There's something magical about putting on a costume and taking on a different personna.  Children are naturals at this. It's all part of playing and trying out new roles!

We've included as many family friendly Halloween events as possible in the newsletter.  For ALL Halloween celebrations (including a few date night events for parents) please visit our online Events Calendar and select "Holiday Fairs and Events".

I'm going to stop by Jody's Fresh Prep Kitchens at her new location, 1601 41st Ave, Capitola, just around the corner from OSH, to pick up two favorite dinners: Black bean and Fresh Spinach Enchilada Caserole and Turkey Chile, both with cornbread. Go here for her entire menu.

It's getting close to parent-teacher conference time.  Teachers prepare ahead.  Parents can too!  Make the conferences work well for your child and if changes need to be made, there may be homework in the wings for parents!  I'll stick out my neck and state that I hope your end of the day family life includes an appropriate amount of homework, not too much.  If not, communicate this tactfully.  I know teachers also want a family life at the end of the day.  Personally, and this comes from having been a teacher, administrator, parent and grandparent, I think the primary purpose of homework for young children should be to encourage the quality of responsibility.  As for older children, the questions to consider are: Is homework a meaningful reinforcement or extension of learning?  What if it is not?  How much is enough or too much?

PLEASE visit this FB page for some very stimulating, provocative and informative articles on education.  They will help you to be informed partners in the education of your children.

Have a spooky, fun weekend! Parmalee

by Bill Cirone

Not long after the school year begins, the time comes for parents to meet with teachers and discuss their child's progress.

Parent-teacher conferences can be a very helpful means of communication. Ideally, it is a two-way exchange of information about a child. Parents always want to know how their child is doing, what are their strengths and weaknesses, and how they can help, but teachers also want to know of any stresses in a child's life that could affect classroom performance and of course any special needs that a child might have.

To increase the effectiveness of these conferences, parents should consider taking some preliminary steps.

First, take time before the conference to think about your child's strengths, weaknesses, study habits, and classmates. Ask your child: What do you like about the classroom? What would you like to change? Do you understand the work? Do you feel you're doing well?

There are also several questions a parent should consider asking the teacher during the conference:

* What are my child's best and weakest subjects?
* How can I help him improve?
* Is my child working up to his ability? If not, why do you think so and how can I help?
* Is my child's schoolwork progressing as it should? If not, how can I help her catch up?
* If my child is ahead of other students, what will challenge or encourage her?
* How does my child get along with other students?
* Are there any special behavior or learning problems I need to know about?
* What kinds of tests will be given this year? What are the tests supposed to tell?
* Is my child's homework turned in on time, in completed form, and does it meet your expectations?
* How much time should be spent on homework each night?

Parents and teachers have much in common. Neither wants a child to fail. Neither wants a child to be caught between the pressures of differing standards at home and at school. Both know that learning goes on at school AND at home.

Together, parents and teachers can become a powerful force for positive change in the life of a child. It's worth taking a little time to make sure the initial conference is helpful and informative for all involved.

Below is only a partial list

of upcoming events and activities.

Click on our EVENT CALENDAR for more!

                          Submit your event!

O'Neill Coldwater Classic
Steamer Lane, West Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
Every day (Oct 26-Oct 30)

The final event in the three-part Coldwater contest series. The Association of Surfing Professionals Prime surf contest features many of the world's best surfers, including Jordy Smith, Josh Kerr and Nat Young

Heats begin Wednesday, starting with the local trials. The contest has a six-day period that runs through Sunday. Visit www.oneill.com/cwc for an up-to-date contest schedule.

Watch live event coverage at www.oneill.com/live
Steamer Lane, West Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz