Makingthegrade

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015 • GAZETTE.COM/PARENTS

GAZETTE PARENTS:

Making the

Grade A S P EC I A L A DV E R T IS I N G S EC T I O N O F T H E G A ZE T T E

STUDY:

Early clue to why some children may have reading woes Lauran Neergaard, The Associated Press

WASHINGTON – New research suggests it may be possible to predict which preschoolers will struggle to read — and it has to do with how the brain deciphers speech when it’s noisy.

Scientists are looking for ways to tell, as young as possible, when children are at risk for later learning difficulties so they can get early interventions.

There are some simple pre-reading assessments for preschoolers. But Northwestern University researchers went further and analyzed brain waves of children as young as 3.

How well youngsters’ brains recognize specific sounds — consonants — amid background noise can help identify who is more likely to have trouble with reading development, the team reported Tuesday in the journal PLOS Biology.

If the approach pans out, it may provide “a biological looking glass,” said study senior author Nina Kraus, director of Northwestern's Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory. “If you

know you have a 3-year-old at risk, you can as soon as possible begin to enrich their life in sound so that you don’t lose those crucial early developmental years.”

Connecting sound to meaning is a key foundation for reading. For example, preschoolers who can match sounds to letters earlier go on to read more easily.

Auditory processing is part of that pre-reading development: If your brain is slower to distinguish a “D”from a “B” sound, for example, then recognizing words and piecing together sentences could be affected, too.

What does noise have to do with it?

It stresses the system, as the brain has to tune out competing sounds to selectively focus, in just fractions of milliseconds. And consonants are more vulnerable to noise than vowels, which tend to be louder and longer, Kraus explained.

“Hearing in noise is arguably one of the most computationally difficult

2

July 2015

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

things we ask our brain to do,” she said.

The new study used an EEG to directly measure the brain’s response to sound, attaching electrodes to children's scalps and recording the patterns of electric activity as nerve cells fired. The youngsters sat still to watch a video of their choice, listening to the soundtrack in one ear while an earpiece in the other periodically piped in the sound “dah” superimposed over a babble of talking.

Measuring how the brain’s circuitry responded, the team developed a model to predict children’s performance on early literacy tests.

Then they did a series of experiments with 112 kids between the ages of 3 and 14.

The 30-minute test predicted how well 3-year-olds performed a languagedevelopment skill and how those same youngsters fared a year later on several standard pre-reading assessments, the team reported. Time will tell how well

those children eventually read.

But Kraus’ team also tested older children — and the EEG scores correlated with their current reading competence in school, and even flagged a small number who'd been diagnosed with learning disabilities.

Oral language exposure is one of the drivers of reading development, and the study is part of a broader push to find ways to spot problem signs early, said Brett Miller, who oversees reading disabilities research at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which helped fund the work.

But don’t expect EEGs for preschoolers any time soon. While the machines are common among brain specialists, this particular use is complicated and expensive, and further research is necessary, Kraus cautioned.

Her ultimate goal is to test how a child's brain processes sound even younger, maybe one day as a part of the routine newborn hearing screening.

QUESTIONS TO ASK when looking for an afterschool program Metro Services

Many of today’s working professionals grew up in single-income households where only one of their parents went to work each day. But that once-common dynamic is now largely a thing of the past, as economic necessity has driven both moms and dads to continue their careers even after they have had children.

That reality has led many working parents to lean heavily on afterschool programs to serve as safe havens that provide structure for their kids while mom and dad are still at work.

Choosing an after-school program is a decision many parents find difficult, but there are some questions parents can ask during their searches for programs that should make those decisions easier.

parents should ask to tour the facility, paying specific attention to the areas of the facility where their youngsters will spend the bulk of their time. Do the classrooms look clean? Are the materials up-to-date? Is the playground equipment safe and well-maintained?

Well-maintained facilities with new supplies and equipment can make the program more enjoyable and safer for kids. Parents also should ask to spend some time observing the facility when it is abuzz with activity. Such observation can give parents an idea of what their kids’ afternoons will be like should they enroll in the program. Stay out of the way, but watch to see how engaged kids and staff members are and how conducive to doing homework the environment is.

Can I tour and observe the facility?

What is the program schedule?

