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A Little Bit of Witchcraft
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A Little Bit of Witchcraft
2023
2023
BY AUSTRIA COHN
10
Who doesn’t love a little bit of witchcraft for Halloween? Whether you’re planning a spooky party or just want to add some festive flair to your home, these activities are perfect for getting the whole family into the Halloween spirit. The kids will love this fun and easy dessert recipe, and the Mini Felt Witch Hat Mason Jars are an adorable place to keep goodies. So gather your little ghouls and goblins, and get ready to make some magical memories!
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10 Local Taking Adventures to New Heights 12 Solutions Not-So-Scary Dentist Visits 14 Things We Love Ghostly Goodies 16 RoundUp Fun in the Fall features 20 Tampered Treats 22
Mini Felt Witch Hat Mason Jars Craft by Mason Jar Crafts Love Materials: • Three Mason Jars (make sure the witch hats are larger than the rim) • Mini Felt Witch Hats • Latex Primer Paint • Orange, Purple, and Black Acrylic Paint • Tape
6 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024 to stick two M&Ms on for the eyes. Step 4: Enjoy your delicious spiders! Mini Donut Spiders Recipe by It’s Always Autumn Ingredients: • Large Pretzel Twists • Mini Donuts • M&Ms • Frosting or Chocolate Chips Directions: Step 1: Cut the two curved sides off a pretzel with a sharp knife. Step 2: Carefully push eight pretzel curves into the top of a mini donut to form legs. Press slowly so you don’t snap the pretzels. Step 3: Melt a little chocolate or place a bit of frosting in a sandwich bag. Clip off a tiny corner and pipe some chocolate/frosting onto the mini donut. Use chocolate/frosting
• 80-Grit Sandpaper (optional) • ⅝ inch Sheer Black Ribbon • Clear Sealant Directions:
Step 1: Start with two coats of primer. Let dry overnight before proceeding to the next step. Step 2: Tape where you would like the stripes to be. Let the kiddos paint in fun Halloween colors. Step 3: Once dry, remove the tape. Touch up where paint leaked under the tape. Let dry overnight before proceeding to the next step. Step 4 (optional ): Using 80-grit sandpaper, distress along raised lettering and numbers. Step 5: Finish with clear coat sealant. Step 6: Add hats and ribbons. Step 7: Add any goodies to the Witch Hat Mason Jars!
Combating Cyberbullying: How Are Children Being Protected? 24 Exceptional Needs Resource Guide
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BY AUSTRIA COHN 10 Halloween Movies for Kids Halloween is just around the corner, and what better way to get in the spooky spirit than with the top Halloween movies? We’ve rounded up the top 10 kid-friendly Halloween movies perfect for a cozy night with the family. Whether your little ones love silly witches, friendly ghosts, or magical adventures, there’s something here for everyone. Here are our top picks that will have your little ones laughing, cheering, and maybe just a little bit spooked–in the best way possible.
27 Our Picks for October 30 To Do Today happenings fresh mindset 34 Meet Dr. Kelly Thompson
8 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024 Corpse Bride delivers on every level. With its enchanting animation and whimsical story, this movie is loved by kids and parents alike. It’s just the right mix of creepy and cute. Coraline With its button-eyed characters and eerie atmosphere, Coraline is more suited for older elementary and middle schoolers. It’s just the right amount of chills and thrills, and it might just be their favorite Halloween movie. Goosebumps While Goosebumps is technically a TV show, it’s a Halloween classic that can’t be left off this list. The 2015 movie is fun…but the original TV series is where the true spooky nostalgia lies. Hocus Pocus You can’t do Halloween without the Sanderson sisters! Start with the original 1993 Hocus Pocus , and once your kids are hooked, move on to the most recent movie. Monster House Monster House might be too scary for the really little ones in the family, but it’s a fantastic comedy horror movie for any kiddos who are feeling brave. It’s spooky but packed with valuable lessons, making it a great choice for family movie night. Corpse Bride A Tim Burton Halloween is a must, and
Frankenweenie Despite a sad beginning, Frankenweenie is an adorable and heartwarming story perfect for pet-loving families. It’s a great way to ease into the Halloween spirit with a touch of Burton’s signature charm. The Addams Family Depending on your kids’ ages, any Addams Family movie is a great pick. The 2019 animated version is perfect for younger kids, while the 1993 live-action and the 2022 TV series are great for older ones. They’re kooky, spooky, and always a hit! Haunted Mansion Haunted Mansion is a family favorite that comes in two flavors–the original or the newest version. Both offer a fun mix of scares and adventure, making them a great pick for a Halloween movie night. The Nightmare Before Christmas This one’s a two-for-one deal – The Nightmare Before Christmas is both a Halloween and Christmas movie. Follow the King of Halloween Town as he tries to take over Christmas! Hotel Transylvania Rounding out our list is Hotel Transylvania , a fun and lively series with four movies to choose from. These movies are packed with monster antics, humor, and heart, making them a perfect choice for the little ones.
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whether it’s a handful of candy during an ascent or a towering ice cream cone after a successful climb–all the more meaningful. Facing Fears and Staying Safe Fear is a natural part of the Evermore family’s adventures, which they confront head-on. “We talk a lot about fear. What I teach the kids is that a person with no fear is a really dangerous person. Fear is what keeps you alive,” Joe explains. The kids know how to manage their fear, and one way they do this is by having a deep understanding of their technical gear. Another essential piece is having trust in their dad. Moreover, safety is always the top concern for the Evermores. They meticulously plan their routes, train for the specific climb, and follow strict rules and boundaries. “Climbing El Capitan with a kid takes a ton of training,” Joe says. “Sam had to learn a whole series of disciplines to be able to do that at eight years old.” Despite their precautions, not everyone approves of their lifestyle. “Sam has a video that is just going crazy viral, and there’s a list of people who are like ‘I am calling CPS on you right now’ and ‘You shouldn’t even be parents,’” Joe shares. “Most people see something that looks scary, so they can’t really interpret what’s going on. It’s just terrifying to imagine for them–it’s like something out of a bad dream they had.” While many admire Sam’s accomplishments, some are quick to judge. When Sam’s videos began receiving these comments, they were hurtful, and Joe would delete them. But since then, Joe has changed his approach. “I take those comments and pin them right to the top instead of deleting them. Then what happens is everybody else responds to them, and that just makes the post go viral.” The Evermore family’s approach to adventure is about more than just breaking records or scaling mountains–it’s about setting big goals, celebrating achievements, and facing challenges together as a family. Through discipline, fear management, and a strong focus on safety, they show that the greatest adventures often happen when you push past your limits. The family’s adventures are an inspiring reminder that with the right mindset, the impossible can become possible. Learn more about the Evermores by visiting their website samadventure.com, or following Sam on Instagram @samadventure.
