A City Where Children & YouthCan Thrive!Can Thrive!Office of Office of
11Halloween Around the World2233Safety Tips for Kids on HalloweenHalloween Engaging Activities44Holiday Saving Tips & TricksModerate Your Sugar!6677Easy Budget-Friendly Meal RecipesBest Studying Practices for Students8899College App WorkshopsBreast Cancer Awareness Month10101111Supporting the ArtsYouth Celebration Day1313Events Around the CityAbout the Office of Child and Youth Success551212Office of Child and Youth Success
The Office ofChild andYouth Successwill serve as anavigationandconnectionpoint forresidentsseekingsupportiveservices andprogrammingfor youth ages24 and below.NewsletterThrough trust, transparency,equity, and inclusion, the Cityof San Diego, Office of Childand Youth Success, willcoordinate a network ofcommunity stakeholders thatwill provide a sharedframework to deliver highimpact solutions tochallenging circumstances foryoung people empoweringthem to thrive in thecommunity they serve.October Vision &MissionThe Office of Child and YouthSuccess is dedicated to prioritizingSan Diego's youngest communityby providing access to resources,services, and high-quality programsto improve social, health, andeducational outcomes.Education and Career PathwaysEconomic and Workforce DevelopmentYouth EmpowermentEngaging ActivitiesChild Care and Camp AccessSpecific topics we CoverABOUTContact Us1
Happy Spooky Season! Let’s take a look at how Halloween is celebratedaround the world.Mexico: Día de los MuertosDia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is avibrant and festive Mexican holiday thatcelebrates and honors deceased loved ones.It falls between Oct 31 through Nov 2 and itis believed that the border between spiritsand the living dissolve, allowing families toeat, drink, and dance with their loved ones.Ireland/Scotland: SamhainSamhain is a Gaelic festival marking the endof harvest season and beginning of winter.In modern days, it is celebrated as a spiritualand religious holiday to honor the cycles ofnature and remember ancestors. It iscelebrated with bonfires, traditional games,and children dressing up in costumes.Japan: Halloween TrainsThough trick or treating is uncommon inJapan, young adults embrace dressing up incostumes and participating in Halloween-themed activities. For instance, trains inJapan transform into places of celebrationwith unique themes, such as zombies,vampires, and other spooky characters.Italy: Ognissanti“Ognissanti”, or All Saints’ Day, is aChristian holiday observed on Nov 1. It isfollowed by “Il Giorno dei Morti”, the Day ofthe Dead, on Nov 2. Italians remember andpray for all the souls deceased, includingfamily members and friends, and often visitcemeteries to light candles and leave flowersat graves.Guatemala: Festival deBarriletes GigantesThe ‘Giant Kite Festival’ celebrates kiteflying–a 3,000 year old tradition–and wasbelieved to be a way to communicate with thedeceased. Vibrant, handmade kites–whichare constructed of paper, cloth patches, andbamboo–soar over the cemeteries inSumpango and Santiago Sacatepequez. Philippines: PangangaluluwaOn the evening of November 1st (All SaintsDay), families gather at cemeteries toremember their loved ones with plenty offood, games, and share stories of the past.Costa Rica: Día Nacional dela Mascarada CostarricenseDía Nacional de la Mascarada Costarricenserecognizes and honors the importance ofmasquerade traditions, particularly the“Mascaradas” where participants wearelaborate masks and costumes of thecountry’s folklore.India: DiwaliKnown as the “Festival of Lights”, Diwali is afive-day celebration that encompasses manytraditions and festivities and usually fallsbetween late Oct and early Nov, depending onthe Hindu lunisolar calendar. Diwalicelebrates the triumph of good over evil andsymbolizes the victory of light over darkness,or knowledge over ignorance.October can be a great month for those who participate in Halloween festivities and it can still be a greatmonth for those who do not celebrate. Respecting and being aware of another person’s decision is essential tobeing considerate of others throughout the month.OCTOBER 2023OCYS NEWSLETTERContact UsOffice of Child and Youth Success2
Always carry a flashlight with you. It can help youfeel more secure in your surroundings.Practice safe trick-or-treating etiquette. Onlyapproach homes that have their lights on. say happyhalloween and thank you!make a visual plan. draw a map of the streets youplan to trick-or-treat on.stay on the sidewalks and wear reflective gear.talk it through beforehand and establish easy-to-remember behaviors to follow when faced withchallenging situations.1.2.3.4.5.HALLOWEENIS COMINGIS COMING5 5 Safety TipsSafety Tips for Kids on Halloween for Kids on HalloweenHALLOWEEN TIPS FORKIDS WITH SENSORYSENSITIVITIESHALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FORCOLLEGE STUDENTSContact Us3OCTOBER 2023OCTOBER 2023OCYS NEWSLETTEROCYS NEWSLETTER
