KC Parent Magazine August 2012

kcparent.com 1august 2012

27 years of connecting with kansas city families

FREEAug 2012KCParent.com

secrets to good

grades

psst-theseshoes are

only $7.99!

fed up with

fundraisers? on-the-go

snacks

FOR EVERY BUDGETFASHIONS

really!

BACK-TO-

ISSUESCHOOL

kcparent.comaugust 20122

Urgent Care (Pediatrics Only)No appointment necessary!8:00-11:00 am Mon-Friday4:00-7:00 pm Mon-Thursday

Sat 9-11 am • Sun 1-4 pm(Weekend hours available at Blue Parkway office)

Scheduled appointmentsMon - Fri 10-12 pm & 1-4 pm

Free Prenatal ConsultsMon - Fri 10-12 pm & 1-4 pm

Lee’s Summit Physicians

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Raintree Pediatrics

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Appts: Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm

Urgent Care: 8-11 am

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NEW LOCATIONBlue Springs Pediatrics

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LEE’S SUMMIT

LSPhysicians.com • Raintree-Pediatrics.com • BlueSpringsPediatric.com

healthcare you can trust.

We offer pediatric walk-in urgent care seven days a week, medical advice by phone, after-hours on-call physicians and online scheduling!

PHYSICIANS GROUP

Sallie L. Veenstra, MD

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Daniel E. Gershon, DO

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Kelly R. Fritz, C-PNP

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360360 Gymnastics is a recreational gymnastics program. We offer many day, evening, and weekend classes for children of all ages.• Lots of preschool classes• Boys classes• Tumbling• Beginner gym classes• Open Gyms• FREE OPEN GYM WEDNESDAY 12-1PM

1920 W. 143RD STREET | LEAWOOD, KS 66224 | 913.707.3756 | KC360GYM.COM

COMING SOON!

Coach Eric has 19 plus years of teaching gymnastics experience in the area. Come in for a free open gym or a free trial class.


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The region’s most respected program for aspiring dancers ages 3 to 19Our classes help your child learn poise, balance, rhythm, and how to take instruction and work well with others… all under the guidance of our professional, year-round dance faculty.

• CreativeMovement(ages3-5)• Pre-Ballet(Kindergarten-3rdgrade)

DowntownBolender Center

500 W. Pershing Rd.Kansas City, MO

Johnson County5359 W. 94th Terr.Prairie Village, KS

(95th & Nall)

Two Convenient Locations!

Enroll TODAY to secure your child’s spot!Call 816-931-2299 or visit www.kcballet.org/school for a complete list of classes.

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REDEFINING NEONATOLOGYONE CHILD AT A TIME

With the area’s only Level IIIc Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics offers the very highest level of neonatal care. And it’s all backed by the expertise of more than 400 pediatric specialists, surgeons and researchers. As the only hospital in the region providing ECMO and the leader in nitric oxide research and therapies, we’re helping more critically ill newborns go on to live healthy, active lives. Learn more at facebook.com/ChildrensMercy.


Nag No MoreWays to stop thenagging and startthe listening

14 Healthy Kids

15 Women’s Health

18 Media Mix

19 Word from Dad

23 Blog Bits

36 What’s New

DEPARTMENTS

Our KC cover kids are Vincent, Angel and

Sofia. Cover and select interior photos by

KiaBondurant.com

16 Party Guide

24 Back-to-School Guide

32 Education Guide

40 Calendar of Events

SPECIAL SECTIONS

AUG2012

School DaysKC Parent’s back-to- school guide has all you need for heading back to the classroom

24Savor SummerTerrific ideas for making memories on the last days of summer

38

FEATURES

Back-to-School 24

On-The-Go Snacks 24

Secrets to Good Grades 26

Fashions for Every Budget 28

Fed Up with Fundraisers? 30

ON THE COVER

12

CRAFT PROJECT, pg. 22


27 years of connecting with kansas city families

FREEAug 2012KCParent.com

secrets to good

grades

psst-theseshoes are

only $7.99!

fed up with

fundraisers? on-the-go

snacks

FOR EVERY BUDGETFASHIONS

really!

BACK-TO-

ISSUESCHOOL


DEPARTMENTS


100%LOCAL

PublisherMichael Gimotty

[email protected]

Associate PublisherDarrell Dean

[email protected]

EditorMargaret Sarver

[email protected]

Art DirectorLauren Goldman

[email protected]

Advertising SalesDarrell Dean

Lynn [email protected]

Electronic Media ManagerKristina Light

[email protected]

Event CalendarMarisa Frymire

[email protected]

ProofreaderSusan Crainshaw

[email protected]

DistributionTo be added to our distribution list, e-mail [email protected]

Local Contributing WritersBill Bartlett (Belton), Kimberly Brownlee (Liberty),Jennifer Duxbury (Belton), Tisha Foley (Belton),

Lauren Greenlee (Olathe), Stacey Hatton (Overland Park), Jennifer Higgins (Kearney),

Sara Keenan (Kansas City), Gina Klein (Kansas City), Kristina Light (Kansas City),

Hallie Sawyer (Overland Park), Kathy Stump (Parkville), James Wilcox (Kansas City),

Melanie Yunger (Shawnee)

Business Office11936 W. 119th #335

Overland Park, KS 66213913.782.3238 phone • 913.681.5139 fax

Kansas City Parent Magazine is published 12 times a year by Family Media Group. It is distributed free of charge throughout the Kansas City area. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect KC Parent’s opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Kansas City Parent Magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All photography and letters sent to KC Parent will be treated unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. KC Parent often includes websites that may be helpful to our readers. We verify each site prior to publication. However, content changes frequently. We encourage you to use caution and discretion when visiting a website.

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AUGUST 2012

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editor’s letter

Raise your hand if you’ve been asked to buy something to help support your local school or

sports team. Now raise your hand if you’ve had to assist your child in selling products to benefit the school or team. If you are sitting with a magazine in your lap and both hands above your head, you are not alone!

From the time kids start school, fundraisers become a part of life. I fully understand the need for fundraisers and know that they are necessary for a school to operate and thrive. But when is enough enough? I know I am not alone in my dislike for fundraisers, and I think schools are beginning to get the message. Last year at my daughters’ elementary school, we were able to get rid of selling wrapping paper and replace it with a walk-a-thon. What I liked most about the event was that 100 percent of the funds went directly to the school (and I didn’t end up with a lot of stuff that I don’t really need but just bought to help out the girls). As we begin a new school year, it may be time for your school to rethink fundraisers. Gina Klein has some terrific tips for ways to eliminate selling yet still raise monies for school on pg. 30.

In addition to fundraisers’ taking a bite out of your wallet, back-to-school shopping can quickly add up to be-ing expensive. From school supplies to clothes, the list of “to buy” is often lengthy! To help keep some cash in your wallet this year, we’ve put together some fun fall fashion trends for every budget on pg. 28.

Happy back to school, KC! I hope your year gets off to a fantastic start!

Margaret Sarver, Editor

Have Olympic fever?Want to make it last even longer? Log onto KCParent.com to win tickets to the 2012 Tour of Gymnastic Champions at the Sprint Center ($150 value).


Children in kindergarten through 12 years of age will enjoy and benefit from: • Daily homework help • Physical activity • Healthy Snacks • Exploration of a variety of theme-based activities designed to spark new interests • Time to form life-long friendships

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The Wizard of Oz

Finding Nemo Who doesn’t love this movie about a cu-rious clownfish and his fear-ful father who sets out to find him? For this film, you could spread out a blanket on the floor and pretend you are having a picnic on the beach. Children will have fun cutting fish out of construction paper or making jellyfish using paper plates and crepe paper. Dinner could be peanut butter and “jelly-fish” sandwiches, Goldfish crackers, shark fruit snacks and Swedish fish served in sand pails. Swimsuits are optional!

family funat home

HOST A FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

Want a fun movie night away from home? Visit KCParent.com

for a list of drive-in theaters in KC, along with tips for making the most

of your visit to the drive-in!

The Wizard of Oz Cau-tion: this classic film can be quite scary for little ones. But if you think your kiddos can handle it, in-vite them to use butcher paper to transform the living room floor into a yellow brick road. Create a fruit rainbow, made with colorful fruits in a rainbow pattern, for snack time. The kids will love Wicked Witch Punch: Mix a half-gallon of lime sherbet, a can of limeade concentrate, a two-liter of lemon-lime soda and ice in a punch bowl. Top it with a black witch’s hat to represent the melted witch. And don’t forget the lollipops! We repre-sent the Lollipop Guild…are you singing yet?

The Incredibles The en-dearing storyline, smart humor and life lessons make this movie perfect for all ages. Kids (and adults, too!) can make capes out of old shirts or towels to wear while they are watching the flick. In-vite each person to come up with a superhero name. Hero sandwiches made with various meats, cheeses and veggie top-pings can be on the menu for this “incredible” night of fun.

If your household is like mine, “family movie night” may revolve around the kids’ watching Scooby-

Doo while the adults long for a film less, ahem, mind-numbing. But rest assured it is possible to make family movie night a cinematic success. All you need is a great film, a theme and perhaps a little extra entertainment.

The first step, of course, is to choose a movie. A quick Internet search of “family movies” will turn up hundreds of selections, ranging from classics to animated to action. Fam-ily members can take turns choosing a movie, make it a group decision or even draw from a hat.

Next, you can plan snacks and other additions around the movie’s theme. Be creative and involve all fam-ily members!

Here are a few movies and ideas to

get you started:

FindingNemo

TheIncredibles

The Rookie You don’t have to be a baseball lover to enjoy this heart-warming movie about believing in your dreams. Everyone can throw on a team jersey or a ball cap and warm up with a game of catch in the backyard. When your teammates are famished, pop in the movie and snack on a smorgasbord of ballpark fare: hot dogs, nachos, Cracker Jack, peanuts and lemonade or sodas.

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial This funny and moving story of an alien trying to get back home may be 30 years old, but to me it belongs in the must-see category. Anyone who has seen it understands why Reese’s Pieces and Coca-Cola should be on the menu for family movie night. And how about sausage and pep-peroni pizza, delivered like in the movie? Family members can make their own alien masks for some added fun.

Tisha Foley and her family live in Belton. Popcorn and Junior Mints make family movie night complete at their house.

TheRookie

E.T.: TheExtra-

Terrestrial


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that he did accom-plish. Maybe she forgot to brush her hair, but she did brush her teeth. Make a big deal out of what she did well and keep your nag on the sidelines.

Start a reward system to en-courage positive behavior. Children love praise just as we do! Create and implement a star chart, with a small reward after a certain number of stars are achieved. If your child forgets to pick up his shoes as asked,

Pick your battles. Before you storm into your child’s bedroom, think about what’s im-portant and what really isn’t. While stranger danger and road safety are important topics to hit on at home more than once, freaking out over dropping a few crumbs on the floor during snack time isn’t that big a deal, is it?

Get your child’s attention. Instead of hollering across the room, go to your child and use a pleasant, calm voice. Remember to use the word “please.” Since you expect the same manners, it’s important to model good behavior. Plus, adding that word into your request can initiate follow-through.

NAG NO MORE!Nobody likes a nag. Then again, no one likes

to be a nag. However, it seems that nagging is just another one of the pitfalls of parenting: telling your child–at least 50 times–to brush his teeth in the morning before he responds; reminding her over and over and over to do her homework each night. Then there’s the mad rush to get out the door on time for school and other activities, resulting in the repetitious (and annoying), “Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!” The reality is the more we nag, the more our children tune us out. Is there a way to stop the vicious cycle of nagging?

Never fear: There are ways to end the monstrous nagging parenthood has created! All it takes is changing your behavior and then following the tips below:

child feels he is being given an option rather than a direction. Don’t ask, “Would you like to pick up your toys now?” Instead, try giving choices instead of just commands whenever possible. Allow your child to decide how or when to follow your directions. Ask, “Would you like to brush your teeth before or after your bath?” Make it clear that what your child gets to decide is when to do the job, not whether to do it.

Be positive! Positiv-ity can go a long way when you’re used to nagging. If it’s hard for you to avoid mentioning what your child didn’t do, try to counter-balance it with acknowledg-ing a good thing

mention that the next time he puts his shoes away, he’ll get a star on his chart. A star chart is a positive, visual incentive that will lead to good behavior.

Listen to your child. It’s important to listen to your child’s wants and needs. After all, you can’t expect her to consider yours if you don’t reciprocate. Nag-ging stems from a child’s not listen-ing to a parent, and that parent’s feeling frustrated.

Retrain yourself to follow through. Do you find yourself giving instructions with an expectation that you’ll have to repeat them mul-tiple times before anything happens? Following your in-structions the first time is a habit you must cultivate in your child. Instead of calling out a di-rection as you pass by laden with dirty laundry, wait until after you start the washer. Then, you can help your child disengage from his activity and guide him to successfully complete the task after your first request. Regularly following through establishes the habit.

Give her choices. Avoid phras-ing directions as questions. When you do this, your


“Insanity is doing

the same thing over

and over again and

expecting different

results.” ~ Einstein

NAG NO MORE!

So, when your child has something to say, give her the attention that you expect her to give you. This sets a positive example for the next time you want to ask something of her.

Make your language more positive. Instead of barging in your child’s room say-ing, “Clean this mess up! It looks like a pig sty!” make things more positive by saying, “Shall we clean this room up together? It’ll give us more room to play a game!” If you’re involved, the task might seem less overwhelming to your child.

