January 2024 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Reb Leaves Behind Legacy of Generosity

growingupsc — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 03:45:55 +0000

If you passed by the intersection of highways 9 and 1 you’ve seen the sign on the Rebele Family Shelter. If you’ve seen Shakespeare in the Park, the Santa Cruz Symphony, or sent kids to the teen center at St. John’s Church, or Cabrillo College or UCSC, you’ve benefited from their generosity. Or if you’ve gone to Watsonville Hospital, or read this magazine, the Rebeles had a hand in your life. It was a sad day November 25 when Rowland Rebele died at the age of 93 after a lifetime of service and philanthropy. Many will be reeling from the loss for a long time. Reb, as he preferred to be called, was a Stanford grad and Navy officer who made a fortune in what is today a dying industry–publishing newspapers. He scraped his way up from an internship in the Central Valley to owning more than a dozen publications, which he began selling as he neared retirement age. He pledged to give away the money he amassed before he died and from his home in Aptos, and later Dominican Oaks. He did just that, writing checks for those in need. When Watsonville Hospital fought to recover from bankruptcy and serve a county that desperately needed more medical care, he wrote a check for a million dollars. He gave another million to fund arts programs at UCSC. He’s given an endowment to Cabrillo College and Stanford University that will keep journalism students doing paid internships forever. And yeah, he kept this magazine alive when we faced bankruptcy because of Covid. He believed families needed the information we provide. Notice the hat in the photo here? I ran into him at Safeway when he was wearing it, showing the colors for Santa Cruz’s only family magazine. I couldn’t resist the photo. It made me so happy and proud. I never met anyone like him and he forever changed my life. He was a compassionate conservative at a time when conservatism seemed to mean amassing fortunes, and not necessarily helping others. He didn’t buy so-called “trickle-down economics,” knowing that nothing trickles to those who can’t put a roof over their heads or feed their children. “We are our brother’s keeper,” he said, a truly spiritual man whose deeds matched his words. He not only donated, but he trekked down hillsides and along the rivers to take a census of homeless people to make sure they were able to get needed services. The first time I met him he was covered in mud from his work, well into his 80s. I feel lucky that just two months ago I wrote a thank you note to him in this column, while he was still alive. I’m sad that we spent a long time preparing a cover story at Good Times weekly about him but it ran after his death. His wife of 69 years, Pat, was his partner in all of his efforts. She learned of his death on her 94th birthday. They had been separated because he had pneumonia and then Covid. If you didn’t know him, I hope this lets you know of a man who did so much for our county. If you did, you know he and the whole family of three grown kids, deserve thanks and a big salute for their sacrifices. Thanks, Rebeles, all. Brad Kava,Editor and Publisher

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Kids Learn Good Nutrition is Cool at Cooking Clubs