engaging activitiesengaging activitieshalloweenhalloweengames, arts & crafts, cooking, and more!food network’s top 50 halloween recipesvisit parks & Recreation’s website.breafkast ideas, too!FOR FALL FESTIVITIES AND EVENTS,50 halloween activities for youthfor families that would ratherkeep things low-key.Check out some age-appropriate andspooktacular crafts!Click on the image to find morecrafts like these.45 Halloween Games for youthsome creative and free craft templates.4OCTOBER 2023OCTOBER 2023OCYS NEWSLETTEROCYS NEWSLETTERContact Us
Don’t Break the Bank DID YOU KNOW?EARLY PREPREUSINGTHRIFTINGBUDGETINGHoliday Savings tips & tricksMore than a third (35%) of Americans took on debtto pay for their holiday purchases in 2022During the holiday season, demand tends to bestrong because consumers have gifts they need tobuy.Avoid Spending whatyou don’t haveMaking a list and stickingto itShopping Early beforedemandSnagging deals andcatching dealsSetting a financial limitfor each holiday andholding yourselfaccountableReusing Decorationsyearly and mix &matchingRepurposing no longerneeded items (DIY)Costume drives are aunique way of thriftingDIY costumes are a greatway to show offcreativity5
lowers concentrationcauses diabetesfood allergiescauses stomachachessuppresses immune systemcontributes to eczemacan cause learning disabilitieslinked to asthmatooth decay and cavitieshyperactivitymood swingsEating too much of these can actually suppress ourimmunity levels, causing more risk to getting sick. It’simportant to balance our diet with fruits and vegetablesthat can give us essential vitamins and minerals. IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER6MODERATE YOUR SUGAR!MODERATE YOUR SUGAR!
BORCELLEBORCELLECreating low-costfamily meals that areeasy to prepare canhelp you save moneywhile keeping yourfamily well-fedSlow Cooker Chicken &Gravy over rice: Place chicken in a slow cooker and seasonwith salt and pepper, then pour a mixtureof soup, gravy mix, and water (optional)over the chicken. Cook on LOW for 4-6hours, break chicken into bite-sizedpieces, and serve over hot steamed rice.It's an easy and kid-friendly meal.Only 3 ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts,cream of chicken soup, and chickengravy mix. Instructions: To make the tuna salad, combine chunk white tuna,celery, parsley, dill, scallions, lemon juice,mayonnaise, cornichons, pickle relish, and mustardin a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Spreadmayonnaise on slices of sourdough bread andplace Tuna Salad and Cheddar on top. Top withremaining bread and cook in a nonstick skillet untilgolden brown and cheese is melted.Tuna Melt:Instructions: These recipes areversatile and canbe customizedbased on one'spreferences andingredients onhand.4 Easy to make Recipes Cook onions and ground beef with spices andtomato paste in a large pot. Add dicedtomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, andtomato sauce. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutesand rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.Optional toppings include shredded cheddarcheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, saltineor oyster crackers, and diced avocado.Homemade Chili:Instructions:Egg Fried Rice:Instructions: Start by sautéing cooked ricewith scrambled eggs, frozenpeas and carrots, soy sauce,and a dash of sesame oil7
BEST STUDYING PRACTICES FORSTUDENTS Managing workload stressinvolves organizing tasks,setting realistic goals,breaking projects intosmaller tasks, delegatingtasks, saying no, seekingsupport and communicating,practicing mindfulness andmeditation, exercisingregularly, eating a healthydiet, staying hydrated,social support, taking shortbreaks, practicing deepbreathing, engaging inhobbies or leisure activities,journaling, seekingprofessional help ifnecessary, taking vacationsor days off, and reframingyour perspective on stress.WAYS TO RELEASEWORKLOAD STRESSTIME MANAGEMENTTIPSMODEL BEST STUDYINGPRACTICES:Effective timemanagement is crucialfor productivity andachieving goals. Tipsinclude creating a to-dolist, prioritizing tasks,using time blocks,setting deadlines,avoiding multitasking,limiting distractions.Additional adviceincludes reviewingprogress, avoidingperfectionism, managingenergy, setting personalboundaries, continuouslearning, andcelebratingachievements.Creating a study schedule,setting clear goals,organizing your study space,active learning, usingdifferent study methods,prioritizing difficult material,breaking down material,taking regular breaks,practicing retrieval, usingmnemonics, teachingsomeone else, stayinghealthy, staying organized,reviewing and revising,seeking help when needed,practicing self-assessment,staying motivated, limitingdistractions, stayinginquisitive, and stayingpositive. 8
