(See p. 42)

Find

in our 2015 Education Guide

54AMAZINGRESOURCES

Find winter fun with 126 amazing events!

JANUARY 2015

THE IMPORTANT

ROLE OF THE ARTS IN THE CLASSROOM

Homeschool Adventures in

OKC & Beyond

MEET REAL MOM OF

THE METRO ROBIN

KHOURY

Totaly Free Educational Attractions

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Communities of Faith, Service and KnowledgeWe are proud to have more than 20 schools in the Catholic Schools system in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, offering educational options for children of all ages.

We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and that our schools support parents in their efforts to form well-educated young people who live out their faith in a world sorely in need of hope, love, and integrity. 

We strive to share our deep and profound love for our Church and assist families in raising generations of people who are dedicated to living in right relationship with God, making tough moral choices rooted in the teachings and traditions of the Church, and recognizing Christ’s presence in everyone we encounter.  

Our schools offer excellent academic and co-curricular programs that are infused with religious truth and values reflecting Christ’s Gospel call to love one another.  We are committed to preparing students for life in today’s Church and society. Our focus is grounded upon the development of the whole person of the student, spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically.

We hope you will visit one of the many excellent Catholic Schools in our Archdiocese and experience the unique and diverse character of each school community firsthand. We also hope that you will consider a Catholic education for your children—it is an investment in the future of your child, but also in our world.

To learn more, contact one of our schools or our Office of Catholic Education at (405) 721-4202.

St. Philip NeriPreK3 - 8th GradeMidwest City, OKstphilipnerischool.com405.737.4496

St. Eugene Catholic SchoolPre-3 - 8th GradeOklahoma City, OKsteugeneschool.org405.751.0067

St. James the Greater Catholic SchoolPreK3 - 8th GradeOklahoma City, OK stjames-catholic.org405.636.6810

St. Elizabeth Ann SetonPreK - 8th GradeEdmond, OK StElizabethEdmond.org405.348.5364

Rosary SchoolNational Blue Ribbon School PreK3 - 8th GradeOklahoma City, OKrosaryschool.com405.525.9272

Christ the King SchoolPreK3 - 8th GradeOklahoma City, OKckschool.com405.843.3909

Bishop John Carroll School PreK - 8th Grade Oklahoma City, OK bjcs.org 405.525.0956

St. Mary’s Catholic School PreK-8th Grade Guthrie, OK stmarysguthrie.eduK12.net 405.282.2071

Mount St. Mary Catholic High School Secondary College Preparatory Grades 9 - 12 Oklahoma City, OK mountstmary.org 405.631-8865

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School Secondary College Preparatory Grades 9 - 12 Oklahoma City, OK bmchs.org 405.842.6638

Call or Visit a Catholic School Today.

16PRINCIPAL’S CALLINGHow one local educator is changing the lives of kids with incarcerated parents.

20 36

guide...goThe ultimate OKC family fun

DESTINATION HOMESCHOOLING

Discover top Oklahoma attractions for homeschoolers.

LOCAL SHOPPINGFind toy treasures at The Learning Tree.

Discover how arts go hand-in-hand with

education & how OKC classrooms use it for

enrichment & engagement

10

6 The free libraries popping up around OKC

7 Editor’s Picks: Hot spots for free learning

8 Learn about the new program for parents at Edmond Public Schools

24 Calendar of Events

40 Mom humor: You Need WHAT?

42 Find 54 incredible resources in our Education Guide

PLUS... DON’T MISS ALL THIS

HAVE A STORYOR BIG EVENT?We are all about family activities and fun in the OKC metro. If you have a story to share, let us know!

CONTACT THE TEAM AT 405-601-2081 or email info@metrofamilymagazine.com.

EDITORIALSarah Taylor–Publisher

Hannah Schmitt–Managing EditorLindsay Cuomo–Calendar Editor

Heide Brandes, Heather Davis, Jennifer Geary and Lindsay Cuomo–

Contributing Writers Steffanie Halley–Contributing Photographer

DESIGN & SALESStacy Noakes–Art Director

Callie Collins–Marketing Director Athena Delce & Dana Price–Sales Kathy Alberty–Office/Distribution

Circulation - 35,000 Also available as a digital edition at

www.metrofamilymagazine.com

Articles and advertisements in MetroFamily do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Inprint Publishing, Inc. We do not

assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The

acceptance of advertising by MetroFamily does not constitute an endorsement of the products,

services, or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is

fraudulent or misleading in nature.

MetroFamily Magazine is a monthly magazine published by

Inprint Publishing, Inc. 725 NW 11th, Suite 204

OKC, OK 73103 Office: 405-601-2081

Fax: 405-445-7509 info@metrofamilymagazine.com

©Inprint Publishing, Inc. 2014, All Rights Reserved.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2015

Volume 18, Number 1

PHOTO COURTESY OF A+ SCHOOLS

THE WHIRLING DERVISHES OF RUMI WILL PERFORM ON FEB. 6 AT OCCC. CONTEST INFORMATION BELOW.

WOW!

While most people talk about

how much they look forward to the new beginning January provides, I always get a little down this time of year.

With Christmas festivities behind us and a long winter ahead, it’s easy to bundle up and stay indoors until spring. However, you may find that tough to do after flipping through our education issue.

These pages reveal endless ways to have fun and find new experiences in Oklahoma City this winter. Start with our Editor’s Picks on page 7 to discover free educational experiences throughout the metro area and beyond. A trip to any of these attractions will prove even adults have a lot to learn.

On page 10, freelancer Heide Brandes dives right into how Oklahoma City classrooms are incorporating art into education. After you read about creativity in the classroom, check out our list of free and cheap arts experiences in the metro at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/freeart to go have some artistic fun yourself.

Our calendar this month (starting on page 24) proves there’s plenty of family fun to go around even in the winter. If the weather does take a nasty turn, we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas for indoor fun at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/ indoor-play.

So instead of feeling down about the festivities behind us, I challenge you this month to find something to celebrate. In the next several months, we’re giving you dozens of ways to have serious fun with the people you love. So while I know it’s going to feel cold and it will be tough not to look forward to summer, I encourage you to make the most of the present.

Hannah Schmitt Editor

WelcomeFROM OUR EDITORThis month, we discuss all things education, from top homeschooling destinations and learning hot spots to arts in the classroom and finding after-school care.

Enter our contests to win big!

• Enter our January giveaways at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/contests

- Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show—Just in time to make home improvements this spring, we’re giving three lucky families five-packs of tickets to this huge home and garden show (Jan. 16-18), featuring the Renegade Gardener, Don Engebretson. Enter by Jan. 9.

- Spaghetti Eddie CD Giveaway—Enter to win the fourth studio album from talented local band Spaghetti Eddie. Enter by Jan. 15.

- Cirque Du Soleil: VAREKAI—Enter to win one of two family five-packs to the Jan. 31, 7:30pm performance at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Each family five-pack is valued at $250. Enter by Jan. 23.

- Whirling Dervishes of Rumi—This impressive Turkish dance group is bringing their talents to Oklahoma City Community College on Feb. 6, and we’re giving away three five-packs of tickets for your family to enjoy the show. Enter by Jan. 29.

• Strong Together Spring 2015 Call for Bloggers—Looking to get fit in 2015 and make friends doing it? We’re kicking off our 2015 Strong Together fitness challenge next month and are looking for bloggers to share their stories. For information, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/blog-for-us.START THE

NEW YEAR OFF

WITH A BANG AT

AN EXCITING EVENT!

CALENDAR ON PAGE 24

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 6 JANUARY 2015

family buzz

RESOURCES TO ADD TO YOUR FAMILY FUN QUOTIENT

It’s all about family fun!

This month, we’re buzzing about all things learning, including pop-

up libraries, top places for free educational fun and a

special program just for parents.

While Oklahoma City’s Metropolitan Library and

Pioneer Library Systems provide dozens of locations for finding new reading material, a different kind of library is getting some attention in OKC.

Little Free Libraries is a national network of small collections of books and a few have been popping up throughout the metro.

Readers are encouraged to visit the libraries to borrow a book and leave a book to keep spreading the literacy love.

In Oklahoma City, these little library pop-ups can be found at N.W. 28th St. and Venice Blvd., 417 N.W. 25th St. and N.W. 16th and Black-welder Ave. In Yukon, find libraries at 633 W. Vandament Ave. and 1501 W. Commerce St.

The tiny reading hubs can be loads of fun for young readers on the hunt for new material. Track the trend and find tips on starting your own library at www.litlefreelibrary.org.

BY HANNAH SCHMITT - MANAGING EDITOR

Discover Oklahoma City’s Little Free Libraries

FRED JONES JR. MUSEUM OF ART

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 7 JANUARY 2015

Editor’s Picks: Free Places to Learn in OKC

E very parent knows education doesn’t stop when school lets out for the day. Children are

learning around the clock and Oklahoma City boasts a variety of educational resources totally free. This month, head to one of these incredible OKC attractions to learn something new as a family.

Braum Family Farm491 County Street 2280, Tuttle478-1656www.braums.com/tour-braums

Why we love it: If your kids have ever enjoyed a treat at Braum’s, they’ll love getting a behind-the-scenes peek at how their favorite menu items are made and grown. The processing plant and bakery can be toured for free (reservations must be made at least a week in advance). Visitors will learn about everything from raising calves and milking cows to how ice cream is made and bakery items are packaged for sale.

Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art555 Elm Ave., Norman325-3272www.ou.edu/fjjma

Why we love it: Impressive permanent collections and a unique lineup of rotating exhibits make this museum a standout. It’s one of the few museums in the metro with free admission and the attractions inside range from traditional art to interesting installations to keep young minds engaged. Schedule your visit during one of the museum’s classes or events for an added bonus.

Metropolitan Library and Pioneer Library Systemswww.metrolibrary.orgwww.pioneerlibrarysystem.org

Why we love it: These libraries offer so much more than just a place

to pick up a great book. There are more than two dozen library locations between these two systems and they offer a steady stream of classes and programs, most of which are totally free for children and youth. These classes offer a chance to learn new hobbies like quilting, video gaming and cookie decorating or improve on educational lessons with lessons in subjects like reading and math.

National Weather Center120 David L. Boren Blvd., Norman325-3095www.ou.edu/nwc

Why we love it: This state-of-the-art facility has so much to teach about weather and science. Schedule a free tour (which lasts an hour to an hour and a half and is recommended for 3rd grade and up) to get an inside look at how the experts predict Oklahoma’s weather. The center is one of the few sites in the country with Science On a Sphere, a room-sized global display system that uses computers and video projectors on a giant animated globe to teach about weather and the atmosphere. Reservations required one to two weeks in advance.

Martin Park Nature Center5000 W. Memorial Rd.755-0676www.okc.gov/Parks/Martin_Park

Why we love it: There’s so much to learn about wildlife and the outdoors at this city park, which boasts 140 acres of prairie grasses, towering trees and small ponds and creeks. Venture out on the hiking trail to discover something new about nature, or get an in-depth lesson at one of the nature center’s special programs. Park admission is free and educational programs are regularly featured at little or no cost and cover everything from meteorology to plant and animal life.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 8 JANUARY 2015

W hile academics are an important element at school, every parent

knows their kids learn a lot more in the classroom than just traditional school work.

Oklahoma City area campuses, especially those with elementary students, are working toward being more intentional in nurturing well-rounded individuals. For example, Edmond Public Schools has adopted a method called Conscious Discipline, where teachers integrate social-emotional learning so less time is spent on policing behaviors and more time is spent teaching vital life educational skills.

To really make these lessons stick, it’s important for parents to practice similar tactics at home. Ruthie Riggs, executive director of elementary education at Edmond Public Schools, has organized an educational event to help parents understand how to develop resiliency in children.

“Anyone who says parenting isn’t hard is either in denial or crazy,” Riggs said. “Parenting is hard. I really hope this is the beginning of multiple community events to support that important work of parenting.”

Riggs has sought the help of Edmond psychologist Dr. Paul Tobin to help present the Developing Resilient Youth and Families program to parents for the first time. Tobin has been a psychologist for 25 years and a mental health expert for almost 40 years. He currently works in Edmond at the Counseling and Consulting Offices of Tobin, Benjamin and Marotta. The resiliency theories he will share with parents have been tested and proven effective, he said.

