RM Parent Magazine | August | 2026

AUGUST 2026 • RMPARENT.COM

Travel to school safely Last-minute adventures

Homesteading starts at home Lunch packing hacks for school Apps for homework help

CELEBRATING 31 YEARS OF SERVING NORTHERN COLORADO FAMILIES

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contents

DEPARTMENTS 6 Perspective

It’s wild, wild world. Kind of.

8 Family

Health

Get to school safely—Check your bike, routes and bus schedule

10 Family Fun

Last-minute adventures—Summer traditions to enjoy before the season ends

12 F avorite Things

Lunch packing hacks for the new school year

14 T ech Time

Tools for school success—Homework help apps for back-to-school

30 C alendar

Events and activities for parents,

kids and families

34 Time

out

International travel for teens—Learn from

other cultures

FEATURE 18 Homesteading starts at home

You don’t have to have a huge acreage to homestead.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Find out to grow you own food, raise chickens or even bees in the space you have.

22 Poudre

PSD student athletes recognized with local, national athlete of the year titles

24 Thompson

Yuki Chen Finds Strength Between Two Worlds

26 Greeley Dist 6

The D6 Difference: Cameron Herritt,

Nutrition Services

SPECIAL SECTION Browse activities and enrichment opportunities for your kids and family.

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Perspective

SCOTT TITTERINGTON

It’s wild, wild world. Kind of.

Every single time that I see a moose, I get excited. They’re just, well, so big. It’s not even that rare anymore when you drive up Poudre Canyon and over to North Park with maybe a detour up Laramie River Road to spot one our local top megafaunas. We were hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park a few years ago when we came around a corner and there was a young bull moose standing on the trail with that “you may not pass” look. We stared at each other long enough for me to get out my phone and take a picture. Eventually he slipped off down the hill and we continued on our way.

Fifty years ago, few moose wandered the mountains west of us and it would’ve been a strange thing, indeed, to see one. Historically, plenty of the beasts inhabited those hills, but their population declined for various reasons. In 1978, Colorado Parks and Wildlife began to reintroduce moose to North Park and now more than 3,000 live in the area.

I call that a success story.

Why is it that we just so love seeing wild animals? Even the Canada geese casually crossing the street while we wait make us laugh. If we see a fox in a field, it affects us differently than if we see a dog in the same field.

I mean, they look a lot alike, so it’s not that the fox appears differently.

I think it’s that moment where we got a glimpse of something elusive, something wild.

Why do so many people flock to Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall to see the elk bugle? Not to be dumb, but I haven’t seen anyone pull over to watch the cows grazing in the field north of Vine Street although we do laugh when we see the calves running in the spring.

Our 5-year-old grandson, Fin, spends a bit of his time in summer at a cabin on the CSU Mountain Campus where Andy, our son, works. Fin and mom, Alli, and baby Ro explore the mountains during the day. I think it is safe to say that Fin has seen more moose than cows. He’s getting a ground-up sense of the wild world.

We are lucky to live where we have huge tracts of public lands. You can’t have 3,000 moose in a place that is fenced off. You can’t have mountain lions and bears and wolves and elk unless you have the habitat to support them. And somehow, even if we only get up to the mountains once a year or so, it seems to matter just knowing that it’s there and that there is still a place on our little blue-green planet where wild still happens.

I’m reminded of a St. Exupery quote: “Surely a man needs a closed place wherein he may strike root and, like the seed, become. But also, he needs the great Milky Way above him and the vast sea spaces, though neither stars nor ocean serve his daily needs.”

Now get out and soak up some wild, Scott

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AUGUST 2026 • Volume 31, Issue 3 PUBLISHER Scott Titterington, (970)221-9210 scott.rmpublishing@gmail.com EDITOR Kristin Titterington, (970)221-9210 kristin.rmpublishing@gmail.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Emily Zaynard emily.rmpublishing@gmail.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Greg Hoffman, (970)689-6832 greg.rmpublishing@gmail.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Susan Harting susan.rmpublishing@gmail.com COVER PHOTO

istock photo

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Theresa Baer, Lea Hanson, Katie Harris

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLISHING PO Box 740 Fort Collins, CO 80522 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 constitute 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. ©2026 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.

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Family Health LEA HANSON Get to school safely—Check your bike, routes and bus schedule A NEW SCHOOL YEAR BRINGS new routines. Whether your child is biking, riding the bus, or walking to and from school, preparing ahead of time can help make the journey safer, healthier, and more enjoyable. From practicing a route together to reviewing safety expectations, small steps before the first day can help your child feel ready and empowered.

Bicyclists Biking to and from school is a great way to build healthy habits. Before the first ride of the school year, take time to make sure your child—and their bike—are ready for the road.

