OCTOBER 2025 • RMPARENT.COM
Festive October events
Tips for staying healthy
Educational field trips Travel the San Juan Skyway
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contents
DEPARTMENTS 6 Perspective
It’s about time
8 Family Health
Tips for staying healthy—Hygiene and environment, Healthy screen time, Family outdoor time
10 Family Fun
Educational field trips—Public
services edition
12 F avorite Things
Bus-riding activities—Put down the screens
14 Family Travels
Travel the San Juan Skyway—Take in
the fall colors
30 C ommunity news
FoCo Fall Fest 2025, Trailhead and trail construction begins in Skyline and Dakota Ridge Natural Areas, New Elk Meadow Trail coming to Bobcat Ridge
34 C alendar
Events and activities for parents,
kids and families
FEATURE 16 Fall into the Season
Fall is such a great time of year with festivals, spooky Halloween fun, carnivals, trick-or-treating and scary corn mazes. Find activities and entertainment for everyone.
38 Time out
When our teens’ friendships raise red flags
Fit& SPECIAL SECTION Fun
SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Browse activities and enrichment opportunities for your kids and family.
24 Poudre
Poudre School District sees continued high-
scoring trend in 2025 CMAS, P/SAT test results
26 Thompson
Kam Otteson Blends Cultures and Builds Her Own Path
A DV E RT I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T
28 Greeley Dist 6
Teacher Cadet Students Get Hands-On Experience
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Perspective
SCOTT TITTERINGTON
It’s about time I WAS SITTING ON THE COUCH the other morning when grandson Fin came over and snuggled in under a blanket. We got out a book, ‘The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse,’ and read it for the umpteenth time. Then we pulled up the short movie of it on my phone and watched that, too. It was cuddly and nice—the kind of thing you get to do as a grandparent. The night before we had taken the three dogs for a walk around the wetlands in our neighborhood. It’s not far, twothirds of a mile, but it’s always a good little adventure. It’s another good excuse to just spend time together, not doing anything particularly special, in fact, fairly routine for us, but always important. Rocky Mountain Parent is committed to helping you find things to do together as parents and kids. In this issue you’ll find all kinds of things to do together. Our feature story this month focuses on festive October events. It turns out that there is a lot going on this month! Katie Harris ticks down a list of great activities for families from harvest festivals to great pumpkin contests to Halloween carnivals. Plus, she has some great suggestions for trick-or-treating. Katie also suggests a great outing to southwest Colorado in her Field Trips column. There you can find hikes, drives, ghost towns, and, yes, hot springs. So jump in the car and hit the road. And in another story, Katie has dug up a list of educational field trips for the family. Wonder how things work? Take one of these field trip to learn about the basic infrastructure that underpins a town. In her Family Health column, Lea Hanson gives a quick rundown of ideas for family outdoor time to boost physical and emotional health for the entire family. And finally, Theresa Baer has put together her usual great calendar of events for October. Certainly something there will grab your attention. Nothing can substitute for time together, even time doing not much of anything, just hanging out. “Doing nothing with friends is never doing nothing, is it?” asked the boy. “No,” said the mole. So whether you get out to some events or plan some activities or decide to hangout around home and around the neighborhood, the important thing is to spend time together. In the end, all we really have to give each other is our time and attention and that as the saying goes (thank you Mastercard) is priceless. Thanks for taking the time to read, Scott
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OCTOBER 2025 • Volume 30, Issue 5 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. ©2025 Rocky Mountain Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without express written permission is prohibited.
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Family Health LEA HANSON
Tips for staying healthy Hygiene & environment Wash hands often (20 seconds with soap), cover coughs and sneezes (elbow or tissue), disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and open windows or use air filters to improve ventilation. Larimer County Health notes these measures especially protect vulnerable people. Immunization clinics in Larimer County can be found www.larimer.gov/health/ clinical-services/immunizations Immunization clinics in Weld County can be found www.weld.gov/files/sharedassets/ public/v/2/departments/health-and-environ ment/documents/immunization-clinic-flyer.pdf
Healthy Screen Time
Balancing screens is important, especially during seasons when being indoors more is inevitable. Age-appropriate limits: UCHealth advises no screen time (except video calls) for children under 18 months. For ages 2-5, limit to one hour a day of highquality content, ideally co-viewed with a caregiver. Above age 6, family rules tailored to your home are key. Protect sleep & eyes: Avoid screens for at least 3060 minutes before bedtime. Encourage breaks (for example, the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) to reduce eye strain. Fort Collins’ Poudre Valley Eye Care recommends following the 20/20/20 rule, learning how to properly adjust screens, and more. Create screen-free zones & times: Establish a charging station outside bedrooms; designate times like family dinners to be device-free. Having a media or screen plan may help clarify expectations for all family members. UCHealth’s article, “Should you limit screen time? Tips for healthy choices,” reminds parents that it’s never too late to start. can get fresh air while Family Outdoor Time families maintaining social distance. Outdoor
Getting outside not only counters the sedentary effects of indoor life, but boosts both physical and emotional health for the whole family. Take advantage of Northern Colorado’s parks and nature: Whether hiking, biking, or exploring open spaces like Horsetooth Reservoir,
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physical activity supports immune health, helps sleep, alleviates stress, and improves mood. Make it routine: Even short outings—walks after dinner, backyard games, weekend hikes—are powerful. Exposure to natural light helps children’s eyes, and breaks up both
Stay home when sick If you or your children have a fever, cough, or other respiratory symptoms, stay home until you’re fever-free (without using fever-reducing medications) for at least 24 hours. Because even after symptoms ease, you may still be able to spread illness. Boost immunity naturally: Make sleep a priority, eat a nutrient-rich diet, stay hydrated, and keep up moderate physical activity. CSU Health Network, health.colostate.edu/cold-and-fluprevention-and-care/, outlines immunesupporting strategies like these.
