HTS Parent Resources

HTS Parent Resources
An Internet Hotlist on HTS Parent Resources

created by HTS Parent
Hope Technology School

Introduction
The goal of this resource page is to give all parents a place to find internet resources on a variety of topics. Since our school is located in Palo Alto, many of the local 'Places to Go' are on the Peninsula.

These resources have been 'tested and approved' by at least one of the Hope Technology School parents or teachers.

Keep coming back as we will be updating this regularly!

If you'd like to add a resource to our list, please contact me at the email listed at the bottom of the page.

To return to the Hope Technology School Website, go to www.hopetech.org

The Internet Resources

Health

Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) - If your child has Bipolar disorder this is a wonderful website for information as well as online support groups and message boards. They have great printable materials (especially a Brochure for Educators). It used to be free, now there is a small monthly fee.
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness - NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families. They provide support, education, and advocacy. Lot's of helpful definitions of mental illnesses.

Parenting

Disney Family - Lots of great info on parenting, travel, entertainment, and food...
HandiPoints Chore Charts - Handipoints is a fun way to earn cool Rewards for completing your chores, homework, and simply lending others a hand!
Kaboose - Many good articles on parenting, crafts, recipes, fun, and health.

Places To Go

Hiller Aviation Museum - This local San Carlos museum is fun for any age. The gift shop has lots of cool aviation stuff. Every 3rd Saturday of the month there are free airplane rides for kids age 8-17. You need to arrive by 9:30 in order to ensure a ride.
Mid-Peninsula Open Space District - Learn about and enjoy protected local 'open space' greenbelt areas. Great places for hiking.
Monterey Bay Aquarium - Website has cool photos, videos and live web-cams to watch animals, exhibits and conservation research programs at the aquarium. The Aquarium is an amazing place to visit. It can get really crowded on weekends which can be overwhelming. Be prepared to take breaks by walking outside to watch the ocean from their observation deck.
Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo - A wonderful and very local place to take young children. With its hands-on exhibits and nearly 50 exotic and native animals, it's like a mini Exploratorium and SF Zoo all rolled into one. It's located on Middlefield Road just north of Embarcadero Road, next to Rinconada Park (which has a nice playground for kids)
SF Chronicle's Guide to the Outdoors - Great compilation of links to all outdoor parks and camping throughout California
San Francisco Zoo - At their website, you can learn about the animals at the San Francisco Zoo. Watch videos and see pictures. This is a great place to visit for families. It is very spread out so plan on wearing good walking shoes and taking breaks. Open daily 10-5 and the 1st Wednesday of every month is free admission.
San Mateo County Parks - Do you love the outdoors? Click on the links for Parks or Trails to find local places to enjoy nature!
The Exploratorium - Located in San Francisco, this is a fun place to take kids - to quote their website 'The Exploratorium is an experimental, hands-on museum designed to spark curiosity regardless of your age or familiarity with science.' and their website has lots of cool stuff too!
The Tech Museum of Innovation - Located in downtown San Jose, this is a great hands-on museum. It is spacious enough that there are plenty of places to 'retreat' if needed. The iMax theater is amazing, though can be a bit daunting for certain kids... ask to go in early and get a seat near the upper exit.

Computers and the Internet

NetSmartzKids - LOTS OF GAMES! This is an interactive, educational safety website for children aged 5 to 17, parents, teachers, and law enforcement that uses age-appropriate activities to teach kids how to be safe on the Internet.
Surf Swell Island -- Adventures in Internet Safety - Disney has created this fun game to reinforce how to stay safe while online. It can be played by children of almost any age, though best for grades 2-4. It includes a Parent's Guide and a Teacher's Guide.
iKeepSafe - Play games, watch a video and learn about Internet safety. To see more resources for parents, click on this link and then on the Home link once there.

References

B.J. Pinchbeck's Homework Helper - A comprehensive list of a variety of resources to help students of all ages.
Funschool - Fun and educational games and activities for kids. Sponsored by the Kaboose.com parenting website.
Peninsula Library System - Kid's Place - Our local library system's online 'hot-list' of great links for kids and families. The categories are 'Books and More', 'Homework Help', 'Fun and Games'. There are even links to local Bay Area fun spots to visit (look under the Parents and Teachers button).
Snopes.com - Do you ever get emails that are tragic or unbelievable stories? Before you forward that email, check here to see if it's true or just an urban legend.

Content by HTS Parent, kristymanuel2000@hotmail.com
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listhtsparekm.html
Last revised Fri Feb 20 13:42:58 US/Pacific 2009