Start with a quick bike check: make sure tires are properly inflated, brakes work well, the chain is in good condition, and the seat and handlebars are adjusted for your child’s height. A properly fitted helmet is essential every ride; it should sit level on the head, cover the forehead, and fit snugly without shifting.

Practice the route together before school starts. Review safe riding habits, including using crosswalks, following traffic signs and signals, staying aware of cars and pedestrians, and avoiding distractions. Younger riders may need an adult to ride with them until they are comfortable and confident.

Don’t forget visibility and preparation. Bright clothing, reflective gear, and bike lights can help drivers see your child, especially during early mornings or cloudy weather.

Pack a water bottle and basic supplies so your child feels prepared and comfortable.

Walkers

Before the school year begins, walk the route together and talk through what your child should expect. Identify safe crossing points, sidewalks, bike lanes, busy intersections, and landmarks they can use for guidance. Practice looking left, right, and left again before crossing streets, using crosswalks when available, and making eye

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Bus “School buses are one of the safest ways for students to get to and from school, but safety depends on everyone doing their part,” says the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program, which supports safe transportation habits for students and families. “Teaching children how to behave around buses, bus stops, and traffic helps create safer trips for everyone.”

Before the first ride, visit the bus stop together and talk through what your child can expect. Practice arriving a few minutes early, standing a safe distance from the curb, waiting until the bus comes to a complete stop, and looking both ways before crossing the street. Remind your kiddo to always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see them. Implement a wave to the driver for an added reminder!

Review bus expectations, including staying seated while the bus is moving, keeping backpacks and belongings out of the aisle, using an inside voice, and treating the driver and other students with respect. Younger children may benefit from practicing how to identify their bus number, remember their stop, and ask the driver for help if needed.

contact with drivers before stepping into the road.

Remind children to stay alert while walking. Put away phones and avoid distractions, keep headphones at a volume where they can still hear traffic and surroundings, and stay with a buddy or walking group when possible. Younger children may need an adult to walk with them until

they demonstrate they are ready to navigate the route safely.

Don’t forget practical preparation.

Comfortable shoes, weatherappropriate clothing, a water bottle, and a properly packed backpack can make the walk more enjoyable. On darker mornings, bright or reflective clothing can help children be more visible to drivers.

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Family Fun

KATIE HARRIS

Summer traditions to enjoy before the season ends SUMMER IS FLYING BY, but there’s still time to make family memories at some of Northern Colorado’s favorite summer destinations.

Check out these local gems before the season’s over:

Support a local farmer’s market Now through September or October, local farmers markets can be found across Northern Colorado offering locally grown produce, baked goods, meats and cheeses, fresh flowers, and handcrafted items like soaps and candles.

Treat the family to a freshly baked breakfast, shop for local gifts or simply enjoy strolling through the rows of vendors to see what catches your eye. Markets are typically held once a week at locations across the region.

Long-running annual markets include: • Larimer County Farmers Market, celebrating its 50th year with Saturday mornings in Old Town Fort Collins through Oct. 31st (larimer.gov) • Loveland Farmers Market, held Sunday mornings at Fairgrounds Park through September (lovgov.org) • Windsor Farmers Market at Boardwalk Park on Saturday mornings through Sept. 5th (recreationliveshere.com) • Greeley Farmers’ Market, every Saturday morning on 7th St. north of Lincoln Park, taking place through October (greeleyco.gov)

Ride a train or trolley Loveland’s North Lake Park is home to the Buckhorn Northern Railroad, operated by the Loveland Lions Club.

Operating for nearly 50 years, the replica steam train runs on 1,588 feet of track, departing from the depot and traveling around the park, along 29th Street and through a tunnel. The train runs continuously during open

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Visit a splash park For a kid-approved way to cool down this summer, visit one of Northern Colorado’s spray and splash parks.

• In Greeley, Island Grove Splash Park and Sunrise Splash Park offer plenty of space and a variety of water features for kids to splash in, run through and jump under (greeleyco.gov).

• Loveland’s Fairgrounds Park and Loveland Sports Park feature splash pads, while the city’s Mahaffey Park offers a stream feature that winds around the playground (lovgov.org).

• Berthoud’s newest park, Town Park, is home to a nature-themed splash pad with boulders to climb and streams and waterfalls to play in (Berthoud.org).

• Fort Collins’s Fossil Creek Park features a splash pad complete with a waterfall to duck under and boulders to climb. Downtown, Oak Street Plaza Park offers a hardscape play area where kids can cool off in alternating fountains (fcgov.com).

Splash pads typically close for the season on Labor Day weekend.

hours, making approximately 32 trips per day, Tuesday through Sunday, as it carries passengers in its two open passenger cars, cattle car and caboose. The train operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Rides cost $1 per passenger, cash only (lovgov.org).

Operating out of City Park, the Fort Collins Trolley was originally built in 1919 and has since been fully

restored. Passengers can ride the historic electric railway through the streets of Old Town every weekend from noon to 5pm through Sept.

