April 2020

‘hood APRIL 2020

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

VIDEO GREETIN GS Hear spec ial m

Our First

Preschool Directory

from our n essages om teachers in inated side!

inside

Meet Our 2020

Educator of the Year Mrs. Angie Olson

CORONAVIRUS Resources to Make E-Learning Fun!

Stay Active While

Social Distancing

Eating Healthy at Home

SUMMER CAMP IN THE AIR is where fun and energy collide!

The New All-American Gymnastics Location is adding a Summer Camp Program. The Summer Camp Program will feature weekly themes, field trips and daily fitness activities. They’ll spend at least half their time in the air!

Don’t forget to check out all the new classes and options, check website for the full schedule: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Preschool Gymnastics Little All-Stars Recreational Gymnastics Before & After School Program Summer Camps Ninja Zone Parkour American Cheer Elite Tramp & Tumble (TnT) Open Gym Birthday Parties Monthly Memberships

New Location Now Open!

7321 S. Grasslands Place, Sioux Falls

605-334-4311

allamericangymnastics.com

Embrace the DETOURS WE ARE HERE TO HELP! 1. F irst and foremost, we hope everyone is safe and healthy.

2. W e see you. Period. We know it is a trying time for all of our community and we are here to do whatever we can to help.

3. W e have always aimed to be your local parenting resource and we are trying harder than ever to fill those shoes for you.

4. M ake sure you are following us on social media (Facebook and Instagram) for live virtual classes and events from our local community as well as resources from all over the country!

5. T une in daily to our social media channels for fun challenges to keep a smile on your face during these tough times.

6. W e want to see your pictures!

Please share all the fun things that you are doing together at home in the coming weeks. You never know if your idea might encourage another family! You might even see your picture in a future issue of ‘Hood Magazine!

7. B e sure to tune into our website as we will be posting new things! thehoodmagazine.com

contents April 2020 cover story 17 Educator of the Year Meet Angie Olson and the other 2020 Educator of the Year Nominees.

22 Video Messages

Nominated Educators of the Year stay virtually connected to their students.

baby 8 Time Flies

Follow along as Jaclyn reflects on the transition to a family of 5.

9 Bedtime Routines

Easy tips to make bedtime less stressful.

child 10 H elping Your Child with Transitions

Talking through transitions in your family’s daily life.

25 P reschool Directory

Browse through our first ever preschool directory.

43 Kid Jokes

Local kiddos crack us up.

Sponsored by Voyage Credit Union.

17

teen

health/wellness

14 Inspiring Teens

32 Well Child Visits

Jadyn Ramazani

.

15 Creative Parenting Tips for Teens

Practical ways to love more and yell less.

parent 13 Mom Tips of the Month Valuable tips straight from our ‘Hood panel.

36 Spreading Joy Through Social Distancing

Things to do to feel like part of the community.

25

in every issue 12 Crafts

Create a keepsake with a few simple supplies.

4 | April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

38 40 Ways for Families to Bond While at Home Check out this list!

40 E-Learning Resources

Local and national resources to keep the kids learning.

42 Why Can’t My Child Get Ready for School?

Self-regulation tips for the entire family.

Why are well child visits so important?

35 Staying Healthy During Quarantine

home 44 D o-It-Yourself:

Changing a Flat Tire An important life skill.

46 Spring Cleaning

Your HVAC System

A commonly overlooked task.

48 Save Time, Money and Your Skin

Soft water can help more than you think!

46

welcome

Happy Spring!

Welcome to our first Educator of the Year issue! We have been honoring teachers for 7 years and decided to open the accolades this year to include all educators! We were talking at our team meeting how more than just teachers are making an impact in our children’s lives. We wanted to open up the nominations for anyone to be nominated this year that is in the education field. As always, it was a tough decision this year. We had a wide variety of nominations from sectaries to bus drivers to teachers nominated! We have all of the nominations on our website for you to check out, just head over to thehoodmagazine.com and click on the Educator of the Year dropdown. If you missed our Facebook Live of announcing Mrs. Olson as our 2020 Educator of the Year, we have the link on our website and it is fantastic! In addition, we are excited to have videos from Mrs. Olson and some of our nominees in this issue! We know how much all educators are missing their students and we are excited for them to share their special messages with them!

Mrs. Olson is truly an amazing teacher, mom, friend, and mentor. I hadn’t met her before I announced her as the winner this month but I can tell you by the amount of love she had in the room at the assembly and how honored she was to be our 2020 Educator of the Year, we know she is a making an impact on many lives! Make sure to read about her and what her students had to say in this issue.

We know the days ahead may seem daunting and challenging, but we are here for you! We have links to resources to help your kids while they are home e-learning.

Looking for things to do outside of schoolwork? We have a list of 40 ways to bond as family. Just know we are here for you and thinking of you! Please make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and live events!

Steff ‘hood

Digital Media Director

President & Publisher

Office Manager

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

Steffanie Liston-Holtrop 605-366-1479 steff@thehoodmagazine.com

Copy Editor Shelly Gaddis

Art & Design Director Ally Vogel

Jaclyn Small Jenna Mohlenhoff

Contributing Photographer KaleyLoveD Photography

Distribution Courtesy of LifeScape:

Andy Claflin, Brian Puetz, Brenton Newman, Ben Graff, Mitch Riley

and the ‘Hood team

Reproduction or use of the contents of this magazine is prohibited.

‘Hood Magazine is published 9 times a year by Hoodlum Productions, LLC and strives to publish only accurate information; however, Hoodlum Productions, LLC cannot be held responsible for consequences resulting from errors or omissions. All material in this magazine is the property of Hoodlum Productions, LLC and cannot be reproduced without permission of the publisher. We welcome article proposals, story suggestions and unsolicited articles and will consider all submissions for publication.

Please send your thoughts, ideas and submissions to Hoodlums@thehoodmagazine.com.

Magazine feedback and advertising and marketing inquiries to steff@thehoodmagazine.com. ©2020 Hoodlum Productions, LLC All Rights Reserved.

online

‘Hood Online We are so much more than a magazine. We are here to meet you where you’re at in life.

You’ll find us in the community, online and in our printed issues, which are always FREE! If you haven’t visited our website yet, you’ll want to check it out. There, you’ll find exclusive content not available in print! Here is what you’ll find this month:

Familyfest is coming!

The 11th Annual FamilyFest is only a few months away and our sister company would love to showcase YOUR COMPANY to our community.

Every year thousands of families attend this oneday event at the W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds that was created with fun for the entire family in mind!

There are numerous opportunities to promote your company through sponsorships, vendor spaces, performances and much more.

Save the date for July 25th, 2020 and head over to familyfestsf.com to find out more information about opportunities to become involved!

It’s Summer Camp Season!

Now is the time to get your children all signed up for the camps and activities that they are going to fill their summer with and Hood Magazine has you covered! We are proud to have the area’s most complete Summer Camp Resource Guide at thehoodmagazine.com! You can search through dozens of camp listings to find the ones that fit your family’s needs for ages, prices, and dates.

So Many Nominations!

There are so many incredible educators in our community and we are filled with gratitude for the dozens of heartfelt nominations that flowed in for this years Educator of the Year award. We teamed up with Vern Eide Motorcars to present one lucky winner with a check for $500 to use in their classroom! Each nominee will also receive a certificate honoring their nomination and helping them feel some gratitude for the tireless work they do every day with our children. Head over to thehoodmagazine.com to read all of the nominations and get inspired!

SEE ALL OF THE

NOMINATIONS

STAY

in the know

thank you Community Sponsors

Teen Tip! We asked some local parents about their best advice for parenting teens and you don’t want to miss their great answers!

It’s no wonder we have such an amazing community of kids...their parents have some amazing ways of loving them through the hardest years of their life. Check them all out at thehoodmagazine.com.

March Madness!

Who enjoyed the beginning of March Madness as much as we did?

Even though the season was cut short, our ‘Hood family still shared a variety of “shots” of their families enjoying some hoops. Head over to ‘Hood on Facebook and Instagram and share your kids outside playing ball as the weather warms up.

Looking for Community Sponsors: Is your business ready to become a Community Sponsor? This opportunity is all about content driven marketing and we think you’re going to love it!

Your business will reach thousands of local parents every month in ways that are relevant to their lifestyle and it is our most affordable advertising option!

You will receive options to have your logo in print, submit content for our online audience, take advantage of our thousands of followers on social media for giveaways and feel the love through social media posts!

Reach out to us at info@thehoodmagazine.com for more details!

Keep up with us daily on social media! We always have something fun to share!

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

7

baby

Visit

‘hohneoWoEdB t

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by Jaclyn Small

bedtime for moreestions sugg

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun Babies don’t keep! I swear as a parent, you blink and they’re going off to kindergarten. When you have a newborn at home, the days are a blur. Every day is a combination between chaos and stress and new magical milestones that you don’t want to miss! But for as fast as the days go, sometimes the nights can feel like an eternity. feeding your baby, you can feel lonely...like you are the Baby Breslyn is our third little girl, and we are blessed only one in the world doing this. But I promise, you that she is a happy and healthy baby; however, she’s are not! If you are a first time also our third bad sleeper. The first parent going through a similar two days after she was born she situation, I don’t have a magical slept almost non-stop. Not really Here are some of our solution on how to get your that unusual for a brand-new favorite night time baby to sleep (if I did, I wouldn’t baby, but unusual for OUR babies! routines to make be writing this at 2 a.m. while We thought, surely this means the our evenings a little up with mine), but I can assure third time is a charm and this will smoother: you one thing...it is temporary! be the kid that sleeps!

It’s exhausting, and it may feel • Warm baths With our first daughter we tried like it will never end, but it does • L otion and baby all the tips and tricks that doctors, and oddly when it does you massages friends, and Google could will come to realize that you • Cozy and soft pajamas provide. We were just waiting for miss those midnight snuggles.

• Soft music one magical sound machine or So, while we will try many of • Bed time stories special swaddle or sleep sack that the same tips and tricks we did would provide some relief. With • Night time feeding with the previous two, the one our second daughter, we naively • Rocking thing we are doing differently tried all these things again...and with Breslyn is to take a deep more than likely, the third time breath and enjoy the moment! around will look pretty similar.

So whatever method you are using to try to get some sleep, don’t forget the most The nights can be brutal! As a parent up at all hours important step- to enjoy! l

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April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

‘hood

TM

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

Bedtime Routines BATH

Have all bedtime clothes ready (pajamas, diaper/underwear, etc) before you start baths. Designate a routine for bathtime such as play for 10 minutes, wash hair, wash body and then it’s time to get out. If your child has a special bathtime towel, try to use the same towel for bath or even let your child pick out their towel. Try to establish some routine around what senses bring your child comfort. If smell calms your child, consider a nighttime lotion with lavender. If your child likes having their hair stroked, consider taking a few minutes to make hair brushing a good experience for your child.

BOOK

Have a bottle ready or have your nursing area ready to settle in to nurse your child in their STOREY special spot or a comfy TIM chair. It’s a great time to snuggle up together and read. Set the expectation with your child of how many books you will read and let your child pick these books out before bath so they are ready to go when they are dressed in their pajamas.

Try to offer calming and relaxing stories for bedtime. Keep this time free from toys except for any comfort items that your child might need to transition to sleep.

BED

As time for bed approaches, remind your child after each book that they have X books before it’s time to lay in their own bed. Establish a routine for what transitioning from the chair to the bed might look like. Children may have a special blanket or animal that brings them comfort…make sure they have that to cuddle up to. Find a topic that you and your child can talk about nightly that will help to decompress their brain.

Things like favorite part of the day, who made you smile today or even just saying a nightly prayer together can help to get thoughts out of their brains and allow them to shut their brains off a little easier.

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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child

by Kassidi Smith Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire

Helping Your Child with Transitions

No matter our age, transitions can prove difficult. Moving into a new home, having a sibling join the family, or heading into school for the first time all mean big changes...which equates to big emotions.

Smaller transitions, however, happen daily and include going from home to daycare or playtime to lunch.

Even these smaller, daily transitions can result in similar feelings and behavioral reactions, depending on each child’s developmental stage and individuality. The more we know about helping children through transition times, whether big or small, the better we can help them prepare and adjust.

Stocked Up for Summer EARN

Cash ON THE

SPOT FOR YOUR ITEMS! Come shop with us for all of your summer needs! We are stocked and full of summer fun!

3804 S. Western Ave. Sioux Falls, SD 57105

605-334-0922

According to Sanford CHILD Services, transitions make up 20-35% of our day. Creating a great daily routine will help children more easily through these changes because they know what to expect next.

Providing them with a layout of the day and giving them a heads up as transitions approach, such as “5 more minutes to finish breakfast and then…,” can help emotionally prepare children for the next event.

We all process change differently, so even using pictures or singing songs works well for some children during transition times.

When you get ready to make a big change as a family, talk with children about the new change. Encourage the children to ask questions or share feelings. Open lines of communication are vital in helping family members feel supported through changes! l

BIRTH. FAMILY. MORE KALEY-LOVED.COM

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

11

craft corner

Paper

S E I N BUN d of supplies an or take a lot ey ed th at se lic au p m ec g them b e to be co in av h ak t m n’ y es jo o d e ame to Kids en Crafting tim too. Add a n ve just that! bunnies pro ical purpose ct er ra ap p p a e e es rv th so se tting! t they can al table place se are cute...bu er st Ea an e u hav them and yo

Supplies Colored paper Scissors Glue Googly eyes Marker

Instructions Cut two strips of paper about an inch and a half wide. You will roll each strip to make a tube shape. Make one slightly narrower for the head. Glue together at the seams.

Cut out two ear shapes and two feet and glue them on to the body and head.

Add googly eyes and use a marker to make a cute bunny nose.

r a d d e h C Bacon BUNNY CHEESEBALLS This little bite sized bacon cheddar cheese ball snack is almost too cute to eat!

Ingredients 8 oz cream cheese- softened 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ¼ tsp seasoned salt ¼ tsp garlic powder 2 ½ C freshly shredded white cheddar cheese (divided) 1/3 C finely chopped bacon 1-2 cheese sticks Pink or red food coloring marker

Instructions 1. B eat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.

2. S coop out about 2 ½ TBSP of the cream cheese and place it in a plastic bag.

3. A dd the Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and 1 cup of the shredded white cheddar cheese to the remaining cream cheese and beat until combined.

4. A dd in the bacon bits.

5. U sing a small scoop, drop the cream cheese mixture into the shredded cheese and roll to coat.

New!

MOM T IP of the Month We know moms are looking for new tips and ideas. We reached out to our panel of moms we work with and asked them to give us a tip or trick to share with you.

Meet our moms for the month of November.

Name: Holly Liston

Number of kids: 3

Kids’ Ages: Adults

Your Job: Mental Health Therapist

1

Your Mom Tip: 6. C ut the corner tip of the plastic bag with the reserved cream cheese.

Pipe a tiny “cotton ball” onto the cheese ball for the bunny tail.

7. C ut the cheese stick into thin slices. Using a food coloring marker draw a paw print. Use a small dab of cream cheese to attach the bunny paws to the cheese ball.

8. P lace each bunny on a cracker before serving.

As a mom and mental health therapist, I believe structure and routine are critical for children. Knowing what is happening in their lives and what their expectations are help children function better. This can be fun for children as well. One of our routines was Donut Friday. Every Friday, we would get a donut before school. Incorporate fun things in your routine!

2

Name: Ashley Rigge Number of kids: 1 Kids’ Ages: 3 Your Job: Administrative Coordinator and Momma Spouse’s Name: Matthew

Your Mom Tip:

Enjoy the simple things in life. Kids like that.

