1012 RM Parent Magazine

OCTOBER 2012 • RMPARENT.COM

Can you make your baby

smarter?

Handle fighting kids Fall fun Green Halloween Tricks for treats Safe cycling

Special section:

Winter

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OCTOBER 2012

Departments

Special Section

Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Winter Fun & Fit

Balancing act—keeping kids safe while giving them some leash

AS WE GROW. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Don’t make me come back there—how to handle fighting kids and teach respect

Explore the possibilities for this winter and see what programs these providers have for your families.

Winter

fun

&fit

Family activities . . . . . . 10 Fun by day, haunted by night—corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, petting zoos, and more

Healthy living. . . . . . . . . 12

Make the scene with a green Halloween—lowcost, low-waste costumes use refocused, repurposed stuff

Community news. . . . . 14 Community Read 2012 selects Unbroken, Debut Theatre Company presents Nancy Drew: Detective, The Learning House receives tuition-assistance grant

Nutrition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Tricks for treats—handling the Halloween horror

Safe Kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Street smarts for young bikers—teach your kids about safe cycling

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Events and activities for parents, kids and families

Time Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Anything can happen—keeping our kids safe in an uncertain world

School District News Thompson School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 What does it mean to be a STEM School?, Thompson School Board selects Scheer as interim superintendent

Poudre School District. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

ADVERT

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Features 20 Can you make your baby smarter?

Babies don’t need special items to develop well. Everyday life and what they encounter is often more than enough.

Singing along to a silly song does just as much, or more, to stimulate a future mathematician as playing Mozart CDs. Tupperware containers and wooden spoons challenge a baby’s brain just as well as “intellectual” or “educational” toys. So put down that glossy toy magazine and tickle your baby’s toes or make funny faces at her.

Watching, listening and playing with you is really where it’s at for her brain development.

Grandmother delighted to assist Putnam teachers, PSD completes projects, calendar of events

Greeley-Evans District 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Greeley Central presents Thunder on Sycamore Street, District 6 honors students for stellar achievement on state standards

Lunchbox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 School menus for Poudre, Thompson, Greeley-Evans and Windsor

ABOUT THE COVER: Lea Ramer, 17, stars as Nancy Drew in the upcoming Debut Theatre production of “Nancy Drew: Detective.” Photo by Cheri Schonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com.

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perspective Balancing act

keeping kids safe while giving them some leash

W

e all want to be safe. And even more than that we want our kids to be safe. But we can’t be with them every minute of every day. That theme came through in a couple of stories from this month’s issue and it caught my attention. The first story I read was from Kris Kodrich, Anything can happen p42. Kris is a professor of journalism at CSU and in the summers, he and his family visit Nicaragua where his wife is from. He makes a couple of very good observations: that you can prepare your kids but you can’t control every situation and that anything can happen anywhere, even right here in our own backyard.

Bevin Barber-Campbell makes a related point in her story, Street smarts for young bikers, p14. She says that you can’t control what happens, but that you can take time to teach your kids and make cycling as safe as possible.

These accounts rang true with me. We traveled by train and bus to Oaxaca, in southern Mexico, when Aly was 6 months old and she did great. There’s a great dynamic that happens when you travel with kids on public transportation. We also lived in Chile for a semester in the fall of ‘89, when the first post-Pinochet president was being elected. Aly was 3 years old and Andy was 8 months old when we arrived. Again the kids traveled well, got all kinds of attention and had loads of fun.

On the bicycling side, I can absolutely relate. Our kids lived on the their bikes. We lived up Poudre Canyon in Poudre Park and the kids would ride around on the quiet gravel road. Hazards were mainly slick gravel on the hill and the occasional slow-moving car. They spent a lot of time looking down when they rode, which didn’t work so well for Andy when we moved to town. He road his bike into a parked car and a parked boat. I guess, hazards are relative.

We boated a lot up the canyon too. And as Bevin mentions with cycling, we took all the safety precautions—helmets, wetsuits, throw line and swimming practice—but we still can’t control everything. Sometimes bad things happen despite our best efforts. We were on one trip and a raft flipped at the top of a long rapid. Everyone was accounted for except a young girl who road out the rapid under the overturned raft. She was shaken but fine. I think we were more scared.

I guess where I’m going with this is to say that kids are going to be kids and ride their bikes and play in the lake and just plain run around, and that’s a good thing.

The goal for parents is to prepare our children to live well in the world, to help them learn to take risks, but to not get too hurt in the process. We’re guides, who can let them grow how they will while providing as safe of an environment as we can. It’s a balancing act.

Check out our other great stories in this issue. Get some Halloween and fall festival ideas from Ann Schimke (Green Halloween, p12), Richard Keller (Tricks for treats, p16), and Katie Harris (Fall festivals, p 10).

And check out the calendar too!

Thanks for reading, —Scott Titterington, Publisher

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OCTOBER 2012 • Volume 18, Number 4 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com Calendar editor Aly Titterington calendar@rockymountainpub.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Angela Isaac, (970)391-5212 angela.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION Wendee Brungardt, Sharon Klahn, Rob’s Bike Courier Service COVER PHOTO Cheri Shonfeld, schonfeldphotography.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bevin Barber-Campell, Katie Harris, Richard Keller, Kris Kodrich, Ann Schimke, Lynn Utzman-Nichols ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING 825 Laporte Ave., Fort Collins, CO 80521 Voice 221-9210 Fax 221-8556 editor@rockymountainpub.com www.RMParent.com Rocky Mountain Parent magazine is published monthly by Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. Publication of this paper does not consitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. RMP reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The opinions expressed by contributors or writers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rocky Mountain Publishing. ©2012 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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as we grow

Don’t make me come back there!

How to handle fighting kids and teach respect L y n n U t z m a n - N i c h ol s

M

ost of us remember drawing that invisible line across the back seat of the car, the one our brother or sister could not cross. If they did, words and fists would surely fly. Now our kids are doing the same thing and ideas pop out of our mouths that we didn’t know we entertained, like: “I’ll pull over and kick you both out!” Or, “Don’t make me come back there!” Being on the other side of sibling relationships gives us a whole new perspective (and a new respect for our parents)! Most of us are uncomfortable, and often annoyed, when our kids fight. This might help: studies show that moderate amounts of conflict are actually good for our kids, teaching them important life skills like negotiation and assertiveness. Granted, once that line is crossed and fists and hair flies, the benefits go out the window. Here are some ideas on how to handle it when your kids fight.

Define non-negotiables Now it’s your turn to draw some lines that can’t be crossed: List four to five simple rules of relating that can never be broken.

Your list might include name calling, physical fighting, using the hate word with each other, or not asking permission to use personal stuff. Next, assign a consequence to each one. Set rules and consequences are less personal when you have to follow through. You can calmly point to the list and say, ‘you broke the rule, here’s the consequence.’ If it’s posted and agreed upon by everyone, kids are less likely to argue or feel like it’s not fair. Here’s the challenge: never give in on non-negotiables despite begging and promises to never do it again.

Give rewards and consequences It’s important to balance consequences with rewards. If your child breaks a nonnegotiable, give a short and realistic consequence and when you see him negoti

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ate or avoid a conflict, praise him. Try rewarding their good behavior by letting them choose a game to play or a special treat. Experts advise giving rewards intermittently as doing so provides an incentive to keep trying.

Rewards are especially important for aggressive or impulsive kids. Established reward systems can work well, as in a star every time they take positive action and having 5 stars add up to a reward. Yet reward systems need a good, long try—six months to a year.

Provide tools to solve conflicts Getting along with others is a learned skill. Teach your kids to use ‘I’ statements instead of ‘you’ statements.

Doing so promotes sharing personal emotions instead of blaming. Have them voice their needs clearly and succinctly and share their feelings about a conflict. Initiate conversations, talk about why their fighting was not okay and encourage them to share how the conflict made them feel. If your kids are frustrated, let them take a break and come back to discussing the problem or apologizing later.

Stop worrying about fairness ‘It’s not F-A-I-R!’ is a common war cry heard by parents. Resist the fairness trap where you worry about giving equal treatment. Some experts claim that without unequal treatment children never get their moment in the sun. Being the center of attention makes kids feel special and also teaches them to celebrate when others shine. When children complain about not getting equal treatment, what they really want is an extra hug, a moment of undivid-

ed attention or an acknowledgment of how they feel. Besides, it’s impossible to always be fair. Some things are unequal simply due to age, like certain privileges or activities.

Promote general respect Early on, reinforce the value of the sibling relationship. It’s true, sibling relationships are often the longest ones in our lifetimes.

While friends may come and go, siblings are there to stay. Show your kids you value their unity by praising them when they are kind, celebrating each others’ victories and giving encouragement during challenges. If you tell them they are a great brother or sister, they just might start believing it and act the part.

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family activities

Fun by day, haunted by night

Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, hayrides, petting zoos, and more K a t i e H a rr i s

L

eaves of every color and a chill to the nighttime air mean fall is upon us! This month, create a new family tradition or return to a longtime favorite as you spend a day at a local corn maze or pumpkin patch. Whether your kids revel in late-night frights, or prefer the milder daytime version, there’s fun to be had for everyone this season!

