One of the most significant decisions parents make for their kids is where to send them to school. A child’s educational path influences them in so many ways. Not only is it the starting point of their learning career. It’s also where they spend most of their time, engage in multiple relationships, and have formative experiences. There are many types of schools to consider. Each offers different experiences and resources for students. To choose the best school experience for your child, consider your child’s personality and individual needs as well as what’s best for your family as a whole. Keep in mind that what works for one child doesn’t necessarily…
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Embrace Baby Steps: Building Healthy Habits in 2024
As we step into a brand new year, the air is filled with excitement and the promise of new beginnings. It’s that time when resolutions are made, and we set grand plans. However, instead of overwhelming ourselves with lofty goals, let’s take a different approach in 2024. Let’s embrace the power of baby steps and focus on building healthy habits that will last a lifetime. In 2024, let’s shift our focus from resolutions to building healthy habits through baby steps. By starting small, being consistent, practicing self-compassion, finding joy in the process, and building a supportive community, we can create lasting change in our lives. Remember, it’s the small steps…
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DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship Accepting Applications
Undergraduate and graduate students studying music with ambitions for future careers can take time over the holiday break to apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship. Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the scholarship provides a one-time $5,000 award to one student annually who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music. Marian Anderson (1897-1993) was a groundbreaking African American contralto and an inspiration for civil rights. “This scholarship pays tribute to Marian Anderson’s life, and the Daughters of the American Revolution seeks to honor her legacy through today’s aspiring musicians. Her legacy lives on in others who aim for excellence in musical…
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Curiosity Fills the Dad
Was it really a year ago I was walking outside Cabrillo’s Crocker Theater and saw a mom and her daughter eating lunch between the young one’s performance in the Nutcracker? I couldn’t resist stopping to talk, even though it drives my boy, Parker, crazy. He complains that we never get anywhere because I always talk to people. How can I not? That’s one of the great things about journalism–meeting people and hearing their stories. I’ve always been curious, since before I was Parker’s age (I must have been 4) and I followed the mailman for blocks and blocks because I wanted to see where the mail came from. Only, after…
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Community Bridges Offers Affordable and Robust Preschool Program
The first five years of a child’s life are an essential period for their development, and providing access to high quality, nurturing and affordable early education is crucial. In Santa Cruz County, the Community Bridges Early Education Division has been a pillar of support for families seeking a quality, affordable program. We understand some of the challenges of balancing work and family life and hope we can support families in ways that can enhance your lives. With recent changes to the California State Preschool Program (CSPP), we are now even more accessible and affordable for local families What is the Early Education Division?The Community Bridges Early Education Division operates six…
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Finding Peace and Joy During the Holidays
There have been many devastating events happening the last several years, one right after another. Lives and homes have been lost, and it feels as though the tidal wave of tragedies is relentless. It’s emotionally exhausting, and it’s hard not to get weighed down with fear and sadness every time I read the news.Yet this is also a time of year when many people celebrate holidays that represent hope, peace, and new beginnings. It’s hard to feel the true meaning of these holidays when we’re stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed, but Taking Care of Yourself is one of the 5 principles of positive parenting that’s so important – now more than…
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Holidays with Kids: Keeping the Magic and Joy at the Center
Over the years, I have been privileged to teach with and to hear several talks given by one of our local treasures, Julie Olsen Edwards, Cabrillo College’s retired early childhood education faculty member, author, editor, and diversity/equity consultant. One of her talks regarding families and the holidays lives on in my work with families of young children. Julie’s wisdom is always golden and, paired with Positive Discipline’s practical tools, I developed solid advice for parents that I give out every year to help ensure connection and magic in children’s homes. What Memories Do We Want To Pass On?Holidays and ritual celebrations can be a time of change from the relentless,…
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Moment of Gratitude
Wishing you a very healthy and happy holiday season. I want to take a moment of GRATITUDE and Thank you for reading my column this year, I hope you have implemented some of the self-care tips I’ve shared. My goal is to raise awareness to self-care starting in our home. As we get into the moments with family, holiday hustle and all things seasonal – this is a great time for reflection. One of my biggest tips for enhancing wellness is through a gratitude practice. But first, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that there are times where you may find it difficult to harness a gratitude practice.…
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The Importance of Supportive Spaces for Queer and Trans Youth
At age 16 I began questioning my sexual orientation and sought out community to find safe and accepting spaces. Trying to process and better understand my identity was a confusing and isolating experience. In an effort to find support, I began attending weekly queer youth groups at the Diversity Center, which shifted to attending regional youth summits, and then state-wide conferences. In my senior year of high school I began an internship with the Queer Youth Task Force (QYTF) to organize queer social events and a student summit. This activism led to being honored with a Queer Youth Leadership Award and becoming a Equality Scholarship recipient in 2008. When I…
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Behind the Scenes of the Nutcracker
It’s that time of year again… Nutcracker time! The tune of the “Waltz of the Flowers” plays in department stores and Nutcracker dolls are abundant in holiday displays. What exactly does it take to put on a full scale production of the Nutcracker Ballet year over year? When do preparations begin? We’d like to invite you into the world of Nutcracker. It begins in January and ends in December. Our dancers train year round and Nutcracker is almost a way of life. Over 100 dancers from ages 4 to adult grace the stage and the music of Tchaikovsky’s grand score begins filling our studios in September 1/3 – Costume MadnessIn…
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United Way’s Innovative 211 Program Delivers Free Meals and Much More
