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BACK to SCHOOL

LETTER FROM SUPERINTENDENT TIPS AND ADVICE FROM EXPERTS PRIVATE SCHOOL PROFILES - MARKETING FEATURE -

BACK TO SCHOOL â€“ TIMES-CALL

Features Back-to-school health............................................................ 4 Starting at a new school........................................................ 5 Easing back into the school mindset .................................. 6 Healthy study habits............................................................. 7 Nutrition and academics...................................................... 8 Back-to-school in style .......................................................... 9 It’s never to early - the importance of early education ..... 10 Tutoring helps students........................................................ 10 The value of extracurriculars............................................... 11 Learning, growth and enrichment doesn’t end with the

afternoon school bell............................................................. 12 Keeping your kids active ..................................................... 13 Adjusting to an empty nest.................................................. 14 From the superintendent...................................................... 15 Private school spotlight ........................................................ 16 Contributing Writers: Linda Thorsen Bond, Emma Castleberry, Adam Goldstein, Julie Kailus, Elise Oberliesen Additional Content: Greenshoot Media Advertising Features Coordinator: Greg Stone

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AUGUST 2017 – BACK TO SCHOOL

Back-to-School Health Tips for getting your kids on their game and ready to learn

By Julie Kailus

id you know tooth pain is one of the top reasons why kids miss school? Asthma is another biggie. And what about all those bugs children pick up by coming in close contact with a classroom full of kids after a summer outdoors? While fall sports physicals might be on your radar, many of the leading factors for school absences and learning difficulties are not on parents’ minds come back-to-school season. Now is the time to make sure kids are as healthy as possible – before the bell rings. Longmont’s Salud Family Health tries to tackle many of these health components with an integrated medical model. That means when children come in for an annual wellness exam, they’ll also be screened for dental hygiene safeguards like fluoride and sealants as well as behavioral issues, including signs of ADHD or learning delays. Of course, starting in kindergarten, students have yearly immunization requirements, and high school athletes are required to have a pre-participation sports physical to play. “Now is the time to get those physicals scheduled at a convenient time and sports forms ready to be signed, so you’re not waiting until the last minute,” says Jennifer Morse, vice president of development for Salud Family Health. PROTOCOL FOR PREVENTATIVE HEALTH Pediatrician Dr. Heather Isaacson of UCHealth Pediatrics in Longmont says some health traditions should be more preventative. Try these two backto-school tips: 1) Start getting sleep back on a school-year schedule. “Many 4

BACK TO SCHOOL – TIMES-CALL

kids and teens stay up much later and sleep in during the summer. This makes going back to the school routine a tough transition,” Isaacson says. “Try to start waking up earlier and going to bed earlier a few weeks before school starts.” 2) Make a plan to get one hour of exercise a day. “In summer it’s easier for kids to get exercise and outside time in, but it’s important that they continue to get this all year,” she says. “Sign up for PE if it’s an elective. Play outside at recess instead of sitting or looking at a tablet or phone. Plan to walk or bike to school, or sign up for a sport.” WHAT YOU CAN’T ALWAYS SEE Another problem frazzled families often miss is eye health. In fact, millions of children have undetected vision problems that can impact their learning. Sometimes issues aren’t obvious until a child comes home with an eyestrain headache or falls behind

because he or she can’t read the board. “Many parents rely on school vision screenings to detect problems, but these only identify a small percentage of the vision problems,” says Kori Watts, practice liaison for the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado. “Only comprehensive exams with an eye care professional can fully identify eye conditions.” Watts says there are some easy ways to determine whether or not your son or daughter may be having eye complications and needs to see a professional. Do you ever notice your child: – Avoiding close or detailed tasks? – Holding reading material closer than normal? – Experiencing frequent headaches? – Consistently losing their place when reading? – Turning or tilting their head to favor one eye? Diabetics are especially

susceptible to eye issues. Scheduling an annual eye exam so glasses or contacts prescriptions are up to date before school starts is critical. The trend toward more screen time in and out of schools is also a health concern for kids. Looking at a computer for long periods affects your eye health in a big way, according to the doctors at Longmont’s Front Range Eye Physicians, PC. They suggest reminding your children to take regular breaks to combat fatigue, blink regularly to prevent dry eyes and, every so often, look away from the screen to focus on objects that are far away. Reviewing contact lens care and having a backup pair of glasses ready to roll is also important before school is in session. Life can get overwhelming once school and sports start, so now is a great time to plan ahead to ensure your child is ready to learn – from head to toe – this fall.

Starting a new school can invoke both excitement and worry. Make your child’s first day easier by staying positive and taking the following steps before the school year begins.