Anderson Farms 6728 CR 3 ¼, Erie 303-828-5210, www.andersonfarms.com If you go: Wander through a huge 30acre corn maze, or try the smaller maze for children ages 2-8. Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch, visit animal acres, have a go at pumpkin launching or have your picture taken in the “World’s largest cornucopia!” The corn maze is never haunted, but by night you can experience a hayride out to the cornfield for “Terror in the corn!”

Admission: Ages 4-12: $10; Adults: $12; Seniors: $10; Terror in the corn: $20.

Hours: M/T: 10am-4pm; W/Th: 10am6pm; F/Sa: 10am-11pm; Su: 10am-10pm.

Call for exceptions to schedule. Terror in the corn open Th-Su at 7pm, beginning Oct. 11.

Fritzler Corn Maze 20861 CR 33, LaSalle 970-737-2129, www.fritzlermaze.com If you go: Weave your way through a 15-acre maze designed in the image of Bronco’s new quarterback, Peyton Manning. While you’re there, hop aboard the paintball bus (but watch out for zombies), pick out the perfect pumpkin, or try out the Verti-scope for a one-of-a-kind vertigo experience. Visit the maze after hours for the haunted, Scream Acres version.

Admission: Non-scary child combo (ages 3-10): $10; Non-scary adult combo: $13; Haunted combo (all ages): $20.

Hours: M/T: closed; W/Th: open 5-9pm beginning Oct. 10; F: 5-10pm; Sa: 11am10

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10pm; Su: noon-6pm (no haunting).

Harvest Farm 4240 E CR 66, Wellington 970-568-9488, www.HarvestFarm.net If you go: Get lost in the 10thanniversary edition of the Harvest Farm 10-acre corn maze, feed the animals at the petting zoo, try your hand at the corn cannons or pumpkin smash, or send the kids for a ride on the barrel train. Don’t forget to visit the pumpkin patch for pumpkins, gourds and homemade honey products.

Admission: Grand opening Oct. 5-7: $10 admission for all! Regular cost: Ages 412: $10; Adults: $15; Seniors: $10.

Hours: Open weekends Oct. 5-28. F/Sa: 10am-9pm; Su: noon-7pm.

Daytime adult: $10; Senior: $8; Night admission: $16.

Hours: Th/Su: 11am-10pm; F/Sa: 11ammidnight. Oct. 29-31: 11am-10pm.

Osborn Farm 1230 South Boise Ave., Loveland www.osbornfarm.com If you go: Pick out the perfect pumpkin from the patch, or choose from a huge selection of gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks and straw bales for purchase.

Admission: No admission— priced per item.

Hours: Daily 10am-6pm.

Miller Farms 13912 CR 19 Platteville 970-785-6133, www.MillerFarms.net If you go: The Fall Harvest Festival is in full swing at Miller Farms! Not only will you have the opportunity to visit the petting zoo, navigate the corn maze, and play on the fire truck, you’ll experience real farm life as you ride the tractor out to the fields to dig up all the veggies you can carry, included in your admission.

Admission: Ages 4 and up: $15. Family of 4: $55 ($13/additional person).

Hours: Daily, 9am-6pm.

Something from the Farm 7755 Greenstone Trail, Fort Collins 970-221-3276 www.somethingfromthefarm.com If you go: Choose from 3 corn mazes spanning 16 acres of land, load up a wagon with pumpkins from the patch, go for a hayride or play on the hay ground.

By night the farm becomes “Fear at the Farm,” so watch out for ghosts and goblins in the haunted maze and on the hayride!

Admission: Daytime ages 5-12: $8; Daytime adult: $10; Daytime senior: $8; Fear at the Farm combo: $25.

Hours: M-F: Open at 3pm; Sa: Open at 10am; Su: Open at 1pm. Call for closing times, haunting schedule and schedule exceptions.

Northern Colorado Corn Maze 2318 S CR 5, Fort Collins 970-308-5843 www.northerncoloradocornmaze.com If you go: Enjoy the 15-acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo and pedal cars by day, and a haunted maze adventure by night. Northern Colorado Corn Maze will be passing out candy to trick-or-treaters who visit the farm in costume on Halloween as well!

Admission: Daytime ages 4-11: $8;

The Pumpkin Patch at Bartel’s Farm 3424 CR 54, Fort Collins 970-493-3853, www.thebartelsfarm.com If you go: Visit the farm animals, try the Punkin Chunkin, and take the kids through the children’s maze for free!

Decorations and pumpkins are available for purchase, and hayrides and the full-size corn maze have individual admission costs.

Admission: Hayrides: $2/person; Corn maze child: $6; Corn maze adult: $8.

Hours: Daily 10am-6pm.

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healthy living

Make the scene with a green Halloween Low-cost, low-waste costumes use refocused, repurposed stuff B y A n n Sc h i m ke

A

lmost every year, we do Halloween costumes on the cheap.

Last October, we spent less than $10 to complete a police officer and firefighter costume for my two boys, and a Pippi Longstocking costume for me. Not only was it low-cost, we kept the costumes earth-friendly by focusing on reusing and repurposing instead of buying new.

In fact, 3-year-old Aiden’s costume was completely free, anchored by a black firefighter-themed raincoat belonging to my nephew. We also added a firefighter hat and black rain boots we already owned. Finally, we used black hockey tape on a gray t-shirt to spell out “LFD” for Loveland Fire Department.

I did buy a thrift store buttondown shirt and a toy police kit with handcuffs and a gold badge for 5year-old Connor’s costume. A pilot’s hat we already owned doubled as a police hat and we made him a name plate with a safety pin and a piece of cardboard painted gold. For my Pippi costume, I bought a thrift store denim jumper, sewed felt patches on it and used tights and mismatched socks I already had.

For me, there are three rules of thumb for creating costumes that are cheap, green and appealing. First, plan ahead! Start cobbling together your items in early October so you’re not forced to purchase costumes whole-hog on Oct. 30.

Second, if you do buy certain items new, make sure they can be used regularly after Halloween. A couple years ago, I made Aiden a crayon costume using a new blue sweat suit as the base. Although I paid full price for it, he ended up wearing the pants and top (minus the black crayon stripes I’d added for Halloween) through the following winter.

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Third, borrow costume components from your friends, relatives and neighbors. It’ll save you money, and chances are you’ll be able to reciprocate down the line. When Connor and I decided to dress as mother-son construction workers two years ago, we relied on neighbors and in-laws for everything except the jeans, t-shirts and work boots. A more formal means of borrowing is a costume swap, which can be organized by moms clubs, play

bolts as desired. Use a blanket, towel or small tablecloth for a cape.)

Dalmatian Use white pants and white shirt with black fabric spots sewn on. (For a nosew option, try spots cut from selfadhesive black felt.) Use black face paint for the nose and whiskers, and fabric or paper for the ears and tail. This costume concept also works for bunnies, bears, cats and other animals.

Legos Cut holes for the neck, arm and legs in a medium-sized cardboard box. Glue six same-sized containers (margarine or frosting containers, or plastic Solo cups) to the front of the box. Paint the box and cups the desired color and wear clothes the same color under the box. If desired, make a hat out of a small cardboard box with one container glued to the top. The painted box base also works for robots, computers, cell phones and iPods.

groups or other parent organizations.

For a variety of simple DIY costumes, check out the following ideas: Super-heroes Use face paint and a pair of Spidey or Batman pajamas that you can repurpose for sleepwear after Halloween. (Or for a generic super hero, use tape to make your child’s first initial on a solidcolored shirt. Use matching pants or tights and add tape stripes or lightning

Bumble Bee Black leotard and tights with three to four bands of thick yellow tape evenly spaced across the torso to make stripes. Make wings using two wire hangers bent into wing shapes and covered with clear plastic bags. A version of this costume could work for butterflies and ladybugs too.

Safari guide Use khaki shorts and a white t-shirt as the base. Use a brown grocery bag to make a safari vest. (Make a cut down the front of the bag and make a neck hole in the bottom of the bag. Make two armholes in the sides of the bag.

Add pockets and nametags as desired.)

Make binoculars out of two toilet paper tubes and a piece of string. Add a sun hat and “wild” stuffed animal.

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community news PHOTO BY ROSS CUNIFF

Debut Theatre Company presents Nancy Drew: Detective

Haunted puppets at the Old Barn Theatre? An heiress in danger? Locked doors... secret rooms...old diaries...missing jewels...car chases...a lost fortune?

America’s favorite girl detective, Nancy Drew, is on the case! Accompanied by her best friends, Bess and George, Nancy investigates the Spencer house after its owners suspect that it is haunted. She finds that not everyone is who they say they are and not everything is as it seems. Debut Theatre Company brings Carolyn Keene’s beloved sleuth to the stage for audiences of all ages in this surprising, funny and spooky performance.