The program uses emotional intelligence with elementary students to prevent risky behaviors as they go through middle and high school. According to Tobin, these lessons can prevent substance abuse, emotional difficulties, relational problems and fortify young people to deal with bullies, develop a sense of self-worth and belonging and better realize emotions in others.

“All kids are susceptible to these kinds of problems or have the potential to be,” he said. “Having a fortified sense of self-value and importance and a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves, these are critical core characteristics to develop to keep them from those harmful things.”

Tobin and Riggs hope the event will be a springboard for parents to dive into the theories and begin to learn more on their own and practice them at home.

Riggs said she is excited to encourage parents to practice some of the same lessons at home she encourages her teachers to use to nurture students emotionally and academically.

“We know that when they (parents) can provide reinforcement at home for both academics and other kinds of emotional intelligence that the outcome is going to be better,” she said. “This is just an additional resource for parents to make sure they’re reinforcing the right things at home.”

Tobin will present the free program on Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Edmond Public Schools Administrative Center at 1001 W. Danforth. An identical program will be hosted on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the same location. School counselors and staff from Dr. Tobin’s office will be on hand to answer questions. The event will be open to all parents of elementary-aged children in the area, but preference will be given to parents of Edmond Public School students. Registration is required at http://bit.ly/EPS_Event or by contacting a school counselor.

Edmond Offering Program for Raising Resilient Kids

family buzz

BY HANNAH SCHMITT

BY HEIDE BRANDES - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

INTRODUCTION BY HANNAH SCHMITT - MANAGING EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF THE OKLAHOMA AFTER-SCHOOL NETWORK

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 11 JANUARY 2015

W e have come to part three of our four-part series on

Introducing Kids to the Arts. In the past two months, we’ve discussed practical ways to introduce children to live stage performances and museum exhibits. This month, we discuss general arts education. While Oklahoma City’s education budget cuts may be limiting arts programs in some public schools, non-profits and local businesses are stepping up to fill in the gap by providing a thriving arts scene to youth in the metro.

Jean Hendrickson perhaps knows more than anyone in Oklahoma City the power of integrating the arts into education. She’s the director emeritus for Oklahoma A+ Schools, an organization she helped start in Okla-homa City in 2001 to transform education in the state. Through her experience with A+, she’s seen realized students do better when every learning experience starts with the arts. When kids are engaged creatively in what they are learning, the lessons stick and kids love to learn. She said parents have un-limited potential to encourage and stimulate the arts at home and be powerful forces on their child’s campus, too.

“There has to be a way the arts live at home,” she said. “Just like we expect them to when we go to a production or we go to the museum or to the movies or anywhere else, the language and experience of the arts needs to live at home.”

That means recreating scenes from a movie or play in the living room, she said, or singing along out loud to favorite songs in the car.

“Parents need to be alert to those opportunities to make connections and have that natural extension so those things live at home just as they do at school.”

In addition to playing up visual and creative arts at home, Hendrickson said parents have a responsibility to be involved on school grounds, too. She believes parents are the true advocates for their children and can be the drivers of what happens on campus.

“Thinking about what’s happening in ed-ucation right now in the state itself,” she said, “and the role parents are beginning to play, it’s a collective voice saying, ‘we’ve had enough of standardized tests defining my child.’ It’s a huge voice now and it’s making a difference in how policy makers really view what they should do all because parents have said, ‘my child is not a test score and you must not define my child that way.’”

The most simple action parents can take is to nurture a collaborative relationship with teachers, she said. Education is a team effort and parents should discuss with teachers the creative preferences and talents of their child.

Hendrickson’s been in education since 1979 and has seen what she calls a “boom bust cycle” in arts education in Oklahoma City Schools. The cycle tracks recessions and the availability of resources, she said, but they also track leadership. The presence of arts in schools has suffered when leadership doesn’t understand the greater impact.

Right now, Hendrickson said, arts education in Oklahoma City is on the upswing. She not-ed there are more arts collaborations than ever in the city and a growing number of A+ schools, which she believes is the key to truly improving education.

“We’re on the cusp of really determining for sure that we want the arts to be part of education in this community,” she said. “I’m very hopeful for the future.”

Below, you’ll discover the value the arts can provide in educating Oklahoma City children and find practical ways to get your kids involved in learning through art.

To learn more about Oklahoma A+ Schools and how Hendrickson believes the model can transform Oklahoma City’s education system, visit www.metrofamilymagazine.com/aplus.

HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 12 JANUARY 2015

Y ou don’t have to look far to find studies providing

evidence that exposure to the arts enhances learning for students. The report “Involvement in the Arts and Success in Secondary School” by the University of California, Los Angeles, reveals that young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours three days each week are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and four times more likely to win awards for writing.

Additionally, it shows children exposed to the arts also are more likely to improve in school attendance and to participate in math and science fairs. In fact, arts education makes a tremendous impact on the devel-opmental growth of students and helps level the “learning field” across socio-economic boundaries.

In the words of one local expert, art is as much of a necessity to young children as nourishing foods.

“Just like kids need to have good nutrition on a daily basis, kids need to have their daily serving of the arts,” said Kristen Bromley, marketing and public relations manager for Oklahoma’s Allied Arts. Allied Arts is a statewide force that formed in 1971 to enrich communities through advancement of the arts.

Regardless of what research shows, funding for public school arts education continues to get cut. However, Oklahoma City’s art

experts reveal there are still plenty of ways to introduce the arts to kids in the metro. Locally, numerous arts and cultural orga-nizations have stepped up to fill the gap in arts by offering programs that run the gamut from visual arts to dance.

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF ARTS IN THE CLASSROOM

The developmental and academic benefits of incorporating arts are well-documented, but did you know that the benefits extend to adulthood, as well?

Business leaders understand that arts educa-tion builds a school climate of high expec-tation, discipline and academic rigor which helps to strengthen student problem-solving and critical thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success.

In addition, arts education helps students de-velop a positive work ethic and pride in a job well done, leading to a greater appreciation and understanding of the world around them.

Art, in some cases, is the basis of an educa-tion at some schools in Oklahoma, like the Harding Fine Arts Academy.

“By integrating the arts into the core curriculum, we are training our stu-dents to be the kind of creative prob-lem-solvers that the business world is now seeking,” said Barry Schmelzen-bach, M.Ed.L., principal of Harding.

“The ability to make connections between disciplines and to apply a solution in one area to a problem in another is a skill that needs to be nur-tured and encouraged in all learners. Both students who are academically and artistically inclined flourish in such an environment.”

HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY

HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY

Photos courtesy of Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. 2014

the

Heritage Edition

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 13 JANUARY 2015

HOW TO INTEGRATE ARTS INTO YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION

With all the proof that art education makes a well-rounded child, parents can begin to integrate the arts into their child’s life in a multitude of ways.

Encouraging a child to find an art form they love means exposing them to the opportu-nity to create visual arts, music, dance, acting and more.

According to Bromley at Allied Arts, a few simple ways to boost arts in daily school assignments include:

• When the student is given the op-portunity to do a presentation or a non-traditional assignment, the parents can encourage them to act it out using drama or storytelling.

• Integrate cultural products, art pieces and artistic ideas into non-traditional art curriculums; i.e. social sciences, math, science, etc.

• As your child talks about topics they are learning in school, take them to a relevant arts experience or museum that relates to what they are learning in the classroom.

• Encourage your child to find the arts influence in significant peoples’ stories that they learn about in school. Parents can help them make the connection to the impact of the arts to other areas of life (particularly in the lives of historical and influential people).

• Parents also can sneak arts into their child’s day-to-day life. After school, weekends or holidays are perfect times for parents to encourage children to learn how to play an instrument, enroll in a dance or vocal music class, play with clay or craft items to make art and more.

“What does your child respond to? Music? Do they spontaneously move when listening to music, or when watching others dance?” said Sharon Astrin with the Arts Council of Oklahoma City. “Knowing what kind of learner

your child is helps. Are they a visual, kines-thetic or auditory learner, for example? What was their favorite art project at school? Do they like singing? These are all valuable clues.”

An easy way to expose youth to the beauty of art is to take them to a play or musical performance, many of which offer discount tickets to youth.

“There are many forms of art that can be studied at home, ranging from photogra-phy and jewelry making to ceramics and painting,” said Schmelzenbach. “Oklahoma City is rich with music and art camps and classes such as the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center, Oklahoma City of Museum of Art or the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM@UCO) in Bricktown. Many of these organizations grant scholarships to students who are in need.”

FIND YOUR PERFECT PROGRAM

Central Oklahoma is chock-full of arts programs geared toward children, and many offer scholarships.

From dance programs, educational work-shops, children’s theater programs like the

PUTNAM HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

HARDING FINE ARTS ACADEMY

Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and arts-cen-tered field trips, children have a world of art to explore without leaving the metro. So which program is right for your child?

“Look for a program that honors who their child is and how he/she learns,” said Sandra Kent with Oklahoma A+ Schools. “Parents can ask their child’s school how they teach arts in their school. They can also ask teach-ers about the general curriculum so that they can then add relevant art experiences at home and as a family. They can also encour-age the school to seek out models such as OKA+ so that the teachers will know how to integrate arts and other core curriculum.”

Parents also can explore programs through Allied Arts. Although Allied Arts doesn’t carry out its own education programming; its role in arts education is to fund various programs so local organizations can carry them out in the community at a low cost or at no cost to the participants.

Allied Arts helps fund a wide variety of arts education projects, like school programming, in-school activities, touring performances to schools, educational workshops, arts-cen-tered field trips and much more.

“The programs that we support help incorporate the arts into the educational experiences of the students at no cost to the school itself,” said Bromley. “ Students of all ages from elementary school to high school are given the opportunity to have access to the arts whether it is during the school day, in after-school programs, or throughout school vacation breaks.”

Astrin suggests sitting in on a few classes to get a feel for what they offer.

“Go and observe the program or camp be-fore enrolling your child. Talk to the director and to the staff and ask to observe a class if at all possible,” Astrin said. “Try to get a feel for what kind of learning framework is being used.”

Harding Fine Arts Academy is a public char-ter high school sponsored by the Oklahoma City Public School District that has a broad-based fine arts and academic curriculum including classes in dance, martial arts, visual arts, photography, drama, speech, choir, musi-cal instruments and more.

Oklahoma’s After-School Network also encourages the arts by incorporating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) into children’s learning activities.

“Parents should reach out to the wealth of arts resources in their area and work with their schools to see how they can integrate arts education into the school day and into after-school programs,” said Sheryl Lovelady, spokesperson for the After-School Network.

“Put simply, our students need more time to learn. The school day is regimented and packed with mandates, but the hours after school and in the summer are the best time to add the arts back in.”

[Editor’s Note: For a list of free and low-cost arts programs in the metro, visit www.metrofamily-magazine.com/free-art.]

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 14 JANUARY 2015

OKLAHOMA A+ SCHOOLS

Meet Robin Khoury

Real moms of the metro

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 17 JANUARY 2015

I t was almost 20 years ago when Robin Khoury felt what she calls “a little tap on the shoulder” and

a voice telling her she would someday start a school.

“I could just hear God telling me I would be teaching underprivileged kids one day,” she said.

Today, Khoury is the founder and principal of Little Light Christian School, an Oklaho-ma City elementary school exclusively for kids whose parents are incarcerated. But back when she felt that little tap, she was just getting started homeschooling her own children and already feeling unqualified to even do that.

“When I started, there were very few people doing it,” she said of homeschooling. “We were on the leading edge, the pioneers of the homeschooling movement. People thought I was crazy and thought I should be either in a mental institute or a prison for doing that to my kids. Then the big snowball started to roll and now it’s totally mainstream, people don’t even raise an eyebrow.”

Although not mainstream when she started, her kids were none the wiser and loved being educated at home, she said. Although she felt challenged and tired at times, she always knew she was doing the right thing. But when she first felt the calling to someday educate other young children, she didn’t feel so confident.

“I said to myself, ‘Okay, you don’t even have an education degree. You’re already expe-riencing so much grief from everyone with homeschooling, why don’t you just keep this to yourself,’” she said.

So Robin made a note of this calling in her journal. Over the next two decades, her children grew up and she successfully taught them through high school and sent them off to college. Along the way, she flagged her journal again every time she felt the voice reminding her of this future school. Today, her face lights up at the mention of what all those notes turned into.

