833 Young Scholars

Happy April, Everyone!

As I am writing this, the wind is starting to blow and snow is beginning to fall, and spring seems very far away. And so, this month's picture is meant to give us all an extra dose of hope and reassurance that spring is, indeed, on its way. In the meantime, it looks like we'll be needing our winter coats and boots just a little bit longer!

Believe it or not, by my count, there are only seven weeks left before this school year ends, and your Young Scholar comes rushing home wondering what they will be doing all summer. You may be wondering the same thing!

So, even though it might look like February outside, summer will be here before you know it, and 833 Young Scholars is here to help you get ready! This month we'll be taking a closer look at a variety of summer activities, camps, and options to help further increase resources and experiences and nurture your Young Scholar's potential.

1. Summer camp opportunities abound in Minnesota. Luckily, the StarTribune newspaper publishes a summer camp guide every year that allows users to search camp choices by interest, age level, price, location, and more. Camps can fill up fast, so it's not too early to take a look!

2. Having fun together with your Young Scholar is one of the best things about summer and can be a great time to increase access to resources and experiences. Here are a few ideas for free or low-cost family events around town.

• Park Grove Library in Cottage Grove has a variety of kid-friendly activities planned all summer long. Click here to see their spring and summer schedule.
• Another great way to take advantage of your local library is through the MELSA smARTpass program. With just your library card (which you can get free at any library), you have the opportunity to reserve free and/or discounted admission to a wide range of arts experiences around the Twin Cities.
• The City of Cottage Grove has a lot going on this summer! Here is a listing of summer events ranging from Neighborhood Pond Dipping to Pop Up Splash Pads.
• Free guided tours of the newly renovated State Capitol are available seven days a week throughout the summer. Times and tour information can be found on the Minnesota Historical Society website.
• A visit to Fort Snelling is another great way to add in some history while having fun with the family. Hours and events can be found on the Fort Snelling page of the Minnesota Historical Society.

3. Ok, so while a full summer of video games and YouTube isn't exactly what you're planning, there will likely be times when your Young Scholar pushes PLAY on some kind of technology - and that can actually be a good thing!

Below are a few options for adding in a little learning while plugging in:

• PBS KIDS Summer of Adventure site has loads of educational activities, games, and videos designed for kids, with parents in mind. Topics range from free printable summer activities, word games, articles on building social skills, and books to help get ready for next school year.
• It's Okay To Be Smart is a YouTube channel hosted by Joe Hanson, a Ph. D. biologist, science writer, and creator/host/writer of the PBS Digital Studios show It's Okay To Be Smart. Videos are generally short and are divided into topics such as food science, animals, space and more. While these videos are, as a whole, created with kids in mind, it is always important to first make sure that they meet your family's guidelines for appropriate content.
• Keeping Tech in Check , from the publishers of the Cricket family of magazines, compiles educational resources for kids and families including magazine articles, science experiments, family adventure ideas and more - all with the aim to help parents balance their family's tech time.

Let me know if you have any personal summer favorites, and I'll add them to our May newsletter!

And, remember, even though classes end in June, your Young Scholars' brain doesn't stop. Your efforts to increase access to learning opportunities throughout the summer go a long way in affirming the awesome potential of your Young Scholar!

Hi All!

My name is Colleen Redmond, and I am thrilled to work as the 833 Young Scholars advocate and lead teacher.

I'm a mom of two teenagers, a wife, small business owner, avid biker (the pedal kind), book enthusiast, and beekeeper. Plus, on top of all of that, I have the happy job of implementing and growing the Young Scholars program here in 833!

I've been lucky enough to teach in South Washington County Schools for the past twenty-five years and have had the incredible opportunity to be a part of the lives of students and families in my classroom.

Now, as we launch Young Scholars, my path in education is taking on a whole new and wonderful life. I am so very excited to work with and support you and your Young Scholar. I can't wait to see where the journey takes us!

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, thoughts, or needs!

Colleen Redmond

651-425-6212

credmond@sowashco.org