Less is more.

teen

Inspiring Teens in the Community

Jadyn Ramazani

13, Brandon Middle School

What makes this person an inspiring teen?

Jadyn bakes cookies and sells them to raise money to buy gifts for the Veterans in the Nursing home. She has also baked cookies and sent them to our Active Duty Troops in 3 different countries. She has also volunteered in over 20 organizations in South Dakota. She spends her free time serving others in the community!

She was recently honored to be given the “Junior Good Neighbor” Award and she was featured on Keloland on Christmas Eve.

If you were to use five words to describe this teen, what would they be?

Angelic, inspiring, remarkable, Outstanding, Exceptional Role Model for kids and even adults too.

What is one quote that you think describes this teen?

“Believe in yourself and you can do unbelievable things!”

‘hood

TM

e featured at thehoodmagazine.com!

Read about all the inspiring kids we’v

SIOUX EMPIRE’S FAMILY RESOURCE

teen

by Shelly Gaddis

Creative Parenting Tips for Teens

Parenting teens is NO JOKE! While parenting teenagers has some very specific and difficult challenges that are presented, I can honestly say that the teenage years are my favorite years of parenting! I’m beginning to believe that the teenage years are our reward for all of the sleepless nights and stress that the younger years put us through.

Visit

If you are like me, I crave deep relationships and understanding what makes people tick…and finally I can have those conversations with our teenagers! They are just starting to understand their own emotions and it feels amazing to me that I am blessed to be the person that they choose to open up to!

However, I’m not going to lie and tell you that the teenage years are all sunshine and roses. There are definitely days where my husband and I have lost our patience and been pushed to the edges of our boundaries. My voice has been louder than I care to admit on more than one occasion. Strong emotions that aren’t clear to the teenager can also lead to strong feelings towards their parents, siblings and even friends. When we have a need to discipline our teenagers, our family chooses to apply methods of practical applications. We ultimately want our children to understand what their calling is for their life and how to be a good human being in a world that will not always be good to them. These are just a few of the tricks that have worked with our teenagers over the past few years: • Meal Planning Masters: As our children got to be a little older we started having more problems with kids being picky with the foods that we were serving for meals and packing in their lunches.

Now, our children are in charge of all of the meal planning and grocery list making for our household.

We started out with having them choose the items for their lunches and add those to our grocery shopping lists, then we made it a routine for them to join us at the grocery store and understand the cost and nutritional value of their food choices and now they have advanced to the meal planning masters!

Incorporate life skills wherever possible!

‘hood W

•L ove One Another: When our teens choose to say o disrespectful or hurtful then words to other people See more Creat we make sure that they for parenting Teive Tips ens! understand how those words affect the other person and then try to counteract those words with words that aren’t spoken in anger or frustration. We have had our children write letters to each other telling them all of the positive things they like about that sibling. While at the time they rolled their eyes at us, we have now found that they have kept those letters and I suspect that they look at them when they are feeling down.

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•R epetition: Our brains are amazing and we will believe the words that we feed into it. When our kids choose to make choices that are unwise, we try to put them in a place where others will be in their presence and we ask them to write lines. This seems like a silly punishment to them as they are in their teenage years, however, the fact that they are surrounded by conversation of people talking and laughing while they are repeatedly writing sentences about how to change their behavior or positive self-talk is a sure-fire way for our teens to get better perspective on their behavior.

While I am not a licensed professional, I can speak from a place of solidarity of the challenges and joys that parenting multiple teenagers allows us to experience. The words that you speak to your teens today are the inner dialogues that they are going to carry into their adult years. If we want to have a generation of caring world-changers, then we need to empower them to be the people that they were created to be! l April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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visions@sdvisions.com sdvisions.com

3/11/20 10:40 AM

cover story

presents our 2020

Educator of the Year

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th

r our Educato to see all of e Year of th s nomination

“As a teacher you sometimes wonder if you are making any difference. But when you receive a hug or a note from a student or a recognition like this it’s great affirmation that you are making an impact with someone within your classroom. I truly believe that all teachers should be appreciated and honored in some way. It could be through a phone call, email, a donut treat, or even a hug, that one thing is great encouragement and can brighten their day through that simple act!”

- Mrs. Angie Olson

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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cover story

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r our Educato to see all of e Year th f o s nomination To see an auditorium filled with people who are grateful to have an educator who selflessly gives of herself every day is an awe-inspiring moment.

Smiles and cheers filled the auditorium at Fred Assam Elementary the day that ‘hood Magazine awarded Angie Olson with the 2020 Educator of the Year award. Vern Eide Motorcars generously joined in on the fun this year and awarded Mrs. Olson with a $500 check to supplement her classroom and keep the learning experiences active & alive in her student’s lives.

these speak volumes to the lives that educator’s impact tirelessly day in and day out:

One of the most unique characteristics of Mrs. Olson’s nomination is that there wasn’t just one family who wrote in to tell us about how much they enjoy having their child spend their days with Mrs. Olson. SIX different families sent us incredibly heartfelt nominations about the impact that having a kind, enthusiastic and passionate educator like Mrs. Olson has done for their child. Our words would never do justice to the phenomenal nominations that rolled into our inbox. Words like

“Her enthusiasm for learning is definitely apparent through her teaching and shows who she is as a person.”

“Mrs. Olson is everything you ever wanted in a teacher.”

“She wants to get to know her students outside the classroom.”

“Mrs. Olson goes above and beyond her job for her students.”

“We LOVE Mrs. Olson. She makes 2nd grade fun!”

“Mrs. Olson exemplifies the exact person I want my child to see as a role model in her life.”

It’s not only the parents who love Mrs. Olson with all their heart. After the award ceremony, we took

2020 Educator of the Year proudly sponsored by: 18 |

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

cover story some time to go back to the classroom and watch the students interact with Mrs. Olson. Not only were the students smiling & attentive, they were genuinely enjoying their day in the classroom.

When we asked the students if they’d like to say a few words about how much Mrs. Olson means to them, EVERY hand in the classroom went up! It was heartwarming to hear the enthusiasm that these adorable 2nd graders wanted to tell us how much Mrs. Olson means to them. Out of their mouths came words like: “She’s the best teacher and she’s always so happy!” er and she’s always “She’s the best teach – Alivia so happy!” – Alivia “She’s really, really, really awesome!” really awesome!”

“She’s really, really, – Faith – Faith “She always has games and surprises for us.” mes and surprises “She always has ga – Wayne for us.” – Wayne “She lets us have a boys party and a girls party. girls ” a boys party and a – Zac“She lets us have party.” – Zac “She is one of the best teachers. She’s very sweet.” st teachers. She’s “She is one of the be – Harper er very sweet.” – Harp “She’s a fun teacher. She makes songs to help s us learn.” er. She makes song – Aura“She’s a fun teach Aura to help us learn.” – And my personal favorite… “She’s very, very,very, “She’svery, nal favorite… persotimes…very d mymore tim–es… very…aAn dozen sweet!”

Evelyn re mo n ze do a very, very, very… n ely Ev – very sweet!”

Nearly every interaction with both parents and students mentioned the time that Mrs. Olson is willing to invest in her students outside of the classroom. From going to sporting events that are important to her students to throwing parties on a Saturday for her class to bond outside of the classroom, these little investments in time are clearly what mean the most to those who are closest to her. It’s incredibly clear that Mrs. Olson values investing in those around her and it’s that heart of service to others that stands out us that she is a perfect fit for this award.

The lesson that I think we all can take away from Mrs. Olson is that investing in people, young or old, will give you back a fruitful reward. “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank l

cover story

2020 Educator of the Year

Honorable Mentions

Tony Waterman, Bus Driver, Tea person. He “Tony is a very caring, compassionate bus even the on get to ren kindly waits for the child d is runehol hous our tell can he that on those days always are They .