When considering a particular afterschool program for their children,

Schedule is a significant issue for working parents, many of whom want a

program that is open on holidays when schools are closed. Flexibility also is a concern for working parents, some of whom may need a facility that is open before school starts. Parents also may want a facility that allows youngsters to attend just a few days a week, which might make certain programs that require parents to commit to full weeks less enticing. When discussing the facility schedule with staff members, be sure to get as specific a schedule as possible, inquiring about any additional costs associated with extending the typical schedule as well.

What are the activities available to the kids?

Many afterschool programs provide more than just a place for kids to sit and do their homework until their folks come to pick them up. Ask staff members at the facility how big a role activities play in their programs. Many programs try to offer an array of activities that range

from academic programs to athletic events and more. A wide range of programs can increase the chances that youngsters will find activities that pique their interests and make the afterschool program more enjoyable.

How are staff members vetted?

Parents also may want to ask about the program’s hiring practices.

Ask about the background checks performed on staff members and if the facility requires any specific certifications for staff who will be dealing directly with children.

When asking about hiring practices, parents also may want to inquire about the ratio of staff members to children. The smaller the ratio, the more attention youngsters will receive.

Facilities with an especially high ratio of staff to children may not be able to provide the type of environment parents want for their children.

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

July 2015

3

Where to find Metro Services

autism resources

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that, as of 2014, autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 68 children across the country. This new estimate is 30 percent higher than previous reports, which may be indicative of better measuring devices, more people coming forward or a greater prevalence of autism across the board.

“Autism spectrum disorder,” or ASD, and “autism” are terms used interchangeably to describe a complex group of disorders that affect brain development. ASD may be characterized by difficulties in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, trouble with communication, and other conditions of varying degrees. The CDC points out that almost half of children identified with ASD have average or above average intellectual ability.

Many children identified with ASD require special education services

or therapy. While the widespread knowledge of ASD has made resources more available, not everyone knows where to turn when a child is first diagnosed with ASD. The first step begins with a diagnosis.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be screened for general development using standardized, validated tools at nine, 18 and 24 or 30 months and for ASD at 18 and 24 months or whenever a parent or provider has a concern. However, less than half (44 percent) of children identified with ASD were evaluated for developmental concerns by the time they were three years old. Plus, the CDC’s report “Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Children Aged 8 Years & Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network’ found most children with ASD are diagnosed after age four, even though they can be diagnosed

as early as age two. Pediatricians may be the first to diagnose autism.

Should something seem awry during a routine developmental evaluation, a child’s pediatrician may refer parents to specialists who can do more in-depth evaluations to recognize signs of ASD. Pediatricians and specialists also can provide a wealth of information with regard to therapists and special education providers offering services for children with ASD. Many experts believe that early identification and therapies can be the most powerful tools people have to make a difference in the lives of children with autism.

Schools may also be a good resource for information on ASD. Parents can contact their local early intervention programs or school systems for free evaluations, after which parents may be put in touch with educators and therapists who can develop plans

The AcAdemy of children’s TheATre

Fall Classes Ages 2 – 19 Acting, Musical Theatre, Broadway Dance, Ballet, Improv, and Stage Combat

Charlotte’s Web AcAdemy of communiTy TheATre (AcT ii)

C

Presents

October 30 to November 7, 2015

lot har te’s

Web

Based on the book

by E.B. White Adapted by Joseph Robinette

Produced by special arragement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Wooodstock, Illinois.

For more information, call 719.282.9101 or visit our website at www.ACTcolorado.net 4

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

15ACT146_3-62x4-74.indd 1

July 2015 7/19/15 1:47 PM

customized to children’s needs. Schools and parent forums also can be the ideal places to meet and confer with other parents of children with ASD. With more contacts, the network of information increases exponentially.

A variety of resources also can be found online. The National Autism Resource & Information Center has the Autism NOW Center Local Agencies directory available through their site, www.autismnow.org. Individuals can browse agencies by state and find about programs in their communities.

Autism Speaks is a premier resource that aims to offer support and resources to families. The organization helps people get early access to care, attend ASD events and even advocate for change where they live. Autism Speaks also has an Autism Response Team, specially trained to connect with families and offer information or answer questions.

