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Scoop
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Tauranga's July School Holidays Bursting With Creativity, Colour, And Fun
Tauranga is the place to be these July school holidays, with a jam-packed programme of events and activities for tamariki (children), rangatahi (youth), and whānau to enjoy. Whether your little one loves building robots, dancing under disco lights, baking, acting, crafting or chilling out with a good movie - there's something for everyone. Tauranga City Centre Waterfront winter movie night Rug up and enjoy a magical evening under the stars with a free family film screening right on the waterfront. Fri 11 Jul, 5pm-7:30pm | Tauranga Waterfront Glow kids silent disco Dance like nobody's watching (and nobody can hear!) at this high-energy silent disco for kids in the heart of our city. Expect fun tunes, flashing lights, and good vibes only. Two sessions | 4-5 Jul, 5pm-8pm | The Strand, Tauranga Family fun at the libraries Robot rumble Calling all budding engineers! Battle bots, bowl with Spheros, tinker with Ozobots, and train your brain with coding games. A hands-on tech adventure for curious kids who love to build, play, and problem-solve. Wed 2 Jul, 10am-12pm | Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library Mystery & mayhem: Teen library party Dare to enter the library after dark? Step into a night of spooky fun at the Tauranga Library! Solve a haunted maze, race in mummy relays, create eerie art, and enjoy chilling tales and tunes. Ages 11–17. Sat 5 Jul, 5pm–7.30pm | Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library Toi Tāniko Design a colourful wall hanging inspired by traditional tāniko patterns and Māori storytelling. Perfect for 7–10-year-olds who love to create and explore culture through art. Thu 3 Jul, 10:30am-11:30am | Te Ao Mārama - Mount Maunganui Library Mon 7 Jul, 10.30am–11:30am | Te Ao Mārama - Greerton Library Coastal keepsakes Get creative with driftwood, shells, and string to craft your own beachy photo hanger. This fun, hands-on workshop is perfect for tweens and teens keen to bring a bit of the coast indoors. Mon 30 Jun, 1pm–2pm | Te Ao Mārama - Pāpāmoa Library At The Historic Village Village Cinema movies Stroll through boutique shops, grab a bite to eat, and settle in for a family-friendly movie at the Village Cinema. Catch favourites like: The Garfield Movie – Wed 2 Jul Wall-E – Thu 3 Jul Sing 2 – Wed 9 Jul The Incredibles – Thu 10 Jul The Incubator creative workshops Make it, sew it, paint it, or stitch it! Choose from an exciting range of hands-on workshops including: Why the face? Youth portrait drawing series – Mon 30 Jun & Mon 7 Jul Decorate Your Own Bedroom Sign – Tue 1 Jul Selfcare Sewing: Slippers – Wed 2 Jul Decorate a Treasure Box – Thu 3 Jul Mixed Media Cats & Dogs – Fri 4 Jul Circular Blooms – Fri 4 Jul Stitch Your Own Winter Mitts – Wed 9 Jul Mindful Mountains – Thu 10 Jul Autumn Leaves – Thu 10 Jul Campus Art Class – Thu 10 Jul Village Hunt with Market & Main From Monday, 30 June, tamariki can take part in a fun-filled Village Hunt! Pick up a clue sheet from Market & Main - the new café at The Historic Village - explore the Village to find the answers, then return your completed sheet for a free fluffy or kids' hot chocolate. Baycourt Community & Arts Centre Illusionist Anthony Street From the creator of Celtic Illusion comes a spectacular magic show for all ages. Packed with mind-blowing illusions, surprises, and interactive moments, this family-friendly show will leave you wondering what's real. Two shows | Tue 8 July, 2pm & 7pm | Baycourt Community & Arts Centre Matariki Glow Show The magical Matariki Glow Show is lighting up Baycourt these school holidays! This dazzling puppet show brings the stars of Matariki to life in a vibrant mix of te reo Māori and English. Filled with fun, friendship, and beautiful storytelling, it's an inspiring experience for tamariki and whānau alike. Two sessions | Wed 9 Jul, 10am & 11:30am | Baycourt Community & Arts Centre More action & performance in the city Revolution Skate Centre Roll into the school holidays with indoor skating fun at Revolution Skate Centre, the new rink at Mercury Baypark! Open to all ages, sessions run across both weeks. Mon 30 Jun & Mon 7 Jul 1pm-3pm, Wed 2 & Wed 9 Jul 1pm-3pm, Fri 4 & Fri 11 Jul 5pm-8pm, Sun 13 Jul 1-3pm Mega inflatable fun at Baywave Bounce, splash, and slide your way through the ultimate inflatable adventure! Enjoy four action-packed daily sessions. Mon 30 Jun – Fri 11 Jul, 11am-3pm | Baywave Sunny Side Up Children's Film Festival A delightful selection of animated and live-action short films curated just for kids. Two sessions | Thu 10 Jul, 10am-11:30am & 1pm-2:30pm | Graham Young Youth Theatre BOPAS screen acting workshop Learn from the pros in this exciting hands-on screen acting workshop for aspiring young performers. Teens session | Fri 