A PA R E N T ’ S N E W S L E T T E R F O R B O U L D E R VA L L E Y K I D S
Thriveupdate
Volume 7 | Issue 8
Inspire
Enhance
Inform healthy kids make better learners
MAY 2015
insideTHRIVE
>> Set your summer resolutions!
2
Each year, often with the best of intentions, we make admirable goals for the
New Year, only to feel inadequate when we typically are unable to achieve
them. Do an Internet search as to why and the common answer is that the
ambitious goals that we
set are unrealistic to
begin with and therefore
are doomed to failure. In
addition, a resolution to
last for a year is just too
long, as we get distracted
by life as time goes on
and forget our resolution
altogether. That’s why
summer resolutions make
so much more sense,
particularly if they are
Dedicate at least one day to doing
realistic and achievable.
something adventurous as a family.
Plus, if we do it right, it
can dramatically enhance our summer experience. This is especially true for
families, which are vulnerable to acting out children with time on their hands
and overly stressed parents now with the extra strain of creating summer plans
for the children while continuing to meet the challenges of everyday life.
Following are a few ideas for achievable summer resolutions for parents:
Spend 1:1 time with each child doing something fun.
Dedicate at least one day to doing something adventurous as a family.
Try a new hobby together that no one has done before.
Let each member of the family pick a favorite restaurant to go to or a
meal to make together.
If going on vacation, pick a day where the children decide what to do.
Leave notes in unexpected places letting your children know how much
you love them.
Have at least one date night with your partner.
Take time alone to do something relaxing and rejuvenating.
Consider brainstorming summer resolutions as a family. After you develop your
summer resolutions list, keep it in a conspicuous place and check off your goals
as you accomplish them.
Life flies by faster than we realize. Make sure to take time this summer to do
the things that will nourish you, your family, and your relationships.
Have the
Conversation about
communication
Boulder Public
Library needs teen
volunteers
3
2015 summer
reading programs
at area libraries
4
YMCA: Benefits of
summer camps
Crosswalk safety
5
Youth employment:
Tips for success
BVSD Community
Connections
6
BVSD School Age
Care registration
opens soon
CCAP offers
support for
summer camp fees
7
Calendar of
classes & events
8
Kids are free this
summer at Denver
Art Museum
Look for us on the web!
www.bvsd.org
by Dr. Jan Hittelman, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Copyright © 2015 by Boulder Valley School District. All rights reserved
Have the Conversation!
Solution-based Communication
In the recent article on mindfulness, the idea of intention was an important part of the dynamic.
Intention also plays an important role in our relationships as intention sets the stage for what is possible.
It seems that sometimes with our children, or students, we can get stuck on what’s not happening
instead of what is possible. Moving from a “problem” orientation to a “possible” orientation can help
enhance those relationships that are important to us.
Following are some tools that can help shift our focus away from the
problem:
Be curious. We all want to do well but sometimes the ways we are going
about things isn’t effective. Instead of asking “Why” the child is doing what
they are doing or not doing something, try asking “What is it you are trying
to accomplish?” “How well is it going?” “How else could you approach
this?” or “What else might be a possible solution?” If it’s not working, try
something else!
Break it down into small actions or steps. Sometimes it helps to start from
the end point and work backwards. What does the best possible outcome
look like? Take cleaning their room. Maybe the goal is to clean a corner of
their room rather than the whole thing. Then the next corner and so on.
In helping your child work toward a goal, think about: What has the child
already accomplished that supports reaching the goal? What is the smallest thing that could happen that would move them
closer to the end point? Then what is the next smallest thing and the next. If we only focus on the one big goal, things can
quickly become overwhelming.
Looking for what is working. No problem happens all the time. Sometimes it is less intense, of less duration or not there at
all. What’s happening during those times that the problem is “less?” If something is working even a little bit, try doing more if
it!
If we believe that a child is capable of change, has the resources for change, and doesn’t always need to be told what to do,
then our communication will reflect this and foster their resiliency and self-assurance.
by Leisha Conners Bauer
Boulder County Healthy Youth Alliance
and
Cindy J. Smith, LCSW
Certified Coach
>> Boulder Public Library is calling teen volunteers
Boulder Public Library is recruiting middle and high school volunteers to assist with their Summer Reading Program which
begins Saturday, May 30 and ends Friday, July 18.
What will the volunteers do?
Attend a training session
Help kids and parents find more books
Register participants using an online Reading Record
Have fun
Pass out prizes
Meet new friends
Talk to kids and parents about the books they are
Earn volunteer hours
reading
How can volunteers sign up?
Call Melanie at Main 303-441-3099
Call Stella at Reynolds Branch 303-441-3120
Call Hillary at Meadows Branch 303-441-4169
When are the trainings scheduled?
Main:
Reynolds:
Meadows:
Sunday, May 17 from 2-4 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 from 2-4 p.m.
Sunday, May 17 at 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 from 4-6 p.m.
Sunday, May 17 from 2-4 p.m.
Monday, May 18 at 6 p.m.
Thursday, May 21 from 4-6 p.m.
page2
THRIVEupdate | MAY 2015
>> 2015 summer reading programs at local libraries
Boulder Public Library
For Children - Calling all Superheroes in Training!
The Boulder Public Library invites all local children to join its 2015
Summer Reading Program, Every Hero Has a Story. Find out all the
ways you can improve your superhero skills—Reading, Exploring, and
Attending Entertaining Superhero Programs throughout June and July.
Sign-up at any Boulder Library starting on May 23 and see how fun
summer can be!
For Teens - Unmasked: Calling all Heroes, Makers, Creators, and Evil
Geniuses!
Teens entering 6th - 12th grade are invited to participate in the 2015
Boulder Public Library Teen Reading Program May 30 - July 25. Fill your
summer with reading, maker kits, prizes, movies, pizza and programs!
Read or make to earn spy pens, hero shades and maker books.
Finishers will be entered into a Grand Prize Drawing at each library
branch to win a Toshiba Chromebook 2. Maker Kits will rotate through
the branches. Kit Themes: Robotics, Weaving, Sound, Light, Wearables,
Fandom, Chemistry & Make-and-Take. Attend the Kick-off event
Guardians of the Galaxy at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at the Canyon Theater of the Main Library. For more information, visit
https://boulderlibrary.org/summer-reading or call 303-441-3099.
Broomfield Public Library
The Mamie Doud Eisenhower Public Library’s Children’s Library offers a Summer Reading Program for infants through those
entering fifth grade. Kids can read or be read to and receive incentive prizes for their reading. Visit the library to sign up starting
on June 1. Many exciting story time programs and other performances are offered in June and July, such as family movie nights,
science programs, and lots of programs fun programs in the Auditorium. Visit www.broomfieldchildrenslibrary.org for more
information.
Lafayette Public Library
Be a summer reading super hero with the Lafayette Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, Every Hero Has a Story.
Participation is open to young people from birth through high school and the library welcomes children of all abilities. Read
books. Log your time. Earn cool prizes. All participants receive a free book just for signing up! Registration begins June 1. Sign up
online at www.cityoflafayette.com/summerreading.
Louisville Public Library
Every Hero Has a Story!
Find your superpower at the Louisville Public Library this summer! Children and teens can earn a free book and other prizes
for participating in this summer reading program. The library will also have events for all ages all summer long: join a LEGO
club, see a magic show, see animals from the Denver Zoo, solve a crime, and more at the library this summer. Registration for
summer reading starts May 30, 2015. For more information, call 303-335-4821, or go to www.louisville-library.org.
Nederland Community Library
Celebrate heroes this summer! The Nederland Summer Reading Program Every Hero Has a Story is open to kids ages 6-11.
Kids are invited to drop in on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. until noon to participate in the programming which runs from June
16 - July 21. No registration is required. This program will encourage kids to learn about heroes, from great heroes in history to
everyday heroes in our community. The program will challenge kids to think beyond capes and masks to realize that there is a
hero inside each of us.
Summer is a great time to relax, recharge, and read. Nederland Library has Reading Rewards Programs for all area kids.
Registration begins in May. New this year, the library will also run a Bedtime Math program. Practicing reading and math skills
during the summer is proven to help kids’ retain what they learned during the school year.
Story times for the young ones will run throughout the summer:
Movers and Shakers on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. is designed for babies and toddlers.
Read, Play, Grow on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. is designed for young children.
Visit nedlib.org or call 303-258-1101 for information.
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THRIVEupdate | MAY 2015
>> What kids learn from summer camp
Last summer, we asked our happy campers at YMCA Camp Santa Maria what they’ve gained from their
camp experience. It’s an interesting question to ask—because most kids are not highly contemplative.