STARTING AT A NEW SCHOOL

LEARN ABOUT THE SCHOOL Read information about the school your child will be attending. This is a good way to understand what the school offers in terms of academics and extracurricular activities, as well as to understand the rules and what the expectations are. This will help your child get excited, but also help you recognize what their fears are, so you can discuss them with your child before the first day. ATTEND ORIENTATION At the start of the academic year, most schools host an orientation. Attending with your child is an opportunity to tour the school and

learn its layout, meet teachers and find out which classes your child will be taking. You child will also meet some of the other students who will be in their classes. DO A TRIAL RUN Now that your child’s been “oriented,” find his/her locker and all of their classrooms so they don’t feel lost on the first day. Figure out what the best route is from class to class, and note the size of their locker. What will they be able to fit inside it easily? This will help them plan. TALK TO YOUR CHILD Write down any questions or concerns they have and go over them as a family. You can help your child decide which electives to take or help weigh the pros and cons of all the extra-curricular activities. Starting a new school also can redefine the family schedule, so this would be a great time to talk about morning and evening routines.

AUGUST 2017 – BACK TO SCHOOL

Easing Back Into the School Mindset Stress relief tips for students Symptoms of Stress

The top three physical complaints associated with stress include fatigue (51%), headache (44%), and tummy troubles (34%), according to a report published by StatisticBrain.com. The data did not disclose the age of subjects. relying on your child to set their own alarm clock while you’re at work, Isaacson said it’s key to have their buy-in about the importance of getting enough sleep and waking up earlier as they transition back to the ensuing early morning schedule.

By Elise Oberliesen

tudies indicate that one of the top concerns among American students between 9th and 12th grade is stress, according to the American Psychological Association. It also suggested that when left untreated, stress may correlate with serious long term health concerns. So it comes as no surprise that when summer comes to a screeching halt and it’s time to set alarm clocks and finalize carpools to make first bell, stress levels often increase for both students and their parents. Not to mention added stress from piles of homework and long hours studying for tests. Getting enough sleep and 6

BACK TO SCHOOL – TIMES-CALL

restructuring your student’s sleep schedule is a great place to start when transitioning back to the school calendar, says Pediatrician Heather Isaacson, M.D., with UC Health Pediatrics in Longmont. But don’t save it for the day before school starts. Give yourself plenty of time to start a new sleep routine. “It should start a couple of weeks before school starts,” says Isaacson. “It’s hard for them to go to bed early if they aren’t tired, but you can start to wake them up earlier in the morning.” If your child usually stays up late and rolls out of bed around 11 a.m., Isaacson suggests starting out by waking them up around 10 a.m., and then gradually wake them up earlier as time goes on. And if you are

MOVEMENT MEANS BETTER BRAIN FUNCTION At Flagstaff Academy, the staff realize that physical activity during the school day can result in less stress, anxiety and increase cognitive function in students. That’s why the curriculum at this Longmont-based school incorporates movement breaks for all students throughout the day, says Lisa Trank-Greene, communications coordinator with the school. This year marks the program’s fourth year. Starting at the preschool level, yoga is part of the curriculum and is incorporated into a wellness program, said Trank-Greene. Preschoolers also learn about healthy snacks and what it means to make healthy choices, she said. As for the older students, continued movement throughout the school day is meant to give students a break so they can get out of their brain and into their body. The school incorporated movement into the curriculum because they see that it helps students manage daily stressors, said Trank-Greene. Movements range from

walking, dancing, stretching and marching, to watching a short video with guided movements. “The movement video gets kids up and out of their chair to get the blood flowing and gives their brain a break. It really does help with stress reduction,” says Trank-Greene. Neuroscience research suggests a strong link between movement, brain cognition and how the two work together. The cerebellum, located in the back of the brain is responsible for motor control. Based on research from the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, researchers discovered how memory, attention, and spatial perception are tied to the cerebellum and other parts of the brain. What’s interesting is that movement and learning are processed in the same part of the brain, according to ASCD, a non-profit organization made up of 115,000 educators. Students at Flagstaff Academy may not realize something like movement in a classroom could have far reaching affects both now and in their future. COPING WITH COLLEGE When it comes to college students, Isaacson says it’s important for students to consider the stress traps they could fall into. These include things like not eating healthy meals to using alcohol and recreational cannabis to cope with stress. Even though recreational weed is legal in Colorado, she warns about the potential damage it can cause to the still developing brains of college students, and teens. “They don’t take marijuana seriously and they don’t see marijuana as a drug,” says Isaacson. “I don’t think they think of it is detrimental…but their brain is still developing until they are 25 years old.”

HEALTHY STUDY HABITS Studying “smarter” can actually help make your child smarter. The right routine and environment improve their ability to retain information.

Many factors – such as location, routine and attitude – contribute to developing healthy study habits. Take a closer look at these elements, and see how your student can improve the way they study and start achieving their goals: LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Where your child studies is important. Where are they productive? Some need a lot of natural light and a quiet space, while others views windows as portals of distraction and

prefer small spaces, such as a study room in the back corner of a library. Try out a few spaces before deciding what’s best for your child. REMOVE DISTRACTIONS Make sure your child has what they need and eliminate the things they don’t. If they don’t need a computer, don’t use one. E-mail, games and social media are all powerful distractions because they might be more fun than the task at hand. It’s best to eliminate to avoid losing focus. FIND STUDY SNACKS Try small, dry foods, such as salted nuts, granola or pretzels. You’re looking for healthy and easy-to-eat options that your child can pop in their mouth without using utensils. Sometimes keeping their mouth busy helps keep their mind focused as well.