Tony ning behind. The children love makes He is. he kind how and him speaking highly of down a s turn r neve Tony e. yabl enjo bus the riding in public.“ high five when my children see him out Joseph Thompson, Preschool Teacher, Discovery Learning Center to Sioux Falls “I am a single mom of twins. I moved to have a better girls my for CO ter mins West from SD most interlife. Mr. Joe has been the sweetest and extremely is He had. have girls my her active teac ething in som pack understanding when I forget to fun and ing learn es mak Joe Mr. s. the girls’ back pack . Mr. Joe learn to class his in kids the for ng motivati on many field makes sure to take all of his students ton Pavilion, hing Was the to as such trip each year the dentist to even and , Zone Sky h, patc pkin pum records also Joe Mr. ing. for a tour and more learn on a them s post and class in ities activ some of the t wha see to nts pare private Facebook page for all s work Joe Mr. . daily class in g doin their children are his in ren child more than one job just to help supply to help teach classroom with the materials needed works to Joe Mr. h muc how e eciat his class. I appr don’t know I day. y help children learn and grow ever ” him. out what I would do with

lly transferring nificantly whereas we struggled initia daughter my re whe are from our old in-home dayc perHer ctly. corre ond resp e alon let barely spoke e social and sonality is now brighter, and she is mor rred to play making friends whereas before she prefe her wants ess expr to able now is hter daug alone. My Joe is also Mr. s. ence and needs with clear verbal sent I am so and her teac ation educ ial a specialized spec as a daycare him have and him d foun we eful grat s what he does teacher for my daughter. He truly love us.” for ing bless r majo a and has been

& Early Jennifer Even, Special Education alley Tri-V her, Teac on Childhood Educati Elementary first 2 years of “Mrs. Even has been a staple of Avery’s Childhood Early ding atten n preschool. Avery bega n teaching bega Even Mrs. 3. of age the at education noticed an we and old her when she was 3 1/2 years ed to learn. excit was She y.

Aver in ge immediate chan e excited hom e She wanted to go to school. She cam Early day! that done had to talk about what they ation Educ ial Spec and ent lopm Childhood Deve exhausting in general can be a very daunting and and chalrent diffe have You specialty to get into. deal with. to s need ical phys and viors beha lenging needed with room class Kids come and go out of the all in it s take She . time class ing therapies interrupt heart. I have nt patie and sed focu a with and e strid due to some sat in on a couple of days with Avery nt, intenpatie is Even Mrs. . ents irem physical requ “her kids” say I . kids” tional and loving with all of “her . She own her like them of because she treats each ement excit as h muc as with il ema or text will call, Another one for Joseph Thompson new or she sees tic where she as I feel when Avery does something “My 5-year-old daughter is speech autis the hours upon ine imag only can I ”. from a small something “click can speak 3 languages. We transferred ity to help activ and n lesso each into puts hter she s hour my daug in-home daycare (max: 6 kids) where . Avery learn and d rstan g to her each of her students unde was not exceling in any areas pertainin ery and surg a for fall this class of out s in spent 6 week al goals. With educational goals and personal-soci Even Mrs. , week ning Center rehabilitation stay in St. Paul. Each 2 days, of transferring to Discovery Lear that ities activ the had she back in unwould make sure that South my daughter was out of pull ups, that she felt age 4 was the rest of the class was working on so She ed. train y pott back fully derwear and ing out. miss was she was a major included and didn’t feel like turning 5 in a matter of weeks and this from the s note and ities activ ts, She sent workshee t in sticking issue that our old daycare did not assis of their busy out time take ld wou she , Then in . t ents isten stud pers to routine with. Mr. Joe has also been she could see al educaschool day to FaceTime with Avery so sticking with my daughter’s IEP (individu ted her boos it that say To . hello say daughter’s everyone and tional plan) plan in coherence with my y from awa s week morale is an understatement. Six hter excel school program. He has had my daug and so ded inclu be to and hard s past what her “normal” was so above and beyond her educational goal “ e! renc diffe the of all e mad edufor al vidu cared was set with the school district’s IEP (indi oved sigcational plan) plan. Her speech has impr

Another one for Jennifer Even “As one who inspires and molds the youn g minds of Tri-Valley’s future, through Early Child hood Education, Mrs. Jennifer Even is a deserving nominee for Teacher of the Year. To say that we are grateful to have her teach our child for a seco nd year in a row would be an understatement.

Tri-Valley has an exceptional staff all around, but she is truly on a level of her own. Many of her students face challenges beyond the classroom that make it hard for one to comprehend. She emb races each need and exceeds all expectations.

Due to personal challenges early in life, we were told from professionals that our son would have a developmental delay and likely be at least a year or two behind others his age, academic ally. Mrs. Even has brought about a level of confi dence and

potential in our son that we did not antic ipate seeing so soon. Thanks to her dedicatio n, caring soul, and enthusiasm to see her stud ents succeed, he has met his goals, both academic ally and socially. Thanks to Mrs. Even, he will be advancing to Kindergarten, on time, at age five.

While time in the classroom is crucial, much of Mrs. Even’s time is also dedicated to assessing spec ific needs and assisting in the assembly of Indiv idualized Education Programs for her students . She works alongside an extraordinary team of spec ialists to configure the best strategy and plan so each child is given an optimal opportunity for succ ess. Her flexibility in scheduling activities arou nd the ins and outs of the students’ various thera py sessions is unparalleled.“

: Names of all 2020 nominations • Alexis Lewis, Kindergarten Teacher, Brandon Elementary • Alyssa Johnson, 2nd Grade Teacher, Brandon Elementary •A manda Treloar, Student Registration, Venture Elementary – Tea

• E liana Gutierrez, 1st Grade Teacher, Sonia Sotomayor Elementary • E mily Rhodes, Administrative Assistant, Venture Elementary – Tea • J ennifer Bogue, Kindergarten Teacher, Hawthorne Elementary

• Amber Smith, Kindergarten Teacher, John F. Kennedy Elementary

• J ennifer Even, Special Education & Early Childhood Education Teacher, Tri-Valley

• Amy Dreke, Kindergarten Teacher, Pettigrew Elementary

• J essica Eckmann, Kindergarten Teacher, Iroquis

• Angie Olson, 2nd Grade Teacher, Fred Assam Elementary Brandon

• J oseph Thompson, Preschool Teacher, Discovery Learning Center

• Brittany Wipf, Administrative Assistant, Baltic Elementary

• J ulie King, Special Education Teacher, Centerville

• Casey Raaen, 6th-8th Grade English Teacher, Sioux Falls Lutheran

• K aren Kluin, Reading Specialist, Robert Bennis Elementary

• Cathie Vortherms, 4th Grade Teacher, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary

• K im Hankel, 1st Grade Teacher, Discovery Elementary • L indsey Lambert, Preschool Teacher, Baltic

• L ucas Bartolome, 3rd Grade Teacher, Sonia Sotomayor • L ynette Wagner, Kindergarten Teacher, Rosa Parks Elementary • M aria Renteria, 1st Grade Teacher, Sonia Sotomayor • J oe Kricvachka, 4th Grade Teacher, Brandon Elementary • M rs. Retzer, Kindergarten, Lincoln Elementary, Aberdeen • N athan Rotert, Counselor, Freedom Elementary – Harrisburg • P eggy Maxwell, Preschool & Junior Kindergarten Teacher, St. Mary Catholic School – Dell Rapids • R honda Youngquist, 4th Grade Teacher, Discovery Elementary • S arah Greer, Kindergarten Teacher, R.F. Pettigrew Elementary • S tephanie Jones, Principal, Hawthorne Elementary • T ina Schneider, 5th Grade Teacher, Baltic Elementary • T ony Waterman, Bus Driver, Tea

2020 Educator of the Year proudly sponsored by: April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

21

cover story

Exclusive Video Messages from our

Educator of the Year

Nominee Casey Raaen

s

Nominee Lucas Bartolome

s

Nominee Rebecca Munsch

Nominee Alyssa Johnson

s

Nominee Lindsey Lambert

s

s

Nominee Peggy Maxwell

Nominee Catherine Vorthems

s

s

Nominee Kim Hankel

s

s

Our 2020 Winner Angie Olson

s

... and other Educator of the Year Nominees

Nominee Rhonda Youngquist

Nominee Brittany Wipf

s

Nominee Karen Kluin

s

Nominee Joe Krivarchka

s

Nominee Tina Schneider

s

Nominee Maria Renteria

s

s

Nominee Sarah Greer

Nominee Joe Thompson

s

s

Nominee Lynette Wagner

Nominee Amy Dreke

s

s

Nominee Jennifer Even

s

s

Nominee Amber Smith

Nominee Tony Waterman

Now Enrolling

at Our New Location!