Comcast — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 03:43:22 +0000

“Ewww…it’s so green – I don’t want to eat that!” When kids first join one of Second Harvest Food Bank’s Cooking Clubs, this can be a common reaction to the Vegetarian Pesto Pasta recipe. But rather than being an obstacle, it becomes an ideal learning opportunity. “Our Cooking Clubs are all about exposure,” said Vanessa Arizmendi, Wellness and Nutrition Director for Second Harvest Food Bank. “They are designed to introduce young people to nutrition concepts, ingredients, spices, cultural dishes, and other food-related concepts that support a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. We want to open their minds and their taste buds!” Second Harvest’s overall mission is to address the root causes of food insecurity and health disparity. With the sharp rise of health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic diseases among young children and their families, this work has never been more important. “Cooking Clubs are a great place to start,” Arizmendi said, “because nutrition education at a young age is one of the best ways to change these troubling health trends. We want to plant seeds about healthy eating at a young age.” The Cooking Clubs are led by Delia Bernal, Second Harvest’s Nutrition Education Manager, who developed a curriculum and menus that make it fun for kids to learn about what they’re putting into their bodies, what they can cook at home and to give them the basic culinary skills that make it easy to prepare healthy, nutritious, tasty meals. The Clubs emphasize hand washing and even incorporate age-appropriate knife skills to ensure the young chefs prepare clean food in a safe environment. One of the Second Harvest team’s Cooking Clubs is currently hosted as part of the After School Program at Starlight Academy in Watsonville, which has a beautiful kitchen. Third and Fourth graders join the sessions twice per month for the whole school year. The lessons seek to keep kids interested and engaged, even when the topic is something like the importance of getting enough fiber. “We base a recipe around that core concept and the kids get to prepare and taste the dish together,” Arizmendi said. “Then they are like, ‘wow, fiber is yummy’ – which is when we know they are really getting it.” Feedback is fundamental to the Cooking Clubs. Ideally, the Clubs extend over a six-month period so the Second Harvest team can measure progress against key goals. “We conduct surveys of Cooking Club members before and after their sessions to assess everything from opening their minds to new foods, flavors and ingredients to how the meals may be impacting their weight, blood pressure, insulin levels or other health measures,” Arizmendi said. “We want to give them all the tools, tips and tricks so they can apply healthy nutrition in their daily lives.” The program also seeks to end a vicious cycle associated with food insecurity. Among the food insecure, limited budgets often lead to poor-quality food choices. But over time, a less-than-nutritious diet can lead to more sick days, chronic illness or other long-term health issues. This then can impact one’s ability to work and earn a steady income. Illness related to poor nutrition can also increase medical bills and healthcare costs. So those poor-quality food choices driven by a tight budget can come all the way back around to further straining one’s financial situation. It’s a terrible cycle. “If we can help educate folks that eating healthy food doesn’t have to be more expensive, we can breakthis cycle,” Arizmendi notes. “We want our communities to understand that there doesn’t necessarily need to be a trade-off. It may take a bit of effort, but we are here to help. Because the fact is you can eat well, and it can still be affordable.” In addition to Cooking Clubs, Second Harvest offers cooking demos, which are offered like a field trip to the kitchen at the food bank’s distribution center in Watsonville. Kids can tour the facility, learn about healthy nutrition, and, depending on their age, perhaps even help with food distribution as a volunteer. High school age youth can also volunteer at the Cooking Clubs, serving as mentors. Second Harvest has ambitious goals for the future and has already expanded to offer a Cooking Club for expectant mothers. “We’d like to start Cooking Clubs at apartment complexes, community centers and other locations so we can reach even more of our community,” Arizmendi said. Arizmendi reflects on the program, “Whether kids are learning how much sugar is really in that sugary drink or tasting Bok Choy or Curry for the first time, you can see the light bulb going on over their heads. The experience is so heartwarming.” Again, Arizmendi emphasizes, it’s all about exposure. “They learn something new every time they come to a Cooking Club. And sometimes they say, ‘I would never have tried this, but, you know, I think my whole family will like it.’ And when that happens, we know we’ve inspired them and they are on their way to a healthier future.” For more information visit thefoodbank.org

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High School Chemistry Students Conduct Seasonal Experiment

growingupsc — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 03:41:20 +0000

Recently, Mount Madonna School 10th grade students explored “redox reactions” – a high school chemistry class version of holiday crafting – during a lab activity. A redox reaction, also known as oxidation reduction, is a reaction that involves the transfer of electrons between “chemical species” or the atoms, ions or molecules involved in the reaction. The students were transitioning between studying ionic compounds and chemical reactions and teacher Lisa Catterall offered them a “perfect experiment” to reinforce their learning and to prepare them for the next unit. “As students performed a four-step reaction inside a glass ball, the result of the final reaction is that silver ions are deposited on the glass,” explained Catterall. “This was an early chemical method of producing mirrors, and it makes for lovely uneven silver deposits on the balls for a handmade ornament. This is a lab we have done in chemistry for the last decade. It works well because it combines arts and crafts with chemical reactions.” For an upcoming unit on electrochemistry, students will try electroforming with copper. They have chosen small items from nature during a recent campus hike. The items are currently drying and pressing. The students will create graphite paint in the lab and will paint the items, then submerge them in copper sulfate and run a current through the solution to make beautiful copper objects.