2015 First Day of School School District

Start Date

Website

Academy Dist. 20 .................................August 17..............................ASD20.org Calhan Dist. 1 ......................................August 11..............................CalhanSchool.org Cheyenne Mountain Dist. 12 ................August 13..............................CMSD.K12.co.us Colorado Springs Dist. 11 .....................August 18..............................D11.org Edison Dist. 54JT ..................................August 11..............................Edison54JT.schoolfusion.us Ellicott Dist. 22.....................................August 5 ................................EllicottSchools.org Falcon Dist. 49 .....................................August 4 ................................D49.org Fountain-Ft. Carson Dist. 8 ...................August 13..............................FFC8.schoolfusion.us Harrison Dist. 2 ....................................August 18..............................HSD2.org Lewis Palmer Dist. 38 ...........................August 19..............................LewisPalmer.org Manitou Springs Dist. 14 ......................August 31..............................MSSD14.org

Chore

Miami Yoder Dist. 60 ............................August 11 (6 –12) ..................MiamiYoder.com August 13 (K – 5)

Charlie

Peyton Dist. 23.....................................August 17..............................Peyton.k12.co.us Widefield Dist. 3...................................August 18..............................WSD3.org Woodlank Park RE-2 .............................August 19..............................WPSDK12.org

Did you

know?

According to the College Board Annual Survey of Colleges, the average published tuition and fee price for full-time, in-state students at public four-year colleges during the 2014 – 15 school year was $9,139. That marks a nearly 3 percent increase from the preceding year, but it’s still a considerable bargain when compared to the tuition and fee costs full-time, out-of-state students attending four-year public colleges will have to pay. Such students paid $22,958 for the 2014 – 15 school year, a 3.3 percent hike from the year before. Such figures do not include the cost of room and board, which averaged roughly $9,800 for the 2014 – 15 school year at public four-year colleges (in-state and out-of-state). Private, non-profit, four-year colleges remained considerably more expensive than their public counterparts, costing students an average of more than $42,000 per year for tuition, fees and room and board during the 2014 – 15 school year. The 3.7 percent rise in tuition and fees at such institutions also represented the highest average increase of any four-year colleges or universities.

This Summer, turn your kids into

Super Savers!

Open a new Youth Account through August 29, 2015 and receive a Free Cinemark movie ticket* *The Cinemark movie pass will be sent with the new account letter approximately 10 days after account opening.

(719) 574-1100 or 800-525-9623

Summer is a great time for kids to learn the value of saving. Ent’s Star Savers® and GalaxySM youth programs can help with age-appropriate activities, rewards and online resources designed for kids and teens.

Ent.com/SuperSavers

Equal Housing Lender | Federally insured by NCUA | Equal Opportunity Lender © Ent Federal Credit Union, 2015 • Ent is a registered trademark of Ent Federal Credit Union.

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

July 2015

5

Simplify students’ transitions to college life Metro Services

College is the first taste of true independence. Whereas mom and dad were always around to make sure kids were out the door on time and homework was done, that safety blanket is no longer there once they move into their dorm rooms. Parents who want to help their kids make as smooth a transition to college life as possible can take steps during their children’s senior year of high school to help them adjust.

By the time their freshman year of college arrives, kids will know how to handle their mornings by themselves.

Teach kids how to develop budgets.

New college students have to make many adjustments upon moving into their dorms, and getting themselves out of bed each morning and off to class on time is one such change. Parents worried that their students will sleep in when mom and dad isn’t around to remind them to wake up can start letting kids fly solo on school day mornings during their final year of high school. Let kids set their alarms, prepare their own breakfasts and get out the door on time all on their own.

Another problem many first-year college students encounter is an inability to effectively manage their money. Whether you plan to give kids an allowance while they are in school or intend for them to work part-time for their spending money, use senior year of high school as an opportunity to show kids how to budget their money. If they don’t have accounts already, open bank accounts in your youngster’s name, and insist that he or she start paying for his or her expenses via these accounts. Resist the urge to give high school kids gas money or money for shopping trips if they have already spent their allowances so they can learn how to effectively manage money between paydays. In addition, teach kids about the right and wrong ways to use credit cards, including the

6

July 2015

Let kids fly solo on school day mornings.

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

importance of paying balances in full and on time.

Let kids handle more standard responsibilities.

Adults tend to take more mundane responsibilities like making doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping for granted. But kids likely have no idea how to handle such tasks. Parents can encourage their high school seniors to make their own medical appointments.