Oklahoma has one of the highest impris-onment rates in the country. Most recent numbers from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections reveal there are 26,194 in-carcerated individuals in Oklahoma. Many of those people are parents, and their children are profoundly impacted by their incarcera-tion. Robin started to have awareness of this before she started the school or even the

ministry behind it. It was right after her two sons, 26-year-old Elijah and 29-year-old Chad, got off to college that Robin volunteered to mentor female inmates at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McCloud.

“God really worked on my heart, getting to know on a personal level women who had committed serious crimes,” she said. “It was very touching. God really, really worked on me during that time, making me grateful for things I was never exposed to and all the dif-ferent blessings in my life. I went home from that prison every time saying, ‘Thank God I can walk out of here.’”

During her visits, she began to understand the burden the women behind bars feel to-ward their families on the outside, especially their own children. She began to see that all her years of homeschooling were prepar-ing her to start a school where she would help meet the needs of the children whose parents could not.

The 2014-2015 school year marks the third one for Little Light Christian School, which now has nine students between the ages of 6 and 11. She started Little Light Ministries before opening the school with the goal of breaking the cycle of incarceration in Oklahoma, she said. Now, the ministry still provides guidance to women behind bars, but the school specifically ministers to their children.

In addition to teaching the children, Robin’s ministry provides scholarships for women in prison to get college credit while they’re incarcerated. The hope is that women who are locked up will get an education that can help them stay on the right path after their release.

“Education is key,” Robin said. “That’s the key to keeping them out of prison and helping

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14715 Bristol Park Blvd. - OKC/EdmondMETROFAMILY MAGAZINE 18 JANUARY 2015

those in prison to get out and stay out.”

There are seven staff members at the school, Robin included. The staff is more equipped than what you’ll find at most other schools; even her office manager has a Ph.D. Her staff has dozens of degrees among them, and backgrounds ranging from missionaries and licensed counselors and military chaplains and school principals.

“Our teachers are very highly trained, so the children are in very good hands,” Robin said. “But children like this really require this type of background.”

Most of the students at the school started there at least two years behind in classroom instruction, Robin said, and some of them were truant for long periods of time before enrolling at Little Light. In addition, children with incarcerated parents come from a variety of backgrounds many traditional students do not experience. Some may have post-traumatic stress disorder, Robin said, or are sensory deprived. They may never have learned to effectively communicate, which can lead to all kinds of behavioral issues.

“If anyone is not loving, a volunteer or staff, they don’t last here very long,” Robin said. “We always treat the children with respect, even if they’re misbehaving. We always re-spect and love them, even with discipline.”

The Little Light staff usually starts working with new students by simply letting them play, a method that can help them build pathways in the brain before bringing on a full slate of academics.

The student body is intentionally small right now, Robin said, as the facility space is limited and the students require a lot of attention. The school is currently located inside Lone Star Baptist Church, with hopes to eventu-ally grow into a facility of its own. The staff at Little Light comes together to meet the students’ every need, who are transported to and from the school every day, fed two meals and a snack each day and provided school uniforms.

“Oh my goodness, they feel like my own children to me,” Robin said. “Everybody who knows me, I’m sure they get so tired of me whipping out my phone to show pictures of the latest cute things the kids are doing. I love them all dearly and I just talk about them constantly.”

Students new to the school are always a little standoffish, Robin said, probably because they’ve had negative experiences in learning environments before. Within a couple weeks,

she notices a big change in their mood and behavior. Kids at the school learn in the classroom, but also learn through gardening, music and hands-on activities. The school em-phasizes character development and spends time teaching communication, manners and even lessons on developing true grit.

All the lessons are provided with the goal to meet all needs of the child and break the cycle of incarceration in the family. For the most part, students at the school have a history of shame regarding the status of their parents. Their current caregivers are doing the best they can, Robin said, but any situation where the parent cannot raise the child is less than ideal.

“The thing about the caregivers,” she said, “these people are just stretched to their maximum limit. They have a family member incarcerated and that’s a financial pressure. Most are grandparents and they have normal issues of aging but they’re also caring for young children. They’ve raised kids already and now there’s this added pressure plus the shame factor.”

At Little Light, students and their families don’t need to feel ashamed about the incar-ceration because they are understood by their peers.

Because the school is provided at no cost to students, it is totally funded by donations and grants. The major funders have been the National Christian Foundation and Jasco Products Company in Edmond. With further funding, Robin hopes to see the school grow. They’re building a waiting list now and will be able to take on more students with a new facility. Her hope is to plant a church to accompany the school. Through the church, she would be able to provide more programs for the entire family, like classes in parenting, life skills, finances and 12-step programs. Growth would also allow her to provide summer camps and after-school programs to students.

Until then, Robin will continue pouring her heart into the handful of students enrolled in the school now.

“Whether I was homeschooling or teaching Sunday school or anything else, I have just loved every minute of having kids around,” she said. “When I’m with the students, it’s just like having my family around me. And that’s what they need. Children need to be-long, they need to be part of the community. And I need to have a view of what this child can be, not what they’re like right now. We’re called to love them and teach them day by day so that’s just what I do.”

Robin has dedicated her life to children. Read more about what makes her tick.

How has motherhood changed you?

Motherhood changed me for the better in every way. Becoming a mother helped me put other people’s needs ahead of my own, and helped me put my life in perspective. Becoming a mother helped me be more understanding and empa-thetic and less worldly. When you have a baby you realize people are much more important than things.

What is your favorite quote about motherhood?

My Granny used to say, “Man must work from sun to sun, but a mother’s work is never done.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sneaking a large chocolate malt from Braum’s.

Describe yourself in five words. Loving, spiritual, creative, zany, compas-sionate.

How do you find balance?

By talking to God every morning.

What makes you proud?

My two sons.

What is your favorite indul-gence?

A manicure and pedicure.

What is your biggest challenge? Getting up at 5 a.m.

How would you describe your parenting style?

Hands-on and sheltering.

What is on your wish list?

A recumbent stationary bicycle for our classroom at school.

How do you banish stress?

I take a long hot bath every night, I read books and pray.

What motivates you?

Children’s hugs and scripture.

What would your friends or family say everyone else doesn’t know about you?

I have spent thousands of hours of my lifetime looking for my keys!

What is your favorite television show?

“Everybody Loves Raymond.”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 19 JANUARY 2015

BY JENNIFER GEARY - CONTRIBUTING WRITERPHOTO COURTESY OF THE OKLAHOMA CITY MUSEUM OF ART

Homeschool Adventures inOklahoma

exploring oklahoma with children

OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO

WWW.NATIONALCOWBOYMUSEUM.ORG

1700 NE 63rd St.Oklahoma City, OK

(405) 478-2250

And there is always more!HISTORY ART SHOPPING DINING

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN AT THE COW

BOYSaturday, January 3

Friday, February 13

Saturday, February 7

Saturdays for KidsCreate Sand Art10:00 a.m. - NoonFree for Children and Families

Madonnas of the Prairie: Depictions of Women in the American WestHosted by the Museum and organized by the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas, this exhibit features more than 100 works focusing on women in the late 19th century through the present as seen through the talents of multiple artists.

Saturdays for KidsMixed Media Journal Making10:15 and 11:15 a.m.Free for Children and Families

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 21 JANUARY 2015

As a homeschooling mom, I’m sometimes asked how I do it all. The answer? I don’t. In fact, I can’t. Any good teacher, classroom or homeschool, knows there’s no way to be an expert on everything. Sometimes kids don’t need an expert to teach them; if we teach them the basic skills they need to research and think, they can become more knowl-edgeable about their passions than we are. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to have others available who excel in their fields to share their knowledge and inspire our kids!

Another question that’s common for home-schoolers to hear is, “Do you just stay home, or do you go out and do things, too?” Do we go out? Yes! In fact, we go out a lot, because I believe that one of the big advantages of homeschooling is that we’re not limited to four walls and a desk or to whatever field trips or speakers the district has approved. If there’s a place we can visit that’s related to what we’re learning about, we get in the car and go, even if it sometimes requires an absurd amount of driving to get there. Oklahoma and the surrounding areas are full of so many interesting and unique museums, parks and other sites that relate to almost every content area you can think of and I try to visit as many of those places as we can.

Here are some wonderful metro area venues that offer excellent programming that is specifically geared toward homeschooling

families. If you haven’t taken part in these programs before, I encourage you to check them out and give them a try this spring. You don’t have to homeschool your children to enjoy these fabulous resources that let every family learn outside the classroom.

Harn Homestead

The Harn Homestead is dedicated to preserving a historic Oklahoma homestead and teaching children about life in territorial Oklahoma. If you’ve ever tried to organize a field trip, you know that many places require you to have a certain number of participants. Sometimes that can be a challenge for ho-meschoolers, especially if you aren’t an active part of an organized group. Harn Homestead offers a homeschool day each month from September-December and March-May with no required number of participants! All you have to do is call ahead to register, and for just $8 per child, your kids can participate in a morning full of farming fun.

There is a dairy barn where kids can milk model cows, work the corn sheller and grinder, rake the stables and gather eggs. In the schoolhouse, children take part in a les-son just like students would in the late 1800s. There is also a farmhouse full of hands-on opportunities for kids to experience life in the past, from toys and games to dress up clothes. It’s almost like a life-sized historical playhouse for kids!

Oklahoma City Zoo

If you’ve lived in the metro for any amount of time, you’ve likely visited the Oklahoma City Zoo. If you haven’t participated in any of their classes, though, you’ve been missing out. The Zoo’s education department is absolutely amazing. The staff works hard to create classes that are age-appropriate and engaging. At $7 per class, they’re very affordable, too. From September through March on the first Friday of the month, the Zoo offers homeschool classes for three different age levels. Children are divided into preschool through second grades, third and fourth grades and fifth and sixth grades with each class having its own theme. Classes last from 10 to 11 a.m. and you can register by calling Jordan Long in the education department at 425-0218.

OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO

OKLAHOMA CITY ZOO

You(along with some support

from experts)

What does it take to help

a child in foster care?

Find more at www.angelsfosterokc.org

That’s where Angels Foster Family Network comes in, providing you and your family with the training,

help and emotional support that you need to

provide a loving, nurturing home to babies in need.

If you’re interested in changing a child’s life

through foster care, contact Angels Foster

Family Network Oklahoma City today at

405-285-6193.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 22 JANUARY 2015

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

The Oklahoma City Museum of Art has offered multi-week classes for homeschool-ers for a while, and starting this semester they will have single-session classes available, too. So if you can’t make a weekly commitment, your kids will still be able to participate in high-quality hands-on art classes. Over the next few months, multi-week classes scheduled include “Design, Sculpt, Create” and “Draw, Paint, Print.” Sin-gle-session classes will be based on special exhibitions visiting the museum, such as an Andy Warhol class in April.

Both types of classes are geared toward kids ages 6-13 and include time in the galleries and time in the studio for students to create their own art work. Multi-week classes are $35 per month for members and $45 for non-members; one-time classes are $10-15 per child. Sign your kids up online at www.okcmoa.com or by phone at 236-3100. If you just want to tour the museum, call ahead and ask about special rates for homeschool groups.

Oklahoma Aquarium

Although it’s a few hours north of the metro, huge discoveries and tons of fun await homeschoolers willing to make the drive to Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. Four times a year, the world class aquarium hosts Ho-

meschool Day, where homeschool students and their teachers can take in all the facility has to offer at a discounted rate.

On March 10, discover life under-water with thousands of creatures swimming all around you. From tiny invertebrates to a collection of the largest bull sharks in captivity, the aquarium is bursting at the seams with exciting displays.

On Homeschool Day, the aquarium education staff members set up

stationed themes with hands-on activities for added learning and insight. Reduced ad-mission is offered from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and homeschool activities are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon. The aquarium is located at 300 Aquarium Dr. in Jenks and can be reached at 918-216-FISH or by visiting www.okaquari-um.org.

General Tips

If you haven’t been taking advantage of all the wonderful places our great state offers, I’d like to share a few tips to get you started.

First, look over your plans for the semes-ter and see what topics you’ll be covering. Chances are, you’ll be able to find some related field trips within a short drive.

Once you’ve decided on a site you want to visit, check out their website thoroughly and make phone calls if needed. I try to plan bigger trips on days when nothing else is scheduled so we have plenty of time to see everything instead of needing to rush.