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Considering a Faith-Based School for Your Kids?

growingupsc — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:42:14 +0000

If you’re thinking about sending your child to a faith-based school, there are many factors to consider, just like shopping for any private school. You’ll want to weigh out academics, enrichment opportunities, location, and price, to name a few. But with faith-based schools, there are additional factors you’ll want to consider. This guide will help you to make an informed decision, so you can choose the school that best fits your family’s values and meets your objectives for your child’s education. Why do parents choose faith-based education? Many parents of various faiths and even of no faith contemplate the idea of sending their kids to a faith-based school. For those considering a private school, religious schools are sometimes a more affordable alternative. But there are many other reasons families may consider a faith-based school as well. Parents are often looking for a school that provides their child with one or more of the following: • a religious education that mirrors the families’ beliefs • teachings that instill faith and obedience to God • a better learning environment • the benefits of smaller class sizes • more individualized attention • a feeling of belonging in a community • better college preparation • a more convenient or safer location than alternative options in the area Is a faith-based school right for your family? If you’re considering sending your child to a faith-based school, you’ll want to consider several factors. Begin by making a list of the reasons, or the pros, for sending your kids to a faith-based school. This may include any of the reasons mentioned above, among many others. But in making a thoughtful decision, it’s also essential to consider the cons. For your family, these may include: • the amount of time spent on religious studies, prayer, and other faith-related activities that takes away from academics • admission policies that may exclude or not adequately assist children with particular learning, behavioral, or mental health disabilities, or other groups • fewer extracurricular activities • unaccredited textbooks and/or science and history curriculums based on the school’s beliefs rather than verified facts • lack of exposure to other faiths and cultures Keep in mind, every faith-based school is different. The above may apply to some religious schools and not others. How to choose a faith-based school that’s right for your family If you’ve weighed out the pros and cons and decided in favor of a faith-based education for your child, the next step is to determine which school is right for your family. You’ll want to ask many of the same questions you would for any private school, such as: • How much is tuition? • Is financial aid available? • What is the student-teacher ratio? • What are the teachers’ qualifications, and how are teachers supported? • How much homework is there? • What help is available if my child is struggling academically? • What is the grading system? • Are uniforms required, or is there a dress code? • What is the discipline policy? • What extracurricular activities are available? • What is the school’s culture like? • What is the school’s system for accountability? Regarding the last question, faith-based schools don’t have the same governmental regulations as public schools. So religious schools may not meet the exact stringent requirements. A few areas that may differ include teacher certification, curriculum, textbooks, special education, length of the school year, and health and safety requirements, among other aspects. Religious factors to consider Whether your family is religious or not, there are several questions you’ll want to ask to determine if the school is right for your child. If your family is religious, you may want to look for a school within your faith. Suppose your family isn’t religious or is considering a school of another denomination. In that case, you’ll want to find out how much of the curriculum and day is spent on faith-based activities. Also, keep in mind that beliefs and practices vary widely even within particular religions and among denominations. You want to make sure the values instilled by the school you’re considering are in line with yours. To help you make that determination, talk to other parents whose kids attend the school. Also, ask the school staff the following: • How much of the school’s faith is embedded in the curriculum? What are the school’s teachings in science regarding biology and evolution? What about history, such as when life on earth began? • How is religion taught in the classroom? Do students learn about other faiths as well? If so, are teachings about different beliefs positive and respectful? Or does the school discourage learning about other religions? • What does the physical setting of the school and classrooms look like? Is it adorned with a lot of religious symbols and statements? • What are the school’s beliefs and teachings on gender, sexual orientation, race, and other religions? Does the school promote equality and acceptance? • If your family isn’t of the same faith as the school, what are your child’s options? Can your child opt out of religious classes, chapel time, prayer, and faith activities? Are students allowed to instead meditate, quietly express their own spiritual beliefs, or do homework? • Can students of other faiths celebrate their own religious holidays at school instead of the school’s religious holidays? • Does the school discourage kids from mixing with those of other faiths outside of school? Whether your family is of the school’s particular faith or not, make sure you’re comfortable with the answers. Also, ask for a school tour, which can provide additional insight into many of these questions. How to pay for tuition If the tuition cost for a faith-based school is out of your budget, there are several options for covering tuition costs, similar to non-faith-based private schools. • Ask the administrative office of the school you are considering what type of financing options it offers. • Search online for private scholarships and grants in your state. • Consider a loan program. • Look into your state’s voucher program. • Visit scholarshipfund.org/apply/other-sources-of-tuition-assistance/ for a selection of funding sources. Choosing the right school for your child requires leg-work and can be a tough decision. But by making an informed decision, you can alleviate significant stress for yourself and your child. It will also ease your child’s adjustment to the new school and reduce the likelihood of any regrets. Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com

