March 2025 - Growing Up in Santa Cruz

Parents Not Thrilled About School Starting in August

growingupsc — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:37:55 +0000

Some Santa Cruz parents say summer is getting shorter and shorter for their kids, seriously cutting down their childhood because school is starting earlier and earlier. Parents at Santa Cruz and Pajaro Valley school districts are distributing a petition titled, “Bring Back August to SCCS Students”. These parents are concerned that students are losing prime summer vacation time in August, and believe that starting in September is ideal so families can thoroughly enjoy summer break. For years, the debate over the ideal time for students to start the school year has been a controversial topic nationwide. In Santa Cruz County, SCCS 2025-2026 school starting date is August 7, and PVUSD schools start August 13. These earlier start dates have sparked disagreements amongst some students and families. Sam Rolens, a spokesman for the Santa Cruz City Schools says the current calendar this in favor of an earlier start date, “addresses more concerns than it creates.” Some of those concerns include giving students enough time to prepare for Advanced Placement or AP tests Rolens is the chief of communications and community engagement for SCCS. which includes running websites, producing print publications, videos, and communication in general. Growing Up: Who’s idea was it to start the school year earlier? SR: The campaign, which was going for a while, was led by students and families primarily, and the primary reasons for this were: Winter Finals: There was a big push to start the year earlier, especially for secondary students so that they could take their final exams before winter break. If they start school later in September, they have to take their finals after winter break–which students have expressed is stressful. Students expressed that studying during winter break is stressful. Winter Break: Students desired an earlier school start so that they could go on winter break without worrying about finals. This way, students can be completely free and actually enjoy their break. AP Testing: This was pushed to the Board of Trustees and head of curriculum by students and parents to have as much instruction as possible before AP testing in May. These tests have a huge impact on college admission and potential to receive college credit so they can take fewer general education classes in college. They did not want instruction during AP exams–this was detrimental. Teaching staff also supported these ideas for students and want to reduce stress on these students. We have student representative trustees from each high school who sit in on the board and serve as a conduit for student interest. More students reach out to their representatives to advocate for their needs. Student trustees make reports of concerns from their campus. Nationwide, this earlier start date is being adopted more and more especially to accommodate secondary students. Growing Up: Who agreed to start the school year earlier? Was this a mutual agreement amongst teachers, parents, and faculty and the board? SR: Yes, it was a mutual agreement amongst many students, staff, and parents after being brought to the board and the superintendent. Staff and students were able to deliver comments to the board and argue for the new changes and the board approved of these changes. Growing Up: Will school end earlier in June/May now? SR: Yes they end at the end of May now. Growing Up: Have you seen the petition some parents put together in protest of the school year starting earlier? What do you think of their concerns? SR: Yes, it made the rounds at the start of the school year. Democratic process is difficult because one side will get what they want and the other side won’t. Any calendar is going to be contentious, any schedule is going to be contentious. We regularly hear both sides of the issue and understand it affects some people positively and some negatively. We listened to the adamant desires of the students and parents who voiced their concerns and desires for change. We are constantly refining what we’re doing, but this is at least an issue where there’s a significant group of parents for this early start date. We do read through and discuss these comments. We want a calendar that works best for everyone. We still believe that we have a calendar that addresses more concerns than it creates. But it changed the nature of education and public service. Growing Up: Parents are concerned that students starting the school year in the hot month of August has a negative impact on them? What are your thoughts? SR: I grew up in Santa Cruz and anyone in Santa Cruz will tell you that the hottest time of year is the end of September and early October. We have a late summer instead of a traditional summer. June and July tend to be quite cool, and August tends to be a cooler month as well. As we shift into fall, Santa Cruz experiences a bulk of heat. Regardless of how we move the calendar, the students will experience heat in September/October. HVAC improvements are a top priority for the district. Dealing with the hot time of the year has become a high priority for all of our campuses. In the next few years, we will be building AC into all indoor spaces. We are now in a time where our years are hotter, so this will have a huge impact on the comfort of the learning conditions of students than the calendar does. Growing Up: Parents are concerned that this early school start prevents students from enjoying the longest days of the year and limits their opportunities to enjoy traveling and the outdoors programs in the area. What are your thoughts on this? SR: I do have sympathy for students and families that have summer programs that are impacted by this. They do have the same amount of summer break, just different days. I sympathize with the fact that it is hard to build a summer schedule but I want to remind everyone that students are still getting the same amount of summer vacation. Growing Up: Do you have plans to reach out to these parents who made this petition? SR: We personally haven’t heard from these concerned parents. I think a lot more people at the moment are talking to each other on social media versus bringing up the concern with us directly. Based on other student and families requests, we strongly believe that this schedule is working better and will be more beneficial for students’ educational needs. However, we will continue to listen to and care for both sides. We will do our best to accommodate everyone as best we can. By Joanna Jenkins

The post Parents Not Thrilled About School Starting in August first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Teaching Kids to Speak Pet

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:37:17 +0000

Kids and pets share a special kind of magic, and like any relationship, communication is key. Understanding body language can help kids know when their pet is happy, playful, or in need of some space. Teaching kids to recognize a pet’s body language strengthens the bond between them and fosters empathy and respect – skills transferable to any relationship. It’s similar to teaching kids how to navigate social cues with a new friend. Just as they learn when to crack a joke or when to back off, they can learn to read the signs that say, “Pet me!” or “Please, not now.” Pet Body Language 101 Before kids can interact confidently with pets, they need to understand the basics of body language. Different species express themselves in unique ways: For Dogs: Happy and Relaxed: A wagging tail, soft eyes, and a slightly open mouth are signs of contentment. Playful: A “play bow” (front legs stretched out, rear end up) signals a ready-for-fun attitude. Anxious: A yawn, pacing, panting, and licking with their ears back can indicate discomfort and anxiety. Uncomfortable or Scared: A tucked tail, flattened ears, or lip licking can indicate stress or fear. Angry or Ready to Bite: Growling, bared teeth, or stiff posture means “Back off.” For Cats: Happy and Relaxed: Slow blinking with forward-facing ears shows a content kitty. Playful: A twitching tail and pouncing movements mean it’s time to play. Uncomfortable or Scared: A puffed-up tail, arched back, or hissing indicates fear. Overstimulated or Annoyed: A swishing tail or flattened ears means “I’ve had enough.” For Rabbits: Happy and Relaxed: A rabbit lounging on its side or belly with stretched-out legs feels safe and content. Playful: Zooming around, binkies (joyful jumps and twists in the air), and nudging objects show excitement. Uncomfortable or Scared: Ears pinned back, wide eyes, and crouching low mean they feel threatened. Angry or Annoyed: Stomping their back foot, grunting, or flicking their feet as they hop away signals frustration. For Guinea Pigs: Happy and Relaxed: Popcorning (tiny jumps in the air) and soft purring show excitement and contentment. Playful: Running around their enclosure, exploring tunnels, and wheeking (high-pitched squeaks) signal fun. Uncomfortable or Scared: Freezing in place, chattering teeth, or hiding means they feel nervous or unsafe. Annoyed: A raised head, rumbling noises, or a swaying body can indicate dominance or irritation. Make Learning Fun Teaching your kids to read body language can be as fun as it is educational. Try these activities to help them understand what their pet is “saying”: “What’s Bailey Saying?” Observe your pet’s behavior during different activities like eating, playing, or resting. Ask your kids, “What do you think Bailey’s tail is telling us right now?” or “Is Coco happy, or does she want some space?” Body Language Charades: Have your kids act out different pet body language (like wagging tails or crouching) and see who can guess the emotion. Draw What You See: Encourage your kids to sketch their interpretation of a happy, scared, or playful pet. Want to continue exploring ways to help your child build a meaningful relationship with animals? Check out Kind News, a kid-friendly magazine full of fun and educational content about pets and animal welfare. Or, consider enrolling them in the Santa Cruz SPCA’s summer camp, where kids can learn about pet care, behavior, and advocacy—all while interacting with adoptable animals. By helping kids understand the subtle ways animals communicate, we equip them with skills that extend beyond pet care – enhancing their ability to listen, empathize, and build meaningful connections. Sarah Krummel is a Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation board member and a Program Specialist for Santa Cruz City Schools. Connect with her at sarah@scanimalshelterfoundation.org

The post Teaching Kids to Speak Pet first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

There’s No Such Thing as Multi-Tasking While Studying

Susan Tatsui-D’Arcy — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:33:03 +0000