Use humor to de-fuse a potentially grumpy situation. Instead of repeat-

ing your requests for a clean room, try adding some light humor. Pre-tend to trip and fall over a toy lying on the floor. Children love humor, and the distraction might just be enough to get the job done.

Show appreciation. When the job is done, let your child know that you ap-preciate her com-pliance. Instead of blurting, “It’s about time!” say a simple and sweet, “Thank you.” You might even give your child a hug.

Kansas City mom Gina Klein is an author/pho-tographer who sometimes catches herself nagging her daughters a bit more than she’d like.

(or at least a lot less!)

SEPT 11-22

Season Ticket Packages

Individual & Group TicketsSingle Shows

$10 Adults$8 Children, age 0 to 12

Group TicketsFor groups of 15 or more on weekdays only,

all shows except The Nativity.$550 per person

The Nativity$15 Adults

$9 Children, age 0 to 12

Group TicketsFor groups of 15 or more.

December 14, 10 am performance only. $650 per person

8 Show Package$56 Adults








Add The Nativity to Your Season Ticket Package!You’ll receive a special discounted rate, $12 Adults and $8 Children, age 0 to 12.

9 Show Package$63 Adults, $5850 Children, age 0 to 12.

Pull Back the Curtain on Paul Mesner PuppetsJoin us for a guided back stage tour of our theater and workshop where you can meet our talented crew and see how they bring each performance to life.

Contact us for availability, 816-756-3500 or [email protected].

We Love School Groups!A visit to the award-winning Paul Mesner Puppets is the perfect field trip experience! You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, you’ll leave with a smile on your face. Come see puppets from around the world — along with Paul Mesner’s first puppet — in our exhibit area!

Make-A-Puppet kits are available to enhance your field trip experience. Make-A-Puppet kits can be made here with your school group (please call 816-756-3500 to schedule your group) or taken back to school with you. The learning activities and the puppet correlate with the current show. $3 per kit.

Call the Central Ticket Office to order tickets today!

816-235-6222

Make-a-Puppet Workshop

The puppets love a good birthday party, come spend your’s with us. You and your guests will have access to our party room where the birthday boy or girl will receive the royal treatment from the comfort of their very own throne!

For $250, the birthday party package includes 20 tickets to the play (adult or child) and the party room for one hour. You supply all your own food, party-ware is available upon request at no extra charge. You may have your party either before, or after the performance. Please call 816-756-3500 or email [email protected] for more information and availability.

Experience the thrill of creating your very own puppet and seeing it come to life. Make yours at our theater or take it home with you. Learning activities and puppet correlate to the current production. It’s the perfect souvenir!

Workshops are offered Wednesday-Sunday, puppet kits are $3 each. Call 816-756-3500 or visit PaulMesnerPuppets.org for more puppet making opportunities.

Behind the Scenes Tours!

Presenting the

25th Season of The Paul Mesner Puppets

Special Thanks!The Paul Mesner Puppets extends special

thanks to these contributors:

Hall Family Foundation Missouri Arts Council

Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation Neighborhood Trust Development Fund

Kansas City Parks and Recreation Louis & Elizabeth Nave Flarsheim Foundation

(Bank of America, Trustee) • Curry Family Foundation Theater League • WT Kemper Foundation Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts

Oppenstein Brothers Foundation • ArtsKC Fund Francis Family Foundation • Lisa & Blake Wendelburg

Dorothy & William Curry • Barbara J. Marshall RA Long Foundation

Support for Paul Mesner Puppets’ 2012-2013 season is provided by generous sponsors and funders, including the following:

The Paul Mesner Puppets 1006 E. Linwood Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64109-1840

PaulMesnerPuppets.org 816-756-3500

Order your tickets today!Central Ticket Office: 816-235-6222

2012-2013

PAuLMESNERPuPPETS.ORg

Watch us on YouTube.

Like us on Facebook.

All who enter the theater must have a ticket.

UNIMA-USA Citation of Excellence is an award was created by the late Jim Henson to promote excellence in puppetry in North America. Look for this icon next to productions that have received this honor.

The Pre Season The Paul Mesner Puppets announces a new and exciting theater

adventure for our youngest audience members, The Pre Season. Come

see Bark, George!, or The Comical Adventures of Old Mother

Hubbard to find out if your little one is ready for live theater! These are

gentle, small-child oriented productions. The lights will stay on and the

plays will not feature any loud noises or big explosions.

Recent studies show that very young children are taking in far more

than anyone thought. Why not stimulate them with visually exciting

theater that will let you know if your little one is ready for the rest of

the year’s exciting shows?

Look for the Pre-Season Kids icon next to these special shows.

Bark, George!September 11-22, 2012

Officer Buckle & GloriaNovember 1 - 25, 2012

The Nativity*December 14-16, 2012

*Not included in season ticket packages, add it to your package at a discounted rate!

Old Mother HubbardJanuary 3-12, 2013

Martha SpeaksSM

January 16 - February 10, 2013

Wiley and the Hairy ManFebruary 20 - March 16, 2013

True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, by A. Wolf

April 3 - 28, 2013

Sleeping BeautyMay 8 - 19, 2013

Puss in BootsJune 5 - 30, 2013

Go, Dog. Go!July 17 - August 11, 2013

1

9

5

2

10

7

3

6

4

8

Happy Birthday to You!

Ages 0 & Up!

Paul MesnerPuppet Studio

1006 E. Linwood Blvd.,Kansas City, MO 64109

Call CentralTicket Office816-235-6222

PAUL MESNER PUPPETS

BUY ONE ADULT TICKET AND GET ONE CHILD TICKET

Valid for daytime performances only.

Exp 9-30-12. Must redeem at box office.

FREEBark, George ©1999 Jules Feiffer. Written and Illustrated by Jules Feifferand published by HarperCollins. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

by Jules Feiffer


healthy kids

bruxism grinds on parents’ nerves

Bruxism is the medical definition for the clenching or grinding of teeth and, according to WebMD, it’s quite

common: “Approximately 15 percent to 33 percent of children grind their teeth (but) lose the grinding after (both) sets of teeth have come in fully.”

Dr. Matt Hillman, dentist at Smiles Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park, sees children with bruxism in his practice. Dr. Matt (as his patients call him) answered

a few questions for KC Parent on this perplexing and grating nighttime noise in many households.

Q: What health symptoms can night grinding cause for children?

A: Headaches, TMD (Temporal Man-dibular Disorder), sensitive teeth, uneven wear or shortening of the teeth.

Q: If you notice damage to the enamel of the teeth, what questions do you ask the child or parent?

A: I look at the bite to see if the teeth are coming together properly. I ask the parents if they ever hear their child grind-ing his or her teeth at night. I also check the child’s finger nails for signs of nail biting. (This can cause a similar appearance to grinding.) Finally, I will ask about jaw pain and headaches.

Q: Do the majority of these kids have “stress-induced bruxism” or growth and development problems?

A: The leading cause of bruxism in children is stress. Some parents push their kids with multiple sports and school, or there are changes in the family dynamic, such as divorces, moves or new siblings. These can be stressful.

Malocclusions are where the bite is not “ideal” due to mal-positioned teeth or jaws. Some studies suggest that grinding is a result of the body trying to find a more “comfortable” position for the jaw to rest

because the teeth are out of position.Children who do not sleep well (i.e.

apnea, stress, snoring, other sleep disor-ders) seem to have a greater occurrence of grinding.

There can also be neurologic or psy-chologic disturbances which play a role in bruxism. Hyperactivity, cerebral palsy or Aspergers/autism are conditions where grinding is common.

Q: Do kids usually outgrow this?A: I have a handful of kids that seem

to grind less with age. It’s often transient.

TreatmentNemours Foundations reports, “Most

kids outgrow bruxism, but a combination of parental observation and dental visits can help keep the problem in check until they do.”

If the grinding is damaging the teeth or causing face and/or jaw pain, a night guard may be prescribed. These are usually for older children, but tend to work effectively immediately. If you have any concerns regarding grinding, contact your child’s dentist to determine if there is a problem.

Stacey Hatton is a pediatric RN and humor columnist. She can be contacted at NurseMommyLaughs.com.

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We’re looking for healthy women who want tohelp infertile couples. If you’re between 21 and29 years old and have had at least one child, consider participating in our egg donation program. Compensation is provided and all donors are anonymous. For information call: (913) 894-2323

Have you ever walked out of a store or your office and honestly couldn’t remember where you parked your

car? Or have you thought about doing something in another room and by the time you arrive in the other room you have forgotten what you went in there for? Have you lost your mind? Are you developing early onset dementia? Are you overworked, -stressed, -tired? Take a deep breath (using your abdominal muscles and not your chest), relax, clear your mind and keep reading!

We have heard for years that there is nothing we can do for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. However, more recently, researchers around the planet have agreed that we need to focus on preventing these diseases as well as curing them. What they have discovered is that it may be possible to delay the symptoms or prevent them altogether with a combination of healthful habits. Why, you ask, are we talking about this now—when we are in the prime of life? We are discussing these issues now, because our behaviors now (and even from when we were only 20) will affect our minds when we are 80.

The health of your brain and your body depends on many factors:

Regular exercise: Aerobic activity, strength training, stretching and balance.

Healthy diet: Rich in fish, nuts, whole grains and fresh produce, especially beets and elderberries. Eat from the rainbow (and I don’t mean Skittles!).

Mental stimulation: Practice memo-rizing….. you don’t want your smart phone to be smarter than you! Try recalling phone numbers during the day. Pay atten-tion to details and try to recapture them.

Quality sleep: Establish a routine.Stress management: Schedule

daily relaxation activities….nourish inner peace.

An active social life: Volunteer and reach out to others.

The more you strengthen each of these six things in your daily life the more your brain will stay stronger, hopefully for many years to come.

So to answer the questions at the beginning of this article…you haven’t lost your mind. You most likely aren’t devel-oping early onset dementia, but you are probably overstressed, -worked, -tired and need to take time for yourself! So please take time out for yourself so you can be yourself…longer.

Melanie Yunger is a nurse practitioner and freelance writer trying to live a healthy lifestyle in Shawnee.

women’s health

mind games

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Specializing in childrens & familyentertainment for all occasions!

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KC Parent’s

fresh ideas+

terrific themes+

great venues

KC MOM (& DAD!) PARTY TIPS

Indoor Pony Parties

Chances are, you’re going to be hav-ing parties for a long time to come, so why not buy in bulk? Instead of those

expensive themed supplies, buy paper plates, napkins, cups and plastic cut-lery in mix-and-match colors at your local supermarket. When it comes to

kids’ stuff, don’t pick anything too age- or gender-specific and you should be

able to use things for years!Ellen Smith, Lenexa

Here’s a fun idea for a relay. Dress up all the kids with extra large clothing. Then have children stuff their clothes

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My Name Is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Little Girl DreamBy Jennifer FosberryIllustrated by Mike LitwinBest for: Ages 4-8

Want to inspire your daugh-ter to dream big? This tale of one little girl’s dreams offers role mod-

els and heroes for every little girl today. Isabella goes through the day pretending to be great females in history. When her mother calls for her, she simply replies, “My name is not Isabella. I am Sally, a great astronaut.” All of the women she imagines herself to be are worthy of admiration and set a great example beyond the Disney and Nickelodeon actors and singers girls see on TV today. What’s good: It encourages girls to dream big and find pride in themselves. What’s bad: Only that you’ll also want to buy My Name Is Not Alexander for your son.

The Boss BabyBy Marla FrazeeBest for: Ages 4-8

Parents will laugh out loud while reading this tale of a dictatorial infant in a Wall Street-worthy onesie suit. The days of midnight diaper changes and feedings will be recalled with a smile as Frazee deftly creates tongue-in-

cheek illustrations that melt into the deadpan text. Children will laugh at the idea of a baby as the boss and want to read this book again and again. Besides, what child doesn’t like to feel empow-ered? What’s good: Great humor and fun illustrations. What’s bad: It is written more for parents than children.

Dream BigNew Books Remind Children to Dream Big; the Possibilities Are Endless

SomedayBy Eileen SpinelliIllustrated by Rosie WinsteadBest for: Ages 4-10

A young girl has big dreams of some-day. She dreams of becoming an Olympic gymnast, even if all she does today is prac-tice cartwheels in her backyard. Although she is only hunting for change in her sofa

today, she dreams of hunting for dinosaur bones as an archaeolo-gist someday.

The girl has a great deal of fun while she hones her skills for the adventures of someday. Whether she is dreaming of becom-ing an artist or a marine biologist, her adventures remind us that children have the power to become anything. And they remind children that the little things in life are just practice for the big things that will come “someday.” What’s good: Simple, poetic text and whimsical illustrations. What’s bad: The girl undervalues her work and her position as a woman in the world.

Capture the FlagBy Kate MessnerBest for: Ages 8-14

Like a light version of 39 Clues, this tale wraps history, mystery and adventure together with kids who have important relatives. Anna, Jose and Henry are all middle school students from Vermont who happen to be in Washington, D.C., at the same time. They are complete strangers

that become fast friends when the star-spangled banner is stolen and everyone is snowed in at the airport. Soon they are running from a man with a snake tattooed on his arm, stealing baggage cars and getting wrapped up in political intrigue as they try to solve the mystery before the airport opens and the flag disap-pears forever. What’s good: Action, adventure and a little light peril to keep things interesting.What’s bad: The plot depends on clichés and is predictable.

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“M r. Bartlett,” the voice on the phone said, “this is Ian’s principal. Ian has run off.” My face turned white and we hurried up to the school. The principal met us as we pulled up.