Don't miss your shot Vaccinations are the first line of defense. UCHealth urges everyone six months and older to get their flu shot each year, and Colorado’s Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) offers updated COVID-19 vaccines protecting against the latest variants. screen time and indoor cabin-fever. Use community resources: Local recreation departments (e.g. Fort Collins Recreation Services) often offer organized outdoor programs, parks, open space trails, and classes. The CSU Arboretum & Gardens, for example, provides educational and nature opportunities that families of all ages can enjoy.
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Family Fun
KATIE HARRIS
Educational field trips—Public services edition HAVE YOUR KIDS EVER ASKED what happens to your trash after it leaves the curb, how firefighters prepare for emergencies or where the water in your faucet comes from? Take a hands-on look at the public services that keep our community running on one of these local field trips.
The Garbage Garage at the Larimer County Landfill
Local fire station
The Garbage Garage Education Center at the Larimer County Landfill is all about teaching the community how landfills work, what can be recycled and what other options exist, like composting. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, take the recycling challenge or complete a scavenger hunt around the building. Drop-in hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10am–2pm. Guided tours are free but must be booked in advance by calling 970-498-5772 or emailing solidwasteeducation@larimer.org. Landfill tours are also available, weather permitting. Storytimes and other events are offered throughout the year. Find the calendar at larimer.gov/solidwaste/education/edcenter.
Fire stations are known for welcoming the community, and a visit can be both fun and educational for kids. Tours can usually be arranged by calling your local station and may include a firetruck tour, fire safety tips and a demonstration of firefighter gear. Firefighters often show children what they look and sound like when fully dressed for a call, helping kids learn not to be afraid to approach them during an emergency. Some tours also include a look inside the firehouse, where families can see how firefighters train and spend their time between calls. Many kids leave with a fire hat or sticker as a souvenir. A searchable map of Colorado fire departments is available at data.colorado.gov/Local-Aggregation/Map-of-Fire-Districts-in-Colorado/ua3v-vcuh.
Northern Water Conservation Gardens and Interpretive Area, Berthoud Campus
PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHERNWATER.ORG
Northern Water’s Berthoud Conservation Gardens are a living classroom on how to use water wisely in Colorado’s semi-arid climate. Families can explore hundreds of plant varieties, learn about Xeriscaping, and see native grasses and trees that thrive locally. Next to the gardens, the interpretive area brings the Colorado-Big Thompson Project to life. A miniature version of the project’s 12 reservoirs is displayed in a multi-tiered water feature, showing the journey of snowmelt from Lake Granby, over the Continental Divide, and down to Horsetooth and Boulder Reservoirs—mirroring the path water takes to our faucets. The gardens are open daily from sunrise to sunset at 220 Water Ave. in Berthoud. Informational brochures are available for self-guided tours. Guided tours can be scheduled by calling Lindsay Nerad at 800-369-7246, and monthly public tours are also offered. For schedules and details, visit northernwater.org.
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Favorite Things
LEA HANSON
Glowing, going, and staying safe this Halloween HALLOWEEN IS ONE OF THE MOST magical nights of the year for kids—a time filled with costumes, candy, and neighborhood adventures. But as parents, we know that the fun only feels complete when safety is part of the plan. The good news? Keeping kids safe doesn’t have to mean taking away from the excitement. In fact, with a few simple tools, you can add peace of mind while letting your little ghouls and superheroes enjoy every spooky moment. Here are three smart, parent-approved items that strike the perfect balance between safety and fun this Halloween.
Glow in the Dark Spray Paint Cost: $20 Buy from: JAX, 123 N. College Ave. Fort Collins
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other night of the year. Anything that improves visibility and communication goes a long way toward prevention. One can of glow in the dark spray paint can create visibility and safety to any kid’s costume. This type of product can be creatively incorporated into some costumes. If your kids choose costumes that don’t accommodate spray paint well, you can spray paint cardboard or paperboard shapes and attach them to your child’s back, arms, etc. This option glows a green color when sprayed onto any white surface.