Back in the day, parents laid down rules, and whether or not we agreed with them, we obeyed. TV hours were limited, curfews set, and homework was done before going outside to play. Period. After all, our parents knew best, right? Tweens and teens neither have the maturity nor the foresight to make important decisions. But with today’s immediate-gratification mode of living, parents have lost control over their children. Technology has consumed every aspect of our very existence. We no longer leave voice messages and wait for responses; we text questions or statements and the recipient gets it within seconds. We no longer look forward to watching our favorite TV show with the family on Sunday night; we watch the whole season on our phones – by ourselves. We no longer play board games for family entertainment; we play video games with people we don’t know or see. And all of this takes place on our handy phones that we carry with us 24/7. That said, when our kids tell us that they’re “doing their homework,” what that really means is that they are going through the motions of doing their homework but barely learning anything. Ever wonder why your child has “potential” but doesn’t quite make the mark? Here’s why. To really learn a concept, they need to read about it, ponder its meaning, do the exercises or write their reflections, and sit with it so it can get into their long-term memory. It really takes this deep-thinking process to fully understand the concept so they can apply it to the real world or answer difficult questions on a test or final exam. But if your child is like most, they NEVER really have the opportunity to absorb information and to learn. Their thought processes are interrupted about every 20 seconds by checking their phones for messages or sending texts themselves. With every interruption, they need to restart the thinking process again, and that in itself takes another 5 seconds. See where I’m going with this? Our kids, like ourselves, are addicted to social media. They NEED to know what their friends are doing and who is having fun without them. Their self esteem is probably wrapped around how many “likes” they got on Instagram, and what people are saying about them. That’s why THEY CANNOT MULTITASK WHILE DOING HOMEWORK! Just because they tell you they’re doing their homework or studying for a test doesn’t mean that they are doing it well or efficiently. No kid will admit to their parents that their social media is disrupting their grades and possible future because they are addicted to it. So parents, put on your big boy or girl pants and be the parent. Give them social media curfews and set down rules about when they have access to their phones or computers. Bring down the social media hammer. You can collect all cell phones until the homework and studying for tests is done each day, or when grades are where they need to be. If they need to use the computer to do research or to download homework assignments, have them use a family computer. Check the history tab on your child’s computer to make sure they aren’t using social media when they aren’t supposed to. What they’ll soon discover is that they can actually get their homework done in half the time when they don’t have distractions and they’ll get better scores on tests and ultimately better grades. As their parent, flex your power by giving them the guidance they need to succeed. Remember, their brains aren’t fully developed until they’re 25 years old, so don’t let them tell you how to do your job as the parent. Call a family meeting and set up new rules that they’ll thank you for someday. But don’t hold your breath – just know that you’re in charge and you’re giving them important life skills.

The post There’s No Such Thing as Multi-Tasking While Studying first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Understanding Consequences the Positive Discipline Way

