FREE Family FUN Games by This Side UP! Family Center at Addison’s Kaboom Town, Thursday, 7/3/14!

Parents and kids will have a blast with Hula Hoops, Ring Toss, Prize Wheel, Basketball Shoot-out, Tattoos and more!

All TSUFC activities are FREE!  Awesome Fireworks Show!  Celebrate the 4th on the 3rd, come see us out there!

Kaboom Town is 5pm to Midnight. Our game booth will be set up from 6-8:30pm.

Click HERE to find out more about Kaboom Town.

Purchase a duck for $5 and you could WIN a a $1000 Mastercard®/Visa® gift card or an iPad Mini! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR DUCKS NOW!

The Duck Race is
Saturday July 12, 2014, 6:30-9pm
Tom Muehlenbeck Aquatic Center, 5801 W. Parker Rd. Plano, Texas 75093

Come cheer on your ducks and enjoy a FREE Family Splash Fest with prizes, food, swimming, games and more! Bring your own picnic dinner or enjoy snowcones, popcorn or snacks, drinks! Swim, slide AND enjoy more FUN activities for the kids!

DUCK RACE AT 8pm!  We’ll launch them into the pool and the one who crosses the finish line first WINS a $1000 MasterCard®/Visa® gift card! Second place duck WINS an Apple i-Pad mini!  Top 20 ducks WIN A PRIZE too! (Need not be present to win)

All proceeds go to This Side UP! Family Center’s mission  of moving families from Surviving to Thriving!

Every Odd Tuesday from 10am-2pm, make TSUFC your home away from home!

BYO kids, friends, crafts and enjoy a FREE place to get out of the house and have some SUMMER FUN!

• Big room with ping pong, air hockey, board games coloring station, large… tables to sit/eat/craft/visit
• FUN Toddler/Preschool Childcare room
• Outdoor Connection Area with picnic tables, volleyball net and more fun games

Bring your own lunch or purchase snacks/drinks from the $1 Cafe.

Every Odd Tuesday over the Summer Months – 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/5, 8/19!

Bingo Night PLUS is moved to the 4th Saturday instead of 2nd Sat this month due to the Duck Race (on 7/12)!

Join us for a night of old fashioned bingo FUN plus other games the whole family will enjoy! (Bring your own dinner or purchase snacks/drinks from the $1 cafe!)

We’ll Play Beach Ball Minute-To-Win-It Games AND you’ll Go home with a BEACH BALL FAMILY CONNECTION TOOL!

FAMILIES ARE HAVING A BALL AT TSUFC THIS SUMMER!!!

Every Odd Tuesday from 10am-2pm, make TSUFC your home away from home!

BYO kids, friends, crafts and enjoy a FREE place to get out of the house and have some SUMMER FUN!

• Big room with ping pong, air hockey, board games coloring station, large… tables to sit/eat/craft/visit
• FUN Toddler/Preschool Childcare room
• Outdoor Connection Area with picnic tables, volleyball net and more fun games

Bring your own lunch or purchase snacks/drinks from the $1 Cafe.

Every Odd Tuesday over the Summer Months – 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/5, 8/19!

Every Odd Tuesday from 10am-2pm, make TSUFC your home away from home!

BYO kids, friends, crafts and enjoy a FREE place to get out of the house and have some SUMMER FUN!

• Big room with ping pong, air hockey, board games coloring station, large… tables to sit/eat/craft/visit
• FUN Toddler/Preschool Childcare room
• Outdoor Connection Area with picnic tables, volleyball net and more fun games

Bring your own lunch or purchase snacks/drinks from the $1 Cafe.

Every Odd Tuesday over the Summer Months – 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/5, 8/19!

Join us for a night of old fashioned bingo FUN plus other games the whole family will enjoy!  …plus PICTIONARY POWER PLAY where we divide the room into two Community Teams. Draw, guess and laugh TOGETHER in a good-natured “competition” to be PICTIONARY COMMUNITY TEAM CHAMPS!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too! Bring your own dinner or enjoy drinks/snacks from the $1 café.