We like to think that our campers come away with a new perspective on life, new skills and a new
awareness of their abilities. We see children build confidence, learn to put others first and work toward
something greater than themselves.
You don’t really expect a tween to know that, but we were surprised at the depth and breadth of the
answers we received:
First off, many of the kids focused their answers on the hard skills they learn at camp.
“I’ve learned kayaking and rock climbing. With rock climbing, you learn how to rapel and belay,” one camper told me. “Even in
the kitchen, you take your hat off, so you learn manners.”
The social aspect is also a big part of camp, so many kids talked about the friendships they make each summer. “I definitely
have more Instagram followers,” one teen said. But it goes beyond simply the number of friends made.
“Kids come out with a lot more confidence,” one of our long-time campers said. “Especially the younger ones. Just being able
to come out with five great new friends, I think that builds a lot of self esteem for someone who may not have thought they
could branch out socially.”
Another said being in a cabin has taught her how to better work with others: “When you are in a cabin you have to know
where people hit their boundaries and know when to stop the joking.”
And there were a few answers that seemed to sum up the camp experience so perfectly.
“I’ve learned that it’s OK to be yourself,” one young lady told me. “I’ve noticed that when you get new campers, they are
all quiet and shy, but when they see that other people are being weird and being themselves, they realize they can be
themselves too.”
The Y is currently registering for summer camps, aquatics and youth sports. Register now at ymcabv.org.
Andra Coberly is the communications specialist for the YMCA of Boulder Valley.The Y supports the community through programs
that focus on healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
>> Crosswalk safety campaign offers helpful reminders
Since 2012, the City of Boulder, in partnership with
BVSD, has promoted crosswalk safety tips with the
“Heads Up: Mind the Crosswalk” safety campaign. The
program has delivered a range of age-appropriate
activities and information to many of our elementary,
middle and high school students. As the school years
wraps up, keep an eye out for surprise appearances
from the campaign mascot, C.W. and other safety
reminders around schools in the city limits.
Heading in to the summer months when we spend
more time outside, we all need to keep our “Heads
Up” for safety. Please help us encourage safe crosswalk
behavior by discussing it with your child and modeling
safe practices in the crosswalk.
See you in the crosswalk!
page4
THRIVEupdate | MAY 2015
>> Youth employment: Tips for success in the job hunt
National studies show youth employment is at an all-time low – 26 percent of young people ages 16-21 were employed
in 2014, down from 45 percent in 2000.
Knowing the competition is fierce and opportunities are minimal, how can parents help youth be successful in their pursuit
of a job?
1. Help with advance preparation: Help them gather information required for employment -such as ID or Driver’s
license, birth certificate, social security card (or DACA), school information, address and contact information for
previous employers, internships, and/or volunteer service, and references.
2. Prepare for interviews: Role play an interview with them - ask typical interview questions, help them brainstorm
their skills and talents beforehand, and provide feedback on how to improve.
3. Provide an interview checklist: Encourage them to dress appropriately, arrive early, go prepared, make eye contact,
greet people with a firm hand shake and a smile, speak clearly and be confident.
4. Explain the reality and prepare them to persevere: The job market is tough; it may take several applications and
interviews before they find a job. Support them in casting a wide net and in exploring other opportunities including
volunteer positions and internships to gain experience.
5. Encourage follow up with employers: Three to five days after submitting an application or completing an interview,
encourage your child to contact the employer to ask if they have reviewed the application or interview, express
interest in the job, and thank them for their time.
6. Connect with Workforce Boulder County Youth Programs:
For job search assistance, applications, interviewing skills, building a resume, employment workshops and free
worksite visits to explore careers, contact the Youth Team in Boulder at 303-301-2910 or Longmont at 303827-7455.
For paid internships; job placement; GED prep, testing and payment for fees; enrollment and financial
assistance for certificate programs, technical schools, and associate degrees for 16-21 year olds. Some eligibility
requirements apply to these additional services. Contact Alyssa Baker at 303-827-7452 or
[email protected] to schedule an appointment.
Youth employment benefits the entire community and is effective in preparing them for a successful transition into
adulthood.