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:25:44 +0000

The well-being of children is entrusted to every adult, and we parents, caregivers, and educators have to be very mindful of the decisions that we make to protect and teach children. Having a developmentally appropriate understanding of consequences as a parenting tool is essential to using them in ways that support children’s positive relationships and guide their positive behaviors. Psychology and Science The Positive Discipline idea that children do better when they feel better is supported by renowned psychologists Alfred Adler, Rudolph Dreikurs, and Abraham Maslow and informed by the study of neuroscience and trauma-informed care. Positive Discipline helps children experience belonging and significance, is mutually respectful and encouraging through kindness and firmness, teaches social and life skills, is effective over the long-term, and helps children discover how capable they are. Using consequences the Positive Discipline way fulfills all of those goals. The prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain that governs our ability to anticipate the consequences of our actions) also needs to be taken into consideration, in large part due to the fact that it isn’t fully developed until a person is about 25. Given that children have a limited ability to consider the implications of their actions, it’s unreasonable for adults to expect them to make well-thought-out choices, especially since adults also make all kinds of bad choices! Natural Consequences Natural consequences are basically a matter of cause and effect and happen naturally (without the intervention of others). As one example, someone who wakes up late might not have time to shower before school. Natural consequences teach children life skills, including helping them to become critical thinkers and problem-solvers. For young children, a natural consequence could be spilling milk on the table and helping to clean it up. Another is an older child becoming cold if they go outside without wearing warm clothing. Adults can ask children questions both to get them exploring their sense of autonomy and to stir their thinking. One possible question an adult could ask a child is “What do you need to wear to stay warm and dry outside in the rain?” Sometimes a young child doesn’t know the answer and/or doesn’t respond appropriately to natural consequences, and adults can then gently guide them to a solution. An example of a natural consequence that an older child might experience is a teenager who doesn’t fold their clean clothes and therefore goes to school with wrinkles. Whether with younger or older children, adults should try to be patient and not intervene unless absolutely necessary. Such is the case for older children who are generally much more capable than young children when it comes to things like planning, learning lessons, and handling the disappointment that often accompanies consequences. Perhaps most importantly, natural consequences should never supersede or endanger the safety of a child or anyone else. Alternatives to “Logical” Consequences Logical consequences are essentially actions/decisions that adults take when children make poor choices and either fail to recognize them as such or continue to make those choices. While logical consequences can be favorable when implemented correctly, they are often instead thinly veiled punishments that are coercive in nature (often through the use of punishments or rewards). For that reason, employing the use of Positive Discipline tools such as connection before correction, discovering beliefs behind behaviors, and solution-oriented communication is far more favorable when it comes to addressing concerning behavior. Further, logical consequences are better replaced by routines and/or agreements whenever possible. Being able to rely on those tools depersonalizes the adult-child expectations. Guidelines/Considerations for Consequences Everyone’s safety (physical and emotional health and well-being) must be ensured so as to prevent children from being harmed and/or harming others. Consequences should never be punitive. Learning is stifled when a child is discouraged, upset, or frightened. Logical consequences should always be Related (applicable to whatever happened), Respectful (non punitive and the message of love gets through), Reasonable (proportionate and context-specific), and Helpful (supportive and educative). Developmental appropriateness must be taken into account, especially when it comes to very young children who need additional adult intervention (supervision, training, and things being done for them). Avoid engaging in piggy-backing (i.e., “I told you so!”) as doing so is tantamount to blaming and shaming. When children make mistakes, they already experience guilt, regret, embarrassment, sadness, and frustration. Adults can instead reframe children’s mistakes as teachable moments. “This is actually a helpful thing to learn.” Avoid rescuing, fixing, and nagging. Doing so robs children from experiencing the feelings and learnings that emanate from consequences. Along with developing capabilities, children need to build their “disappointment muscles” so as to develop resilience. Adults can show empathy, understanding, and care in those situations to help children process and overcome their discouragement. “I know that was difficult.” “I love you, and I’m sorry that happened.” “Would you like to talk about it?” Logical consequences aren’t very effective with adolescents, especially since one of their developmental tasks is to individuate, which often leads to some rebellion. Also, teens are more likely to perceive imposed consequences as punishment. Ultimately, natural consequences can teach children valuable skills and lessons, complement structure and routines, and promote critical thinking, intrinsic motivation, and accountability. At the end of the day, life is our greatest teacher. Sarah Nofi and Steven Weiss are Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educators

The post Understanding Consequences the Positive Discipline Way first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Parenting During Uncertain Times

Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:21:10 +0000

So much has happened this year already – how is it already March, and yet, how is it only just March? The news these days can be overwhelming and, at times, heart-wrenching. In these uncertain times, it is no wonder that we’re all experiencing such a wide range of emotions, from overwhelm, sadness, worry to anger, anxiety and fear. It’s easy to feel emotionally drained, like we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. As parents, we are juggling our own mental well-being and supporting our children through their confusion and worries. Many of us are finding it difficult to talk to our children about what is happening in the world, unsure of how to process or explain in a way that doesn’t add to their fears. The truth is, we are all in this together, please know you are not alone. It is challenging to balance your own emotions while also being the source of comfort for those around you. Some days the fear and anxiety can feel paralyzing. But I am here to say, it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings and admit it is hard. For me, I’ve given myself permission to feel all the emotions, to rest and recharge. Now, more than ever, is the time to take care of ourselves, our families, and our community. This monthly article provides tips for families raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email triplep@first5scc.org. Dear Yesenia, I’m a single mom of 10-year-old and 12-year-old. With everything happening in the world right now, I’m feeling overwhelmed, and I’m not sure how to support them through all of this uncertainty. They’re quiet and seem anxious, but they don’t want to talk about it. How can I be there for them? ~ Gabriela Dear Gabriela, I’m sure many parents can relate! The uncertainty about this time has left many children, teens, and adults feeling anxious, frustrated, scared, and even angry. Your children are probably trying to make sense of the uncertainty in their lives. This is a good time to provide support, even if it doesn’t seem like they want it. Here are some tips to try: Take care of yourself. It’s like putting on your oxygen mask before helping others. Notice your own thoughts and feelings and take small breaks when you’re feeling stretched to your limits. Walk away from the stressful situation if you can. Take deep breaths, exercise, listen to music, or talk to someone supportive. Doing something you enjoy – even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time throughout the day – can help reduce your own stress and worries so that you the emotional energy to support your teens. Let your children know you’re there for them. Some kids want to ask questions or talk about their feelings, while others need more time or encouragement before they’re ready to talk. And still others would rather express themselves through art, music, writing, cooking, playing games, or physical activity instead of talking. Even if your teens don’t want to have a deep discussion, acknowledge that with this uncertain time, it’s natural to have many thoughts and feelings. Let them know you’re available if they ever have questions or want to talk, then follow their lead. Have casual conversations about their interests. Ask what they want to eat, or ask them to tell you about a video they watched or the latest game they’re playing. This shows you value their opinions and interests – and most importantly, it keeps the lines of communication open. Provide support when they’re ready. If your child asks a question or wants to talk, give them your full attention. Listen and ask open-ended questions to find out what they already know and how they feel about it (“What have you heard?” or “How do you feel about that?”). Acknowledge and normalize their feelings (“It’s natural to be worried. A lot of people feel the same way.”). Then give them praise and encouragement to keep sharing what’s on their minds (“That’s a good question. I’m glad you asked it.”). FINAL THOUGHTS: The best thing we can do for our families is take care of our physical and emotional well-being and support each other. If your children’s behaviors become more concerning (not sleeping or eating, more withdrawn or aggressive), reach out for additional support. Contact First 5 Santa Cruz at 465-2217 or triplep@first5scc.org for Triple P parenting support or dial 211 (or text your zip code to 898-211) to find counseling and other resources. Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo is the mother of a 2-year-old daughter and the Triple P Program Manager for First 5 Santa Cruz County. Scientifically proven, Triple P is made available locally by First 5, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, and the Santa Cruz County Human Services Department. To find a Triple P parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc.org,facebook.com/triplepscc, or contact First 5 Santa Cruz County at 831.465.2217 ortriplep@first5scc.org.

The post Parenting During Uncertain Times first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

5 Visionary Initiatives Shaping Universal Destinations & Experiences in 2025

Comcast — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:16:07 +0000

DNBCUniversal is expanding its theme park portfolio worldwide by introducing thrilling attractions, immersive experiences, and entirely new theme parks and resorts. Discover some of the most eagerly awaited projects that Universal Destinations & Experiences will unveil in 2025. 1. Universal Orlando Resort’s Highly Anticipated Fourth Theme Park Universal Epic Universe Opens The opening of Epic Universe will transform Universal Orlando Resort into a weeklong vacation destination comprised of four theme parks that are home to the most innovative theme park experiences ever created. Epic Universe will present a level of theme park immersion that is unmatched – transporting guests to expansive worlds featuring more than 50 awe-inspiring attraction, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences that come together to create an unforgettable adventure that is nothing short of epic. Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated fourth theme park – Universal Epic Universe – will officially open on May 22, 2025, unlocking the portals to five astounding worlds that will bring to life extraordinary adventures that go beyond guests’ wildest imaginations. 2. Universal Studios Hollywood Introduces Inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce guests to Universal Fan Fest Nights, an all-new interactive and immersive separately ticketed event that brings the most compelling worlds of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime to life from the creators of its highly-acclaimed Halloween Horror Nights event. Featuring a slate of all-new, thrilling and unique fan favorite experiences, the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights 2025 at Universal Studios Hollywood will debut these with Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and more. 3. Universal Studios Singapore Unveils Illumination’s Minion Land Illumination’s Minion Land will open at Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in 2025, transporting guests in Southeast Asia into an immersive, new land inspired by Illumination’s beloved Despicable Me and Minions franchise. The highly anticipated land will feature multiple rides, including Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and an all-new carousel exclusive to Universal Studios Singapore, Buggie Boogie, which features dance music remixed by the Minions, as well as a variety of themed retail and dining experiences. The land will take guests into the world of Illumination’s Despicable Me and Minions movies where they will be able to experience three distinct areas: Minion Marketplace, Gru’s Neighbourhood, and Super Silly Fun Land. 4. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Area Expansion…DONKEY KONG COUNTRY™ is Now Open at Universal Studios Japan Universal Studios Japan recently expanded the popular SUPER NINTENDO WORLD area of the park, which has been visited by many guests every day since its opening in March of 2021. The world’s first-ever “Donkey Kong Country” area, themed on the world of Donkey Kong, enhances and deepens the experiential value of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. With the addition of this new area, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD expanded by 70% with new experiences full of innovation and creativity that take the guest experience to an even higher level. 5. Universal Horror Unleashed Opens Its Doors Universal Destinations &Experiences (UDX), creator of the global phenomenon Halloween Horror Nights, announced that Universal Horror Unleashed – the company’s first-ever year- round horror experience – is coming to Las Vegas in 2025. In a darkened warehouse on the edge of Las Vegas, a relentless spectacle of horror is rising: Universal Horror Unleashed. Now guests can experience it all in a year-round, fully immersive horror experience. The fears only felt in movies will come to bone-chilling life. Enter the evils of four haunted houses, each with its own terrifying story: Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: The Reaping, and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer. These haunted houses aren’t for the faint of heart – they are intense and feature elevated moments where the horror surrounds guests in unimaginable ways.