27th. The trolley departs from the depot every 30 minutes and stops at Shields St., Loomis St. and Howes St. to pick up additional passengers.

Rides cost $2 per adult and $1 per senior or child, with children under 3 riding free (fortcollinstrolley.org).

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Favorite Things

LEA HANSON

Lunch packing hacks for the new schoolyear PACKING SCHOOL LUNCHES doesn’t have to mean scrambling every morning or settling for soggy sandwiches and bruised fruit. With a few smart storage solutions, families can prep lunches days in advance, keep foods fresher longer, and make it easier for kids to enjoy healthy meals at school. Whether you’re looking to save time during busy weekdays, reduce food waste, or find a lunch container that’s easy for little hands to open, these three products offer practical solutions that can make back-to-school lunch packing simpler for EcoLunchBox, 3-in-1 both parents and students.

Splash Box Cost: $30 Buy from: The Cupboard, 152 South College Ave., Fort Collins This large container is a large stainless steel container with leak-proof silicone lid. The non-slip tabs on the lid are embossed for easy opening, especially for small hands with underdeveloped dexterity. The lunchbox bottoms are designed to be stacked for compact storage and additional pieces can be used for stacking and separating (e.g. Splash Pod, $14). Not only does this option ease worries about leakage, the steel and silicone combination is lighter (it weighs 9.5 oz.) than glass and is non-breakable.

Finally, it’s non-toxic: free of estrogen-mimicking toxins commonly found in plastic, such as BPA (bisphenol-A), BPS (bisphenol-S) and phthalates.

Dishwasher safe, not microwave safe.

Fresh & Save Plastic Flat Vacuum Lunch Box Cost: $25 Buy from: Jax, 1200 N College Ave. Fort Collins With a vacuum-sealed lunch container, you can meal plan lunches, too! Prepare healthy salads, colorful grain bowls, or delicious soups the evening before or even days in advance.

The smart vacuum pump slows down oxidation, so salads stay crisp and green, with the vitamins and flavors locked in. To reheat, simply place the unsealed extra-light and breakproof containers in the microwave.

The handy compartment divider included with the lunch box ensures foods stay separated, keeping them in tip-top shape hours and days after they’ve been packed.

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Fresh & Save 10-Piece Plastic Vacuum Bag Set—Assorted Cost: $19 Buy from: Jax, 1200 N College Ave., Fort Collins Vacuum bags are increasingly accessible. These are designed to work with the accompanying vacuum pump to keep food fresh up to five times longer than non-vacuum storage. This pack includes small, medium, and large options for a variety of portion sizes. Freeze whole dinners, reheat lunch for one, or package up fresh ingredients. With an approach to lunch like this, you can pack lunches once a week and refrigerate or freeze fresh fruit, vegetables, and even meat.

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Family Tech

KATIE HARRIS

Tools for school success—Homework help apps for back-to-school GIVE KIDS A JUMP START on the new school year with apps to help them succeed. From flash cards and quizzes to video tutorials and step-by-step explanations, students in any grade can find the tools they need to thrive in school.

Khan Academy

This free, nonprofit platform helps students understand and practice new concepts across a wide range of subjects through video lessons and interactive exercises. Students can search for a specific skill or concept to access a short instructional video, then pause, rewind or replay it as many times as needed, allowing them to learn at their own pace. Follow-up practice sets include “Get a hint” options, and incorrect answers are accompanied by step-by-step explanations rather than simply revealing the correct response.

Khan Academy covers everything from personal finance and U.S. history to reading, vocabulary and math in grades 3 and up, and all content is available free of charge.

Quizlet

Create interactive flashcards, practice tests and study guides, or connect to pre-made sets created by teachers and other users for nearly any school subject with the Quizlet app. Students can even turn slides, videos and notes into study materials, eliminating hours of rereading and rewriting. Colorful flashcards, complete with matching images, help reinforce memorization, while study guides organize information into easy-to-follow outlines and diagrams. Multiple-choice quizzes and other study modes allow students to test their understanding and track their progress.

The free version allows users to create flashcards with limited daily usage, while Quizlet Plus, currently priced at $7.99 per month, offers unlimited, ad-free studying, offline access and additional learning tools.

Photomath

Scan almost any math problem and the Photomath app provides step-by-step instructions for solving

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it. The app supports students at nearly every grade level, from basic arithmetic through advanced calculus, and can also solve many word problems and graphing equations. Rather than simply providing an answer, Photomath explains each step of the process and often offers multiple solution methods to align with different classroom approaches.

The basic version, which includes step-by-step solutions, is free, while the Plus version, featuring animated tutorials, visual aids and expanded explanations, is currently available for $9.99 per month.