“Ian’s OK,” she smiled. “We found him.” We both breathed a sigh of relief and followed the principal to a meeting with other teachers and a police officer. Although he was safe, we didn’t want a next time. We debated different measures to prevent a recurrence of what the experts called elopement.

Ian began eloping about a year earlier when he started a solo walk around the block. Still pre-verbal at age 4, he de-cided to take a stroll. He slipped out of our fenced and gated backyard and marched off. We soon noticed that he was missing and started a desperate search. Of course, we called the police and were told that an officer had a small child at the high school near our home. We rushed down and met Ian and the officer in the parking lot.

“A city worker found him walking on the sidewalk and called us,” he said. “Has he done this before?”

“No,” I answered, “he’s autistic and this is the first time he’s done this.”

At our meeting, we decided that Ian would be constantly accompanied by a paraprofessional and would never be al-lowed to be alone again.

“Have you had any more trouble with Ian’s elopement?” I asked Rita, Ian’s teacher, at our next conference. Rita laughed softly.

“Not a bit,” she answered. “I noticed that he likes girls. I just sat him next to one and I make sure he walks next to one in-side school. This nailed his wandering feet to the floor and it hasn’t happened again.”

I don’t think good teachers get paid enough.

William R. Bartlett lives in Belton with his family.

elopement


Our best advice

is to incorporate

yourpassion

whenhelping

yourcommunity.

SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL TEENS WHO

Some people live with a posture that leans toward generosity, benevolence and sacrificial love. They find a need

and fill it. So it is with these Kansas City teens who dedicate their time and talents to caring for the forgotten in shelters, bringing fun and freedom to children bound by disabilities and capturing can-did moments that inspire.

Spencer Arrowood, 17, Olathe“True service should be motivated

out of a love for the humanity one serves.”Spencer, when he’s not composing

on piano or violin in pursuit of a career in musical composition, helps coordinate volunteers and a book donation drive for Forest Avenue Family Shelter (FAFS), which houses homeless women and women with children. Initially, it was the Boy Scouts of America organization that made service an integral part of Spencer’s life, but volunteering at the shelter was driven by a ministry effort through Spencer’s church.

“Forest Avenue Family Shelter is not a large organization, and it has many needs,” Spencer explains. “Part of the reason that helping there is enjoyable is the simple fact that it is small and very personal and works to improve the lives of those who seek its help.”

Spencer has seen the fruit of this shelter’s care impact many women and their families. He describes one woman who, befriended at the shelter by his mother, went from being homeless and

VOLUNTEER

SPENCER ARROWOOD

ZACH STEVENSON


without work to living in her own home, happily married, in the span of two years. His mother is still friends with her.

“There is no doubt in my mind that, from the time my mother talked with her at dinner in the shelter, to the time I played the Bridal March at her wedding, a transfor-mational work had been done,” he says. “It is my belief that there are many more such stories of which I have no knowledge.”

Indeed, this transformational work has impacted Spencer himself: “I have grown immensely from seeing the plight of impoverished women staying at FAFS. In large part, their attitude is surprisingly good. Every time that I work at FAFS, I re-ceive something of a much deeper nature than I could ever give them.”

Zach Stevenson, 19, Weatherby Lake

“Getting involved with things will open more doors than you can possibly imagine.”

Zach Stevenson isn’t new to volun-teering. He’s been in the Snow Creek Ski Patrol for four years and has earned many honors, including Outstanding Patroller, Student Patroller of the Year and a nomina-tion for Patroller of the Year for the entire United States. His passion, though, is sail-ing.

“I have been sailing for about 10 years. I love it because you’re hard pressed to find a sport that relies so much on fine-tuning and self-reliance—making the slightest adjustments can kill a race. Noth-ing can compare with a nice day of 15 mph winds on a boat when you can just sail,” says Zach. “It’s something that’s hard to describe to people until they experience it for themselves.”

And helping people, specifically kids with disabilities, experience the joy and freedom of sailing has become Zach’s mission. With the aid of fellow Weatherby residents Bill McGovern, Tom Sanders and Greg Carlile, Zach has developed an adaptive sailing program for children with disabilities.

“I suppose I was inspired by all the people at Weatherby Lake to help the kids. Weatherby is a fairly small lake and an even smaller community. We’re all very close and we try to do as much as we can to help our neighbors.”

Not only has Zach grown by helping others, he describes his sailing as being

WANT TO VOLUNTEER AS A FAMILY? KCPARENT.COM HAS IDEAS ON HOW TO GET THE ENTIRE FAMILY INVOLVED WITH VOLUNTEERING.

infused with “a new joy.” In the near future, Zach plans to study mechanical engineer-ing at the University of Missouri while still enjoying his favorite hobbies: ski patrolling and sailing.

Emily (16) and Alex (18) Goldman, Leawood

“Our best advice is to incorporate your passion when helping your commu-nity.”

When Emily and Alex signed up for a photography class at summer camp, the sisters never envisioned where the click of a shutter button would take them. But as they paired their bubbling creative juices with their entrepreneurial spirits, the result was Photos4Good, a free professional photography service that has captured events for more than 20 non-profit organi-zations, including Operation Breakthrough, Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired and Catholic Charities of Kansas City.

“We have gotten to work with chari-ties around the Kansas City area that we never would have known about otherwise. Our estimates count that we have worked

at events with attendees totaling more than 20,000 people. To be able to say that we have helped that many people is abso-lutely amazing, and we are amazed at what Photos4Good has grown into.”

And it’s still growing. In the future, the sisters would like to expand Photos4Good into several other states and possibly inter-nationally. “It’s an easy platform that could be successfully exported,” says Emily.

Her advice for other teenagers with a heart to serve others: “Incorporate your passion when helping your community. We loved community service and photography and made Photos4Good out of our hob-bies. If you love to cook, bake cookies for the elderly and then take them; if you love to play soccer, offer your skills to inner-city schools that may love to have your assistance. There are so many ways to get involved, so think about what you love and how you can help.”

When she’s not writing, Wendy Con-nelly, Overland Park, enjoys coordinating Princess Power Training, a church program equipping young girls with confidence.

EMILY & ALEX GOLDMAN


You will need:• Paper in different colors or patterns• A ruler and a pencil• Large and small scissors• A glue stick• Twigs or sticks

1. Cut out 10 strips of paper about 1 in. wide and 8 in. long. They can all be different colors, two colors or a single color. You can even use some of your old paintings.

2. Lay 6 strips vertically on the table, close but not touching each other. Hold the tops of the strips down with a heavy book. Weave one of the remaining 4 strips through the vertical strips on the table. Go under one strip then over the next, then under and over, until you reach the end. Pull the strip so that about 1-1/2 in. is sticking out on the left-hand side where the flag stick will be attached.

3. Take the next strip and weave it through—but this time start with the horizontal strip going over the vertical strip, then under the next strip (the opposite to the first strip). Again, make sure that 1-1⁄2 in. is sticking out on the left-hand side.

4. Continue with the remaining strips, starting with one under, then one over. Push the strips close together.

Tip: While collecting your sticks, look out for some dried seed pods on stalks—they look lovely, too.

5. Remove the book from the top of the flag. Lift the loose end of the first vertical strip at the top of the flag, spread glue on the horizontal strip underneath it, and then press it down firmly to secure it. Continue all around the flag, lifting and then sticking down any loose ends of paper.

6. Turn the flag over and do the same thing on the other side, sticking down any loose pieces. Turn the flag back over.

7. Glue the back of the longer, sticking-out strips on the left side of the flag and wrap the ends around a stick, holding it and pressing for a minute while the glue dries.

8. Trim the strips of paper that are sticking out on the edges. I think they look nice cut to different lengths.

Give your kids their first taste of crafting with My First Art Activity Book, an introduction to a world of endless creative possibilities. With Emma Hardy’s 35 quick and easy ideas aimed at children aged from 7 to 11, there are hours of fun to be had. Sand Castle Flags, excerpted from the book, are a perfect way to spend the last carefree days of summer. Every project comes with crystal clear instructions and cute artwork that guide your child through every step to make exciting toys, games, costumes and more.

woven sandcastle flagsMake your sandcastles the prettiest on the beach with these colorful paper flags. Even if you’re not planning a trip to the seaside, they would make

striking decorations in your bedroom.

craft project

We may not live by the ocean, but KC has several beaches to visit. Go to KCParent.com for a list of local beaches.


blog bits

I’m like every parent; it pains me to watch my children struggle. My first reaction is to just jump in and help, to

ease the burden and “make everything all right.” I also know that this isn’t the best way to help. My son is 11 and is old enough to start learning how to deal with struggles on his own. Of course, the daddy in me wants to protect him from disappointment, but I have to let him learn how to be suc-cessful, how to be independent and how to think on his own. This won’t happen without struggle.

This process is frustrating, for both my son and me. My son doesn’t necessar-ily want to learn “life lessons” right now and would rather I just tell him what to say for his essay or walk him through his math problems step by step. It is frustrating for me because it hurts watching him put so

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Development in Preschoolers with Specific Language Delay

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar DevelopmentContact: Dr. Marc E. Fey

Hearing & Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center (913) 588-0574 • [email protected]

or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey

PURPOSE To study the effects of adult speech

on grammatical development of preschoolers with language delay.

WHO QUALIFIES?Children 4 and 5 years old with

developmental delays that appear to be specific to language.

BENEFITS Caregivers receive a summary of all testing for their child, whether or not

the child qualifies for the study.

CAREGIVERRESPONSIBILITIES

Bring your child to KUMC for up to 4 preliminary evaluations of your

child’s communication skills. Attend 10 study sessions

at KUMC or at home.

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar Developmentin Preschoolers with Specific Language Delay

RESEARCH QUESTIONDoes the way children learngrammar depend on how adultstalk to them?

BENEFITSCaregivers receive a summary of all testing for their child and are compensated for costs of each trip to KUMC. Children receive a gift card good for new books.

WHO QUALIFIES?Children 4 and 5 years old with developmental delays that appear to be specific to language.

CAREGIVER RESPONSIBILITIESBring your child to KUMC for up to 5 preliminary evaluations of your child’s communication skills. Attend 10 study sessions at KUMC or at home.

Effects of Adult Speech on Grammar DevelopmentContact: Dr. Marc E. Fey

Hearing & Speech Dept. • KU Medical Center(913) 588-0574 • [email protected]

or visit our website alliedhealth.kumc.edu/school/research/fey

Does your child have a language delay?

through strugglemuch time and effort into projects, essays and math equations that I know I can help him with. I have tried very hard to take a backseat and let him “learn,” but it is hard when that “learning” doesn’t come easily. Although I still help him with his homework, when he asks, I try to let him figure it out on his own.

I know I would be doing my own son a disservice if I just took charge of his homework. I would be doing him a disser-vice if I guided him through every project and every problem. I would be doing him a disservice if I didn’t let him struggle. Although I know this intellectually, it doesn’t make it any easier.

James Wilcox and other parents blog daily at KCParent.com. Join the conversation today!

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on-the-go snack

ideas

TABLE OF CONTENTSNEW KID AT SCHOOL 25

SECRETS TO GOOD GRADES 26

FALL FASHION 28

FUNDRAISERS 30

EDUCATION GUIDE 32

WHAT’S NEW 36

back-to-school guide

Air-Popped Popcorn: Full of fiber, air-popped popcorn is a great, low-calorie snack that kids enjoy making almost as much as they enjoy eating! Add variety to their afterschool treat by having them add spices like cinnamon and oregano or other items like nuts or raisins. With three cups at about 100 calories, you can feel good feeding your family a bowl of popcorn—and hope that they share with their siblings.

READY OR NOT,

KANSAS CITY, IT’S

TIME FOR BACK TO

SCHOOL. FROM

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GETTING GOOD

GRADES, KC PARENT

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TABLE OF CONTENTSNEW KID AT SCHOOL 25

SECRETS TO GOOD GRADES 26

FALL FASHION 28

FUNDRAISERS 30

EDUCATION GUIDE 32

WHAT’S NEW 36


Moving to a new house can be ex-citing, but for a child who has to change schools, that excitement

can turn into nervousness. Taking a few steps before and after the move can help ease the jitters of being the “new kid.”

Erin Zubeck’s family recently moved from the Liberty school district to the North Kansas City school district, and her kindergartner, Madison, had to change schools. “We had play dates with neighborhood kids immediately, which helped me as much as her. We got on her school website to learn about school col-ors, mascot, etc. We then took her shop-ping to get a few shirts that were close to school colors and—for our fashionista—that was so fun. We also talked to her new principal to set up a tour where she got to meet her new teacher before she started school,” Zubeck said.

Being a positive role model is also important. Whining about the move or sharing bad experiences is not helpful to a child. Beth Dusin, guidance counselor at Hawthorne Elementary in Kearney, says that being positive is key. “Your optimistic attitude will help your student look forward to next year. Take time to

learn about the cool stuff the new school offers. Are there more lunch choices? Share your stories about making new friends and finding your way,” Dusin said.

For some younger children, books are a great way to ease the mind. Dusin says that books are a great way to talk with kids about something difficult or challenging. “A few that I would recom-mend are The Invisible String by Patri-cia Karst, The Brand New Kid by Katie Couric and The Worst Best Friend by Alexis O’Neill, kind of a ‘what not to do’ approach,” Dusin says. Read the book together and talk about the characters. Let the child make the connection to real life when she or he is ready.