ESTABLISH A SCHEDULE Have a plan for when your child will study and follow through with this. It is much better to study a little every day than it is to cram the night before a big exam. Plus, if you stick to a routine, it will slowly rewire your child’s brain to understand that “this is study time,” which will

make it easier over time. THE RIGHT ATTITUDE The way your child approaches studying matters in a big way. Think positively and treat studying as an opportunity to understand something better. Negative thoughts will be counterproductive and have no place in your child’s study space.

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NUTRITION & ACADEMICS What we eat, and when we eat, has a big impact on a person’s ability to learn and retain information. That’s why eating healthy is critical for students of every age.

owever, healthy eating habits can be difficult to maintain. Utilize the following outlined strategies to help you and your children develop a more balanced approach to nutrition. KEEP A REGULAR MEAL SCHEDULE Stick to a schedule as best you can. Maintaining a consistent

eating schedule can help prevent kids from getting too hungry, which could lead to cravings for foods high in fat and sugar. This approach also helps kids sleep better at night.

AIM FOR VARIETY Plan different fruits and vegetables for different days. This ensures a balance of nutrients and brightens up any plate.

DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST Low energy, decreased motivation and impaired problem-solving abilities are all associated with skipping breakfast. It actually is the most important meal of the day.

LIMIT THE JUNK FOOD Most junk foods and fast foods are high in fats and sugars. These are filler calories that can have a negative impact on your child’s mood.

PLAN AHEAD Have snacks ready for your kids when you pick them up from school, so they can eat on the ride home. If they aride the bus or car pool, pack an extra snack in their lunch box to be eaten later in the afternoon. While small and frequent meals are an eating style recommended for everyone, kids especially need the constant fuel provided by eating on a regular basis.

DRINKS MATTER TOO Water is the body’s best friend. Your children should drink water often, as well as milk and natural juices. Limit the amount of soda children drink, as well as coffee for teens. Stimulants can produce a temporary “high” followed by a drop in energy, and can cause heart problems.

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Back-to-School in Style

Trending kids shoes By Linda Thorsen Bond

hen little feet march back to school in Longmont, the shoes and boots will be right on trend. The hottest fashions are inspired by the fall 2017 collections from

top designers. According to Jason Wetzel of Brown’s Shoe Fit in downtown Longmont, there are some colors that kids always want. “We still have girls’ shoes in pink and boys still purchase black and brown. We stock what we think is cute,” he said.

For girls, there are lots of moto or combat boots, menswearinspired brogues and glittery flats. For boys, there are plenty of high-top sneakers, combat boots and lace-up oxfords. There’s a geek-chic vibe for girls that pairs girl looks with menswear-inspired styles such as brogues and oxfords. Shinycoated canvas sneakers in a rainbow of bold hues add a perfect pop of color. Another style that’s showing for fall is the patent leather boot that’s rainproof and practical. The color red is very hot for boots, in a wide variety of shades. On the dress up side, velvet shoes have been killing it for girls of all ages. The plush kicks, which come in all sorts of silhouettes (lace-up sandals, chunky platforms, elaboratelyembellished stilettos, etc.) have proven to be quite a hit. Glittery T-strap flats bring a touch of

sparkle to pretty blouses and tiered ruffle skirts. For boys, shoes always trend toward sports styles. High-top Chuck Taylors have a new island green color, along with the standard black or blue. There are even winter-warmed high tops and sneakers that don’t allow moisture to pass through. Several of the top sneakers have lost weight, like the Nike Air Max 90 Ultra 2.0 Big Kids’ Shoe. For winter, it is better to choose waterproof shoes with membrane protection technology. Black lace-up combat boots continue but there is also footwear without fasteners or laces, having elastic inserts on the sides. Dress shoes for girls include almost all colors of the rainbow. For boys, footwear designers stay with their favorite colors, black or brown. This fashion trend is fashionable in summer and winter.

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It’s Never Too Early The importance of early education

By Emma Castleberry

any think of kindergarten as the official beginning of school, but experts argue that children can benefit from exposure to a formal learning environment far before that. “It’s never too early to enroll your child in an early childhood program,” says Matt Eldred, executive director of Longmont’s TLC Learning Center (formerly The Tiny Tim Center), which enrolls children as early as eight weeks old. At Rocky Mountain Christian Academy (RMCA), the directors and administrators work with the parents to decide when a child should enroll on a case-by-case basis. “We partner with parents to find that appropriate age,” says Stacy Lind, RMCA’s early childhood director. She adds that some children might not be ready until four years old, just a year before kindergarten. Most early childhood programs, including RMCA’s, provide some flexibility in care options by allowing a child to attend school for partial days or just a few days each week. The process of searching for a preschool program can be very

involved. “The importance of quality early childhood programs is critical,” says Eldred of TLC. “Just like most services, you get what you pay for, so buyer beware.” Eldred recommends looking at factors like the adult to child ratio, licensing and teacher qualifications when shopping for a program. Linda Bartleson, division vice president for Bright Horizons, adds that parents should spend at least one hour observing at a facility before deciding to enroll. She also says that location will affect the shopping timeline for an early childhood program. “The time to start the search is somewhat dependent upon the area in which you live,” she says. “Some areas have a short supply of early childhood education programs and waitlists start early, while other areas have a larger supply and the timing is not as critical.” Luckily, the Longmont/