(EVERY second Saturday!)

Every Odd Tuesday from 10am-2pm, make TSUFC your home away from home!

BYO kids, friends, crafts and enjoy a FREE place to get out of the house and have some SUMMER FUN!

• Big room with ping pong, air hockey, board games coloring station, large… tables to sit/eat/craft/visit
• FUN Toddler/Preschool Childcare room
• Outdoor Connection Area with picnic tables, volleyball net and more fun games

Bring your own lunch or purchase snacks/drinks from the $1 Cafe.

Every Odd Tuesday over the Summer Months – 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/5, 8/19!

Tunes and Spoons 4 Back To School

DJ B Dub is BACK to lead us through a FUN night of Group Dances and Open Mic Karaoke! Plus, we’ll have Spoons Card Game playing tables and an Ice Cream Sundae Bar!

Celebrate the end of an awesome Summer and get ready for an even more awesome School Year ahead! (Go home with tools to make the Back to School transition go more smoothly in your home!)

Bring your own dinner or purchase snacks/drinks from the $1 cafe.

TOPIC: What are our Children Doing in the Digital Age?

Motivation, Opportunities for parenting tools, Munchies and more! BYO Lunch (and actually dads and grandparents are welcome, too!). Class Fee: $5.

Thursday Sept 9, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM CDT

Topics:

• Sept 9 – What are our Children Doing in the Digital Age?
• Oct 14 – The Birds, The Bees, The Talk
• Nov 11 – Having the Other Talk – Drugs

Join us as Cynthia Garrison, Board Member and Lead Parent Educator, leads us through these great topics and leave with practical tools for tackling them in your home!

Second Tuesday of each month. 9/9, 10/14, and 11/11

(Childcare Not Available)

Are you ready for some Football??!!

In the spirit of football season having kicked into high gear, we are excited to let you know that Sci-Tech Discovery Center will be here to introduce their new Football Exhibit.

So, Join us for a night of old fashioned bingo FUN and find out how fun it is to combine football and science…!! We’ll get a glimpse into… different aspect of the game, from the physics of tackling to the balance needed for cheerleading with a mixture of artifacts, text, videos and hands-on activities.

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too! Bring your own dinner or enjoy drinks/snacks from the $1 café. (EVERY second Saturday!)

This Side UP! Family Center is honored to have been selected as a local non-profit who will provide volunteers (and receive funding for doing so) to fuel this amazing community event!

Volunteers will sell tickets / wristbands for the activities in the Kids’ Fun Zone. Each volunteer will receive a 3 day admission pass for the Festival, a volunteer parking pass for the day they volunteer, and our appreciation for their time and energy!! 

We have two volunteer shifts to choose from.  Click Here to volunteer!  You can use your pass to enjoy the Balloon Festival all weekend long!

Join us for a fantastic evening of theater style fun as we are treated to an outstanding performance from the touring Acapella Group of Genesis Children’s Theatre of Plano.  Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night AND we will do drawings for free tickets to their Fall performances.

As usual, bring your own dinner or purchase drinks/snacks from the $1 Café.  PLUS, we will send you home with an At-Home Family Value Tool!

Join us for a night of old fashioned bingo FUN plus Robots-4-U will be here again with their great Robots Show and Hands-on Robot Experience!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too! Bring your own dinner or enjoy drinks/snacks from the $1 café. (EVERY second Saturday!)

TOPIC: The Birds, The Bees, The Talk

Motivation, Opportunities for parenting tools, Munchies and more! BYO Lunch (and actually dads and grandparents are welcome, too!). Class Fee: $5.