Older children can struggle with changing schools as much as younger ones. Kelly Broughton of Kearney recently moved from Ohio, a more than 850-mile move for her high school sons Mitch and Brock. While her sons knew for more than two years that the move was coming, that didn’t make it any easier. “I talked a lot with them about their feel-ings and let them be angry when needed and yet not wallow in it. I let them call, text and Facebook their friends as often

as they wanted,” Broughton says. “Over time, it decreased as they met more and more people. We also opened our home up always to having friends over anytime they asked.”

Another technique Zubeck used was packing stickers in Madi’s lunch. “Until she learned and got comfortable with the lunch line routine, I packed her lunch. I put a note with hearts and her name and several stickers that she could hand out to friends sitting around her. It was sort of a bribe, but I knew that if I could help attract the kids, she would turn them into friends,” Zubeck says. This could be done with candy, stickers or any other special treat.

Broughton says time was important, as was not rushing her sons. “Time was the key. Each took his own amount of time adjusting and neither of them was the same. I had to have patience and under-standing—if I were in their shoes, I would have hated it, so I tried to understand that fact and not push too hard too fast,” Broughton says.

Jennifer Higgins is a freelance writer, mother and teacher from Kearney.

FIRST DAY JITTERS?

FIND TIPS TO TAME

THE BUTTERFLIES AT

KCPARENT.COM.

HOW TO BE THE NEW KID AT SCHOOL

Photo Credit: Nestlé Dreyer’s Ice Cream Company

EDY’S Fruit Bars: The perfect kid-friendly treat on the go, EDY’S Fruit Bars are packed with real fruit and are under 120 calories per bar, with most varieties serving as an excellent source of vitamin C. EDY’S Fruit Bars are also a great frozen snack if your children have dietary restrictions, with flavors available that are gluten-free, dairy-free, fat free, low-carb or have no added sugar. And with a great fruit taste, they’re sure to make you the block’s most popular parent.


back-to-school guide STEPS TO

Today’s academic world is competi-tive, but any student with the right habits can run the race well. With

involved parents as positive mentors, children of all intelligences and abilities can be successful scholars.

HEALTHY HABITS

There are a few basics many take for granted which are essential for suc-cessful performance in school. Discuss the following with your child and, to-gether, decide what strategies work best for him or her.

Organization. With your child, choose an agenda in which to write down assignments and responsibilities. Decide on a place to study with noise and light-ing level specific to your learner’s needs. Find a paperwork system that works with your child’s habits, whether that means a folder for every class, one binder to hold it all or an accordion file to keep every-thing together. The key is to carefully se-lect what works for your individual child.

Time Management. As children get older or more involved, time can come at a premium. With your child’s agenda at hand, model effective time management as you work together to set aside time for family, study, activities and play. Part of effective management is choosing classes wisely. Be wary of al-lowing your highly involved child to take all the challenging courses. The key is to model balance between academics and activities.

Reading. Every student can be a good reader; it’s just that not every child has found what he or she likes to read. Students who read often and on grade level perform better academi-cally and on standardized tests. Just like with sports, the only way to get better is to practice. The key is to find the right reading material, whether that is fiction, non-fiction or periodicals. Talk to your local librarian or your child’s teacher for recommendations.

Every student can be a good reader; it’s just that not every

child has found what he or she

likes to read.

SUCCESS

Peanut Butter Banana Tortilla: Wondering what to do with the leftover tortillas from Taco Tues-day? Turn them into an afterschool snack! Smear a whole wheat tortilla with peanut butter, slice a banana over the tortilla, and roll up for a fun finger food that fuels kids on the go with healthy fats, whole grains and a serving of fruit.

SECRETS TO GETTING GOOD GRADES



HELPERS, NOT HELICOPTERS

Successful students have involved parents. Studies have long shown that children thrive when their parents take an active, interested role in their educa-tion and activities. The key to being ap-propriately involved is twofold:

Teach your child self-advocacy. When your child faces a challenge or a decision needs to be made, talk with your child about options available and help him learn to problem solve. Discuss which professionals at school are appro-priate for him to talk to about the situa-tion. The highest performers are students who are able to go to teachers and ap-propriate school professionals to discuss and advocate for their own needs. Ask your child, “Who should you talk to?” and “What should you say?” Then problem solve and role play the best option.

Focus on learning, not grades. Grades should be representative of

what a child knows and can do, and your child should be aware of the criteria on which she is assessed. When talking to your child and her teacher, ask about the target learning goals and find out, with your child, what she needs to do to move to the next level. True education is about helping the child, irrespective of her

present level of skill and performance, move to a higher level of skill and perfor-mance for her. Ask the teacher, “How can I help?” She’ll tell you!

Free homework help is a click away. MidContinent, KC and KCK public libraries all provide access to free homework help. With a library card, any student can access 24/7 real-time, online tutoring with experts in core subject

areas. Find the link to Tutor.com through your library’s website and log in with your library card.

Monitor grades in real time. Al-most all secondary schools in the region utilize secured, web-based gradebooks, allowing parents to see children’s grades as soon as they are posted. Contact your school secretary for access information.

Raise ACT scores by reading. For every 500 pages a student reads, he can raise his ACT reading score 1 point. While that doesn’t sound like much, it could make a difference when it comes to scholarships and college admis-sions. Have your child talk to his English teacher or librarian for recommenda-tions or search online for the Advanced Placement Reading List.

Kimberly Brownlee has three very active boys who bear the burden of having an English teacher for a mother, and yes, she does correct their grammar. Kimberly teaches in Liberty.

For every 500 pages a student reads, he can raise his ACT reading

score 1 point.

Portable Pizzas: Feed fussy eaters with an easy-to-make portable pizza! To a toasted whole wheat english muffin, add a slice of tomato, low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese and any of your kids’ favorite pizza toppings, including mushrooms, peppers, pineapple, etc. Pop the portable pizza in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted, and enjoy.

TODAY’S princessCOULD BE TOMORROW’S

ballerina,ACTOR, PERFORMER, ARTIST,MUSICIAN OR DANCER...

14808 W 117TH STREET | OLATHE, KS 66062913.393.3141 | CULTUREHOUSE.COM

At The Culture House Academy House of Performing Arts we offer classes in dance, theater, art & music. We believe a fun, creative approach to the arts today builds a strong, healthy foundation for a bright future.

Our fall semester begins August 20th, 2012. Call today to learn more about our selection of classes available for all ages! We look forward to the opportunity to teach your child about the wide variety of the arts that we serve.



back-to-school fashions

Special thanks to Hoffman International for providing the talent, Mady and Me in Prairie Village for providing an outfit and Children's Orchard in Olathe for providing an entire ensemble and KiaBondurant.com for taking the photos.



BROOKLYNTrend alert: Red, white and blue

Dress (Truly Me, Mady and Me in Prairie Village,

$60.00) Cardigan (Target, $5.09) Ugg Boots (Nordstrom,

$129.00)

LANGSTONTrend alert: WesternShirt (Target, $12.99), Jeans (Target, $19.99)

SOFIATrend alert: NeonShirt (Nordstrom,

$28.00) Skirt (Nordstrom, $13.00)

Hat (Nordstrom, $18.00) Shoes

(Nordstrom Rack, $16.00)

ANGELTrend alert: ScarvesBeanie Hat (Urban Outfitters, $9.99)

Scarf (Target, $11.99) T-shirt (Nordstrom

Rack, $16) Button-up long sleeve (Gap,

$24.99) Pants (Urban Outfitters, $39.99) Shoes (Nordstrom

Rack, $18)

VINCENTTrend alert: Preppy

All items in Vincent’s outfit from Children’s

Orchard, Olathe. Polo T-shirt ($4.99),

Nautica shirt ($7.99), Children’s Place

jeans ($6.99), Sperrys ($7.99)

FOR EVERY BUDGET back-to-school fashions really!

For super deals on back-to-school fashions, visit Off 5th in The

Legends. Great styles withoutspending a lot of money!



Cookie dough, raffle tickets, trash bags, candy bars, wreaths, wrapping paper, flowers, maga-zines…I’m guessing when you read that list you

can claim to have bought or sold at least one of the above items as part of a school fundraiser.

The fact is that these days all schools need extra money to make sure that the kids are getting the best possible education. Fundraisers are a necessary part of having a child in school. But most parents despise the buying/selling routine because…let’s be honest…it is the parents that end up doing most of the work. Hitting up coworkers, friends and family members for the fourth time this year is not fun. And even if your children are old enough to sell the stuff themselves, they are still hitting up those same people who then turn around and ask YOU to buy something from their kid. (True story…this year we bought trash bags from our neighbor’s kids and then two months later sold them trash bags from our son. Didn’t we cancel each other out?)

EDY’S Smoothies: Fruit smoothies are a family favorite, but who wants to clean up the mess afterwards? With Edy’s Smoothies, making a delicious, creamy smoothie is as easy as adding milk and stirring! In flavors like strawberry banana, mixed berry, tropical and sunrise blend, Edy’s Smoothies are a great, portable snack that gives your family fruit and calcium they need without many calories and the clean up afterwards.

Photo Credit: Nestlé Dreyer’s Ice Cream Company

FED UPWITH FUNDRAISERS?

Hi! My name is Sara and I’m

selling trash bags to raise money for my school. Would you like to buy

some?


The good news? The universal disdain for sales-based fundraisers is prompting many schools to find new ways to raise money for their institutions. Those that have tried this method report earning just as much if not more money by thinking outside the box and creating new fundraisers that are much more fun than going door to door!

Jen O’Bryan coordinates Visitation School’s auction and she says, “The thing I really like about event-based fundrais-ers is the feeling of community and the opportunity to gather a group of people to celebrate the school.”

Here are a few ideas that you can take to your PTO if you, like so many parents, are fed up with fundraising. But be ready to put forth some effort…some of these fundraisers can be even more work than sales! Create a committee and spread the tasks out to a group of parents to make the load lighter for everyone and have fun while raising money for your school!

HIGHEST BIDDERMany schools in the Kansas City

area host auctions to raise funds. These types of events can range from a small silent auction where attendees bid on homemade items or desserts all the way to elaborate events with big ticket items and hundreds of things up for bid. When done right, these events can raise tens of thousands of dollars, but they are also a LOT of work for the planning commit-tee. The key to these events is to use the school families to solicit or donate the items that are being auctioned. If every family donates or procures at least one auction item, the workload is less for everyone.

GET MOVINGOur school recently did away with

one of the sales-based fundraisers and replaced it with a 5k Run/Fun Run/Mini Ruckus. It was a one-day event and all families were required to register, find family or friends to register or buy out. The event was a huge success, raising even more money than the previous sales-based fundraiser did! Not only was it easier for the school families, but it also promoted physical fitness and raised money for a separate charity as well.


WE ASKED KCPARENT.COM READERS:ARE YOU FED UP WITH SCHOOL FUNDRAISERS?

looks like that’show the cookie

crumbles!

58%

YES! PLEASE, NO MORE COOKIE, TRASH BAG, ENTERTAINMENT

BOOK SALES!

32%

NO WAY! GREAT WAY TO RAISE MUCH NEEDED

FUNDS FOR OUR SCHOOL.

10%

KIND OF. I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE, BUT WOULD

RATHER JUST WRITE A CHECK TO THE SCHOOL

Other schools have done walk-a-thons, fun runs, carnivals and dance-a-thons to get kids moving and donations flowing.

FOOD, FOOD, FOODFundraisers surrounding food are

always successful. Perhaps the quickest way to people’s pocketbooks is through their stomachs! Whether it’s a spaghetti dinner, dessert auction, wine tasting or night out at a restaurant, progressive dinner, bake sale or soup supper…feed people and they will donate. Events like these give people an excuse to get out for an evening and instead of spending money at a restaurant, they donate the money to your school and get a great meal or dessert in return. These events vary greatly in effort required depend-ing on what types of food you serve, so keep it simple (spaghetti, chili cookoff, pancake breakfast) if you don’t have a gourmet chef on the PTO.

WRITE A CHECKWhen all else fails, schools can

opt for the “Write a Check” campaign and just ask school families to make a contribution to the school. Most of the time, the amount is up to each family, so everyone can give what they are able to. The simple, effort-free appeal of this is attractive to both families and PTOs. As local mom of two Jill says, “I’d rather donate than do sales any day.”

In the end, it may be best to try a variety of fundraisers to appeal to a vari-ety of markets. O’Bryan says, “It’s ideal to have several types of fundraisers so you can target different groups of people. A fun run/walk, school carnival, auction, etc., will bring together families and can often really show what the fundraising is all about.”

Sara Keenan lives in Brookside with her family. Her favorite fundraisers are the kinds that involve a fun night out like the Visitation School Auction or Trivia Night!


Interactive Education Guideavailable at KCParent.com

Special Advertising Section

Interactive Education Guide available @ KCParent.comEducation GuideKC Parent’s

Early Childhood

All 4 KIDS ChristianDay Care & PreschoolOffering full- and part-time daycare and pre-school for ages 1-5, our focus is to provide a Christian learning environment while helping parents to grow the whole child both spiritually

and intellectually. Our age based Christian cur-riculum will promote the love of reading, the world of numbers, values and character building. Quality teachers will sing, read, talk and listen, and your child will feel secure in their home away from home. See display ad on pg. 35. 913.764.0300. www.All4KidsChristianDaycare.com

Building BlocksBuilding Blocks is a privately owned and operated child development center for children ages 2½ - pre-kindergarten. At Building Blocks our goal is to enable your child to learn and experience life though a hands-on approach in an atmosphere where they feel good about themselves and the world around them. Field trips, computer classes and summer swimming lessons are also offered at an additional fee. Building Blocks is located at College & Lackman in Southlake Technology Park. 913.888.7244. See display ad on pg. 34.www.BuildingBlocksCDC.com

KinderCare Learning CenterDiscover KinderCare Learning Centers, where everything we do is designed for learning. Every activity and lesson in our classrooms is created to help your child explore, share and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Whether your child has first words or first grade on the horizon, come see how we prepare your child for success in school and beyond. Visit www.KinderCare.com or call 1.877.KinderCare (877.546.3372). See display ad on pg. 34.