Fort Collins area has a wealth of excellent early childhood programs that can help lay the foundation for a successful academic future: Bright Horizons has locations in Longmont and Fort Collins, for example. It’s important that parents see preschool as an individual chapter of a complete education, not just an extension of elementary. “Early childhood programs are not meant to be mini-elementary schools,” says Bartleson. “In preschool, children gain a positive view of learning and develop integral social emotional skills that will impact their ability to be successful in school.” This is a recurring theme in the early childhood world: social emotional development. During these foundational years, children learn vital skills for interacting with both classmates and teachers. “It’s understanding how to be in a group of peers of the same

age,” says Lind of RMCA. “How to have manners and how to speak to each other and how to listen to a teacher and focus your attention.” Cathy Stoecker, director of Longmont’s Sonshine Daycare, also highlights social emotional growth as a vital part of the program at Sonshine. “The social emotional development sets the foundation for later years,” she says. At Sonshine, the Christian faith plays a large role in developing this foundation. “We are a Christianbased program, so I believe implementing our faith in these formative years is important,” Stoecker says. Whether you choose a faithbased program or a neighborhood preschool, parental involvement is key to a child’s success from the very beginning. “No matter what kind of program you select for your child, you and your child’s teachers can join in a partnership to enhance your child’s learning experience,” says Bartleson of Bright Horizons. “By building strong home-school relationships from the start, parents and teachers can support children and prepare them for future success, both in and outside the classroom.”

Tutoring helps students increase grades, test scores and confidence By Linda Thorsen Bond Sometimes, a student just needs a helping hand, a pair of fresh eyes and a new way of doing things. That’s what Wise Owl Tutoring offers, and it can make all the difference. Owner Jerri Modrall specializes in affordable, one-on-one tutoring. 10

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She is a 36-year veteran teacher in the St. Vrain Valley School District and a dyslexia consultant and specialist. Wise Owl Tutoring can help if your child has trouble reading, mispronounces common words, disappears when it’s time to read, avoids reading out loud, confuses words that sound similar, has

trouble with spelling or problems with math. The Barton Reading and Spelling System incorporates an individualized and multi-sensory approach supported by research and approved by the Colorado Department of Education. Jerri Modrall works with students who are gifted and advanced as well as students

who need help with reading or comprehension. Wise Owl offers support with language development and learning a new language, in improving writing skills, and helping with thinking and studying skills. Contact Wise Owl Tutoring at 303.718.0555 or wiseowltutoring25@gmail.com.

The Value of

EXTRACURRICULARS

As the school year nears, you might be struggling with how much to load on your child’s plate when it comes to sports, scholarly activities and community engagement.

ncouraging your child to participate in extracurricular activities is a wise choice. They can develop meaningful relationships, people skills, responsibility and commitment. Here is a closer look at these benefits: Helps develop diversified interests. Kids should explore new things. This is how they discover what they like and what

they don’t. And who knows, they might stumble on something that will parlay into a career path later on. Teaches time management and responsibility. As adults, we are used to juggling commitments and prioritizing our time, but we didn’t get here overnight. Kids need practice at this if they are going to be successful at managing their time later in life. Being active also

helps them understand they’ve made a commitment and must see it through. Raises self-esteem. Being part of a group can be very motivating and uplifting. There are people counting on you, and it always feels good to be needed. Trying out different activities encourages children to find what they excel at, allowing them to really shine. Cultivates people skills. Joining any group or activity encourages kids and teens to work on their communication skills. These situations teach kids how to behave in social settings – not to mention it’s a great way to make new friends. Jump-starts a “personal resume.” Extra-curricular activities also look great on college applications. Even if your child isn’t in high-school yet, it’s never too early to build a solid foundation. Colleges want to see students who not only excel in school but can enjoy other aspects of life. They want to see clear hobbies and interests. And don’t forget, they also know extra-curricular activities indicate strong people skills, responsibility and work ethic.

AUGUST 2017 – BACK TO SCHOOL

Learning, Growth and Enrichment doesn’t end with the afternoon school bell

Students in elementary, middle and high school are always learning, and it’s a process that reaches beyond the classroom, one that touches on every moment of every day. By Adam Goldstein

ounding out the lessons of the K-12 classroom with extra-curricular learning can be a vital and critical component for any student’s learning life, and performing arts education in particular is an ideal way to help students find a lifelong passion for learning that extends beyond the school building. Whether it’s through music, theater or dance, getting a child invested in performing arts early can be a bridge to a lasting brand of self-confidence, direction and purpose that can carry over into a student’s academic life and beyond. Finding an early creative outlet can serve as a means of self-expression, strength and selfconfidence around others. What’s more, it can develop skills that can have a positive impact on a student’s work in the classroom. “I want my students to learn how to think critically and creatively as well as develop fine art skills,” said Cynthia Barnes, founder of Inspiration Art Academy, an art studio and classroom on Main Street in downtown Longmont that offers classes, workshops and activities for students of all ages. Barnes, who hold Master’s Degrees in Art Therapy and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education, sees the Academy’s extra-curricular, extended art instruction as a vital complement to the learning 12

