This month marks my last ‘back to school’ experience. My youngest son, Ryan, will be a senior in high school this year. Everyone always says ‘they grow up so fast’ and it sounds cliché but I completely agree. When I started publishing this magazine Ryan had just started elementary school. Back then we were worried about lunch boxes and backpacks. Now it is parking passes and college applications.

We have been very blessed with great teachers and overall quite happy with our school system. We have developed opinions on testing and some other mandated standards over the years, so I appreciate that there are options for families to choose from when it comes to how to educate their children.

In the article, Learning that Transforms Hearts and Minds, the author presents creative approaches to learning. For example, methods that offer collaborative learning can lead a participant to discover the freedom and courage of their own voice. Proponents of co-learning assert that knowledge is not static, but has a history and changes over time. Science educator Anais Arteaga says, “When we first started the class, it was challenging to accept that in many situations there is no right or wrong, just relativity and a matter of perception. We don’t really know anything for certain.”

Also in this issue you can consider school options in Schools that Rock including Montessori, Waldorf, homeschooling, un-schooling, and online tutorials. Plus, you will find a special feature on natural approaches for thyroid care [page 15]. Find local thyroid care resources and then learn about how to help pets that suffer from thyroid conditions. Navigate today’s best choices for safe and sustainable seafood [page 28]. Then discover how women and social media have revolutionized the sport of running.

As the kids return to school this month, be sure and enjoy the ride. It will be summer break again in no time!

Happy back-to-school,

Kris Urquhart, Publisher