>> BVSD Community Connections: Resources for Kids & Teens
BVSD Community Connections is a valuable online resource guide for families
seeking services and activities for youth. In Community Connections, individuals and
organizations advertise their programs and businesses designed to enrich the lives of
children. Community Connections can be found at http://guide.bvsd.org.
Two of the most frequently visited categories in Community Connections are:
Health and Support Services, which includes professionals in the fields of
mental health, speech-language, vision therapy, communication skills, learning
disabilities, and more.
Academics and Tutoring, which includes professionals in the areas of ACT/SAT
prep, math tutoring/enrichment, study skills, STEM programming, and more.
Other categories include Camps and Classes, Sports and Fitness, Music, Theatre and Dance, Teens, Adventure, College
Planning, and Languages.
Please note: BVSD does not endorse organizations and individuals listed in Community Connections (other than BVSD
programs). Individuals and organizations pay a fee to advertise in this guide and have not been screened in any way.
To learn more about Community Connections or to discuss advertising options, please contact Marla Riley at 720-561-5977
or [email protected].
page5
THRIVEupdate | MAY 2015
>> BVSD School Age Care registration opens soon
Registration opens for BVSD School Age Care (SAC) on May 11 for the 2015-2016 school year.
SAC offers an inclusive, fee-based, licensed program that provides a safe and enriching environment
for children before and after school. This high-quality program operates in 15 BVSD schools.
Here are some of the things parents and kids love about SAC:
Convenient and Safe School Location
Healthy Snacks
Trained and Professional Staff
Computer Labs
Full Day Programming on No-School Days
Structured Homework Time
Arts and Crafts
Science and Engineering
Field Trips and Community Presenters
Fitness, Games and Teambuilding
Family Nights
Fun!
To find out more and to register online beginning May 11, visit www.bvsd.org/sac or call 720-561-5974.
>> CCAP offers support for summer camp fees
Summer is just around the corner! Are you worried about paying for summer camps?
If so, consider applying for the Child Care Assistance Program, or CCAP. Boulder County
CCAP helps eligible low-income residents pay for child care while they are working,
searching for employment, or going to school. CCAP offers crucial supports for parents
and caregivers who are unable to afford child care for their children up to 12 years old, and
children up to 19 years old with disabilities. Dependable child care helps families maintain
employment and education goals and reduces absenteeism.
Boulder County CCAP families can earn up to 225 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For example, a single parent
with one child can have a gross income up to $35,388 annually, and a family of four up to $53,664. These are the highest
income thresholds in the state. Qualifying families pay a portion of the child care cost, called a “parent fee,” directly to the child
care provider based on their income and family size. Interested families should apply within 30 days of needing care and select a
provider from hundreds of licensed child care centers and homes that accept our program. Program eligibility restrictions apply.
CCAP offers drop-in “open hours” every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boulder County Housing and
Human Services offices in Boulder (3460 Broadway) and Longmont (1921 Corporate Center Circle). Not sure if you are
eligible? Check out Colorado.gov/PEAK and use the “Am I eligible” tool. CCAP is not just for summer camps; it’s also accepted
at many BVSD Kindergarten Enrichment programs and preschools, and for before and after school care, and weekend and
evening care throughout the year. Remember us at “Back to School” time! For more info, email [email protected], call
303-678-6014 or visit www.bouldercountychildcare.org.
Elizabeth Groneberg
Bilingual Outreach Coordinator
Boulder County Child Care Assistance Program
[email protected]
Join BVSD
Lifelong Learning
for summer fun!
BVSD Lifelong Learning summer camp
registrations are booming!
Don’t miss out. Register online today at
www.bvsd.org/LLL or call 720-561-5968.
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THRIVEupdate | MAY 2015
Boulder Valley
in collaboration with
School District
Excellence and Equity
THRIVE | 6500 Arapahoe Road | Boulder, Colorado 80303
Phone 720.561.5824 | Fax 720.561.5830 | Email [email protected]
>>Calendar of classes & events
MAY 2015
Tuesday, May 5, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
PEN Presents - 13th Annual PEN Celebration Luncheon
Guest speaker: Nancy Buck, PhD, RN, author of Peaceful Parenting
The Boulder Elks Lodge, 3975 28th Street, Boulder
Join the Parent Engagement Network for their 13th annual luncheon on Cinco de Mayo. Delicious, authentic
Mexican catering will be provided by Compañeras and Chef Virginia Yáñez. Casey Baile Folclorico and Ballet
Folklorico will give dance performances. The Marsha Moritz Sunflower Award and the new Youth S.T.O.R.Y. Award
will be presented. Cost is $20 per person. Register at www.penbv.org/luncheon. Interpretation available on request.
Questions? Contact Paula Nelson at [email protected] or 303-880-6030.
Monday, May 11, 6:30-8 p.m.
Strategies to help keep your child drug-free
Mamie Doud Eisenhower Library, 3 Community Park Road, Broomfield
Learn about the prevalence of adolescent substance abuse, how to help your child avoid it, and when to get help.
A Pathways to Success Workshop – Free and open to the public. www.BoulderPsychologicalServices.com
THRIVEupdate
for BVSD Parents
Published by BVSD
Written by local experts
and parents
THRIVEupdate
Editorial Board
Managing Co-Editors
>>Leisha
Conners Bauer
Boulder County Healthy
Youth Alliance
>> Dr. Jan Hittelman
Boulder Psychological
Services
Copy Editor
>> Maela Moore
BVSD Communications
Publication Designer
>> Jade Cody
BVSD Communications
Content Contributor
>> Lisa Cech
Angevine Middle School
Translator
>> Eugenia Brady
Approved BVSD Translator
Look for us on the web!
www.bvsd.org
page8
Monday, May 18, 6:30-8 p.m.
Impacts of legalized marijuana on children and families
Meadows Branch Library, 4800 Baseline Road, Boulder
Join a community discussion that examines the cultural impacts of legalized marijuana
and how to parent to this issue. A Pathways to Success Workshop – Free and open to
the public. www.BoulderPsychologicalServices.com
Tuesday, May 19, 6:30-8 p.m.
Understanding the dynamics behind addictive behaviors
City of Louisville Library, 951 Spruce Street, Louisville
Whether for yourself or a loved one, deepen your understanding of addictive
behavior and how to address it. A Pathways to Success Workshop – Free and open to
the public. www.BoulderPsychologicalServices.com
Wednesday, May 20, Noon-1 p.m.
Addressing the challenges of internet pornography
Pornography has flooded the internet. Learn about its impact, the potential for
addiction, and treatment options. A Pathways to Success FREE Webinar.
Register by going to www.BoulderPsychologicalServices.com/free-webinars
Thursday, May 21, 12:30-1 p.m.
Medical marijuana: facts and myths
BVSD Ed Center Board Room, 6500 Arapahoe, Boulder
Join a community discussion about medical marijuana and learn about recent research
regarding its effects. A Pathways to Parenting Success Presentation - Live! Join us live or
watch on Comcast Ch22 or streamed on www.BVSD.org.
Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day Holiday/No School – District Offices Closed
Friday, May 29 – Last day of school for BVSD students (full day)
Have a wonderful summer vacation!
THRIVEupdate | DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015
>> Free for Kids at the Denver Art Museum
Inviting and engaging the community from the smallest to the tallest is a key focus for the Denver Art Museum (DAM). The
museum works to create programs that inspire creativity in young visitors and those efforts were recognized when the DAM
was named one of the nation’s most family
friendly museums by USA Today.
The museum recently announced Free for
Kids, a new, underwritten program that allows
the museum to welcome even more kids and
families than ever before. General admission to
the Denver Art Museum is free to all youth 18
and under every day. Thanks to the generous
support of longtime museum trustee Scott
Reiman and Kaiser Permanente Colorado, this
new program allows kids to visit with their
family, as part of a school group, or with other
chaperoned youth groups at no cost. The
program also caps the price of special ticketed
exhibitions for all youth at $5.
Additionally, these donations to the DAM have
helped develop a transportation assistance
fund for Title 1 schools that will allow more
schools and groups to organize field trips to the
museum without the burden of paying for bus
fees.
Overall, this program will allow more members of our community to visit the DAM and enjoy its programs and collections than
ever before. The museum is grateful for the generosity of these program donors. This program will help further its mission to
spark creativity and encourage self-expression through hands-on, fun experiences with art.
For more information on Free for Kids at the Denver Art Museum, please visit www.denverartmuseum.org/freeforkids.
Rendering of the east view of the Denver Art Museum’s Frederic C. Hamilton Building, designed
by Daniel Libeskind. Image by Miller Hare.
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THRIVEupdate | MAY 2015