Education

Rachel’s Challenge is paying kindness forward

Darrell Scott’s daughter Rachel was the first person to die in the Columbine High School shootings in 1999. He created Rachel’s Challenge, a non-profit...

K-8 traditional school to open in north Phoenix

Painted Rock Academy, a K-8 traditional school, will open in August in what used to be a Safeway distribution center. The 80,000-square-foot interior is...

Online high school for LGBTQ students

One n Ten provides support for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Questioning) youth with its center in Phoenix but they also provide services for...

Learning bee words

Thirteen-year-old Sumaita Mulk of Goodyear is a champion speller. But she doesn’t use spelling bee words in conversation because, she says, “They’re weird —...

New schools and campuses opening for the new school year

A lot of building and renovating of existing commercial space is going on in preparation for the 2012-13 school year. Rancho Solano Private Schools, which...

Free developmental screenings for ages 3 to 5

  Arizona Literacy and Learning Center will conduct free developmental screenings for children ages 3 to 5 next month at two Valley locations. Children will be...

Made in the shade

Acres of asphalt absorb the sun’s energy around the Valley, increasing our nighttime low temperatures. The sun cooks our cars during the day, daring...

Leading and getting out of the way

Being a school principal means being responsible for all the students and teachers at a school, and being responsible to the parents and of...

PTA podcasts

The National PTA (Parent Teacher Association) offers a series of podcasts on its website addressing such issues as child safety, PTA fundraising, the drop-out...

Going with less flow

Where does our water come from and how much do we use? Worldwide Project WET teaches children how to answer both of those questions....

A musical journey at the MIM

Zach Denious leans over a metal rail, trying to get a closer look at a brightly colored gambang. The peculiar wooden instrument sits near...

Safety precautions for children walking or bicycling to school

•  Walk only on the sidewalk, and cross the street only at crosswalks. • Avoid walking in front of, behind or between parked cars. Even...

After-school options for working parents

Programs for children ages 5 to 12 Childcare centers come to mind for infant and toddler care but did you know that most of them...

IMAGINE CAMELBACK: Making a difference

I came to Phoenix in 1980 and I lived in the area of 19th Avenue and Camelback Road, not far from Christown Mall, which...

Remember and act: Engaging children in social justice

The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. The opposite of...

2011 Mother’s Day Cover Mom Contest: Experiencing nature every day

Our life as a family began in a way that respects the limited resources of the earth. Instead of giving birth to a child,...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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