If you’re going to make a drive, check to see if there are any other venues nearby that you might want to visit while in the area. Though

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 23 JANUARY 2015

I like to coordinate our trips with our learn-ing topics, I’m not opposed to visiting sites that aren’t related to our current studies. They may provide the opportunity to revisit something we’ve already studied or they may lay the foundation for future lessons.

Prepare your kids for the field trip. I often show my kids any interesting pictures from the venue’s website and point out where we’ll be going on a map if we’re going out of town. Because my kids are five years apart, they’re not always learning about the same topics, so if we’re going on a trip related to something one child has been studying, I often try to find some related materials to share with the oth-er child, usually my five year old, so she has some kind of background knowledge before we go. Hopefully your preparation will make the trip a little more meaningful.

Decide on your main goals for the visit and share those with your kids before you go. Do you want them to be able to tell you certain facts at the end of your trip, or are you just going for the sake of the experience? Will they have an assignment they need to complete? Sometimes I do give my kids an assignment directly related to the trip and

sometimes I don’t. Honestly, that’s up to the teacher. Don’t feel obligated to give written work if you think discussion is good enough.

Besides these great places, many other venues will offer student or group discounts or arrange special tours for homeschool groups, so don’t be afraid to ask for help; the venues are almost always more than happy to work

with you. Oklahoma City is such a great place to be a homeschooler, so make sure you take advantage of some of the wonderful opportu-nities right at your doorstep!

[Editor’s Note: Jennifer Geary blogs about her homeschooling experieces at www.metrofamily-magazine.com/ Adventures-in-Homeschooling]

CAPTIONOKLAHOMA AQUARIUM

www.casady.org • 405.749.3185 9500 North Pennsylvania Ave. • Oklahoma City, OK 73120

Casady is a college preparatory school with high academic standards that develop critical and creative thinking skills.

In the classroom and in chapel, Casady teaches ethical decision-making

and reinforces moral values, developing

compassionate individuals

Casady educators know each student individually and encourage academic growth by focusing on

students’ unique strengths and guiding them to

pursue their passions.

Honoring Tradition

Outstanding Academics

Casady’s warm community of motivated educators,

genuine students, engaged parents and loyal alumni

provides students the

to explore their interests, accept challenges and

reach their full potential.

Casady’s holistic approach to education

leads students to pursue a diverse range of interests, inspiring academic, athletic,

artistic and spiritual growth.

Supporting Family

Cultivating Individuality

Building Character

Educating in Mind, Body, Spirit

Since 1947, Casady School develops

excellence, confidence, and integrity in students and prepares them with the skills and knowledge

that serve as the foundation for success.

Casady School is a college-preparatory Episcopal day school. Casady School admits students of any race, color, creed and national or ethnic origin.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 24 JANUARY 2015

calendar

events thisjanuaryOKLAHOMA CITY BLUE VS

IOWA ENERGY—JAN 9This marks the seventh season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but

it’s just the very first season for the team’s development league, the Oklahoma City Blue, to be playing right here in Oklahoma City.

The team will face off against the Iowa Energy at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) on Jan. 9. Seeing the Blue play presents

a great opportunity to experience the development of the Thunder in a brand new way and get excited about basketball in a new

venue. Experience Blue all month long with additional home games happening Jan. 10, 13, 23, 24 and 29. Ticket prices vary. 7pm.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.NBA.COM/DLEAGUE/OKLAHOMACITY

PHONE: 208-4800

Photo courtesy of Layne Murdoch/NBAE/Getty Images

OKLAHOMA CITY HOME & GARDEN SHOW—JAN 16-18

The 33rd Annual Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show will be hosted at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) and showcases more

than 500 local and national experts and vendors in landscaping, remodeling, cooking and design. This year, Kevin O’Connor, host of

This Old House, will look back and share highlights on 35 years of the longest-running home improvement show in television history.

Additionally, the Renegade Gardener, Don Engebretson, will cover the top gardening mistakes and myths. Adults, $12; children under 12 are free. Discount tickets are available online and at Buy for Less stores.

Friday, noon-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. MORE INFORMATION: WWW.OKLAHOMACITYHOMESHOW.COM

PHONE: 800-395-1350

Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show

OUR CALENDAR MAKES IT EASY TO FIND FAMILY FUN IN OKC. FIND MORE AT WWW.METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 25 JANUARY 2015

FIREHOUSE ART CENTER’S CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL & ART DAY—JAN 31

The 33rd Annual Firehouse Art Center’s Chocolate Festival and Art Day at the Marriott Conference Center and Hotel (2801 State Highway

9 East, Norman) offers a dazzling array of indulgent chocolate treats as the finest restaurants and chocolatiers in Norman and the

Oklahoma City metro area present their savory and sweet creations. The event includes an art center with hands-on fun for the young and

old. All proceeds support Norman’s Firehouse Art Center’s mission to offer high quality visual arts education, experiences and exhibits.

10:30am-2pm. $25 for 10 samples, $40 for 15 samples. Discount tickets available for college students.

MORE INFORMATION: WWW.NORMANFIREHOUSE.COM

PHONE: 329-4523 Photo courtesy of Firehouse Art Center

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: VAREKAI—JAN 28-FEB 1Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world where something else is possible. The world is called Varekai and it’s portrayed in Cirque du Soleil’s latest tour production, Varkai, at the Cheasepeake Energy Area (100 W Reno) at various showtimes between Jan. 28 and Feb. 1. Audiences will be entertained by the mystical acts as the show pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition and to the infinite passion of those whose quest takes them along the path that leads to Varekai. There are seven performances to choose from and tickets range from $35-$100. MORE INFORMATION: WWW.CIRQUEDUSOLEIL.COM/VAREKAI

PHONE: 235-4789

Photo by Eric Piché, costume by Eiko Ishioka

40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR TATU—JAN 31Celebrate Silverback Gorilla Tatu at a special birthday party just for him at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2000 Remington Pl). The big guy is turning 40 and you are invited to the celebration! The Western lowland gorilla, Tatu, has been with the Zoo since 1983 and has become a well-known ambassador for his species, which is critically endangered in the wild. The median life expectancy for gorillas is approximately 35 years old. The Zoo is honoring Tatu’s long and healthy life. The festivities will be hosted inside the Gorilla Interpretive Building in Great EscApe. Activities will include cupcakes while supplies last, signing Tatu’s birthday card and a special Tatu exhibit at the ZooZeum. 1:30 – 3:30pm. Free with paid admission.MORE INFORMATION: WWW.OKCZOO.COM

PHONE: 425-0262

Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Zoo

calendar

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 26 JANUARY 2015

(THROUGH JANUARY 6)

events thisjanuaryTHROUGH JAN 3FREE Chesapeake Energy Holiday Lights Display at Chesapeake Energy (NW 63rd & Western) features 4.3 million LED lights decorating eight blocks of landscape. Lit nightly from sunset to 7am.

FREE Downs Family Christmas Lights (2900 72nd Ave SE) is a light display set to music that features more than 18 miles of light strands. Bring a canned good to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. www.downsfamilychristmas.com

Oklahoma State University Men’s Basketball vs. Kansas State at Gallagher-Iba Area (1046 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater). Ticket prices vary. 11am. Also held: 1/10 vs University of Texas; 1/21 vs Texas Tech University; 1/27 vs Baylor University; 1/31 vs University of Oklahoma. 405-744-5745, www.okstate.com

University of Oklahoma Men’s Basketball vs. Baylor University at the Lloyd Noble Center (2900 Jenkins Ave, Norman). Ticket prices vary. 3pm. Also held: 1/10 vs Kansas State University; 1/17 vs Oklahoma State University; 1/28 vs Texas Tech University; 2/3 vs West Virginia University. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com

THROUGH JAN 4Edmond Holiday Ice Skating at Mitch Park (1501 W Covell Rd) features ice skating, holiday music and food concessions. $10 for two-hour skate session and skate rental; $7 if you bring your own skates. $5 for age 5 and under. Daily, noon-10pm. 274-1638, www.expressice.publishpath.com

Santa’s Adventures on the Oklahoma River at RIVERSPORT Adventures (725 S Lincoln Blvd) features Boathouse District activities with a holiday

spin, including the SandRidge Santa Zip, North Pole Climb, Candy Cane Rock Wall and Rudolph’s Launch. Saturday and Sunday, 1-8pm. $35. 552-4040, www.boathousedistrict.org/santas-adventures/

“The Book of Mormon” at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) is a Tony Award-winning musical. $40-85. Tuesday-Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2 & 8pm; Sunday, 2 & 7pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com

JAN 2-4Annual Eagle Watch at Arcadia Lake (9000 E 2nd St, Edmond). Dress warmly and bring binoculars. Start at the park office located on E 2nd between N Post and N Douglas Roads to learn where eagles can be spotted. 8am-4pm. $3 per vehicle. 216-7471.

JAN 3 • SATURDAYGet Fit Expo 2015 at Crosspointe Community Center (2601 24th Ave SE, Norman) offers healthy tips, giveaways, workouts and shopping. $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Preregister. 11am-5pm. 473-1566, www.swagherfitness.com

Saturdays for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd) features sand art making for kids and families. Free with paid admission. 10am-noon. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

JAN 3-4OKC Land Run Antique Show at the Oklahoma State Fairgronds (3001 General Pershing Blvd) presents more than 70 antiques dealers. $5 for adults, $3 for children 9-12, free for children under 9. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. 918-619-2875.

JAN 4 • SUNDAYWinter Wind Concert at the Norman Depot (200 S Jones, Norman) is a concert

featuring Johnsmith, a Kerrville New Folk Winner. $20. 7pm. 307-9320, www.normandepot.org

University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball vs West Virginia at the Lloyd Noble Center (2900 Jenkins Ave, Norman). Tickets prices vary. 3:30pm. Also held: 1/14 vs University of Texas; 1/19 vs Oklahoma State University; 1/24 vs Texas Tech University; 2/4 vs Iowa State University. 325-2424, www.soonersports.com

JAN 5 • MONDAYFREE Admission at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) on the first Monday of each month. 10am-5pm. 325-4712, www.snomnh.ou.edu

JAN 5-8FREE Build It! at the Ralph Ellison Library (2000 Ne 23rd St) hosts four days of building fun. Stop by to be an architect, engineer or builder at the library. Construction materials and related books available to explore. Ages 12 & under. 9am-9pm. 424-1437, www.metrolibrary.org

JAN 6 • TUESDAYFREE Mini Model Build at the LEGO Store in Penn Square Mall (1901 NW Expressway) hosts a new Lego® model build the first Tuesday of each month. Quantities limited. Ages 6-12. 5pm. 840-9993, www.Stores.Lego.com

Oklahoma City Barons vs Texas Stars at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens). Ticket prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 1/16 & 17 vs Texas Stars, 1/18 vs Rochester Americans, 1/30 & 31 vs Lake Erie Monsters. 232-4625, www.okbarons.com

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 28 JANUARY 2015

events thisjanuaryJAN 7 • WEDNESDAYOklahoma State University Women’s Basketball vs Texas Tech University at Gallagher-Iba Area (1046 W Hall of Fame Ave, Stillwater). Tickets prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 1/14 vs Kansas State University; 1/17 vs West Virginia University; 1/24 vs Texas Christian University; 2/4 vs Baylor University. 405-744-5745, www.okstate.com

JAN 8-10Oklahoma Winter Quilt Show at the Cox Pavilion at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features a vendor mall with products and services offered by exhibitors as well as special guest educators, contests & workshops. $10 per day, $20 for three-day pass, kids 12 and under free. 10am-5pm. www.qscexpos.com/oklahoma.html

JAN 9 • FRIDAYOklahoma City Blue vs Iowa Energy at Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens). Ticket prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 1/10 vs Reno Bighorns, 1/13 vs LA D-Fenders, 1/23 vs Canton Charge, 1/24 vs Austin Toros, 1/29 vs Erie Bayhawks. 208-4800, www.nba.com/dleague/oklahomacity

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz at the Cheasepeake Energy Area (100 W Reno Ave). Ticket prices vary. 7pm. Also held: 1/16 vs Golden State Warriors, 1/26 vs Minnesota Timberwolves 2/6 vs New Orleans Pelicans, 2/8 vs LA Clippers. 208-4800, www.nba.com/thunder

FREE Norman’s 2nd Friday Circuit of Art in downtown Norman is a monthly celebration of the arts connecting the downtown arts district with galleries, performance halls & Campus Corner. 6-10pm. www.2ndfridaynorman.com