10 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024 Joe and Anne have found clever ways to keep their kids motivated, even when mountain in Yosemite National Park. His brother Sylvan Lightyear, only seven, made history as the youngest climber to conquer Wolf’s Head. Even five-year old Joey Danger joined the ranks with his first big climb, Pingora. “All three boys have climbed Pingora,” shares their dad, Joe Evermore. “It was so cool because it was a full family event where Sam led all the pitches, and then Sylvan climbed alongside Joey and encouraged him. Me and Anne [mom] were supervising, but it was like this kid-run adventure where these three boys are climbing the wall.” Big Dreams, Bigger Goals In the Evermore household, each child sets a goal every year, and it must follow these rules: 1. It has to be so big that it feels impossible when you set it, and you have to work on it a little bit every day. 2. The goal must be remarkable and make for a good picture on the wall. 3. You can’t die. Adventure means something different to everyone. For some, it’s the thrill of an amusement park, a night of city exploration, or a daring escape room. For others, it’s the call of the wild–hiking through rugged landscapes, scaling rock faces, or carving through fresh powder on a mountain slope. While adventure can take many forms, the Evermore family takes it to a whole new level. For the Evermores, adventure is more than just a weekend outing–it’s entwined in their everyday life. Year after year, they push boundaries, setting records and reaching summits that most only dream about. The oldest child, Sam Adventure, was just 10 years old and became the youngest person in the world to climb the daunting El Capitan Taking Adventures to New Heights BY AUSTRIA COHN
exhaustion hits or a goal feels out of reach. One way they do this is by celebrating what their children do and who they are. The family isn’t very big on birthdays; instead, they highlight and celebrate extraordinary achievements the kids have made. In their house, they have a map of where and what their sons have done so they can see what they’ve accomplished. Rewards also play a key role–especially during climbs. The young climbers get rare treats like Sour Patch Kids or Swedish Fish to
keep them going. And when the adventure is over, they have a sweet family tradition. “After each mountain, we go out for ice cream. I usually give the person a huge tip, and I show them a way to make these huge ice cream cones that are like a foot tall,” Joe shares. And for this family, these sugary snacks are truly special treats. The Evermores are health-conscious, so things like ice cream and candy are rarely part of their diet. This makes the moments they do indulge–
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12 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024 some of the tools. Give your child a mirror, toothbrush, and gloves, and encourage them to pretend to look at your teeth. They might even like to try this on their toys, too! Remember, it’s a good way to acquaint them with new textures, tools, and experiences. Sometimes, anxiety is unavoidable in a new environment. To make it easy for your child, bring toys or games along for them to distract themselves with. When it comes time to sit in the dentist’s chair, maybe provide them with a stuffed animal to hug and comfort them while they meet with the dentist. Make It Fun and Play Pretend If you’re noticing your child is anxious a few days, or even weeks before the dentist, take time to get them acquainted with F or children (and adults), alike, the dentist can be a scary place to visit. Mysterious drilling sounds, gargling, and beeping can be heard echoing through the hallways, and for a young child, this can be an overwhelming experience. While it’s crucial to keep up with six-month cleanings, it can often feel like pulling teeth to get your child into the dentist’s chair. Fear not parents, we have some tips on how you can make the dentist a not-so-scary place. Keep the Details Short and Sweet Visiting the dentist can be filled with a lot of unknowns like cavities, dental procedures, or even tooth removal. In order to keep your child calm, try to use details about the visit sparingly. Keep the conversation lighthearted and positive, and maybe even promise a fun treat after it’s all over. uncomfortable experience. Needles, x-rays, and other foreign tools can be scary to kids. Try to avoid going into too much detail about what the dentist is going to do, or how scary some of it might be, or even saying things like “this might hurt a little.” Instead, let the dentist or dental assistant provide your child with explanations about certain tools, or what they are going to be doing. Bring Distractions Choose Words Carefully Going to the dentist can be an Not-So-Scary Dentist Visits BY VICTORIA MIKOTA PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
Expect Some Anxiety at the Dentist
root canals, cavity filling, or bleeding gums. Most of these things can be avoided through proper oral hygiene habits such as regular brushing and flossing, and avoiding excessive sugar. To help your child get into healthy habits, teach them the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth, and how their healthy habits can make dentist visits feel like a breeze. Choose Child-Focused Dentists While any dentist will take care of your child, a pediatric dentist has all of the necessary tools and training to handle child patients with patience and care. You can rest assured that your child is in good hands. Dr. Day says, “Pediatric dentistry is important because it provides families with an avenue to fulfill the needs of their children’s oral healthcare in a fun, relaxed environment.” Pediatric dentists are specially trained to treat baby teeth, monitor growth and development and communicate with children in a way to make them comfortable. If your child has a fear of the dentist– don’t worry! It can be natural for children to fear the unknown, new experiences, or unfamiliar faces. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of the dentist, try to make the experience a positive one! Your child will thank you later.