BACK TO SCHOOL – TIMES-CALL

students experience in their K-12 classrooms. “Art camp is great because the students get to spend uninterrupted time making art and being creative,” she said. “Instead of one 40 to 50-minute art period at school, kids get to spend a seven-hour full day or a three-hour half day in the art studio.” The Inspiration Art Academy is only one of many options for students looking for ways to deepen and expand their learning outside of the traditional classroom. From gymnastics to dance to martial arts, Longmont families have plenty of extra-curricular learning options, instruction that teaches developing minds. At Airborne Gymnastics, for example, teachers seek to impart lifelong lessons about the value of fitness and teamwork to their students, even as they offer indepth and team-based gymnastic

instruction. Airborne Gymnastics’ 25,000-square-foot building includes more than 14,000 square feet of gymnasium space, which features landing pits, several long tumbling trampolines, competitive trampolines, two spring floors and a fiberglass rod tumbling floor. In classes for elementary, middle and high school-aged students, teachers work to stress larger lessons. According to Airborne’s website, “Gymnastics and dance classes help children develop skills that will help them excel in any future activities, including strength, balance, body awareness, goal setting and perseverance.” The staff at Dance Dimensions work to convey similarly durable life lessons in their wide variety of dance classes for students of all ages. The school offers professional dance classes of all levels, including a ballet certification program,

master classes and a performing competition company. However, the instructors work hard to focus on the whole child, and to stress lessons that will have value outside of the dance studio. “We understand that not every student will become a professional dancer,” Artistic Director Louise Leise writes on the school’s website. “However, we strive to encourage every student to discover the empowerment of pursuing their personal best. And fundamentally we want every student to experience dance as a tremendous joy and great fun.” The En Face Dance Studio offers a similar platform for honing dance skills and developing lifelong talents. The facility offers instruction in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and acro for ages 2 and up, as well as performance opportunities. The studio’s 2017-18 schedule includes a wide range of classes that includes improv and creative movement, courses that help students develop their own creative streak in a physical framework. Ripple Effect Martial Arts is also an ideal place for K-12 students to hone important skills that will have benefits in the classroom and beyond. Led by 1st-degree Black Belt Master Greg Macy, the Ripple Effect Martial Arts uses karate as a platform to teach larger lessons about teamwork, focus, concentration and perseverance. “Diagramming sentences or dialing in the multiplication tables becomes second nature after you’ve spent hours and hours training your mind and body in the ways of martial arts,” he writes on the Ripple Effect website. “Karate’s got an engendering effect that bears itself out in the immediate, not-toodistant, and far off future.

KEEPING YOUR KIDS Active

Local programs for youth sports, fitness and wellbeing By Julie Kailus

aybe you stepped up play time this summer, but are you prepared to keep the health and wellness efforts rolling come school time? That’s an issue many parents will struggle with this fall as they consider how to balance academics, after-school activities, meal preparation, screen time and family time. Unfortunately, families face some disturbing statistics: Only one in three kids are physically active every day, according to data collected by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Children now spend an average of seven and a half hours in front of some type of screen per day. About 17 percent of children are considered obese, and the

problem is growing in young adults age 12 to 19. Luckily there are lots of local programs that help with keeping kids active. Long-time leaders like YMCA of Boulder Valley have done the heavy lifting so parents don’t have to work so hard to keep children happy and healthy during the school year. For example, the YMCA has created an engaging mixed bag of sports activities called Recess Madness. “Each week, children would be doing a variety of sports or gym games versus one sport all week,” says Jamie Ridgway, director of after school programs for the YMCA of Boulder Valley. There are also programs hosted at 14 elementary schools in the Boulder and St. Vrain districts, which makes for convenient pickup for parents.

Each one includes a 30-minute play period including soccer, tag, archery and other fun activities. For swim lessons, the organization provides transportation from schools to the YMCA pool. In Longmont, a creative YMCA partnership with nonprofit La Familia is using boxing to teach self-confidence, discipline and healthy living. And Kids Night Out, open to kindergarteners through fifth graders, gears an active evening around bowling, roller-skating, swimming and other physical activities instead of a sedentary movie. For kids who are not already enrolled in team sport or individual activity or are not especially competitive, afterschool programs like the YMCA or casual climbing can not only

boost a child’s health, but also provide a sense of belonging and confidence. “We find that the Y is a place that is a constant for children. It creates a community that is always there to help,” Ridgway says. “We work with parents and participants to find interests and the after-school program is focused on creating choices: Art, science, sports and homework help are all available.” Keeping kids active comes with big benefits: the energy expenditure younger kids need after sitting at a desk all day; focus and accomplishment for kids struggling with ADHD, ADD or other challenges; and the self-assurance that comes with learning something new and feeling good in your body. It’s about growing – and growing up – in a healthy way.

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AUGUST 2017 – BACK TO SCHOOL

Adjusting to an

EMPTY NEST W

your child consider the big change ahead, but it also will help you in both the short and long term.

