February 2013 Family Spectrum Magazine

featuring

Academic Competitions

SNACK STATION

Chocolate-Banana Grahams MOM ON THE ROCKS

Daddy’s Storytime

The besT place for kids.

Izzy, age 4 Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Visit childrensomaha.org for more information on how we can help your child.

For a pediatrician, family physician or pediatric specialist, call 1.800.833.3100.

editor’sletter

I

Volume 8 • Issue 6

t’s official! This Family Spectrum is

my favorite issue to date. We have now joined ranks with Omaha Magazine’s

Best of Omaha® contest and the results are in!

New “Family” categories were created, and we invited Omaha to vote on which businesses they thought best represented Omaha famiNatalie Jensen Photography

Publisher • Todd Lemke Vice President • Greg Bruns Omaha Publications Editor • Linda Persigehl Family Spectrum Editor • Bailey Hemphill Family Spectrum Contributing Editor • Paige Edwards Assistant Editor • Chris Wolfgang

lies, services, and activities. We would like to

congratulate all of our winners on all the great services they give Omaha and for being the BEST at what they do! Check out the results on pg. 21.

On this issue’s cover, we feature some information about academic competitions around Omaha. It’s not always just about sports in our school districts! There are plenty of unique contests

Art Director • John Gawley Senior Graphic Designer • Katie Anderson Junior Graphic Designer • Paul Lukes Director of Photography • Bill Sitzmann Account Executives • Gwen Lemke, Gil Cohen, Greg Bruns, Paige Edwards, Vicki Voet, Sandy Besch Sales Assistants • Alicia Smith-Hollins, Jessica Linhart, Catherine Kruse

and bees in which you can get your kids involved to better their creative, critical thinking, communication, and collaborative skills. Learn more about some of these contests on pg. 18.

Each and every story touches the heart this issue. Our Young Hero, Michaela Gibbons, is an outstanding example of how we should treat others; our Writer’s Corner author is grateful for his family; and the advice from our contributors for our families is unmatched.

During this month of love, think about giving more of it than you get.

Paige Paige Edwards, Contributing Editor, Family Spectrum paige@omahapublications.com

On the Cover Thanks to Luke and Kyle Brainerd and Madison Bressman for being on this issues cover.

Photo by: Bill Sitzmann.

we the women

live.love.grow 4 • editor’sletter

Operations • Tyler Lemke Accounting • Jim Heitz Warehouse Distribution Manager • Mike Brewer Advertising • Omaha Publications, 402-884-2000 Editorial Comments • Paige Edwards, paige@omahapublications.com Please send contributions to bailey@omahapublications.com Original contributions become the property of Omaha Publications. Contributions cannot be acknowledged or returned.

The information contained within Family Spectrum is for informational purposes only. It is not intended and should not be used to take the place of seeking professional advice, counsel or assistance. Omaha Publications makes no endorsement of and is not responsible for contributors or advertising herein. If you have concerns or questions related to your health, consult with you physician. Family Spectrum is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of Omaha Publications,

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Owned and managed by Omaha Magazine, LTD

Find us on www.Womego.com, an integrated online community that gives women access to a great wealth of content from the journalists, bloggers, and community leaders you already know and trust.

Family Spectrum Magazine • • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

live•love•grow

CONTENTS february 2013

coverfeature

18

18 Academic Competitions:

Encouraging Skills Necessary for the Future

9 7 8 9 10

my child is choking! snack station: chocolate-banana grahams “honey do” + safety = love give eating right a green light

14 11 13 14 15 16

young hero: michaela gibbons mom on the rocks: daddy’s storytime what’s on your mind? taming your child’s aggression unlocking the secret crime

21 17 family spectrum’s writer’s corner 18 academic competitions: encouraging skills 21 26

29 30

necessary for the future best of omaha® family results keeping your child focused on school during the winter months february 2013 event calendar on the go: introduce your family to old man winter’s fun side

• readonlinenow.com February 2013 • • • •

content • 5

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NOW ON SALE! MARCH 12 – APRIL 7 Orpheum Theater 3 EASY WAYS TO BUY

Online: TicketOmaha.com Phone: 402.345.0606 Groups (15+): 402.661.8516 © Disney

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• • • • FebruaryFAMILY 2013 family spectrum • 89240 / 1/2 PAGE HORIZONTAL / OMAHA SPECTRUM RUN DATE: FEBRUARY MAGAZINE EDITION

Photo provided by: Boys Town Pediatrics

Several foods are classified as “high-risk” and include: • Hard, smooth food that the teeth must grind, like peanuts, raw veggies, or hard candy • Round, firm foods larger than ½ inch, like whole grapes, popcorn, or meat chunks • Chewing gum In addition to food, choking can be caused by things that your child may place in his or her mouth. It is important that parents check floors, under tables, and play areas and remove any marbles, paperclips, dog food, or other small objects that may have fallen by mistake.

What to Do if Your Child is Choking If your infant is choking and you can see the object, remove it with your finger. Do not do a blind sweep in an attempt to remove a non-visualized object. If you cannot see and remove the object, hold your infant face down on your forearm. Thump him firmly five times on the middle of the back using the heel of your hand. If the object is not dislodged, hold him face up on your forearm with his head lower than his trunk and with two fingers on the breastbone, give five chest compressions.

My Child is Choking!

M

ost parents have or will experience their child choking. It is a scary

situation that requires quick action.

Choking is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths among children under 1 year of age and continues to be of great concern until 5 years of age. The two most common causes of pediatric choking are food and the ingestion of foreign objects.