Based upon ND #39, The Clue of the Dancing Puppet, this tale is perfect for family Halloween entertainment (ages 6 and older) at Magnolia Theatre, Lincoln Center, 417 West Magnolia, FC. Fridays, Oct. 12 & 19, 7pm; Saturdays, Oct. 13 & 20, 1pm & 7pm: Sunday, Oct. 14, 1pm; $7 reserved seating , 221-6730, wwwlctix.com Marking its 22nd year, Debut Theatre (DTC) presents classic stories performed by young actors for family audiences. Debut Players–DTC’s signature 14

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troupe–is a regionally based auditioned group of 17 young actors between the ages of 12 and 17 years. True to the troupe structure, the actors of Debut Players are responsible for every aspect of this production: from sets, costumes and publicity to lights, sound, special effects, and acting. For information, go to www.debuttheatre.org.

Common Read 2012 selects Unbroken Northern Colorado Common Read (NCCR) is a community-wide reading initiative designed to bring people of all ages and from various libraries together to read, discuss and celebrate a single book. This unique program is a collaborative effort of library systems across the Front Range and Northern Colorado.

This year’s book, Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand was selected for its inspiring message of resilience, forgiveness and perseverance. Unbroken plays homage to The Greatest Generation and provides an opportunity to honor and relate to all veterans.

Unbroken has sold millions of cop-

ies and has remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than 93 weeks. This remarkable book tells the true life story of Louis Zamperini—a US Olympic athlete and WWII B-24 bombardier. In 1943, Zaperini’s US Army Air Forces plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean. He survived 47 days in a life raft only to be picked up by the Japanese navy and taken as a prisoner of war. The Washington Post claimed Unbroken to be “a meticulous, soaring and beautifully written account of an extraordinary life.”

The NCCR runs Oct. 1-Nov. 12 and will feature a variety of programs, book and film discussions, and other events that celebrate Unbroken and its themes.

Participating libraries: Aims Community College, Berthoud Community Library District, Boulder Public Library, Clearvies Library District, High Plains Library District, Sterling Public Library, Westminster Public Library.

The Learning House receives tuitionassistance grant The Learning House announced the receipt of a $13,000 grant from the Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation to be used to fund their Change for Children program, a tuition-assistance program for families in need.

The Learning House is Northern Colorado’s only nonprofit early childhood science and math school.

They work with children of all abilities between the ages of birth and 8, their parents, and the professionals responsible for the care and education of young children. They use a science and math curriculum to promote critical thinking and problem solving skills at an early age as well as a love for learning that will carry children throughout their school years.

The Learning House has a tuition assistance program for families.

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nutrition

Tricks for treats

Handling the Halloween horror R i c h a r d K eller

I

f you’ve made a trip to the supermarket in recent days you probably noticed an increased amount of candy on the shelves. This means one of two things. Either all of the dentists have gone on strike, or Halloween is on its way. A huge deal for the candy manufacturers, the holiday of ghosts, goblins, and ever-present zombies is utopia for your children. What other time can they travel to other people’s houses and ask for candy without getting a curious look?

Unfortunately, Halloween can be a true nightmare for parents, especially when attempting to maintain a home full of healthy and nutritious food. The good news is there are a few tricks to utilize in order to curb the overindulgence of Pixie Stixs by your children.

Set limits In days gone by children would dump all of their trick-or-treat goodies on the floor and gorge themselves till sick.

Even after parents “borrowed” all the good candy the kids still ended up queasy and lacking in energy for days on end.

In today’s world, when the annual ritual takes place in the hours between dinner and bedtime, this isn’t the best of ideas.

There is an alternative. Rather than your children eating to their hearts content on Halloween evening, try to convince them to stretch out their candy appreciation. First, allow them two to three pieces of candy the night of the holiday. Next, present the choice of bringing a piece of candy to school, as long as it’s permitted, or having one as a treat after dinner for the next week or so. The caveat–they must eat the fruits and vegetables you serve up before any candy is doled out. With this plan the amount of sugar intake is smaller and all the good candy they procure lasts longer.

Well, the good candy you don’t “borrow.”

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Bribe them In many cases it’s the quantity not the quality of candy that kids enjoy about Halloween. If this is the situation in your family there is some wiggle room, in the form of bribery, which can be taken advantage of once your children come home from their sugar march. Let your kids enjoy a few select pieces of candy and follow it up by an enticement for something more meaningful – new sports equip-

U.S. military troops deployed in harm’s way. In the end, your children help themselves as well as overseas soldiers who are grateful for a little bit of home.

ment, a meal out at a healthy restaurant, a trip – as exchange for giving up the rest of it up. You may be surprised at the willingness of your kids to pass up their precious sweets for something of value.

Even better, talk to your kids about the Halloween Candy Buyback program (http://www.halloweencandybuyback. com/). Each year local dentist offices like ToothZone take your candy in exchange for coupons used for restaurants, attractions and other services. In turn, the candy is packaged up and sent to Operation Gratitude or other groups that support

natives to the lollipops and Tootsie Rolls they are about to receive. In addition, you can pull together all the substitutes you’ve used over the last year. For instance, candies made with agave nectar rather than sugar, and flourless cookies or cakes made with dark rather than milk chocolate.

If the kids still insist on going out even with the party, get your neighbors together ahead of time and talk about alternatives to pre-packaged candy they could provide to your guests. If organized, the kids still enjoy trick-or-treating, but get some more substantial goodies in their bags.

Provide alternatives See if your kids are willing to forgo the traditional rush through the neighborhood if you agree to throw a Halloween party. This way they can have all of their friends over while you prepare smart and healthy alter-

Mission Statement: Inspired by the compassionate love of Christ, Lutheran Family Services walks with The Matthews House the vulnerable, through services that heal, strengthen, and provide hope.

970.266.1788 • www.lfsrm.org

“The support we receive from Realities for Children enables us to create truly special and memorable events for our fosterfutures children control of their lives, shape positive for - events that they look forward to every year.” themselves and become successful contributors — Julie Witkowski, Foster Care Program Director Partnered in service with 19 Affiliate Youth Agencies, Realities For Children Charities provides support for the unmet needs of abused and neglected children in Larimer County. Each month in Parent Magazine a different Realities For Children Affiliate Agency will be featured.

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Can you make your baby smarter?

Find out how your baby’s brain develops and ways to enhance its growth

Lynn Utzman-Nichols

W

e parents are hard on ourselves. Because we love our babies so much we want to do everything right—especially with the first. We feed them the best, most nutritious foods, keep them entertained and stimulated, make sure they are clean and well-dressed, and keep their diapers always dry. But we don’t stop there. In our endless quest to be perfect parents, we can get suckered into buying a mountain of toys, tools and playthings to enhance both their bodies and their brains.

By our second or third child we know the secret: babies don’t need special items to develop well. Everyday life and what they encounter is often more than enough. Singing along to a 18

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silly song does just as much, or more, to stimulate a future mathematician as playing Mozart CDs. Tupperware containers and wooden spoons challenge a baby’s brain just as well as “intellectual” or “educational” toys. Really. It’s true. So put down that glossy toy magazine and tickle your baby’s toes or make funny faces at her. Watching, listening and playing with you is really where it’s at for her brain development.

“Babies don’t need fancy toys to help develop their brains. What they need is interaction, and they get that through doing normal activities with parents and caregivers, like talking, reading, playing and singing,” says Dr. Mark Simmons a pediatrician/internist with

the Med Peds Clinic in Fort Collins.

How babies’ brains develop You may be surprised to learn that your baby has all the brain cells she’s ever going to have before she’s even born.

Don’t let that fool you. It doesn’t mean her intelligence is solely predetermined by genetics. To work, brain cells need to form connections.

“The brain is made up of billions of cells called neurons. Neurons require stimulation to grow and make connections,” says Dr. Meshelle Kolanz, a pediatrician with UCHealth’s Peakview Medical Center in Greeley. “The way to stimulate connections is interacting with your baby,” she adds.

“Think of the brain as a telephone wiring system,” says Simmons. The National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families’ Zero to Three report states that genes provide the basic wiring (cells) and specify the “number of telephones” and “relay stations” while life experiences create the vital connections to each telephone in every home and office.

“A lot of how a brain develops is ruled by genetics, but the connections gained through experience add or detract from those abilities,” states Simmons.

The first three years of life are most critical for brain development. There are known “windows of opportunity” when certain skills must be learned. If not, lifelong impairments can result.

One is eyesight. “If a baby has 20/20 vision in one eye and 20/200 in another and it goes undetected, the child will eventually go blind in the weaker eye,” says Kolanz. Don’t worry, vision is checked during most well-child visits.

If you can’t help but worry, observe your baby’s eye movements: “Make sure he is focusing on objects and tracking your movements by age two to three months,” advises Simmons. Another skill that must be in place is hearing. “If infants don’t hear speech, they won’t be able to learn language down the road,” adds Kolanz. Rest assured, hospital staff check all babies’ hearing before sending them home.

How to enhance your baby’s brain It’s a common question doctors hear: ‘How can I make my baby smarter?’

The answer? Simply live your life, with your baby by your side. “Normal interactions are more important than trying to rely on fad ideas or activities to help your baby’s brain develop,” says Simmons. With that said, keep the following ideas in mind while going about your business.

Provide good nutrition Brains love fats, especially when they are developing. “The number one way to enhance your baby’s brain power is through good nutrition. Babies’ brains need certain types of fat and critical

amino acids to develop properly. Breast milk is perfectly balanced to provide these nutrients, and formula is designed to mimic breast milk. It does the job, but breast milk is the perfect food for babies,” says Simmons. It’s also crucial that mom take prenatal vitamins to ensure her developing baby gets all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs.