Special Beginnings Early LearningServing the community for over 20 years, Special Beginnings has 4 JOCO locations in Lenexa, Olathe and Overland Park. Special Beginnings provides a quality program within a safe, lov-ing, Christian environment. The programs have earned NAC national accreditation. Well-bal-anced, pre-academic curriculum includes art, music, cooking, and an innovative early wellness

MCAMCA offers more, check us out and see!

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program. Serving infant through school age chil-dren. Open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. M-F. See display ad to receive a $100 tuition credit. See display ad on pg. 32. www.SpecialBeginningsOnline.com

Wee WorkshopWee Workshop has been serving Southern Johnson County for nearly twenty-two years as a family owned business. Full time childcare is offered for ages two weeks to five years. After school and full time summer care is also provided. Additional programs offered include part-time Preschool for ages three to five during the school year, and Mother’s Day Out for ages one and two. We’re open year round, Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Call 913.681.2190 (OP) or 913.681.2191 (Stilwell) for more information. See display ad on pg. 34. www.WeeWorkshopChildCare.com

Elementary - High School

Brookridge Day SchoolWe believe that the secret to learning is within the child rather than the method. We offer an educa-tion with positive, enriching experiences inside a loving environment. Our goal is to create a classroom where the child is exposed to as many different ways to learn as possible, enhancing the probability of successful learning for every learn-er. Ballet, tap, gymnastics, Tae Kwon Do offered on campus. Before & after school care included. Tours: 913.649.2228. See display ad on pg. 33. www.BrookridgeDaySchool.com

Discover the Difference......between what you always thought about military school education and what we’re really all about.

Since 1889, Missouri Military Academy has offered an education that prepares young men in grades 6-12 for college and beyond. As an all-boy boarding school, we are the place for students who desire a rich, challenging educational environment that develops leader-ship skills and fosters lifelong friendships with students from around the world.

The MMA experience is one of the best gifts you can offer your son. To discover more, visit our web site or call our Admissions Office at 573.581.1776.

Structure for Learning. Leadership for Life.www.missourimilitaryacademy.org

School starts Aug. 7th - call now!

Accredited Kindergarten thru 3rd Grades.

Full-time / Part-time Preschool Available.

Preschool Accreditation through K.D.H.E.

Parent Friendly Hours - 6:45am to 6:00pm.

Minutes from 69 Hwy., I-35 & I-435.

HEARTLAND VIRTUAL ACADEMYCoordinator: Valerie Tindill

Contact Info: Cell: 620-794-1437Email: [email protected]

Website:heartlandvirtualacademy.org

Featuring K12 & ODYSSEYWARE Online Curriculums

K-8 VirtualSchool ProgramEnrolling Now for

2012-2013


Heartland Virtual AcademyYour child’s education can impact their entire life. Choosing a setting that they can thrive in is profoundly important. The first and best teacher is you, and home is where it all begins. At Heartland Virtual Academy we can provide your K-8 student the opportunity to school at home. Using K12 and OdysseyWare curricula we can tailor a plan right for your child, with full and part time options avail-able. See display ad on pg. 33. www.HeartlandVirtualAcademy.org.

“The Building Blocks for your Child’s Future”

Child Development Center• Preschool, Pre-kindergarten & Child Care• Starting at age 2 1/2• Open 7:00 am - 6:00 pm• Located at College & Lackman in Southlake Technology Park• Privately owned & operated

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Ages 2 weeks to 12 years

Mother’s Day Out 9:00-3:00

Lawrence Virtual School/Lawrence Virtual High School/iQ Academy KansasLawrence Virtual School and Lawrence Virtual High School, full-time, tuition-free online public schools for Kansas students in grades K-11, and iQ Academy Kansas, serving grades 7-12, offer award-winning curriculum, Kansas-licensed teachers, a supportive community, and extracur-ricular activities. Both schools help students state-

wide achieve their own academic potential, tuition free. Get more information at www.K12.com/ks or ww.iqacademyks.org. See display ad on pg. 37. LVS/LVHS: 866.644.8320, iQKS: 877.345.4757

Maranatha Christian AcademyThose who believe a quality education should include an emphasis on the development of Christian character, wisdom beyond the ac-cumulation of information and knowledge, and

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THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY:A UNIVERSE OF KNOWLEDGE IN A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY.

PACE UMKC’s degree program for working adults

The Program for Adult College Education (PACE) enables full-time working adults to earn bachelor’s degrees. Classes meet in flexible weeknight, weekend and independent study formats.

The degree programs offered through PACE will help prepare you for a number of professional career fields or graduate studies in areas such as: Education Law Alliedhealthandmedicalprograms Commercialeconomicsand business-relatedareas

Classesbeginsoon.Call the PACE office today.

816-235-1588www.umkc.edu/PACEAsk about UMKC financial aid and scholarships opportunities.an equal opportunity/affirmative action institutionRelay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TT), 1-800-735-2466 (voice)

a lifestyle of service and responsible citizenship would feel right at home at Maranatha Academy. Besides a rigorous academic curriculum, students have many avenues in which to excel, including athletics, visual or performing arts, National Honor Society, Scholar Bowl, student council, community service, yearbook, journalism, and more. We welcome the new Superintendent-Elect, Mark Schultze. 913.631.0637. See display ad on pg. 32. www.MA-KC.org

Missouri Military AcademyMissouri Military Academy is one of the premier all-boy private military boarding schools in the country. Educating young men in grades 6-12 for more than 120 years. MMA has an impressive record of college admission and thousands of ac-complished alumni who have assumed positions of authority in business, finance, law, education, the arts and the military. Located in Mexico,

Mo., MMA’s boarding and activities programs offer 11 varsity sports, marching band, drama, Army JROTC, Cadet Chorus, drill team and Boy Scouts. For more information see our website. 573.581.1776. See display ad on pg. 33. www.MissouriMilitaryAcademy.org

Colleges and Universities

UMKC PACE ProgramThe Program for Adult College Education (PACE) enables full-time working adults to earn bache-lor’s degrees. Classes meet in flexible weeknight, weekend and independent study formats. Prepare for a professional career field or graduate studies in areas such as: Education, Law, Allied Health, Medical Programs, Commercial Economics and business-related areas. Classes begin soon. Ask about financial aid and scholarships opportunities. 816.235.1588 An equal opportunity/affirmative

action institution. See display ad on pg. 35. Relay Missouri: 1.800.735.2966 (TT), 1.800.735.2466 (voice). www.UMKC.edu/PACE

Enrichment

Rapid Road to ReadingThe Rapid Road to Reading learning center provides one-to-one interactive instruction for students K- 6th grade. Our program incorporates a variety of instructional methods that result in high rates of literacy achievement. While learning to recognize the sounds of letter combinations and sight words, students master skills needed to crack the code of reading. The emphasis on expanding our students’ vocabulary and teaching them to associate nouns with images and verbs with actions is integral to improving reading comprehension. 913.317.5515. See display ad on pg. 35. www.RapidRoadToReading.com


Students need durable supplies that are just as flexible as they are, and the Five Star Flex® line gives them the tools they need to keep it all together. This unique hybrid acts like a notebook and works like a binder. TechLock® rings in 1- and 1.5-inch sizes accommodate more than traditional binders of equiva-lent sizes. Choose between a solid or customizable cover, both avail-able in six colors. MeadOnline.com

My Story...A Book of Memories is a busy parent’s Memory book. No more stuffing artwork and other im-portant keepsakes in a drawer for organization at a later time. Now parents can easily organize their child’s artwork, certificates, school photos and other special items into large pockets and quickly jot down special moments and milestones to remember. Amazon.com.

what’s new

Not only are they affordable, durable, waterproof and easy to clean, the Optari backpack can be customized with your choice of Fobbz or Mini Fobbz, colorful charms that plug into the holes on all Optari products. Kids will love to personalize their bag stand with more than 70 shapes, animals, sports, flowers, initials and more to choose from on the Optari website. Optari.com

Bible verses are presented in an inno-vative way, making it easy for today’s

busy kids and teens to keep God’s Word close at hand and within view

every day. Using a magnetic backing, these sticky note pads from Zonder-

van are designed after four bestselling Bibles for kids and teens. Each pad

includes 101 verses that kids can post anywhere and share with their friends.

Zondervan.com

Take your locker from drab to fab with LockerLookz. Their fashionable

products allow young girls to express themselves through their school lock-ers. From wallpaper and bins to rugs and curtains, each girl can decorate

her locker to her style. VisitLockerLookz.com, where kids can

instantly mix and match products to get a perfect look. LockerLookz.com

Two notebooks and amazing colors make it twice as fun to jot down study

notes and reminders with Crayola’s Wild Notes Mini Notebook Set. The

small size makes it perfect for creative writing on the go, easily fitting into a

pocket or book bag. Convenient spi-ral binding at the top allows for easy

flipping. The Wild Notes Mini Notebook set includes 2 spiral-bound notebooks with 75 pages and 1 Wild Notes pen.

Crayola.com

HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL WITH NEW GEAR!



YOUR CHILD can Thrive

Online public schooling means individualized learning for every student.

Often, a one-to-one approach is what it takes to realize a child’s innermost possibilities. As the leader in K–12 online education, K12 offers tuition-free, online public schooling that adapts to fit every child.

Innovative, proven curriculum

Passionate, certified teachers

Flexible pacing, individualized learning

It’s the choice between a child trying to fit the school, or a school that fits your child.

K12 programs are available in Kansas through the Lawrence Virtual School (K–8),

Lawrence Virtual High School (9–12), iQ Academy Kansas (7–12), and Insight

School of Kansas (7–12 and adult learners interested in completing high school).

We are accepting applications for the current school year in all of our programs.

Visit us online for full details and upcoming events.

VISIT K12.com/KSSchoolS

CALL 855.753.7149


BEST BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHOTOS…WHEN I GROW UP

Create an album for your child capturing not just the smiles of baby teeth, missing teeth, braces and grown up pearly whites… capture who they are! Take a photo of your child against a backdrop with the child on the far right of the backdrop (a sheet or solid wall is ideal). Then, using your favorite photo editing software, add text to the left of the image answering basic questions about your child: name, age, favorite color, fa-vorite hobby, what they want to be when they grow up, favorite pet, nickname, favorite school subject, etc. Then, do this again next year, and the next… watch every year as your child’s dreams change from growing up to be a fire fighter, vet-erinarian, ballerina or movie star.

BACK-TO-SCHOOLSHOPPING & LUNCH… JUST YOU & ME

Moms often find the task of school shopping to be a daunting chore, but it can be a great chance for one-on-one time with your child. Schedule dates with each child individually and go to lunch, buy that special outfit, get a new haircut and do something fun. Start the conver-sation now and keep it going all school year long with ongoing ice cream dates. To make it extra special, select a special restaurant for lunch—the perfect place for a treat! Some of our favorite restau-rants for special occasions are:

Shabby Hattie’s Tea Room (113 N. Main St., Parkville, MO, 816.587.1044). The menu includes a princess menu with pink lemonade for children. Little girls are offered tin tea sets to play with as they wait for their food. They also enjoy feather boas, necklaces and gloves to

ONE LAST

Need more ideas for how to make the most of the last summer days? The KCParent.com calendar has more than 500 events for the month

of August—there’s something for everyone!

hurrahBEFORE THE FIRST BELL RINGS

JACK, AGE 6FIRST GRADE

WANTS TO BEAN ASTRONAUT

COLLECTS INSECTS,PLAYS SOCCER

PROUD NEWBIG BROTHER

WATCHES PHINEAS & FERB

EATS CHEERIOS WITH BANANAS

POWELL GARDENS


“dress up” for the occasion. Winstead’s (for locations:

WinsteadsSteakburger.com). The Kansas City landmark known for steakburgers and juke boxes is always fun. The great-est challenge, though, is whether or not you can finish a Skyscraper (the giant milkshake or ice cream soda meant to be shared)! Bring a camera for this family tradition.

Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (three locations: 2450 Grand Blvd., # 1, Kansas City, MO, 816.474.4004 ; 250 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS, 913.281.2777; or 13803 W. 63rd St., Shawnee, KS, 913.375.1000). This casual restaurant is one your children will not forget! Model trains travel around the perimeter of the restaurant delivering burgers and fries to your table.

T-Rex Café (1847 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS, 913.334.8888). The restaurant features life-size dinosaurs and theatrical prehistoric settings. The dinosaurs “come to life” among the wa-terfalls, aquariums and ice caves.

BEFORE THE FIRST DAY FOR ELEMENTARY

What does your child enjoy most in this world—and can you make it come true? You will find many great theme ideas on KCParent.com, but a few of our favorites are especially fun in August!

For many parents, back to school is a time to reminisce about their own childhoods. One of our favorite attrac-tions in Kansas City to share childhood memories is the Toy & Miniature Museum (5235 Oak St., Kansas City, MO, 816.235.8000). Remember Raggedy Ann? Electric trains? Your first Barbie? Playing marbles? The magic of childhood comes

to life as children and adults explore more than 30 rooms of toys and treasures. The museum is open year-round, but we especially love the annual Back-to-School Event with FREE admission, playing a terrific game of “I Spy,” making secret decoder badges and dancing with a live band (1:00-3:30). Mark your calendars to attend on Aug. 25 from 10:00 to 4:00 and enjoy the fun!