6715 South Boe Lane Sioux Falls, SD 57108 Preschool for ages 2-5 www.siouxfallslutheran.com/ preschool-admissions

Grades K-12

www.siouxfallslutheran.com/ k12-admissions Call Megan Baedke at 605-335-1923 to schedule your visit

www.siouxfallslutheran.com

s Get Let’’s

R EA L 6

Locations SIOUX FALLS BRANDON HARRISBURG Full Time & Part Time Care Oppons K - Age 12

BGCSiouxEmpire.org | 605.338.8061 | K E X

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preschool directory

OUR FIRST

Preschool DIRECTORY When it’s time to start looking for resources for your child to head to preschool, the Sioux Empire has many amazing choices! Take your time and research the qualities that are important to your family. Take a tour and ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable that you are making the best choice possible. You can find many of the great pre-school opportunities for children in our area below as well as online at thehoodmagazine.com.

Abiding Savior Academy and Preschool www.abidingacademy.org Location: 4100 S. Bahnson Ave., Sioux Falls Phone: 605-371-3800 Price: $115/month-Age 3, $155/month-Ages 3-5, $250/month Junior Kindergarten Schedule: Age 3 for TTH (9:00 am-11:30 am or 12:30 pm-3:00 pm), Age 4-5 for MWF (9:00 am - 11:30 am or 12:30 pm-3:00 pm), Junior Kindergarten, M-F (8:00 am-11:30 am) Description: Our mission is to prepare children for learning in a safe, Christian environment. We share the message of salvation through Christ and teach them in a way consistent with Christ’s Word. We provide a caring environment and in us you will find a loving start to your child’s educational experience.

43rd Street), Apple Tree North (700 North Sycamore), Apple Tree Valhalla (4101 Valhalla Blvd) Phone: Apple Tree East 605-339-9571, Apple Tree West 605-361-9875, Apple Tree North 605-332-5581, Apple Tree Valhalla 605-361-7746 Price: $176.00/week, (Please call for part-time rates and availability) Schedule: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm, M-F Description: Our mission is to provide exceptional care, nurture and age-appropriate learning opportunities in the context of a Christ-centered worldview. Our centers hold preschool activities throughout the entire day.

Our lesson plans are created following the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines and the Funshine curriculum. Our tuition prices include wrap-around care for the entire day.

The children are provided with breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Please feel free to stop by any time for a tour or call and we can help by answering any of your questions.

Apple Tree Learning Centers www.appletreechildren.org

Locations: Apple Tree East (3309 East 26th Street), Apple Tree West (6400 West

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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preschool directory Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire www.bgcsiouxempire.org

Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools www.ogknights.org

Locations: Preschool options are offered at our 6 elementary schools.

Phone: 605-575-3358 Price: Varies based on days attending Schedule: Half Day and Full Day M-F Description: The preschool program at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools is designed to nurture student growth and development through play-based academics in a faith-filled learning environment. Our classes will help your child get ready for Kindergarten. We offer 3, 4 and 5-year-old options at all six of our elementary schools.

Enroll NOW! Space is limited!

Locations: 57th Street Learning Center (5015 S Crossing Place), Empower Campus (2001 E 8th Street) Phone: 605-338- 8061 Price: Varies based on days attending Schedule: Half Day and Full Day M-F Description: Parents choose Early Learning Academy because it is quality, affordable childcare close to home. Giving children a safe & nurturing environment that stimulates them emotionally, academically, physically and intellectually is a driving force behind everything we do. Children will be led by qualified individuals that have a passion for serving children. Daily activities and curriculum are age appropriate. They are structured to engage and challenge children at all levels of development. Striving to nurture, educate and enrich is our mission.

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Compassion Preschool www.compassionchildcare.com/ compassion-preschool

Central Preschool & Kindergarten www.centralsf.org/cpk

Location: 3100 W. Ralph Rogers Rd, Sioux Falls Phone: 605-336-2303 Price: Varies based on days attending Schedule: Preschool - 1 to 5 half-days a week for ages 2.5, 3, 4 and 5. Kindergarten – 5-day mornings with an optional afternoon enrichment program.

Description: Our mission is to provide quality education in a caring, Christian environment.

We offer certified head teachers and extended care and summer fun programs, and indoor gym and an outdoor playground

Location: First Evangelical Free Church, 2601 W. 69th St, Sioux Falls Phone: 605-610-8437 Price: $125/month for age 4-5; $95/month for age 3 Times: Age 4-5 for MWF (8:45 am-11:15 am or 12:15 pm-2:45 pm), Age 3 for TTH (8:45 am-11:15 am) Description: Compassion Preschool focuses on your child’s academic, emotional, social and spiritual development. Lesson plans will incorporate Christian teaching and seek to prepare children for Kindergarten through the use of the Frogstreet Curriculum. Frogstreet is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that integrates sequenced instruction across all developmental domains and is aligned to Head Start Early Learning Framework.

QUALITY

EDUCATION

for your preschooler

Our preschool room is one of the first steps in helping your child be prepared for kindergarten. We follow the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines and we strive to offer the children creative and fun ways of learning.

Stop in and check out our programs and teachers anytime! No appointment necessary.

OW ME TO APPLE TRE FOLL E! 4 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Apple Tree East 3309 E. 26th Street 605-339-9571

Apple Tree North 700 N. Sycamore 605-332-5581

Apple Tree Valhalla 4101 Valhalla Blvd.

605-361-7746

Apple Tree West 6400 W. 43rd Street 605-361-9875

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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preschool directory

Discovery Learning Center www. discoverylearningcentersd.com

Location: Discovery Learning CenterWest (3314 S. Valley View Rd.), Discovery Learning Center- South (5310 S. Broadband Lane) Phone: Discovery Learning Center- West 605-274-2475, Discovery Learning CenterSouth 605-376-8273

Price: Varies based on days attending and age Schedule: 6:30 am - 6:30 pm, M-F- Full-time and Part-time Description: We feel every child matters and every child learns differently so we teach in various ways. Their self-esteem is of utmost priority. Discovery’s theory is to teach all ages with thematic units. It is the core of learning here at Discovery. We feel children learn through hands on experiences and play. Each week, we have a new theme where we integrate math, language arts, science, and social studies through themes making learning fun and new every week.

Gloria Dei Preschool www.gloriadei-sd.org/preschool

Location: 5500 E 57th St, Sioux Falls Phone: 605-371-3737 Price: $115/month for 2 days, $150/month for 3 days, $180/month for 4 days, $195/month for 5 days

GRAM PRESCHOOL PRO

!

READY, SET, LEARN

www.ogknights.org

The preschool program at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools has been carefully designed to nurture student growth and development through play-based academics in a faith-filled learning environment.

#ExcellenceWhereItCounts For questions regarding our preschool program, call 605-575-3358 or email admissions@ogknights.org.

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ALL FAITHS WELCOME

Schedule: 9:00 am - 11:30 am for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days a week Description: Gloria Dei Preschool is a Christ-centered, part day (September through May) program for children three years to pre-kindergarten age. Here children have opportunities to grow and learn using developmentally appropriate activities in a loving, nurturing environment.