PREPARE FOR THE DEPARTURE You will feel better knowing your child is prepared for his new school. Discuss any fears about starting a new school and anything he/she is looking forward to. These discussions will help

CREATE A PLAN TO COMMUNICATE Check in with weekly phone calls or emails – whatever works best for you and your child. Knowing when and how often you will speak and see each other will help fill the empty feeling their leaving creates. Consider sending physical letters to each other through the U.S. Postal Service, as well. This can be a fun way to catch up. Everyone loves getting mail. You know your son or daughter will enjoy receiving care packages from you, and getting a card

hether your child attends a private or boarding school, or is leaving for college for the first time, the absence of a family member you are used to seeing everyday can create a great feeling of emptiness. This can be an issue even when you know your child will thrive in their new environment. Read on for a few ways to deal with the anxiety of that separation.

from them is sure to brighten your day and give you something to look forward to. ACCEPT SUPPORT Know that you are not alone. Talk to your friends about how you’re feeling and any concerns you have. Also, look for new

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Before & After School Care for K-5th

YMCA elementary school programs are all about fun, games, encouraging individuality and building strong, confident, healthy kids. Whether it’s time for homework help, exploring science themes, outdoor adventures, creating group art projects or even swim lessons, the Y believes in safe, supportive programs that foster a community within the school. Held at the Longmont Y with transportation to/from 10 SVVSD schools.

School Day Off Camps & Late Start Days

Children can join the Y during school days off for field trips, sports, arts and crafts and outdoor play. We also offer engaging programming on Late Start Days with transporation to school. Held at the Longmont Y.

FOR TODDLERS Visit our newly remodeled preschool for ages 2-1/2 to 6 in Longmont. FOR TEENS Check out our school day off camps, Teen Night Out field trips and more.

Contact 303-664-5455 or afterschool@ymcabv.org for more info.

YMCA OF BOULDER VALLEY • Serving Boulder, Broomfield & Weld Counties • ymcabv.org

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and exciting ways to fill your newfound time. Having a child leave often allows for extra leisure time that for years has been dedicated to parenting responsibilities. Find new activities to participate in or set up a regular lunch date with an old friend.

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT | St. Vrain Valley School District

Each year presents new and exciting opportunities In St. Vrain Valley Schools, each year presents new and exciting opportunities. The days of schools closing for the summer are long gone in the St. Vrain Valley. This summer, thousands of students participated in academically rigorous instructional programs, numerous co-curricular activities, and many Community School camps. Our outstanding teachers and staff spent countless summer hours engaged in high-quality activities, learning new skills and strengthening their classroom instruction. Their dedication and professionalism drive our high level of excellence. One example is the hundreds of students and teachers that participated in our 8th Annual Innovation Academy for a Smarter Planet – a summer program operated in partnership with IBM and the University of Colorado. This program focuses on problem-solving strategies and prototyping ideas to make our world a better place. St. Vrain Valley Schools is a highly sought-after school district for families relocating to this area and continues to attract many excellent educators. Towards this end, each year our district welcomes hundreds of additional students and teachers – this is a result of St. Vrain Valley Schools being one of the fastest growing and most innovative school districts in the nation. This summer we had another banner hiring year adding approximately 250 highly qualified teachers to our workforce. Further, promoting excellence in the St. Vrain Valley is our commitment to instructional technology. Our comprehensive Learning Technology Plan is approaching its fourth year, and

Don Haddad, Superintendent by the end of the 2017-2018 school year, all of our schools will be fully equipped with iPads and chromebooks designed to enhance student learning. To further support cutting-edge instructional technology in the classroom, our district entered into a new agreement with Longmont Power and Communications. This partnership provides an impressive 2-gigabit fiber-optic internet connection for all St. Vrain schools and facilities. Adding to our continued success, St. Vrain Valley Schools’ construction projects have advanced significantly this summer as we continue to work on two state-of-the-art schools – a new PK-8 in Erie and a new PK-5 elementary school in Frederick. In addition, we are adding significant classroom space to 29 schools, making numerous facility improvements throughout our district, and look forward to the groundbreaking of our district’s state-of-theart Innovation Center. These advancements are possible because of the strong, unwavering support of our community. While we must maintain and continue to solidify our infrastructure, fiscal independence, traditional academic core and overall

system, we must also continue to pursue our capacity to break new ground and explore new frontiers. We will do this in strong partnership with our teachers, staff, students, parents, business and corporate partners, and our elected officials. As excitement builds for the 2017-2018 school year, I would like to sincerely thank everyone throughout our community for your tremendous support, dedication, and commitment – providing our children with an outstanding education and strong competitive advantage as they compete at the highest level in an ever changing global economy. Take care and once again, thank you.

It’s time for back to school physicals! Call us or walk-in at our Convenient Care Clinic today!

Medicaid, Medicare and CHP+ accepted 220 E. Rogers Road, Longmont AUGUST 2017 – BACK TO SCHOOL

PRIVATE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Boulder Valley Waldorf School

Flagstaff Academy

Preschoolers and kindergartners enjoy a play-based curriculum with an emphasis on movement and sensory integration. Children learn mathematics, literacy and science through practical activities indoors and outside in nature. In the elementary and middle school grades, our unique approach to education guides students with a remarkably rich Waldorf curriculum of mathematics, sciences, language arts, history, geography, German, Mandarin, eurythmy (expressive dance), physical education, handwork, woodworking, painting and instrumental music. Students embrace rigorous learning that addresses the intellectual, social, emotional and physical development.