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2024 Parenting Goals

growingupsc — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:35:43 +0000

New year, new parenting goals! Positive Discipline has so many great ideas for nurturing the relationship between the parent and child. A healthy, mutually-respectful relationship is the greatest parenting tool we can have. There are so many ways to improve our relationship with our children (connection before correction, using kindness and firmness at the same time, understanding the belief behind the behavior, etc.) and there are just as many ways to hurt this important relationship (using punishment, shame, humiliation, blame, etc.) It can feel daunting to try to implement many new parenting techniques at once. With this in mind, here’s a month-by-month guide with a different Positive Discipline parenting tool or concept to try out each month. Cheers to making 2024 the year we create respectful relationships with our children! January- Long-Term Goals List First, make a list of all of the problems/issues that you are currently facing with your child. When I facilitate parenting classes, some of the things that parents typically put on this list include: bedtime struggles, whining, sibling rivalry, tantrums, etc. Next, make a list of all of the qualities you’d like to see in your child when they are grown (in 20 years or so). Parents often list things like: kind, happy, healthy, proud of themself, social, successful, etc. Now look at these two lists side-by-side and think about how we get from where we are now to where hope our children get to in 20 years. Spoiler alert: the way we get there is modeling. The good news and the bad news is that our children are always watching us and that humans learn through modeling. So if we want our grown children to be kind, for example, we must be mindful about modeling kindness to our children as we are raising them. I recommend keeping the second list somewhere you can see it regularly, to remind you that parenting is a long-term job and that we are raising humans (not just children) and we have long-term goals for our humans. February- Routine Chart First, ditch the reward/star chart. Why? Because when children are raised with rewards and punishments, they learn to focus on extrinsic rewards rather than learning to trust their intrinsic sense of what feels right. Next, create a routine chart WITH your child (not for your child). Brainstorm together all of the steps that your child does during certain routines (getting ready for school or getting ready for bed are two typical ones). Next take pictures (or have your child draw pictures) of each step. For example, a child’s bedtime routine chart might have a picture of your child brushing their teeth, followed by a picture of your child putting on PJs, followed by a picture of your child’s bookshelf, etc. Routine charts can be very simple. The idea is that you work together to create it and you use it as a visual aid in your home. March- Connection Before Correction We are constantly giving our children directions and corrections. When you are about to give your child a direction (“it’s time to get in the car,” or “come wash your hands”), try starting by connecting with them first. This can look like: “Hey Bud. I see you’re building two towers with your blocks. Want to tell me about them? It’s going to be time to get in the car to go to Grandma’s house in 5 minutes. You can play with blocks for a few more minutes and then it will be time to get in the car.” This is a small tweak that can have a huge impact on your relationship with your child. April- Cool-Down Space Create a cozy cool-down space in your home WITH your child (not for your child) and discuss what the space is for. This is a space where anyone who is feeling angry or sad or stressed can go to help them take a break and cool down until they feel better. A cool-down space might have pillows, cozy stuffed animals, books, fidgets, or anything else your child chooses (except screens- keep the cool-down space screen-free). Model going to the cool-down space when you feel angry or sad. Make sure that the cool-down space is always optional and no one in the family is forced to go there as a punishment. May- Family Meetings Start a weekly family meeting. Children learn so much during family meetings, such as listening, mutual respect, giving others compliments, problem-solving, focusing on solutions, etc. Family meetings should take place on the same day every week if possible. They can be only 15-20 minutes long (especially the first few times) and they can have a very simple format: • Compliments • Agenda (keep a white board or paper on the fridge so everyone can add items to the agenda throughout the week) • Brainstorming solutions to agenda items • Calendar for the upcoming week • Family fun ideas Throughout the week, when a problem arises, be sure to offer your child the opportunity to add this item to the agenda for the next family meeting. June- Understanding the Belief Behind the Behavior Picture an iceberg. The part of the iceberg we can see above the water represents the child’s behavior. All of the rest of the iceberg under the surface of the water (the part we can’t see) represents the child’s belief behind their behavior. When you find yourself struggling with a particular unhelpful behavior that your child seems to be repeating