Despite all of your efforts, your child may still be anxious once they arrive at the dentist. Remind them that anxiety is a normal feeling, and it is okay to be scared of new things. Stay calm and acknowledge your child’s fears by offering comforting words of encouragement, or even a nice hand squeeze. Bring comfort toys or activities to keep their mind off of the visit. According to Board-certified dentist, Rebecca Day, DDS, “Pediatric dentists are trained to use several behavioral techniques to help children become comfortable at the dentist. One of these techniques is called ‘tell-show-do.’ For example, the pediatric dentist will ‘tell’ the child about the dental explorer or ‘tooth counter,’ then they ‘show’ them how to count while demonstrating on their fingernails, and finally they will actually count their teeth with the instrument.” This technique builds trust between the child and the pediatric dentist and helps the child see it is not as scary as it seems. Encourage Healthy Teeth Habits One of the best ways to make the dentist less scary is to remove all of the uncomfortable things that might happen at the dentist—
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Things We Love Ghostly Goodies Celebrate the spooky season with adorable decorations, tasty treats, and fun fashion.
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Countdown to the spooky day with the wooden Halloween Countdown Calendar Sign , which is the perfect addition to the coffee table. $24.99, etsy.com 2
The little witches and wizards will love the sweet treat that’s brewed in the Williams Sonoma Halloween Hot Cocoa Cauldron. $16.95, williams-sonoma.com 1
Everyone needs a little bit of magic in October, and this Hocus Pocus Bowl Stand is for all kinds of goodies. $129, grandinroad.com 3
The Sweet Water Decor Halloween Candle smells like wood, warm spice, and citrus and will make the whole house smell like fall. $14.99, amazon.com 5
4 The Bangely Retro Mama Ghost Sweatshirt comes in five colors and is a cozy and cute sweater for the spooky holiday. $26.99, amazon.com
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You say you’d never let them have sweets for breakfast. Never stay up past their bedtime. You’d never give in to a meltdown. Or never let them have too much screen time. You also say you’d never leave them in the car.
Never happens. Don’t let it happen to you. Kids heat up 3-5x faster than adults. Parked cars get hot fast and can be deadly to children.
ONCE YOU PARK, STOP. LOOK. LOCK.
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Fun in the Fall BY AUSTRIA COHN PHOTO BY RFEEPIK.COM
CORN MAZES & PUMPKIN PATCHES 7th Generation Farm 1536 Courtesy Rd., Louisville (720) 499-8199 7thgenerationfarm.com
Anderson Patchwork Pumpkins 15415 Co-14, Ault
(719) 821-9133 dianaspumpkinpatch.com
(970) 227-4661 facebook.com
Hankins Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch 26745 Weld County Rd. 17, Johnstown (970) 408-0608 hankinsfarms.com
Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton (720) 865-3500 botanicgardens.org Diana’s Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze 1649 Poplar Ave., Cañon City
Anderson Farms 6728 County Rd. 3 ¼, Erie (303) 828-5210 andersonfarms.com
Mazzotti Farms 2628 Co. Rd. 49, Hudson (303) 536-4089
16 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024
Parker Farmers Market 19565 Mainstreet, Parker (303) 596-8808 thelocalcolorado.com Open Until Oct. 27 Every Sunday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. People + Produce Farmers Market 6785 E. Chenango Ave., Denver (720) 295-3769 peopleandproducebvs.com Open Until Oct. 13 Every Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. South Pearl Street Farmers’ Market 1527 S. Pearl St., Denver (303) 734-0718 southpearlstreet.com Open Until Nov. 10 Every Sunday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. HAUNTED HOUSES 13th Floor Haunted House 3400 E. 52nd Ave., Denver (303) 355-3327 13thfloorhauntedhouse.com Denver Terrors 200 E. Colfax, Denver (720) 885-9930 denverterrors.com Fright Acres 11321 Dransfeldt Rd., Parker frightacres.com Ghost Ride Haunted Tours Denver 1509 N. Marion St., Denver ghostridehauntedtours.com Haunted Field of Screams 10451 McKay Rd., Thornton info@hauntedfieldofscreams.com hauntedfieldofscreams.com
The Ritual Haunted House 301 Englewood Pkwy., Englewood (720) 837-3425 theritualhauntedhouse.com World’s Scariest Haunted House 10500 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton (720) 731-8970 worldsscariesthauntedhouse.net FALL EVENTS Applefest 235 W. Main St., Cedaredge (970) 856-3123 cedarredgeapplefest.com Oct. 4-6 Autumn Fest 923 10th St., Golden (303) 278-3557 goldenhistory.org Oct. 6 Choctoberfest 25690 E. Quincy Ave., Aurora cochocolatefests.com Oct. 12 Fall Festival featuring Creepy Crawlies Around the Rock 300 2nd St., Castle Rock(720) 733-2294 visitcastlerock.org Oct. 20 Littleton Harvest Festival 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton friendslibrarymuseum@gmail.com friendslittleton.org Oct. 12 Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton (720) 865-3500 botanicgardens.org Oct. 11-13 Pumpkin Harvest Festival 715 S. Forest St., Denver (720) 865-0800 fourmilepark.org Oct. 12-13
mazzottifarms.com Miller Farms 13912 Co Rd., Platteville
(970) 785-6133 millerfarms.net Miners’ Pumpkin Patch 225 N. Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs (719) 488-0880 minerspumpkinpatch.com Moon Farms 1360 18 ½ Rd., Fruita
(970) 812-6703 moonfarm.net Munson Farms 7455 Valmont Rd., Boulder (720) 491-1421 munsonfarms.com OSBORN Farm 1230 S. Boise Ave., Loveland (970) 541-1212 osbornfarm.com Rock Creek Farm 2004 S. 112th St., Broomfield (303) 465-9565
rockcreekfarm.com The Bartels Farm 3424 E. Douglas Rd., Fort Collins (970) 493-3853 thebartelspumpkinpatch.com Tiggers Farm Roasted Chilies & Pumpkin Patch 12404 County Rd. 64 1.2, Greeley (970) 686-7225 tiggersfarm.com FARMERS MARKETS Ahavah Community Farmers Market 7545 Log Rd., Peyton (719) 233-7828
Haunted Stage Shop 60 Main St., Rollinsville (970) 325-3409 hauntedstageshop.com
ahavahfarm.com Open Year Round Every Friday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Festival Park Farmers Market 300 2nd St., Castle Rock (720) 733-2260 crgov.com Open Until Oct. 13 Every Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Horror Theatre Haunted House 4504 S. Independence St., Denver (720) 263-1178 horrortheatredenver.com The Empty Grave Haunted House 218 Kimbark St., Longmont (949) 257-2279 theemptygrave.com The Frightmare Compound 10798 Yukon St., Westminster (303) 467-2273 thefrightmarecompound.com