Flagstaff Academy, an award-winning Preschool-eighth grade public charter school, is an academically rigorous school with a Core Knowledge foundation and a strong focus on science and technology. The school focuses on the individual learner, subject mastery grouping, progressive levels of difficulty and ongoing assessment for advancement. The school offers inquirybased science, robotics, computer programming, integrated technology, a greenhouse classroom and the leading Restorative Practices program in the region provides a strong focus on character development and ethical leadership. Spanish is offered as a foreign language starting in third grade and a robust arts program including music, band and art integrating technology round out Flagstaff Academy’s one-of-a-kind educational environment.

Grades served: Preschool, K-8th Grade, Parent-Child Program Address: 6500 W. Dry Creek Parkway, Niwot, CO 80503 Phone: 303-652-0130 Website: bvwaldorf.org Director: Ruth Godberﬀorde Enrollment: 130 Capacity: 150 Annual tuition: $5,900 to $8,900 (parent/child program is $218 per session) Daily schedule: Pre-K/K-8th is 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Before/After-school 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Open house/visitation: Tours available by calling 303-652-0130

Grades served: Preschool, K-8th Grade Address: 2040 Miller Drive, Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-651-7900 Website: ﬂagstaﬀacademy.org Executive Director: Wayne Granger Enrollment: 930 Capacity: N/A Annual tuition: N/A Daily schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open house/visitation: Call 303-651-7900 for a tour.

Carbon Valley Academy

Gateway Montessori

Carbon Valley Academy is a public charter school offering a tuition-free, structured learning environment for preschool through 8th grade. Proudly serving the Firestone, Frederick and Dacono area with high academic standards, a passionate staff, effective leadership and a positive culture.

Gateway Montessori is a nonprofit private school specializing in early childhood education. Residing in Longmont for over thirty years, Gateway has set the standard for providing the highest quality Montessori experience. Its unwavering integrity and commitment to classic Montessori principles has set it apart from other preschool/kindergarten programs. Gateway Montessori School is licensed by the State of Colorado and is a member of the AMS, (American Montessori Society), CMA, (Colorado Montessori Association), and NAMTA, (North American Montessori Teachers Association). Grades served: Preschool, Kindergarten Address: 1500 9th Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-772-3864 Website: gatewaymontessorischool.net Director: Reyn Hedger Enrollment: 40 Capacity: N/A Annual tuition: 3,800-$8,500 Daily schedule: 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. (Half Day); 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Full Day) Open house/visitation: Call 303-772-3864 for a tour.

Grades served: Preschool, K-8th Grade Address: 4040 Coriolis Way, Frederick, CO 80504 Phone: 303-774-9555 Website: carbonvalleyacademy.org Director: Tony Carey Enrollment: N/A Capacity: N/A Annual tuition: Free tuition for K-8th grade. Call for preschool pricing. Daily schedule: N/A Open house/visitation: Call 303-774-9555 for a tour.

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PRIVATE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

GOAL High School GOAL Academy High School provides an opportunity for high school students to earn concurrent enrollment credits while fulfilling their high school diploma credits – simultaneously! GOAL High School supports three paths to being productive members of society and they are: College Bound Students, Military Bound Students, and Technical Trade Certificates for students. Grades served: High School Address: 1601 Hover Street, Unit D2, Longmont Phone: 1-877-776-4625 ext. 005 Website: goalac.org Principal: N/A Enrollment: Enroll today Capacity: Enroll today Annual tuition: Free Public High School Daily schedule: Customized individual schedules Open house/visitation: Call 1-877-776-4625 ext. 005 to schedule a tour.

Messiah Lutheran Early Learning Center

Messiah Lutheran Early Learning Center provides a quality program of Christian education for children age 2 years and 6 months through Junior Kindergarten (age 6). Preschool 2 days per week, Pre-Kindergarten 3 days per week and Junior Kindergarten 5 days per week. The school’s preschool program is designed to allow children many opportunities to learn about the world around them. Special emphasis is placed on Biblical learning, socialization, and learning through actual experience. Part of the child’s time in school is spent in free choice activities. These may vary from day to day or week to week, but will include dramatic play, book corner, block center, manipulative toys and games, science sensory development, math and computer activities. Grades served: Preschool through Junior Kindergarten Address: 1335 Francis Street, Longmont, CO 80501 Phone: 303-776-3466 Website: mlcslongmont.org Director: Kirsten Danile Annual tuition: $1620-$2385. Tuition assistance available. Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Daily Lunch Bunch 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; P.A.L. Class for 12 mo. to 2-year-olds with parent/caregiver Wednesdays at 10 a.m.; Back to school night August 10 at 6:30 p.m. Open house/visitation: Tours available by calling 303-776-3466

Bumps & Bruises Clinic

FREE to all St. Vrain Valley High School Athletes Mondays & Thursdays 7AM-8AM

Includes free evaluation by a certified trainer and free X-rays if necessary. Parental permission required. Call 303-772-1600 for details.

