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A resource for families in Santa Cruz County | |
Heartfelt Wishes for a Positive February | |
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February is Heart month, Library month, Black History month plus Presidents Days and Kind Deeds Day.
It's the border month between winter and spring, the love month, kindness month, secret good deed month, the month of friend valentines, funny & punny valentines, secret valentines, old-fashioned valentines and sweet love-valentines!
Yes it has been commercialized, so what! We can choose. Buy them or make them and have fun!
The most important heart is our own, figuratively and literally! Self-care, deciding to be cheerful, sharing a smile and a kind word benefits our family and friends and circles back to us. That's a win. Taking care for our physical heart has long term benefits. We all know the drill. Eat right and exercize our bodies & minds.
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This would be a good weekend to plan a family valentine day with dinner and games as well as making or choosing valentines and valentine boxes for school.
Do you remember your excitement as the school valentine exchange day arrived? Those were the days when the kids all hoped "Raymond's mother" would make her super delicious cupcakes topped with creamy, rich frosting and sprinkles. Some envelopes contained valentines and tiny, red cinnamon hearts. Wise teachers made us wait until 2 o'clock for the party.
Have a wonderful, rainy weekend planning February fun with the family, Parmalee
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Aptos Library Open House!
Sunday, February 4, 1pm - 5pm
Tour and Celebrate!
Refreshments, Kuzanga Marimba (1:30-2:30); Musical Me (2:30-3:00); James Chan Magic (3:30- 4:30) and face painting with Chelsea Wright of Wisteria's Faerie Creations. Details
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How to Care for and Raise Good Humans | |
by Aliza Pressman "As a psychologist, I’ve spent 20 years studying how to raise successful kids—here’s the most ‘overlooked’ skill I tell parents to teach . . . > > >." | |
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As a psychologist, I’ve spent nearly 20 years studying how to care for and raise good humans. The overlooked skill I always tell new parents to teach is inner efficacy.
Inner efficacy is an individual’s belief in their own capacity to do what it takes to meet their goals. Self-esteem might say, “I’m amazing!” but inner efficacy says, “I have what it takes to figure this out and achieve what I set out to.”
Kids with a strong sense of inner efficacy are more likely to challenge themselves and put in the effort. Rather than blaming external circumstances or some immutable lack of talent for their failures, they’ll focus on factors that are within their control.
Research shows that kids gain inner efficacy from four sources > > >
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Helpful Articles for Exercizing Choices | |
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State of California Test Results for 2023
The statewide California Smarter Balanced tests which were taken by students in the spring of 2023, and reported by EdSource. The tests form part of the state's California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, or CAASPP.
Overall Test Results in the State of California for 2023
Overall California Test Result Details
English: 46.66% of students met or exceeded the state standard
English, 53.34% did not, a change of -0.4% from 2022.
Math: 34.62% of students met or exceeded the state standard
Math: 65.38% did not, a change of 1.24% from 2022.
Search for a specific school or district: Search Schools and Districts
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Book Bans and Pronoun Wars:
What's in Store for School Boards in 2024
"From book bans to forced outing policies and fights over pronouns, political skirmishes have erupted at California's schools boards. Find out how the state is responding, and what the public can expect as we get closer to the 2024 elections.
This panel discussion will take place at the CalMatters Studio. A networking session with a light lunch will take place from 11:30am - 12pm for attendees and panelists. Register to attend in-person or virtually.
February 13, 12 - 1pm, Cal Matters, 1303 J St., Ste 200, Sacramento
Complete information including a light lunch and speaker biographies
If you want to attend but cannot make it, a livestream video will become available and we shall post a link when it is available.
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Kim Komando tells us about scammers who are targeting kids and teens.
"What comes to mind when you think of someone getting scammed? A grandma on the phone with some jerk? If so, this will probably surprise you.
The total money lost by teens in online scams grew by nearly 2,500% between 2017 and 2022. Victims under the age of 20 lost a staggering $210 million in 2022 alone.
Educating our kiddos on red flags is the first step in keeping them from becoming victims. That’s why I’m telling you about the scams and hacks targeting kids and teens right now > > >."
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Parenting Workshops for inspiration, finding ways to help with parenting challenges, tweaking our skills and support from leaders & fellow travelers in this incredible and important journey....
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VERIFY ALL EVENTS OWING TO STORMS | |
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Schools! It's School Open House season. Explore your options! Visit for first-hand information. Visit websites, make an appointment to visit a school! February
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You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, All About Theatre, Tickets are almost SOLD OUT! Thursday - 7pm - discount price available online, Friday - 7pm, Saturday 2pm & 7pm, London Nelson Center, 301 Center Street, allabouttheatre
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Join us for an artistic extravaganza at the Wildcatz - Watsonville High School Student Art Show at the Porter Building, 280 Main St! Over 100 stunning pieces await your admiration Meet the talented students and teachers who poured their creativity into this exhibit Opening Reception this Friday, February 3, 4-7pm. See you there! | |
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Above and Below California’s Ocean through the photography of Marc Shargel, January – March, Felton Library, Enjoy beautiful projected photos of a diversity of subjects, including underwater images from around the world, eclipses, and western landscapes. Details
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How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older, Saturday, February 3, 7 – 9pm, Join us for the launching of Dr. Michael Greger’s new book, How Not to Age: The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older. Dr. Greger will share simple, accessible, and evidence-based methods to preserving our bodies and keeping us feeling youthful, both physically and mentally! Details
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Sci-Fi Flicks at Aptos Library, Monday, February 5, 6 – 8pm, Come to the brand-new Aptos Branch Library one day after its Grand Opening for a sci-fi movie night that celebrates the imagination and creativity of the Hugo Award winners! This will be a monthly event. Snacks will be provided! Details
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Arboretum Free Day, Monday, February 6, The first Tuesday of the month is free to non-members. The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum is a conservation garden of rare, endangered and extraordinary plants from around the world. We are open daily, 9am to 5pm. Details
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Toy Swap at Watsonville Library, Friday, February 2, 4 – 6pm, Patrons can “purchase” a toy with a voucher earned from donating a toy in March.
Details
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Come see what The Tech Challenge is all about!, Saturday, February 3 or February 10, Join us to learn about the 2024 Tech Challenge: Cosmic Quest, presented by Amazon! Details
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World Wetlands Day 2024, Saturday, February 3, 9:30am – 1pm, Join us at Struve Slough to celebrate World Wetlands Day with a wetlands restoration project, litter clean-up, educational activities hosted by local environmental and climate organizations, live music, and lunch! Details
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Love and Faith in the High Baroque, Saturday, February 3, 7:30 – 9:30pm, Join the Santa Cruz Baroque Festival for a rousing good time in the High Baroque. Kids take to Baroque music! Details
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Santa Cruz SPCA, Promoting Animal Welfare with Students, The PAWS program is aimed at animal lovers.
PRETEEN PAWS Program Tier One, Tuesdays 4 – 6pm, February 6, 13, 20, Ages 10-12, Details
Junior PAWS Program Tier 1, Mondays 4 - 6pm, February 5, 12, 19, Ages 7 - 9, Details
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