peer-to-peer sharing of feelings and the older students on campus acting as role models for the younger students.
Creighton Kids Congress is gearing up to participate in a four-day in-depth training for youth leaders. This will equip them to serve as leaders on their campuses to engage their teachers and peers to create more inclusive environments for learning.
The students also advised on the topic of COVID-19, providing input on strategies for effective school to home communication, mitigation practices, strategies for physical
distancing and ways to communicate vaccination opportunities with the community. One of their most significant recommendations was the modification of typical school schedules to one that allows families with multiple children to be able to eat lunch at the same time together. Although this sounds like a minor adjustment, the impact was substantial in creating a remote learning environment in homes that was more conducive to the needs of families.
The Creighton Kids Congress students are seen as leaders on their campuses and continue to develop into an essential component for gathering student voice at the Creighton School District.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
Eighth grader Nia Ubom shares her thoughts on the Creighton Kids Congress Program.
How long have you been involved in the Creighton Kids Congress Program?
2021-2022 School Year
What do you hope to accomplish by your participation in the program?
I hope that by me participating in the Creighton Kids Congress I can help provide equitable access to things like field trips, school activities, COVID mitigation, etc. I want everyone to feel like they have a voice in this district. As I speak with my fellow classmates,
I update them on the things discussed in the Kids Congress meetings and encourage feedback. What skills are you developing by being engaged in the program?
The Creighton Kids Congress has made me a better public speaker. I am more confident in my presentations and sharing my voice in front of a large audience. It has helped me articulate my thoughts and become a better leader. I feel empowered to share my ideas.
Through her participation in Creighton Kids Congress, Nia Ubom has developed confidence in sharing her opinions.
Student representatives from each school within the
district meet multiple times a year.
Nia Ubom lays out goals for adventurous learning during the Creighton Strategic Planning Process.
Creighton students meet with school leaders to discuss school initiatives.
Creighton
Brain Play Sari on SCIENCE
COLOR CHANGING FLOWERS
When you give a flower a drink of water, where does the water go? My daughter and I recently investigated this very question, and thought it would be a fun way to combine science while making some custom colored flowers for Valentine’s Day.
Here’s what you need:
• 1 dozen white flowers (carnations work really well)
• Water
• Vase
• 4 glasses or larger cups
• Knife/box cutter
• Food coloring (multiple colors)
Directions:
1. With an adult’s help, trim your flowers to a workable length, and ensure they are trimmed at an angle. Keep all your flowers in plain water until you are ready for the next step.
2. Together with your adult, use the knife to split three of the flowers straight down the center. Return to water for now.
3. Fill four glasses with water and up to 20 drops of food coloring. Each glass should have a different color of water.
4. Line up the cups next to each other and, using your split-stem flowers, place flowers straddling the cups so one side of stem is in one color, one side is in another.
5. Place one non-split flower in each cup of colored water, too. Leave the rest of your flowers in the plain water as a control.
6. Leave all flowers to sit for two to five days and make observations along the way! This is a good chance to make some predictions: what will happen to the flowers in colored water? Will the colors mix? Which colors will you see in the flowers first?
What’s
Happening?
What did you notice about the flowers? Did any of your predictions come true? Take a look at the leaves, too—what do you notice? There’s some very cool science happening here. Flowers “drink” water almost like you would drink water through a straw. The flowers take up water through thin tubes called xylem in a process called capillary action. As water evaporates from the leaves and petals of the flower (known as
transpiration) and creates a low pressure system, more water is drawn up through the tubes because water molecules like to stick together (this is called cohesion). The dye in the water travels up the tubes, too, but doesn’t evaporate, so it remains in the leaves and petals. Splitting the stems allows us to see how the tubes are dispersed in the flower stem, and where they end. Try splitting your flower stem into thirds or swapping colors of dye after a few days. What happens then? Happy experimenting!
Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, and the Chief of Science and Curiosity at Arizona Science Center. In addition to serving as the public spokeswoman for the Science Center, Sari is also host of the video series, Sari on Science which fosters excitement about science for viewers of all ages.