On the Road at Infinite Bounds in Plano!  Thursday Oct 14, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM CDT

Topics:

• Sept 9 – What are our Children Doing in the Digital Age?
• Oct 14 – The Birds, The Bees, The Talk
• Nov 11 – Having the Other Talk – Drugs

Join us as Cynthia Garrison, Board Member and Lead Parent Educator, leads us through these great topics and leave with practical tools for tackling them in your home!

Second Tuesday of each month. 9/9, 10/14, and 11/11 (Childcare Not Available)

We’re taking M.O.M. Talk on the road!  Join us at a great community location, Infinite Bounds Gymnastics Training Center.

WHERE: This Side Up! Family Center’s Booth and Stage area at the Downtown Plano FEASTIVAL (Race held on 15th Street, west of Avenue K and train tracks, near Interurban Railway/Haggard Park)

WHEN: Enjoy the FEASTIVAL on 10/25/2014, from 10am-8pm. (Food, Music, Fun and more!)

Bring your PUMPKIN RACECAR to Pumpkin Race area starting at 12 noon.  Non-race Category judging at 3:45pm.  GREAT Pumpkin Race at 4:15pm.  Awards and PRIZE presentation immediately following race at the Stage Area.

REGISTRATION: $7 Entry Fee (per Pumpkin Racecar) for individuals, families or organizations/groups. Pre-registration highly suggested! Register online NOW through 10/24 or at the event!  Click  HERE to register!

PRIZES: THE First 25 Pumpkin Racers to Register will receive a great EARLY BIRD PRIZE! (to be picked up on Race Day!) At the race, there will be prizes for: First Place Racer Prize, Second Place Racer Prize, Most Creative. Most Boo-tiful/Best Dressed. Best Team Spirit.

RULES: (Simple Rules: Real, Decorated, Attached to Wheels! Have FUN!)

#1. Craft your Pumpkin RaceCar using a single, REAL pumpkin.

#2. Decorate your Pumpkin RaceCar. Be Creative! Keep it Family Friendly!

#3. Attach wheels to your Pumpkin RaceCar.

#4. Powered only by Gravity. No explosives, pyrotechnics or electronics of any kind should be used.

#5. Release, don’t Push. No pushing or “helping” your Pumpkin Racer on the starting line. Just release it and let it Roll!

#6. Have FUN as a family, team or group!

 QUESTIONS?: Call 972.633.8783 or email info@thissideupfamily.org

Join us for a night of old fashioned bingo FUN plus Ping Pong A-B-C (Ping Pong ART, BOWLING, CUPS)!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too! Bring your own dinner or enjoy drinks/snacks from the $1 café. (EVERY second Saturday!)

TOPIC: Having the Other Talk – Drugs

Motivation, Opportunities for parenting tools, Munchies and more! BYO Lunch (and actually dads and grandparents are welcome, too!). Class Fee: $5.

Tuesday Nov 11, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM CDT

As a parent, it may be tempting to deny the realities of drug danger and say “Not my child!” But, there is no denying children are strongly influenced by their environment, and drugs and alcohol are definitely a part of the environment in which our children are growing. Join us as we discuss ways to talk with your child about the immediate and permanent dangers of drug and alcohol use.

Join us as Cynthia Garrison, Board Member and Lead Parent Educator, leads us through these great topics and leave with practical tools for tackling them in your home!

Monthly Topics:

• Sept 9 – What are our Children Doing in the Digital Age?
• Oct 14 – The Birds, The Bees, The Talk
• Nov 11 – Having the Other Talk – Drugs

(Childcare Not Available)

You want the freshest comedy available? Made to order? The Understudies will serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!

If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun see you at COMEDY NIGHT! (The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by HimProv.) Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun together!( (Bring your own dinner or purchase snacks/drinks from the $1 cafe.)

Every 4th Saturday night from 6-8pm come in for a FUN evening, plus connect as a family over the value of the month and go home with an At-Home Family Values Tool!  Gifts and prizes each night, too!

EACH FAMILY WILL BUILD THEIR OWN GINGERBREAD HOUSE AND TAKE IT HOME!