Boys Town Pediatrics recommends that parents take the following safety precautions to help minimize the risk of choking: • Remove choking hazardous toys and objects from your child’s reach • Supervise meal times • Monitor your child’s chewing and swallowing capabilities • Avoid “high-risk” foods in infants and young children

If you are unable to dislodge the object with this maneuver, call 911. Repeat the above until emergency services arrive. If your infant loses consciousness, start CPR. For older toddlers and children who are choking, give abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver). If you are unable to dislodge the object, call 911. If your child loses consciousness, start CPR. Understand that life-saving procedures vary depending on a child’s age. Parents are encouraged to speak with their pediatrician or contact the local safety council for more information on basic first aid, CPR, and live-saving classes.

Physician Follow-Up Consult with your pediatrician regarding the introduction of solid foods to your child’s diet. If your child is having frequent problems chewing or swallowing or experiencing pain while eating, talk to your pediatrician. It is possible that your child is experiencing a swallowing disorder or has not yet developed the SPECTRUM proper muscles to chew or swallow.

family

Written by: Mara P. Paradis, M.D. Boys Town Pediatrics - Lakeside Clinic Dr. Paradis is a Board Certified pediatrician at Boys Town Pediatrics - Lakeside Clinic, 16929 Frances St., Suite 101, (402) 758-5125. Meet Dr. Paradis and all of our Boys Town Pediatricians online at www.youtube.com/boystownhospital.

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• ­7

Deaconness Institute c. 1900

Photo by: Katie Anderson Fremont Orphanage c. 1893

www.LFSneb.org

120 Years of service

Thank you for your support of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska.

ChocolateBanana Grahams

T

his recipe for chocolate-banana

grahams will satisfy your child’s sweet tooth without being overly sugary; and it literally only takes a minute or two to put together, which—when you have hungry kids— can be a lifesaver.

Ingredients: • 1 square graham cracker (broken into 2 rectangles) • ½ teaspoon Nutella or other chocolatehazelnut spread • 2 slices banana • ½ teaspoon sweetened, shredded coconut (optional) Instructions: • Spread about ¼ teaspoon Nutella on each graham cracker piece • Top with a slice of banana • Sprinkle coconut (if so desired) Tips: If you want to add something on the chocolatebanana grahams but don’t like (or are allergic to) coconut, try sprinkling some cinnamon on top.

Source: www.eatingwell.com

8­ •

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• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

Submitted by: Danielle Knudson, Safe Communities Director, National Safety Council, Nebraska

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“Honey-Do” + Safety= Love

Jennifer Windrum asks

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find a connection. Although I appreciate a box of chocolates and flowers on Valentine’s Day as much as the next girl, the real way to my heart is to show that you care about the safety of yourself and family. Many women would agree. The “honey-do” list actually getting done or taking the lead in orchestrating a safe home would be an excellent Valentine’s Day gift.

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When someone is unsafe, they could be injured. The effects go beyond that person and extend to family members, friends, neighbors, employers, and communities. The key to preventing injuries is making simple changes—recognizing hazards and how injuries can occur when participating in different activities.

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Follow these winter safety tips to express your love to someone special around the house and on the road: • Keep driveways and sidewalks shoveled and deiced. Don’t forget the front door and walkways for pedestrians.

• Inspect all handrails inside and out—tighten and repair as needed.

• Make sure your furnace is clean and in good working order. Have a working carbon monoxide detector in the house.

• Get trained in CPR, First Aid, Defensive Driving, or Child Passenger Safety. For class information, visit www.safenebraska.org.

• Be a safe driver. Buckle up, don’t drive distracted, and make sure all kids are in correctly installed and appropriate car seats.

• While taking winter walks or bike rides, make sure you have reflective strips on apparel and leashes.

• Have a storm survival kit including water, food, cash, medications, and batteries.

• Properly dispose of expired and unused medications.

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Share these tips with family, friends, and neighbors. Learn more about safety at home, on the job, or on the road at www.safenebraska.org. You can play a large part in keeping those around you safe and alive, so why not take a moment to keep those you love safe by making some safety improveSPECTRUM ments this month?

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family

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• ­9

Submitted by: Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Honey Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients • 1/2 cup uncooked oats (gluten-free if needed) • 1/4 cup sliced natural almonds • 2 tbsp wheat germ • 1 tbsp orange juice • 1 tbsp honey

Give Eating Right a Green Light

W

hen it comes to making healthy choices, most families realize that

everyone should eat a variety from the five basic food groups each day: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products, and proteins. The emphasis is on nutrient-rich foods and avoiding empty calories.

But the advice raises an old question: How do you get kids to eat right? It comes down to what families do at home. Kids who see their parents eating healthy foods are much more likely to indulge in fruits and vegetables, too.

Many dietitians favor splitting foods into green light, yellow light, and red light groups. Be sure to put green light foods within kids’ easy reach:

• Green light foods – High-nutrition, low-fat, and low or moderate calorie foods

that can be eaten often: celery, carrots, broccoli, apples, low-fat yogurt, and multigrain pretzels.

• Yellow light foods – Nutritious but higher fat or calorie foods that must be eaten in moderation: meats, enriched breads and pasta, full-fat cheese.

• Red light foods – Foods like cookies, candy, and sugary drinks that have no nutritional value; save these for special treats.

Healthy Kohl’s Kids offers this recipe to help start off the morning right with a honey yogurt parfait. To find more great recipes, go to www.HealthyKohlsKids.com.