FREE LIVE on the Plaza in the Plaza District (NW 16th between Classen & Penn) is a monthly celebration that includes an art walk, local artists, live music and shopping. 7-11pm. www.plazadistrict.org

FREE Gallery Opening and Art Walk at the Norman Depot (200 S Jones, Norman) presents retired arts educator John Wolfe, who recently was featured on OETA’s “Gallery.” Wolfe will fill the Depot Gallery through February with a selection of his “People, Plants and Places” art works. 6-9pm. 307-9320, www.normandepot.org

JAN 9-11Oklahoma Winter Gem, Jewelry, & Bead Show at State Fair Park Expo Hall #3 (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features vendors with beads, jewelry, silver and tools. Classes available. $5 for weekend pass. Friday and Saturday, 10am- 6pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm. www.aksshow.com

JAN 10 • SATURDAYWinter Reindeer Family Workshop at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) invites ages 3-5 to collaborate with an adult to create a handprint reindeer using landscape paintings in the galleries as inspiration. Snacks and materials provided. $8.50 for members, $11 for non-members for each adult/child pair. 11am-noon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

FREE How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard at Martin Nature Park (5000 W Memorial) teaches which backyard habitats are most likely to attract colorful songbirds and about bird-attracting plants, water sources and how to plan your garden to minimize threats from predators. Preregister. 3pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/Parks/Martin_Park

Oklahoma City Philharmonic Classics Saint-Saens: Piano Concerto No. 5 at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker) features pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. $19 and up. 8pm. 842-5387, www.okcphilharmonic.org

JAN 10-11Buchanan Vintage Flea Market at Oklahoma State Fairgrounds (608 Kiamichi Pl) features antiques and collectibles including furniture, glassware, pottery, collectible toys, artwork and vintage clothing. $5 for adults, kids under 12 are FREE. Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. www.buchananmarkets.com

JAN 11 • SUNDAYJazz at the Depot at the Norman Depot (200 S Jones, Norman) features the music of the Mitch Bell Group in a historic setting. $10. 7:30pm. 307-9320, www.normandepot.org

JAN 15 • THURSDAYFREE Story Hour at Cuppies & Joe (727 NW 23rd Street) features a chance for children to listen to a story while parents enjoy coffee and conversation. 9-10am. 528-2122, www.cuppiesandjoe.com

FREE Auto Alley Shop Hop in Historic Automobile Alley (Broadway & 9th) features open house events at local shops, extended shopping hours, live music, street artists and performers and giveaways. 6-9pm. www.downtownokc.com/auto-alley-shop-hop

FREE First Fifty Years of Oklahoma Art Opening Reception at Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum (1400 Classen Dr) celebrates the opening of a special exhibit that showcases Oklahoma’s pioneer artists, on display until Apr. 25. 5:30-7:30pm. 235-4458, www.oklahomaheritage.com

WEEKLY EVENTSjanuary(THROUGH JANUARY 17)

EXHIBIT NOW OPEN

Produced by the Florida Museum of Natural History with support from the AEC Trust, Lastinger Family Foundation, State of Florida and VisitGainesville.

Explore the world exposed when 101 ancient canoes were found in a dry lake bed. � e acclaimed

exhibit, with videos and interactive play and canoes, old and new.

Sulphur, OK • 580-622-7130canoes2015.com

chickasawculturalcentercenter

—� e Wall Street Journal onthe Dugout Canoes exhibit

—� e Wall Street Journal on

“Magnifi cent”

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 29 JANUARY 2015

FREE Open House at Oklahoma Christian School (4680 E 2nd St, Edmond) offers an open house for prospective parents of kids in preschool to 12th grade. 9-10:30am. 341-2265 ext. 4, www.ocssaints.org

FREE Visitors Day at St. Mary’s School of Edmond (505 E Covell, Edmond) welcomes parents to experience the school in action, interact with teachers and students and tour the campus. RSVP requested. 8:30-10:30am. 341-9541, www.smesedmond.org

JAN 16 & 17FREE Marriage Conference with Dr. Gary Chapman at Metropolitan Baptist Church (7201 W Britton Rd) presents

“When Sorry Isn’t Enough.” Dr. Chapman, author of the Love Language book series, will share valuable insight on how couples can resolve inevitable conflicts. Registration required. Friday, 6:30-9:30pm with childcare available; Saturday, 9am-noon. www.bettermarriageokc.com

JAN 17-30FREE 2015 Youth Impressions Art Exhibit at the Edmond Downtown Community Center (28 E Main St, Edmond) invites artists in 1st-12th grade to enter art to win cash. Enter by Jan 14. $3 entry fee. Exhibit open to the public Monday-Saturday, 8am-8pm; Sunday, 8am-1pm. 340-4481, www.edmondfinearts.com

JAN 16-18International Finals Rodeo at State Fair Arena (3001 General Pershing Blvd) features three days of professional rodeo action. Lower level box seats, $120 plus a $5.00 fee for all session tickets or $30 per performance; upper level seats $18 per performance. Friday, 7:30pm; Saturday, 1:30 & 7:30pm; Sunday, 1:30pm. Children are invited to meet contestants one hour before Sunday event. 948-6800, www.ipra-rodeo.com

Oklahoma City Home & Garden Show at State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd) welcomes exhibitors and experts to Oklahoma City’s largest home and garden show to offer new products, home décor inspiration and remodeling ideas. $12, FREE for children under 12, discount tickets available online and at Buy for Less stores. Friday, noon-9pm: Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. 800-395-1350, www.oklahomacityhomeshow.com

FREE Oklahoma City RV & Boat Show at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) features the latest in RVs & boats with a variety of vendors available. Friday, 11am-9pm; Saturday, 9am-9pm; Sunday, noon-6pm. www.okcrvandboatshow.com

JAN 17 • SATURDAYSnowman Portraits Family Workshop at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) invites ages 3-5 to learn about elements used to create portraits and create a festive snowman using paint and scrapbook paper. Snacks and materials provided. $8.50 for members, $11 for non-members for each adult/child pair. 11am-noon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

FREE Diaper Dash Baby Crawl at Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main, Yukon) calls for the fastest babies to compete in the annual race. 6-9 months, 10:30am; 10-14 months, 11am; Toddler Trot for up to 18 months, 11:30am. 350-8920, www.cityofyukonok.gov

Make Pop Bottle Bird Feeders at Martin Nature Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) teaches how to upcycle a plastic pop bottle into a bird feeder for your backyard, garden or courtyard. Bring a 20-oz plastic drink bottle with lid to the park’s Visitor Center. $2 per person. 1-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/Parks/Martin_Park

events thisjanuaryLil Kickers Winter Sessioncontinues through March 14.

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 30 JANUARY 2015

Wintery Wildlife Tea and Cocoa Party at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2000 Remington Pl) offers refreshments for a fun day at the Zoo. Ages 3 and up. Adults must accompany children. Parents are free with paid child registration. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. $15 for ZooFriends members, $18 for non-members. 3:30-4:30pm. 425-0218, www.okczooed.com

Freeze Your Face-Off 5K at the Cox Convention Center (1 Myriad Gardens) benefits the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Oklahoma. Race fee includes the run, long-sleeve race shirt, medals to the first 750 finishers and a ticket to the Oklahoma City Barons game at 7pm. $30. 4:30pm www.freezeyourfaceoff.org

JAN 18 • SUNDAYWinter Wind Concert at the Norman Depot (200 S Jones, Norman) features the music of Meg Hutchinson in a historic setting. $20. 7pm. 307-9320, www.normandepot.org

JAN 19 • MONDAYSchool’s Out Safari Day Camp at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2000 Remington Pl) features fun for kids on a school holiday. Snacks provided, but campers must bring their lunch. Preregister. $25. 8:30am-12:30. 425-0218, www.okczooed.com

FREE Kids Free Throw Contest at Jackie Cooper Gym (1024 E Main, Yukon) & Yukon Community Center (2200 S Holly Ave, Yukon). Ages 6-13 will shoot 20 free throws. Winners advance to the Yukon/Mustang Challenge. 1pm. 354-8442, www.cityofyukonok.gov

FREE “Honor, Celebrate and Work” Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at various locations throughout Oklahoma City starts at St. Paul’s Cathedral (127 NW 7th St) kicks off with a parade and includes a silent march and job fair. Silent March begins at 9am, parade begins at 2pm. www.okcmlk.org

JAN 23 • FRIDAYKids Mystery at the Musum of Osteology (10301 S Sunnylane) features a mystery event especially for young detectives. Participants will gather and analyze evidence throughout the Museum to solve a bone heist. Open to ages 8-14. $20 per child, $10 per adult. Includes dinner, dessert and participation in all activities. 814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org

JAN 23-24All That Jazz: A Symphonic Celebration of Kander & Ebb at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) is presented by OKC Phil Pops Series and presents favorites from “Chicago,”

“Cabaret” and “New York, New York.” $19 & up. 8pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com/shows.php

JAN 23-25Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series at the Cheasepeake Energy Area (100 W Reno) brings professional bull riders to the metro. $15 and up. Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 7pm; Sunday, 2pm. www.cheasepeakearena.com

JAN 24 • SATURDAYFREE Edmond Author’s Book Fair at the Edmond Historial Society & Museum (431 S Broadway, Edmond) includes more than 40 local authors showcasing their books. Family activities and refreshments provided. 1-4pm. 340-0078, www.edmondhistory.org

JAN 25 • SUNDAYFREE Family Day at the Fred Jones Jr. Musuem of Art (555 Elm, Norman) hosts a free day for exploring art in the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Also enjoy a variety of hands-on art activities for the entire family. 1-4pm. 325-3270, www.ou.edu/fjjma

january(THROUGH JANUARY 31)

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 31 JANUARY 2015

FREE Open House at The Catholic School of Saint Eugene (2400 W Hefner Rd) features tours of the campus and a chance to meet teachers, parents and students. Saint Eugene provides all-day care for preschool to 8th grade. Before and after care available. 2-4pm. 751-0067, www.steugeneschool.org

JAN 26 • MONDAYFREE Developing Resilient Youth & Families presentation for parents by Edmond Public Schools at 1001 W Danforth, Edmond. Open to all parents but EPS parents are given priority. 6:30pm. Must preregister. Also held: Feb. 9, 6:30. http://bit.ly/EPS_Event

JAN 26-27Russian National Ballet Theatre’s Swan Lake at the Armstrong Auditorium (14400-B S Bryant Rd, Edmond) presents a full-length ballet in three acts. Sixty dancers weave this epic tale of a young man’s love for the swan queen together with the exquisite grace and technical precision of the great Russian ballet tradition. $45-$97. 7:30pm. 285-1010, www.armstrongauditorium.org

JAN 28-FEB 1Varekai: Cirque du Soleil at the Chesapeake Energy Area (100 W. Reno) features the latest Cirque du Soleil arena touring production for seven Oklahoma City performances. Times vary. $35-$100. www.cirquedusoleil.com/varekai

JAN 30-FEB 1Oklahoma Tackle, Hunting & Boat Show at State Fair Park Cox Pavilion Building (3001 General Perishing Blvd) offers a variety of outdoor entertainment, products and family fun. Special guest appearance by A&E’s Swamp People Troy Landry on Sunday from 1-3pm. $10 adults, $5 kids 6 and older, kids 5 and under

are free. Friday, Noon-9pm; Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm. www.okctackleandhuntingshow.com

JAN 31 • SATURDAYChocolate Festival at the NCED Marriott Conference Center and Hotel (2801 E State Hwy 9, Norman) offers the chance to choose from thousands of samples of chocolate-inspired treats both savory and sweet. Proceeds benefit the Norman Firehouse Art Center. All ages. $25 for ten samples. Premier tickets are $40. 10:30am-2:30pm. 329-4523, www.normanfirehouse.com

FREE Great Backyard Bird Count with Martin Nature Park (5000 W Memorial Rd) asks bird enthusiasts to join in partnership with the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for their annual bird count. For three days, record the bird species you spy in your own neighborhoods and backyards. Results are reported as part of a national survey and help with population data. Preregister. Ages 12 & up. 3-4pm. 297-1429, www.okc.gov/Parks/Martin_Park

Silverback Gorilla, Tatu, Turns 40 at the Oklahoma City Zoo (2000 Remington Pl) is a celebration of Tatu’s long and healthy life. The festivities will be held inside the Gorilla Interpretive Building in Great EscApe. Activities will include cupcakes while supplies last, signing Tatu’s birthday card, and a special Tatu exhibit at the ZooZeum. FREE with paid admission. 1:30-3:30pm. 425-0262, www.okczoo.com