Essayist

Students can focus on their ideas rather than formatting with the Essayist app. After selecting a citation style, such as APA or MLA, the app inserts citations as they write, allowing them to stay focused on the writing process. It handles in-text citations, footnotes and reference lists while automatically formatting papers to match the selected style.

Once students create a reference list using the app’s search tools, they can simply click on a source to insert the appropriate in-text citation. Essayist also formats tables, captions, headings, page numbers and other document elements according to style guidelines, eliminating time-consuming searches through citation manuals. Tables of contents, appendices and chapters are supported, and completed documents can be exported to other file types without losing formatting. Essayist currently costs $9.99 per month.

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E A R S E O H N, T E R A KIDS CARS ARE THE EXCUSE!

Timberline’s 5th Annual Car Show adopted the slogan: KIDS ARE THE REASON, CARS ARE THE EXCUSE two years ago to bring focus to the “why” behind the family friendly community event built around unique and antique cars. The slogan reinforces the mindset of support for local foster kids through Royal Family KIDS (RFK). We want foster kids to know they belong to a community that sees them and cares about their needs.

RFK, a week-long camp, creates powerful, life-changing moments for these foster kids in Larimer and Weld Counties who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The goal is to restore hope and interrupt the cycles of abuse by 16 | RMPARENT

pointing kids toward Jesus. It is not unusual

music, and food! Foster kids receive a free

for campers, who are age 7 to 12, to return as

backpack stuffed with schools supplies at the

camp counselors when they age out of the

show. The event is free for spectators and

program. It is that impactful! Let’s come

car registration; therefore, sponsorships and

together and be a community that leads the

donations are appreciated.

way to make a difference in the lives of these young people.

In addition to cool cars, the car show offers Kid Choice Awards, an inflatable for kids, live

August 8th from 8:00am – 12:00 noon in the Timberline Church Parking Lot. The QR code provides more information on sponsorship, donation or registration of a car.

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Homesteading Starts At Home

FAVORITE FOODS, CHICKENS AND BEES

Katie Harris

YOU DON’T NEED AN ACREAGE—or even a big backyard—to embrace homesteading.

These beginner-friendly ideas can help Northern Colorado families grow food, reduce waste and become a little more self-sufficient.

START WITH FOODS YOU LOVE If you maintain an edible garden of any scale, then you’ve already stepped foot in the right direction. If you aren’t sure where to start, Christopher Toy, farm programs manager for Loveland Youth Gardeners, suggests starting with what you like.

“The biggest thing I would say for people who are trying to break into gardening for the first time is to focus on something that’s exciting for you—grow what you already eat,” he says.

The first year requires the biggest investment of time and money, but that work pays off with healthier, more productive gardens in future seasons. Toy recommends a few simple ways to extend the growing season.

“Sow crops like carrots and radishes every

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few weeks throughout the growing season so you always have some ready to go,” he says.

Protect cold season crops like lettuce and kale with low tunnels—small hoops covered in protective fabric and placed over garden rows.

These are relatively inexpensive and can buffer plants against weather extremes to keep them growing longer.

Toy says the biggest bang for your buck is growing things that are pricey at the grocery store—particularly herbs and berries.

“Herbs are ideal for small spaces, easy to grow and impossible to get fresher than clipping them straight from the garden,” Toy says.

Raspberry and blackberry bushes also thrive in Northern Colorado and produce fruit year after year.

“Berries are a great option because kids can go out and eat them right off the plant,” Toy says. “Picking berries is fun for kids while saving money and reducing trips to the grocery store.”

Kids can help in the garden by sowing seeds and watering with a gentle spray. Toy suggests

fencing off a hardier area for kids to harvest in if they’re too young to help with delicate plants, or setting up a sandbox to dig in nearby.

“With little kids the goal should be to give them good experiences,” he says. “Just like you patiently wait to reap the benefits of your garden, having the patience with kids when they’re young will lead to their being interested and helpful when they’re older.”

FORTIFY YOUR GARDEN WITH KITCHEN SCRAPS Even a modest garden creates plenty of plant waste.

Composting keeps those scraps out of the trash while returning valuable nutrients to the soil.

“Do your research on the different composting systems that are out there—worm and traditional composting are both great options,” says Toy. Most backyard compost systems require little space and, when managed correctly, shouldn’t smell. And composting doesn’t have to be expensive. A bin made from discarded pallets works well, and a shade system can be helpful in keeping things moist in Colorado’s semi-arid climate.

“The great thing about compost is kids can help and can’t really mess it up,” says Toy. “It’s not sensitive like a garden, and there’s nothing valuable in it.”

Kids can dig in the pile, throw scraps in, water and turn the pile with a shovel when needed, learning about the decomposition cycle in the process.

“Compost is the best soil amendment in the world—it simultaneously deals with your green waste problem while being excellent for your garden,” says Toy. MAKE YOUR HARVEST LAST Growing your own food is just the start. Learning to preserve it lets families enjoy homegrown produce year-round and rely less on grocery stores.