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 12 oz nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt • 12 oz nonfat plain Greek yogurt • 1 cup sliced strawberries • 1 cup blueberries

Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 325°. Lightly spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

2. In a bowl, combine oats, almonds, and wheat germ.

3. In another small bowl, combine orange juice, honey, and cinnamon.

4. Add juice mixture to oat mixture; mix well.

5. Spread mixture evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until toasted, stirring twice during baking.

Remove from oven. Transfer mixture to sheet of foil to cool completely.

6. In a bowl, combine the yogurts.

7. In 6 parfait or other glasses, evenly divide yogurt, berries and granola in layers.

Yield: 6 servings

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1/2 cup yogurt, 2 tbsp granola, 1/3 cup berries Calories: 165 Fat: 3g Saturated Fat: 0

Cholesterol: 0 Sodium: 36mg Carbohydrates: 21g Fiber: 3g Protein: 15g

* Nutritional information is based on ingredients listed and serving size; any additions or substitutions to ingredients may alter the recipe’s nutritional content

familySPECTRUM

10­ •

live•love•grow

• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

Written by: Bailey Hemphill

Young Hero: Michaela Gibbons

M

ichaela Gibbons, 17, is a junior at Westside High School. She has three siblings—Jessica, Luke, and Drew—and two stepbrothers—Bayle and Braden. “Michaela is a born teacher and mentor,” says mom Jennifer Yannone.

“She is so good with her younger brothers.”

From an early age, Michaela aspired to be a special education teacher. Jennifer says that ever since Michaela was in elementary school, she has been drawn to working with children with special needs. “It just happened naturally. She was drawn to their kind, caring, unselfish personalities,” she says. After spending recesses with them, eating lunch with them, and helping them out in the resource rooms, Michaela became a mini-mentor to the children with special needs in her school.

As soon as she was old enough, Michaela started volunteering time at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute. This last summer, she was hired as a recreational technician and is currently considering a career in Occupational Therapy. When she started high school, Michaela worked around her busy class schedule and extracurricular activities to still be able to visit the Munroe-Meyer Institute, as well as work in the resource room at her school.

For her sophomore class project, Michaela started a “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign.

She and her group set up a booth to teach people about the negative effects of the word “retard.” They also went out to elementary schools to spread the message. “Michaela will stop anyone in their tracks if she hears the word—whether she knows them or not!” adds Jennifer.

Despite sometimes being bullied over her choice of friends, Michaela hasn’t let anything stop her from growing closer to the students with special needs. In fact, she even took a student with special needs, who is also a close friend, to Homecoming with her last year. “It warmed my heart to see her giving [him] an opportunity that most kids take for granted!” says Jennifer.

For her senior project next year, Michaela has set a goal to hold a dance clinic for girls with special needs, which she wants to call “Dance-ability.” Although it’s just in the beginning stages, Jennifer knows her daughter will put her whole heart into it. “As Michaela has grown, so has her passion.

Helping the kids isn’t just fun or something to do—it’s who she is.

“She says she learns so much from these kids. I don’t even think she realizes what she does for them,” she adds. “Michaela is an excellent role model for both children and adults. Her acceptance of all people with special needs is something everyone can learn from.” Jennifer adds that even her other children have become much more considerate after hearing stories from Michaela. “My other kids will correct people and are following in her footsteps by wanting to volunteer at Munroe-Meyer.”

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• • • • February 2013

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LOCATIONS

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14303 U St.

402.493.0443

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2609 S. 132nd St.

1919 N. 90th St.

402.334.6933

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10770 Fort St. [NEC]

4840 Dodge St.

402.493.3257

402.558.2000

8315 West Center Rd.

1701 S. Galvin Rd.

402.393.2557

402.292.2685

Omaha, NE

Omaha, NE

Mom on the Rocks Daddy’s Storytime

W

inter is a bit tough for me. I’m finally figuring out the secrets of staying warm after living in Omaha for almost 10 years.

What gets me about winter is the dark. When the sun goes down, I’d like to punch my mommy time card and go to bed. Making fifth graders go to bed at 5 p.m. might be considered unstable. For that reason, and the fact that I don’t want to be awakened by a well-rested child at 4 a.m., I let them stay up. You see, I’m the morning parent, and, my husband Chris is the nighttime parent. This winter, the kids are unusually eager to go to bed and hear Daddy’s storytime. It occurred to me to ask the kids about Daddy’s storytime one morning.

Omaha, NE

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6901 S. 84th St. LaVista, NE

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It turns out the Daddy stories involve two particulars: It’s got to have some kind of moral to the story; and it apparently has to have some type of inappropriate function. Think flatulence. They relay a story about a gassy jaguar. I tell the kids that it’s funny and all, but please do not repeat any of that story at school. They look at each other, and then Lucy throws her dad under the bus “We know, Mom. Dad already told us that.”

I’m concerned the inappropriateness is trumping the moral to the story.

“So,” I ask, “What was the moral of the gassy jaguar story?”

Go All In

Max chimes in, “That everyone has a gift to use and help others with it.”

Perhaps I’m just jealous. I’m not good at making up stories. I’m good at making breakfast. So I hand Max his breakfast burrito that I’ve crafted and say, “The eggs will make you have stinky gas.”

with year-round swim lessons!

He shoots a look at me to make sure it’s okay to giggle. The sly grin on my face confirms he should laugh. So he does.

There’s no moral to my eggs. But the kids ate all of their breakfast that SPECTRUM day.

family

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• readonlinenow.com February 2013 • • • •

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What’s on Your Mind?

Communicating with Your Teen

“W

e have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we talk.”

I’m not sure where this quote originated, but it holds a lot of wisdom. Communication can be challenging for teens and their parents. The following comments are not representative of all teens, but they are a good example of the frustration some feel when trying to talk to mom or dad.

“I don’t like talking to my mom because I talk one minute and then she talks five. I never get to say anything anyway.”

“Every time I ask my dad for help, I get a lecture.”

“They jump to conclusions before I’ve even finished talking.”

“They ask too many questions and don’t even give me time to respond. If I don’t answer quickly enough, they think I’m lying and trying to make something up.”

“They have to know everything when I don’t even know everything. When I say ‘I don’t know,’ it usually means I really don’t know.”

Do you see what they have in common? The underlying issue is teens wanting to be heard. Let them do the talking. Focusing on what they are saying and giving them time to respond to questions lets them know that that their thoughts are important to you.

I asked one young woman how she knows when her parents are listening to her. After a moment she replied, “How do you know I’m listening to you?” This is a perfect example of the importance of giving teens time to fully answer questions. Her answer could be interpreted as disrespectful, but I waited to let her clarify. She followed up her question with examples of how she shows that she’s listening and said that’s what she looks for when talking to her parents. She was thinking about how the question related to her, but if I’d stopped her in the middle I wouldn’t have known.

To sum it up: listen more, talk less. Is it a coincidence that “listen” and “silent” are made up of the SPECTRUM same letters?

family

ring featuldren’s

Chispital &enter Ho dical Cat Care Me g Gre in Providids for K

Submitted by: Deb Fuller Mental Health Therapist, Real Life Counseling

ur g Yo ss nnin Fitne Pla ays of ily s Fam 12 D oiceance of V n port Tee

Something on your mind? Send in your questions to Deb, and she might answer them in this column. Submit them to reallifecounseling@cox.net with ‘Family Spectrum’ in the subject line.

Im The

14 •

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• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

Step 2: Heading off Aggression. Reduce your child’s aggression by setting expectations, providing clear and consistent consequences, and praising non-aggressive behaviors.

Step 3: Responding. If your child becomes aggressive, it is important to provide consequences.

Step 4: Catching good behavior. Reward and praise your child for using their words when they are frustrated.

Taming Your Child’s Aggression

S

It is important that you help your child identify their triggers and prompt your child to cool down when they are upset. These strategies help build awareness and improve your child’s ability to regulate their emotion and reduce their aggression.

Aggressive Behaviors Aggressive behaviors can change as the child grows and develops. Some common aggressive behaviors a child may display include: • Biting or pinching • Playing rough with others • Screaming and yelling • Hitting others or himself • Throwing objects

Minimizing Misbehavior As much as possible, parents are encouraged to stay consistent in discipline. Parents can minimize aggressive behavior with a few techniques that include: • Keeping your cool • Minimizing ‘high-risk’ situations • Avoiding negotiation • Teaching alternative positive behaviors • Having clear expectations

Responding to Aggression For parents who are experiencing frequent childhood aggression, the Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health recommends: Step 1: Observing. Watch your child during aggressive outbursts and see if there is a pattern that occurs before your child’s actions.

When to Seek Help If your child has frequent outbursts daily for several days or weeks or is causing physical injury to himself or others, contact your pediaSPECTRUM trician.

ome aggressive behavior is a typical part of child development, especially between the ages 3-9. Often a child uses aggressive actions to communicate their strong feelings to compensate for their limited verbal and reasoning skills. Understanding how to respond and minimize your child’s aggression can teach him or her how to communicate positively and help curtail future outbursts.

family

Written by: Kristen Abbondante, Ph.D. Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health Kristen Abbondante is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Boys Town Center for Behavioral Health. This center is for children living in Omaha who exhibit troubling or challenging behavior. The clinic is located in the Village of Boys Town and is open for new appointments. For questions, please call 402-498-3358.

Taming Your Child’s Aggression Find out when it’s just a stage and when it’s crossed the line.

Take home tips on: Minimizing aggressive triggers Responding to defiance Dealing with peer aggression and anger

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Parent TALK • 15

Unlocking the Secret Crime

I

t’s one of those topics that no one really wants to talk about. In fact, even as I write this, I’m choosing my words very, very carefully. I want to be respectful of how readers have chosen to discuss this subject with their children. But the ugly truth is that silence and shame are the two strongest weapons in the hands of a child abuser. By being open and aware, we fight back.

Within the past year, events at Penn State and elsewhere have made it almost impossible to ignore the specter of child sexual abuse in this country. As much as we hope and pray that all children are safe, the sad reality is that children in Omaha are being abused every day—most often in their own homes. It’s horrible, and it’s traumatic. But it’s also evidenced by the steady need of services like Project Harmony and Lutheran Family Services’ RSafe® program.

Perhaps one of the more frightening aspects of the whole issue is the grooming of the victims and the abuse of trust. The bad guy doesn’t always jump out of the bushes. As was the case at Penn State, he was a friend, a coach, and a trusted mentor. And even with warning signs, he collected victims for years without being stopped. Perpetrators usually don’t stop unless someone intervenes.

Annie was just 7 when her mom realized something wasn’t right. The “games” that an older boy wanted to play made her feel, well…funny. One day, Annie casually mentioned these secret “games” to her mother, who quickly realized that her daughter was being victimized and had been for some time. She found help for her broken-hearted family in the RSafe® program.

Annie’s mom says, “No one is prepared for this happening to them. There is no manual for how to deal with this. You have to go to the experts.” Annie, who is now several years older, says she clearly understands that what happened was not her fault. She’s moved on in a healthy way.

Omaha has a history of working successfully with issues of incest, child sexual abuse, and with children ages 10-14 who act out sexually. Lutheran Family Services actually started working with adult perpetrators 25 years ago with services that have grown into the successful RSafe® program—which includes treatment for the entire family.

In 2011, RSafe® therapists treated 228 child sexual abuse victims—52 percent boys, 48 percent girls. Experts believe as many as one out of four children have been sexually abused in some way. Project Harmony was established in 1996 to eliminate the need for victims to be repeatedly re-examined or having to re-tell their story. Now, Project Harmony is considered a best practice on how to deal with the immediate crisis after discovery of abuse. RSafe® picks up from there with the longer-term therapy. In fact, LFS recently moved its RSafe® therapists into Project Harmony’s expanded building at 120th and Q streets in Omaha.

If any good can come from what happened at Penn State, perhaps it is a new willingness to talk about child sexual abuse, especially with the children themselves. They need to understand good touch and bad touch—and how adults should never be telling them to keep secrets from their parents or guardians. And beyond that, a societal understanding that while abuse is damaging, the victims are not damaged. Appropriate therapy, counseling, and support can heal and strengthen those who experience this most intimate trauma.

Myth: Occurrences of sexual abuse and incest are rare in the United States.

Fact: Incest is more common than most people dare to believe. Clinicians and researchers estimate that one million or more children under the age of 18 are currently involved in incestuous relationships. A national study in 1986 indicated that 35 percent of all children under age 18 had been sexually abused.

Myth: A discussion of sexual abuse will just frighten children.

Fact: It is important for children to receive information about sexual assault for their own protection. Inaccurate or no information is SPECTRUM more damaging to children.

family

To reference more myths and facts, visit www.lfsneb.org/ behavioralhealth/sexualabuse.myths.asp.

Written by: Bev Carlson, APR Director of Public Relations, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska You can contact Bev with comments or story ideas at bcarlson@lfsneb.org or 402 978-5646.

16 •

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• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

Family Spectrum’s Writer’s Corner

Proudly Presented by:

Scott

Scott is a 6th grader at St. James/ Seton School. His hobbies are basketball and soccer.

Sco t t

Scott’s Family

by Scott

Hi my name in Scott. I am 11 years old. I live in Omaha, Nebraska. I have two cats named Tiger and Angel. I also have two sisters named Emma and Molly and no brothers. Sometimes I wish I had brothers. I go to St. James/Seton School. My favorite subject is spelling because I like spelling words out. My hobbies are soccer and basketball. I like soccer because everyone in my family encourages me…also with basketball, everyone encourages me. My mom is AWESOME because she can get all of her kids to soccer practices, etc., she is nice, and always knows how to make everyone’s day. My dad encourages me to work very hard and to

• readonlinenow.com February 2013 • • • •

8702 Pacific St., Countryside Village (402) 392–2877 www.bookwormomaha.com

always do my very best. My sister (Emma) loves soccer with all her heart; she never gives up and is always in a super good mood. She always keeps her promises and she works hard at everything and I think of her as a good role model and she works hard on her schoolwork to keep her grades up. She helps me on my schoolwork.

On the other hand my other sister (Molly) and I have different opinions on things. Molly and I are close to the same age. She is 13 and I am 11. We are eighteen months apart. She is fun to play with and I know she will help me on homework if I ask her for help.

I am glad God picked this family for me.

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• 17

Academic Competitions Encouraging Skills Necessary for the Future

I

n recent years, many school districts have seen a surge in participation in scholastic competitions, such as spelling and geography bees and math contests. The reason? Educators and parents are recognizing these competitions offer great opportunities for children to not only improve academically but also develop other skills critical to success later in life, and they are encouraging more kids to get involved.

“Learning and innovation skills increasingly are being recognized as the skills that separate students who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century and those who are not. A focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration is essential to prepare students for the future,” explains the website Partnership for 21st Century Skills (www.p21.org), which strives to provide a framework for education in today’s schools.

18 •

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From elementary to high school, there are plenty of academic contests that compel students to apply these skills in a fun, competitive way. Here are a few of the many local competitions available in Omaha: the Douglas County Spelling, Quiz Bowl, MATHCOUNTS, and Battle of the Books.

Spelling Bee There are many spelling bees in the Omaha area, but one of the more notable bees is the Douglas County Spelling Bee. This year’s Douglas County Spelling Bee will be hosted at Brownell-Talbot School (home school to the 2012 Douglas County Spelling Bee Champion).

• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

Written by: Bailey Hemphill • Photos by: Bill Sitzmann

Kyle, 8, Madison, 12, and Luke, 11, find countries on the globe.

“The purpose of the Douglas County Spelling Bee is to bring students from schools within Douglas County (but not part of the larger school districts, for they hold their own bees) to compete against one another for a chance to be crowned the Douglas County Spelling Bee Champion and the rights to advance onto the Midwest Spelling Bee,” says Erica Bradford, middle school teacher at BrownellTalbot School and person in charge of this year’s Douglas County Spelling Bee. Bradford explains that various schools in the county select a winner within their school between grades 4-8 to compete in the Douglas County Spelling Bee. “[The] winner will advance to the Midwest Spelling Bee here in Omaha. That student will then compete against nearly 90 other students from across the state of Nebraska and western Iowa. The winner of the Midwest Spelling Bee will then advance to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.,” adds Bradford.

• readonlinenow.com February 2013 • • • •

“Spelling bees help students academically by being exposed to a wide range of words from a variety of languages of origin, as well as technical and scientific words,” says Bradford. “Being exposed to this wide range will certainly help students in the areas of reading, vocabulary, and writing.” Bradford also believes the spelling bee is beneficial for students’ public speaking skills because being onstage in front of peers while trying to spell words aloud can prepare them for future public speaking opportunities where the content is more complex.

To prepare for any spelling bee—be it the Douglas County Spelling Bee or a school-sanctioned bee—Bradford suggests >>

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• 19

<< that students and their parents utilize the study material from their teachers and from the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s website (www.spellingbee.com).

Quiz Bowl Quiz Bowls are academic competitions between two teams of kids (five to a team) with 15-second, rapid-fire questions and an electronic buzzer.

During a typical Quiz Bowl, there are 24 teams playing a minimum of two games in a double-elimination tournament with each match lasting approximately two minutes. The kids sit at two different tables with buzzers and answer one of two types of questions: toss or bonus. With a toss question, anyone can answer. With a bonus question, the team collaborates to answer.

To prepare for Quiz Bowls, students can attend practice sessions at the schoolsponsored site and work with their teams individually.

“It’s not only about what you know but about how well you can work with your team,” says John Thomsen, high ability learner advisory coordinator with ESU #3’s Professional Development Department in Douglas County. According to Thomsen, the Quiz Bowl that ESU #3 sponsors includes 18 school districts across the Omaha area. The Quiz Bowls generally happen throughout the entire school year with two competitions in the fall, one in January, and two in the spring.

Two upcoming Quiz Bowls will take place at ESU #3 (6949 S 110th St). Grades 6-8 will compete on March 20, and grades 4-6 will compete on March 21.

MATHCOUNTS The MATHCOUNTS Competition Program is one of many math competitions available to students in Omaha. It’s a national middle school coaching and competitive mathematics program that promotes mathematic achievement through a series of fun and engaging “bee” style contests.

The competition consists of up to four different rounds: • The Sprint Round (40 minutes): This round tests accuracy with time being such that only the most capable students will complete all 30 of the problems without calculators.

• The Target Round (30 minutes): This round features eight multi‑step problems that engage Mathletes in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving processes with the use of calculators.

• The Team Round (20 minutes): This round features 10 problems and permits team interaction and the use of calculators.

• The Countdown Round: This round is a fast-paced, oral competition for topscoring individuals (based on scores in the Sprint and Target Rounds). Pairs of Mathletes compete against each other and the clock to solve problems without calculators.

For this particular math contest, students enrolled in grades 6-8 are eligible; however, participation is limited to three years for each student, not counting the years of participation in the school-based coaching phase.

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Battle of the Books Each year, students in the Omaha area have the opportunity to participate in Battle of the Books. The program started as a voluntary reading incentive program for students in grades 3-12, but it has since grown to encourage students to compete with their peers while reading.

Students read books from a list given to the school districts that year. (Most school libraries should have copies of each book on the list.) Students can count the books they’ve already read, but they cannot count books they’ve seen as movies. Students are encouraged to keep a summary of the books they’ve read, so they can review “before battle.”

The local battle usually occurs in March or April, giving the students the majority of the school year to complete their reading lists. A typical “battle” is a full-day game in which students’ teams earn points by answering trivia questions about the books correctly. The teams play several rounds, each against a different team; at the end of the morning, points are totaled, and the two teams with the most points are invited to a “Grand Battle.” These two teams will also be given the opportunity to participate in the regional and statewide battles.

Thomsen believes all of these competitive programs are beneficial to students’ development of the major skills outlined by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills website. “The idea is to sharpen their social and academic skills. The ideas of collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking are fostered SPECTRUM throughout all of these programs,” he says.

family

If your child is interested in academic competitions like Spelling Bees, Quiz Bowls, MATHCOUNTS, Battle of the Books, or other school-sponsored competitions, talk to teachers or administrators within your child’s school district about how to get involved.

• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

2013 Omaha’s Best Family

Dennis E. Pate, Executive Director/CEO

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

W

e are very pleased to receive the awards for ‘Best Family Entertainment’ and ‘Best Children’s Attraction’ from Omaha Magazine. Our visitors have voted in the magazine and voted with their feet, setting new attendance records for the year. In addition to our animals and exhibits, Omahans treasure the zoo because it brings their families together in a fun, educational experience that is never the same.

O

maha Magazine’s Best of Omaha® Contest is now in its 21st year!

Since 1992, Omahans have been voting for their favorite local businesses in the pure, popular voting contest that is Best of Omaha®. Over 30,000 voters cast more than 725,000 votes in our annual contest—an all-time record! Best of Omaha® is audited by the accounting firm Goracke & Associates, and media partners KETV 7 and Valpak helped promote the contest. Their support not only expands our audience but also lends credibility and enhances community involvement in Best of Omaha®.

• readonlinenow.com February 2013 • • • •

This year, there were 218 categories total to vote in, as well as a brand-new FAMILY section.

Omahans logged on to tell us their favorite Kids Summer Camp, Swim Lessons, Family Dentist, Cheerleading Club, Laser Tag, Pediatrician, and more. We congratulate the businesses who received the top votes and are honored that so many winners proudly include the Best of Omaha® Winner’s Circle logo in their promotions.

We encourage you, our Family Spectrum readers, to continue supporting your favorite Omaha businesses and to personally congratulate them on their Best of Omaha® status—they earned it! Now, for the 2013 FAMILY Winner’s Circle list... best of omaha® 2013 • 21

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• • • • February 2013

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• readonlinenow.com February 2013 • • • •

Or you can read the online version at

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FAMILY THERAPY Arbor Family Counseling Boys Town Family Therapy Heartland Family Service

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24 • best of omaha® 2013

• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

PRESCHOOL Montessori Educational Centers Inc. 402-393-1311 www.omahamontessori.com

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26 •

live•love•grow

T

he Winter “Blahs”—everybody gets them, even our children. It can be difficult to stay focused on responsibilities that do not seem like a lot of fun. Speaking as a former classroom teacher, the winter months always dragged more slowly, and I could see many of my students losing their energy for learning that was so apparent in the previous months. It was during this time that I put special emphasis into trying to make learning as enjoyable as I could for my students, and parents can certainly do the same thing at home.

Schoolwork is always more enjoyable for your children when they have a partner—and what better partner to have than you! Giving your child some one-on-one personal attention when they are working on assignments is a great way for them to show you what they have learned while feeling loved and noticed. This is especially true of children who usually have to share their parents with one or more siblings. Think of how special your child will feel when they hear you say to a sibling, “I’ll be with you in a moment. This is your brother’s/sister’s time with me right now.”

Coming from a family of six children, one-on-one time with my mom or dad was rare, but when I got it, I loved it!

Written by: Deborah Gleich-Bope, M.S. Ed, Graduate Assistant, UNO Educational Administration and Supervision Department.

Deb is currently working toward her doctorate degree after 15 years as a teacher and school counselor.

• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

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Parents should be sure to check in with their child’s teacher during the winter months just to be sure that all is going well. I was happy to hear from parents who just wanted to be sure their child was keeping up in class and behaving appropriately in my classroom. Not only did this make me feel supported by the parent, but the child knew that I was in contact with their mom or dad and that, together, we were keeping an eye on them. In turn, I would try my best to make positive phone calls home when I saw children who were still doing their best at school as well as call parents who perhaps needed to give their child a little boost of support to stay focused while in the classroom.

Parents can also keep their children focused on school by establishing an incentive system at home. Charting your child’s successes at home is always a positive thing, but attaching small rewards during the winter months can add a touch of excitement and fun to bringing home good work. For example, offer your child a movie and popcorn party when they pass their spelling tests. Place a phone call to the teacher to find out if all assignments have been turned in that week, and if they have, tell your children that you are bringing home pizza. If you get a good report about their behavior at school, and they have been kind to others in their classroom, take them out bowling. When your children earn rewards, they feel empowered and successful, which can only lead to more positive things for them in the future.

Winter months can be long and tedious as we all await the return of chirping birds and the joy of leaving the house without a coat. However, by doing just a few of the simplest things, we can keep our children focused on their studies and build bonds with our little ones through learning that will last long past the freezing SPECTRUM temperatures.

Pick up a free copy at more than 150 locations throughout the Omaha area or subscribe and have them delivered to your door for a nominal $5.95 per year for 6 issues.

family

• readonlinenow.com February 2013 • • • •

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• 27

February is Heart Month Enter to win 1 of 5 FREE Heart Healthy Cookbooks!

Does this statement describe you?

HURRY!

Email kgeorge@nebeef.org with ‘I Love Beef’ in the subject for your chance to win The Healthy Beef Cookbook!

Contest ends February 24th

"Be Big" in the Itty Bitty City Work and play in a 10,000 square foot kid-powered metropolis filled with an airport, ambulance, bank, construction site, park, news station and more.

Save the day by becoming an everyday hero or even a superhero. Big adventures await in Itty Bitty City.

28 •

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• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

February 2013 Event Calendar Don’t miss the fun! Clip and put on your fridge.

sunday

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

27 28 29 30 Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow - Living With the Atomic Bomb Through March 16 • Strategic Air & Space Museum Ashland, Neb. (402) 944-3100 • sasmuseum.com

31

friday 1

saturday 2 Groundhog Day

This traveling exhibit explores the ways Americans experienced the atomic threat as part of their daily lives. Revisit a time when the nation was constantly under siege from messages of pending atomic annihilation and find out how people coped.

3

4

5

6

7

8

9 Kite Flying Day

George and Martha: Tons of Fun March 1-17 • The Rose Theater 1200 Mike Fahey St. (402) 345-4849 • rosetheater.org The whole family will love this hilarious musical with important lessons about friendship. The story of hippos George and Martha is told with the help of a crocodile, pig, and dog cabaret act.

10

11

12

13

14

Lincoln’s Birthday

17

18

19

15

16

Valentine’s Day

20

21

22

23 Washington’s Birthday

President’s Day

Nature Connects Feb. 16 – May 17 • Lauritzen Gardens 100 Bancroft St. (402) 346-4002 • lauritzengardens.org What do LEGO® bricks have to do with nature? Visit the gardens to see 27 larger-than-life LEGO® sculptures and learn how nature is interconnected.

24

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26

3 4 5 Cowboy Poetry and Music Jam Feb. 26 • Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch State Historical Park Merriman, Neb. (308) 684-3428 • outdoornebraska.org

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1

2

6

7

8

9

Escape the city and venture west to Bowring Ranch to enjoy a day among cowboy and cowgirl poets and musicians as they portray cowboy life.

To learn more about events from around the state, go to www.VisitNebraska.gov. Click on “Things to Do.”

