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Reasons for the Early August Starts
We found some answers to reasons for early school starts.

The primary driver is the 180 day attendance requirement. When you add in winter and spring break expansions to two weeks (or more), an extra holiday day here and there, teacher in-service days, and occasional emergency closings, you have to find more days at the start or end of the school year.

Other reasons offered that may affect timing are:
  • the influence of football season's scheduling requirements
  • an August start so as to complete the first semester with its final big tests and big project due dates
  • more teaching time before mandatory tests
  • the need for frequent breaks to relieve the stress of school
  • special regional and local situations.
Still... many of us are culturally and nostalgically attached to the traditional Labor Day dividing point between a glorious, summer vacation and the excitement of a new school year. Within the family we can celebrate the transition our own way. Remember, we have choices.
Enjoy your journey navigating the changes, Parmalee
Don't get cut off from all the events!
Ask Nicole
Teaching Children to Cope with Anxiety
by Nicole Young, MSW

Is it just me, or is it getting harder to keep up with life? Some days, it feels like I’m on a treadmill that’s going too fast, but I can’t pause to catch my breath because I’m scared I’ll trip and fall. I think I’ve become so accustomed to this rapid pace that I’ve stopped noticing the stress it creates. That is, until I wake up at 2 a.m. multiple nights in a row from a recurring nightmare about an important meeting or deadline I’ve missed. It’s like those childhood dreams where you show up at school unprepared for a test or can’t find your classroom. When this happens to me, it’s a clear sign that my stress and anxiety have taken over. It’s time to press the reset button.

Dear Nicole, My 9-year-old daughter is sweet and kind, does well in school, and doesn’t have any major behavior issues. Our problem is that everything makes her anxious and nervous. She gets really worried that something will go wrong, she’s forgotten something, or she’s going to make a mistake (and fail). She gets so upset that she can’t think straight. I tell her everything will be fine, but that seems to make her more upset. I’m worried this will get worse as she gets older and faces more pressure. What should I do? – Daniel

A few weeks from now The Art Factory, Yvette Contois' inspiring art school for ages 5-adult, will be back IN STUDIO for weekly art classes in their new location! Be sure to attend the Grand Opening August 5!

"We couldn't have asked for a better location than @aptosvillagesquare to celebrate our 15th year."
Grab a slice from Showtime Pizza before or after class and support all our wonderful small business neighbors while the kiddos are in class.

We can't wait to welcome you back! And if we haven't met yet, we look forward to meeting you!

Our new school year schedule is posted, so check our class offerings for early registration for classes starting August 21."

Scroll down to our calendar specials for details on the Grand Opening for YOU to see the new studio and meet Yvette and the teachers!
Always check for new posts!
Don't get cut off!
You might miss an event you've been waiting for!
Watsonville Strawberry Festival,
Friday, August 4, 5-9pm;
Saturday, August 5: 11am-8pm; Sunday, August 6: 11am-7pm,
The Watsonville Strawberry Festival provides a safe, family-friendly experience in historic downtown Watsonville. Join us for a full weekend of carnival attractions, live entertainment and delicious strawberry treats! Shop a variety of local artisans, businesses and specialty vendors for a unique shopping experience. Delicious foods, family activities, vendors, and live entertainment! Details
Strawberry Jam 1K/5K Fun Run/Walk, Saturday, August 5, 6:45am, The 2nd Annual Strawberry Jam 1K/5K Fun Run/Walk will be held at Ramsay Park in Watsonville. The races start and finish at Ramsay. Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services and the Rotary Club of Freedom in conjunction with the Watsonville Strawberry Festival. Details
Home Depot Kids Workshops, Saturday, August 5, 9am-12pm
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops. Soquel , 2600 41st Avenue, Soquel and 355 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, Details
Cabrillo Festival of Music
Books & Brews La Selva Beach Summer Fair, Saturday, August 5, 10am – 4pm, Peruse over 40 arts and crafts vendors selling handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, bags, ceramics, garden art, specialty foods, books, and more. Don't miss a chance to win vendor-donated goods in the prize raffle, a local microbrew while you enjoy live music and shopping and a delicious snack, lunch, or early dinner from local pizza pop-up Jayne Dough Pizza, serving wood-fired sourdough crust slices.  Details
Triple P Brief Group: Helping Teens Cope with Depression, Fridays, August 4 , 11, 18, 25, • 5:30 – 7:00 pm,
Attend this FREE virtual 4-week parenting group to learn:
• Common causes and signs of depression in teens
• What to do if you think your teen is depressed
• Tips for helping teens develop healthy coping skills
Family Karaoke, 1st Saturdays, 5:30 – 7:30, If anyone is feeling up to it (and healthy!), once a month RC Fam hosts family karaoke and games night. It’s basically kids, teens, and adults singing their fave Disney songs. Dads are usually the shy ones leading chess, puzzles, scrabble, etc Details
First Friday Family Day at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences, Friday, August 4, 3 – 7pm, You’re invited to First Friday Family Day at the Institute of the Arts and Sciences (100 Panetta Ave) for an afternoon of family-friendly fun with hands-on activities and scheduled story times. We will have a button-making station, an I-spy game, temporary tattoos, stickers, snacks, prizes, and more! Activities are geared towards age 5 and up. Details
Capitola Twilight Concerts, Wednesdays 6pm, June 21 – August 30, The Capitola Twilight Concerts are hosted on Wednesday evenings during the summer months. July 26: Pacific Roots, Details
Beach Boardwalk Free Daily Entertainment, June 19 – August 11, Add more fun to your visit and see magicians, jugglers, acrobats and more perform at two locations in the park. Engaging performers invite you to be a part of the FREE show! Details
Free Movies on the Boardwalk Beach, Fridays 9pm, June 16 – August 11, Bring the family and your blanket or low-back chair and join us! Aug. 4 SHREK Details
Live Music on the Boardwalk Colonnade, Thursdays, 8:30 – 10pm, June 15 – August 10, Enjoy FREE Live Music Thursdays throughout the summer on the Boardwalk Colonnade! Come for the rides, stay for the entertainment! Aug. 3 4TO PRESTIGO, Details
Midtown Summer Block Party, Fridays through September 29 – 5:00 to 8:30ish, Come Celebrate all the vibrancy of Midtown at our Summer Block Party, happening every Friday! Food – Artists – Live Music – Vendors. August 4, The Dylan Rose Band w/opener Maddie & Jackie, Details
Watsonville Summer Concert Series Music in the Plaza, 1st & 3rd Fridays 6 – 8pm, June 16 – September 1, Ready to dance the night away? Our summer outdoor Music in the Plaza concert series is back and will feature a variety of bands to help you get your groove on! Grab a bite at our downtown restaurants and join us for the music Details
Heritage Events at Roaring Camp, All Summer, Heritage sounds like something old, unless you’re talking Heritage Events at Roaring Camp. Free Heritage Events with the purchase of a Roaring Camp train ticket: Monday: Blacksmith; Tuesday: Printing Press; Wednesday: Candle Making; Thursday: Crafts; Friday: Gold Panning Details
Daughters and Sons of the Beach Ukele Jam, Saturdays, 10am – 12pm, Strum Along on the beach behind the Crow’s Nest.
Parenting Workshops, These parent workshops offer outstanding skills, tips and support in our parenting path. We are fortunate to have these resources. Even if everything is going well, it's good to know what's available! August