Toy recommends starting with either water-bath or pressure canning. It’s important to follow recipes that

adhere to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) canning guidelines to avoid the risk of botulism that stems from improper technique.

Toy also recommends choosing foods that can well.

Acidic things like tomato sauce, jams and jellies are good places to start.

Involve kids in the process by letting them harvest and wash the produce, chop with a kid-safe knife, and ladle the sauce into jars.

“The more time kids spend in the kitchen, the more they’ll learn,” says Toy. “Allowing them to be involved gives them a sense of ownership over what they’re eating and can encourage even picky eaters to try foods that they wouldn’t otherwise.”

FRESH EGGS FROM YOUR BACKYARD Raising chickens takes some planning—choosing a coop location, protecting birds from predators and preparing for occasional health issues—but daily care is relatively simple once everything is established.

“Once you have a solid set up, chickens are fun and easy,” says Toy. “Kids can help socialize them and they’ll become friendly and easy to manage.”

They’re also a great way to teach kids where food comes from. Kids can collect eggs from the nesting box and help clean and cook them.

Hens need a secure enclosure, food, water and routine coop cleaning, and many produce eggs for years.

“If you are short on space, bantam breeds are smaller than standard chickens, and quails could even be an option that could potentially be housed inside your home, while still providing eggs,” says Toy. SHOULD YOUR FAMILY KEEP BEES? Bees can be a good option but there are things to take into consideration first. They can become stressed if bothered too much and may not be the best project for a family looking for a lot of interaction.

Bees also require special consideration around space planning and should not be placed in an area where they’ll have to cross a human high traffic area.

“Don’t have their main flight path somewhere you or your neighbors are going to be spending a lot of time,” says Toy. While younger children can watch bees from a distance or, with protective gear, observe them up close, Toy says beekeeping tends to be a project better suited to older kids.

“Keep in mind that bees will land on kids if they’re in the area,” he says. “Anyone who will come into contact with the bees should be able to remain calm to avoid being stung and creating a negative experience.”

Families willing to learn the ropes are rewarded with fresh honey, beeswax and a firsthand look at one of nature’s most fascinating pollinators.

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Twin Silo BMX: A Fort Collins BMX Track Built on Community, Confidence, and Fun

Twin Silo BMX has long been a familiar and beloved part of the Northern Colorado recreation community. This long-running local track offers a place where riders can challenge themselves, make connections, and experience the thrill of BMX (Bicycle Motocross) in a great environment.

Starting this year, Twin Silo BMX is now managed by new track operator Chance Phillips, along with a dedicated team of volunteers who help keep the track running. Like many tracks across the country, Twin Silo is entirely volunteer-powered.

From maintaining the track surface to organizing races and community events, volunteers are at the heart of everything that happens at Twin Silo. Their work ensures that fun and safety remain at the forefront for every rider who rolls up to the starting gate.

The mission of Twin Silo BMX is simple but meaningful: to provide a safe, inclusive, and exciting space where riders of all ages and skill levels can develop their BMX abilities, build confidence, support one another, and connect through a shared passion for riding.

For kids, BMX offers much more than racing. It promotes physical fitness, coordination, balance, and outdoor activity. It also builds confidence and resilience, as riders learn to set goals, overcome challenges, and celebrate progress at their own pace. One of the best things about BMX is that nobody sits on the bench! Every rider gets a chance to participate, improve, and be part of the action.

Whether your child is brand new to biking or already loves to ride, Twin Silo BMX offers a welcoming place to learn, grow, and have fun!

Weekly Schedule

BEGINNER LEAGUE

LADIES’ NIGHT GATE PRACTICE

Wednesday Racing Thursday Gate Practice Saturday Racing

August 4th-September 11th Tuesdays 5:30-6:30 Fridays 5:30-7:00 Beginner/Novice Racers Only!

Check Facebook for dates and times!

Practice and learn about BMX in a low-key environment

Contact us: twinsilobmx@gmail.com RMPARENT | 21 Follow us: facebook.com/twinsilobmx

School District News: Poudre

Student athletes recognized with local, national titles

PHOTO FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY

Among the many accolades that Poudre School District student athletes received this year, three of these incredible students were recently recognized with both local and national athlete of the year titles.

Reese Morgan named 2025-26 Gatorade Colorado Girls Soccer Player of the Year Fossil Ridge graduate Reese Morgan’s outstanding performance this season landed her as the 2025-26 Gatorade Colorado Girls Soccer Player of the Year.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one state winner from each of the 50 states and Washington D.C., in 12 different sports: football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball, boys and girls soccer, and boys and girls track & field.