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Walkie Talkies Cost: $60 Buy from: ACE Hardware,1245 Main St, Windsor Many families own a two-way radio that easily communicates from your child’s blanket fort to the living room, or even from the outside tent to the inside of the home, but upgrading to a more professional version that has a longer distance communication range can make this “toy” quite a bit more versatile. The Midland LXT535VP3 24-mile range 22 channel two-way radio pair, in camo is a pair of affordable, versatile radios for outdoor communication. As your kids get old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult with a group of friends, but not quite old enough to have their own phone, this is an option to bridge allowing independence while maintaining connection safety, and some level of supervision. Make your house a Teal Pumpkin house Cost: FREE Link: https:// coloradoallergy.com/ teal-pumpkin-project/ The Teal Pumpkin Project is a fun way to increase food allergy awareness and offers a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for those with food allergies. A teal pumpkin on the doorstep identifies a house as having not only candy treats but non-edible options available for the taking. Even if you are a home that gives food treats and you don’t want to separate candy—or want to buy candy you also love (and that candy includes nuts)—you can have a side option of stickers or small gadgets kids with special needs can choose and still be included in all the fun.
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Family Travels
KATIE HARRIS
Travel the San Juan Skyway: Take in the fall colors TAKE IN SOME OF Colorado’s most breathtaking views with stops to enjoy its charming mountain towns on this month’s road trip.
DAY 1
DAY 2 Today’s highlight is a drive along Colorado’s famous Million Dollar Highway (visitouray.com/million-dollar-highway). This 25-mile stretch of the San Juan Skyway runs from Ouray to Silverton, hugging the mountainside with dramatic views at every turn. The road, built in the late 1800s as a wagon trail, winds through switchbacks and climbs over Red Mountain Pass. In autumn, the surrounding slopes are alive with gold and orange aspen groves. Take a break at the ghost town of Ironton (uncovercolorado. com/ghost-towns/ironton/). Once a busy hub between Ouray and nearby mining camps, Ironton was abandoned after the area’s mining industry collapsed in the early 1900s. A few original buildings still stand as reminders of its past. Spend the evening in Silverton (silvertoncolorado.com), browsing for a mining-era souvenir at Fetch’s Mining and Mercantile or checking out the Silverton Train Store. Then settle in for dinner at one of the local eateries downtown.
Start your adventure just outside of Ouray with a visit to Box Cañon Falls Park and Nature Center (visitouray.com/box-canyon-falls). A short 500foot walk brings you to a 285-foot waterfall where Canyon Creek meets the Uncompahgre River. The falls roar through a narrow gorge framed by quartzite canyon walls. For more exploring, try one of the park’s interpretive trails. The half-mile High Bridge Trail offers sweeping views of Ouray and the surrounding mountains. The Native Plant Loop is short, accessible, and a good way to learn more about the canyon’s ecosystem. Later, unwind at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool (visitouray.com/ourayhotspringspool). With temperatures between 75 and 106 degrees, the pools are open daily from 11am to 8pm, year round. Admission is $30/adult and $18/youth.
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Continue on the 236-mile San Juan Skyway (codon.gov/travel/ colorado-byways/southwest/sanjuan-skyway), home to some of Colorado’s best fall scenery. From Silverton, head south on US550 to Durango and stop at The Powerhouse, a children’s STEAM museum housed in a historic power plant (powsci.org). From Durango, drive west on US-160 toward Cortez, then northeast on CO-145 to Telluride. Here, the Bear Creek Trail is a family-friendly option to stretch your legs. The four-mile route begins in downtown and follows a wide path to Upper Bear Creek Falls (telluride.com/activity/bear-creek-trail/). Finish the loop back to Ouray for the night before heading home. The full San Juan Skyway loop takes about six to seven hours without stops.
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Fall into the season
Festive October events Carrots, potatoes, peppers and tomatoes— you can dig up all you’d like at Miller Farms’ Fall Harvest Festival. Running now through mid-November, the annual event gives guests the chance to take a wagon ride out to 180 acres of fields. For $28/adult and $18/for kids ages 5-10, each visitor can fill up to four large bags of produce. Bring gloves and a spade, because you’ll be the farmer on this outing, choosing the very best veggies to bring home. Be sure to save space for a pumpkin and a decorative squash or two. After your time in the fields, check out the farm’s other activities. Kids love the “Croc-pit” (a
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giant pile of chopped Crocs), antique tractors, “Cars” movie characters, pedal tractors and corn maze. Wagon rides run from 9am-4:15pm daily, and the farm stays open until 6pm. Learn more at millerfarms.net. Located at 13912 CR 19, Platteville. CHECK OUT A GIANT PUMPKIN CONTEST On Oct. 11 from 10am-3pm, Fort Collins Nursery will host its annual Giant Pumpkin WeighOff and Fall Jamboree. The free public event features a kids’ corner with pumpkin bowling, face painting and an interactive musical instrument display. Tractor hayrides will take place from 11:30am-2pm, and food vendors will be on site throughout the day.
The big draw is the pumpkin competition, an official contest for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, which oversees giant fruit competitions. Pumpkins weighing in at more than a thousand pounds will be hauled in on trailers and weighed, with growers hoping to win a cash prize or even set a state record. Contests for largest squash, tomato, watermelon and sunflower are also part of the fun. “It’s a very unique event,” says Fort Collins Nursery Marketing Director Dan Booth. “All the kids’ activities are a lot of fun, but the giant pumpkin weigh-off is something you have to see to believe. It takes the fall carnival atmosphere to another level—it’s a real spectacle.” Learn more at fortcollinsnursery. com. Located at 2121 Mulberry St., Fort Collins. GET READY FOR FUN AND FRIGHTS AT A FALL FESTIVAL Anderson Farms’ Fall Festival is fun by day, frights by night. Visit during daylight hours to get lost in the 25-acre corn maze, ride the barrel train or try out the trike track. Families can choose a timed entry or anytime ticket, buy online or at the door, and add on activities as desired. Don’t forget to pick up a pumpkin from the patch out front before heading home.
