| SFkids.org Newsletter
February 2010 | |
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Happy Valentines Day from SFKids.org! This February is the month of hearts and tigers (Chinese New Year Tigers that is). It's also the month everyone realizes they need to start thinking about what to do with their kids this summer. Don't worry, it's not too late. Luckily, SFkids.org has the most comprehensive list of camps around. Also the Summer  Resource Fair is back! Don't miss it. We
love to hear from other parents with ideas about
kid-friendly restaurants, activities, and more. We're also always looking
for people to write feature articles. If you have something you'd like
to submit, we'd love to hear from you.
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SFkids.org Events Calendar Highlights |
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Happy Valentine's Day! |
There are some great Valentine's Day events going on this weekend.
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SFkids.org Needs a Little Love
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Send us a little note telling us how you think SFkids.org makes San Francisco more family-friendly, what else you'd like to see, or any other feedback.
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Celebrate Black History Month
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February is Black History Month. There are many events around the City, particularly in our local libraries. See our calendar or www.sfpl.org.
Events include: Celebrate Black History Month with Kirk Waller, Textiles of West Africa Craft Program, Music and Stories with Asheba, Harpist from the Hood!-The Magic Harp Music of Destiny Muhammad!, Chris McAlister and the Never Stop Learning Crew, Dance Kaiso, and The Amazing Derique.
Older kids and teens may also enjoy some of other events: The Untold Story of Alcatraz with Local Filmmaker Kevin Epps, Legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, and the Film Screening and Discussion: Medicine for Melancholy.
See the full list of activities at the SF Public Library website.
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Summer Resource Fair is Back! |
Saturday, March 6
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
FREE!
Concourse Exhibition Center, Eighth and Brannan Streets
All SF families are invited to this free showcase of summer activities for children, youth, and families. Visit over 200 exhibitors including camps, classes, arts, sports, and City services.
Presented by the SFUSD Student Support Services Department and SF Department of Children, Youth & Their Families.
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February Break Camps |
If you're at a school that has a February Break (Ski Week) holiday Feb. 15-19 it's often hard to find camps. Many of these camps are outside SF. We've compiled a list of camps operating during that week:
Adventure Camps, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Belvedere-Tiburon Recreation Department (Feb 17 and 19 only), Celsius and Beyond, Monkey Business Camp, Nothing But Hoops, ONE Martial Arts*, San Francisco Fencers' Club, San Francisco SPCA, Stonestown YMCA*, Sunset Learning Center*
*indicates camp for Feb. 15 only.
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Camps, Camps, and More Camps |
SFkids.org has the most comprehensive list of camps around. We've been hard at work updating all of the summer camp information as well as information about spring break camps.
See our Camps Page to browse around and find a great camp for your kids.
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SFUSD Student Reassignment Design |
The San Francisco Unified School District is actively discussing designing a new assignment system. You can read about the process and the Superintendent's recommendations on the SFUSD website. There are a couple of important upcoming School Board meetings, both at the SFUSD offices at 555 Franklin Street:
- Wednesday, February 17, Committee of the Whole, 6 pm
- Tuesday, March 9, 2010, Second Reading and Action, 6pm
Meetings can also be seen live on SFGTV or later on their video on demand archive.
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The Fall School Search, next steps |
SFUSD applications for most schools were due January 8th. If you didn't get an application in you can still apply but you will get lower priority. Letters will be sent out March 12, 2010 with offers. For more information about the upcoming key dates, see the SFUSD Education Placement Center page. |
Podcasts:Parenting Advice for the 21st Century |
by Laure Latham Have you looked into - or rather listened to - podcasts yet? Podcasts
are video or audio shows that you can listen to online or simply
download on your MP3 player so you can listen to them later. They are
great ways to stay tuned in or learn new things while cooking ... (read more)
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Family Snow Adventures |
 Just going to the snow can be a great thrill for kids (particularly City kids). While snow vacations can be really expensive, a quick day trip (read more ...) |
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Earthquake and Emergency Preparation |
 All of the recent earthquakes around the world remind us that we are in earthquake country too.
Is your family ready for an emergency? Do you have proper training to help your family if you needed to? Be prepared and get your family plan together. See our Emergency Planning Page for information about how to prepare your family.
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All We Want for 2010 is ... for You to be our Facebook Fan |
 We're hoping to have 500 fans by the end of February. Help us reach our goal! Spread the word to all your friends. |
Tax Time
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 Tax time is just around the corner (April 15th). Our Money Page has lots of information about money matters in general, where to get your taxes done for free, and information about the Working Families Credit (WFC) |
SFkids.org on View From the Bay! |
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Science Briefs: Helpful Findings for Parents of Teens
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"When parents share stories with their children - reminiscing, listening and
remembering - psychologists have found that children become more autonomous and
have a stronger sense of self. .. (read more)
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Gung Hay Fat Choy |
Celebrate the coming of the Year of the Tiger (Lunar
Year 4708) and wish your neighbors "Gung Hay Fat Choy" (Happy New
Year) by taking part in some of the great events in San Francisco.  Celebrations culminate with the Chinese New Year
Parade, February 27rd, 5:30-8 pm. The parade runs from downtown S.F. through Chinatown. This is one of the
best parades S.F. has to offer for families, and it is the only one that
takes place at night. For more information
see www.chineseparade.com.
There are many other events at San Francisco libraries and museums. Check our Calendar for more ideas.
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How to Avoid Over-Scheduling Your Young Child |
Family psychology experts Noelle Cochran, PsyD and Lele Diamond, MFT answer the difficult question of how much is too much activity for a young child. They also provide a great guide for what the best activities are for children of different age groups. Read the full article here...
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2010
Shape Up Walking Challenge Registration Now
Open
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healthy 2010? The Shape Up SF Walking Challenge will take place March 1 to May
7, 2010. This program is a GREAT way to improve health, reduce stress, build
morale, and participate in inexpensive activities. Register at www.shapeupsfwalkingchallenge.org.
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Looking For Work? Try JOBS NOW! SF
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JOBS NOW! SF is a simple program created by the City of San
Francisco which provides Federal stimulus funds to businesses to hire
local residents.  For Job Seekers, JOBS NOW! SF offers qualifying San Francisco
residents a simple route to great jobs with local companies. Most
unemployed single parents and many families will qualify automatically.
There are a wide range of job types available.
Interested employers or job seekers should call (877)JOB1NOW
(877) 562-1669 or contact JOBS NOW!SF for more information.
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