4 July, 10am-2pm | Bay of Plenty Actors Studio 8-12 yrs session | Tue 8 Jul, 10am-2pm | Bay of Plenty Actors Studio School Holidays Tumble Time Get the wriggles out with fun active play sessions at three great locations across Tauranga. Mon 30 June | Pāpāmoa Sports & Rec Centre 4 sessions | 30 June, 2, 7 & 9 July | Haumaru Sport & Rec Centre 2 sessions | 1 & 4 July | Mercury Baypark Online fun School holiday baking challenge Whip up some fun these holidays with three free, family-friendly bake-alongs led by baking mentor Heather Kalisch. Watch live or catch the replay anytime in the Facebook group. Perfect for kids to take the lead in the kitchen - no experience needed. Three sessions | 7,8 & 9 Jul, 11am-12:30pm | Online With a packed line-up of events and activities happening across the city, there's no shortage of ways to keep the kids entertained these school holidays. For a full list of school holiday events and booking details, visit What's On Tauranga.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
East Cooper Montessori named a News 2 Cool School
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – One of the first public Montessori charter schools in South Carolina, East Cooper Montessori maintains a commitment to innovative teaching and community engagement. We're in Mount Pleasant for our Cool School of the Week. East Cooper Montessori is a public charter school, serving students from preschool through 8th grade. ECMCS began in 2003 with 44 students in a small facility. In 2015, the school partnered with Charleston County School District to move into a bigger facility and now serves 450 students. Jody Swanigan has been the principal of East Cooper Montessori since its opening. She says, 'East Cooper Montessori is really a success story. Parents in 2003 got together to open a public Montessori school, and here we are 22 years later, and it's a really cool school to go to.' East Cooper Montessori integrates the Montessori educational philosophy with state and national academic standards. Principal Swanigan says the school's mission emphasizes academic excellence, lifelong learning, and community stewardship. 'Montessori programs really hang their hat on social emotional growth of kids, which then allows them to participate, and really gain from the academic experience the teachers give to them. I think any time someone crosses the threshold of a Montessori school, whether it be East Cooper Montessori or another one, you just cannot unsee what it looks like to see students being independent, engaging in their academics, and really driving their own learning plans,' she said. According to the American Montessori Society, there are five core components of Montessori education: trained Montessori teachers; multi-age classrooms; Montessori materials; child-directed work; and uninterrupted work periods. Montessori school leaders say this fosters a learning environment that emphasizes individual pace, freedom of choice, and the development of a strong sense of independence. 'It's been great being able to be in the same class for three to two years. It's amazing because you're with the teachers for a long time, and you form bonds with them. I think you learn differently when you get to make your own decisions, and I think everything that we learn differently is going to help later on in life,' said sixth-grade student Amelia Walton. The experience provides hands-on learning, inter-disciplinary studies, and a focus on STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. STEM teacher Julia Youells says, 'We're using Ozobots and we have Bluetooth connected them to iPads, and they are using block coding. I created some challenges, and I purposely put some right angles, acute, and obtuse angles in there, so they would have to use measurement tools and complete the challenges. So they are working on coding, collaboration, and math skills.' East Cooper Montessori Charter School has an excellent academic track record, with a focus on global education through the Montessori Model United Nations and the World Peace Game. The school also offers programs in the arts and athletics, and they are in the process of building a gym. Swanigan says, 'We've been fundraising for about two years and need about three million more dollars.' They also offer environmental education, providing a well-rounded experience for their students. Sixth-grade student Talon Rainwater says, 'It's amazing to be here, because first of all, you can learn at your own pace. You don't have to worry as much about anxiety or anything like that, you are more free here than other places I've seen. When you're walking into the school, it's less of a school, it's more of a community. You can feel it's your house. You can feel like you're welcome there. You really are welcome there.' Lower Elementary Teacher Sarah Ramsey says, 'East Cooper Montessori is so special because it embodies the vision