Telluride Horror Show 104 Short Ct., Telluride info@telluridehorrorshow.com telluridehorrorshow.com Oct. 11-13 Thornton Harvest Fest 2141 E. 95th Ave., Thornton
Highlands Ranch Farmers Market 9288 Dorchester St., Highlands Ranch (303) 513-7610 denverfarmersmarket.com Open Until Oct. 27 Every Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
(303) 538-7200 throntonco.org Oct. 5
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Tampered Treats: Should Parents Really Worry on Halloween? BY AUSTRIA COHN PHOTOS BY FREEPIK.COM
20 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024 The fear of tampered Halloween candy dates back to the 1960s, growing stronger in the 1970s thanks to media reports, urban legends, and a few isolated incidents that received widespread attention. To further understand this topic, let’s look at some case files that led to this fear. E very Halloween, kids put on their best costumes–whether spooky witches or cute pumpkins–and go door-to-door in search of sweet treats. It’s a night of fun and excitement that both children and parents eagerly await. Yet, amid the laughter and sugar rush, a familiar warning always lingers: “Check your Halloween candy!” It’s a message echoed by city officials, neighbors, and friends alike. But is there any truth behind this caution?
Case File 1 Date: October 31, 1964 Location: Long Island, New York Suspect: Helen Pfeil
The police launched an immediate search for the suspect and any more deadly disguised candy. When confronted, Pfeil admitted to distributing the poison only to the three teens because, in her opinion, they were “too old” for trick-or-treating. No one was hurt. Case File 2 Date: October 31, 1974
Source: New York Post Description of Incident:
On Halloween night of 1964, three teen girls dressed as “hobos” knocked on the door of Helen Pfeil, a mother living in Long Island. Instead of the usual candy, Pfeil teased the girls, questioning, “Aren’t you a little old to be trick-or-treating?” She then handed out a strange “treat” hidden among the candy. The girls continued their rounds without suspi- cion but later discovered something alarming when their mother emptied their candy bags. They found arsenic pellets, and wrapped inside a napkin was a bottle-cap-shaped ant trap with a clear warning – “poison.”
Location: Pasadena, Texas Suspect: Ronald O’Bryan Source: HubPages Description of Incident:
Ten years after Helen’s Pfeil’s dangerous Hal- loween antics, Ronald O’Bryan committed one of the most notorious crimes in Hallow- een history. O’Byran, his two children–Tim and Elizabeth–and some friends ventured
Torn or Unsealed Wrappers: Candy wrappers that are ripped, torn, or not fully sealed could indicate tampering. Only allow children to eat candy that is securely wrapped. Unusual Wrapping: Homemade candy or items wrapped in plastic or foil may pose a risk if they don’t come from someone you know and trust. 2. Foreign Objects Punctures or Holes: Look for small holes or punctures in the candy packaging, which could indicate an attempt to inject some- thing harmful. Lumps or Bumps: Feel the candy to ensure no unusual lumps or objects are embedded inside. 3. Discoloration or Strange Smells Odd Colors: Candy with an unusual color or appearance could be contaminated. Weird Odors: If the candy smells off–chemi- cally or strange–discard it. When Halloween rolls around, there’s no need to let fear overshadow the fun–cases of candy tampering are extremely rare. Still, it’s wise to take a few moments to inspect your child’s haul before they dig in. Trust your in- stincts, and if something seems off, reach out to local authorities. A little caution can help keep the spooky night safe and enjoyable for everyone.
out for trick-or-treating despite the rain. After a few blocks, they arrived at a darkened house with no lights on. The kids knocked anyway but got no answer and started head- ing home because the rain had picked up. O’Bryan lagged behind for a moment, then suddenly caught up with the group holding five giant Pixy Stix, claiming that “rich neigh- bors” were handing out premium treats. Once home, O’Bryan allowed his kids to pick a treat before bed but encouraged them to have the Pixy Stix. His daughter declined and chose a different candy, but his son Tim accepted. What Tim didn’t know was that his father had tampered with the candy. O’Bryan had added two inches of potassium cyanide to the sugary powder. After consuming the Pixy Stix, Tim immediately complained of a bitter taste. His father gave him Kool-Aid to wash it down, but the damage was done. Tim soon began vomiting and convulsing before tragically succumbing to the cyanide poisoning. O’Bryan planned to poison both of his children for insurance money. Case File 3 Date: Shortly after Halloween, 2013 Location: Salinas, California Victim: Anonymous Source: KSBW Description of Incident:
Just days after Halloween in 2013, a 32-year- old woman in Salinas, California, innocently reached into her daughter’s Halloween candy stash and picked out a Snickers. Almost immediately after eating it, she began to feel strange–a combination of panic and euphoria overwhelmed her. Upon closer inspection, the Snickers wrapper had a tiny puncture in it. The woman was taken to the hospital, where doctors found that her symptoms were similar to those of someone who had ingested LSD, a potent hallucinogen. After in- vestigation, police believed the incident was an isolated one, though it left the community on edge. What Does This Mean? While the fear of tampered Halloween candy is a long-standing concern, parents generally don’t need to be overly worried. Verified cases of children being harmed by Halloween candy are extremely rare, and most reports of tainted candy turn out to be hoaxes, accidents, or misunderstandings. However, it’s not a bad idea to check your child’s candy after their night of knocking on strangers’ doors. When inspecting Halloween candy, here are some things to look out for: 1. Packaging Issues
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Combating Cyberbullying How Are Children Being Protected?
BY AMANDA MILLER PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
22 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024 One of the most important things parents can do when it comes to protecting their children from cyberbullying is to be aware of what they are doing online. It’s definitely a lot easier said than done, but taking an interest in what apps they are using, TikTok trends they’re participating in, and who they T echnology has transformed our world by providing us with a gateway to stay connected at all hours of the day. Despite our best efforts at monitoring screen time, our pre-teens and teens are often chronically online, connecting themselves to family, friends, and unfortunately, bullies. With the changing of the times, the bul- lying that existed in school halls (and still does) has also entered the digital era, caus- ing even more harm to the victims and fol- lowing them home long after the bell rings. So, what do we do? What measures are being taken in order to protect our children and teens when they log in or simply pick up their phones? At Home
are communicating with is a crucial step in the right direction. StopBullying.gov, managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also encourages taking the follow- ing steps to help protect them from harmful online behavior: - Follow or friend your teen on social media sites, or have another trusted adult do so. - Stay up-to-date on the latest apps, social media platforms, and digital slang used by children and teens. - Know your child’s usernames and pass- words for email and social media. - Establish rules about appropriate digital behavior, content, and apps. - Review or reset your child’s phone location and privacy settings. If it’s determined that cyberbullying is occur- ring, immediately block the person doing the bullying. Reports of the bullying can be made to online service providers, mobile
phone providers (call and report the num- ber), or law enforcement. When submitting the report, include dates, times, and screenshots. According to StopBullying.gov, when cyberbullying involves threats of violence, child pornography or sending sexually explicit messages or photos, photos or video taken of someone in a private place, or stalk- ing and hate crimes, it is considered a crime and should be reported to law enforcement. Safe2Tell Colorado provides students, par- ents, and community members with a safe and anonymous way to report any threats to their safety or the safety of someone else. Reports can be submitted by calling (877) 542-SAFE (7233), submitting through the website (safe2tell.org), through the mobile app (Safe2Tell CO), or by texting S2TCO to 738477. In School Colorado anti-bullying laws cover all off-campus conduct, including cyberbully- ing. As a part of the law, schools must have a
TikTok: TikTok provides private accounts; customizations for For You Pages, messages, and who can Duet or Stitch videos; comment control; filtering comments and keywords; and reporting. Instagram: Instagram provides tag and mention controls, a space to report users or content, the ability to block users, and the ability to limit or restrict users from interacting with the victim. Instagram also includes a comment warning feature, which flags potentially offensive comments before they are posted, reminding the commenter of Instagram’s Community Guidelines and warning them that if they proceed, their comment may be removed or hidden. Facebook (Meta): Facebook and Instagram are Meta Platforms, so they share similar features when keeping teens safe on social media, including blocking and reporting bullying. Meta employs teams that review reports of bullying and harassment 24/7, in more than 50 different languages. However, they also utilize technology in order to find and remove inappropriate content, often before it even gets reported on. Snapchat: Snapchat allows users to block others and report bullying. The company has also partnered with the Crisis Text Line to
safe school plan and conduct and discipline code in place. The policy must include the differences between conflict and bullying and harassment and bullying. The policy must also clarify the role of cyberbullying during online instruction. According to the Colorado Department of Education, bullying may be reported orally or in writing to an administrator, teacher, or other staff member by filling out a bullying report form. Reports can also be received from Safe2Tell, and they can be submitted anonymously. The bullying report form includes infor- mation related to the incident, including whether or not there were witnesses, and the form even asks if the person submitting the report is comfortable with the witnesses being questioned. Once a report has been made, an administrator is assigned and an investigation begins. On Social Media While there are many benefits to using and creating with social media, those same platforms can be used for cyberbullying. Knowing this, popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook have imple- mented processes to protect the younger generation. Here are some of the precau- tions the most popular apps and forums are taking to prevent bullying.
provide additional support and resources to Snapchatters. Users can text KIND to 741741 to chat with a live, trained crisis counselor. This service is free and available 24/7. Discord: Discord’s Community Guidelines are similar to other social media platforms. Some of the guidelines state that users are not allowed to send unwelcome or unwant- ed content to an individual, call for the sui- cide or self-harm of others, or post content with the intent to cause disgust, anger, or fear. Those who disobey the guidelines, Discord will take action against the accounts. Users who see the policies being disobeyed are encouraged to report the guilty users and content. The majority of the apps that teens are using have strict community guidelines in place. However, a good rule of thumb is that if teens are using any apps without safety measures or anti-bullying policies in place, that is probably not an app they should be using. Unfortunately, even with the best-laid plans and safety measures in place, bullies can slip through the cracks and still cause others harm. Preventing cyberbullying and protecting our children is still a work in pro- gress, but work we should consistently do until cyberbullying is no longer trending.