Ride the rails with the Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad where your family can enjoy ice cream trains every Friday (816.331.0630) as part of the fun on the 5-mile, 45-minute round trip train ride.

The Festival of Butterflies returns to Powell Gardens (Aug. 3-5, 10-12, PowellGardens.org),where the conserva-tory is transformed into a butterfly house, filled to the brim with gorgeous blooms and hundreds of tropical butterflies.

hurrahBEFORE THE FIRST BELL RINGS

BEFORE THE FIRST FOR TWEENS & TEENS

It is important to make the most of your time with your children… teens and tweens often spend more time with peers than parents, but keeping communica-tion open is important and having fun together is the best way to do just that!

Make reservations to see a show at Comedy City in Westport (816.842.2744 or visit ComedyCity.cc). Comedy City is a live improv comedy competition where members of the audience offer sugges-tions as two teams compete to earn your laughs! The All Ages Shows (7:30 on Friday and Saturday evenings) are clean (bad language isn’t allowed), funny and one-of-kind.

Compete in a game of laser tag at the Maze Craze (816.587.MAZE). The Maze Craze offers multiple levels of mazes, including the ultimate challenge: a high-tech arena with black lighting, fluorescent graphics and intriguing obstacles creating the ultimate laser tag backdrop.

Enjoy dinner and a movie at AMC’s Fork & Screen, where theatergoers enjoy personal recliners and seat-side service at the push of a button, and where a full menu of casual dining choices is offered. Kansas City boasts two Fork & Screen theaters: 1400 Main St., Kansas City, MO & 12075 S. Strang Line Rd., Olathe (guests 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Call 888.AMC.4FUN for show-times.

Kristina Light still remembers enjoy-

ing sopapillas at Annie’s Santa Fe with her grandmother on their back-to-school shopping dates.

POWELL GARDENS

FRITZ’S RAILROAD RESTAURANT


C A L E N D A Raugust

No part of this calendar may be reproduced in print or web format.

seeVisit Powell

Gardens Aug. 3-5 and 10-12 for the

annual Festival of Butterflies. See

the brand new butterflies this

year from Costa Rica. Visit

PowellGardens.com for a schedule of

festival events. $5-$12.

The NEWKCParent.com

calendar now has10x MOREEVENTS!

playHead to Crown Center on Aug. 4 as it turns into

“Clown Center” for the day. From

11:00 to 1:00, enjoy balloon ani-mals, face paint-ing and general

clowning around. 816.274.8444

tasteEnjoy food sam-

ples from over 40 countries at the

Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Swope Park, Aug. 17-19.

In addition, see art and dance and crafts from many different

parts of the world. $3, 12 and under, free. 816.513.7527

goTake the family to the Missouri

State Fair, Aug. 9-19 in Sedalia. To

make the most of your trip, visit KCParent.com

and read “A City Girl’s Guide to the State Fair.”

Advance tickets only $6!

MoStateFair.com

celebrateThe Toy and

MiniatureMuseum is

celebrating back-to-school

time with a FREE event. Partici-

pate in an I Spy game, make a

game decoder, hear live mu-

sic and more. 816.235.8000

Ethnic Enrichment Festival


1 WEDNESDAYFairy Houses & Forts Thru Oct 7, 9:00, Powell Gardens. Visit a magical world of childhood fantasies come true with this exhibit. 816.697.2600

Open Play 9:00, Stanley Presbyterian Church. Bring the kids, toys and your to-go cup of coffee! 913.681.8180

Inventing the Modern World Thru Aug 19, 10:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum. See decorative arts from the world’s fairs from 1851 to 1939. 816.751.1278

Doo Dad Mike Performs 10:00, Johnson County Museum. See a Kansas City performer focused on family entertainment. 913.715.2550

Jungle Story 10:00, Riverside Library. Giraffe, Rabbit, Chimp and Elephant all tell stories of the jungle. Piccadilly Puppets performs! 816.741.6288

Museum Kids Summer Drop-Ins 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Drop in with your child and learn about music through varied activities. 816.483.8300

German Toys Program 1:00, Toy and Miniature Museum. Learn about Ger-many’s role in toy making and sew your own stuffed toy. 816.235.8000

Once Upon a Mattress Thru Aug 5, various showtimes, Coterie Theatre (Crown Center). You’ll never look at fairytales the same! 816.474.6552

Missouri Peach Days Thru Aug 5, Lexington, MO. Sample Missouri’s finest peaches at orchards and markets along Hwy 24. VisitLexingtonMO.com

2 THURSDAY Inventing the Modern World Thru Aug 19, 10:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum. See decorative arts from the world’s fairs from 1851 to 1939. 816.751.1278

Reading at the Grinter Place 10:00, Grinter Place. Every Thursday explore themed books, crafts and music. 913.299.0373

Night Adventures Story Time 2:00, Waldo Library. Explore the moon, stars and planets through stories, activities and crafts. 913.701.3486

Highlights 2:00, National Frontier Trails Museum. This 30-minute guided tour investigates Western settlement. 816.325.7575

Plaza Live Courtyard Concerts 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Some of KC’s favorite musicians will be rocking out on the street! CountryClubPlaza.com

Summer Sounds 6:30, Park Place. Enjoy the sights and sounds of music outdoors. 913.663.2070

3 FRIDAYBack-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Thru Sun, Missouri. Enjoy a 3-day period of particular items exempt from sales tax!

Back-to-School Tax-Free Weekend Children’s Orchard. Children’s Orchard will double your sales tax savings, even in our Olathe store! ChildrensOrchard.com

Festival of Butterflies Thru Aug 12, 9:00, Powell Gardens. A grand celebration of the fantastical beauty of butterflies! 816.697.2600

Museum Kids Summer Drop-Ins 10:00, Kansas City Museum. Drop in with your child and learn about music through varied activities. 816.483.8300

Summer Sizzler Noon, Thomas A Soetaert Aquatic Center and Splash Cove. Join us for concession deals, games and prizes for summer fun! 913.631.5200

Game Day 3:00, Turner Library. Teens and tweens can play their favorite Wii, Playstation 3 or board games. 913.596.1404


Family Fun Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Enjoy unlimited soft play, 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and 4 drinks for only $21.99. 816.358.0088

Geocaching 6:00, Shawnee Mission Park. Kids are sure to love this modern day scavenger hunt with GPS devices.913.831.3355

Sock Hop 6:30, Olathe Library. Enjoy an after-hours dance-a-thon with family and friends! 913.971.5680

Free Blues & Jazz Fest 7:00, Lee’s Summit City Hall Plaza. Food and drink vendors will be on site for our Blues and Jazz Festival. CityOfLS.net

First Fridays in the Crossroads 7:00, Crossroads Art District. Enjoy art from 7:00 to 9:00 in the Cross-roads! KCCrossroads.org

Kenny Loggins Concert 8:00, Crown Center Square. All tickets are just $5 for general admission seating. 816.274.8444

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Thru Sun, 8:30, Gladstone Amphitheatre. Gates open at 3:00. 816.436.2200

Family Night “Dive In” Theater 9:00, Merriam Aquatic Center. Watch Kung Fu Panda II while float-ing in the pool under the stars! 913.322.5550

4 SATURDAYOlathe Medical Center 5K and Family Fun Run 8:00, Heritage Park. The ½-mile kids’ fun run is free! Sign up as a family! SportKC.org

Veg Out! 8:00, the City Market. Enjoy this themed celebration that focuses on vegetables! Fun activities for all. 816.842.1271

Pencils, Paint Brushes, Rulers and More 9:00, Paint Glaze & Fire. Ages 6-13 are invited to get creative with basics! 913.661.2529

Ticks Tick Me Off!! 10:00, Burr Oak Woods Nature Center. Learn about these awful arachnids and ways to deter them from you! Ages 5+. 816.228.3766

Super Saturdays 10:00, Cool Crest. Until Noon, enjoy unlimited mini golf, 2 go-kart rides and 40 arcade tokens for $10.99. 816.358.0088

Summer on the Farm 10:00, Shawnee Town 1929. Learn about summertime on a 1920s Shaw-nee farm. 913.248.2360

Family Fun Day 10:00, National Frontier Trails Mu-seum. Free covered wagon rides and refreshments with paid admission. 816.325.7575

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Hear a story and learn facts about the animal of the month. 816.513.8960

Ice Cream Social Train Ride Thru Aug 7, 11:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Everyone loves trains and ice cream! $10/ea. 816.331.0630

Clown Day 11:00, Crown Center. Enjoy balloon animals, face painting and general clowning around until 1:00. 816.274.8444

Comedy Magic Show 1:00, KC Improv. The funni-est magicians are here to entertain the whole family at the Improv! ImprovKC.com

Saturday Night Feeder 4:00, Cedar Cove Feline Sanctuary. Every Saturday through October we host public feeding of cats! 913.837.5515

Mr Stinky Feet and Funky Mama 6:00, Summit Fair. Two of your favorite children’s entertainers will perform for the kids! SummitFairShopping.com Fastest Kid in Town 6:30, Johnson County Com-munity College. If you’re a kid, we have a race for you, starting under 2 years old! SportKC.org 5 SUNDAYFarmers’ Market 8:00, City Market. Rain or shine, the region’s largest farmers’ market can be found every Saturday and Sunday. TheCityMarket.org

Special Swim Experience 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Join other families and people with disabilities in this special swim session. 913.895.6390

Treasures of TheTropicsaugusT 3-5 & augusT 10-12

See more than 20 new tropical treasures as we introduce exotic beauties from Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Malaysia and Kenya. Don’t miss the “glass wing” butterfly you can see right through and much more!

816.697.2600 | powellgardens.org/butter fly

2 0 1 2 f e s T i va l o f b u T T e r f l i e s

Plus!• Photography Exhibit by Bill Johnson• Storytelling with ‘Fancy Nancy’• Monarch Watch• Caterpillar Petting Zoo• Caterpillar Hunt & Butterfly Safaris• Costume Parade

kcparent.comaugust 2012 43

Family Fun Day Noon, KC Museum. Families can have fun together while enjoying an educational experience. 816.483.8300

Shawnee Mission Park Beach Noon, Shawnee Mission Park. Beat the August heat and take a swim at the beach. Last day! 913.312.8847

Play Day 1:00, Whole Foods Market (7401 W 91st). Play and learn about healthy eating! The first 200 kids get a goodie bag. 913.652.9633

Once Upon a Mattress 2:00, Coterie Theatre (Crown Center). You’ll never look at fairytales the same! 816.474.6552

Meet Me at the Museum 2:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Tour the museum’s current exhibitions with a Kemper docent. 816.753.5784

Free Music in the Park 6:30, Rotary Park at Railroad Lake. Enjoy music outdoors with family and friends every Sunday. BlueSpringsGov.com Music in the Park 7:00, Santa Fe Commons Park. Listen to music outdoors with family and friends! Bring blankets and lawn chairs. OPKansas.org 6 MONDAYEarly Bird Special 9:00, Little Monkey Bizness. Admission is only $5 plus tax before 10:00 Monday thru Thursday! 913.631.7000

Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Visit Vaile Mansion 10:00, Vaile Mansion. Come see one of our nation’s premiere examples of Sec-ond Empire Victorian architecture. 816.325.7430

Cinemark Movie Clubhouse Thru Aug 9, 11:00, Cinemark 20. Come in from the heat and see Yogi Bear for only $1. 800.326.3264, Exp Code 1120#

Preschool Story Time 11:00, Blue Springs South Library. A fun and engaging program for children ages 3-5 years. 816.229.3571

Family Fun Night 8:30, Summit Waves. Join us for games, giveaways, a DJ and concessions! 816.969.1545

Moon Glow Madness Party 8:30, Springs Aquatic Center. Bring family and friends to the aquatic center for a special evening party! 816.880.0279

Missouri State Fair | Aug. 9-19

Call 913.681.3318 today to enroll using code: “KC Parent Fall Enroll” and receive $25 off enrollment.New families only. Not valid with other offers

Fall theater arts class enrollment begins July 30.Join our classes and audition for "The King and I", "A Little Princess", or "Narnia".

CYT is an after-school theater arts program for children ages 5-18. Classes are taught throughout the metro by professionals,

dedicated to building confidence andself-esteem in students.

For more information visit us at: cytkc.org


Movie Mania 2:00, Plaza Library. Stop by the library and watch The Lorax for free! 816.701.3481

9 THURSDAYThe 2012 Missouri State Fair Thru Aug 19, MO State Fairgrounds (Sedalia). There’s something for everyone to enjoy! MoStateFair.com

Splash N Play 9:00, Springs Aquatic Center. Kids 5 and under can play in the family play pool and sprayground area. 816.880.0279

Bumper Bowling 10:00, Mission Bowl. Bring your preschooler 5 and under to the alley every Thursday for bowling fun! 913.432.7000


Plaza Live Courtyard Concerts 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Some of KC’s favorite musicians will be rocking the street! CountryClubPlaza.com

Summer Sounds 6:30, Park Place. Mr Stinky Feet performs for a special night of entertainment. 913.663.2070

The Music Man Thru Aug 26, 7:00, Off Center The-atre (Crown Center). This famous musical will have you singing in your chair! 816.842.9999

7 TUESDAYJohnson County Fair Thru Sat, Johnson County Fairgrounds. Animal shows, carnival, competitions, rides, and much more! JoCoKansasFair.com

Leavenworth County Fair Thru Sat, Noon, Tongan-oxie Fair Grounds. 4-H exhibits, booths, food, carnival rides, competition & entertainment. 913.683.4483

The Barstow Summer Kids Club 10:00, Park Place. Kids ages 3-10 can join us for fun, educational activities. 816.277.0418


National Night Out Against Crime 6:00, Swope Park. Unite with cities around the US against crime. Kid zone available. KCNightOut.net

Food Fun with Kids 6:00, Olathe (22201 Innova-tion Dr). Get kids involved in the kitchen with this hands-on workshop. 913.971.8563

Service Dogs in Action 7:00, North Independence Library. Wayside Waifs invites you to learn all about our service dogs.