You’ll fill your  gingerbread house with written ideas of how to show each other love this Christmas instead of getting caught up in “looks” and “things”. PLUS, we’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too! Bring your own dinner or enjoy drinks/snacks from the $1 café. (EVERY second Saturday!)

Our 4th Saturday Free Family Connection Night is taking a break in December.

We hope you will join us for one of our other December Family Connection Night Opportunities:

• 12/13 – Free Family Connection Night.  Bingo PLUS Gingerbread House making
• 12/31 – 4th Annual “Turn Back Time the Ball Drops at 9!” New Years Eve Family Celebration

Please check the Calendar for more details – we hope to see you!

Celebrate New Year’s Eve family style.  THE most FUN, safest, Family Friendliest way to bring in 2015 in Collin County!

• A “Rockin'” Gift for Every Family
• Delicious Pasta/Pizza Palooza Dinner from local restaurants like Newk’s Eatery – West Plano, TX, Taverna Rossa – Craft Pizza & Beer , Angela’s at the Crosswalk and more!
• Yummy Desserts, too!
• FREE professional family portrait by Kemp Portraits
• Raffle Prizes
• Terrific Entertainment!! Keith Coast, Illusionist/Comedian
• Countdown to midnight at 9pm!
• Host/Emcee Extraordinaire, Chip Waggoner of Fox 4 News!
• and more!

Click HERE to purchase tickets. 

($15 Adults, $10 Kids OR Reserved Seating Available for $20/person) 

FREE Family Bingo Night PLUS “Oh The Places You’ll Go!” Dream Big Focus!

Super, fun good old fashioned Bingo Night PLUS a Dr. Seuss, “Oh The Places You’ll Go” focus!

You’ll enjoy a (cool for all ages!) Activity time that will have your family Dreaming Big together! PLUS, each kid leaves with a bingo prize and each family receives an At-Home Dream Big tool/gift, too! (Bring your own dinner or enjoy snacks/drinks from the $1 café.)

FREE Family Connection Night on the Road!

Join us at Hughston Elementary (2601 Cross Bend Road, Plano, TX 75023) for FUN, CONNECTION AND GAMES with a THRIVING FAMILIES DREAM BIG FOCUS.

Dream Big for Science and Family! BOTH in the same night!  Newton’s Lab is back by popular demand with an exciting, super cool science show that will have your whole family excited about Science!

Plus, we’ll do a Dream Big Family Connection Exercise and send you home with a Tool on Creating a Family Mission Statement!   Science AND Family, a dynamic combination that is EXPLODING WITH FUN!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Motivation.
Opportunities and Parenting tools.
Munchies.

Join us at Infinite Bounds in Plano! Brown bag Parenting Ed lunches. ($5/person)

TOPIC: Mission Statements/Goals/Dreams

Our thriving family value for January is DREAM BIG.

Join us as Cynthia Garrison, Board Member and Lead PISD Parent Educator, leads us through how to make a Family Mission statement and/or dream big for 2015. Leave with practical tools for tackling this in your home!

(Dads, grandparents also invited, of course!)

(Childcare Not Available.)

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and to encourage at-home family connection, instead of our usual Family Connection Night, join us on our first ever At-Home TSUFamily Night Challenge, our “My Family is SWEET!” Valentines Family Time Challenge!

Click MY FAMILY IS SWEET to check out our Plan/Ideas/Tools for a sweet family night at home!

If you post a pic on our Facebook page of your family’s connection night (or email it to us), you will be entered to WIN a Family FUNnection basket too!

FAMILY TIME IS SWEET!!!!

Postponed!

Family Connection Night is POSTPONED due to inclement weather!

FREE FAMILY CONNECTION NIGHT – Improv Comedy Night with The Understudies!

You want the freshest comedy available?   Made to order?  The Understudies will serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style! If you’re hungry for some family-friendly FUN see you at COMEDY NIGHT!