For those who like a scare, come after 7pm for Terror in the Corn. This immersive haunted attraction winds through the maze, where sinister characters lurk in the shadows. The path eventually leads to the abandoned town of Raven’s Gulch, where your fate is revealed. Find details on both the festival and Terror in the Corn, including hours and ticket prices, at andersonfarms.com. Located at 6728 CR 3-1/4, Erie. WITNESS A PARADE OF PUMPKINS For a one-of-a-kind autumn evening, visit the annual Pumpkins on Parade at The Gardens on Spring Creek, Oct. 23-26. Glowing gourds, pumpkin art and spooky characters light the paths through the gardens. Families can enjoy games, food vendors and live entertainment while taking in the glowing displays. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume. Kids (and parents) who want to join the Carved Pumpkin Contest can drop off a jack-o’-lantern for judging and display between 8:30am and noon on Oct. 23. Entries are grouped by age, and winners are announced during that evening’s event. Admission is $12 per adult and $8 per child ages 5-11. Advance tickets are highly recommended. Learn more at fcgov.com/gardens/pumpkins. Located at 2145 Centre Ave., Fort Collins. EXPERIENCE A HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL Windsor’s annual Halloween Carnival takes place Oct. 25 from noon-4pm at Boardwalk Park. Families can trick-or-treat at booths hosted by local businesses and organizations. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a bag or bucket to hold their treats. The popular event draws more than 5,000 visitors each
year and was designed to provide a safe trick-or-treating experience. Food trucks, inflatables and a Zombie Dash Fun Run around Windsor Lake add to the fun. “This is a free event for anyone in the community to come out, get dressed up if they want and trick-ortreat safely while spending the day enjoying one of our parks,” says Stephanie Laub, recreation coordinator for the Town of Windsor. The carnival is open to all ages, though children under 16 must be with an adult. To learn more or register for the fun run, visit recreationliveshere. com. Located at 100 5th. St., Windsor. GO TRICK-OR-TREATING Berthoud’s Trick or Treat Street is set for Oct. 25 from 3-5 p.m. Main Street businesses will hand out treats between Fickel Park B-Rad’s Arcade (Welch to Massachusetts Aves.) Costumes are encouraged. Visit berthoudmainstreet.org to learn more. Located at 620 Mountain Ave., Berthoud. On Oct. 31 from 10am-1pm, little ghosts and ghouls take over downtown Fort Collins for Tiny Tot Halloween. Nearly 100 businesses participate, offering candy and photo ops for toddlers, preschoolers and their families. A list of participating businesses is available at downtownfortcollins.com. The Farm at Lee Martinez Park will host Treatsylvania Oct. 24-26. The event is open to kids 10 and under with an adult and costs $9 per child (free for adults). Families can explore the historic barn, collect treats and take a hayride around the farm. Tickets are available at fcgov.com. Finally, Greeley’s Trick-or-Treat Street runs Oct. 31 from 4-6 p.m. Downtown businesses will hand out candy, while photo ops, ghost tours and pumpkin painting round out the fun. Learn more at greeleydowntown.com. Located at 8th and 9th St. Plazas, Greeley.
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School District News: Poudre Continued high-scoring trend in 2025 CMAS, P/SAT test results Poudre School District students continue to excel, with the latest state and national assessment results showing they consistently outperform their peers across Colorado. On the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS), PSD students outpaced the state by 12 to 21 percentage points across all tested subjects. Results also revealed steady gains in reading, writing, and math at the elementary and middle school levels, along with science score improvements in every tested grade. Growth was especially notable in elementary schools, where English learners and other student groups exceeded state averages in math progress. High school students also showed strong outcomes on the PSAT and SAT. PSD students scored 14 to 20 percentage points higher than state averages in meeting college readiness benchmarks. Scores rose in both reading and math, with minority students surpassing statewide results in key growth areas. “These results highlight the incredible commitment of our educators, staff, students, and families working together,” said PSD Superintendent Brian Kingsley. “We know test scores are just one measure of success, but they reflect the exceptional teaching and learning happening across our district.” The District wants to congratulate all the hard work of the thousands of students who give it their all in and out of the classroom.