Dancing Pros: Live! at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) presents professional dancers from “Dancing with the Stars,” “So You Think You Can Dance” and dance champions from around the world. Using electronic voting remotes, the audience becomes part of the show and votes for their favorite couple. $39. 7:30pm. 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com/shows.php

(THROUGH FEB 5)

events thisjanuary

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 32 JANUARY 2015

Daddy Daughter Dance at the Robertson Activity Center (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon) features music by Mr. Rock’N Roll Ronnie Kaye, refreshments, pictures for an additional cost and a special keepsake. $5 in advance, $7 day of event. Limited tickets available. 4-8 years old, 3-4:30pm & 5-6:30pm; 9-12 years old, 7-8:30pm. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov

FEB 3 • TUESDAYFREE Open House at Westminster School (612 NW 44th St) presents a chance for prospective parents of preschool and

kindergarten students to meet staff and see the campus. RSVP to Rebecca Skarky. 7pm. 524-0631, www.westminsterschool.org

FREE Introductory meeting for MetroFamily’s Strong Together fitness team. 6:30pm. (Pick between two meetings, with the alternative meeting held Feb 7 at 10am.) 725 NW 11th Street. Join the team and register for the meeting at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fitness

FEB 5 • THURSDAYA Day of Love and Logic Parenting Conference at Metro Tech Conference

Center (1900 Springlake Dr) features Dr. Charles Fay, renowned parenting expert, presenting practical advice and steps to parents, educators and mental health professionals on how to effectively handle unruly kids. Seating is limited, register early. $99 per person. 8:30am-2:30pm. 800-338-4065, www.loveandlogic.com

FREE Open House and Transition Night at Westminster School (612 NW 44th St) is for prospective parents of 6th grade students to meet staff and tour the facility. RSVP to Rebecca Skarky. 7pm. 524-0631, www.westminsterschool.org

Call about booths & sponsorships

Attend Kids FestSaturday, April 18, 2015

Cox Convention Centerin downtown OKC

For more information visitwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/kids-fest-2015

CALL601-2081

NOW

(THROUGH FEB 8)

events thisjanuary

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 33 JANUARY 2015

FEB 6 • FRIDAYThe Whirling Dervishes of Rumi at the OCCC Visual & Performing Arts Center Theater (7777 S May Ave) presents a spiritual Turkish celebration featuring a traditional twirling dance. $20-25. 7:30pm. 682-7579, www.tickets.occc.edu

FEB 7 • SATURDAYFREE Saturdays for Kids at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NE 63rd) features mixed media journal making for kids and

families. 10:15-11:15am. 478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Harlem Globetrotters at the Cheasepeake Energy Area (100 W Reno Ave) features the world famous Harlem Globetrotter in an entertaining basketball game. After the game, stars will stay for an autograph, photograph and high five session for fans (subject to availability). $19 plus fees and up. 2pm. www.harlemglobetrotters.com

Yukon Chocolate Festival at the Robertson Activity Center (1200 Lakeshore Dr, Yukon) offers a variety of assorted

chocolate served by local businesses and groups. Includes silent auction. $8 for six samples. 350-8937, www.cityofyukonok.gov

FEB 8 • SUNDAYOklahoma City Philharmonic Discovery Series: Knights & Princesses at Civic Center Music Hall (201 N Walker Ave) presents fairy tales coming to life with the music of Cinderella, Romeo & Juliet and Beauty and the Beast. Kids are welcome to dress as their favorite character. $9. 2pm. 842-5387, www.okphilharmonic.org

events thisjanuaryWEEKLY EVENTS

FREE Admission to the Oklahoma City Zoo (2000 Remington Pl) every Monday through Feb 23. 424-3344, www.okczoo.com

FREE Art Adventures at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman), for ages 3-5. Young artists are invited to experience art through books. Visit site for full list of dates, books and activities.10:30am on Tuesdays. 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

Tiny Tuesday at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) is a come-and-go art class. Dress for a mess. Ages 2-5 with adult. FREE with paid admission or membership. Tuesdays, 10am-noon. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

FREE Tuesday Noon Concerts at Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art (555 Elm, Norman) features 30-minute concerts performed by OU School of Music students and faculty. Noon on Tuesdays, 325-3272, www.ou.edu/fjjma

Toddler Story & Craft Time at Unpluggits Playstudio (575 Enterprise, Edmond) features a different story each week & a related craft time. FREE with paid admission. Wednesdays, 11-11:30am. 340-7584, www.unpluggits.com

FREE Bringing Books to Life in the lobby of the Crystal Bridge in the Myriad Garden (301 W Reno) every Wednesday. 10am, for ages 2-5. Books are nature-themed and selected based on the season. Children will also create a small craft after the story. 445-7080, www.myriadgardens.org

FREE Crafts for Kids at Lakeshore Learning (6300 N May) hosts a different craft each week. Come-and-go, no reservation needed. Saturdays, 11am-3pm, ages 3 and up. 858-8778, www.lakeshorelearning.com

FREE Children’s Story Time at Full Circle Books (1900 NW Expressway). Saturdays, 10:15am. 842-2900, www.fullcirclebooks.com

FREE Children’s Story Time at Edmond’s Best of Books (1313 E Danforth, Edmond). Saturdays, 11-11:30am. 340-9202, www.bestofbooksedmond.com

FREE Nature Story Time at Martin Park Nature Center (5000 W Memorial) for ages 2-6 features stories to help children discover the world of nature, followed by an activity or outdoor hike. Saturdays, 10am. 755-0676, www.okc.gov/parks

FREE Roller Skating Lesson at Skate Galaxy (5800 NW 36th St) offers free skate instruction each Saturday. Learn to skate and make friends at the same time. Noon-12:45pm. $2 skate rental. 605-2758, www.skategalaxyokc.com

FREE Make + Take at Oklahoma Contemporary (3000 General Pershing Blvd) provides instruction and supplies for a different creative endeavor the second Saturday of every month. Projects are designed to be accessible and fun for visitors of all ages and all levels of art-making experience. Come-and-go. 1-4pm. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

All Star Bowling for Differently-Abled Individuals at AMF Windsor Lanes (4600 NE 23rd) invites differently-abled individuals and their friends and families to bowl on Saturdays. $8. Noon-1pm. 354-2516, www.amf.com

Drop in Art at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) features hands-on art activities for all ages. FREE with paid admission. See website for themes/activities. Saturdays, 1-4pm. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

Saturday Discovery Days at Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua Ave, Norman) features interactive activity for preschool-elementary ages. Free with paid admission. Saturdays, 2-3pm. 325-4712, www.education.snomnh.ou.edu

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPALSchool and Child

Development Program

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experienced staff that encourages children to grow

emotionally, spiritually and intellectually.

For more information,please call or

visit our website atwww.stjohnsokc.com.

Pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 34 JANUARY 2015

events thisjanuaryEXHIBITS

THROUGH JAN 18My Generation: Young Chinese Artists art exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (415 Couch Dr) is an extended look at the new generation of artists continuing to emerge in mainland China since 2000, the year that China first opened its doors to international artists and that Chinese artists began to command attention in the global arena. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm. Sunday, noon-5pm. $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, students and children 6-18, $5 for military, free for kids under 5. 236-3100, www.okcmoa.com

THROUGH JAN 19RARE: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species exhibit at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (2401 Chautauqua, Norman) features an exhibit of species and examines the history, purpose & effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Children under 5 are free. $5 adults, $3 ages 6-17. Monday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm. 325-4712, www.samnoblemuseum.org

THROUGH JAN 25The Illuminated Word: The Saint John’s Bible at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art (1900 W MacArther Dr, Shawnee) features all seven volumes of the Saint John’s Bible Heritage Edition, based on the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. 878-5300, www.mgmoa.org

THROUGH FEB 1Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Botanical Gardens (201 W Reno) offers ice skating through Downtown in December. $12 per person, includes skate rental. $8 for guests who bring their own skates. $8 per person for groups of 10 or more. Monday-Thursday, 3-9pm; Friday, 3-11pm; Saturday & Sunday, 11am-7pm. 708-6499, www.downtownindecember.com

THROUGH FEBFREE John Wolfe Exhibit “People,

Plants and Places” at the Norman Depot (200 S Jones, Norman) presents the work of retired arts educator John Wolfe, who recently was featured on OETA’s

“Gallery.” Monday-Friday, 8am-2pm. 307-9320, www.normandepot.org

FREE OKC125 in The Underground (downtown Oklahoma City) is a photography exhibit showing off the work of 125 artists who were given disposable cameras and only 125 minutes to capture Oklahoma City. Select prints will be on sale for $125. The exhibit is displayed in The Underground tunnel system downtown, which can be accessed inside the First National Center at 100 Park Ave. Daily, 6am-8pm. www.ovac-ok.org/events/event/okc125-okc/

THROUGH MAR 2015Building Buddies exhibit at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 NE 52nd), presents hands-on construction projects for kids. FREE with museum admission. Ages 13-64, $13.95; ages 3-12 & over 65, $11.95; Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 11am-6pm. 602-6664, www.sciencemuseumok.org

THROUGH MAY 2015Chickasaw Cultural Center Dugout Canoes: Paddling through the Americas at Chickasaw Cultural Center (867 Charles Cooper Memorial, Sulphur) features a landmark exhibition with interactive play and videos that explore the history of dugout canoes. Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm. 627-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com/chichasaw-poya-exhibit-center

THROUGH OCT 2015FREE Orly Genger: Terra at Campbell Park (NW 11th & Broadway) is an art installment presented by Oklahoma Contemporary. The outdoor sculpture piece is made of 1.4 million feet of recycled lobster-fishing rope and painted with 350 gallons of terracotta colored paint. 951-0000, www.oklahomacontemporary.org

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 35 JANUARY 2015

PHOTOS BY STEFFANIE HALLEY, www.steffaniehalley.com

local shopping

BY LINDSAY CUOMO - CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Find Something for Everyone at The Learning Tree

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 37 JANUARY 2015

J anuary’s chill is here in full force. While the temperature may limit time for outside

play, it does nothing to the levels of energy kids need to expend each day. After days or weeks of being forced indoors, you may start looking for a solution to your family’s cabin fever. A trip to The Learning Tree offers an experience far beyond the usual big-box store visit.

Either alone or with the entire family, you can easily spend a chilly afternoon discover-ing all the treasures in stock at The Learning Tree. You’re likely to come home with some-thing new to occupy your kids’ curiosity for many days to come.

The Learning Tree is a specialty toy store with two locations on the north side of the metro, one in the Wilshire Village Shopping Center and one in the downtown Edmond store Cinnamon Bears. You can’t help but

feel like a kid again as you walk into the quaint shops, especially when you find that perfect item you had no idea even existed like a weedeater that looks just like dad’s or a cooking set with real utensils made for little hands. At the Wilshire Village location, the entire 1400-square-foot store is filled from front to back with toys, books, games and more, many of which are on display for hands-on exploration.

“It is important for kids to play,” said Patti Tepper-Rasmussen, The Learning Tree’s own-er and former Montessori teacher.

Tepper-Rasmussen opened The Learning Tree in 1985 with Kathy Carey, a fellow Montessori teacher. The pair opened their doors wanting to offer parents something different, something beyond what they see in television toy commercials. When Carey returned to teaching 10 years ago, Tepper-Rasmussen continued to manage the store.

The owners’ backgrounds are reflected within the beliefs of the store. The decisions on their approach, services and merchan-dise follow their beliefs that each child is unique, that children learn through activity, that they need time to explore and experiment and that adults can better nurture children if they understand how a child’s uniqueness fits within patterns of growth and development. As a result, The Learning Tree has a diverse line-up of products, ranging from small toys to imaginary play and beyond. The scope of what’s available is ex-tensive, offering something for every aspect of play.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 38 JANUARY 2015

The Learning Tree started with products from just 25 companies. Now, the walls are lined with products from 450 different manufactur-ers including Brio, Hape, Quadrilla, Alex, Play-mobil and many more. Though the majority of the toys The Learning Tree carries are not ones likely to be found at major retail stores, it isn’t hard to pick out characters from hits like “Star Wars” or “Frozen.” Some collectable brands, such as Thomas the Train and Breyer’s Horses, have an entire dedicated section offering shoppers plenty of variety.