If finished breastfeeding at a year, Kolanz recommends starting whole milk in the second year of life. “Infant brains and young children need to get 25 percent to 40 percent of their calories from

The best way to tell if your child is getting the nutrients she needs is taking her to regular well-child visits: “Continual advancements on the standard height and growth chart are the best indicator of adequate intake,” says Kolanz.

fat,” she says. If a child is allergic to milk offer calcium-enhanced drinks and vegetables, such as kale and broccoli. “Many kids who can’t tolerate lactose can eat cheese, yogurt and cottage cheese,” she adds. The Nemours Foundation recommends giving toddlers 16 to 24 ounces of whole milk daily. Some experts suggest switching to 2 percent milk at age 3, others say as late as age 5. Check with your doctor to know for sure.

Finally, the Zero to Three report highlights the need for iron in early years. It suggests that babies who are solely breast-fed receive an iron supplement beginning at six months of age.

That’s because iron deficiency is linked to cognitive deficits in young children.

Formula and baby cereals are often fortified with iron, and may be enough.

think out loud,” she advises. This helps babies understand their world and master language. “By age 6 months, babies have learned all the basic sounds they need for language. They understand you by 3 to 5 months, even if they can’t talk,” she adds. If your baby points at something, tell them about it. Elaborate, as in ‘that’s a cow. Cows say ‘moo.’

They give us milk.’

To help babies explore their world, carry them outwards, not inwards. That way they can see everything that’s happening around them.

This is important for both boys and girls, but maybe more so for girls.

“Studies show that we hold boys outward more than we do girls, who we tend to snuggle inwards,” adds Kolanz.

Maybe this plays in to how boys

Be an ambassador to their world Kolanz recommends including your baby in all your daily activities and as you do, talk to her and tell her what you are doing: “If you are sorting laundry, tell her about it. Talk out loud,

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and girls develop differently. The Zero to Three report says that girl babies are ‘more socially attuned and generally lead boys in fine motor and language skills.’

On the other hand, boy babies tend to develop gross motor skills earlier than girls. By age 3, boys usually catch up to girls and even outperform them in ‘one cognitive area: visual-spatial integration,’ says the report.

Turn off the TV To promote lots of interaction on many sensory levels, limit or ban your television. “According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children should not watch any television before age 2.

After that, screen time should be limited to two hours a day until age 8,” advises Kolanz. It makes sense. If your baby is plunked down in front of Teletubbies or Dora, he’s not interacting with his world.

After all, the television can only provide one-way communication.

“If he’s watching television, he’s missing out on more interactive time,” adds Kolanz, who believes television and video games can harm young kids.

“Studies show that kids who get too much screen time before age 8 are more at-risk for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) because shows and games develop rapid-fire brain pathways versus pathways for attention.”

Cater to the five senses When interacting with your baby, keep the five senses (seeing, smelling, hearing, feeling and tasting) in mind. Obviously babies will use their senses naturally, but the more you can expose them to new sensations, the better. Think playing with water, making snowballs, taking hikes, reading, dancing, singing, clapping, touching different textures, playing music, patting the beat on their backs, banging pans, and so on. “In general, provide a safe environment to explore, and babies will do what they need on their own to develop their brains,” says Kolanz.

Here’s a fun tip: Babies younger than 6 months enjoy looking at black and white objects or pictures preferably with distinct patterns, like stripes.

That’s because their color vision isn’t developed yet.

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Introduce early reading and math concepts (caveat: if you don’t, they’ll do fine anyway).

If you are extremely type A and have to do something more to enhance your baby’s brain beyond everyday stuff, certain toys and activities do help ready a young brain for future learning. The most obvious is reading to your baby and toddler, every day. Studies show that young children who are read to early on do better with reading in school. “Our entire education system is based on reading, so make it a part of your daily routine,” advises Kolanz.

To enhance future math skills, try

puzzles and toys that demand fitting shapes into matching holes. “Doing so helps enhance visual-spatial skills which correlate with math,” adds Kolanz.

Mostly, your biggest job when it comes to feeding your baby’s brain is to relax. If you are engaging your baby throughout the day, she will do just fine.

Resist comparing how early she crawls, walks or talks with your friends’ babies.

As Kolanz concludes, “whether your baby says 6 or 60 words at 15 months, when he gets together with other kids in kindergarten, parents won’t know who did what first.”

UCHealth sponsored this article.

Stimulating experiences UCHealth offers monthly Bright Beginning classes for parents of young children at no charge in both Fort Collins and Loveland.

Classes help parents provide stimulating experiences for their young ones to promote learning and thinking. Here are a few upcoming classes, sorted by age:

Infants Bring your baby and learn how nurturing interactions with support brain and emotional development.

Where: Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams When: Oct. 8, 9-10am.

OR Where: Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave. When: Oct. 16, noon-1pm.

OR Where: 1025 Garfield St., Suite A, Fort Collins When: Oct. 3, 10-11am.

Call: 495-7528 or visit www.pvhs.org to register

One-year-olds Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler.

Where: Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams When: Oct. 8, 9-10am.

OR Where: 1025 Garfield St, Suite A, Fort Collins When: Oct. 10, 10-11am.

Call: 495-7528 or visit www.pvhs.org to register

Two-year-olds Learn how to promote early literacy, brain development, and a healthy, safe environment for the active twos.

Where: Loveland Library, 300 N. Adams When: Oct. 8, 10-11am.

OR Where: 1025 Garfield St, Suite A, Fort Collins When: Oct. 24, 10-11am.

Call: 495-7528 or visit www.pvhs.org to register

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safe kids

Street smarts for young bikers Teach your kids about safe cycling

B e v i n B a rber - C a m p bell

L

ike many kids in Fort Collins, my children became bike commuters at a young age. My daughter’s first trip was two miles on her strider bike when she was only 3. At 5, my son rode his bike four miles to his preschool on Bike to Work Day. Since those occasions, it has been several eventful years of continued learning for all of us. Just like the hills we’ve ridden, our adventures have had their ups and downs (and plenty of hairraising moments for me as the parent!).

I am committed to using the bicycle for transportation, which means that my kids are along for the ride. And I want to believe that we can do it safely. There are days when traveling by bike with kids can be pretty nerve-racking, but because I am determined to assert our rightful place on the roads, I refuse to be bullied off the playground.

When I feel nervous, I find myself reciting my favorite bike statistic (turned personal mantra): the health benefits of bicycling outweigh the risks 20 to one. I constantly remind myself that the odds are staked with us when we are on our bicycles. The truth is driving is the single most dangerous thing we do with our kids every day. I figure I must be rolling the dice in the right direction when we bike instead of jump in a car.

One of the ways we can make cycling safe for our kids is by educating them. If you follow the guidelines of “smart cycling,” you can greatly reduce your risk of something bad happening to you on your bicycle. Life is indeed a game of odds, but we can stack the cards in our favor. Being injured on your bicycle—in particular having a collision with a car—is not necessarily inevitable.

It is actually strongly correlated to one’s behavior as a cyclist. When you take the list of ways people have accidents, you can eliminate the bulk of these incidences by being visible, predictable, and 22

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obeying the rules of the road.

Here are some basic tips on getting started as a family: Educate yourself I highly recommend the City’s Safe Cycling class (Traffic Skills 101). This class was transformative for me, even after 20 years of bike commuting. Classes are free and held every other month. Contact the City’s Bike Program to register.

You will gain knowledge and confidence.

Practice vehicular cycling and teach it Vehicularism is the idea that bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. Just as you do when you are driving a car, you should follow the rules of the road, obey all traffic signs and “drive” your bicycle with confidence and a sense of belonging. And spirit of cooperation: cycling is a great opportunity to teach your kids about manners! For an informative video on vehicular cycling check out “Cyclist’s Eye View (Part I)” on YouTube.

Start small Start with short trips with minimally stressful situations. Think about the obstacles (i.e., driveways, intersections, lane positioning, left turns, etc.) ahead of time and instruct your kids as to how you want them to proceed before you encounter these challenging situations.

While biking, you can use a simple command like, “Heads up: driveway.”

Focus on one skill at a time Don’t overwhelm with too many orders or information at once while biking. Take the time to stop and ask them questions about certain situations. Teach them to communicate with drivers. Encourage a certain hyper-vigilance and defensiveness.

And make sure you teach them the most important rule of all: to bike with the flow of traffic (i.e., on the righthand side of the road). This rule alone can be life saving!

Becoming bike commuters requires faith, knowledge, courage and confidence… not unlike the rest of parenting.

Bon voyage!

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thompson school district news Edmondson asks: What does it mean to be a STEM school? questions, solve problems, and seek innovative solutions.

STEM schools strive to create a culture of collaboration, confidence, and critical thinking. The power of technology is harnessed to activate and explore 21stCentury applications through data analysis, design process, and programming.

Ivy Stockwell teachers work together on a problems solving task.

Lab coats? Check!

Beakers and Solutions? Check!

Hands-on learning? Check!

A Day of Thoughtful Inquiry? Check!