8 WEDNESDAYFarmers’ Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Wednesdays and Saturdays, we are here until we

sell out! 816.246.6598

Pop N Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Join us for activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-old child. 913.715.2550

Safe Sitter Babysitting Class 9:00, Indian Creek Library. Teens will learn how to handle emergencies while caring for young children. 913.971.5235

Dream Dinners Summer Olympics 10:00 or 11:00, Dream Dinners. Kids 9+ can attend a special cooking session. 913.491.6733

Tiny Tot Skate 9:30, Skate City. $5 for tots includes skating, a snack and a drink. 913.888.6668

Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice™ Thru Sept 9, 10:00, Crown Center. An interactive exhibit created by the Minnesota Children’s Museum. 816.274.8444

Joan and Sue and the Cool Puppets Too 10:30, Lenexa Community Center. A free end-of-summer performance for all ages! 913.541.0209

Adventures in Learning 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum. Attend a gallery talk and create something to take home. 816.235.8000

Pet Suitcase 1:30, Smithville Library. Children will learn all about the responsibility of taking care of pets. 816.532.0116

TRAIN RIDES

Train Rides$9.00

Regular Trains DepartSat & Sun, 2 pm [May - Oct]Sat., 11 am [June - Aug only]

Ice Cream Train$10.00, June - Aug, 7 pm

Belton, Grandview &Kansas City Railroad Co.502 Walnut •Belton, Missouri

816-331-0630 • www.beltonrailroad.org

Tickets go on sale one hour before train departure time.

Charters • Field Trips or Birthday Parties,plan by appointment.

Kids under three FREE


10 FRIDAYGreat Midwest Balloon Fest Today & tomorrow, 4:00, the Great Mall. A massive convergence of hot air balloons and activities for all!GreatMidwestBalloonFest.org

Just Between Friends Sale Thru Aug 12, KCI Expo Center. Shop this consignment event for unbelievable deals and savings! See KC Parent ad for coupons! 816.809.0360 Festival of Butterflies Thru Aug 12, 9:00, Powell Gardens. A grand celebration of the fantastical beauty of butterflies! 816.697.2600

YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:30 (Miami) & 6:00 (Blue Springs & Atchison). Enjoy a night out while the kids have fun! KansasCityYMCA.org

Tweens’ Night Out 6:00, Paint Glaze & Fire. Bring your friends and enjoy pizza, painting and fun! 913.661.2529

Family Fun Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Enjoy unlimited soft play, 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and 4 drinks for only $21.99. 816.358.0088

Revolution: A Tribute to the Beatles Thru Sun, 7:30, the Barn Players. Consider joining us for our annual fundraiser special event! 913.432.9100

Train 7:30, Starlight Theatre. Train performs on

stage! Purchase tickets in advance. 816.363.7827

Free Movie in the Park 9:00, Webb Park (Oak Grove). Bring your family with blankets and chairs for a movie under the stars! CityOfOakGrove.com

11 SATURDAYFarmstead Stampede 7:00, Deanna Rose Farm-stead. Adult and youth 5K race. Sign up online by Aug 9. SportKC.org

Family Fishing 9:00, Burr Oak Woods. We’ll teach the basics of fishing and provide equip-ment and worms for this catch-and-release event. 816.228.3766

Tails on the Trails 9:00, Ad Astra Pool and Park. Enjoy pet vendors, pet talent show, dog swims and demonstrations. 913.477.7100

Kids’ Club 10:00, Powell Gardens. Monthly pro-grams feature guided walks and behind-the-scenes tours. 816.697.2600 x209

End-of-Summer Carnival 10:00, Schlagle Library. Games, music, food, fun and prizes for all! 913.299.2384

Lowe’s Build ‘n Grow 10:00, Lowe’s stores across the Metro. Bring out the kids for a free clinic to build and create something unique. LowesBuildAndGrow.com

Fall & WinterClasses in4 locations!

Registration & complete class information at www.coterietheatre.org or call (816) 474-6785 x 231

Crown CenterLee’s Summit

ParkvilleOverland Park

A varietyof classes offered for grades K-12



Summer Nature Walk 10:30 & 2:00, Fort Osage. Embark on a guided tour of both the upland and floodplain zones. 816.503.4860

Talkin’ Truman 11:00, Truman Presidential Library. Learn about Harry’s School Days: The Education of a Future President. 816.268.8200


YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:00 (Indep, Platte County North & South, Prov/Ball, Richard C Green, Sr) & 6:00 (Red Bridge). Enjoy a night out while the kids have fun! KansasCityYMCA.org

12 SUNDAYSusan G Komen Race for the Cure® 6:00, Union Station. Participate in a great cause with the whole family. 816.842.0410

Farmers’ Market 8:00, City Market. Rain or shine, the region’s largest farmers’ market can be found every Saturday and Sunday. TheCityMarket.org

Train Ride 2:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Bring the family and enjoy a train ride! $9/person. 816.331.0630 Music in the Park 7:00, Santa Fe Commons Park. Listen to music outdoors with family and friends! Bring blankets and lawn chairs. OPKansas.org 13 MONDAYWaddell and Reed Kids’ Marathon Consider signing up your child today to reserve his spot for the Kids’ Marathon on Oct 20. SportKC.org

Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000

Midtown Playgroup 10:00, Westport Roanoke Community Center. Bring your young child to our indoor playground setting. 816.784.5200

Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Visit Vaile Mansion 10:00, Vaile Mansion. Come see one of our nation’s premiere examples of Sec-ond Empire Victorian architecture. 816.325.7430

Safe Sitter Babysitting Class 1:00, Olathe Library.

Teens will learn how to handle emergency situations while caring for young children. 913.971.6874

14 TUESDAYToddle Time 9:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under until 11:00. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390 Legoland and Sea Life 10:00, Crown Center. Purchase tickets and prepare for a one-of-a-kind experience at either of these venues. CrownCenter.com

Tour the Museum 10:00, John Wornall House. Schedule a tour of the museum that lasts approxi-mately one hour. 816.444.1858

Family Night 4:00, Little Money Bizness. Every Tuesday and Friday, enjoy playing and pizza with the whole family! 913.631.7000.

15 WEDNESDAYFarmers’ Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Wednesdays and Saturdays, we are here until we sell out! 816.246.6598

Liberty Farmers’ Market 7:00, Crowley/Perking Parking Lot. Products are locally grown on farms around the Northland. LibertyFarmersMarket.com

Pancakes are an American breakfast tradi-tion, whether you love traditional pancakes with syrup, are partial to chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream and cherries or opt for the nutri-tious route with a wheat germ pancake and gra-nola. No matter your preference, Kansas City’s cooks are flipping the best flapjacks around!

BIGGEST PancakesThe City Diner in the River Market is known for its neighborhood atmosphere and delicious fare. Pancake aficio-nados will revel at the sheer size of the pancakes…all nearly 13 inches in

BEST PANCAKES IN KANSAS CITYdiameter! Finishing one pancake is a feat, finishing two is nearly impossi-ble… but it can be done, as proven by the signatures adorning the walls from cus-tomers who are proud to boast the achieve-ment. The City Diner, 301 Grand Blvd., KCMO, 816.471.5121

Silliest PancakesIHOP is known for their variety of delicious pan-cakes. Children LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the create-a-face pancake! They are served a but-termilk pancake with strawberry eyes, a whipped topping nose and a fresh banana smile, along with a tube of strawberry yogurt to add

their own special touch. Find an IHOP location near you at IHOP.com.

Home StyleVarietyYou won’t leave hungry after a trip to the Big Biscuit. The Big Biscuit offers one of the biggest home-style breakfast menus in town, with an entire section devoted just to pancakes. A sampling of the choices includes buttermilk, blue-berry, strawberry, chocolate chip, pecan, banana pecan, cranberry pecan and the truly decadent Southern delight with strawberries, bananas and pecans, topped with caramel and whipped cream!

The Big Biscuit has 3 locations: 12276 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., Shawnee, KS, 913.912.7350; 16506 E. 40 Hwy., Independence, MO, 816.478.6958; and 530 N. 7 Hwy., Blue Springs, MO, 816.229.3108.

SignatureSpecialtiesWith 10 local restaurants, First Watch, the Daytime Café, is one of the most popular breakfast restaurants across the Metro! You’ll love their delicious and nutritious breakfast menu with an outstand-ing array of pan-cakes, crepes and more. Specialty pancakes include wheat germ, blue-berry, cranberry nut, chocolate chip, banana

crunch with gra-nola, pecan and our staff favorite… carrot cake! Find a First Watch loca-tion near you at FirstWatch.com.

Kansas CityTraditionWinstead’s is famous for their steakburgers and skyscrapers, but they also serve up a delicious classic diner breakfast. Serving Kansas City since 1940, Winstead’s offers breakfast with the same rock ‘n roll style you’ve come to love at lunch. Play a few tunes on the jukebox and enjoy a Saturday morning breakfast of but-termilk or blueber-ry pancakes with the family, all for less than $4/plate. Find a Winstead’s

location atWinsteadsSteakburger.com

Most NutritiousPancakesEggtc. is known for their eggs… from omelets to Eggs Benedict to any breakfast egg preparation you can imagine, but they also serve a delicious and nutritious pan-cake! You can order traditional or honey whole wheat pancakes and add banana and nuts, blueber-ries, chocolate chips or ricotta for $1 more. Eggtc. has two locations in the Metro: 5107 Main St., KCMO, 816.561.0116 and 7182 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS, 913.631.4400.


Inventing the Modern World Thru Aug 19, 10:00, Nelson-Atkins Museum. See decorative arts from the world’s fairs from 1851 to 1939. 816.751.1278

JoHo the Storyteller 10:00, Johnson County Museum. Join us for circus fun with JoHo! 913.715.2550 Adventures in Learning 1:00, Toy & Miniature Museum. Attend a gallery talk and create something to take home. 816.235.8000

Make Your Own Ice Cream 2:00, West Wyandotte Library. Teens will use plastic bags and a few ingredients to make ice cream. 913.596.5800

Waldo Farmers’ Market 3:00, Waldo. Featuring local, organic & sustainably produced foods & products. WholesomeWaldoWednesdays.org

Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway 4:30, Garrison Community Center. Start your school year off on the right foot with this giveaway. 816.784.1140

16 THURSDAYTales for Tiny Tykes 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library. Toddlers ages 18-36 months can listen to a 20-minute story time followed by a craft. 816.701.3481

Toddler Time 10:00, Bonner Springs Community Center. Bring your toddler in to jump and have some fun! 913.422.7010

Tour the Museum 10:00, Legler Barn Museum. Take a guided tour and learn about the history of Lenexa from earlier times to the present. 913.492.0038


Plaza Live Courtyard Concerts 5:00, Country Club Plaza. Some of KC’s favorite

FISHING IN KCAs public pools close, fishing continues to be a fun family pastime. Both Kansas and Missouri feature several large lakes in the area, as well as many smaller lakes, streams and rivers with public access and good fishing. Kid-friendly area lakes and ponds include:

Kill Creek Park (Olathe, KS)Shawnee Mission Park (Lenexa, KS)Antioch Park (Merriam, KS)Heritage Park (Olathe, KS) Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (Overland Park, KS)Englewood Lake (Kansas City North, MO)Lake of the Woods inSwope Park (Kansas City, MO)Blue Springs Lake (Lee’s Summit, MO)Lake Jacomo (Blue Springs, MO)Longview Lake (Kansas City, MO)


a month of fun excursions with our photographic scavenger hunt! 816.228.3766

Family Fun Day 10:00, Johnson County Mu-seum. Make a craft and tour Kidscape for free! 913.715.2550

Hike with a Naturalist 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Dress appropriately for the weather. No stroll-ers allowed on the trails. 816.513.8960

Open House on the Prairie 10:00, OP Arboretum. See how our arboretum land has been restored into native prairie. 913.685.3604

Sprint Family Fun Days 11:00, Kansas City Power & Light. Join us for a fun day of activities outdoors! 816.842.1045


Back-to-School Event 1:00, Brush Creek Commu-nity Center. Celebrate with free school supplies and community support booths. 816.784.4009

Fishing Overnight 11:00, Kill Creek Park. The park is open for fishing only and police will be on patrol throughout the night. 913.888.4713

musicians will be rocking out on the street! CountryClubPlaza.com Amphibians & Reptiles 7:00, Burr Oak Woods. Get to know some local amphibians and reptiles today! 816.228.3766

17 FRIDAYChildren’s Story Time 10:30, North-East Library. Bring your young child to the library for stories and a craft. 816.701.3485

Englewood Art Walk 5:00, Englewood Shopping District. See artists in action, demonstrations and live music every third Friday. 816.252.3372