In addition, take kids along on grocery shopping trips, explaining how to find sale items and which foods to buy and which to avoid. Nutrition is not always foremost on the minds of college freshmen, but those who understand the importance of healthy diets are more likely to buy nutritious meals than junk food.

Emphasize time management.

Today’s high schoolers are busier than ever before, so many may already be prepared for the juggling act that is

college life. But college students have more free time than their high school counterparts, so parents can emphasize the importance of managing that free time wisely as opposed to spending it lounging on the couch or napping.

Safety Smarts for Kids and Families

Saturday, August 8, 2015 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Chapel Hills Mall Meet safety experts, get information, and enjoy safety demonstrations and fun activities.

Fun • Free • For Families Schedule of events and featured guests are subject to change.

Your Back to School Headquarters

Choice • Style • Quality • Value • Convenience Stock the closet and please the kids at favorites like The Children’s Place, H&M, Crazy 8, Maurices, Famous Footwear, rue21 and many more.

Visit ChapelHillsMall.com for a complete list of your favorite stores for back to school savings.

Come Shop the Difference.TM

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

July 2015

7

Tips for sending your freshman off to college Leslie Massey, Gazette Parents

T

here’s only a short time until that first day for college freshmen. Before the adventure begins, students will need help with their college shopping list.

Setting up a college-bound teen for the first time can be daunting and a bit perplexing, especially when working with a budget.

Making a list ahead of time is a great time saver. A number of college shopping lists can be found online, and the free College Packing List App is practical — including a list of items needed at college that you can check off as you purchase them. The list seems

ABBA

extensive, and can seem intimidating but you don’t have to buy everything.

Also, keep in mind universities dictate whether or not students can hang pictures or affix items to their school-issued bed, and while some schools allow small electronics and common dorm appliances, others deem them fire hazards and bar them from students’ rooms. Obtaining a list of the school’s dorm decorating do’s and don’ts can eliminate these headaches, and removable adhesive hooks can be a life saver.

Remember, dorm room gear needs to be compact and as multi-functional as you can find. Here are some tips to consider along the way.

Your Lens is Custom made for Your Lifestyle with MasterView HD Lenses™

re a C e y E GOOD

The Best In Sight Since 1978

SAVINGS

Always Looks

Exams | Glasses | Contacts

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL

Off

50%

FRAMES

THE WILLIAM STORMS ALLERGY CLINIC STORMS BOWDISH ALLERGY CLINIC

When purchasing a complete set of glasses (frames and lens) Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts or insurance. Expires 8/31/15.

Treating Adults and S Children heSERVING William TormS allerg The William STTormS a llergy C liniC THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1975 Board Certified in Allergy and Clinical Immunology SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1975

VISIT ONE OF OUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! Medicaid Patients Welcome 6220 WOODMEN ROAD E SIDE OF ST FRANCIS HOSPITAL

634-2020

1813 NORTH CIRCLE DRIVE

2015

Nasa l Allergies ••Asthma ••Our Chronic Cough Nasal Allergies Asthma ChronicCommunity Cough Serving Since 197 Serving Our Community Since 1975 Specializing in Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Sinus Eczema SinusProblems Problems •• Hives Hives •• Eczema Dr. Matthew S. Bowdis Bronchitis Allergies Bronchitis •• Food Food Allergies 4430 NORTH NEVADA AVE Sports Induced Allergies Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology Board Certified in Allergy/Immunology Sportsand andExercise Exercise Induced Allergies SW CORNER OF AUSTIN BLUFFS & NEVADA • Nasal allergies • Asthma • Chronic Cough • Hay Fever • Sinus Problems 635-2020 1625 Medical Center Point, Suite 190 1625 Medical Center Point, Suite 190 Colorado Springs,CO CO80907 80907 Springs,•Cat 1130 LAKE PLAZA DRIVE•Hives • Eczema • Bee AllergiesColorado •Bronchitis or Dog Allergies •Food Allergies