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School District News: Thompson
Kam Otteson blends cultures and builds her own path Growing up as an adopted child in a multicultural family, Thompson Valley High senior Kam Otteson learned the importance of acceptance at a very young age. Kam was adopted from Korea as an infant, and her parents, who are white, took Kam and her older brother to Thailand to live when they were small children. “I grew up in an Asian country, so my parents were the ones who stuck out there,” she recalls. Kam became fluent in Thai and English at the same time, and she learned a lot about Thai culture before moving to the mountains of Colorado, where her family lived off the grid for some time. “It was very rural, and not very diverse, so it was good for me to have seen the different cultures,” Kam says. When Kam was in eighth grade, her family moved to Loveland, and she enrolled at TVHS — the school her mother, uncle, and aunt had all attended. She remembers feeling shocked at the large number of people in town, but as she always had, she set her sights on academic success. “I have always put a lot of pressure on myself about grades, trying to be the best I can be,” she says. “Now, looking back at it, I did my best. I was trying and I understood. At the end of the day, the grades don’t matter, as long as I learn.” Like her classmates, Kam found her early high school years challenging due to COVID, but eventually she was able to settle into life at Thompson Valley, finding her home on the tennis team and being active in the National Honor Society and the GiveNext program. She also keeps busy learning
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what she can about Korean culture and learning to speak Korean. “I like to listen to Korean music and watch Korean shows. I try to keep up on the news in Korea,” Kam says. “It helps me feel more connected, and I would love to go back
there. Because I grew up in so much diversity, I enjoy seeing people’s lifestyles and what they do with what they have. There’s a lot of different sides to it, but we are all human. Everybody deserves a chance, no matter what they look like.”
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School District News: Greeley-Evans D6
Teacher Cadet students get hands-on experience Our Career and Technical Education students in the Teacher Cadet program have been learning about the importance of self-esteem development in education. Program teacher Lauren Appelhans invited a guest speaker to talk to the high school students about the benefits of reading to children. Inspired, the Teacher Cadet students created children’s books centered around self-esteem. These aspiring teachers then visited Heiman Elementary School, where they read the books to Kindergarteners. We are very proud of our Teacher Cadet students! Four weeks into the program, the future teachers are already working with elementary students in classrooms across D6! DISTRICT 6 HAS 18 SCHOOLS RANKED PERFORMANCE Greeley-Evans School District 6 is pleased to share that 18 schools have reached the performance level according to rankings released by the Colorado Department of Education, based in part on results from the Colorado Measures of Academic Success tests taken by students last year. The District Performance Frameworks and School Performance Frameworks assign overall ratings to school districts and schools throughout the state of Colorado based on achievement and growth on state assessments, as well as postsecondary measures such as graduation rates, dropout rates, college entrance exams and college matriculation rates. The ratings go from the lowest of turnaround to the highest of performance for schools, and from turnaround to distinction for school districts. “We are seeing some of the greatest achievements and growth that we have ever seen in District 6 on our CMAS
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results,” says Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “We have 18 of our schools on performance. This is the most District 6 has ever had at this level.” Here are some of the highlights of this year’s results: • Christa S. McAuliffe STEM Academy outperformed the state on English language arts at every grade level. • Dos Rios Elementary School, Monfort Elementary School and Heath Middle School improved two levels from priority improvement to performance. • All District 6 traditional middle schools are at the performance level. • Nine District 6 schools experienced growth in math scores that exceeded the state average. “We are very excited about these results and want to give a huge shoutout to our
staff and our students,” Dr. Pilch says. “Ten years ago, we had three schools on turnaround and eight on priority improvement. We are moving in the right direction.” District 6 still has five schools on priority improvement. Dr. Pilch says the district will be providing extra support to those schools as they work to improve their performance ratings. “We know that we still have more work to do. We do still have a few schools at priority improvement and improvement, and we know we need to move those schools to the performance level,” Pilch says. “We are committed to doing that work.” To get more information about the Performance Frameworks, visit the Colorado Department of education Performance Frameworks website.
Read 12 books in a year with Adults Read On and earn prizes! Ages (16+) can participate by picking up a paper log at any branch, by downloading the Beanstack Tracker App and following the instructions, or by visiting highplains.beanstack.org/reader365. For more details, check out www.MyLibrary.us/aro.
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SCAN HERE An Above and Beyond Donor is an individual or business that commits to a recurring monthly donation of an amount of your choosing – so that it best fits your budget – becoming actively involved in bettering the lives of the children we serve.
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Community News
KRISTIN TITTERINGTON
Festival favorites and new trails this Fall with recreation, ensuring sustainable management practices that will protect natural resources while enhancing public access. The project is funded and maintained by the City of Loveland’s share of the Larimer County Open Space Tax. Project updates and information can be found on the city’s Skyline and Dakota Ridge Natural Areas webpage atlovgov.org/skyline-dakota.
