Helping the American Kestrel  

        North America’s smallest and most colorful falcon, the American Kestrel, is becoming scarce across much of the continent. The Peregrine Fund wants to know why. That’s the reason they are launching an exciting new project in 2012 to collect data from citizen scientists right in their own backyards!

        Bird enthusiasts of all ages will team up with professional researchers for this study, called the American Kestrel Partnership. The result will be a nationwide program to understand the causes of decline and to reverse this trend. It is particularly exciting to engage young people in science and nature through this project.

        Your gift can save a species and create a new generation of bird watchers, biologists, and conservationists.

•   $50 provides one kestrel nest box for a school where students monitor and report on activities at the nest.

•   $100 funds a grant to an elementary or secondary school for monitoring expenses.

•   $250 allows a class to set up a kestrel trail with five nest boxes.

        Your tax-deductible investment in the American Kestrel Partnership will be appreciated.  For more information visit www.peregrinefund.org or www.peregrinefund.org/american-kestrel.    

Music Play        

        Music Play for Folks of All Stripes by Jim Gill features 15 brand new songs. There are clap-alongs, finger plays, pretend games, and imaginative dances, all suitable for playrooms and family rooms as well as classrooms, libraries, and symphony halls. Gill’s charm and humor keep the music fun and interesting for all ages.

Healthy Tips for 2012            

        We are a month into the new year! Here are a few pledges kids can make, from the American Academy of Pediatrics, that will help you and your family continue to have a happy and healthy year.

PRESCHOOLERS

•   I will clean up my toys and put them where they belong.

•   I will brush my teeth twice a day, and wash my hands after going to the bathroom and before eating.

•   I won’t tease dogs or other pets—even friendly ones. I will avoid being bitten by keeping my fingers and face away from their mouths.

KIDS, 5–12 YEARS OF AGE

•   I will drink reduced-fat milk and water every day, and drink soda and fruit drinks only on special occasions.

•   I will apply sunscreen before I go outdoors on bright sunny days. I will try to stay in the shade whenever possible and wear a hat and sunglasses, especially when I’m playing sports.

•   I will try to find a sport or an activity that I like and do it at least three times a week.

•   I will always wear a helmet when bicycling.

•   I will wear my seat belt every time I get in a car. I’ll sit in the back seat and use a booster seat until I am tall enough to use a lap/shoulder seat belt.

•   I’ll be nice to other kids. I’ll be friendly to kids who need friends—like someone who is shy, or is new to my school.

•   I’ll never give out personal information such as my name, home address, school name, or telephone number on the Internet.

KIDS, 13 & UP

•   I will try to eat two servings of fruit and two servings of vegetables every day.

•   I will take care of my body through physical activity and nutrition.

•   I will choose non-violent television shows and video games, and I will spend only one to two hours each day—at most—on these activities.

•   I will help out in my community through volunteering, working with community groups, or by joining a group that helps people in need.

•   When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult whom I can trust.

•   I will resist peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol.

•   I agree not to use a cellphone or text message while driving and to always use a seat belt.

Chinese Immersion School            

        The idea of a local Chinese Immersion School wasn’t initially well received, since many people were intimidated by the complexity of the language and didn’t know how to start such a program. After much discussion, the Meridian School District decided to support the idea and thus changed McMillan Elementary School to Gateway School of Language and Culture, the first Chinese Immersion School of its kind in Idaho. This past fall was the school’s third year of operation, expanding the 50/50 immersion experience in Mandarin Chinese to grades K, 1, and 2. This program is exclusively for families wanting 50 percent of their child’s day in English and 50 percent in Mandarin Chinese. The entire school, kindergarten through fifth grade, has Chinese language exposure twice a week with an emphasis in each grade level of cultural and world studies.

                Join the school as they celebrate The Year of the Dragon 2012 on Saturday, February 4, from 10am–2pm. For more information contact Gateway School of Language and Culture at 885-4475 or write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Children’s Dental Health  

        February is recognized by the Idaho State Dental Association as Children’s Dental Health Month. It’s a great time to consider how you can better care for your child’s teeth.

        Parents should begin by setting a good example with a dental routine, remind children to floss and brush, schedule regular visits to the dentist, consider sealants to protect young teeth, and keep a balanced diet. However, parents with younger children should also consider some of the following:

•   As soon as your child’s first tooth arrives, use a washcloth to rub their gums and teeth.

•   Whenever two teeth touch, begin to gently floss between teeth. (Try making silly faces, singing, looking in the mirror, or making it a game since children will not easily allow this to happen.)

•   Do not use fluoride toothpaste until children are two years old. Use this time to teach children they need to spit out toothpaste, not swallow it.

•   Limit foods and drinks causing decay. Aside from sweets, fruit juices and sticky foods can stay on teeth for long periods of time and create cavities.

•   Never allow your child to sleep with a bottle of milk, juice, or other sweet drink.

•   Try using no-spill cups with straws to avoid extra use of sippy cups, which can cause damage to the front teeth.           

        Providing your children with healthy teeth will ensure a lifetime of smiles. For more information, visit your local dentist or visit the Idaho State Dental Association website at www.isdaweb.org.