of Maria Montessori herself. The greatest gift we can give children is the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence. At our school, our children are responsible for their classroom and work plan, and their independent in their choice of work and moving about the school. I love working at East Cooper Montessori School. My three children attended East Cooper Montessori School, and I feel so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful community.' Principal Swanigan says, East Cooper Montessori is a Cool School because the charter aspect of it allows us to really focus on the children in this building, and there is no ceiling to education. I just want to thank all of our teachers, because it is the teachers in the building that make a difference, there is a Montessori difference.' East Cooper Montessori Charter School was recently recognized as 'Best Montessori School' in the 2025 Lowcountry Parent Mom's Choice Awards. If you would like to nominate a Cool School, teacher, or principal, send an email to Octavia Mitchell at omitchell@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
CPS students compete in STEM challenge at Field Museum
The Brief More than 600 CPS students gathered at the Field Museum for a STEM competition supported by NASCAR. Students from 51 schools competed using coding, robotics, and design skills to build racing solutions. Winners received tickets to this summer's NASCAR street race in downtown Chicago. CHICAGO - Chicago's famed Field Museum is always bustling with schoolchildren. But on Thursday, the cavernous hallways were packed with Chicago Public School students who may one day wind up working at the Field as scientists. The backstory "This is our third annual Steamfest powered by NASCAR," said Kelli Easterly, who heads CPS' STEM efforts. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. "Students from 51 elementary and high schools across our city are competing today after winning their in-school challenge. The challenge started with 22,000 students and we're hosting the 600 winners from each of those schools," Easterly added. And because the event is hosted by NASCAR, the technology involves racing. Students had to figure out how to build faster cars and design tracks for tiny Ozobots, which are little robots which respond to code to follow a path. "It's really incredible what these young kids and their minds can do," said NASCAR champion racer Ryan Blaney, who said there's an amazing amount of hi-tech science behind those fast and noisy cars. "We're always looking for engineers, whether that's software engineers, mechanical engineers, aerodynamics. It can all be applied. And gosh, we can't hire kids fast enough out of college." Dig deeper For the CPS students participating at Thursday's event, it's a challenge to put their science skills to use as a team and innovate on the fly. "This is teaching us how to use robotics, how to use strategic thinking," said Gabriella Gonzalez, a junior at Infinity High School. "We have to memorize our path and once we get in there we need to move the tiles as fast as we can to ensure that we cut down all the time that we can." Jolexi Ramirez, a freshman at Lakeview High School, said he enjoys the challenge. "I want to be a programmer, so this will help me. I want to do robotics," Ramirez said. What's next The winning teams were awarded tickets to this summer's NASCAR race in downtown Chicago, where they can see the science and physics of racing up close and on a much larger scale. The Source FOX 32's Dane Placko reported on this story.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celebrate National Library Week at Shreve Memorial Library
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Shreve Memorial Library is celebrating National Library Week with interactive programs throughout Caddo Parish. Shreveport Public Works bringing careers to life at Woodlawn High School According to a press release, SML provides a variety of programs and services for all ages, such as free Wi-Fi, digital collections, career workshops, STEAM programs, story times, teen programs, local history and genealogy workshops, book clubs and book discussions, arts and crafts, and more, ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect. 