Tepper-Rasmussen said her goal is to find the products that are high-quality, durable and developmentally-appropriate for all kinds of children. Shoppers can find the newly-popular toy trends like balance bikes and Ezy Rollers as well as classics like the Flying Turtle scoot-er that many are likely to remember from their own gym classes.

Tepper-Rasmussen makes a point to purchase from manufacturers who are socially respon-sible, and many of the products in the store are made in the U.S. Their unique assortment goes far beyond the most popular themes. Whether you have a budding artist, chef, beautician, builder, scientist or even a train enthusiast, The Learning Tree has something to spark interest and imagination.

You won’t see any pink or blue aisles in the store, which is laid out by developmental sections to guide visitors towards the right toys to meet each child’s developmental skill. While shopping, there is little need to consult the packaging for the right age. As you walk

through the aisles there is a consistent flow along the developmental curve. No matter where your kids are on that curve, the shop has something for every child, from the book worm to the most active child. Toys and games match developmental milestones for kids from birth to age 14.

Tepper-Rasmussen is proud of her products that can grow with children, offering many years of developmental-ly-appropriate play in one toy. Many of the items the store carries will continue to entertain and educate well past one particular age. Your older kids are not left out, either, with plenty of puzzles and games for more mature learners in stock.

For all the busy families out there, The Learning Tree offers a few great time-saving perks: complimentary gift wrapping and free assembly of ride-on toys. If an item is not in when you arrive, the staff will contact you when it does. These perks can really help knock a few things off that to-do list in no time.

In search of a one-of-a-kind gift for the kid who seems to have everything? Consider dropping by The Learning Tree on a Saturday. Most Saturdays, a different local author will be on hand to offer shoppers the chance to purchase their books. All profits directly benefit the author, said Tepper-Rasmussen, and the store usually purchases a few extra

copies for people who may have missed out on the event.

The Learning Tree is exactly what you would expect from your neighborhood toy store and more. It is a truly unique, truly local shopping experience with quality you can count on. The Learning Tree is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

[Editor’s Note: Be sure to take advantage of the discount programs available at The Learning Tree. The shop has a frequent shopper program called Leaves of Gold that allows shoppers to earn store credit. Store employees track your first 15 pur-chases and after those purcahses, they average the amount spent and give the shopper store credit in that value. The Learning Tree also offers a 15 percent discount with the Keep it Local card and Allied Arts OKCityCard.]

JOIN US AT THE NEW

FACE PAINTING, BALLOON ARTISTS, POSTER MAKING AND MORE

BIG 12 HOME OPENER

VS. WEST VIRGINIA | Sunday, January 4 • 3:30 PMHalftime performance by the Electrick Jumpers

Postgame autographs with Whitney Ritchie and Maddie Manning

RED RIVER SHOWDOWN

VS. TEXAS | Wednesday, January 14 • 7 PMHalftime performance by the Olate Dogs

Postgame autographs with Nicole Kornet, McKenna Treece, and Derica Wyatt

VS. OKLAHOMA STATE | Monday, January 19 • 3:30 PMHalftime performance by the Zooperstars

Postgame autographs with Sharane Campbell, T’ona Edwards, and LaNesia Williams

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY

VS. TEXAS TECH | Saturday, January 24 • 3 PMPostgame autograph session with the Sooners

FOR TICKET INFORMATION, VISIT SOONERSPORTS.COM

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 40 JANUARY 2015

E very single year, we barely have the Christmas tree put away and my daughters are busy breaking, um … I mean playing with their new toys when I announce, with

exhaustion in my voice, that it’s only two more wake-ups until they return to school. This scene plays out each year:

“Well,” one of them will announce as if she is talking about the weath-er, “we’d better get me some new tennis shoes.”

I’ll stare at her in disbelief, mentally calculating how much I spent on those new tennis shoes just four months earlier. “Why do you need new shoes?”

“See?” she’ll say and hold up a tennis shoe that looks like it’s been sewn together with silly string. “And there’s a hole under my toes.”

“How?” I’ll question her as I physically feel my hair turning grey, “How does a child who is dropped off at the front door every morning and picked up every afternoon rub a hole under her toes?”

Then she’ll shrug her shoulders and mutter something about being the playground four-square champion. Her little chest will burst with pride… Which is probably how her backpack straps broke.

“Sometimes when I walk home, I like to swing my backpack around,”

she’ll explain.

“But you don’t walk home,” you’ll explain right back, thinking of the endless entertainment and simultaneous headache the drop-off and pick-up lanes provide.

“Yeah, what I meant was, when I’m walking out to the minivan, I like to swing it.” She’ll nod as if she’s trying to convince herself as well.

Her middle school sister will step in at this point and brag, “My back-pack is not torn up, and I walk a whole lot more than you do.”

“That’s because you lost your backpack the second day of school.”

Both little faces will turn to see my expression. The younger face will be full of pride at her keeping a secret for her sister for so long. The older face will be full of frantic-ness trying to think of an excuse. My face will be full of contemplation as I wonder how we went a whole semester without my checking my daughter’s backpack.

“Plus,” my younger daughter will add, “You traded it with your friend.”

What? She traded it? We spent no less than four days and three tanks of gas running all over town trying to find the perfect school bag with matching lunch box. (We finally ended up ordering it online, if you must know.) And now it had been traded and lost … or had it been lost and traded?

ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY BALL, WWW.EMILYMGBALL.COM

You Need WHAT?BY HEATHER DAVIS - METROFAMILY COLUMNIST

mom gets the last laugh

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 41 JANUARY 2015

2015 Schedule of Events

cityofyukonok.gov

405.354.8442

Feb. 7 Yukon Chocolate Festival

March 26 Taste of Yukon

April 4 Easter on the Prairie

April 24-25 Iron Thistle Festival

May 2 Festival of the Child

June 6 Chisholm Trail and Crawfish Festival

July 3-4 Freedom Fest

Aug. 9 Pooches in the Pool

Oct. 3 Czech Festival

Oct. 24 Spooksville

Nov. 7 Pumpkin Harvest Craft Festival

Nov. 21 Chill Your Cheeks 5K Run/Walk Opening of Christmas in the Park Kris Kringle KarnivalDec. 5 Mayor’s Christmas Party for KidsDec. 17 Sounds of the Season Performed by the OKC Philharmonic

cityofyukonokgov

@cityofyukonok

@cityofyukonokgov

“Also,” my younger daughter will say, “I left my lunch box outside during recess and when I went back to get it three weeks later it was gone.”

“Did you check the lost and found?” I’ll sigh.

“Oh, I don’t think our school has a lost and found.”

At this, her older sister will sigh and roll her eyes. “Every school has a lost and found,” she’ll say. “That’s where I found my lunch box from last year.”

At this revelation, I glance over on the kitchen counter and realize that she is using last year’s lunch box. “Where’s your lunch box for this year?”

Shrugging, she’ll say, “All I know is that it’s not in the lost and found.”

Shaking my head, I’ll turn to her younger sister and say, “Could you use your old lunch bag?”

“Sure,” she’ll announce, “If I knew where it was. I left it in the cafeteria before I went to

recess last year and when I went back after Fall Break, it was gone.”

I’ll get dressed (it is Christmas break, after all, and why in the world would I change from my pajamas unless I really had to), grab my purse and pull out my notebook.

“Okay,” I plop into the easy chair wishing it really did make things easier, “Let’s get this figured out before we head out.”

As I jot my shopping notes down, the girls will look at me intently as waiting to see their maimed and missing school supplies appear right before their eyes.

“Two backpacks, right?”

I’ll see two heads nodding in agreement.

“One lunch box.”

“Momma!” will come a protest that is si-lenced by my reminder that she has an older lunch box she’s been successfully using.

“One pair of tennis shoes.”

“And a pair of slip ons.”

“Why?”

“Because I just want a new pair.”

I quickly veto the wants so that we can take care of the needs.

“Okay,” I start to conclude my list by lifting my pen just above my paper. “Do you need any pencils? Paper? Notebooks? Erasers?”

“For what, Momma?”

“For school!”

“Oh, no. We haven’t really used all of those up since the summer.”

Every single semester break: this, my friends, is how we celebrate the halfway point of the school year.

Heather Davis is a momma, a writer and is rais-ing a couple of daughters who like to shop. She and her family live in Oklahoma, where she blogs about her antics at www.minivan-momma.com.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 42 JANUARY 2015

Education GuideWhether you’re a parent seeking a metro area private school, a teacher searching for a field trip venue or you’re in need of enrichment activities to enhance your child’s learning process, this is the place to begin. Find more in our online guides at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/education-guide

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Location Address Contact Grades DetailsAcademy of Classical Christian Studies

1120 E Hefner Road, OKC 405-478-2077, www.theacademyok.org

P3-12 The OKC metro’s only full-service classical Christian education, offering traditional (5-day) and blended (2.5-day) options to best fit the needs of each family. Multiple campuses (North, South, East).

Bishop John Carroll School 1100 NW 32nd Street, OKC 405-525-0956,www.bjcs.org

PreK–8 Diverse Catholic community providing excellence in academic instruction & faith formation in a safe, faith-filled environment.

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School

801 NW 50th Street, OKC 405-842-6638,www.bmchs.org

Grades 9–12 Co-educational college prep Archdiocesan high school with diverse student body.

Casady School 9500 N Pennsylvania Avenue, OKC

405-749-3185,www.casady.org

PreK–12 College preparatory award-winning Episcopal school developing excellence, confidence and integrity in each of its students and preparing them with the skills and knowledge that serve as the foundation for success.

Child Care Inc. 3632 NW 51st Street, OKC309 Bizzell, MWC3034 NW 17th, OKC540 N Council Rd, OKC5816 NW 36th St, OKC6624 NW 63rd St, OKC

405-942-1250,www.childcareinc.com

Infant–12 years Offers a complete curriculum program designed specifically for child development. Offers flexibility with two 24-hour locations and weekend care along with transportation to public schools and onsite PreK programs with OKC and PC schools. Each center is 3-Star rated and meets national standards.

Christ the King Catholic School

1905 Elmhurst Avenue, OKC

405-843-3909,www.ckschool.com

PreK 3–8 School focused on helping students develop academically for a life of faith, integrity & service.

Erna Krouch Preschool 4901 N Pennsylvania Avenue, OKC

405-848-5926,www.thetempleokc.org

Preschool Preschool offering music, Spanish, Handwriting Without Tears and Gymboree. All lead teachers possess at least a college degree.

The Goddard School 6001 E Covell, Edmond, 405-330-131317440 N Western, Edmond, 405-348-4442www.goddardschool.com

PreK–K Teachers nurture the healthy development of children to encourage each child’s lifelong love of learning. Education programs individualized for each student.

Holy Trinity Christian School

308 NW 164th Street, OKC 405-844-4000,www.holytrinityedmond.org

PreK–7 Hands-on learning geared toward children’s physical, social, emotional & intellectual development.

Insight School of Oklahoma

11601 S Jeffords, Nicoma Park

405-259-9478, www.ok.insightschools.net

Grades 7-12 Offers a comprehensive approach for students of all levels and abilities. Tuition-free virtual public school with additional training or entry into a particular work field. Targeted support for struggling students and experienced state-certified teachers.

King’s Gate Christian School

Hefner Pointe at 11400 N Portland , OKCSurrey Hills at 12421 Mustang Rd, Yukon

405-752-2111,www.kingsgateschool.com

6 months–7 at Hefner Pointe; 12 months–age 4 at Surrey Hills

Accredited Christian education in an accredited, age-appropriate learning environment rich in experimental interaction & exploration.

Mount St. Mary High School

2801 S Shartel Avenue, OKC

405-631-8865,www.mountstmary.org

9–12 College preparatory, co-educational Catholic education with a diverse student body. Variety of clubs, organizations, fine arts & athletics.

METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 43 JANUARY 2015

Location Address Contact Grades DetailsNorth Penn Creative Kids Learning Center

2000 NW 150th Street, OKC

405-254-3147,www.northpenncreativekids.com

Infant–K Program covers early literacy and numeracy skills; logical skills and problem solving; cooperation, respect and positive character building traits. They use the Creative Curriculum, offer healthy menus that include fresh fruit daily and promote physical coordination with Yoga and organized group play.