Headliners
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL TICKET WINNERS
529 College Planning Tips
By Dale L. Shafer, CFP®, APMA®, CDFA® Financial Advisor
Thereare various types of accounts for college savings, including 529, Coverdell ESA, IRAs, UTMAs, Brokerage accounts, etc., and each offers different tax and contribution options. Choosing the best strategy for your family will be an ongoing part of our financial planning for this phase of your child's life.
529 College Savings Plan are very popular because many states offer tax incentives and credits for annual contributions. As an example, the state of Arizona offers a tax deduction of up to $4,000 per child (Married Filing Jointly) for 529 plan contributions.
Contributions to 529 plans can be invested to grow tax deferred, and withdrawals are tax-free when funds are used for qualified education expenses. While 529 plans are commonly owned by parents and grandparents, anyone can contribute on behalf of the child – potentially a great gift idea for birthdays and other special occasions.
You can start saving to a 529 plan with as little as $25. Studies have shown children with even a small
amount of college savings are more likely to attend and graduate college. Some considerations for investing include type of account, tax benefits, enrollment in state or private university, and the potential for scholarships and grants. Additional information and resources for the Arizona 529 plan can be found at az529.gov/.
Need help? Call us at (602) 9239800 for your complimentary initial consultation. We would be honored to be of service.
The views expressed here reflect the views of Dale L. Shafer, CFP®, AMPA®, CDFA® as of January 20, 2022. These views may change as market or other conditions change. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, will not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not account for individual investor circumstances. Investment decisions should always be made based on an investor's specific financial needs, objectives, goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. Past performance does not guarantee future results and no forecast should be considered a guarantee either. Clients should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with a 529 Plan before investing. More information regarding a particular 529 Plan is available in the issuer’s official statement, which may be obtained from an Ameriprise financial advisor. Investors should read the 529 Plan’s official statement carefully before investing.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member
and
Book Club Brain Play
THE HOUND OF ROWAN
AUTHOR: Henry H. Neff
GENRE: Middle Grade Fantasy
AGES: 9+
RATING: AAAAA
SYNOPSIS: Max McDaniels lives a quiet life in the suburbs of Chicago, until the day he stumbles upon a mysterious Celtic tapestry. Many strange people are interested in Max and his tapestry. His discovery leads him to Rowan Academy, a secret school where great things await him. But dark things are waiting, too. When Max learns that priceless artworks and gifted children are disappearing, he finds himself in the crossfire of an ancient struggle between good and evil. To survive, he’ll have to rely on a network of agents and mystics, the genius of his roommate, and the frightening power awakening within him.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM THIS BOOK: “Incomplete data leads to incomplete conclusions.”
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS: I loved the magical school, which set the tone throughout the book. The whole story felt whimsical and transported me right into Rowan Academy.
MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS: I love Max, of course! He is the perfect main character––witty, smart, and courageous.
FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann, and The Story Thieves by James Riley
Avery, 15, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! Follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @readbyfin.
THREE MORE BOOKS TO TRY HOLE IN THE WALL
AUTHOR: Tevin Hansen
AGES: 9 - 12
SYNOPSIS: A story about a cynical boy who goes through a hole in the basement wall and into another world, but it’s a world that is actually his own imagination.
KINDNESS IS MY SUPERPOWER
AUTHOR: Alicia Ortego
AGES: 3 - 7
SYNOPSIS: A charming story with peaceful rhymes and colorful illustrations that emphasize it’s okay to make a mistake.
SPECTACULAR STORIES FOR CURIOUS KIDS
AUTHOR: Jesse Sullivan
AGES: 6 - 12
SYNOPSIS: One hundred captivating tales from history and scientific wonders specifically curated and written for young readers.
Eats
GRILLING UP BIG TIME FAVORITES
By Gretchen Pahia
Nestled in the far East Valley is a delicious spot for the entire family to enjoy.
If you haven’t gotten the chance to check out what’s happening out at Agritopia—and Joe’s Farm Grill—you’re definitely missing out. The entire area is like a scene out of a movie, with tree lined streets, miles of greenery and wide-open land, and tons of play areas for kids of all ages.
Joe’s Farm Grill is focused on quality food done well. The meals are full of some of the best ingredients around, sourced locally when possible, including some from the nearby Farm at Agritopia. While not everything on the menu is locally sourced, the flavors and amazing dishes certainly stand on their own.
Joe’s Farm Grill is open for breakfast seven days a week, starting off a delicious day on the right foot. You can start your day at 7:30 a.m. at the grill, with some yummy waffles or pancakes. There are also several egg dish options like omelets, scrambles, and more. The kids' breakfast menu includes pancakes and bacon, French toast and bacon, and scrambled eggs and bacon.
If breakfast isn’t your thing or if you're looking for a great family spot for lunch and dinner, Joe’s delivers. Appetizer choices include crispy Brussel sprouts, corn fritters, onion rings, and others. Then, there are a number of other op-
tions including an ahi tuna sandwich with spicy wasabi mayo and coleslaw, a pork tenderloin sandwich with onion, pickles, and a special sauce, waffles and chicken, which features Belgian waffles topped with hand-breaded chicken tenders with a maple honey mustard sauce, Carolina blue dog, which includes BBQ pulled pork, crumbled blue cheese, slaw dressing, and so much more. Of course, there are hamburger and cheeseburger options, full BBQ meat plates, and a fried shrimp plate that comes with two sides of your choice. There’s even pan pizza on the menu, so there’s something on the menu for even the pickiest eaters.
The lunch and dinner kids' menu has many options including a side of choice with any of the following main dishes: cheeseburger, pork sandwich, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and corn dog bites.
If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to check out one of the thick milkshakes in flavors like dark chocolate, real vanilla bean, mocha, fresh strawberry, butter pecan, and a seasonal option that changes quite often. There are also a few amazingly delicious cheesecake options from plain to fresh strawberry and chocolate caramel turtle. Come hungry. Leave satisfied.
Open daily at 7:30 a.m., Joe’s Farm Grill serves breakfast until 11 a.m. Then from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the lunch and dinner menu is served. There is seating both indoors and outside throughout the property.
Bacon burger
Dark chocolate milkshake
Ahi tuna sandwich
Brain Play just for fun
JOKES AND FUN FACTS FOR THE ENTIRE
What runs but cannot walk, has a mouth but no teeth, and a bed that cannot sleep.
People weigh less on the equator than at the North or South Pole. The body itself doesn’t change, rather the force of gravity and other forces change as you approach the poles.
February fluctuates between having 28 and 29 days per year. The 29th day only occurs every four years during leap years.
A human loses about a million skin cells per 24 hours.
What do you call a sleeping bull?
The name of February comes from the Latin word “februum” which means purification.
Why can’t you ever trust atoms?
A cat has 32 muscles in each ear, compared to a human's six muscles each. These muscles give cats a keen sense of hearing. A cat can rotate its ears independently 180 degrees, and turn in the direction of sound 10 times faster than those of the best watchdog.
Brain Play
our
What’s an alligator in a vest called?
Sasha, 7, Valley Christian
Why did the chocolate chip cookie go to the doctor?
Jeremy, 11, All Saints’ Episcopal Day School
1. An investigator. 2. He felt crumby.
VALENTINE'S DAY WORD SEARCH
Circle words in the puzzle below
Circle words in
7 DAY, 6-NIGHT GETAWAY!
This overnight Camp offers lots of activities; Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Arts & Crafts, Shelter Building, Archery, Hiking, Campfire and S’mores, Capture the Flag, Skit Night, Astronomy, and so much more! Includes: Lodging, Meals, R/T Chartered Bus from Ahwatukee to Camp and from Camp to Ahwatukee, Camp T-shirt, and memories for a lifetime!
WANT TO BE A CAMP COUNSELOR?
Join us June 5-11 for the 7 day, 6-night counselor training for teens ages 15-17. You will learn to work with kids ages 7-15 and will learn counselor skills including CPR, Team building and Leadership activities, have an opportunity to earn Community Service Hours and much more! The cost of the training is $225 If selected, Counselors in Training will be asked to return as Counselors for the camper weeks to put their skills into action at no additional cost!