Treating Adults and Children Treating Adults and Children

Dr. William W. Storms

(719) 955-6000 (719) 955-6000

1625 Medical 1625 Medical Center Point, Suite 190 Center Point, Suite 190 719-955-6000 Tel: 955-6000 Matthew S. Bowdish, MD www.stormsallergy.com www.stormsallergy.com www.stormsallergy.com William W. Storms, MD www.stormsallergy.com William W. Storms, MD 1625 Medical Suite Central North South•Point, •Woodland Woodland Park 190 Central• •Center North • South Park www.AbbaEyeCare.com • Mon-Fri 8:30-6:00 • Sat 9:00-2:00 CIRCLE & CONSTITUTION

OFF LAKE AVE NEXT TO CULVERS

632-2020

8

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

578-2020

July 2015

Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Tel: (719) 955-6000

Check in with the future roommate, it’s a great way to break the ice and there’s a good chance that similar items are on each of your shopping lists. Avoid duplicating things like microwaves, toasters and coffee pots.

Friends and family may have items sitting around that they don’t mind giving up like an extra set of plates, and there’s no shame in bringing hand-me-downs to college.

Searching Craigslist can also be an inexpensive way to find supplies.

Under bed storage will come in handy for most dorm room spaces.

You can even buy storage bins with drawers to keep the extras easily accessible. It wouldn’t hurt to pick up some bed risers to be sure the storage bins fit under the bed.

Consider a mattress topper.

While it’s not a necessity, dorm beds typically aren’t the most comfortable.

Cleaning supplies are easily forgotten.

Bringing things like dish soap, dish cloths, a broom and dust pan as well

as bathroom cleaning supplies and a trash can are significant.

Have your move-in directions, schedule and maps printed out and on hand and familiarize yourself with them ahead of time.

Textbooks: How to save

So Much

Textbooks are one of the biggest expenses for college students, totaling between $700 and $1,000 a year. How can you save on those costs?

More

Used books The tried and true method is to buy used textbooks and resell them when the class is over, which can save you about 65-percent.

Rent books: You can also rent books at Chegg. com. Go to the website, type in the name of the text and the book will come to you in the mail. It’s due back at the end of the semester. On average, a student will save over $500 a year by renting compared to buying textbooks.

So Much

More

than the Common Core

A new iPhone app allows you to comparison shop on the spot. Just scan the textbook’s ISBN number to find out how much it would cost on Chegg.com.

Plus, Chegg plants a tree every time you rent from the service.

than the Common Core

At The Colorado Springs School, we teach to a higher standard.

Our students are discovering the real world through experiential seminars and hands on learning—enabling them to become critical thinkers, not just test-takers.

At The Colorado Springs School, we teach to a higher standa Our students are discovering theour real world through experien Visit us at css.org to learn more about and hands on learning—enabling comprehensive academic program or callthem to become critical thin just test-takers.

(719) 434-3520 to schedule a tour.

Every kid. Every class. Every day.

Learn more at css.org

Visit us at css.org to about our comprehe program or call (71 schedule a tour.

An ACIS accredited school for PreK - 12th grade At The Colorado Springs School, we teach to a higher standard.

Our students are discovering the real world through experiential seminars and hands on learning—enabling them to become critical thinkers, not

An ACIS accredited school for PreK - 12th grade Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

July 2015

9

Pediatric Associates, PC

Pediatric Associates, PC Day or Night, Call 596-4502 Day or Night, CALL 596-4502

Infants Adolescents Infants••Children Children •• Adolescents

James Irwin Charter Schools Quality academics combined with character development

Courtesy of James Irwin Charter Academy

High-quality academics combined with strong character/leadership development make James Irwin Charter Schools a favorite choice for Colorado Springs families. Awarded The Gazette’s Best of the Springs in 2015, these tuition-free public schools garner private school results.

NG ACCEPTTIIENTS NEW PA

Edward Edward D. D. Kimble, Kimble, M.D. M.D. David L. Baswell, M.D. David L. Baswell, M.D. David L. Baswell, M.D. Bruce P. MacHaffi e, M.D. CCEPTINGTS Bruce P. MacHaffie, Bruce P. MacHaffie, M.D. AM.D. IEN Shirley Stewart, CPNP NEW PAT Jason Kalan, M.D. Shirley Stewart, CPNP Vicki Sagrillo, CPNP

Hope Slavoski, CPNP

Board Certified Pediatricians Board Certified We Participate in MostPediatricians.

Insurance We to Participate Most Insurance Plans Plans. include in Tricare to include Tricare

6190 BarnesRd. Rd. 596-4502 6190 Barnes 596-4502 Bookkeeping & Insurance 596-6550 Bookkeeping & Insurance 596-6550 www.pedassoccs.com 10

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

July 2015

Located a block south of the Wasson Academic Campus, James Irwin Charter Academy (K-5) opened in 2013. For 2014, its fourth-graders received the highest TCAP scores for reading, writing and math in southern Colorado. High expectations, dedicated and highly trained teachers, and an instructional

assistant in every class are key.

Three campuses are located at the intersection of Astrozon Boulevard and Powers Boulevard.

James Irwin Charter Elementary School boasts math, writing and reading scores that are consistently in the top 1% of all public schools in Colorado. Adopted by the 1st Space Battalion, soldiers come weekly to work individually with students and assist teachers.

The school’s James Irwin Charter Middle School is known for its single sex classrooms. Students agree that classes with boys or girls only are advantageous because there are fewer distractions.

College prep James Irwin High School has been awarded US News and World Report’s GOLD ranking and Washington Post’s award as the eighth best high school in Colorado.

James Irwin Charter Schools are now accepting Letters of Intent for 20152016. Visit www.JamesIrwin.org or call 719-302-9105.

Strategies to help kids focus on their schoolwork Metro Services

Some youngsters experience difficulty when the time comes to focus on their schoolwork. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 6.4 million American children between the ages of four and 17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. ADHD most often occurs in children, and these children may have difficulty with concentrating, paying attention, staying organized, and remembering details. But not all children struggling to focus on their studies have ADHD. Parents who want to help their kids overcome their issues with regard to focusing can consider a host of approaches.

Speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Because ADHD is so common, parents should seek the opinion of a licensed healthcare professional to determine if their child has the disorder. According to the National Resource Center on ADHD

(www.help4adhd.org), psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists, and certain licensed counselors or therapists are qualified to diagnose ADHD. A qualified healthcare professional can help develop a strategy to improve focus, and that may include prescribing medication to improve the child’s ability to concentrate.

Speak with your child’s teacher.

Students who don’t have ADHD can still have trouble focusing on their schoolwork, and parents of such students may want to speak to their children’s teachers to solve the problem. Educators have significant experience dealing with students who have trouble focusing, and they may be able

to make certain suggestions to help.

Minimize distractions.

Some kids may do well in class but find it hard to focus once they arrive home. That’s because home often has far more distractions than the classroom. Once the time comes for your child to do his or her homework, minimize distractions that can compromise his or her ability to focus.

Turn off the television and take kids’ phones away if they have their own phones. During homework time, only allow them to use their computers for their lessons and not to connect with friends via social media. Parents also should make sure they aren’t the distraction. Let kids do their work in

peace and quiet, offering to help if need be, but steering clear of kids work areas so they are encouraged to focus and not strike up conversations with mom or dad.

Make lists.

Some kids focus better when they know exactly what they have to do. Encourage such youngsters to make lists of their assignments and check items off as they are completed. Checking items off can give kids a sense of accomplishment, which can motivate them to stay focused.

Encourage breaks.

A breather every so often can help kids avoid growing tired. Make sure kids don’t take up another task, such as playing video games or watching television, during their breaks. But keep in mind that standing up every so often to walk around or get a glass of water can help them stay sharp and energized.

Painting Jewelry Clay and more…

Year-round art classes for all ages and skill levels

Browse classes and register online: csfineartscenter.org | 719.475.2444 818 Pelham Place, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Sponsored by El Pomar Foundation, Deluxe Corporation Foundation, H. Chase Stone Trust

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

July 2015

11

2015

1| 2| 3| 4| 12

Rockrimmon/Mountain Shadows 2041 Chuckwagon Rd., Colorado Springs 719-388-8818 Stetson Hills 6353 Stetson Hills Blvd., Colorado Springs 719-573-5300 Monument 18075 Minglewood Trail, Monument 719-488-8723 Falcon 7312 Mclaughlin Rd., Falcon 719-886-4900

Gazette Parents: MAKING THE GRADE

July 2015

The Montessori classroom contains multi-sensory, sequential, self-correcting materials designed to invite manipulations and to permit active, self-directed learning in a mixed-age setting. The multi-age classes provide opportunities for socialization, math, reading and language development.