A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
March 2025 A Celestial Month | |
Two beautiful celestial events are happening. You will find them below. Check out the March calendar for events you want to add to your family calendar.
It's true, our local schools are in a declining enrollment phase. School enrollments have always been cyclical --up & down throughout the years-- and it affects us all. Budget needs change. Teacher positions increase or decrease. Classes are adjusted for efficient numbers.
Private Schools are not immune from cycles. Home Schooling and micro schools have grown to 10% of the student population. The economy, job opportunities, birth rates and family changes affect enrollments. Read the article. Ask questions.
Then, to gain insight, read Mark Lieberman's article, What’s Going On With Public School Enrollment? All the Big Questions, Answered.
Will this affect your family? Maybe, maybe not. Talk with your principal. subscribe to and read the Superintendent Updates from Dr. Faris Sabbah, County Superintendent of Schools.
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Get out your kites and learn how to handle them, for March is the windy month. Want to make your own? Consider how to create one that is both lightweight and sturdy, here. Read The Science of Flying a Kite.
Have a great weekend, Parmalee
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10 Reasons Why Reading to Children is Important | |
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Reading is one of the best gifts you can give your child!
1 Builds Bonding Time: Reading brings you closer to your child.
2 Boosts Imagination: Stories inspire creativity and wonder.
3 Improves Vocabulary: Kids learn new words as you read.
4 Develops Listening Skills: It helps them listen and pay attention.
5 Encourages a Love for Books: Early reading makes books a joy.
6 Teaches Life Lessons: Books share values in simple ways.
7 Calms Their Mind: Reading helps them settle and relax.
8 Builds Confidence: Familiar stories make them feel capable.
9 Creates Happy Memories: Reading together leaves lasting joy.
10 Fuels Curiosity: Books make kids want to learn more.
Thank you to: Sonica Ellis
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Ask Yesenia: Parenting During Uncertain Times | |
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by Yesenia Gomez-Carrillo
So much has happened this year already – how is it already March, and yet, how is it only just March?
The news these days can be overwhelming and, at times, heart-wrenching. In these uncertain times, it is no wonder that we’re all experiencing such a wide range of emotions, from overwhelm, sadness, worry to anger, anxiety and fear. It’s easy to feel emotionally drained, like we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.
As parents, we are juggling our own mental well-being and supporting our children through their confusion and worries. Many of us are finding it difficult to talk to our children about what is happening in the world, unsure of how to process or explain in a way that doesn’t add to their fears.
The truth is, we are all in this together, please know you are not alone. It is challenging to balance your own emotions while also being the source of comfort for those around you. Some days the fear and anxiety can feel paralyzing. But I am here to say, it’s okay to acknowledge those feelings and admit it is hard. For me, I’ve given myself permission to feel all the emotions, to rest and recharge. Now, more than ever, is the time to take care of ourselves, our families, and our community.
This monthly article provides tips for families raising children, based on the world-renowned Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County. If you have a question or idea for a future column, please email triplep@first5scc.org.
Dear Yesenia, I’m a single mom of 10-year-old and 12-year-old. With everything happening in the world right now, I’m feeling overwhelmed, and I’m not sure how to support them through all of this uncertainty. They’re quiet and seem anxious, but they don’t want to talk about it. How can I be there for them? Gabriela
Yesenia's suggestions > > >
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On Friday, February 28, there will be an extraordinary astronomical phenomenon called the Planet Parade, during which the seven planets of our solar system – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune – will align. This rare astronomical event provides a privileged chance for sky observers to see these planets clustered in one part of the Sun. The next time this alignment will take place is in the year 2040, so the event will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most enthusiasts! Details
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For the first time since 2022, a breathtaking celestial event is about to light up the night sky... On the night of March 13-14, a total lunar eclipse will cast its mesmerizing glow across Earth. This rare phenomenon, often called a "blood moon", occurs when the full moon passes through Earth’s shadow, taking on a stunning reddish hue. In Northern California, the partial eclipse starts at 10:09pm PDT, with totality occurring from 11:26pm. to 12:32am PDT.
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National Craft Month Madness Aptos,Saturdays, March 1 – 29, 1 – 3pm, 3D Origami, Printmaking, with Jane Gregorius, Bookfolding, Pixel Art, sponsored by the Advisory Council of Teens (ACT) and Katnip Kritters, Space is limited to 25. Ages 12 to Adult. Registration required separately for each project. Details
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Tai Chi in the Library, Thursday, February 27, Details
Pokemon at Live Oak Annex, February 27, Details
Lego Brick Builder Fridays, Fridays, 3-4pm, Details
Little Discoverer Infant/Toddler Fridays, Fridays 10:30-11am, Details
Guided Walk: Big Basin: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, March 1, Details
READ program with Ziggy the mini, One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Details
The Nature Club for Grades 6-8, Saturday March 1, Details
Skate the Civic, Monday, 6:30 – 9:30pm, Roller skate at the Civic! Details
UCSC Arboretum Community Day Free Admission! March 4, 9am – 5pm, Details
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READ program with Ziggy the Mini, One hour Sessions, 1pm and 2pm, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, READ program (Reading Equine Art Duo) with Ziggy the mini was designed to strengthen reading skills in a fun, creative way. Students experience nature, art, and animals in a relaxed, calming environment. Details
"Hey, That baby looks like me!"
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Familypower: Online Safety for ages 9-14 with their adults, Sunday, March 2, 10-11am, In our Familypower Online Safety workshop, youth 9-14 side-by-side with their adults practice skills and strategies adapted for online situations so they can have more fun and fewer problems online. Details
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Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 7-10pm, February 28, March 1 & 2, Join UC Santa Cruz Adventure Rec and the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2024-25, at the Rio Theatre. Each night features completely different films. Join us for one, two or three nights. Check out the nightly film lineups and secure your tickets today! Details
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Family Concert: Peter And The Wolf, Sunday, March 2, 2pm, The Santa Cruz Symphony presents Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Peter and the Wolf. GUEST ARTIST Omari Tau, Carnegie Hall’s LinkUp Program: The Orchestra Rocks! Sergei Prokofiev : Peter and the Wolf. Details
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Teada Irish Band, Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 – 10pm, Teada returns to Santa Cruz, celebrating 24 years as one of Ireland’s leading traditional bands. An Irish band with a truly worldwide reach, Teada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals throughout the world. Details
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Parent Nest: A guided play and connection series, Fridays, March 7 – 28, 9:15 – 10am, If those early parenting days feel like a mix of wonder and worry, you’re not alone. While you’re marveling at your little one’s daily discoveries, you might also be wondering if you’re doing enough, or wishing for a community that truly gets what this journey is like. That’s exactly why we created The Parent Nest: A guided play & connection series, Details
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SPCA Classroom Program, Wednesday, March 5, 10:30 – 11am, Our Wild Neighbors! Come to our Garfield Park branch for this program that helps build awareness of wild animals in our area, their attributes and needs using puppets. Understand which professionals can help wild animals in distress. Details
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Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! March
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