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SFkids.org Newsletter
November 2007

It's that time of year again . . . holidays, school breaks, family in town, and more. We hope this newsletter helps you find events, resources, and places to help out too.

 

green triangleThe Bay Clean-up.beach with ggbridge in background

 Tragically, many of our beaches are still closed and our local wildlife is still in danger as a result of the oil spill in the bay. Check the Sfgov.org website for volunteer opportunities, information, a link to a Google map of closures. Although minors are not allowed to help with the actual clean-up there may be other ways to help. Donations of cash are also needed.

See below for more general information and resources about volunteering with your family or see our Volunteering Page.

 

orange squareFamily AppreciationFamily Appreciation Day Day 2008
Save the Date!

Saturday, January 13
FREE! admission to 30 museums and attractions around the City. Adults must accompany children and provide proof they live in San Francisco.
 Kids ride MUNI FREE from 10am to 4pm on January 13. Check back for a complete list of venues.

 

purple stop

Take The Survey! 

Help us shape SFkids.org by taking our short survey.  The survey takes only a couple of minutes.  Click here to begin. 

 

blue circleSchool Enrollment Reminder

Applications for most schools (from preschool through high school) are due early in the year. The SFUSD enrollment deadline is January 11. Visit the SFUSD website for more information.  Also see our Education PagePublic School Page, and Preschool Page for more enrollment events, links to other resources, and more.

 

green triangleCollege Enrollment Informationgraduation.xs

Check out our Beyond High School Page for two articles about applying to college: Don't know the first thing about getting into college? Where to start in five steps: a guide for students and parents and When Do I Start? A high-schooler's timeline for college preparation, both by Caroline Grannan.

 


blue signHoliday Safety

 Check your smoke alarm and flashlights in case of power outages. Keep the pets and toddlers away from trees and menorahs! 

fire•  Read our article on Fire Prevention from the investigators at The San Francisco Injury Center for Research and Prevention.

More Resources:

• The American Red Cross 
• 
The Center for Disease Control has great tips on healthy holiday eating as well as links to other safety sites.
• 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has tips on child transportation safety. 
• Check the 
Consumer Product Safety Commission for holiday toy recall lists.
• See this
 American Academy of Pediatrics article featuring holiday safety tips regarding trees, decorations, fireplaces, lights, toys, food, and happy, safe visiting. 


green triangleGiving Back

The holiday season is always a good time to remind ourselves, and teach our kids, about the importance of giving back to our community. There are many ways your family can help others who need a little extra help or love.

Here are a few ideas:

• Visit any senior center and request a name from their giving tree. Most centers will have the names of senior citizens to purchase a gift for. Then you bring the gift back to the center and they will deliver it! Try the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center or a Family Shelter
• Families can join SF Recreation & Parks Dept. or the Neighborhood Parks Council to beautify our parks and do some planting. Sign up for a project by calling (415) 831-6328.
• Sort canned food at the SF Food Bank.
• Visit our Volunteering Page for many more resources to help you find a volunteer opportunity that fits best for your family.

 

orange circle

Winter Break Campschild and guinea pig & Activities

Looking for something for the kids to do over break? It’s not too late to sign up for Winter Camps. See our Camps Page for listings of organizations offering camps over the winter break. Many camps don't have their information out yet but stay tuned.  

If you are looking for outings or events over the break, check out our calendar for ideas.


 

SFKids.org
Calendar Highlights

Our Family Events Calendar contains hundreds of listings of local family-friendly events; here are just a few highlights.

Holiday Events
We have TONS of holiday events listed on our Family Events Calendar. For December events look at individual days to see holiday events.

November

 

Friday 11/16

• Santa Claus arrives at Stonestown Galleria 

• Cinderella at New Conservatory Theatre Center through November 18. Cost: $15 for adults, $10 for youth 18 and under.
• Holiday Ice Skating at the Embarcadero Center is now open.  Cost: $7–$7.50 per adult, $3.50–$4 per child, $3.50 and up for skate rentals.
• Hip Hop DanceFest Friday through Sunday at 7pm. Tickets are $35.

 

Saturday 11/17
• Knit Happens! a teen knitting class for ages 12 to 18 at 2–4 pm. FREE

• Jr. Engineer Day at the Randall Museum. FREE

• Mr. Shap, Balloon Artist and Magician at Mission Bay Branch Library at 2pm. FREE

 

Sunday 11/18
• Holiday Harmony and Tree Lighting at Pier 39. A multi-cultural celebration held noon–6 pm. FREE

• Buddy Club: Acrobat and Juggler Dana Smith and his performing dog Lacey at 11am. $7 per person, children under 2 are free.

 • Free Sailboat Rides in Berkeley by the Cal Sailing Club during their open houses 1–4pm.

 

Monday 11/19
• Reindeer Romp and ice skating at the SF Zoo. Ice skating tickets (includes skates but not Zoo admission): $6 adults/youth, $4 children (11 and under). Skating slots are available from 11am to 4pm and ice time is good for one hour. Prices are the same even if you bring your own skates.

• Many, many more events are listed on our Family Events Calendar.

 

 

Inside SFKids.org

• Fire Prevention Tips
• Spotlight on SFPAL's Judo program
• San Francisco Free Museum Day List
• Crisis Page, resources when you need help.
• The High School Search 

 

 

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