over and over, you may find that the behavior keeps coming up because you’ve been focused on trying to stop the behavior, rather than focused on what the child’s belief might be beneath the behavior. For example, if a child has decided that they are significant in the family only when mom takes her focus off the other children and puts her focus onto them, they may exhibit many undesirable behaviors to get mom’s attention. If mom just focuses on the behavior (“don’t hit!”) and not on what’s going on beneath the behavior (“It looks like you’re wanting my attention. Are you feeling sad that the baby has been getting a lot of my time lately? I’m looking forward to our special time tonight when we play a game.”) then the behavior will likely keep coming up. If the belief behind the behavior is acknowledged and considered, the behavior will likely decrease. July- Anger Wheel of Choice Make an anger wheel of choice WITH your child (not for your child) and talk about what it’s for. When we are angry we are unable to use our full brains and we can often make destructive choices. If we can take some time while we are calm to brainstorm things we CAN do when we are angry, we can have those options available. An anger wheel of choice can be made on a paper plate or on a circular paper. Some things that some families I’ve worked with have put on their anger wheels include: yelling into a pillow, pounding pegs, drawing or writing about the problem, running outside, going to your cool-down space, etc. Keep your anger wheel of choice somewhere in the house where everyone can view it and model using ideas from it when you feel angry. August- Use Encouragement Instead of Praise Instead of “you made a beautiful painting,” try “tell me about your painting.”Instead of “you are the smartest kid ever,” try “you must have worked hard.”Instead of “Good job!” try saying nothing and reaching out a hand for a high five.Instead of “I saw that good deed you did… I’m giving you a star,” try “how did that feel?”Instead of “Good boy!” or “Good girl!” try “I love you no matter what” When we praise children, they learn how to become people-pleasers and they learn to feel worthwhile when others approve. When we encourage children, they learn self confidence, self-trust and self-discipline. Think of praise as dessert; it’s ok every once in a while, but you don’t want that to be your entire diet. September- See Mistakes as an Opportunity for Learning This switch in perspective can make all the difference in nurturing your relationship with your child and it’s also a great way to make sure your child grows into a well-rounded, self-confident person who doesn’t struggle with perfectionism. Remember to model seeing your own mistakes as an opportunity for learning by acknowledging and celebrating your own mistakes to child. It can be very powerful to say “I made a mistake! I’m so glad I did that so I can learn a new, better way of getting this done.” Treat your child’s mistakes with the same grace. October- Curiosity Questions If your child is “in trouble,” try using curiosity questions rather than lecturing. Examples of Curiosity Questions: Lecturing a child involves shame and blame. Children do better when they feel better. If they messed up it doesn’t actually help to try to make sure they feel bad. Asking questions invites your child into the process of critical thinking and making amends. It is best to wait until everyone is calm to ask these questions and truly stay curious (without your own agenda) about your child’s truth November- Special Time Think of your relationship with your child as a bank account. You want to have more deposits than withdrawals to keep the bank account out of the negative. Withdrawals can occur in the form of shaming, blaming, arguing, punishing, etc. One of the best ways to put “deposits” in to your relationship is with special time. I recommend scheduling special time with each child and putting it on the calendar with them. Special time just means uninterrupted time with just you and your child doing anything the child enjoys. Just knowing they have their parent all to themselves and that their parent is giving them undivided attention can be so meaningful to a child. December- Be the Asking Parent, not the Telling Parent Instead of “Get your sweatshirt on,” try “What do you need for going outside?”Instead of “Brush your teeth,” try “What’s next on your routine chart?”Instead of “Get in the car,” try “Will you walk to the car or hop like a bunny?” When we ask children questions, we get far less resistance than when we tell them what to do. Questions give them a chance to use the logical and curious parts of their brain, while commands invite defensiveness and power struggles. This is another small tweak that can have a huge impact on the peace in the home and the parent-child relationship Hannah Stubblefield is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator. She is a former teacher and current co-owner of Wonderland Toys & Classroom Resources in Aptos. She is wife to Chris, step-mom to Sebastian, boy-mom to Adam, girl-mom to Maya, and dog-mom to Samson. Check out her upcoming in-person parenting classes at the Family Circle Center in Aptos in 2024! To learn more about Positive Discipline and to order books, check out positivediscipline.com. To check out our local Positive Discipline resources here in Santa Cruz, go to pdcrcc.org