FOCO FALL FEST 2025 Head to Old Town Fort Collins for FoCo Fall Fest Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11th & 12th, 10am to 6pm. You will find food, shopping and live music. Check out more than 200 local businesses ranging from jewelry, ceramics, food products, pet care, solar and so much more. A variety of food from food trucks and local restaurants will also be available. Inflatables and kids activities will keep your little ones busy. And don’t miss the live music! For more up-to-date information go to focofallfest.com. TRAILHEAD AND TRAIL CONSTRUCTION BEGINS Loveland Parks & Recreation Department began construction on new soft-surface trails and two new trailheads at Skyline and Dakota Ridge Natural Areas. Located in
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the foothills west of Loveland, Skyline and Dakota Ridge Natural Areas form a contiguous 415-acre expanse of conserved land. This diverse landscape features upland meadows, shrublands, ponderosa pine woodlands, and riparian drainages, with over 400 feet of elevation change from valleys to ridgelines. The areas serve not only as vital wildlife habitat and movement corridors, but will also offer recreational opportunities, such as hiking and mountain biking when opened in summer of 2026. The construction project will include seven miles of soft-surface trails, a southern trailhead at the north side of Highway 34 and Rossum Drive including parking and a restroom, and a northern parking area at West 43rd Street. Plans focus on an ecological approach to balance conservation
NEW TRAIL COMING TO BOBCAT RIDGE Natural Areas is excited to announce that in October, a new trail will open at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The Elk Meadow Trail winds 1.75 miles through the valley, crossing seasonal streams and passing dramatic rock formations, with sweeping views of redrock cliffs and foothills. Named for the elk often seen in the area, this easy-tomoderate route connects the existing trail system near the historic cabin and the northeast section of the Valley Loop Trail, just 1.5 miles from the trailhead, and provides access to 675 newly conserved acres. The Elk Meadow Trail opens to hikers, bikers and horseback riders (no dogs allowed at Bobcat Ridge) on Saturday, Oct. 11. A family-friendly celebration will take place the same day—drop in between 10am and 3pm at the historic cabin for cake, souvenir stickers, and activities for all ages. Visitors with disabilities can request accommodation by emailing naturalareas@fcgov.com or calling 970-416-2815. The newly conserved land, the trail, and the celebration are made possible by voter-supported sales tax ballot measures that fund land conservation, trails and educational efforts.
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Community Calendar
THERESA BAER
October events FESTIVALS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
Fall Fun Day and AIR Resource Fair Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation’s fall carnival and resource fair: sample adaptive fitness classes, paint a pumpkin, and learn about local resources serving people with disabilities. Family FunPlex, GR. cityofgreeley.trumba.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 Timber Dan Antique, Collectible & Vintage Toy Show Over 95 dealers display and sell over 270 tables of toys. Pedersen Toyota Center at The Ranch, LV. treventscomplex.com
ENTERTAINMENT
OCTOBER 11 AND 12 FoCo Fall Fest Live music, local artisans, food trucks, inflatables and kids’ activities. Old Town Square, FC. focofallfest.com
SATURDAYS, OCTOBER 4 Outdoor Movie: Hocus Pocus Last outdoor show of the season. Lyric Cinema, FC. lyriccinema.com/ movie/hocus-pocus-1993
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 Mother-Son Superhero Dance Annual night filled with epic fun, incredible dance moves and heroic adventures. Community Recreation Center, WS. recreationliveshere. com/Calendar
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 Teen Self Care Fair Youth explore ways to practice self-care, including yoga, medieval longsword, art, aerial silks, music, and more, plus therapy dogs, community resources, free food trucks and giveaways. Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, FC. allianceforsuicideprevention.org/ events/teen-self-care-fair
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THROUGH NOVEMBER 9 Steel Magnolias Enjoy this heartwarming comedy with moments of poignant emotion. Candlelight Dinner Theatre, Johnstown. coloradocandlelight.com
SATURDAYS, OCTOBER 4 AND 25 Astronomy Night with NoCo Astronomical Society Casual event skygazing and exploring the science of astronomy. Willow Bend Natural Area, LV. Lovgov.org/Offero
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 Skygazing Brief, family-friendly astronomy activity followed by skygazing with telescopes from Northern Colorado Astronomical Society. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, FC. fcgov.com/events OCTOBER 10 THROUGH 12 The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy Enjoy the mysterious and macabre world of everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Lincoln Center Performance Hall, FC. lctix.com OCTOBER 10 THROUGH 25 Nancy Drew: Detective Debut Theatre Company brings Carolyn Keene’s classic to the stage for all ages. Lincoln Center Magnolia Theater, FC. lctix.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Major Arcana: A Celebration of Circus, Mystics, and Music Aerial and ground acts (including youth), vendor mart, tarot and metaphysical practitioners and more. The Lyric, FC. livebeyondlimit.com/major-arcana TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 Celtic Thunder Emotional performances blend traditional Irish music with contemporary sounds. Union Colony Civic Center, Monfort Concert Hall, GR. ucstars.com FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 Paint Your Own Alebrije Paint a magical creature from Mexico in celebration of Day of the Dead. Loveland Museum, LV. thelovelandmuseum.org/programs-events FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 Kenny Endo Enjoy Japanese Taiko Drums. Rialto Theater, LV. rialtotheatercenter.org/rialto-presents