The midfielder was lauded by Gatorade for her contribution to the

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Sabercats’ 18-1-1 record this season that culminated in a back-to-back Colorado 5A state championship when Morgan sank an overtime goal to beat Mountain Vista High School 2-1.

Gatorade also noted that Morgan was ranked as the No. 32 recruit in the Rocky Mountains and Southwest Region by TopDrawerSoccer and was named the Class 5A Player of the Year. She also maintained a 4.15 weighted GPA. Two PSD students named Blue Federal Credit Union Athletes of the Year The title of boys and girls Blue Federal Credit Union Athlete of the year went to PSD students this year as well, with Fort Collins High School two-sport star Preston Mozer named the Boys Athlete of the Year for the 2025-26 school year and Wellington MiddleHigh School state champion swimmer

Cody Monajjem named the Girls Athlete of the Year for the 2025-26 school year.

The sophomore track and football star won the title with 86.3 percent of the vote. As a wide receiver for the Lambkins, Mozer hauled in 31 catches for 553 yards and five touchdowns in the fall before becoming an integral part of the record-breaking, state championship boys relay team in track.

Monajjem, a senior, won the honor receiving 50.3 percent of the vote for the girls title. During this last year she won the Class 3A title for the third straight year, winning the 200-yard freestyle in 1:53.04. She also came up second in the 3A backstroke by less than one second. Monajjem not only scored a top-five finish as the Wellington relay team’s anchor, but was also named Colorado 3A Girls Swimmer of the Year.

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School District News: Thompson Yuki Chen finds strength between two worlds For Yuki Chen and her family, bridging the distance between their roots in China and the life they have built in the United States has been a challenging endeavor.

The Mountain View High School senior has lived in the Loveland area since she was a small child.

Before coming to the United States, she lived in China, where Mandarin was her first language. Now, as she prepares to attend the University of Pennsylvania, Yuki knows she will miss her family, but she’s feeling prepared to venture off on her own.

“My parents are first-generation immigrants,” Yuki says. “They didn’t graduate from high school, so I had to teach myself a lot of math and reading. I’m also very thankful for that, because it taught me how to advocate for myself.”

Self-sufficiency is just the beginning of the many lessons Yuki learned from her parents, who also taught her the importance of hard work as she spent much of her free time helping out in the Loveland restaurant her parents own.

“We grew up in the restaurant,” Yuki says of herself and her two younger siblings. “My parents always said, ‘You see how hard we have to work and how long we have to work.

If that’s not what you want to do, work hard in school.’”

Yuki took their advice and, in addition to playing varsity tennis and serving as a top violinist and the chamber orchestra concertmaster at MVHS, is graduating near the top of her class. Her goal is to major in biology and eventually become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

As Yuki explains, China has a very different culture, where individuality is

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not encouraged.

“In China, you have to stay humble and not stand out,” she explains. “In America, we really value individualism and having our own personalities.”

For Yuki, that means taking chances and pursuing her goals— even if it means moving far away from her family.

“I think one of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten is from my counselor: You have to live in the moment, and live a life you won’t regret,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try different opportunities. Of course it’s scary, and it might even be embarrassing, but that’s part of life.”

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School District News: Greeley-Evans D6 The D6 Difference: Cameron Herritt, Nutrition Services Why Cameron Herritt chose D6—”The openness and willingness of people to have honest conversations. Teaching and education are extremely challenging professions. There are always new challenges that come up and old ones that come back, but in my experience within the district, the people facing them are usually willing to hear out concerns and opportunities and provide feedback and insights that can help us get through those challenges.”

When you think about your experience in our district, what makes you feel proud to work here?

“I am extremely proud that our district has stood by feeding our students, not just in words and recognition, but in stepping up and ensuring that our students have access to meals, specifically when our Board of Education agreed to cover the cost of feeding our students in the gap between pandemic waivers and Colorado Healthy School Meals for All implementation. That, for me, was a bright signal that my department and I mattered to the organization as a whole.”

What keeps you feeling connected to and supported by our school community?

“My position isn’t student facing very often.

I have to make the effort to leave my office and go to schools and kitchens. However, every single time I am in a cafeteria or kitchen, I see students and staff interact with each other. Telling stories to each other and checking in because they know these students. They seem them almost every day. Watching those interactions between students and staff is what keeps me connected to the community.”

What’s a fun fact about your job?

“My job is different every day. Sometimes, I have 17 spreadsheets open, chasing

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Name: Cameron Herritt Department: Nutrition Services Position: Operations Coordinator Years of Service in District 6: 6 Years down opportunities and questions.

Alternatively, I get to discuss the nuances of federal regulations focusing on balancing values and priorities with a department and district as diverse as ours.

Other times, my job is to look at a dysfunctional computer that magically starts working as soon as I step into the room. Every day is new and unique which keeps it interesting and engaging.”

What is one experience with a student or staff member that left a lasting, positive impact on you?