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Vizzusi’s Glass Featured in Collections Around the World

growingupsc — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:17:24 +0000

For the past 40 years glass artist Peter Vizzusi has been blowing molten glass into wildly colorful tumblers, goblets, bowls, and just plain beautiful objects. Based in Santa Cruz, Vizzusi’s studies in the Bay Area and Italy fueled his ambitious career. Now his blown artglass can be found in museums and collections all over the world. – Christina Waters Q: How did you chose making glass art as a profession?   PV: I found my life’s work, inadvertently- seeing hot glass action across the hall from the ceramics studios at San Jose State where I was an avid student, then at Old Town, Los Gatos, where the self-styled glass maesetro Rick Strini had built a rudimentary furnace. Then, fortuitously, during the Italian section of my post-college European tour, hopelessly lost, in November, cold and wet, in the Venetian maze, I boarded the wrong vaporetto and ended up out on Murano where I strolled past a dozen glass studios; furnaces blazing, alive with hot glass activity. One particular shop seemed welcoming, and I warmed myself, shared some of my American cigarettes, and watched them make some generic tourist ware.    Q: How did it all start for you? a class? a whim? PV: By age 24, I caught the wave of 1970s, post-college, baby-boom entrepreneurial energy, and landed a hot glass job in Santa Cruz making stems, feet, and ceramic accessories and working the booth at the Renaissance Fairs in Novato and L.A., bringing our early goblets and art vessels directly to the market. This early to mid-70s era was the perfect environment for self invention. Glass artists salvaged, scavenged, re-purposed, repaired, and appropriated when necessary. We spent more time in scrap metal yards than in museums. I traded my sports car for a pickup, grew a beard to look older, learned some very basic combustion engineering and safety systems, got a permit, and built my own studio at the Santa Cruz Art Center.    Q: What prepared you for a life in glass?    PV: I was a decent ceramicist, I could build things (my dad was a craftsman, a draftsman, and a general contractor), I surfed with my future boss, was ambidextrous with good depth perception. I was attracted to the intense heat, and was generally available.   Q: What do you love about it most? PV:  Initially I was attracted to the rhythm, choreography, and immediacy of glass making, and I still enjoy the meditative repetition of a productive day. I’m proud to identify as artigiano, working with traditional techniques, guided by my own design sensibility. On rare occasions, I’ll wander into the studio and be inadvertently surprised by my own work—the shapes, colors, the iridescence, the textures, and patterns; as if someone else had made them, with myself as medium, briefly communicating with long-forgotten glass masters.   I immediately understood that “perfect” is the enemy of the good. It’s about using what works and making it the best it can be. Q: What is your philosophy of making an authentic piece of studio glass? PV: I consider myself third wave studio glass. I’ve been comfortable and productive, working, almost anonymously, making interesting and functional vessels that fit a variety of decorative interior applications. Clarity and simplicity of line are the most important elements. Even creating functional vessels myriad qualities of the molten glass inspires self expression. Q: What is your advice to someone considering a career in the crafts?   PV:  Dive deeply into your chosen medium, specialize, master at least one technique, experiment, and find your own voice. Know your audience and make something they absolutely can’t resist.  Peter Vizzusi, Magic Sands Glass Studio 831.688.6167, by appointment By Christina Waters

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Coloring Page

growingupsc — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:13:46 +0000

Which Type of Education is Best for Your Child?