OCTOBER 2024 COLORADOPARENT.COM 23
Exceptional Needs Resource Guide BY CP PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS CARE Heart Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado (720) 777-6820 13123 E. 16th Ave., Aurora childrenscolorado.org Pediatrix Cardiology of the Rocky Mountains - Presbyterian St Luke’s (303) 860-9933 2055 High St., #255, Denver pediatrix.com Pediatrix Cardiology of the Rocky Mountains - Sky Ridge (303) 860-9933 10099 Ridgegate Pkwy., Ste. 300, Lone Tree pediatrix.com Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (720) 754-1000 UCHealth Adult Congenital Heart Disease - Anschutz Medical Campus (720) 848-5300 12505 E. 16th Ave., Aurora uchealth.org UCHealth Heart Clinic - Memorial Hospital North (719) 364-6550 4110 Briargate Pkwy., Ste. 400, Colorado Springs uchealth.org 2001 High St., Denver healthonecares.com
LEARNING CENTERS Aurora Special Education (303) 340-0510 15751 E. 1st Ave., Aurora aurorak12.org Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (720) 544-8100 12665 W. 52nd Ave., #1805, Arvada ddrcco.com Dyslexia Solutions of Colorado, LLC (720) 291-3763 3701 W. 25th Ave., Denver dyslexiasolutionsofcolorado.com Hulstrom K-8 (720) 972-5400 11551 Wyco Dr., Northglenn hulstrom.adams12.org Humanex Academy (303) 783-0137 2700 S. Zuni St., Englewood humanexacademy.org Instructional Services Center (720) 542-4500 2401 W. 80th Ave., Denver westministerpublicschools.org JumpStart Autism Center (303) 284-7328 369 Inverness Pkwy.,
NONPROFITS Ability Connection Colorado (303) 691-9339 801 Yosemite St., Denver abilityconnectioncolorado.org AdvocacyDenver (303) 831-7733 950 S. Cherry St., Denver advocacydenver.org Anchor Center for
12201 S. Parker Rd., Parker monarchacademy.org Parent to Parent of Colorado (877) 472-7201 801 Yosemite St., Denver abilityconnectionscolorado.org Results Learning (303) 771-1160 2323 S. Troy St., Aurora results-learning.com TACT (303) 295-0163 2960 S. Umatilla St., Englewood buildwithtact.org The Joshua School (303) 758-7171 2303 E. Dartmouth Ave., Englewood joshuaschool.org #214, Aurora thrivectr.org TLC Learning Center (303) 776-7417 611 Korte Pkwy., Longmont learningwithtlc.org Zach’s Place at the Laurie Hillyard Family Center (719) 329-1717 THRIVE Center (303) 632-6840 3131 S. Vaughn Way,
Blind Children (303) 377-9732 2550 Roslyn St., Denver anchorcenter.org Bridges of Colorado (844) 921-1568
2600 S. Parker Rd., Ste. 6-163, Aurora bridges.colorado.gov Colorado Alliance of Research (303) 759-3399 3801 E. Florida Ave., Denver alliancecolorado.org Developmental Pathways (303) 360-6600 14280 E. Jewell Ave., Ste. A, Aurora dpcolo.org Global Down Syndrome Foundation (303) 321-6277 3239 E. 2nd Ave., Denver globaldownsyndrome.org Imagine! Colorado (303) 665-7789 1400 Dixon Ave., Lafayette
#375, Englewood jumpstartaba.com Monarch Academy (303) 805-9110
4795 Granby Cir., Colorado Springs sksfcolorado.org
24 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024
imaginecolorado.org Lily Grace Foundation (720) 625-1007 3000 Youngfield St., #159, Wheat Ridge lilygracefoundation.org Peak Parent Center (719) 531-9400 917 E. Moreno Ave., #140, Colorado Springs peakparent.org Special Kids Special Families (719) 447-8983 sksfcolorado.org Special Olympics of Colorado (720) 359-3100 12450 E Arapahoe Rd., Ste. C, Centennial specialolympicsco.org
The Arc (303) 864-9334 Multiple Locations thearc.org The Ride School of Denver (303) 756-7473 4901 E. Eastman Ave., Denver risedenver.org SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICE CENTERS All for Kids Home Health (720) 456-8054 4155 E. Jewell Ave., #900, Denver allforkidshealth.com All Stars Club, Littleton (720) 207-1252 12325 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton allstarsclub.org All Stars Club, Northglenn (720) 272-2378 10451 Huron St., Northglenn allstarsclub.org Anchor Center for Blind Children (303) 377-9732 2550 Roslyn St., Denver anchorcenter.org Autism Community Store (303) 309-3647 14095 E. Exposition Ave., Aurora autismcommunitystore.com Autism Home Support Services (720) 500-2524 8008 E. Arapahoe Ct., Ste. 110,
Centennial autismhomesupport.com Behavioral Innovations (855) 782-7822 Multiple Locations behavioral-innovations.com
6855 S. Havana St., Centennial keyautismservices.com Learning Disabilities Association of America, Colorado Chapter (412) 341-1515 nchpad.org Megan’s Place (303) 881-4988 6175 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge megansplacellc.org Parallel Play, LLC (720) 900-5331 2501 Dallas St., Ste. 260, Aurora parallelplay.today RespiteCare (970) 207-9435 respitecareinc.org Rocky Mountain ADA Center (719) 444-0268 1170 Campus Box, #155, Greeley rockymountainada.org Rocky Mountain Branch of International Dyslexia Association (303) 721-9425 740 Yale Cir., Boulder idarmb.org Specialized Sitters (303) 910-4158 specializedsitters.com The Stepping Stones Group (877) 900-6497 thesteppingstonesgroup.com
BehaviorSpan (720) 206-9644 14707 E. 2nd Ave., GL 100, Aurora
behaviorspan.com Developmental FX (303) 333-8360 3615 M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Denver developmentalfx.org Easterseals Colorado (303) 233-1666 393 S. Harlan St., Ste. 250, Lakewood easterseals.com Family Voices Colorado (303) 877-1747 303 E. 17th Ave., Ste. 400, Denver familyvoicesco.org
Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association (303) 797-1699 3033 S. Parker Rd., Ste. 504, Aurora rmdsa.org Roundup Fellowship Main Office (303) 757-8008 3443 S. Galena St., #310, Denver rup.org Roundup River Ranch (970) 524-2267 8333 Colorado River Rd., Gypsum roundupriverranch.org
Feel the Beat (303) 816-8683 1555 Dover St., Lakewood feelthebeat.dance In! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education (720) 629-0196 inclusivehighered.org Key Autism Services (888) 329-4535
OCTOBER 2024 COLORADOPARENT.COM 25
FIND A SCHOOL 24/7
Search Colorado Parent ’s exclusive list of Denver’s schools anytime online. With an updated look and streamlined platform, our website is now faster, more engaging, and responsive on any device.