Clinic runs entire school year beginning August 21! 1610 Dry Creek Drive, Longmont FrontRangeOrthopedics.com AUGUST 2017 – BACK TO SCHOOL

PRIVATE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

Preschool in St. Vrain Valley Schools

Rocky Mountain Christian Academy Rocky Mountain Christian Academy (RMCA) is a Christ-centered, classically-inspired school that cultivates the whole child for a lifetime of learning. Believing that education is an atmosphere, a discipline, and a life, RMCA serves families with preK-8th grade students. Grades served: Preschool to 8th Address: 9447 Niwot Road, Niwot, CO 80503 Phone: 303-652-9162 Website: rmcaonline.org Principal: Brandon Byrd Enrollment: 210 Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Annual tuition: Preschool and Half-Day Kindergarten: $2,330-$4,350; Full-Day K-8 Tuition, $5,160-$6,360 Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Open house/visitation: Check school website or contact admissions@rmcaonline.org

Gateway

Montessori School

“We Nurture the Love of Learning” 35 years in Longmont Full and Part day Preschool and Kindergarten options 1500 9th Ave., Longmont 303-772-3864 • www.gatewaymontessorischool.net.

St. Vrain Valley Schools oﬀers outstanding preschool programs at 22 sites across the district. Programs emphasize kindergarten readiness and provide a high-quality early childhood experience in a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. St. Vrain Valley preschool students have access to cutting-edge technology and STEM integration with many sites emphasizing design-thinking, advanced inquiry, computer science, robotics and many other important 21st-century foundational skills. Family partnerships are vital to a student’s success and ongoing opportunities for parent involvement are oﬀered throughout the school year. Grades served: Preschool Address: Multiple locations across Longmont, Niwot, Lyons, Frederick, Mead and Erie Phone: 303-702-7815 Website: svvsd.org/preschool Director: Shela Blankinship Daily schedule: Morning and afternoon sessions available Open house/visitation: Tours available by calling 303-702-7815

Now ENroLLiNg For FaLL 2017 Year-round Preschool and Childcare. Preeparing Children for Success!

Children eight weeks – six years

For information, call 303-776-7417 611 Korte Parkway, Longmont • www.learningwithtlc.org

720-328-8273

7073 Colorado Blvd., Frederick 18

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• Hip Hop • Tap • Lyrical • Acro • Contemporary

EnFaceStudios.com

PRIVATE SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT

FRONT RANGE EYE PHYSICIANS Comprehensive Eyecare Specialists - Adults & Children

Wild Plum Center

SERVING LONGMONT FOR OVER 30 YEARS

The Wild Plum Center mission is to prepare children for a lifetime of learning and self-sufficiency. Since 1965, Wild Plum Center has been a leader in providing early childhood education, offering complete preschool programming and developmental services to children ages zero to 4 years old. All WPC families are at or below 100% Federal Poverty Guidelines. We work to address any and all aspects of need within a child’s life. Grades served: Preschool Address: 82 21st Ave., Suite B, Longmont, CO 80504 Phone: 303-776-8523 Website: wildplumcenter.org Director: Amy Ogilvie Enrollment: Preschool: 163; Infant/Toddler: 76 Average student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Annual tuition: N/A Daily schedule: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open house/visitation: Call to schedule tour

Our Services Include: • Eye Exams • Glaucoma Care • Cataract Surgery • Cornea Specialty

Mohammad Karbassi,. M.D

Dale S. Johnson, M.D.

Matthew Tripp, O.D.

Board Certified And Subspecialty Trained

• Laser Vision Correction • Contact Lens Fitting • Large Selection Of Frames & Sunglasses

303-772-3611

www.frontrangeeyephysicians.com 205 S. Main St. Suite D, Longmont

NOURISHING MINDS GROWING FUTURES

Enrolling Now

Infant Care • Toddler Care • Preschool www.wildplumcenter.org 303-776-8523

FREE Full Day Kindergarten! Experience the Difference PreK-8th grade Core Knowledge Curriculum Small Class Sizes Emp phasis on Character Develop pment

4040 Coriolis Way, Frederick, CO 80504 CarbonValleyAcademy.org (303) 774-9555 AUGUST 2017 – BACK TO SCHOOL

Welcome Back k As excitement builds for the 2017-2018 school year, we w would lik like to sincerely thank everyone throughout our community munity for your tremendous support, dedication, and commitm itment to providin ing ou ur children with an outstanding education n and strong ong competitive comp advantage as they compete at the highest ver changing ghest le level in an eve global economy. â€“ Don Haddad, E Ed. D.,., Superintendent Superinten

New schools and facility improvements that are made possible because of th he support of our community.

BACK TO SCHOOL â€“ TIMES-CALL

One of the fastest growing and most innovative school districts in the nation.

All schools are equipped with iPad minis and chromebooks designed to enhance student learning.

2-gigibit fiberr-optic internet connecttion for all schools an nd facilities thatt will support cutting-e edge technology.