The post 5 Visionary Initiatives Shaping Universal Destinations & Experiences in 2025 first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Empowering Your Child’s Financial Future with a Local Credit Union

Bay Federal Credit Union — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:57:52 +0000

As parents, we teach our children the value of sharing, kindness, and responsibility. But what about financial responsibility? One of the best ways to set your child up for success is by introducing them to financial wellness habits early on. That starts with where they keep their money. While banks and credit unions may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences, and choosing a credit union could be one of the best financial decisions for your family. Credit Union vs. Bank: What’s the Difference? Both banks and credit unions offer checking and savings accounts, loans, and financial services, but their structure and purpose set them apart. Banks are for-profit institutions that operate to generate returns for shareholders. They often charge higher fees and focus on maximizing profits. On the other hand, credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by their members, the people who bank with them. This means that instead of profits going to outside investors, earnings are returned to members through lower loan rates, higher savings yields, and fewer fees. While Credit unions also maximize profits, they do so with the interest of their member-owners at the forefront rather than outside shareholders. That local, people-first philosophy makes a big difference, especially when it comes to young savers. Founded on the principle of people helping people, credit unions were established to serve a specific group of individuals with a common bond—such as employees of a particular company, residents of a specific community, or members of an organization. This structure is defined through a credit union charter, which outlines who is eligible for membership and ensures the institution remains focused on serving the financial interests of its members. Over time, credit unions have expanded their reach but continue to operate with a strong focus on their members’ best interests and community needs. Why Families Trust Credit Unions to Achieve Financial Goals: 1. Lower Fees and Better Savings Rates Kids are often more motivated to save when their money works in their favor. Credit unions typically offer higher interest rates on savings accounts and lower fees, allowing children to watch their money grow. Many also offer special youth accounts with no minimum balance requirements, making starting simple and affordable. 2. Financial Education from the Start Credit unions prioritize financial wellness and provide educational resources for young savers. Many offer workshops, interactive tools, and programs to teach kids how to manage money responsibly. By starting early, children develop lifelong habits that help them make smart financial decisions in the future. 3. A Community-Focused Approach Credit unions, like Santa Cruz County’s own Bay Federal Credit Union, are deeply invested in the communities they serve. They support local schools and athletic programs, sponsor family-friendly events, and provide scholarships. When your child banks at a credit union, they are part of something bigger—a financial institution that reinvests in their membership rather than one focused solely on profit. 4. Personalized Service As a member-owned institution, credit unions pride themselves on personalized service. Whether your child is depositing birthday money or learning to manage their first debit card, they’ll receive friendly, local support from people who genuinely care about their financial success. Building a Strong Financial Future Choosing a credit union for your child’s first savings account gives them a foundation for a lifetime of financial confidence. As they grow, they’ll have access to tailored products, financial guidance, and the support of a community-focused institution that puts their needs first. Bay Federal Credit Union proudly serves families in Santa Cruz County and along the Central Coast, offering savings and checking solutions that grow with your child. With just five dollars, you can open an account with no monthly fees and easy-to-use mobile banking, making it simple to teach financial wellness habits. Visit a local branch today to learn more about how we can help set your child on a path to a bright financial future.

The post Empowering Your Child’s Financial Future with a Local Credit Union first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

School Budgets in Trouble

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:48:39 +0000

The Pajaro Valley Unified School Board made a bold and some say careless decision last month, choosing not to layoff teachers, aides and vice principals to save $5 million from a budget that is headed toward deficit spending. Four of the seven board members voted to hold off on the cuts, which Superintendent Heather Contreras warned could make the problem significantly worse next year. This is one of the toughest challenges for the county’s largest school district with 27,000 students. Contreras explained to the board that the district was shrinking by 600 students over the next year and funding that was given to support schools during the pandemic has been cut. Still, the four members who held off the cuts said they wanted to consider further options other than dropping needed staff. The ideas of cutting teachers and mental health aides is chilling at a time when students are in dire need of support. It’s so chilling that Aptos’s principal wrote a column in the Aptos Times asking for counselors to be saved. “A student attempted to blow up my office last May,’ Alison Hanks-Sloan wrote, arguing against the cuts. Now, this triggered more than a few red flags. First: Why wasn’t this reported by both the sheriff’s office and the school district. The only release from the sheriff was that the office was vandalized. As one TV station reported: “A Sheriff’s Office spokesperson confirmed to KION that they are investigating the incident as a vandalism/break-in and no arrests have been made yet.” First trigger: why no mention of explosives? Second trigger: with so much violence in our schools, why would we think of cutting the people who can most help troubled students? Growing Up is in the process of investigating reports of violence in the schools and publishing a report in a future issue. There are big questions to be answered about how to keep the schools safer and to ensure that every student gets the education they are entitled to. More on this coming up in the months ahead. There’s an important article inside this issue on the vote. On the lighter side, we want to remind you that Kids Day is coming up May 3 in downtown Santa Cruz, noon to 4pm. It’s our favorite day downtown, when schools, after school activities, arts, dance, music programs strut their stuff. Santa Cruz comes alive that day, so don’t forget to mark your calendars. Our next issues will focus on summer camps, some of our most-read magazines of the year. It’s getting time to make those plans. Write us at editor@growingupsc.com Thanks for reading. Brad Kava, Editor and Publisher

The post School Budgets in Trouble first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

A Review of School Lunch

growingupsc — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:39:45 +0000

Some of the meals they serve us at Live Oak Elementary School, where I’m a fourth-grader, are kind of simple, like bagels with cream cheese, which they serve us almost every day, sometimes with apples (like in the picture below). My favorite foods at school all start with the letter “P.” I like the pizza, of course, because pizza is my favorite food, and the pizza at Live Oak is pretty good quality and has enough cheese. I also like the pesto pasta, especially the pesto part; I used to make pesto at home when I was eight with basil I picked in our garden, olive oil and parmesan cheese, and some nuts, I think maybe walnuts. It was pretty good. To me it tasted better when I made it myself. My other favorite food at school is the bean-and-cheese pupusas, the national food of El Salvador. See, all those foods start with the letter “P.” The staff at Live Oak try really hard to give us healthy food. “All meals come with organic 1 percent milk or nonfat milk, fresh fruit & vegetables,” according to the school website. They also make sure to do fun things like having “Chocolate Milk Day!” and “Cookie Day” (my favorite) and “Chips & Salsa Day!” and “Fortune Cookie Day” (when they also serve Chicken Potstickers and Veggie Fried Rice with Egg). Cheesy Bread Sticks are also fun. I like to make cheesy bread for myself at home. But don’t even talk to me about the corn dogs. A lot of kids like the corn dogs, but I tried them back in second grade and have never had one again. Not my thing. I don’t like corn dogs in general. On Tuesdays we usually have Orange Chicken With Rice, which is also not my favorite. My little sister Anaïs, who is in third grade, doesn’t like the pasta alfredo–she says the noodles are pretty good, but she doesn’t like the cheese. At home our favorite cheese is gruyere, which we usually buy at Costco. My favorite snacks are the maple waffles, the Cinnamon Swirl Bread, and the chocolate muffins (like in the other picture below). Thursday is the day for Seasonal Chocolate Beet Muffins. They might sound gross, but actually they are really good. So are the pumpkin muffins–and the parfaits, which have yogurt and granola and fruit, like peach or nectarine, which is my favorite. I have no complaints about the food at Live Oak Elementary, but I have some suggestions for food I’d like to have more. Here in this area, they grow a lot of beautiful strawberries, and every once in a while at school we have some strawberries. I wish we had them more often. And maybe mango now and then. I’m glad they have pineapple guava from the garden at school sometimes–we have a tree at home that grows them, but we never seem to get enough. Coco Kettmann is a fourth grader at Live Oak Elementary School, who loves drawing and painting, sleepovers with her friends and Taylor Swift.