As all teachers returned to Thompson district and prepared for the upcoming school year, the staff at Laurene Edmondson Elementary School reflected upon the question, “What does it mean to be a STEM school?”

A National effort A national effort to dramatically improve education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is underway.

Five schools in the Thompson School District have selected to fine-tune their school mission and vision towards an emphasis in science, technology, engineering, and/or math. These schools are: Berthoud High School, Turner Middle School, Ivy Stockwell Elementary, Laurene Edmondson Elementary and Big Thompson Elementary. Conrad Ball Middle School is embarking on a comprehensive Technology focus, and Mountain View High School hosts the district’s largest preengineering course selections.

Last spring, the faculty and school accountability committee at Laurene Edmondson unanimously voted in favor of becoming a STEM-focus school.

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The power of STEM STEM education focus schools use science and math as core content throughout the school day. They endeavor to deliver enriched learning experiences that captivate the curious minds of learners through carefully planned units of inquiry. Students are empowered to ask

Local & regional collaboration The faculty at Laurene Edmondson worked closely with their colleagues at Ivy Stockwell Elementary, as both schools are kicking off a STEM focus this year. Together, these schools have sought to extend their knowledge by partnering with two schools in the Adams 12 Five Star Schools that began their STEM focus a year in advance. Through this regional collaboration, Thompson educators have learned strategies, what pitfalls to avoid in the implementation process, and what strategies to prioritize.

Throughout the year they will be sharing information about the STEMfocus schools to illuminate the power of

Edmondson teachers donned their lab coats for hands-on experiments.

STEM education and how it helps reach their mission of empowering students to learn, challenging them to achieve, and inspiring them to excel.

For more information about Laurene Edmondson’s STEM focus, contact their principal, Trish Malik at 613-6300.

Thompson School Board selects Scheer as interim superintendent The Thompson School District Board of Education unanimously selected Dr. Stan Scheer to serve as superintendent.

Contract negotiations were pending as of press time as to how long he might serve. He was superintendent of schools in Murrieta, Calif., up to the time of his selection at Thompson.

The board voted at a special study session Sept. 5 after interviews were conducted on Aug. 29.

Prior to voting, board members commented on the candidates and commended the four finalists for their individual strengths as each brought different experience to the interviews. They also

thanked staff and District Accountability Committee members for their professionalism and time in being part of two other interview teams.

Following the vote, Scheer spoke to the board, thanking all of the people who participated in the interviews. “I value what people have to say, what they are thinking and what is in their hearts.” He said. “I am honored that you considered me for this position.” He served in Missouri, Littleton, CO and California. Throughout all of his experience in education, he said, “We all have something in common and that is to do what is best for kids.”

The finalists were Scheer, Dr. John Morton from Kansas, Dr. Neil Schaal from Berthoud and Dr. Bobby Northern from Colorado Springs.

Scheer is currently superintendent of schools in Murrieta, Calif., where he has served for seven years. Prior to that, he was superintendent of Littleton Public Schools in Littleton, Colo., and superintendent of the Ferguson-Florissant School District in St. Louis County, Mo. He served in various assistant superin-

Dr. Stan Scheer takes the reins as the new superintendent of Thompson School District.

tendent roles (curriculum and instruction, transportation and administrative services for four different school districts). He was also a teacher and elementary principal.

He received his bachelor’s degree, Master of Education and Doctor of Education at the University of Wyoming.

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poudre school district news Grandmother delighted to assist Putnam teachers

Grandmother Jeri Neely, the volunteer building coordinator at Putnam School of Science, works with a first-grader.

Poudre School District has over 14,500 volunteers, consisting of parents, grandparents, seniors and community members. Managing that many volunteers in 48 schools is quite a feat! Helping the PSD’s Volunteers & Partnerships office manage the multitude of volunteers at each school site is a Volunteer Building Coordinator (VBC). These dedicated volunteers donate many hours to ensure the volunteer program at their school is a success. Some have done it for many years, starting in elementary schools, and continuing in this volunteer position even after their children move on to junior high and even high school!

After seeing an email with a request for help at Putnam School of Science, Volunteer Building Coordinator Jeri Neely began this volunteer position in March 2012. Neely enjoys this role and continues to help out while her grandchild is attending school at Putnam. Neely says, “I enjoy working with the volunteers, teachers, staff, and students.”

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According to Neely, Putnam staff and teachers really appreciate the volunteers in the classroom, whether they are working directly with the students or with a variety of indirect tasks. The teachers say it helps them to better focus on their students’ needs and that it is very helpful to the students’ skill development. “Volunteers have told me how meaningful it is to work with students. They’ve told me how moving it is when a student has an ‘aha’ moment, and a new skill really settles in.

I can soundly agree with that…there is little more exciting in this world than watching a child grow,” says Neely.

In her spare time, she babysits grandchildren, enjoys gardening, cooking sometimes, knitting, reading, and volunteering as Secretary for UMW District.

She likes to travel and hopes to do more genealogy and photograph albums.

Neely says, “It is a delight to work with Putnam teachers and staff, and I will continue to help volunteers, teachers, and staff make the connections for a great new year together.”

PSD completes summer projects 2010 Bond-funded construction totaling over $30 million was completed at 32 Poudre School District schools this summer, 12 of which were major renovations.

“The work over the summer focused on improving student and staff comfort in the classroom with upgrades such as new carpet, better air flow, improved lighting, and new high performance windows,” says Mike Spearnak, PSD planning, design and construction director.

Spearnak says the most noticeable changes for visitors are the remodeled main entries. With these changes, visitors now go through the main office to check in before entering the school, much like the entries designed in PSD’s newest schools.

Other areas of improvements include technology upgrades, security systems, new interior doors and hardware, playgrounds, kitchens, restroom flooring, roofing, athletic fields, asphalt and compliance with ADA (American with Disabilities Act).

A detailed school by school list of projects and updates is posted on the PSD website at www.psdschools.org.

Calendar of Events Oct. 9 ....... 6 :30 pm, Board of Education business meeting, JSSC, 2407 LaPorte Ave. Oct. 9 ....... 6 -8pm, Out-of-State College Fair, Poudre High School, 201 Impala Dr. Oct. 15 .... 6 -8:30pm, Family Financial Aid College Night, Fort Collins High School, 3400 Lambkin Way. Oct. 18 .... K -5 Parent/Teacher Conferences; no school for K-5 students; teachers on duty Oct. 19 .... K -12 Parent/Teacher Conferences; K12 schools closed; teachers on duty Oct. 23 .... 6 :30pm, Board of Education business meeting and work session, JSSC, 2407 LaPorte Ave.

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greeley-evans district 6 news Greeley Central presents Thunder on Sycamore Street gratulations also go to their teachers and parents,” said Superintendent Ranelle Lang. “By recognizing our students with these awards, we hope to encourage all students to continue their great work in the classroom.”

Thespian Troupe 657 and the Arts Magnet Program at Greeley Central High School present Thunder on Sycamore Street Oct. 4-6, with all shows starting at 7:30pm.

Sycamore Street is a peaceful street, yet there’s an underlying excitement. Joseph Blake, a new man in the neighborhood, is not welcome. His neighbors have decided to force him out. There are a number of reasons why such things happened. In this case, it’s because the man once served a brief term in prison. Also, though his daughter is a model student, the neighbors don’t want their children to associate with her. They form a mob and plan to march on the Blake house. Only one man, Arthur Hayes, fights an inner battle. In a scene of tremendous power, Blake stands up to the crowd.

Tickets purchased in advance are $6 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets sold at the door are one dollar more. For tickets, please call 348-5133.

Thunder on Sycamore Street will surely capture the audience with its powerful story, 18 talented cast members, and 11 diligent technical theatre students helping to make this another expertly produced show at Greeley Central High School.

Proceeds from this production of Thunder on Sycamore Street help Thespian Troup 657 bring exceptional theater to the community as well as attend the Colorado State Thespian Convention each year. Water and desserts will be sold at 30

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intermission to help support the GCHS Arts Magnet student scholarships awarded each year to deserving students.

Greeley Central High School is located at 1515 14th Avenue in Greeley.

For more information about this production, Thespian Troupe 657 or the Arts Magnet Program, please contact Christy O’Connell-Black at 970-3485093 or cblack@greeleyschools.org.

District 6 honors students for stellar achievement on state standards The Board of Education recognized 16 students at its meeting this week, including Katrina San Nicolas, a sophomore at Northridge High School, who was awarded the Diamond Award for earning an advanced score on all TCAP/CSAP tests taken in grades 3-10. Fifteen students were awarded the Platinum Award for earning a perfect score on one of their tests. Additionally, 186 students who earned three advanced ratings will soon receive Gold Awards at their schools.

The awards are part of the District 6 Comprehensive Accountability System, which establishes goals for individual school progress, outlines consequences for not meeting goals, and provides reward systems for honoring individual students and schools as a whole.