“I had the pleasure of supervising an amazing group of kitchens for multiple years when I started with the district as an Area Supervisor. When

winter break started approaching, I used to thank my staff with homemade cookies, going around and delivering them and checking in with everyone. One year, one of my staff members had a gift waiting for me when I arrived. It was simple, but handmade with my name on it.

I am not usually a “gift” person, but knowing that they had both expected me to visit (with cookies) and had spent the time to create what they did, at home, on their own time, and with their own money, was so meaningful. That small gift reminded me that while it’s a job 40 hours a week, it absolutely doesn’t end there.

We each matter to one another and support one another, inside and outside of the schools.”

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Community Calendar

THERESA BAER

August events FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS THROUGH AUGUST 4 Larimer County Fair and PRCA Rodeo Live music, carnival, 4H events and rodeo. The Ranch Events Complex, LV. treventscomplex.com/events/ larimer-county-fair WEDNESDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 5 Kids’ on the Plaza Live music and free kids’ activities including lawn games, splash pad and arts/crafts. Foundry Plaza, Downtown LV. downtownloveland. org/calendar FRIDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 7 Greeley Friday Fest Free outdoor concert series, drinks with Go-Cup privileges. Bring your own chair, stay respectful, and support local businesses making it possible. 9th St Plaza, GR. greeleydowntown.com/events/ downtown-greeley-friday-fest THROUGH SEPTEMBER 5 One Sweet Summer Event Series Celebrate fun activities throughout each week with live music, kids’ days, fitness classes, ice cream festival, and more! Downtown LV. downtownloveland.org/ onesweetsummer

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TUESDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 15 FoCo Food Truck Rally Food trucks and free live music. City Park, FC. focofoodtruckrally.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 America 250 / Colorado 150 Celebration Includes US and Colorado flags; Ceremony featuring local youth; Hot dogs and apple pie; Flag display.

Bittersweet Park, GR. cityofgreeley.trumba.com Centennial Village Turns 50!

Celebrate Centennial Village Museum’s 50th anniversary and Colorado’s 150th on Colorado Day. Centennial Village Museum, GR. cityofgreeley.trumba.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Poudre RiverFest Family-friendly celebration promoting restoration and education about the river corridor. New Belgium Brewing Company, FC. poudreriverfest.org SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Fort Collins Peach Festival Music, food, drink and entertainment for all ages and, of course, everything peaches. Civic Center Park, FC. fortcollinspeachfestival.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 Watermelon Daze at Loveland Farmers Market Watermelon eating contest and other watermelon themed activities.

Fairgrounds Park, LV. LovGov.org/ FarmersMarket 4th Annual Turkish Festival Joyful celebration of music, dance, and authentic Turkish cuisine. City Park, FC. turkishfestcolorado.org/ program AUGUST 21 AND 22 Monster Day Greeley: 10th and Final Celebrate monsters in a positive way encouraging imagination/creativity with music, art, food and costumes.

Kickoff concert Friday and final event Saturday. Downtown GR. monsterdaygreeley.com Loveland’s Amaizing Corn Roast Festival 130th annual event with parade, live music, corn shucking contest, cornhole competition, booths, and roasted corn! Fairgrounds Park, LV. loveland.org/events-2/cornroast-festival

AUGUST 28 AND 29 24th Annual Realities Ride & Rally Motorcycle poker run raising funds and awareness for abused children.

Grimm Brothers, LV. RealitiesRide.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 Windsor Movies in the Park Features Zootopia 2. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Boardwalk Park, WS. recreationliveshere.com/217/ Movies-in-the-Park

ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 6 Windsor Summer Concert Series Bring your chair/blanket for live music, food trucks and family fun. Boardwalk Park, WS. recreationliveshere.com/219/ Summer-Concert-Series

AUGUST 8, 15, 29 Live at the Gardens Concert Series Explore winding pathways, enjoy local food trucks and live music in the evening. Dynamically priced tickets change based on demand.

The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. lctix.com

TUESDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 18 Hoedown Hill Concert Series Gather on the hill for free live music, food, fresh air, and a good time for the whole crew. Hoedown Hill, WS. hoedownhill.com/summerconcert-series

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Campfire at Coyote Ridge Cabin Two-mile round-trip easy hike with one large hill each way to enjoy campfire and stories. Coyote Ridge Natural Area, FC. engage.fcgov.com/Calendar

FRIDAYS, THROUGH AUGUST 28 Music on the Lawn at Foothills Live music alongside vibrant vendor markets, cool drinks from the beer garden, and a fun-filled play zone.