ACTIVE-ITIES
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 Windsor Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k & 1 Mile Run Multiple options with great after-party including food, drinks, music, kids zone and morek. The Island at Pelican Lakes in Water Valley, Windsor. windsorcorace.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Long View Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Various FC starting points ending in downtown LV. www.sweetheartcityracing.com FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 Teen Night Out Halloween themed activities for a ghoulish time. Family FunPlex, GR. cityofgreeley.trumba.com SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 Run Fur Fun: Zoomie Apocalypse With costume contests, race prizes, choose among 5K, Fun Run or Kids Fun. All races benefit Animal Friends Alliance. Odell Brewing Co., FC. savinganimalstoday.org/calendar/special-events SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 Narrowleaf Lake & Pumpkin Run Choose your adventure: Heavy 5K, 10K, 15K (4, 7 or 10 mile) or 1-Mile Pumpkin race options, plus a Kid’s Fun Run (1 & 1/2 mile options). Boyd Lake State Park, LV. visitloveland.com/events/narrowleaf-lakepumpkin-run
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Halloween FALL HARVEST FESTIVALS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival Pick your pumpkins with live music, beer, food, games, crafts and bounce house. Bond Park, EP. visitestespark. com/events-calendar/fall-events/ pumpkins-and-pilsners-festival Oktoberfest at Bath Garden Center Family fun, delicious food, root beer garden and a chance to enjoy the beauty of autumn. Bath Garden Center, FC. bathgardencenter.com/events Stove Prairie Elementary Fall Festival Vendors, silent auction, kids carnival, food trucks, live music, more. Stove Prairie Elementary, Bellvue. facebook.com/photo?fbid= 1316988657092926&set=a .394225162702618 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11 Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Fall Jamboree Annual giant pumpkin contest plus fun kids activities. Fort Collins Nursery, FC. FortCollinsNursery.com Loveland’s Downtown Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin sculptors, decorate pumpkins (tickets required), farmers’ market, food, music. 5th Street in front of Loveland Museum, Downtown LV. downtownloveland.org/pumpkinfestival SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 Harvest Makers Market & Chili Fest Local vendors, green chili cook-off and food, face painting and more, Bath Garden Center, FC. www.bathgardencenter.com/events
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OCTOBER 23 THROUGH 26 Pumpkins on Parade Dazzling displays, festive fall activities, and family-friendly frights. The Gardens on Spring Creek, FC. fcgov.com/gardens
PUMPKIN PATCHES & CORN MAZES Anderson’s Patchwork Pumpkins Maze, hayrides, pet goats, gift shop. Oct. 4–Nov.1. Wed/Thurs 1–5:30pm, Fri–Sun 10am–5:30pm, weather permitting. 15415 Hwy 14, Ault. facebook.com/ profile.php?id=61565843484949 Bartels Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin picking, corn maze, hayrides, more. 10am–6pm daily through Oct. 31, 3424 E. Douglas Rd., FC. thebartelspumpkinpatch.com Colorado Youth Outdoors Pumpkin Patch Pick pumpkins, hayrides and more. Sat., Oct. 11, 10am–4pm. $5/pumpkin suggested donation. 4927 E County Road 36, FC. coloradoyo.org/events Fritzler Farm Park Pumpkin patch, corn maze (haunted at night) and family attractions. Weekends through Oct. 26, hours vary. 20861 CR 33, LaSalle. fritzlerfarmpark.com
Jack Lantern’s Northern Colorado Corn Maze Corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, animals, activities. Fri–Sun, Oct. 4–31, 11am-6pm. 2318 S CR 5, FC. nococornmaze.com Osborn Farm Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin field daily. Hayrides, barrel train, petting zoo weekends only. 10am–6pm through Oct. 31, weather permitting. 1230 S Boise Ave., LV. osbornfarm.com
Happenings River Ranch Pumpkin Farm Standard and molded skull/Frankentstein pumpkins. Fri–Sun 10am-6pm through Oct. 1220 Langston Ln., LV. www.riverranchfarms.com
Morning Fresh Dairy Halloween Tours Oct. 16–Nov. 2. Collect treats along the way of Halloween inspired farm tours. Bellvue. morningfreshdairy.com/tours-andevents/holiday-tours/halloween-tours.html
Halloween on the Promenade Sunday, Oct. 26, Noon–3pm. Goodies, free pumpkins, dog costume contest, more. The Promenade Shops at Centerra, LV. thepromenadeshopsatcenterra.com/events
Something from the Farm Pumpkin Patch Pumpkins, hayrides, bale maze and Pumpkin Trebuchet. Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sunday 10am–6pm through Oct. 31, weather permitting., 8020 S. Timberline Rd., FC. somethingfromthefarm.com
Candlelit Creeps Oct. 18, 6:30-7:30pm and 7:30-8:30pm. Eerie exploration and spine-tingling tales by candlelight. $20. Centennial Village Museum, GR. cityofgreeley.trumba.com
Tiny Tot Halloween Friday, Oct. 31, 10am–1pm. Fright-free trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses. downtownfortcollins.com/play/tiny-tothalloween
Sonrise Farm Colorado Pumpkin Patch Pumpkins, hayride, games straw bale maze, more. Fri–Sun through Oct. 25, hours vary, Sonrise Farm Colorado, 36835 CR 21 Severance. www.facebook. com/events/1215260119659591 Tigges Farm Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin patch, wagon rides, petting zoo, roasted chilies. Thurs–Sun, through Oct. 31, 10am–6pm. 12404 WCR 64 ½, GR. tiggesfarmllc.com