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26 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024
happenings
Our Picks OCTOBER
Teachers Night Out 1
Calling all educators to the Denver Aquarium for a night of celebration. Oct. 2. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com
OCTOBER 2024 COLORADOPARENT.COM 27
Our Picks happenings
2 Denver Walls 2024 Denver Walls will bring live mural painting to the RiNo Art District,
featuring local, national, and international artists. Oct. 3-5. RiNo Art District, Denver. denverwalls.com
Historic Halloweens in Louisville 3
Join the Historical Museum during Louisville’s First Friday events to learn about Halloween traditions in Louisville. Oct. 4. Louisville Historical Museum, Louisville. louisvilleco.gov
5
Whether you are new to photography or a seasoned pro, there is more to learn about leveraging this accessible digital technology. Oct. 8. Denver Botanic Gardens. botanicgardens.org Art of Smartphone Photography
Denver Makers Market Lakewood 4 The Makers Market showcases the talents of dozens of handpicked, small-scale markers, bakers,
artists, and boutiques across our state. Oct. 5. Colorado Markets Lakewood. event.humanitix.com
Events may change after publication deadline. Please phone ahead to confirm important information. HEADS UP!
28 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024
happenings Our Picks
6 Halloween
House Decorating Showcase your Halloween-theme house by adding it to the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s Halloween House Tour Map. Oct. 18. Highlands Ranch. hrcaonline.org
7 Harvest
The annual Halloween-themed steam-up event comes back to “haunt the rails.” Oct. 19 & 20. Colorado Railroad Museum. coloradorailroadmuseum.org Haunt Express
8 Fun at
The Magic of the Jack O’Lanters returns to Hudson Gardens in Littleton, offering a mesmerizing fall experience for families and Halloween-lovers alike. This enchanting event will take place until October 29, and it features thousands of hand-carved pump- kins that are intricately designed and illumi- nated to create a breathtaking display. Open Thursday through Sunday evenings from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors can stroll through Hudson Gardens and marvel at the artistry behind each glowing Jack O’Lantern. Perfect for all ages, the event trans- forms the gardens into a magical autumn wonderland. In addition to the spectacular pumpkins, guests will encounter larger-than- life displays, spooky forests, and Halloween classics. The atmosphere is filled with festive fall charm, offering a unique way to celebrate the season. Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns promises a captivating experience that will leave everyone in awe of the Halloween spirit. Hudson Gardens, Littleton. magicofthejackolanterns.com Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns 10
the Firehouse Head to the museum on the first and third Saturday of each month for a fire-related story and craft time. Oct. 19. Denver Firefighters Museum. denverfirefightersmuseum.org
Halloween Spooktacular 9 This family-friendly concert features music from films, television, and more. Costumes are encouraged, making this a ghastly-good time
for every little monster and their mummy! Oct. 27. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. artcomplex.com
OCTOBER 2024 COLORADOPARENT.COM 29
happenings October
night of ballet magic. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver. coloradoballet.org 5 Saturday Making Strides of Colorado 8am-Noon The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer unites communities to celebrate courage and hope. Join the walk to end breast cancer on Saturday. This event is free, and donations are appreciated. Tivoli Quad at Auraria Campus, Denver. secure.acsevents.org Celebrate autumn at Fall Fest, a family-friendly event featuring pumpkin picking, pony rides, arts and crafts, a bounce house, a live animal presentation, and delicious food truck treats– perfect for enjoying the season. Backcountry Base Camp, Highlands Ranch. hrcaonline.org Autism Speaks Field Day for All 11am-2pm Autism Speaks Field Day for All celebrates the unique light in every person with autism and the supportive community around them. This event unites people of all ages for fun, new activities, Fall Fest 8:30-11:30am resources, and meaningful connections. Infinity Park, Glendale. act.autismspeaks.org 6 Sunday ALS United Rocky Mountain Walk 9-11am The ALS United Rocky Mountain Walk in Denver is the largest annual gathering for the ALS community in the area. This event raises funds and awareness to support free ALS programs and the search for treatments and a cure. Sloan’s Lake, Denver. securealsaco.org Jackalope Indie Artisan Fair 10am-5pm Enjoy a weekend of shopping with over 100 hand-selected artisans. Discover trendsetting indie goods such as original fashion, jewelry, paper products, innovative home
Create art with family! Oct. 2.