'Whether preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, Shreve Memorial Library is here to support everyone along their journey,' the release stated. 'Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities.' The release added that SML's Make & Go mobile makerspace is visiting library branches throughout Caddo Parish, introducing patrons to new ways to bring their ideas to life with a series of 'How To' workshops. During National Library Week, the Make & Go will teach patrons to draw in three dimensions with 3Doodlers, code with Ozobots, make color ink designs, sew, and use a Cricut machine to create personalized items. CHRISTUS Healthcare provides tips for managing spring allergies All programs are free and open to the public, and all supplies are provided. National Library Week Make & Go 'How To' workshops are scheduled as follows: How To: 3Doodle: Monday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the North Caddo Branch, 615 N. Pine Street, Vivian How To: Ozobot: Monday, April 7 at 4:00 p.m. at the North Shreveport Branch, 4844 North Market Street How To: Ink Coasters: Tuesday, April 8 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mooretown Branch, 4360 Hollywood Avenue How To: Sew A Fabric Basket: Thursday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cedar Grove-Line Avenue Branch, 8303 Line Avenue How To: Cricut: Friday, April 11 at 12:00 p.m. at the Hollywood/Union Avenue Branch, 2105 Hollywood Avenue For more information on SML National Library Week events and programs, please visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
It's full-STEAM ahead as Lodi set to host the NorCal Science Festival Feb. 22
Feb. 15—Rockets, drones, LEGOs and robots will be gathered in one place next weekend when the NorCal Science Festival returns to Lodi High School. Thousands of visitors who love science, mathematics and engineering are expected to attend the event, now in its ninth year. Festival advisor Sandi Starr said some 50 exhibits — including interactive booths and presentations — will provide both an educational experience and fun for attendees both young and old. "The magic of the festival is a combination of the students who work so hard on it, and the culmination of so many parts of the community," she said. Created by former Tokay High student Julie Fukunaga in 2016, the festival's mission is to boost STEAM engagement — science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics — not only among students, but in educators and the entire San Joaquin County community. This year, the student committee bringing the event together includes president Brooke Nelson and vice president Olivia Shurtz. Both students are Lodi High seniors who have been involved with organizing the festival for three years. The committee, which includes Anahi Sanchez and Andrew Avina, has spent several hours after school over the last few months reaching out to vendors and exhibitors, advertising the event on social media and creating marketing materials to distribute within the community. Nelson and Shurtz said they would not have been able to put the event together without the help of the advisory team, which includes Starr, Lodi High librarian teacher Renee Campbell, and teachers Liz Wright and Beth Fox. One of the new features at this year's festival is the Junkyard Masterpieces Art Competition, which invites students to create sculptures or collages out of recycled or reusable materials. Also new this year will be a visit from Lawrence Livermore Laboratory scientists, who will conduct live DNA extractions and create models of the Earth out of slime. In addition, there will be a "nature journaling room" where guests can draw provided leaves and pine cones to see how they connect with nature. Returning this year is Vinewood Elementary School teacher Nicole Dickinson, who will have Ozobots on display that attendees can program. Ozobots are smart robots that can follow lines or roam around freely and detect colors. Open Innovation Center will operate a coding room for those with an interest in programming, and UC Davis medical staff will be on-hand with information on how to pursue an education and career in the STEAM fields. "We're also going to have more food trucks here this year," Shurtz said. "In the past we've only had a couple of vendors, so this year, if you don't want to come for the exhibits, you can come for the food." She added the festival was a great way to connect with members of the STEAM industry and community, no matter if they are elementary school students or professionals in their respective industries. Nelson agreed. "It's a great opportunity to get to meet people in careers that might interest you, and build relationships," she said. "It's one of the biggest reasons for putting the event on." In years past, Starr has been the sole advisor helping the students organize the festival, and this is the first year she'll have help from other faculty members. She said another first this year is that a handful of exhibitors reached out to her and the students expressing interest in coming to the festival. Starr said like in previous years, the 2025 festival will have something for everyone. "Sometimes the festival gets pinned with the idea that it's fun and only for youngsters," she said. "But it's also a great opportunity for adults and students to come and talk to experts and professionals about a career." The festival will be held Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lodi High School, 3 S. Pacific Ave. Admission is free. For more information, visit or