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Creepy Walk in the Woods Fridays/Saturdays, Oct. 10–31, 7–11pm. NOT recommended for children under 11. 1750 Savage Rd. LV.creepywalk.org Loveland Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct. 11, 10am–Noon, Come in costume with a bag to trick-or-treat in a safe, fun environment. Loveland Police Department Parking Lot alternativestoviolence.org/events/copy Twilight Tours of Lakeview Cemetery Oct. 16, 24, 25, 30, hours vary. Guided by lantern light, discover unusual and often scandalous stories from the early Windsor pioneers buried in the cemetery. Registration required. Lakeview Cemetery, WS. recreationliveshere.com/calendar.aspx
Howl-O-Ween Trick or Treat Oct. 18–19, 2–6pm. Trick or treat at historical buildings, carnival games, a not-so-haunted house, costume contest. $4/person, ages 3+. Centennial Village Museum, GR. cityofgreeley.trumba.com Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat Event Friday, Oct. 24, 4:30–7pm. Trick-ortreating, costume contest, game, plus Just Between Friends Northern Colorado Kids & Maternity Resale. Island Grove Regional Park 4H Building, GR. facebook.com/events/2367636440360101 Haunted Night at Family FunPlex Friday, Oct. 24, 5–8pm. Trick-or-treat through fieldhouse and mini golf course, costume and coloring contests, crafts, more. Family FunPlex, GR. cityofgreeley. trumba.com Treatsylvania at The Farm Friday–Sunday, Oct. 24–26, hours vary. Trick-or-treating, hayride and pumpkin barn for ages 10 and under. Tickets required. Farm at Lee Martinez Park, FC. fcgov.com/treatsylvania Windsor Halloween Carnival Saturday, Oct. 25, 11:30am–4pm. Zombie Dash fun run, trick-or-treating and family activities. Boardwalk Park, Windsor. recreationliveshere.com
Severance Trick-or-Treat Parade Friday, Oct. 31, 3–5pm. Trunk or treat and door-to-door trick or treating. Severance Town Hall & Library. townofseverance.org/290/Trick-or-TreatParade Wellington Trick or Treat Down Main Street Friday, Oct. 31, 3:30–5:30pm. 8225 Third St., Wellington. wellingtoncolorado. gov/166/Events Greeley Trick or Treat Street Friday, Oct. 31, 4–6pm. Downtown businesses give treats, plus booths, prizes and fun. 8th and 9th Street Plazas, Downtown GR. greeleydowntown.com/ events/trick-or-treat-street Spooky Bike Parade Friday, Oct. 31, 6–7:30pm. Costume bike parade with pre/post-ride fun. Mountain Ave. between Meldrum and Mack streets. focobikemob.com/ annualspookybikeparade Frankenstein: A Living Comic Book Friday, Oct. 31, 7:30pm. Comic book images, puppets and live actors combine to retell the classic Frankenstein story. Rialto Theater, LV. rialtotheatercenter. org/rialto-presents
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Time out
LEA HANSON
When Our Teens’ Friendships Raise Red Flags AS A MOM OF A TEENAGER, I’ve learned that parenting doesn’t get easier as our kids get older—it just changes. Gone are the scraped knees on the playground. Instead, we start noticing subtle shifts in our kids’ friendships and relationships that make us pause. Sometimes, those red flags don’t show up in our child first, but in the behavior of their friends. Recently, I’ve noticed how certain behaviors can slide from normal teen drama into unhealthy relationship patterns. One of the first that caught my eye was love bombing. At first, it looks sweet—grand gestures, constant compliments, endless texts. But when attention becomes overwhelming, or when affection is used to control, it’s not fun attention—it’s manipulation. I’ve seen my teen’s friends pulled into cycles where the intensity of love bombing quickly turns to criticism or withdrawal if they don’t respond fast enough. Then there’s peer pressure, which we often think of as kids pushing each other to try alcohol or vaping. But it can also show up in relationships: pressuring a friend to text constantly, share passwords, or skip family time. These subtle pressures can slowly wear down a teen’s sense of self and independence. So, what do we do as parents when we see these patterns? First, I’ve learned not to attack the friend directly. It’s hard for me to verbalize I don’t like the behavior…. Or even the friend specifically. Teens are fiercely loyal, and criticism can push them away. Instead, I try asking open-ended questions: “How do you feel after hanging out with them?” or
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“Does it ever feel like too much when they text all the time?” These questions encourage reflection without judgment. Second, I make space for conversations about what healthy relationships look like. Respect, trust, and space to be yourself are non-negotiables. I remind my teen that real friends cheer for you, not control you. Sometimes, I’ll share stories from my own teenage years—the mistakes I made and what I wish I’d recognized sooner. And finally, I keep the door open. Even if my teen insists everything is fine, I let them know I’ll always listen without overreacting. Teens often test boundaries, but deep down, they want to know we’re a safe place to
land when friendships or relationships get complicated. It can feel scary to see these behaviors showing up in our children’s circles, but it’s also an opportunity. By noticing and gently guiding, we give our kids tools to recognize unhealthy patterns for themselves. We can’t pick their friends, but we can help them develop the wisdom to know which relationships build them up—and which ones slowly chip away at who they are. As parents, that’s one of the greatest gifts we can give: helping our teens recognize their own worth so they’ll only settle for relationships that reflect it.
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