“We are so proud of these students for their academic achievements. Con-

2012 Diamond Award Recipient: • Katrina San Nicolas, Northridge High School

2012 Platinum Award Recipients: • Indigo Parlin, Chappelow K-8, 4th Grade, writing and math • Tanya Soto, Dos Rios Elementary, 3rd Grade, math • Ella Laycock, Frontier Academy, 3rd Grade, reading and writing • Gianna Uyemura, Frontier Academy, 3rd Grade, reading • Mackenzie Beebe, Heiman Elementary, 3rd Grade, math • Zachary Headley, McAuliffe Elementary, 3rd Grade, writing • Margaret Herrick, McAuliffe Elementary, 3rd Grade, writing • Lainey Horton, McAuliffe Elementary, 3rd Grade, writing • Grace Suttle, McAuliffe Elementary, 3rd Grade, math • Chloe Young, McAuliffe Elementary, 3rd Grade, math • Heather Yackey, Monfort Elementary, 3rd Grade, writing • Lanie Freeland, Scott Elementary, 3rd Grade, reading • Hailey Clark, Monfort Elementary, 3rd Grade, writing • Alexandra Multer, University Schools, 8th Grade, writing • Emma Douglass, Winograd K-8, 3rd Grade, reading and writing Silver Award certificates will go to 3,085 students who scored advanced on at least one content area or scored proficient on three content areas. Bronze Awards will go to 1,776 students who improved their proficiency rating in a test area this year.

For more information about School District 6, please visit www. greeleyschools.org.

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lunchbox Poudre School District —Elementary student lunches are $2.15, secondary student lunches are $2.40 and reduced lunches are $0.40. Entrees offered daily: Elementary—a variety of fruits and vegetables, milk and juices; Secondary--hot and cold sandwiches, fruits and vegetables, deli salad and pizza.

Elementary school 1 Chicken Caesar salad; chicken sandwich; turkey pot pie 2 Yogurt & fruit box; mac n’cheese; hot dog 3 Chicken quesadilla; cheeseburger; ham & cheese deli 4 Chicken enchilada; chicken nuggets; PBJ 5 Veggie wrap; pepperoni pizza; cheese raviolis 8 Beef burrito; yogurt & fruit box; sausage pancake wrap 9 Grilled cheese sandwich & tomato soup; chicken sandwich; PBJ 10 Chicken broccoli Alfredo; chef salad; chicken nuggets 11 Veggie wrap; BBQ chicken sandwich;

cheese pizza 12 Hummus & veggies; veggie lasagna; beef tacos 15 Sloppy Joe sandwich; turkey & cheese deli; chicken nuggets 16 Yogurt & fruit box; chili & cinnamon roll; cheeseburger 17 Mac n’cheese; pig in a blanket; chef salad 18-19 No School!

22 Cheese pizza; meatball deli; PBJ 23 Veggie lasagna; cheeseburger; PBJ 24 Asian rice bowl; chicken sandwich; hummus & veggies 25 Chicken drumstick; beef burrito; veggie wrap

26 Mac n’cheese; French toast sticks; tuna salad sandwich 29 Yogurt & fruit box; turkey & cheese wrap; chicken quesadilla 30 Beef burrito; chicken nuggets; PBJ 31 Chef salad; cheeseburger; corn dog Secondary schools 1 Mac n’cheese; Asian rice bowl 2 Pasta w/sauces; burrtio 3 Chicken nuggets; chicken enchilada 4 Baked potato bar; spaghetti 5 Turkey gravy w/potatoes 8 Cheese raviolis; chicken quesadilla 9 Italian lasagna; beef tacos 10 Chicken nuggets; egg roll w/brown rice 11 Baked chicken; burrito

12 Chili & cinnamon roll; chicken fajita w/rice 15 Chili cheese fries; chicken taco 16 Mac & cheese; Asian rice bowl 17 Chicken nuggets; grilled ham & cheese 18 Pasta w/sauces; pig in a blanket 19 No School!

22 Mac n’cheese; Asian rice bowl 23 Veggie lasagna; burrito 24 Chicken nuggets; fruit & yogurt parfait 25 Baked chicken; pasta w/sauces 26 Chicken broccoli Alfredo; beef tacos 29 Nachos El Grande; pasta w/sauces 30 Teriyaki chicken dippers; beef tacos 31 Chicken nuggets; chili w/cinnamon roll

Thompson R2J School District —Elementary lunches are $2.50. Secondary school lunches are $2.75.

Reduced lunches are $0.40. Offered daily: PBJs & fruit.

Elementary schools 1 Pancake w/sausage; Caesar salad 2 Ravioli; Baked potato 3 Turkey hot dog; rice and bean burrito 4 Taco; baked potato 5 Fish nuggets; fruit & yogurt plate 8 Chicken nuggets; Caesar salad 9 Chicken parm on pasta; baked potato 10 Sloppy Joe; rice and bean burrito 11 Nachos; Baked potato 12 Orange chicken w/rice; fruit & yogurt plate 15 Mac n’cheese; Caesar salad 16 Pizza stick w/sauce; Baked potato 17 Chicken patty sandwich; rice and

bean burrito 18 Chicken tacos; baked potato 19 Teriyaki chicken bowl; fruit & yogurt plate 22 Turkey w/mashed potatoes; Caesar salad 23 Cheese pizza; baked potato 24 Burger; rice and bean burrito 25 Chicken burrito bowl; baked potato 26 French bread boat; fruit & yogurt plate 29 Pancake w/sausage; Caesar salad 30 Spaghetti w/meat sauce; baked potato 31 Turkey hot dog; rice and bean burrito Secondary schools 1 Pancakes w/egg; BBQ pulled pork 2 Ravioli; Cuban sandwich

3 Chicken breast strips w/mashed potatoes; hamburger 4 Taco; PBJ 5 Fish sandwich; chicken patty sandwich 8 Chicken nuggets; sloppy Joe 9 Chicken parmesan sandwich; hamburger 10 Hot roast beef sandwich; chicken patty sandwich 11 Nachos; meat lasagna 12 Orange chicken w/rice; French bread boat 15 Mac n’cheese; veggie quesadilla 16 Pizza stick w/sauce; BBQ chicken nugget w/rice

17 Chicken patty sandwich; nachos 18 Chicken tacos; popcorn chicken 19 Teriyaki chicken bowl; fish tacos 22 Turkey w/mashed potatoes; PBJ 23 Cheese pizza; chicken fajita wrap 24 Hamburger; chicken parmesan sandwich 25 Chicken burrito bowl; meatball sandwich 26 French bread boat; hot ham & cheese sandwich 29 Pancakes w/egg; BBQ pulled pork 30 Spaghetti w/meat sauce; Cuban sandwich 31 Chicken breast strips w/mashed potatoes; hamburger

Greeley District 6 —To obtain a complete meal, student gets an entrée and can select 1-3 sides. Elementary lunches are $2.25, and middle school lunches are $2.50, reduced-price lunches are $.40. Offered daily: PBJ. Elementary schools 1 Sloppy Joe; chicken salad sandwich 2 Chicken w/brown rice; PBJ 3 Lasagna; turkey & cheese wrap 4 BBQ chicken w/roll; ham & cheese hoagie 5 Veggie pizza; egg salad sandwich 8 Chili w/tortilla; turkey & cheese wrap 9 Fiesta pollo roll-up; PBJ 10 Baked ziti w/breadstick; chicken salad sandwich 11 Chicken w/roll; ham & cheese hoagie 12 BBQ chicken pizza; tuna sandwich 15 Roasted pork sandwich; turkey & cheese wrap

16 Taco; chicken salad sandwich 17 Lasagna w/breadstick; PBJ 18 Hawaiian pizza; ham & cheese hoagie 19 No school!

22 Hamburger or cheeseburger; turkey & cheese wrap 23 Burrito; chicken salad sandwich 24 Spaghetti; PBJ 25 Turkey w/roll; ham & cheese hoagie 26 Cheese pizza; tuna sandwich 29 Sloppy Joe; turkey & cheese wrap 30 Chicken w/rice; chicken salad sandwich 31 Hamburger or cheeseburger; chicken salad sandwich

Secondary schools 1 Sloppy Joe; chicken fajita wrap 2 Chicken w/rice; PBJ 3 Lasagna w/breadstick; club wrap 4 BBQ chicken w/roll; ham & cheese wrap 5 Veggie pizza; egg salad sandwich 8 Chili w/tortilla; turkey & cheese wrap 9 Fiesta pollo roll-up; PBJ 10 Ziti w/breadstick; chicken salad sandwich 11 Herb chicken w/roll; Italian wrap 12 BBQ chicken pizza; tuna sandwich 15 BBQ pork sandwich; chicken fajita wrap 16 Taco w/rice; club wrap 17 Lasagna w/breadstick; PBJ

18 Hawaiian pizza; ham & cheese hoagie 19 No school!

22 Hamburger/cheeseburger; turkey & cheese wrap 23 Bean & cheese burrito; chicken salad sandwich 24 Pasta w/meat sauce; PBJ 25 Roast turkey w/roll; Italian wrap 26 Fiesta taco pizza; tuna sandwich 29 Sloppy Joe; chicken fajita wrap 30 Chicken w/rice; PBJ 31 Hamburger/cheeseburger; club wrap

Windsor School District —Price for elementary lunch is $2.30, for middle school students, $2.50. Reduced lunches are $0.40. Salad bar is served daily with entrees. Offered daily: PBJ and yogurt.