Oklahoma Christian School

4680 E 2nd Street, Edmond

405-341-2265,www.ocssaints.org

PreK–12 Interdenominational Christian college-prep school preparing students to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in the field they are called.

Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy

11601 S Jeffords, Nicoma Park

405-259-9478, www.k12.com/ovca

K-12 Gives Oklahoma students the chance to learn in the ways that are right for them. Offers award-winning K¹² curriculum, full-time, tuition-free online public charter school option, in-person introduction to program, customized learning plans and support from Oklahoma-certified teachers. Students may earn college credit while in high school and enjoy a range of extracurricular activities.

Oklahoma Virtual Preparatory Academy (OKVPA)

4101 NW 122nd St., Suite B, OKC

855-972-9205, www.oklahomavirtualprepacademy.com

PreK–8 A virtual distance learning program for students who are Oklahoma residents. OKVPA is a tuition-free program that uses the Calvert curriculum to provide a well-rounded education outside of the traditional classroom.

Primrose School of Edmond

15000 N Western, Edmond

405-285-6787www.primroseschools.com/schools/edmond

Infants– 12 years

Child care facility providing a child- and teacher-directed approach to learning and development that follows the research of the top child development experts in the world. Full Preschool and Kindergarten programs and after-school program provided.

Quail Springs United Methodist Church

14617 N Pennsylvania, OKC

405-751-3258, www.qsumc.org

2 months up to 5 years

Christian-based multi-sensory Early Childhood Program offering Handwriting Without Tears, Get Set For School and lessons in music and Bible. Offered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Rosary School 1919 NW 18th Street, OKC 405-525-9272,www.rosaryschool.com

ECH3-8 Award-winning Catholic school offering a strong academic program and a small welcoming environment for ECH3 through 8th grade students with one classroom per grade.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School

925 S Boulevard, Edmond 405-348-5364,www.stelizabethedmond.org

PreK–8 Education program rooted in the values of love, respect & justice for every individual & form of life existing in God’s creation.

St. Eugene Catholic School 2400 W Hefner Road, OKC 405-751-0067,www.steugeneschool.org

PreK–8 Roman Catholic school that keeps Christ central by nurturing spiritual growth & academic excellence.

St. John’s Episcopal School & Child Development Program

5401 N Brookline, OKC 405-943-8583,www.stjohnsokc.com

6 weeks–8 Supportive educational environment that fosters intellectual, physical, social & ethical development & exploration. Child care for infants to 3 years. Private school for PreK-8th grade.

St. James the Greater Catholic School

1224 SW 41st Street, OKC 405-636-6810,www.stjames-catholic.org

PreK3–8 Catholic school dedicated to academic excellence, service to others and faith experiences for children.

St. Mary Catholic School 502 E Warner, Guthrie 405-282-2071,stmarysguthrie.eduk12.net

PreK–8 Committed to providing the best academic & spiritual formation for all.

St. Mary’s Episcopal School

505 E Covell Road, Edmond

405-341-9541,www.smesedmond.org

PreK–5 Curriculum focuses on the whole child and teaches intellectual, spiritual, social and physical wellness. Before and after school programs available.

St. Philip Neri Catholic School

1121 Felix Place, Midwest City

405-737-4496,www.stphilipnerischool.com

PreK3–8 Catholic school with committed teachers, strong academics, integrated technology and Catholic values. In additional to traditional core subjects, all students are taught Spanish, art, physical education, computer and music.

Trinity School 321 NW 36th Street, OKC 405-525-5600,www.trinityschoolokc.org

K–12 Private, independent day school specializing in intelligent students with learning differences in language, reading, math, handwriting, processing and/or other areas. Accepting Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarships for special needs students.

Westminster School 600 NW 44th Street, OKC 405-524-0631,www.westminsterschool.org

PreK–8 Co-ed school with the mission to educate children by engaging them in experiences to challenge them to solve problems as cooperative, confident & responsible learners. Before/after care and financial aid available.

YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City

1 NW 4th Street, OKC 405-297-7760,www.ymcaokc.org

6 weeks-5 years The YMCA child development program emphasizes care, safety and the nurture of a child’s natural desire to learn. Financial assistance available.

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 44 JANUARY 2015

Field Trips

Location Address Contact Details

Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center

507 S 4th Street, Enid 580-237-1907,www.csrhc.org

Tells the history & development of the Cherokee Outlet where students can step back in time to early frontier days.

Chickasaw Cultural Center 867 Cooper Memorial Road, Sulphur

580-622-7130, www.chickasawculturalcenter.com

Shares the story of the Chickasaw people through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, ancient artifacts and natural outdoor spaces. Staffed with cultural demonstrators/teachers to educate visitors about traditional crafts, games and more.

Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum

1400 Classen Drive, OKC 405-235-4458,www.oklahomaheritage.com

Home of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Experience Oklahoma’s story through its people and explore our state’s rich heritage in a high-tech, interactive museum environment.

Harn Homestead Museum 1721 N Lincoln Boulevard, OKC

405-235-4058,www.harnhomestead.com

Field trip venue for students age 5+ to learn about territorial-era settlers. 2- & 3-hour programs available for elementary & secondary students.

Leonardo’s Children’s Museum

200 E Maple, Enid 580-233-2787,www.leonardos.org

Hands-on children’s museum with focus on arts & science. All-day admission also includes Adventure Quest, an outdoor science playground featuring a three-story castle.

Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art

1900 W MacArthur, Shawnee 405-878-5300,www.mgmoa.org

Integrated student programs combining museum & classroom experiences for students of all ages.

Museum of Osteology 10301 S Sunnylane Rd, OKC 405-814-0006, www.museumofosteology.org

Offers field trips for PreK through college students as well as homeschool groups, day cares and senior centers. Visitors in groups of 20 or more are admitted for $5 per person. Each field trip includes a special introduction by museum staff and the opportunity to complete a scavenger hunt in the museum.

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum

1700 NE 63rd Street, OKC 405-478-2250, www.nationalcowboymuseum.org

Hands-on programs for K-6th grades meet OK academic standards for Social Studies. Guided tours for mid-high/high school. Traveling Trunks available for classroom use on American Cowboys, American Indians, Oklahoma History, tailored to grade level. Two-week free check out when picked up from museum.

Oklahoma WONDERtorium 308 W Franklin Lane, Stillwater

405-533-3333,www.okwondertorium.org

Inquiry-based exploration of 14 interactive, hands-on exhibits in the areas of science, engineering, creative art, math, history and culture. Field trips may be scheduled Wednesday–Friday, 10am–2pm. Schools bringing 100-120 children may schedule on Mondays in April and May.

Railroad Museum of Oklahoma

702 N Washington, Enid 580-233-3051, www.railroadmuseumofoklahoma.org

Field trip venue with more than one million pieces of railroad memorabilia with all-caboose rail excursions.

Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History

2401 Chautauqua Avenue, Norman

405-325-1008,www.samnoblemuseum.org

Explore Oklahoma’s wildlife, cultures and ancient past through immersive exhibits, interactive Discovery Room and PreK-12 educational programs. All programs feature hands-on science discovery and address PASS standards.

Find more local educational resources atwww.metrofamilymagazine.com/education-guide and

www.metrofamilymagazine.com/educational-enrichment.

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 45 JANUARY 2015

Outreach Programs

Location Address Contact DetailsAbrakadoodle OKC Remarkable Art Education

113 W Main Street, Moore 405-759-7977 www.abrakadoodle.com/OK01

An art education company dedicated to developing creativity in children ages 2-15 through process art and engaging activities as well as partnerships for after-school programs, school break camps, art parties and field trip classes.

L’Alliance Française d’Oklahoma City

PO Box 414, OKC 405-748-0868,www.afdokc.org

Offers enrichment French classes for children (ages 6-10) and adults. Teachers are native French speakers. Children’s classes last one hour and are held on Saturday mornings. Adult classes are from 6:30–7:30pm on selected weekdays.

Building Minds Classes come to you. 405-443-4530,www.building-minds.com

Uses LEGO products to make science and engineering fun and easy to understand. Kids also learn valuable life skills like teamwork, communication and problem solving.

Club Z! In-home Tutoring Service

3200 E Memorial, EdmondMoving to a new location soon!

405-478-3515,www.clubztutoring.com/okc

Provides private tutoring instruction for all subjects and all levels, PreK–College. College test prep and grade level assessment available.

Fine Arts Institute of Edmond 27 E Edwards, Edmond 405-340-4481,www.edmondfinearts.com

The Fine Arts Institute is Edmond’s non-profit community arts organization offering educational opportunities in visual and performing arts.

Kumon Math & Reading Edmond West (245 S Santa Fe Avenue), 405-216-9800; Edmond North (775 W Covell Road), 405-715-1111

An after-school math & reading programs for ages 3–18. The learning method uses a systematic and individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills.

Mad Science of OKC and Tulsa

14020 N Western Avenue, OKC

405-285-9643, www.okc.madscience.org

Fun, inquiry-based, hands-on, themed programs & activities for grades preschool through middle school held at schools or community centers.

Museum of Osteology 10301 S Sunnylane Road, OKC 405-814-0006,www.museumofosteology.org

Offers hands-on educational outreach for all ages to Oklahoma schools, libraries, day cares and colleges. $125 for first class, $100 per additional class held on the same day and at same location. Mileage is free if within 20 miles of museum, $0.50 per mile if outside a 20-mile radius. Students can participate in hands-on educational classes for all ages on-site as well.

Oklahoma City Ballet 7421 N Classen, OKC 405-843-9898, www.okcballet.com

ArtsReach 2015 is a free program that brings the arts into grades 1-12 classrooms, through online resources and student handouts, culminating in students attending a live matinee of the triple bill “Nine Sinatra Songs” on April 20, 2015 at 10 a.m. and noon. For more information please contact Jane Vorburger at jvorburger@okcballet.com.

Oklahoma City Museum of Art

415 Couch Drive, OKC 405-236-3100,www.okcmoa.com

Classes and camps available for ages 15 months & up. Scholarships available.

Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center

3000 General Pershing Boulevard, OKC

405-951-0000,www.oklahomacontemporary.org

Provides visual and performing arts classes, camps and programming for kids of all ages. Scholarships available. Schools may be eligible for free field trips, which include education guides and on-site art projects.

Sensational Kids, Inc. 14715 Bristol Park Boulevard, OKC

405-840-1686,www.sensationalkidsokc.com

Occupational therapists and speech language pathologists provide services to children of all abilities. Individualized treatment plans, parent education and unique clinical environments facilitate optimal progress.

Skate Galaxy OKC 5800 NW 36th St, OKC 405-605-2758,www.skategalaxyokc.com

Coming August 2015: A skate program with local trainers to enhance schools’ physical education classes.

Total Poss-Abilities 2917 NW 156th, Edmond 405-607-4440, www.totalposs-abilities.com

Provides family-centered occupational therapy, speech therapy and social language groups in a state-of-the-art facility with highly-trained therapists.

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 46 JANUARY 2015

PARTY GUIDE AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES GUIDE FAMILY SERVICES GUIDESPECIAL NEEDS GUIDECHILD CARE GUIDEEDUCATION GUIDERETAIL/RESTAURANT GUIDEFAMILY FUN GUIDE

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Oklahoma Christian School“Building on a Firm Foundation”

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METROFAMILY MAGAZINE 51 JANUARY 2015

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New Year, New You!

Sign up at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fitness

Strong Together is a fitness group that’s:• FREE*

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• Includes real support from women like you and from experts* The Strong Together program is free but there is a fee to sign up for the Redbud Classic, with net proceeds going to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oklahoma City.

The Strong Together team is supported by the local nonprofit organization runhers™. A certified running coach provides weekly training sessions and lots of support via Facebook and email. An optional group run/walk session is also available on Saturdays, perfect for meeting and making new friends!

Start the year off right by challenging yourself to complete this fun fitness project!

Strong Together bloggers from fall 2014 season.Photo by www.steffaniehalley.com

Want to get fit?Join MetroFamily readers and runhers™ in an eight-week community initiative designed to get you off on the right foot in 2015! Together, we’ll train for the Redbud Classic 5K to be held on Sunday, April 12. Sign up today at www.metrofamilymagazine.com/fitness!

JOIN US TODAY!Introductory meetings heldTuesday, Feb. 3, 6:30pm ORSaturday, Feb. 7, 10:00am

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Let’s get OKC and our families moving, moms! Join the

Strong Together team today!