to do today
1 Tuesday Baby Time 9-9:30am
emphasizes the role of families in community cultural development, fostering creativity, imagination, motor skills, and school readiness. Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, Aurora. davarts.org Adults can join a free midday break for guided meditation techniques in a natural setting. Nature offers rejuvenation, relaxation, and inspiration, providing calm in our chaotic and stressful world. Register online. Majestic View Nature Center, Arvada. majesticviewnaturecenter. arvada.org 3 Thursday Thursdays at the Museum 9am Bring the whole family to the museum for an exciting day full of activities. From a 10 Meditation in Nature Noon-12:30pm a.m. Cooking Class and 10:15 a.m. Storytime to an Outdoor Exploration at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Art Program, there is something for everyone in the family. Children’s Museum of Denver. mychildsmuseum.org
inclusive event for teens and adults with special needs and their caregivers, held upstairs in Event Hall A. Highlands Ranch Library. douglascountylibraries. evanced.info 4 Friday Colorado Wilderness Herbal First Aid Certification 9am-5:30pm This 24-hour, 3-day course combines a 16-hour Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification with over 8 hours of herbal first aid training, integrating plant- medicine concepts for holistic care in remote or post-disaster environments. Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism, Lafayette. eventbrite.com South Pearl Street First Friday Art Walk 5-8pm Every First Friday through November, South Pearl Street hosts a family-friendly Art Walk featuring live artist demonstrations, music, dining, and shopping on the 1400-1600 blocks. South Pearl Street. southpearlstreet.com
Baby Time at Lone Tree Library is a recurring event for 0-2. Thank you for helping keep Storytime allergen-free! Evergreen Library. douglascountylibraries. evanced.info Big & Lil’ Play Classes 2pm Classes are designed for Bigs (caring adult) and Lils (awesome kid) to promote healthy development through physical, intellectual, social, and emotional skill-building, with fun activities like singing, instruments, games, parachutes, and bubbles. Kids Wonder, Centennial. kidswonder.net 2 Wednesday
Family Arts 10am-Noon
DAVA’s Family Arts program, designed for children ages 3-6 with a parent or guardian,
Sleeping Beauty 7:30pm
Sensory Storytime 11-11:30am
The Colorado Ballet presents the enchanting Sleeping Beauty on stage. Tickets range from $40- 175, promising an unforgettable
VISIT OUR DIGITAL CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
The Highlands Ranch Library offers Sensory Storytime, an
30 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2024
happenings October
10 Thursday The Colorado Symphony Cello Ensemble 7:30pm Attendees can enjoy an extraordinary evening of music featuring the captivating sounds of the cello. The skilled cello section will unite to form a stunning Cello Ensemble, demonstrating the instrument’s depth and versatility. The performance will include a diverse selection of classical masterpieces and contemporary works, all chosen to highlight the cello’s rich, expressive range. Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver. artscomplex.com The Vanity & Vice: American Art Deco at the Kirkland Museum invites visitors to explore the vibrant era of 1920-1933. Discover the dynamic designs that emerged during this period of bold rebellion and innovation. Kirkland Museum, Denver. kirklandmuseum.org 11 Friday Friday Family Night Out 5-7pm Every Friday, join in the fun at Friday Family Night. Bring the whole family for an evening filled with laughter and lasting memories. Enjoy pre-ordered hot pizza and discounted adult beverages while you’re there. Kids Wonder, Centennial. kidswonder.net Vanity & Vice: American Art Deco 11pm Teen After Hours: Haunted House Night offers a chance for teens aged 12-18 to enjoy various activities and hang out with friends at the library after it closes. Columbine Library, Littleton. jeffcolibrary. bibliocommons.com 12 Saturday Louisville Farmers Market 9am-1pm The farms and artisan vendors provide nutrient-dense, Teen After Hours: Haunted House Night 6-8pm
decor, art, photography, food, and more. Olde Town Arvada. jackalopeartfair.com 7 Monday Paws for Reading 3-5pm Read with a four-legged friend from the Denver Pet Partners therapy program. Dogs make ideal reading companions, offering a relaxed and safe space for sharing books. Children should read independently and are encouraged to bring a favorite book. Registration begins two weeks before the program. Belmar Library, Lakewood. jeffcolibrary.biblio- commons.com Paw Patrol Theatre and Art Class 4-5pm Join Stagebugz’s youngest students and their favorite pup pals for an adventure in music, dance, visual arts, and cooking. Each week, explore themed activities with Ryder, Chase, Skye, and the patrol, featuring creativity, new skills, friends, games, and fun. Columbine United Church, Littleton. stagebugztheatre.com
high-quality, supporting Colorado farms and family businesses while prioritizing the community’s access to natural, local products. Louisville. realfarmersmarketco.com
denverartmuseum.org
Tech Class: Home Inventory & Emergency Preparedness Noon-1pm In this two-part class, participants will learn to swiftly and easily create a home inventory and store it securely in the cloud. Additionally, the class covers simple steps to prepare your family for emergencies. Broomfield Library and Auditorium. compass. broomfield.org 9 Wednesday Benefits in Action 1pm Need help with benefit programs? Benefits in Action offers free in-person appointments to assist with program applications. Visit us in Belmar for one-on-one support from experts to address all your benefit needs. Belmar Library, Lakewood. jeffcolibrary. bibliocommons.com competition where players of all ages and skill levels can challenge themselves and enjoy the game. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether you’re a seasoned chess enthusiast or new to the game. If you’re new to chess, arrive at 5:30 p.m. for a beginner’s lesson to get started and build your skills before joining the competition. Highlands Ranch Library. douglascountylibraries.- evanced.info Play Chess 5:30-8pm Drop by for a friendly
Run the Rock 5K 9-11am Celebrating 17 years, the
American Lung Association in Colorado offers the only timed race at the iconic Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. This unique 5K and ⅓-mile run/walk combines stunning scenery with a rock n’ roll atmosphere. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison. redrocksonline.com Family Nights 6pm Enjoy family Night at the Downtown Aquarium, where kiddos get a 2.99 Kids’ Meal with an adult entrée purchase and $6 Exhibit Passes after 6 p.m. this Friday. Downtown Aquarium, Denver. aquariumrestaurants.com 13 Sunday Denver Dog Days 10am-2pm Denver’s premier dog event brings together over 50 local dog businesses for a day of canine fun, benefiting MaxFun animal shelter. Enjoy shopping, a lively dog show, and entertainment from a live DJ and emcee. Sloan Lake, Denver. eventbrite.com Music in the Galleries offers family-friendly live concerts, welcoming attendees of all ages to sit, stand, wiggle, or explore the galleries while enjoying music in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Performances are included with Museum admission and are free for CSM members. Clyfford Still Museum, Denver. clyffordstillmuseum.org 14 Monday Ringling Bros. B&B Circus 6:30pm The iconic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is a legendary spectacle featuring Music in the Galleries Noon-2pm
8 Tuesday Free Days at the Denver Art Museum 10am-8pm
Explore art, enjoy onsite activities, and experience
current exhibitions with free general admission. Extended hours are available on Tuesdays. General admission does not include access to ticketed exhibitions. Denver Art Museum.
Celebrate courage and hope. Oct. 5.
OCTOBER 2024 COLORADOPARENT.COM 31
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