Education Roundup: Jan. 9

News, tips and resources for Sonoma Valley parents, students and teachers. Watching SVHS sports on TV, high tea, school tours and much more.|

Tough teens?: The Parent Project in Sonoma Valley is offering a 10-week, once-a-week evening class to empower parents and transform strong-willed or out-of-control teens. Learn how to never argue with your child again. Prevent or intervene in alcohol or drug use. Find resources to help your family. Classes start Jan. 23. The cost is only $35. For more information, email rasmithlaw1@gmail.com. Sign up at parentproject.com/upcomingclasses.mv.

Birdcount fun: Local families are welcome to participate in the Sonoma Valley 10th annual 'Christmas Bird Count for Kids' that will take place this Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting at the Sonoma Barracks. Teams will survey various birding areas following a Binocular Boot Camp and brief orientation. A compilation of the results will be sent to the national database at Cornell University called eBird. The target age is 7 to 15 along with an adult. The CBC4Kids event is part of a nationwide effort to encourage families to get out and learn about birds and nature. Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring binoculars and a bird book. Call 415-302-5601 or email sonomanature@gmail.com to sign up but participation is free.

Sports on TV: Sonoma Valley Television is beginning its 10th year broadcasting Sonoma Valley High School sports events. They will be filming six basketball games this season – three boys and three girls games. The first was a girls game on Jan. 5 and the last is the boys on Feb. 7. These will be live on TV and will be replayed on the weekends. SonomaTV.org

Important school meeting: This Wednesday, Jan. 10, all school families are invited to weigh in on the budget cuts that need to be made by the Sonoma Valley Unified School District at a 5:30 p.m. meeting at Altimira Middle School. The next meeting of the school board is Tuesday, Jan. 16. All are welcome to hear and be heard. The cuts will be discussed at this meeting as well.

Children's book: There's a terrific new book out for girls called, 'She Persisted: 13 Women Who Changed The World.' Written by Chelsea Clinton, the book is truly inspirational for children ages 4 to 8. It chronicles more than a dozen women who overcame challenges to make a big impact.

Little League: Registration is open now for 2018 Little League in Sonoma. Visit sonomalittleleague.com. Managers and coaches are also needed.

Mentors needed: Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance is hosting a Mentor Information Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at Saddles Steakhouse (29 E. Macarthur). Learn more at sonomamentoring.org.

Teen care: The Stinging Nettle is offering a Sister Moon Series mentoring class for teen girls on Sunday afternoons from Jan. 14 to Feb. 18. Girls will build confidence, learn about their cycles, make new friends and learn self-care rituals. For more information, visit mandalamoonbirth.com.

Advice: I love these 'Ten Things You Need To Tell Your Adult Children' that appeared in grownandflown.com/ten-things-need-tell-adult-children/. Visit the site to read the complete list.

1. Be kind. It's the right thing to do.

2. Overdress. If you think you need to dress up, then dress up.

3. Don't settle. If you hate your job, get another one. If you don't like where you live, move. You're not a tree.

4. Save some money. Pay yourself first and put it away.

5. Never fill out your recipient's email address on your email until you're ready to send.

6. Make your bed. Nah, just make sure to wash those sheets once in a while. That's much more important.

7. The simple rule of 'the more you. . .' It's all about good habits.

8. Mindfulness. This is pretty much the key to everything. Be mindful of your decisions and actions.

9. Love your siblings. Even when you don't always like them.

10. Know that your parents love you with their entire hearts and souls.

Cool new building: Sonoma Academy's new Guild & Commons building recently won a California ZNE School Leadership Award. ZNE awards honor innovation and leadership in driving a new zero net energy standard for school environments. 'Designed to help students be critical thinkers and practical doers, the Guild & Commons building is a story of the region's architecture, landscape, people, sustainability, and everyday life,' said the judging team of industry representatives. Read more at tinyurl.com/yaqe2mhc

Profile ideas: Did your adult child grow up in Sonoma Valley? Are they finding success in an interesting and rewarding career or academic pursuit? We would love to hear more. Email us at the address below.

Send news and story ideas to ourschools@sonomanews.com.

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