The post A Review of School Lunch first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Celebrates 10 Years

Comcast — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:42:34 +0000

The Monterey Bay region is a place of scenic beauty, with breathtaking coastlines, rolling fields, and shady redwood forests. It’s also an exciting place of culture, history, and innovation.Its challenges are equally vivid. Housing costs are increasingly out of reach. Jobs in leading industries leave workers struggling to make ends meet. A Digital Divide hinders progress and inclusivity and exacerbates economic and educational inequalities. Those are among the complex issues that led to the formation of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) in 2015. A regional, member-supported nonprofit, MBEP brings together a cross-sector network of stakeholders from public, private, and civic entities to collaborate around regional challenges to improve the economic health and quality of life in the Monterey Bay region. There’s a popular saying about stepping up: Be the change you wish to see in the world. MBEP is driven to make that change happen. That’s been MBEP’s vision from the start, and as we prepare to celebrate our 10th anniversary, MBEP’s impact is deeply felt across the region. We work to increase awareness through advocacy, education, and engagement, convening multi-sector stakeholders toward collective impact in programs and policy work to eliminate barriers to progress.Our vision is a region where high-quality, affordable broadband is considered an essential utility, every resident in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties can access telehealth, every child can do homework and access educational resources, and businesses of all sizes can remain competitive. We’re working to ensure each resident has access to affordable, reliable, high-quality internet and is empowered with the devices and digital skills needed to use it. MBEP works to secure funding so that local internet service providers can extend access to underserved and rural areas. This improves economic opportunities for thousands of residents, students, and businesses, as well as public safety in high fire-risk areas. Last year alone, we secured $60 million in broadband infrastructure funding for our region. An early advocate for classifying broadband as an essential utility for how we live, learn, and operate as a community, we continue to foster public-private partnerships as an essential step toward closing the Digital Divide. We’ve secured funding that enables community partners to make positive change happen, like digital literacy instruction and distribution of new or refurbished computers to more than 500 residents.Through inclusive economic development initiatives, MBEP is working to ensure that our region can support and develop sustainable high-quality jobs that foster economic growth. Recently, MBEP secured Economic Development District (EDD) designation for the tri-county area of Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties. This is the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s first new EDD designation in California in 15 years. The designation streamlines access to significant funding and sets a precedent for regional economic development, amplifying efforts to build a more resilient economic base. Working alongside its partners as part of the Uplift Central Coast Coalition, MBEP has developed strategies to catalyze inclusive economic growth and the development of sustainable industries that create high-quality, broadly accessible jobs across a six-county region. Through its Regions Rise Together initiative, MBEP has led the collaborative development of an inclusive economic development plan for the region, identifying $510.5 million in priority investment areas. As a founding partner of the Monterey Bay Tech Hub, MBEP is bringing together key regional stakeholders to create opportunities for advanced air mobility-based economic growth and job creation in the tri-county region, addressing the future workforce needs and policy frameworks to support AAM market growth. Our housing crisis impacts virtually every component of our local communities, from low-income families struggling to pay rent to major businesses seeking to recruit and retain workers. MBEP works with a broad, regional coalition of individuals and organizations to advocate for the construction of all types of housing. To jumpstart affordable housing production, we created the Monterey Bay Housing Trust. Partnering with Housing Trust Silicon Valley, which provides a 4-to-1 match for every dollar we raise locally, that revolving loan fund has leveraged an initial $2 million regional investment to nearly $30 million for affordable housing development. MBEP’s research, expertise, and advocacy efforts are helping to drive policy changes to streamline housing production and improve housing affordability. MBEP is also working with our members to ensure the creation of much-needed workforce housing so that everyone in our region — from farmworkers and teachers to retail workers, nurses, and physicians — has access to safe, affordable housing. The region has come a long way over the last decade. There is much more to do in helping create a thriving, healthy, and prosperous economic region for all. Please consider joining the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership in funding regional solutions at www.mbep.biz/donate. Questions: 831.465.5000 oradoptions@spcasc.org.

The post Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Celebrates 10 Years first appeared on Growing Up in Santa Cruz.