YMCA Kids’ Night Out 5:00 (Paul Henson), 5:30 (Olathe) & 6:00 (Bonner Springs). Enjoy a night out while the kids have fun! KansasCityYMCA.org Parkville Days Riverfest Thru Sun, 6:00, Down-town Parkville. Enjoy music, craft and art booths, carnival rides, a parade and more! ParkvilleMo.org Family Fun Night 6:00, Cool Crest. Enjoy unlimited soft play, 100 arcade tokens, large pizza and 4 drinks for only $21.99. 816.358.0088

Ethnic Enrichment Festival Thru Sun, 6:00, Swope Park. Approximately 44 different countries represented with food and crafts. 816.513.7527

Free Friday Night Concert 6:30, Howard Station Park. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on and enjoy the music. DowntownLS.org 18 SATURDAYBattle of Lone Jack 150 Event 7:00, Lone Jack Battlefield Museum. Battle of Lone Jack reenact-ment, parade, live music and more! LoneJackBattle150.org

K-9s at the Cove 9:00 & 11:00, Splash Cove. Have a fun play day at the pool with your dog for only $6. Pre-reg. 913.631.5200

Avoid Running Injuries 8:00-9:00, Optimal Health Center. Let our doctors offer insight and instruction on your running form. FREE. 913.888.3338

Archaeology of Fort Osage Time TBA, Fort Osage Education Center. Learn what a professional archae-ologist does for a living. 816.503.4860

Scavenger Saturdays at the Kemper 10:00, Kemper Museum of Art. Follow the clues on this “ART-astic” adventure! 816.753.5784

Farmstead Safety Day 10:00, Deanna Rose Chil-dren’s Farmstead. Hop aboard the fire truck or slide into the police cruiser! OPKansas.org

Freeze Frame Hunt 10:00, Burr Oak Woods. Enjoy

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19 SUNDAYJackson County Triathlon 7:00, Longview Lake. Come out and watch these tri-athletes compete in three sports. JacksonCountyTriathlon.com

Farmers’ Market 8:00, City Market. Rain or shine, the region’s largest farmers’ market can be found every Saturday and Sunday. TheCityMarket.org

Community Yard Sale 9:00, Downtown City Mar-ket. Set up a booth with your gently used items or find new treasures of your own! TheCityMarket.org The 2012 Missouri State Fair MO State Fair-grounds (Sedalia). There’s something for everyone to enjoy on this last day! MoStateFair.com

20 MONDAY Lexington Community Fair Thru Sat, Historic Downtown Lexington. Crafts, carnival, vendors, karaoke, music and more! VisitLexingtonMO.com

Summer Intensive Thru Aug 23 and Aug 27-30, Miller Marley. Learn from some of the best! Open to public. 913.492.0004 Moms FREE Monday 10:00, Paradise Park. Moms are free at the Children’s EduTainment Center with a paid child’s admission. 816.246.5224

Duct Tape Creations 6:30, Antioch Library. Learn how to create unique items using only duct tape! 816.454.1306 21 TUESDAYToddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390 Narnia Auditions Christian Youth Theater (CYT). Try out for a part in this enchanting show! Visit website for details at CYTKC.org Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000 Family Night 4:00, Little Money Bizness. Every Tuesday and Friday, enjoy playing and pizza with the whole family! 913.631.7000

Dramatic Truth Fall Registration Today and Aug 23, 7:00, School studio. Register for fall classes. See KC Parent ad for coupon. 816.767.9222 22 WEDNESDAYLiberty Farmers’ Market 7:00, Crowley/Perking Parking Lot. Products are locally grown on farms around the Northland. LibertyFarmersMarket.com

Pop N Play 9:00, Johnson County Museum. Join us

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for activities designed especially for your 9-month- to 3-year-old child. 913.715.2550

Funky Mama Concert 10:30, Franklin Park Pavil-ion. Bring the kids for a free back-to-school concert sponsored by Kdog Photography. 816.753.8750

Gladstone Farmers’ Market 2:00, Gladstone (525 NE 70th). Purchase vegetables, locally-grown produce, fresh fruit, plants, herbs and much more. Beat the Heat Sale Thru Sat, 4:00, Olathe Public Library & Indian Creek Library. Come into the library for some specially-priced books. 913.971.6850

23 THURSDAY Tales for Tiny Tykes 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library. Toddlers ages 18-36 months can listen to a 20-min-ute story time followed by a craft. 816.701.3481


Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Join us on Thursdays for stories and crafts for ages 2-5. 816.325.7115

Family Movie Night 6:30, Antioch Library. Every fourth Thursday, join us for a family-friendly movie. 816.454.1306

24 FRIDAYJust Between Friends Sale Thru Aug 28, The Pa-vilion at John Knox Village (Lee’s Summit). Shop this consignment event for unbelievable deals and sav-ings! See KC Parent ad for coupons! 816.809.0360 Waterfest 4:00, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park. Celebrate water with interactive, entertaining and educational booths and activities. CI.Lenexa.Ks.Us

Tiblow Days Festival Today & tomorrow, 5:00, Downtown Bonner Springs. Saturday parade, car show, crafts, food and more. BonnerSprings.org

Kids Jazzoo 6:30, KC Zoo. Our annual “friend-raiser” helps raise money for the zoo learning fund. 816.513.5800 25 SATURDAYFree Back-to-School Day 10:00, Toy and Minia-ture Museum. Participate in our I Spy game, make a game decoder and hear live music. 816.235.8000

Zoological District Free Day Complimentary zoo admission today for the residents of Jackson and Clay counties. KansasCityZoo.org

Lowe’s Build ‘n Grow 10:00, Lowe’s stores across the Metro. Bring out the kids for a free clinic to build something unique. LowesBuildAndGrow.com

Mother Nature Reads 10:00, Lakeside Nature Center. Hear a story and learn facts about the animal

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out & about

of the month. 816.513.8960


Train Ride 11:00, Belton, Grandview & KC Railroad. Bring the family and enjoy a train ride! $9/person. 816.331.0630

Rockin’ & Readin’ Nature Tales 11:00, Burr Oak Woods. Join us for a story hour as we lead you on fantastic nature adventures! 816.228.3766

Treasure Island Puppet Show 11:00 & 2:00, Puppetry Arts Institute. See this classic pirate tale performed using marionettes. 816.833.9777

Beat the Heat $6-a-Sack Sale Noon, Indian Creek

Library. Purchase a plastic bag for $6 and fill it full at our sale! 913.971.5235

Marshmallow Shooters 2:00, Blue Springs South Library. Make your own marshmallow shooter and have some fun! 816.229.3571

Weston Moonshiners Car Club 3:00, Downtown Weston. Come see the cars on Main Street! WestonMoonshiners.com


13th Anniversary Benefit Horse Show 6:00, Longview Horse Park. Come see 32 classes where horses of all breeds will be represented. 816.537.6855

5K & 10K Run-Walk Wheelchair Race 6:00, Lib-erty Memorial. A benefit for Heart of America Stand Down. Enter2Run.com

Stargazing Party 7:00, Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. Telescopes will be set up at the battle-field for viewing. 660.259.4654

Fishing Overnight 11:00, Shawnee Mission Park. The park is open for fishing only and police will be on patrol throughout the night. 913.888.4713 26 SUNDAYFarmers’ Market 8:00, City Market. Rain or shine, the region’s largest farmers’ market can be found every Saturday and Sunday. TheCityMarket.org

Cool Crest: $7 for a single game (dis-counts for multiple games purchased together; can be interchanged with mini golf, go-karts, batting cages and the arcade); Sun.-Thu. 10:00 a.m.-Mid-night, Fri.-Sat. 10:00 a.m.-1:00 a.m.

Mission Bowl: $6/adult, $5/12 & under Mon.-Thu. 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; $6.50/adult, $5.50/12 & under Fri. 9:00 a.m.-Midnight, Sat.-Sun. 3:00-Midnight

Before You GoCrazy golf, goofy golf, garden golf. Over the past century, the ever-pop-ular mini golf has gone by a variety of different names. Kansas City boasts a broad variety of these silly-named courses for you to attempt your hole-in-one! Mini golf makes for a great activity for a birthday party, family reunion or “just because.” Group discounts are available at most lo-cal courses, and birthday packages are available as well. Call ahead or check each course’s website for more information. Before heading out the door, make sure to throw on comfortable shoes and grab your shades (most courses are only partially shaded).

While You’re ThereWhat’s more fun than mini golf? Mini golf coupled with other attractions, of course! Mission Bowl in Shawnee offers value packs for bowling, mini golf, munchies and drinks. Cool Crest

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spring/summer 2012

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8 must-sees this summer

SPLASH INTO FUN IN KC

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has batting cages, go-karts, a video arcade and playland for the little ones in your group. A variety of pack-age options are available for you to choose from. If practicing your swing makes you hungry, look no further than Frankie’s Pizzeria for favorites like pizza, hot dogs and nachos. Are there night owls in your family? Both ven-ues are open as late as midnight on weekends.

After Your VisitIndependence’s Cool Crest has been a long-standing favorite amongst Kansas City residents; however, did you know that just a short drive north you will find another Cool Crest? For more than 60 years, St. Joseph has been home to a beautiful 3-course Cool Crest all its own. You will find familiar favorites like the mechanical putter boy and new favorites such as animal-shaped topiaries. Visit at dusk to enjoy a round by twinkle light and watch a documentary on Cool Crest’s history in the center court. For other great St. Joseph day trip ideas, check out KCParent.com.

Lauren Greenlee enjoyed a childhood full of rounds at St. Joseph’s Cool Crest. She recommends getting a sweet treat at Kris & Kate’s after your game (it’s hard to miss… just look for the giant pink ice cream cone off of Belt Hwy.!). She resides in Olathe with her family.

Mission Bowl Mini Golf


mini-golf, 2 go-kart rides and 10 arcade tokens for $10.99/person. 816.358.0088

Nature Story Time 10:00, George Owens Nature Park. Join us on Thursdays for stories and crafts for ages 2-5. 816.325.7115

Let There Be Light 6:00, Barry Road Hy-Vee. Learn about the benefits of the sun on your brain. 816.505.1000

Santa-Cali-Gon Days Thru Sept 3, 6:00, Historic Independence Square. More than 400 crafters/vendors, a carnival, contests, music and more. 816.252.4745

31 FRIDAYLabor Day Specials Thru Sept 3, Cool Crest. Beat the back-to-school blues with special deals and fun throughout the weekend! 816.358.0088

Paint Me a Story 10:30, Paint, Glaze & Fire. Friday mornings just got more fun! Little ones can create masterpieces in our store. 913.661.2529

Children’s Story Time 10:30, North East Library. Bring your young child to the library for stories and a craft. 816.701.3485

Juggling Festival Thru Sun, 6:00, Rockhurst High School. See workshops and juggle until your heart’s content! KansasCityJugglingClub.com

Community Yard Sale 9:00, Downtown City Mar-ket. Set up a booth with your gently used items or find new treasures of your own! TheCityMarket.org

Hometown Welcome 5:30, Haymarket Square (Leavenworth). Community celebration to welcome home military and new families. 913.682.3924

Free Music in the Park 6:30, Rotary Park at Railroad Lake. Enjoy music outdoors with family and friends every Sunday. BlueSpringsGov.com

27 MONDAY Free Play Cedar Ridge Christian Church. Daily free play for young children while you enjoy a coffee break. 913.393.3000

Summer Intensive Thru Aug 30, Miller Marley. Learn from some of the best! Open to public. 913.492.0004

Homeschooling 101 for Special Needs 7:00, South Independence Library. Understand more about homeschooling a child with special needs. 816. 461.2050 28 TUESDAYToddle Time 9:00-11:00, Matt Ross Community Center. Fun and enriching open playtime for ages 5 and under. $1-$2/child. 913.895.6390 Activity Day 9:00, McCracken’s Gymnastics. Activity-based program for preschoolers while you

run errands or just enjoy alone time. 913.782.8555 Baby Story Time 9:30, Boardwalk Library. Babies ages 9-18 months will enjoy story time, music and movement. 816.741.9011

29 WEDNESDAY Farmers’ Market 7:00, Downtown Lee’s Summit. Wednesdays and Saturdays we are here until we sell out! 816.246.6598

Liberty Farmers’ Market 7:00, Crowley/Perkins Parking Lot. Products are locally grown on farms around the Northland. LibertyFarmersMarket.com

Stories for Ones 9:30, Waldo Library. Bring your 1-year-old to a story time geared toward this age group. 816.701.3486

Chick-Fil-A Day Kids, wear your jersey from your spring or summer sport and receive a free treat! Chick-Fil-A.com

Museum Tour 10:00, John Wornall House. Take a guided tour through the museum and learn about its history. 816.444.1858 30 THURSDAYTales for Tiny Tykes 9:30 & 10:30, Plaza Library. Toddlers ages 18-36 months can listen to a 20-min-ute story time followed by a craft. 816.701.3481

All You Can Play Day 10:00, Cool Crest. Unlimited

We don’t address the symptoms of ADHD. We address the cause.At Brain Balance Achievement Centers, we tackle your child’s ADHD at the most fundamental level — with a unique, drug-free, whole-child approach that goes beyond symptoms to address root causes.

Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest social and academic potential. Stop in or call to learn more about the Brain Balance Program® and how we can help your child succeed.

©2012 Brain Balance Centers

Call913.627.9400

Visit6406 College BoulevardOverland Park, KS 66211

lEaRN MOREbrainbalanceoverlandpark.com

Brain Balance of Overland Park


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KC Parent Magazine August 2012

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Transcript of KC Parent Magazine August 2012