Register today at: www.SJYCAZ.com or email : admin@SJYCAZ.com 480-449-0848
February 2022 What's Happening
ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
WHEN: Through April 3
WHERE:12601 E. US Highway 60, Gold Canyon
WHAT: Travel back in time to the 16th century at the 34th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival. Families will experience a medieval amusement park, a 16-stage theater, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament, and more. Mingle with more than 2,000 costumed characters, eat a giant roasted turkey leg, take part in games of chance and skill, cheer on your favorite knight, and browse more than 200 artisan shops.
INFO: arizona.renfestinfo.com
ATTACK OF THE BLOODSUCKERS; THE BEASTIES THAT BITE YOU…AND WHY
WHEN: Through May 8
WHERE: Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
WHAT: Explore the science of what's biting you in Arizona Science Center's latest skin-crawling exhibition: Attack of the Bloodsuckers! Examine the what, why, when, and how of
mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, leeches, and other parasites. Learn why bloodsuckers are important to the ecosystem, and how to keep them out of your system.
INFO: azscience.org
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW
WHEN: Feb. 12 - March 13
WHERE: Herberger Theater Center, Stage West, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
WHAT: The critically acclaimed production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets. The production faithfully adapts four stories by author/illustrator Eric Carle: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Busy Spider and of course, the star of the show—The Very Hungry Caterpillar. INFO: herbergertheater.org/events/the-very-hungry-caterpillarshow/
DISNEY PRINCESS - THE CONCERT
WHEN: Feb. 12
WHERE: Orpheum Theater, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix
WHAT: Join a quartet of Disney's strongest, best-loved characters for this extra-special production! Disney Princess: The Concert sees four incredible female performers join forces to share songs and stories from their time as Disney Princess. There'll be some of Disney's incredible music, enchanting animation, and a peek behind-the-scenes too.
INFO: phoenix-theater.com
BABY SHARK LIVE 2022
WHEN: Feb. 17 - 18
WHERE: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa
WHAT: Take an adventure into the sea with Baby Shark as he joins up with his friend Pinkfong to sing and dance through some of your favorite new and classic songs! Baby Shark Live! is a state of the art enchanting kids spectacular.
INFO: mesaartscenter.com
SCOTTSDALE ARABIAN HORSE SHOW
WHEN: FEB. 17 - 27
WHERE: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
WHAT: The largest event of its kind in the world, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is held at WestWorld and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators. In addition to exciting competitions, educational seminars, family focused events, and an international cuisine court, the event features more than 300 vendor booths.
INFO: scottsdaleshow.com
JUSTIN BIEBER JUSTICE TOUR
WHEN: Feb. 22
WHERE: Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale
WHAT: Justin Bieber: Justice World Tour 2022, formerly the Changes Tour and World Tour 2021 is the upcoming fourth concert tour by Justin Bieber, in promotions of Changes and Justice. The tour was set to begin on May 14, 2020, but the tour was postponed amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
INFO: gilariverarena.com/events/detail/justin_bieber_ justiceworldtour
AHOY THERE, MATEYS!
WHEN: Feb. 25 - April 10
WHERE: LEGOLAND Discovery Center, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Cir., Suite 135, Tempe
WHAT: Are ye ready for a treasure hunt? Sail in for the all-new Pirates AHOY event! During this limited-time event, you can join the pirate crew and take the ultimate pirate challenge through scavenger hunts to find buried treasure, dance parties, team LEGO® builds, and more!
INFO: legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona/whats-inside/ events/pirates-ahoy/
On Deck: March
69TH ANNUAL RODEO SCOTTSDALE
WHEN: March 10 - 13
WHERE: WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
WHAT: Also known as the Parada Del Sol Rodeo, this PRCAsanctioned rodeo event in the West’s Most Western Town is four days long each year. Events include saddle bronc, tie down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, and more.
INFO: rodeoscottsdale.com
ENCHANTED UNICORN FESTIVAL
WHEN: March 13
WHERE: Singh Meadows, 1490 E. Weber Dr., Tempe
WHAT: You’ll be welcomed with fairy wands, goodie bags, and smiles, along with options for face painting, balloons, hairdos, unicorn rides, professional mini photos with the unicorn, boutique shopping, and a farmers market at the Enchanted Unicorn Festival.
INFO: https://bit.ly/3rzJpXG
