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SFkids.org Newsletter
July 2011
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Summer is in full swing but school is also right around the corner. We got newsletter topics to help you plan for both. This weekend there's lots going on so make sure to get out and keep your kids active. 
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.
-Chris, Kim, Nina & Robin |
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SFkids.org Events Calendar Highlights | |
Check out these great events around SF this week:
See more events on our Calendar.
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Vote for SFKids! | |
Help spread the word about SFkids by voting for SFkids on Circle of Moms Top 25 San Francisco Bay Area Mom Blogs. You can vote once per day. Vote here.
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Stay in the Loop on the SF Scoop | |
Keep the fans coming, spread the word to all your friends. See our facebook page here... Please don't forget to click "LIKE" on our postings. It really makes a difference in its visibility to other parents.
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Beach Weather! | 
Well, almost. The Bay Area has some of the most amazing beaches in the world in terms of beauty if not heat. Check out our list of great beaches here .
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Play Day on the Green | |
August 3, Noon-3pm
Marina Green West (Marina Blvd. & Yacht Road)
SF Rec and Park and the SF Parks Trust present a free event for the entire family, featuring games, carnival rides, arts and crafts, live entertainment, giant inflatables, kite flying and food for sale! August 3, noon to 3 p.m., at Marina Green West. For more information see sfrecpark.org. |
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Bay Area County Fairs 2011 |  It's fair season and the Bay Area offers country fairs throughout the summer. Although the fairs have a lot of typical fair offerings like food, concerts, rides, shows, and fireworks, each fair offers something different. Some offer one price, which includes admission and all entertainment. Other fairs offer free entrance but charge for entertainment and rides. Check each fair website for more unique and specific information. See the full list here. |
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Green 15: Get Out and Get Dirty! | 
by Chris "Mr. Science" Giorni, founder of Tree Frog Treks
Summer is here and the time is ripe to get out and get dirty. How about a camp out in your own back yard complete with hot dogs and s'mores. Try a dip in Glen Canyon's Islais creek searching for Terrestrial Garter Snakes or a hike to the top of Strawberry Island located in the center of Golden Gate Park's Stow Lake for a breathtaking view of the Pacific. McLaren Park and Bernal Hill blackberries are just ripening up for some scrumptious snack time fun. And don't forget about all the incredible East Bay Regional parks, all 66 of them, with sun, lakes (Chabot, Anza, Tamescal, Cull Canyon) pools (Contra Loma...), and even water slides (Shadow cliffs). So Get out and Get Dirty this summer right here in your own backyard.
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Summer Camp! | 
Looking for an end-of-summer camp? SFkids.org has the most comprehensive list of camps around. See our Camps Page to browse around and find a great camp for your kids.
Also check these great SFkids.org guides:
Special Deals from our Partners!
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Whooping Cough Vaccines (Tdap) |
California Immunization Law Update: A new pertussis (whooping cough) immunization school entry requirement for 7th-12th grade students begins July 1, 2011. If your child has already gotten this shot, it is good for 10 years.
You just need to get a copy of vaccination from your doctor and give to the school. For more information and free clinic dates. Last free clinic is August 6th.
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Getting Ready to go Back to School | |
it's hard to believe but it's almost that time again. Early mornings, homework, lunches, oh joy. Here are some tips for getting ready and making transitions.
Do you have an incoming Kindergartener?
PPS San Francisco is hosting six workshops for parents of incoming kindergarteners. The first is on July 27 at the Ortega Branch Library. See the PPS flyer for more information. |
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Free Summer Lunch for Kids and Teens | |
June 6 - August 5, 2011
Monday - Friday
All San Francisco youth ages 18 and younger receive a free healthy meal.
For more information and a list of specific sites see the Summer Lunch webpage. |
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Got Lunchbox? |
Whether it's for school clothes or supplies, this is the season for stocking up. See  our Family Finds page to find clothes, books, and more.
Buying clothes doesn't need to break your bank. Try Goodwill, Chloe's Closet, Thrift Town, and other second-hand clothing stores we have listed. Doin' it Green: Read our article Eight Easy Tips For A Greener Back-to-School Season. Backpacks, Lunchboxes, Water Bottles, and more ...Are you up to date on all of the current safety trends in school supply safety? Rolling or regular? Plastic or Paper? Nalgene or Stainless Steel? There's so many options and so much research to keep up on.  |
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Back to School Procrastinators' Checklist |
- Summer required reading completed.
- Back to school shopping--remember most schools don't allow red or blue on backpacks, jackets, etc. Check with your school for details.
- Start the earlier to bed and early rising routines.
- Figure out public transportation routes.
- Get your youth Clipper Cards
- Find the PE uniforms and padlocks from last year for middle and high school students.
- Join your school's electronic bulletin board-- i.e. Yahoo or Google group. Watch for school news on School Loop.
- SFUSD has an online free or reduced lunch application this year . Submit your applications early so the school district doesn't loose important State funding.
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Got Afterschool? | |
 The dedicated SFkids.org staff have been hard at work updating our great afterschool guide, but not all programs have updated information available yet. We will include any new information as we get it.
SF Rec. & Park Sign-ups start this Saturday, July 23. Online starting at 9am at sfreconline.org or in person from 10am-3pm at McLaren Lodge. For more information see sfreconline.org or this flyer .
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Shape Up PE Advocates | |
SHAPE UP SF PE ADVOCATES are pleased to present a series of informative and engaging sessions to share why PE is so important for health and academic achievement and how other school districts have successfully implemented PE.
SFkids.org is one of the supporters of these events held at the Sports Basement. Shape Up SF will also be sharing the results of our PE study conducted by UCSF in 28 SFUSD schools at the August 11th session with Dr. Ratey. Please RSVP. shapeupsf.org/pe/outreach
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Volunteer Coaches Needed | |
The San Francisco Police Activities League (SFPAL) is look for volunteer football coaches for the PAL Seahawks Pop Warner Youth Football Program. This year they need volunteer coaches to work with primarily at-risk youth in the 7-9 year old age group (Mitey Mites). No experience is required and head coach will teach assistant coaches how to manage very simple drill stations and conditioning work outs. Even if you can only assist one night a week it would be a very big help to the children. Apply at info@sfpal.org and make a difference in the lives of our City's youth.
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No more back to school blues for great tips on how to transition successfully