D iscover the D ifference Caring Community, Active Learning, Faithful Hearts Serving ages 3-5 with unique music and garden experiences in a play-based program.

2208 W. LaQuinta St. Sioux Falls, SD 57108 spiritofjoy.net/preschool 605-333-2004

Two Sioux FallS locaTionS:

5310 S Broadband Lane 3314 s Valley View Road

discoverylearningcentersd.com Office: 605-274-3475 • Cell: 605-376-6615 April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

29

Graham Academy Preschool www.washingtonpavilion.org/ education/graham-academy-preschool

Location: Washington Pavilion, 301 S. Main Avenue, Sioux Falls Phone: 605-367-7397 ext. 2350 Price: $175-$330/month Schedule: Part Time MWF, TTH, M-TH (9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00pm - 4:00 pm Description: The Graham Academy Preschool curriculum stimulates exploration and encourages problem-solving skills, creativity, social and emotional growth coupled with opportunities to interact with Kirby Science Discovery Center exhibits, Visual Arts Center exhibitions and performing arts programming. Our preschoolers develop through experiential learning. Their teachers accept them as individuals and encourage each child to progress at his or her own pace, laying the foundations for language, beginning academic skills and social skills.

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preschool directory

Sioux Falls Lutheran Preschool www.siouxfallslutheran.com/preschool

Location: 6715 South Boe Lane, Sioux Falls (new location) Phone: 605-335-1923 Price: Varies based on days attending and age Schedule: 8:00 am-11:15 am, half-days; 8:00 am-3:15 pm, full-days; 6:45 am-8:00 am and 3:15 pm-6:00 pm, before/after school care Description: SFLS is committed to providing a high-quality learning environment where play-based academics and the love of Christ are intertwined in equipping children to be World Ready, Faith Secure. We offer customizable scheduling options for children ages three and up, and half or full-day classes for 2-year-olds.

Spirit of Joy Preschool www.spiritofjoy.net/preschool

Location: 2208 W. LaQuinta Street, Sioux Falls Phone: 605-333-2004

Price: $140/month for TTH, $180/month for MWF, $205/month for M-TH Schedule: 8:00 am-12:00 pm (MWF, TTH, M-TH) Description: Spirit of Joy Preschool is a caring community serving children ages 3-5.

Children will acquire a strong foundation in the knowledge and skills needed for a lifetime of learning. Our preschool nurtures spiritual, academic, and social growth through play-based curriculum. Unique learning opportunities include a daily musicbased learning program and vast outdoor flower and vegetable gardens. Children are valued as individuals and learn to care about others. All are welcome.

Trinity Lutheran Preschool www.teatrinity.org/education/trinitypreschool

Location: 335 W 1st St, Tea Phone: 605-498-2343 Price: $115/month for TTH, $140/month for T-TH Schedule: Ages 3-5 TTH and Ages 4-5 T-TH Description: At Trinity Preschool, we have a vision to develop a future generation of disciples of Christ who, above all else, love God and one another. We believe that although children develop through a generally predictable sequence of steps and milestones, they may not proceed through these steps in the same way or at the same time. Thus, our goal is to provide opportunities for children to grow and develop at their own pace through play and exploration. Enrollment is now open.

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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health & wellness

by Sanford

Well Child Visits Important for Children of All Ages

SWIMMING

SWIMMING

Are your kids summer CAN'T CAN'TWAIT! WAIT! vacation ready?

Don’t wait until

SWIMMING

CAN'T WAIT! 32 |

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

Are your it’skids toosummer late!

Are your kids summer vacation ready?!

Call us at: vacation ready?!

Don’t wait Don’t waituntil until 605-204-5100 it’sit’s too toolate! late!

REGISTER REGISTER NOW! NOW! Spots Spots are are filling fast! filling up up fast!

WeWe are proud totobe are proud bethe theofficial official swim swim school school provider providerofofUSA USASwimming!

Swimming!

A regular check-up for a child under the age of 18 is often referred to as a “well child visit.” These visits help ensure that infants, children and teens are getting the proper care they need to stay healthy. They give the doctor, parents and child an opportunity to talk about nutrition, safety, immunizations and many important ageappropriate topics.

ATE YCRE A L P ARN

#LE

What do annual well child visits for kids older than age 3 involve? As your child grows, his or her body is going through a lot. It is important for us to monitor these changes closely so we can know if the development is happening at a normal rate. If your child seems to be falling behind in certain areas, the earlier we know, the earlier we can help get him or her back on track.

From an educational standpoint, we make sure children have hit all of their milestones for preschool and kindergarten. This ensures that they’re on track to properly progress and have positive experiences that will set them up for better success later on in life.

What does a well child visit do for a tween or teen?

Growth patterns tend to change as children enter the prepubescent/adolescent stage of life. Kids begin to experience changes in hormones, develop acne, and the girls start their menstrual cycles. Well child checks continue to be beneficial in providing education to middle schoolers and high schoolers — as well as their parents — on these changes and any challenges that may be present.

For parents or students with concerns about grades or classwork, these checks also provide an opportunity to intervene early on from an intellectual and educational standpoint and further address any potential behavioral or academic issues.

We will discuss any hearing or vision concerns and remind kids about healthy sleep patterns, eating habits and food choices.

How is a well child visit different from an athletic physical?

In the sports medicine field, the sports physical exam is known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE). The exam helps determine whether it’s safe for a child to participate in a particular sport. Most states require that kids and teens have a sports physical before they can start a new sport or begin a new competitive season.

A well child exam is much more comprehensive and includes reviewing immunization records, past history and family history.

The provider also discusses behaviors, school issues and proper nutrition with the child.

“Many parents don’t know that a well child exam will qualify as a sports physical,” said Dr. Michelle Johnson, a family medicine physician for Sanford Health. “Just bring the required paperwork from your school, and we will complete it for you.” l

Kids Activities • Adult Classes Art Gallery • Weddings/Events

500 N Main • Sioux Falls 605.271.9500 Find Us Online! sfmvm.com

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

33

UPCOMING CAMPS

Free Admission

C.R.A.S.H. Clinic Car Repair And Safety Help for Teens AGES 13-18 • DATES APRIL OR NOVEMBER

Prepares Teens for the Roadways with Vehicle Safety and Education

Save 50-90% on Everything for Kids!

WH Lyon Fairgrounds Expo Building

Children’s Safety Camp AGES 7-11 • DATES JUNE 9 OR 11

Children Will Learn Information and Skills to Keep Them Safe at Home or Away

HEROES Summer Camp AGES 11-13 • DATES JUNE 16-17 OR JUNE 23-24

Children Spend Two Days with a Variety of Our Community’s First Responders

Visit Our Website to Learn More or to Register!

605.334.7233 safetyvillage.org

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April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

April 25-29

Sat. 9am-5pm Sioux Falls Sun. 9am-1pm (1/2 off day, most items are 1/2 off)

FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES

health & wellness

by Christine Duncan and The Hood Magazine

Staying Healthy During Quarantine

These days of spending extra time at home can leave us tempted to grab easy snacks that’s are not always the best choice for our bodies. Eating healthy and providing our bodies with nutrients should always be a goal when planning our grocery lists, but with Coronavirus making its way into our communities we want to be sure our diets are packed full of great immune boosting options. Here are some items to add to your cart the next time you visit the store.

1. Look for anything in the berry family. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and more are not only sweet and delicious but they also are packed with antioxidants!

2. Y ou know the saying, “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.” While this saying may just be an old wives’ tale, apples should not be over looked. They make a yummy snack, and are also relatively convenient. Did you know apples are a great source of fiber?

3. Pick up some watery fruits. Fruits such as watermelon and pineapple have a high water content that help us stay hydrated.

4. Beans have a variety of nutrients that are great for over all health. If your children tend to turn their noses up at beans, try sneaking them

into some of their favorite dishes. Black beans or kidney beans are a great choice!

5. D on’t forget to grab some avocado at the store. Kids and adults of all ages tend to enjoy this fruit. That’s right, did you know it is a fruit?