growingupsc — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:59:44 +0000

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 work for another. Your options may also be more limited based on what’s available where you live. When choosing a school, check out your options beforehand and have a clear idea of what factors are most important to you and your child. Also, look for online reviews while bearing in mind that online reviews can be manipulated, such as by offering incentives for reviews. Explore the school website or social media pages to see what they offer, and ask to take a tour or observe a class. Also, speak to parents, students, and teachers about the school you’re considering. The following are the main types of schools you might consider. Each has various benefits and drawbacks. Public School Public schools are the neighborhood school to which kids are automatically assigned based on where they live. These schools are funded by the government at local, state, and national levels and are held to specified standards. Pros: Because public schools are tied to the government, there is a certain amount of oversight and standards to which they must adhere. All teachers must be certified, follow a set of standards that students are expected to meet, and use an approved curriculum. Public schools are free and available to all students. They typically offer the broadest range of extracurricular activities, from sports to music and theater and much more. Cons: The funding, and therefore, the quality of public schools, can vary significantly from one community to the next. If the public school in your neighborhood has a low rating, it isn’t always easy, or possible, to transfer to another. Some public schools are overcrowded and overwhelmed by increasing class sizes and smaller budgets. Charter School Charter schools are a form of public school and are free to attend. Still, they are not necessarily available to everyone. They are an alternative option to regular public schools and require enrollment to attend. Charter schools often do not have spaces open for all who’d like to attend, so they generally have an application and lottery process to decide who gets in. This type of school is usually founded around a specific mission or charter, which guides the type of educational experience offered. Pros: These are often a good alternative for students struggling in a traditional school setting. Charter schools have a little more freedom from state regulations on how students are taught, as long as students consistently perform well. Charter schools often have smaller class sizes and different methods of teaching. They are particularly suited to gifted students or those with various learning styles or attention difficulties. Cons: If a charter school is not performing well, it risks being shut down. So there can be more pressure on student achievement. Each charter school also has different teaching methods, which may or may not be a good fit for your child. Magnet SchoolMagnet schools are also a type of public school which has a specific focus, such as the arts, music, science, or technology. Unlike a charter school, they do still fall under the same government regulations as traditional public schools. Pros: If your child has a particular interest or strength, a magnet school focused on that strength can help them develop related skills. These schools get additional funding to help support their programs and generally have smaller class sizes. Cons: Admission to magnet schools is limited and is therefore competitive. Some schools use a lottery. Others have an application and even testing or examination processes to determine who qualifies. Magnet schools are more scarce and may not be available in your community. Special Education School If your child has special educational needs, there are schools available for students with hearing or vision impairments, autism, and specific intellectual or learning disabilities. Pros: Curriculum and instruction are adapted to best meet the needs of the students attending the school, and teachers are specially trained to work well with the population served. These schools have a sense of community, and students can relate to one another. Cons: Students only interact with others who have similar disabilities instead of being exposed to mainstream education with their peers. These schools also may not be available in all areas. Private School Private schools are not funded by the government, and therefore students must pay tuition to attend. They also are not held to the same regulations as public schools. Often, private schools have a specific focus or educational philosophy, such as Montessori or Waldorf schools. Pros: Since parents pay the tuition, they often get more input on their child’s education. Families can find a school that is more aligned with their wants or beliefs. Also, class sizes are usually smaller. Cons: Private schools are often expensive. There also do not have the same level of oversight as public schools. So it is up to parents to make sure the school is providing their child with an appropriate education. Religious School Religious schools are another type of private school associated with a particular religion or organization. A parochial school is a type of religious school that is connected directly to a local church. Pros: If your family is closely aligned with a particular religion, a religious school can involve that aspect of your life in your child’s education. These schools usually have strong community and smaller class sizes. Cons: Religious schools are private, so tuition costs can be high. They are also not held to government educational standards. Many religious schools omit certain teachings in science and history that don’t fit their beliefs. So it is vital to make sure that your child is receiving a full education. Virtual Schools Technology has led to the availability of virtual or online schools. There are both public and private virtual schools that students can enroll in. These schools offer a variety of educational opportunities, including full-time study or supplemental classes to add to traditional schooling. Classes and schoolwork can be done anywhere there’s internet access, and students still have one or more teachers with lessons that follow a curriculum and defined standards. Pros: Virtual schools are a good option for students who cannot attend a traditional school, whether they are housebound, do not live in one place, or other reasons. Learning in virtual schools is more individualized, so students have more flexibility and can learn at their own pace. It can also provide more educational opportunities or access to specialized classes. Cons: Virtual schools require a lot of self-discipline, and students and families are more responsible for keeping up with their education. Virtual schools also do not have the same in-person social opportunities for community or friendships. This can cause students to feel isolated. Ultimately, the right school choice is different for each family. So it’s essential to explore the available options to find the best fit. If a school situation isn’t working for your child or family, consider transferring or try something different. Kimberly Blaker is a freelance writer. She also owns an online bookshop, Sage Rare & Collectible Books, specializing in out-of-print, scarce, signed, and first editions; fine bindings; ephemera and more at sagerarebooks.com

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Embrace Baby Steps: Building Healthy Habits in 2024

growingupsc — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:44:47 +0000

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 that lead to significant transformations. Embrace the journey, and let’s make 2024 a year of growth, well-being, and self-discovery. I look forward to being on this journey with you and am here to support your self-care goals. Be sure to connect with me so we can ride the waves together. By Jaime McFaden

The post Embrace Baby Steps: Building Healthy Habits in 2024 first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.