Virtual Webinars:College App Workshops Struggling with your personalstatement? Here are some tips:Open Strong - make your essay memorable toadmissions officersPut out your best - show them that you havestrong command of grammar and vocabularyAnswer the prompt - stay on topic and to thepoint Stick to your style - this is a personal statement.Use your vocabulary you are comfortable with andmatches the tone of your statement rather thantrying to impress someone with fancy words Proofread - go over your essay for mistakesmultiple times, and ask teachers or parents toread over them too for an extra set of eyesWatch your word count - keep in mind that theseessays are short so know your word count anddon't exceed itFocus on YOU - the school is interested inhearing your story, not your peers or your rolemodels 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.Applications for the Fall 2024 semesterare officially open! Here are someresources for understanding eachapplication process:UC and CSU Application walk-throughsCollege Admissions Trends CSU System - November 30Common App - Various (See eachinstitution page)Deadlines for Fall 2024:UC System - Novemeber 30October 16th @ 5PMOctober 15th @ 6PMCalifornia and San Diego Community Collegesaccept applications on a rolling basis andhave no deadline! Apply today!OCTOBER 2023OCYS NEWSLETTER-CollegeBoard9
AwarenessAwarenessAwarenessBREAST CANCER Children may experience negative emotions such as worry, guilt, sadness, and angerwhen a parent is undergoing treatment. To help them cope, it is important to maintaina normal routine, encourage communication and questions, and provide outlets fortheir thoughts and feelings such as journaling and socializing. Support groups andseeking help from a neutral person or professional counselor can also be beneficial.Parents should watch for risky behavior and seek outside help if necessary.Coping when a Parent has CancerOpening upConversationWhen communicating a cancer diagnosis to a child, use directlanguage and a visual aid if helpful. Reassure them that their needswill be met and invite them to ask questions. Let teachers and othercaregivers know what's going on. Use "the 5 C's" when discussing thediagnosis: say it's cancer, reassure them it's not their fault and theycan't catch or control it, and emphasize that quality time and funcan still be had.MONTH6 Facts about breast cancer Breast cancer is the most common non-skin Diagnosis among women.1 in every 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis during her lifetime. A new case of breast cancer is diagnosed about once every 2 minutes.In the U.S alone there are about 2.9 million breast cancer survivorsEARLY Detection SAVES LIVESThe 5-year survival rate for women whose cancer was detected early is nearly100%Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosedwith breast cancer10
Reduces anxiety and boostsconfidence over timeTeaches kids to be quick thinkers Imporves a child’s ability toexpress their emotionsEnroll your kids! - Showing interestin arts programs demonstrates thevalue we hold in such programs Supporting theArts What are thebenefits ofenrolling your kidsin arts programs?Studio Sessions: LiveJazz ThursdaysHOW WE GATHER ExhibitionOpening Play Day @ Museum ofContemporary ArtHow to Supportthe ArtsExposes them to a set of skills andperspectives that would have beenleft underdeveloped OCTOBER 2023Art Programs Young Artists in HarmonyFall ShowcaseThe Studio Door - ART+ LGBT HistoryMonth Art Gallery ReceptionAfterschoolArt Civic Dance ArtProgram Art Therapy Attend events - Create acommunity that engages withand uplifts local artist Recycle or donate yoursupplies - Art materials can behard to come by or expensivefor some artists depending ontheir craft. Look for exchangeslike these to cut costs andreduce wasteOCYS NEWSLETTER11
Youth Celebration Day20 October, 2023What is Youth Celebration Day?National Youth Appreciation Day is celebratedon October 20th of every year. It's a day tocelebrate the potential of young people, theiraccomplishments, energy, and spirit. The aim isto instill confidence into them and continue tohelp them grow into successful adults.How To Celebrate!how a young person in your life you care. Providethem with the tools to reach their potential. Mostimportantly, offer them the knowledge, skills andknow-how to build their confidence. Above all, byplanting a seed and watching it grow, youcelebrate their achievement.12
Events Around the City OCTOBEROCTOBERR E A D M O R EEvents AroundEvents Aroundthe Citythe City Fall Festival Belmont Park Kids Free San DiegoHauntfest on MainSunday, October 1, 2023 (All day) toTuesday, October 31, 2023 (All daySaturday, September 9, 2023 (All day) toTuesday, October 31, 2023 (All day)Sunday, October 1, 2023, 12:00pm to 3:00pmPizza Cassette5322 Banks Street San Diego, CA92110Del Mar Highlands TownCenter, 12925 El Camino Real,San Diego, United StatesSantee Lakes Spooktacular andTrunk-O-Treat13Saturday, October 28, 2023, 10:00am to2:00pmFRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | EL CAJONEast Main Street from Magnoliato Avocado/BallatyneFriday, October 20, 2023,4:00pm to 9:00pmWildin' Mission Bay Kayak EcoTour- Kids Free OctoberSaturday, October 21, 2023, 9:00am to 11:00am