While everyone is familiar with calling 911 for emergencies, some may not know about another important resource that offers help with non-emergency issues. The number to call is 2-1-1. Established in 2010 by the United Way of Santa Cruz County, 211 connects individuals and families to social and health services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The 211 mission is simple: provide access to services to individuals and families in need. Those needs could range from help with smoking cessation to obtaining low-cost broadband to assistance with taxes or even rent relief. The service enables people to ask questions, understand their options, resolve problems, and ultimately improve their…
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David Bowie’s Sax Player Finds Success After Aptos High
When Saxophonist Donny McCaslin and his New York-based band blazed through one of the best-received sets at the 66th Monterey Jazz Festival in September, McCaslin was standing on familiar turf.As he told the audience at his Friday evening set on the West End stage, McCaslin has played the prestigious festival a number of times, starting at age 14. That year, McCaslin and his Aptos High School jazz bandmates won that year’s high school compeitition, and with it, a slot at the festival. The effects-laden set McCaslin and his band played wasn’t the kind of music that would appeal to jazz purists, but it was atmospheric and high-energy, with plenty of…
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Easing the Pain of Ride Breakdowns
I recently returned from a few days in Southern California to visit Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain for the first time since 2019. Being that it was my first visit since before the pandemic, I was thrilled to hit my favorite rides, after wondering three years ago if I would ever have the opportunity again. The primary purpose of my visit was for both parks’ Halloween spectaculars. Word of advice: try every other theme park Halloween event before going to Knott’s Scary Farm. Knott’s haunt is second to none, and will seriously ruin every other due to the impossibly high bar it sets. If my trip, however,…
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An Effective and Unique Parenting Approach
Growing Up In Santa Cruz recently featured Positive Discipline articles discussing the differences between punishment and discipline. These are the key take-aways: punishment is something that usually stems from adults getting angry with children and mistakenly believing that it is the effective option to change their behavior. Over the long term, however, punishment results in resentment, revenge, rebellion, and retreat. Positive discipline, on the other hand, is expressed not with anger but with compassion, and it is exercised with a balance of kindness and firmness (the authoritative parenting style) so as to help children feel better (the relationship-focused approach) and in turn do better (what we all think of as…
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The Family That Studies Together
For the past couple of years, I have watched and supported my husband Bob in his quest to earn his Bachelor’s Degree. I have always admired his tenacity and skill to learn something new. He has been retired for several years, but is always busy. In addition to his schoolwork, he also coaches’ football, wrestling and track. I have three older children who are in their mid to late thirties and we have two high schoolers at home. In addition, we have grandchildren who range in age from Elementary school to early twenties. Since my retirement from Law Enforcement, I have obtained my certifications in massage therapy and personal training.…
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Watsonville Teen is County’s First Student Trustee
The Santa Cruz County Board of Education has for decades made innumerable decisions that affect the lives of students.Oscar Alvarez-Delgado, a 17-year-old senior from Pajaro Valley High School, was chosen from five applicants.Santa Cruz County Office of Education Board President Bruce Van Allen said the new appointment reflects the board’s mission of putting students first.“We care so much about the lives and the health and the learning and the futures of the students of this county,” he said.County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah, who swore in Alvarez-Delgado, agreed.“The why of education and the why of the County Office of Education is students, and having a voice as part of the…
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Berry, Berry Fun
Dozens of Radcliff Elementary School students on Monday got a dual surprise: a berry feast from Driscoll’s, along with a free children’s book recently produced by the Watsonville-based company.The book—“A Sofia Special”—tells the story of a young girl whose bad day at school improves once she gets home and shares a berry treat with her father.The visit included a read-aloud by the book’s author, award-winning children’s book author Julie Falatko.Driscoll’s, which grows and sells its ubiquitous berries around the world, partnered with Washington, DC-based Reading is Fundamental (RIF) in making the book.In addition to Radcliff, the company brought its berry-fest to Starlight Elementary in Watsonville and to Virginia Rocca Barton…
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Robot Bees and AI Cars Teach Tech
Students across Santa Cruz county will be learning computer technology from the most unlikely of teachers – robotic bees and artificial intelligence toy cars.As computer technology becomes more of a necessary skill in the classroom, teachers throughout Santa Cruz county are finding unique methods of teaching these skills at a young age.Dozens of educators and industry partners from across Santa Cruz county gathered on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Santa Cruz Office of Education to discuss new exciting methods of teaching students computer technology.Many of those attending are members of the CSTA – Computer Science Teachers Association – who strive to encourage and assist the rapidly modernizing field of computer…
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8 Easy Steps to Build Strong Study Skills
Now that students are back in school, let’s set them up to build strong study skills. I’m teaching these skills to students of all ages – even my high school seniors – to improve their grades and to reduce their stress. To start, they’ll need to get organized so they don’t stress out when facing their long lists of things to do. By using Google Calendar (GCal), they’ll see how and when each homework, paper, or test prep will be done. I like GCal because it’s easy to use and it’s right on their cell phones so they have it with them all the time. Here are the 8 steps…
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Seymour Center Teaches Kids About Climate Change
Devastating floods, fires, and drought – Santa Cruz County has directly felt the impacts of climate change in recent years. To combat the growing crisis through public education and outreach, the Seymour Center has revamped their facility with interactive activities demonstrating research conducted through UCSC.While the dominant discourse of climate change is often seen through the lens of global impact, the Seymour Center’s focus is on Monterey Bay. They act as a megaphone of local scientific findings. “One of the goals of this new center is to do community engagement and help advance local solutions,” said Executive Director Jonathan Hicken. As a community we may not be able to solve…