• readonlinenow.com February 2013 • • • •

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• 29

Submitted by: Nebraska Travel and Tourism • Photo provided by: Fontenelle Forest

On The Go! Introduce Your Family to Old Man Winter’s Fun Side

O

ne of the beauties of Nebraska is the opportunity to experience all the seasons. Breathe in the aroma of blooming lilacs in the spring, bask in the sun along a lakeshore in the summer, and tromp through a corn maze in autumn. But what about winter? If you are wondering what your family can do to embrace the cold weather, check out these ideas for seasonal adventures.

Get Out and Explore Some winter sports can put a dent in the family budget, but snowshoeing is an inexpensive and fun way to enjoy the outdoors. In fact, you can rent snowshoes and trekking poles at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in Bellevue for two hours for just $5. Then just add warm clothes, waterproof boots and, of course, snow!

Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods offer 16 miles of superb snowshoeing trails, according to Brad Watkins, director of communications at Fontenelle Forest. “Beginners can start out on the flat trails in Fontenelle Forest’s floodplain,” Watkins said. “More advanced snowshoers can tackle the upland trails that feature numerous climbs and descents in excess of 150 feet.” Reservations, though not required, are recommended. Call 402731-3140 up to seven days in advance.

You can also rent snowshoes at the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Outdoor Venture Center and explore the area’s hiking and biking trails, or visit Platte River State Park near Louisville.

Outdoor and Indoor Options Speaking of state parks, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park near Ashland offers a full slate of winter activities. When the snow falls, bundle up and hit the sled or toboggan runs (bring your own equipment). An outdoor ice skating rink operates when the weather cooperates, and you can rent skates at the park. Or drop your line for a little ice fishing at Qwest Lake.

Call ahead for snow and ice conditions, 402-944-2523 ext. 7122.

When you’re ready to warm up, grab a hot chocolate in the snack bar, create a take-home souvenir in the Craft Center, or discover the Activity Center’s indoor playground. Remember, a park permit is required for vehicles entering the park.

Road Trip If your family is looking to get away, pack up the car and take a road trip north to Ponca State Park. Situated astride the picturesque Missouri River bluffs, this gem of a park offers year-round lodging with discount rates during the winter months. Reserve a luxurious mini-lodge with four bedrooms, two full baths and modern-day amenities including a big screen TV, cable, wireless Internet, and a wood fireplace.

The park’s Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center is open year-round and offers naturalist programs on weekends during the winter. Park trails are groomed, so bring your cross-country skis or enjoy an exhilarating winter hike.

Find more winter activities or events at VisitNebraska.com.

familySPECTRUM

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• • • • February 2013

familyspectrum •

Your Safety.

Our Priority.

Ten Ways to Show Kids You Love Them Secure children properly every time they ride in a car.

Make sure they ride in the back seat and they use a seat appropriate for their age, height and weight. Also be sure the seat is installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be a good example by wearing your seat belt.

5.

Plan and practice two escape routes out of the house and each room. These should be practiced spontaneously at night, because more than half of fire deaths in the home occur between 11pm and 6am.

6.

Install plastic safety covers in unused outlets. This will prevent curious fingers from becoming electrocuted.

2.

Give children the protective gear they need for safe bike riding. Always have them wear an approved bike helmet to avoid head injuries. Check the bike for proper brakes and tires.

7.

Store medicines and household products locked up and out of reach. These items are poisonous and can hurt or kill a child. Post the National Poison Center’s number in your home: 1-800-222-1222.

3.

Install smoke alarms in every sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test smoke alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.

8.

Teach your child how and when to dial 9-1-1. Children need to know how to use this lifesaving information.

9.

Have your child’s fingerprints on record. This can help police identify your child if they are ever kidnapped.

10.

Keep any firearms locked, unloaded and stored out of reach. Secure ammunition in a separate, locked location.

1.

4.

Keep matches, lighters, candles and other heat sources out of children’s reach. Playing with matches and lighters is a leading cause of fire deaths for children ages five and under.

Babysitting Classes Prepare your pre-teen or teen to care for infants and young children!

Babysitting Class Schedule

All classes held on Saturday 8:00AM-4:00PM 2013 Dates: February 2, March 23, April 13, May 4, June 22, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 5, November 9, December 21 Tuition $65, Includes Lunch Class includes: • First Aid and CPR • What to do in case of an illness or injury • Evaluating emergency situations and calling 911 • Changing diapers • Feeding (bottle and spoon) and burping • Games and activities to keep youngsters happy

Students receive a Certificate of Completion good for two years!

Call 402-898-7369 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org. to register!

Adult & Pediatric FA/CPR/AED Combined Class!

2013 Schedule

Certificate: First Aid 3 Years, CPR/AED 2 Years Saturday Daytime Classes Adult and Pediatric First Aid Only Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED Only Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR/AED

Time 8:00-12:00 1:00-5:00 8:00-5:00

Tuition $60 $65 $75

2013 Saturday Class Dates: February 9, March 16, April 20, May 11, June 8, July 20, August 24, September 21, October 19, November 16, December 7 All classes held at National Safety Council, Nebraska 11620 M Circle (120th & L) Call 402-896-0454 or visit www.SafeNebraska.org for more informaton or to register!

Journey

Childhood is a

Nationally recognized behavioral health counseling is right here at Boys Town Pediatrics.

At every Boys Town Pediatrics clinic you’ll find highly trained child and adolescent counselors who understand the challenges kids face. Families can find help for behavioral problems, emotional concerns, school performance issues, peer relationships, substance abuse – and for any other concern that may arise along your journey.

Find a pediatrician or counselor near you. boystownpediatrics.org

BOYS TOWN

Pediatrics ®