Foothills Mall, FC. shopfoothills.com/events

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Skygazing Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing with telescopes from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. engage.fcgov.com/Calendar

THROUGH AUGUST 30 Open Weekends at Centennial Village Museum Each Saturday/Sunday features different theme with interactive activities and demos. Centennial Village Museum, GR. cityofgreeley. trumba.com Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Celebrates imagination, childhood, and one extraordinary girl’s quest for a better life. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com THURSDAYS, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10 Bohemian Nights: Thursday Night Live Concert Series Live music from emerging and established artists. Old Town Square, FC. bohemianlivemusic.org/ outdoor-events/thursday-night-live

SATURDAYS, AUGUST 15, SEPTEMBER 19 Wellington Movie Night in the Park Series Family-friendly games then outdoor movies. Various parks, Wellington. facebook.com/WellingtonCo1905 SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Raptors and Nature: Rocky Mountain Raptor Program Hike and live-bird presentation with Natural Areas and Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. engage.fcgov.com/Calendar Big Bad Voodoo Daddy After 33 years together, this famous contemporary swing revival band keep on going. The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. lctix.com

AUGUST 30, SEPTEMBER 27, OCTOBER 18 NoCo Cars & Coffee Car enthusiasts of all makes/ models welcome. Free admission and coffee. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, LV. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/ events

ACTIVE-ITIES

THROUGH AUGUST FREE Healthy Kids Run Series Two remaining free, family friendly in-person one-mile fun runs and four one-mile on-your-owncourses at local parks. LV, FC, GR. healthykidsclub.org THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 Swim-in Theater Features the film, Night at the Museum, weather permitting.

Centennial Pool, GR. cityofgreeley.trumba.com Glow Night Swim Swim late at night under the stars.

Winona Outdoor Pool, LV. Lovgov.org/Swimming AUGUST 7 AND 8 The Choice City Running Festival Running events and activities for all ages/abilities (walk, jog, run or race) including 1-Mile, 5K, 10K and Half Marathon. Mountain Avenue and Civic Center Park, FC. choicecityrunning.com SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 3D Archery Tourney Fun for first-times and archery veterans. Equipment/instruction provided. Colorado Youth Outdoors, FC. coloradoyo.org/events SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Tour De Fat Annual costumed bike and beer parade and festival. Old Town & New Belgium Brewing, FC. newbelgium.com/events/tour-de-fat

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Time out

LEA HANSON

International travel for teens—Learn from other cultures Nearly 80 percent of the world’s population has never flown on an airplane and of those who do or have, only about three percent of flights each year are international ones.

Teenagers are constantly learning how to navigate the world—but sometimes the best classroom doesn’t have four walls, a whiteboard, or a Wi-Fi password.

It’s a crowded train station in a country where you don’t speak the language, a tiny café where the menu is unfamiliar, or a moment when your child realizes that, yes, the entire world does not organize itself around the way things are done at home.

International travel gives teenagers something that is hard to replicate: the opportunity to experience the world beyond their own perspective and (so far) lived experience.

One of the greatest gifts of traveling abroad is exposure to diversity—not just seeing different landmarks or trying new foods, but meeting people who live, work, worship, communicate, and solve problems in different ways.

Teenagers begin to understand that “normal” is often just a matter of where you happen to stand. The way families spend time together, the way communities support one another, and even the way people define success can look very different across cultures.

Travel also provides an important opportunity to see differences in economic circumstances and social systems. Walking through a bustling city, visiting historic neighborhoods, or riding public transportation can introduce teenagers to realities they may not encounter in their everyday lives. They may notice differences in housing, access to resources, education, and opportunities. These

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experiences can build empathy—not through a textbook explanation, but through observation and conversation.

Of course, international travel is not always picture-perfect. There are missed trains, confusing signs, questionable translation apps, and the inevitable moment when someone asks, “Wait… where are we?” (Usually followed by everyone pretending they are completely calm while secretly checking the map for the 47th time.)

But those moments are where some of the most valuable learning happens.

Navigating unfamiliar airports, figuring out public transportation, exchanging currency, ordering food in another language, and adjusting to different customs all help teenagers develop problem-solving skills.

They learn patience, flexibility, and confidence. They discover that they can handle uncertainty—and that mistakes are often just part of the adventure.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful parts of international travel is simply spending uninterrupted time together.

Teenagers are busy. Between school, activities, jobs, friends,

and technology, finding moments of genuine connection can be challenging. Traveling creates space for conversations that may not happen at home: during a long walk through a new city, over a shared meal, or while waiting (slightly impatiently) for a delayed flight.

Trips with our teenagers create shared memories that last long after the luggage is unpacked.

Years later, your teenager may not remember every museum, monument, or itinerary detail—but they will remember laughing together when everyone got lost, trying something completely unfamiliar, and experiencing the world side by side.

International travel does more than create a vacation. It helps teenagers become more curious, adaptable, compassionate, and confident members of a global community.

And while they may come home with hundreds of photos on their phones and a slightly expanded appreciation for their own bed, they also return with something far more valuable: a better understanding of the world— and their place in it.

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