Mash it up for a dip, spread it on toast or sandwiches. Avocado spread also is a wonderful alternative when making a sandwich for those that need dairy free diet! l

Staying healthy through weeks of quarantine is essential for both mental and physical health. Click on these online resources:

Online Classes from Barre3 USE CODE: BARRE3HOMEBODY PAID CLASSES ONLINE from Sioux Falls FitBody PAID CLASSES VIA ZOOM from Kosha Yoga PAID CLASSES VIA ZOOM from Prairie Soul Yoga FREE conditioning workouts from All American Gymnastics Academy PAID NINJA-Obstacle-Training-Academy from All American Gymnastics Academy

happenings parent

by ‘Hood Magazine

Spreading Joy Through

Social Distancing

Socially distancing ourselves can be tough on all the members of the family, but there are movements springing up all around that aim to spread joy from afar. Take some time to explore your community and see the creativity that local families have on display! Maybe it will inspire you to go home and create your own masterpiece to spark joy to those around you!

We’re going on a Bear Hunt: Based on the classic book “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, neighborhoods have been placing a bear in their windows for families to go “hunting” for bears as they take walks.

CLICK HERE for more A World of Hearts: A movement that has been created for households to decorate windows or doors with creative uses of hearts to symbolize that we are all in this together.

CLICK HERE for more Rainbow Hunts for Kids: A movement that was started for families to go hunting for rainbows in the difficult times. Families have begun to decorate

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April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

their windows, doors, garages, driveways and so much more!

CLICK HERE for more #SFStayAtHomeArt: A contest started by Mayor Paul TenHaken for families in the Sioux Falls area to create artwork and take pictures with the hashtag “#SFStayAtHomeArt”. Mayor TenHaken has said he will give rewards throughout the coming weeks as the artwork rolls in!

CLICK HERE for more #FromMyWindowSD: A movement created by ‘Hood Magazine for others to get a glimpse of what the lives of those in other communities look like as we all face this pandemic.

CLICK HERE for more l

NOTE! Due to the recent Virus please make sure to check with the venue before attending the event.

happenings

happenings parent by ‘Hood Magazine

40 Ways For Families to

Bond While at Home

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April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

parent With all of this together time you may be looking for some ways to keep the kids entertained while at home. Here are some fun things to do to break the boredom and bond the family.

1. Play a board game

17. Have a karaoke contest

29. Bake a cake

2. Puzzles

18. Have a picnic lunch

30. Make salt dough creations

3. Scavenger Hunt

19. Create a summer bucket list

4. W rite & send letters to family & friends

20. Play card games

31. Learn how to create origami

5. Make a fort 6. Tell funny stories

21. C reate a theatre out of a box & have a puppet show

32. Build a house of cards 33. Have a virtual party with friends

7. Have a weekday party

22. S tart a family diary of the memories of each day

8. Draw with sidewalk chalk

23. Go for a hike

35. Make art from stickers

9. Build with LEGO’s

24. Play Simon Says

10. Cook together

25. S tart an indoor garden with seeds

36. Fill squirt bottles with water & paint a fence or the house

11. Play dress up 12. Family yoga time 13. Have a tea party 14. Blow bubbles 15. Play hopscotch 16. Create an obstacle course

34. Create shaving cream art

37. Learn to sew

26. E xchange letters with a pen pal

38. Choregraph a dance to you favorite song

27. Paint rocks

39. Have s’mores in a driveway firepit

28. C reate an indoor bowling game

2020 Summer

40. Make a sensory bin l

Camps

ng hands-on learni Our camps are le ab or em m create experiences that t, en nm ro vi fe, fun en moments in a sa s tie ni rtu po derful op resulting in won ur l ages. Spend yo al for students of ! summer with us

ENROLL TODAY!

605-367-6000 | washingtonpavilion.org

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

39

parent by ‘Hood Magazine

E-Learning Resources

You are doing an amazing job!! You have become so much more than a parent in the blink of an eye. Chances are that you never dreamt you would be your child’s educator on a daily basis.

We are here to assure you that you are not alone! We have compiled a list of online resources to supplement your family’s e-learning routines. From local to national and educational to recreational, we hope that your family is able to utilize these resources to make your days of social distancing run a little smoother. Click on these links below!

LOCAL RESOURCES:

NATIONAL RESOURCES:

Reach Literacy – Storytime

Khan Academy – Daily schedules (with linked resources) for kids of all ages

Great Plains Zoo – Educational Videos Unwind Bodywork – At Home Massage Butterfly House – Dive into Science Videos Just For Kix East – Live Dance Classes Siouxland Libraries – Kids Discover & Virtual Storytime Mitchell Public Library – Storytime Washington Pavilion At Home Sioux Falls Parks & Rec – Online Programming Activities South Dakota Children’s Museum – Recipes for Play Activities Visions Eye Care – Sensory Video Series The Maker’s Nook – Live Art Lessons Safe Splash – Water Related Storytimes Code Bootcamp – Online Coding Classes

Storytime from Space – Science Experiments about space Storytime from Space – Storytime Videos for All Ages BookFlix – 100’s of Books Read Aloud Museum Virtual Tours National Park Virtual Tours Storyline Online – Celebrities read books to children Baking History – Baking classes with history lessons combined Disney Imagineering Class Wow in the World – STEM Podcast for kids Stories Podcast Circle Round – Podcast with folk stories from around the world Noodle Loaf Show – Singing & dancing episodes for kids to have fun!

Brains On – Short videos to explain things in our kids world Brains On – History Videos Story Pirates – Storytelling Podcast Flux & Flow Dance Center – Virtual Dance Classes

... A L

L A R OUND TH

ER O OM !

Where will your Airway Adventure take you?

Show us at #PlayAlongSD

Play Along however you want at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.

Brookings, SD

prairieplay.org

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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parent

s RE CLICK HE eo e siv Vid

for Exclu od from ‘Ho Content h alt Mental He s ie g te a tr S

by Robin Mills, OTR/L, BCP, LifeScape

Executive Functioning:

Why Can’t My Child Get Ready for School?

The Harvard Center on the Developing Child describes executive function and self-regulation skills as “the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully.” We use these skills every day at home, school, work, and in the community. Executive functioning requires the ability to take time to think before acting, stay focused, use mental flexibility with new ideas, tolerate unexpected changes, remember information, and organize our self and our environment.

Challenges with executive functioning can be seen in children with a diagnosis of sensory integration dysfunction, ADHD, and learning disabilities. As a parent, we may see this with our child struggling to remember and carry out directions, difficulty following a schedule and figuring out where they should be, disorganization with remembering when an assignment is due, and losing assignments that may or may not be completed. In addition, the parent may see poor ability to change perspective, rigidity in thinking or movement, difficulty with doing a task such as math in their head, acting without thinking—which can cause behaviors with others, challenges with emotional outbursts when overwhelmed, and poor selfregulation and working/moving too fast, or taking

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too long to complete a task. Telling a story or remembering what happened during the day, poor initiation of how to start a task, and difficulty with changing plans or getting new information may impact your child’s success during the day.

Here are some ideas to manage life with your child now, as well as provide tools for future success: Working Memory: Make a list or notes with important information needed for the task or for the day. Practice self-talking, ask for written directions from teachers, use visual imagery to portray what has happened in this situation or

what could happen. Put objects in the same place every time and take advantage of routines. Ask your child to repeat directions.

Cognitive Flexibility: Provide cues before or during the task. Forewarn and develop strategies for changes in schedules or information. Play familiar games using different rules and teach flexible thinking with alternative ways to do a task.

Planning and Organization: Teach your child how to make and use a checklist.

Use color coding for assignments or due dates and teach how to break a project down into manageable parts. Make a step-by-step plan for a task or activity, providing visual and verbal prompts as needed. Explore using time managers such as age-appropriate organizers or watches with alarms to stay on track or finish on time. Teach your child how to stop and check the progress of the activity.

