Do you think bullying is a big deal? It is a big deal and is one of the major issues at schools today. It is a very hurtful thing that can happen.

Angela Cravener, a psychologist at Arizona Desert Elementary, knows about this huge issue. Cravener, a mother of two daughters, has a counseling master’s degree and has helped children for 10 years. She gives speeches against bullying and bullying prevention lessons.

It’s that time! Ghosts, goblins, princesses and superheroes will soon make their appearance. Before going out for those sweet treats, make sure you know what to do.

Officer Chris Medaglia has been working as a school resource officer for about 10 years. He knows that kids will be on the streets ringing door bells and going to Halloween parties. Medaglia feels kids are our future and are important so he helps them be safe on a daily basis.

For a doggone good time, head over to the Phoenix Zoo. In 2002, the event was called “Boo at the Zoo.” In 2015 it was re-named “Howl-O-Ween,” which according to Addison Gardner, Special Event Planner, combines scary and merry activities for everyone to enjoy.

Tolleson Mayor Adolfo Gámez and Legislative Representative Mark Cardenas recently visited with fifth and sixth-grade student council members at Arizona Desert Elementary School.

Welcome to the Hall of Flame Museum! This museum and the National Firefighter Hall of Heroes is located in Phoenix. The museum has almost an acre of fire history exhibits and is sponsored by the National Historical Fire Foundation. George F. Getz Jr. founded the museum

in 1961. Exhibits include 130 wheeled pieces and thousands of smaller artifacts. There are “hands on” exhibits for children. A special exhibit is now on display

Imagine making a difference someday by casting your vote today. Kids Voting started in 1988 as a way to create voting habits. Susan Nusall, director of volunteers and state coordinator for Kids Voting, says the program teaches kids how to vote, ballot issues and why it is important to vote. Nusall says the goal is to teach the process and increase voter turnout.

Joannie Collins, chief administrative officer for Kids Voting, says it’s important for kids to vote because they need to know they have a voice and use it.

Do you know the difference between an asteroid and a meteorite?  According to Livescience.com, an asteroid is a rocky object in space that’s smaller than a planet.

Do you remember your first day of kindergarten? Was it exciting, or were you nervous or anxious? Did you or your mother cry? Hopefully it was a great experience for you!

Friedrich Froebel started the first kindergarten in 1837 in Germany. It was very popular, beginning with a half day and soon becoming a full day, teaching children academics, and social interaction in a fun and educational manner.

Heather Morgan teaches kindergarten at Arizona Desert Elementary in Tolleson. Morgan likes working with kids and loves it when they begin to learn and understand.

Do you know someone who has had a blood cancer? Chances are, if you do, they may have been helped by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. One person is diagnosed every three minutes with blood cancer. Another 171,550 are expected to be diagnosed in 2016 according to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society.

Christina Szilvassy, campaign assistant for Pennies for Patients, says the society began in 1949. Its mission is to find a cure for blood cancer. It supports families and patients fighting cancer by assisting them with co-pays and travel programs.

Childsplay began 40 years ago. David Saar, graduate student at ASU, wanted to bring a group of actors together to put imagination and wonder in the minds and hearts of children. The mission of Childsplay is “to create theater so strikingly original in form, content or both that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love and respect for the medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, those hallmarks of childhood that are the keys to the future.”