Elementary schools 1 Chili chips n’cheese 2 Ravioli 3 Waffle sticks w/sausage 4 Chicken tenders 5 Big Daddy pizza 8 Chicken sandwich 9 Chicken Alfredo

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10 Chili w/cinnamon roll 11 Pizza dippers 12 No school!

15-19 No school!

22 Taco 23 Chicken nuggets 24 Mac n’cheese 25 Grilled cheese sandwich

26 Cheese/variety pizza 29 Taco 30 Spaghetti w/meatballs 31 Burger Secondary schools 1 Chili chips n’cheese 2 Stuffed shells 3 Waffle sticks w/sausage

4 Chicken tenders 5 Turkey & ham wrap 8 Chicken sandwich 9 Chicken Alfredo 10 Chili w/cinnamon roll 11 Steak & cheese sandwich 12 No school!

15-19 No school!

22 23 24 25 26 29 30 31

Taco Chicken nuggets Mac n’cheese Grilled cheese sandwich Chicken sandwich Taco Spaghetti w/meatballs Cheeseburger

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OCTOBER 2012 ONGOING Through October 28 Fiddler on the Roof Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Market Place Dr., Johnstown, CO. 970-744-3747 or www. coloradocandlelight.com.

Through November 11 In the Heights A gripping story, incredible dancing and a cast of lovable characters take you on an exhilarating journey into a vibrant Manhattan community.

Midtown Arts Center, 3750 South Mason St., FC. 970-225-2555. www.

MidtownArtsCenter.com October 11-13 Tap Dogs The hottest show on legs! This unprecedented tap show combines the strength and power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing.

The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.

LCTIX.com.

October 12-20 Nancy Drew: Detective Based upon ND #39, The Clue of the Dancing Puppet. Performed by Debut Theatre Company. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Monday, October 1 Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas!

Este evento es en espanol y para todos.

Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Wednesday, October 3 Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Author Ayad Akhtar Ayad Akhtar is an actor, director, screenwriter, playwright and novelist.

American Dervish is his first novel.

Hilton, 425 W. Prospect Rd., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Capitol Steps Using song parodies and skits, this group conveys a special brand of satirical humor documenting the current scandals in the political realm. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St., FC. 7:30pm. 970-221-6730 or www.LCTIX. com.

Thursday, October 4 Selected Readings by Edgar Allan Poe The Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Bill Runyan Symphony Lecture: Americana Pie our first Masterworks concert takes you from classical to blues to rock.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: The Color of Fear The Color of Fear is a documentary about eight North American men, two African American, two Latinos, two Asian American and two Caucasian who were gathered by director Lee Mun Wah, for a dialog about the state of race relations in America as seen through their eyes. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Censoring the Life out of Literature Talk about censorship and intellectual freedom, share details of real court cases and their challenges. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tastes of Mexico: Cooking Demonstration Join local chef Linda Hoffman from Come Back to the Table Cooking School for a hands-on cooking demonstration featuring easy to make recipes and an introduction to Mexican spices. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Friday, October 5 Scrabble @ Your Library Players of all ability and experience levels are welcome. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Noches en Familia: Family Nights ¡Ven y disfruta un tiempo de cuentos, manualidades, canciones y películas en español! Come and enjoy a time of stories, crafts, puppets, and songs in Spanish. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 5pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Harmony in the Round with the Amelie Trio The Amelie Trio captures the charmed, elegant sound of Parisian café music ranging from the romantic works of Faure to the hot swing music of Django Reinhardt to the dreamy soundtrack music of Amelie to the sensual, charged music of the French Tango. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Take It Outside with Your Commissioner Hike with Commissioner Tom Donnell and Open Lands Program Manager Kerri Rollins. Devil’s Backbone, West of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 970-679-4489.

Saturday, October 6 Spine-Tingling Stories in Library Park Our spookiest stories are perfect for older kids and teens, an unforgettable date night, or anyone who likes a good shiver with their stories. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Picnic on the Poudre Join us with your family to learn about and participate in activities that are all about exploring nature! Magpie Meander Natural Area, 520 Hickory St., FC. 970491-1661.

Sunday, October 7 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: The Color of Fear The Color of Fear is a documentary about eight North American men, two African American, two Latinos, two Asian American and two Caucasian who were gathered by director Lee Mun Wah, for a dialog about the state of race relations in America as seen through their eyes. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

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Monday, October 8 Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 9-10am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds Learn how to promote early literacy, brain development, and a healthy/safe environment for the active twos.

Loveland Library, 300 North Adams, LV. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www. pvhs.org.

Book Discussion: Politics for People Community book discussion, Politics for People: Finding a Responsible Public Voice, by David Mathews.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Tiny Trekkers: Trees Are Terrific Join a naturalist for a special program designed for your toddler and you.

Devil’s Backbone, West of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 970-679-4489.

Tuesday, October 9 Kevin Cook: At Home in the Trees, Douglas-Fir Manor Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

International Night: China Come listen to John and Karen Smith talk about their intimate relationship with a Chinese family. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, October 10 Eracism Film Series: Brick by Brick, A Civil Rights Story A documentary about a contemporary American battle for civil rights.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Rocky Mountain Raptor Program: The Secret World of Owls We will discuss their elusive behavior, special attributes that make them so efficient and of course see live owls.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art Autumn Leaves: paint autumn leaves using watercolor techniques. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., GR. 3-4pm. Grades K-5. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Bright Beginnings for One-Year-Olds Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Loveland Library, 300 North Adams, LV. 9-10am. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Thursday, October 11 Poe and Popular Culture: A Panel Discussion Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Labor Techniques and Comfort Measures Labor lab to practice tools and techniques. Strategies for labor and delivery to include relaxation, breathing, visualization, movement, or massage and use of tools such as birthing balls, aromatherapy, or rebozos. Westbridge Medical Suites, 1107 S. Lemay Ave., FC. 7-9pm. 970495-7500 or www.pvhs.org.

The Steadfast Tin Soldier The classic children’s story tells the perilous adventures of a one-legged toy soldier in love with a paper-doll ballet dancer. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 10am. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Dunn Elementary Mission Statement: Inspired by the compassionate love of Christ, Lutheran Family Services walks with The Matthews House the vulnerable, through services that heal, strengthen, and provide hope.

970.266.1788 • www.lfsrm.org

BOOK FAIR October 8th-12th MONDAY: 3-5pm TUESDAY: 8-9AM & 3-7PM WEDNESDAY: 8-9am & 3-7pm THURSDAY: 8-9am & 3-7pm

“The support we receive from Realities for Children enables us to create truly special and memorable events for our fosterfutures children control of their lives, shape positive for - events that they look forward to every year.” themselves and become successful contributors — Julie Witkowski, Foster Care Program Director Partnered in service with 19 Affiliate Youth Agencies, Realities For Children Charities provides support for the unmet needs of abused and neglected children in Larimer County. Each month in Parent Magazine a different Realities For Children Affiliate Agency will be featured.

FRIDAY: 8-9am & 3-5pm 501 South Washington FORT COLLINS

SHOP ONLINE AT:

bookfairs.scholastiv.com/ homepage/dunnelemsch1

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Teen Thursday Art Exploration: Paper Making Make unique, one-of-a-kind sheets of paper using traditional paper-making techniques. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., GR. 4-6pm.

Ages 12+. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Friday, October 12 Tot Art: Spooky Candy Cans Decorate homemade containers for storing Halloween treats.

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., GR. 10:30-11:30am.

Ages 2-6. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Saturday, October 13 Interesting Reader Society Meeting Young adults meet monthly to talk mainly about teen stuff. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 11am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Chess @ Your Library Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 11am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Teen WOTBV Book Club (Worms of the Book Variety) Book Club members will meet to discuss their first book, to be announced.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 1:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Tejano Music with Audi y Zentimiento This local Tejano/Conjunto band is performing in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Film: The Pit and the Pendulum In Roger Corman’s 1961 adaptation of the classic Edgar Allan Poe story, Vincent Price stars as a Spanish nobleman suspected of murdering his wife and tormented into madness by a hideous chamber of horrors hidden in the basement of the family castle.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

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Picnic on the Poudre Join us with your family to learn about and participate in activities that are all about exploring nature! CSU Environmental Learning Center, 2400 Environmental Dr., FC. Noon. 970491-1661.

Monday, October 15 Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. McKee Medical Center, 2000 N. Boise Ave., FC. 11:15am. 970-4957528 or www.pvhs.org.

Ain’t That Good News!

This show features variations on traditional hymns, and American spirituals. First Presbyterian Church, 1321 9th Ave., GR. 7:30pm. 970-356-5000 or www.greeleychorale.org.

Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Sunday, October 14 Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: Brick by Brick, A Civil Rights Story A documentary about a contemporary American battle for civil rights. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Beginning Rigid Heddle Weaving In this one-day seminar, participants will learn the basics of Weaving on a Rigid Heddle (two harness) loom. We will plan a project, measure the warp on a warping board, sley the reed, dress the loom and weave the project. Put on by the Sustainable Living Association. Double K Diamond Llamas, 16423 NCR 9, Wellington, CO. 9am-4pm. 970-224-3247 or www.

SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

Deconstructed Screen Printing Make designer fabric and paper using screen printing techniques. Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., GR. 1-3pm. Ages 16+. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Tuesday, October 16 Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Medical Center of the Rockies, 2500 Rocky Mountain Ave., LV. Noon1pm. 970-495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Story Theatre Two plays, performed by a troupe of young library volunteers. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 6:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

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Author J.K. Rowling: Webcast J.K. Rowling is releasing her new book for adults this month entitled The Casual Vacancy. Join other fans as we watch her only U.S. appearance LIVE from New York City! Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Thursday, October 18 Genealogy Program: It’s More Fun to Seek than It Is to File Learn ways to organize our notes, clippings, photos, etc. so you can find your desktop. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Discussion of Poe Stories and Poetry Find assigned readings at www.

PoeStories.com. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Story Theatre Two plays, performed by a troupe of young library volunteers. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, October 17 Bright Beginnings for Infants Explore how thinking and interactions change as your infant becomes a toddler on the go. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970495-7528 or www.pvhs.org.

Saturday, October 20 It Came from the Library: Teen Read Week Zombie Fest Celebrate national Teen Read Week with a fun-filled Monster/Zombie Fest! Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 10am. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: Precious Knowledge Presented by students of the Ethnic Studies Department at CSU. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Story Theatre Two plays, performed by a troupe of young library volunteers. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 6:30pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Acoustic Africa An exhilarating journey celebrating the African traditions. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970221-6730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art Monet Haystacks: create impressionist paintings in the style of Money.

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., GR. 3-4pm.

Grades K-5. 970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

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Sunday, October 21 Game Day @ Your Library Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 1pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Eracism Film Series: Precious Knowledge Presented by students of the Ethnic Studies Department at CSU. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Sweater Felting This class will teach you how to turn the somewhat smaller or outdated version of your favorite sweater into a whimsical gift or cozy household item for the Holidays or any day. Workshop presented by the Sustainable Living Association. SLA Offices in Old Town, FC. 970-224-3247 or www.

SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

Monday, October 22 Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas! Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Antarctica Lecture Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Tiny Trekkers: Slightly Scary Skins and Skulls Join a naturalist for a special program designed for your toddler and you.

Devil’s Backbone, West of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. Noon. 970-679-4489.

Tuesday, October 23 NaNoWriMo Meet and Greet for Kids Grade K-5 Come check out the opportunity to learn about National Novel Writing Month's Young Writers Program, and bring those young writers along. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

NaNoWriMo Meet and Greet for Teens and Adults Come to this meeting to learn how to join the writing extravaganza.

Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday, October 24 Eracism Film Series: Homeland, Four Portraits of Native Action From Alaska to Maine and Montana to New Mexico, Homeland profiles the struggles of Native American leaders who are taking on powerful energy companies and government agencies to protect the environment for all Americans. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Bright Beginnings for Two-Year-Olds Learn how to promote early literacy, brain development, and a healthy/safe environment for the active twos. Poudre Valley Health System, 1025 Garfield Ave., FC. 10-11am. 970-495-7528 or www. pvhs.org.

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Shaolin Warriors Known throughout the world for their disciplined and deadly martial-arts prowess, these Kung Fu masters bring remarkable skill, stunning movement and spectacular imagery to the stage in this exhilarating performance. The Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St, FC. 7:30pm. 970-2216730 or www.LCTIX.com.

Eracism Film Series: Homeland, Four Portraits of Native Action From Alaska to Maine and Montana to New Mexico, Homeland profiles the struggles of Native American leaders who are taking on powerful energy companies and government agencies to protect the environment for all Americans. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Wednesday’s Wild World of Art Permission to Play with Your Food: Create fun food shapes with clay.

Loveland Museum/Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., GR. 3-4pm. Grades K-5.

970-962-2410 or www. lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Thursday, October 25 The Craft of Building a Novel This workshop is ideal for writers at any stage who want to understand how to build a better book. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 5:30pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

International Night: China Come listen to John and Karen Smith talk about their intimate relationship with a Chinese family. Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

Organic Skin Care 101 Learn why you should use organic ingredients and how to make your own nourishing organic skin care products.

Workshop by the Sustainable Living Association. Location TBA (at time of publication). 6-8pm. 970-224-3247 or www.SustainableLivingAssociation.org.

Friday, October 26 Literature Comes Alive: Edgar Allan Poe Poe, the original Goth, takes the audience on a dark journey into the inner workings of the creative process.

Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 6pm. 970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

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Monday, October 29 Rincon de Cuentos Libros, titeres, canciones, cuentos infantiles, manualidades y mucho mas!

Este evento es en espanol y para todos. Harmony Mobile Homes, 2500 E. Harmony Rd., FC. 5pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Saturday, October 27 Halloween Family Fun Festival Enjoy activities for children, live entertainment, trick-or-treating, and a costume contest. Loveland Museum/ Gallery, 503 N. Lincoln Ave., GR. 10am-2pm. Grades K-5. 970-962-2410 or www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org.

Community Discussion of The World We Found Come join the community discussion of Fort Collin’s Reads, 2012 title selection: The World We Found, by Thrity Umrigar. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 7pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Messages in Stone Take a short hike with Naturalist Ed through millions of years of geologic history. Devil’s Backbone, West of LV, off of Hwy 34, LV. 10am. 970-679-4489.

Wednesday, October 31 Happy Halloween!

Sunday, October 28 Genealogy Program: Birth, Marriage, Death, & Church Records Instructor Carol Stetser tells about locating BMD and church records in the U.S. and how they are important for genealogy research. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. 2pm. 970-2216740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Animal Afternoon Join Larimer Animal People Partnership volunteers and their special story-loving critters. Harmony Library, 4616 S. Shields St., FC. 3pm. 970-221-6740 or www.PoudreLibraries.org.

Tiny Tot Halloween A special event is designed just for tiny children and their parents.

Old Town, FC. 10am-1pm. www. downtownfortcollins.com.

Bill Runyan Symphony Lecture: Musical Harvest Get ready for the November 3 concert at the Lincoln Center, Masterworks #2. Old Town Library, 201 Peterson St., FC. Noon.

970-221-6740 or www.

PoudreLibraries.org.

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time out

Anything can happen

Keeping our kids safe in an uncertain world Kris Kodrich

P

riority No. 1 as a parent is to keep your kids safe. So when your children are with you in a Latin American country known as much for chaotic politics and desperate poverty as it is lush rain forests and secluded beaches, you worry.

Such was the case a couple of months ago as my family of four went off to Nicaragua, a country my wife, Yadira, is from and where I’ve been visiting for more than two decades.

Kalia, 11, was born in Nicaragua and lived there her first year, while Bianka, 7, has visited family there a few times.

Still, we always worry about taking the kids to a country where anything from earthquakes and hurricanes to dengue fever and malaria can put a considerable wrinkle in a five-week visit.

So we prepared. We got the kids their vaccinations and malaria pills.

We warned them to pay attention to trucks speeding down the PanAmerican Highway. We told them to stay away from the stray dogs, which always seem harmless as well as sad and hungry.

We know bad things can happen anywhere, anytime. In fact, as I sent the family off to Central America where I would join them later, Colorado’s most destructive fires ever were ravaging the state–one of Kalia’s best friends would lose her home. A few days before I left for Nicaragua, I was at an evening jazz concert at Denver’s City Park when gunshots rang out and a beloved Denver police officer was killed. You can never be 100-percent secure, even here in Colorado.

In Nicaragua, life always seems a bit chaotic–in other words, my two girls love it there. They especially like the markets and the bus rides. The 44

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markets are filled with animated vendors trying to lure you in to buy their wares, while the bus drivers shout out the names of their destinations, as if someone will decide at the last minute to hop on. “It seems like a lot of hullabaloo just to catch a bus,” Kalia said to me as we watched people maneuvering through the vendors selling boiled corn, crackers and Coca-Cola.

For several weeks, we visited

ominous hive of wasps. I rented boogie boards and watched the girls surf in the Pacific. The kids even found a surprisingly fast zipline behind our favorite café and proudly displayed their bruises afterward.

I wanted to take the girls to a huge July 19th celebration of the anniversary of the Sandinista revolution–I had attended a few in the past–but Yadira thought it wouldn’t be safe for the kids.

beaches and mountains, stayed with assorted cousins, ate tortillas with rice and beans (Gallo Pinto), and rode down rutted mountain roads in careening school buses–the ones deemed too old or unsafe to keep on U.S. streets somehow make their way to Latin America where they are adorned with pictures of Jesus and outfitted with speakers to blast Shakira and Lionel Richie music.

I admit we loosened our safety standards a bit. Friends crammed eight of us into a car with no seat belts, let alone child seats. An uncle gave the kids midnight rides on his motorcycle.

The girls picked mangoes under an

So we settled for listening to a Spanish hip-hop version of John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance” all night from the neighborhood festivities.

The next day we heard about the tragic shootings that occurred at an Aurora movie theater back home in Colorado. As we intently watched the news on CNN en Español, I couldn’t help but wonder how best to keep our kids safe in a dangerous world. How do you protect against something so horrific? We can try our best, but sometimes we can only pray that our kids stay safe.

Kris Kodrich teaches journalism at CSU.

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