Schedule time to organize the workspace or have different workspaces for different tasks. Provide additional time for planning, organizing, and execution of the task. Try not to rush your child. Model and practice how to start a new task and take the first step.

Self-Regulation: Teach awareness if the child’s activity level matches the task or setting, and if not, how to change the activity level. Explore using hand fidgets, alternative seating, and quiet spaces when overwhelmed by noise. Try noise canceling headphones to block out distractions.

Use first/then statements such as first use the toilet, then get in the shower. Provide quiet time during the day for emotional recovery where the child can read, color, or play with toys. Encourage movement opportunities before sit-down time.

Inhibition: Help your child learn how to stop an activity without stress or behaviors. Play “freeze” games to take a deep breath or mentally shift before moving to a different challenge. You can practice waiting before acting or reacting. Practice ‘go with the flow’ on calm days. l

kids jokes & giggles

Want to be published in ‘Hood?

Watch our Facebook page for the next callout for jokes!

Complete this sentence: “I’m sorry you think I’m the worst mom ever because…”

Giggle from Everly C. I won’t let her play in the cat box with your bare hands and told her she couldn’t play outside with no diaper on!

Submitted by mom, Amber Giggle from Stella Z. I won’t let you eat an entire tub of frosting for snack.

Submitted by mom, London Giggle from Tait U. I wouldn’t let you finish eating the sucker you just peed on.

Submitted by mom, Tiffany Special kids section brought to you by:

Life’s Good Here voyagefcu.org • 605-338-2533

home

by Discount Tire

s RE CLICK HE eo sive Vid

for Exclu od from ‘Ho Content hange How to C ire T Your Own

Do-It-Yourself: Change a Flat Tire

There comes a time when every driver ends up with a flat tire – it’s an inevitable occurrence you should always be prepared for when you’re on the road. Changing a tire by the side of the road is something you hope you’ll never have to do, but if the time comes, here’s how to do it right: 1) Park in a safe location Changing a tire on the side of the road or highway is dangerous and should be avoided if possible.

Once you find a safe location, turn on your hazard lights and turn off your vehicle. Be sure to avoid soft ground and have a solid, level surface that will restrict the vehicle from rolling.

2) Stabilize your car and remove hubcap Never change a tire on an incline or hill; always seek a flat surface. Use heavy rocks, bricks, or wooden wedges to block the wheels at the opposite end of the car from the end that will be raised to further prevent the vehicle from rolling. Once your vehicle is secure, it is time to find your lug wrench, jack and spare tire.

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owner manual for instructions on the best place to position the jack and how to operate it. Never position yourself to where the car can land on your feet, hands or body while it is lifted.

4) Remove tire/wheel and attach the spare Once the lug nuts are removed, pull the wheel and flat tire off the hub. Place the flat tire under the car near the jack. This way, the tire can possibly catch the vehicle if the jack slips.

Now that the flat has been removed, attach your spare tire. Be sure to align it with the wheel bolts and push it securely onto the assembly. Install and hand tighten the lug nuts until each lug is as tight as can be done by hand.

Remove your vehicle’s hubcap before beginning the tire change. If your hubcap is held on by the lug nuts, you can leave it on. If not, you can pry off the hubcap using a screwdriver, the flat end of the jack handle or your lug wrench. Skip this step if your wheel does not have a hubcap.

5) Lower the car Slowly lower your vehicle to the ground. Now you can fully tighten the lug nuts using your wrench, properly securing each lug nut in place. After the lug nuts have been fully tightened, remove the jack and additional objects. Don’t forget to place your tools and flat tire in the trunk!

3) Loosen the lug nuts and jack up the car Before you use the jack to lift the tire, loosen the lug nuts that keep the wheel attached to the assembly.

Undo the first lug nut by rotating the wrench one turn counterclockwise. After loosening all lug nuts, use your jack to lift the vehicle until the flat tire is fully raised off of the ground. Consult your vehicle’s

6) Remember spare tires have limits Many spare tires are smaller and less capable than regular tires; therefore they will not serve as a permanent replacement for your flat. Spare tires should only be used for short-distance driving. Do not delay in finding a replacement tire. l

April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

Attention Families!

We Are Here For You Make sure to follow ‘hood Magazines Facebook and Instagram page for things to keep busy with the kids during this time.

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by Foley’s Heating & AC, Inc.

Spring Cleaning Your HVAC System

We’ve touched on this before but it bears repeating...with any good spring cleaning strategy comes the inclusion of your home’s HVAC system - mainly getting your AC unit ready to effectively and efficiently cool your home as temperatures begin to rise. An efficient AC unit means a more comfortable living environment, the efficient use of energy is better for the environment and easier on your monthly electric bill.

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• Improved Cleaning Ability • Extends Appliance Life Reduces Energy Consumption • Healthy Hair & Softer Skin We can help you find the model suitable for your lifestyle!

• Keeps Fabrics Soft & Bright White

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April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

The air filter that resides in your furnace is also responsible for filtering your AC unit and if the last time you changed that filter was last fall, then a replacement filter is likely overdue following a winter of constant use. Typically an air filter should be replaced regularly and the frequency depends on the size or thickness of the filter. Follow the guidelines below to know when to replace your filter: • F ilters that are 1 to 2 inches thick should get changed every 3 months, • F ilters that are 4 inches thick should get changed every 6 months • F ilters that are 5 inches thick should get changed once a year There are plenty of options when it comes to HVAC filters and your unit does require a specific size, but it may allow for variations in cost and design. It is always best to check for the manufacturer’s suggested filter specifications, but you can also take the following choices into consideration and wherever you buy your filters you should be able to seek assistance from a knowledgeable service agent.

• Disposable fiberglass filters • Pleated allergy filters • Washable Electrostatic filters • HEPA filters • MERV filters • Activated charcoal filters Clean air filters are an important ally in maintaining the health of your family and your HVAC system. A dirty, clogged filter doesn’t trap harmful pollutants and irritants and it makes your HVAC system less efficient resulting in higher utility bills and potential repair costs.

During the course of your spring-cleaning ritual be sure to inspect vents and ductwork. These may only require a quick pass with the vacuum, but if you notice significant buildup of dust or residue along the sides of the duct work you may want to schedule a professional duct cleaning.

Regarding the outside HVAC unit or AC unit, be sure to inspect around the unit for any signs of liquid. It may indicate a leak or it could just be a low spot where rain water, snow melt or runoff collects. If it fosters mold or algae growth as temperatures rise the unit will draw air from that tainted source and it will be distributed into your HVAC system and your home. If the standing liquid is the result of a mechanical leak call a HVAC professional. A good rule of thumb for the outside unit is to maintain a two-foot perimeter of clearance from landscaping, shrubbery or weeds. l April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com |

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home

by Tom Johnson, Karl’s TV and Appliance

Save Time,

Money and Your Skin Do I need a water softener? Why do I need a water softener? A water softener is a unit that is used to soften water by removing the minerals that contains a high level of calcium and magnesium – “hard water”.

Hard water creates all sorts of problems throughout your home that you may not notice.

It can clog pipes, it can affect the efficiency of the washing machine, dishwasher and water heater and hard water leaves tough water spots on everything! Hard water can create buildup inside your pipes and inside the piping of the washing machine and the dishwasher…all reducing the efficiency of these items and of your water heater.

This means more energy is used to heat water which will result in increased energy expenses.

Your detergents are also less effective in hard water because it is harder for the detergent to breakdown effectively in hard water.

Skin and hair that are washed in hard water are often characterized as scratchy and dry and the hair can appear dull and matted because soap scum has a hard time dissolving properly

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April 2020 | thehoodmagazine.com

in hard water. By having a water softener, you will prolong the lifespan of pipes and home appliances. If you don’t have a water softener, take the time to shop for one today, you will be glad that you did and the savings will by far outweigh the onboarding expense of purchase and installation. l

BE A PART OF THE FAMILY FUN

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