The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by HimProv.  Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun together!  Plus, we’ll send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool too!   Join us at Otto Middle School, 504 North Star Rd., Plano 75074.

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Bingo NIGHT Plus Meet the Candidates running for Plano’s City Council and School Board!

We’ll have a blast playing good ole fashioned BINGO called by the neat people running for office in our city! And winning FUN prizes. No political agendas or talks allowed, just come on out for a neat evening of meeting and getting to know the candidates so you’re ready to vote in the important, upcoming May election!

(Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too! Bring your own picnic or drinks/snacks, optional.)

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

Saturday Night THRIVE!
Live entertainment and other fun options. A great time for the whole family!

The incredible and oh so fun, DJ B Dub is BACK by popular demand to lead us through a FUN night of music, games and Group Dances!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

Mom is MMMarvelous!…. A Mother’s Day Focused Free Family Connection Night that’s MMM good!

Minute to Win it Games, Marshmallow Family Challenge and a MARVELOUS Martial Arts Demo by AMA Black Belt Academy and….More! Moms can even break some boards!

PLUS an M&M guess how many contest and you could WIN the loot inside!   Come on out for a night of good ol’fashioned community FUN!

A GIFT FOR EACH MOM!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

Instead of our usual Family Connection Night, join us on our At-Home TSUFamily Night!

Make this A Memorial Day Weekend to Remember!

 
FAMILY CONNECTION TIME CHALLENGE

This challenge starts Friday, 5/22 and goes through Monday 5/25.
It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

TWO SIMPLE STEPS:
Step 1.
SNAP A PIC OF YOUR FAMILY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Playing a Board Game TOGETHER.
2. Picnic-ing TOGETHER. (indoor or outdoor)
3. Volunteering TOGETHER.…
4. Playing Outside TOGETHER.
5. Baking/Cooking TOGETHER.
6. Doing something special  for MEMORIAL DAY TOGETHER!

Step 2.
Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s Facebook page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org  BY MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY, 5/25.

WHY??!!!
1.YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket valued at $50  (movie tickets, pizza gift card, board game, and more)!
2.THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.   Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up! That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

(Winner announced 5/28!)

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

FREE Family Connection Night!

Family Bingo and Game Night
Come play Bingo! Fun games! WIN prizes and more!

We’ll have a blast playing good ole fashioned BINGO and winning FUN prizes.   PLUS… we’ll have a special Prelude to Fathers Day, Flag Day and Frisbees FOCUS!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too! Bring your own picnic or drinks/snacks.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO PSA PLANO1 FOR THEIR GIFT OF THIS LOCATION FOR THIS GREAT EVENING!
PSA StarCenter
6500 Preston Meadow Dr, Plano, Texas 75024

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

Family Bingo and Game Night
Come play Bingo! Fun games! WIN prizes and more!

 
FREE Family Connection Night!

We’ll have a blast playing good ole fashioned BINGO and winning FUN prizes.    PLUS… we’ll have added fun gearing up for the Annual Duck Race with Duck-Themed games where you can earn Duck Bucks towards Duck Adoptions!

(Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too!   Bring your own picnic or drinks/snacks.)

 (A SPECIAL THANKS TO Chase Oaks Family Center FOR THEIR GIFT OF THIS LOCATION FOR THIS GREAT EVENING! Address: 1890 AVENUE K, SUITE 200 PLANO, TX 75074)

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

Adopt a rubber duck for $5 and you could WIN a a $1000 Mastercard®/Visa® gift card! 

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR DUCK ADOPTION OR REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL 5K NOW!

The Duck Race is  Saturday July 25, 2015, 6:45-9:00pm
Tom Muehlenbeck Aquatic Center
5801 W. Parker Rd.
Plano, Texas 75093

Come cheer on your ducks and enjoy a FREE Family Wellness Carnival and Splash Fest with prizes, food, swimming, games and more! Bring your own picnic dinner or enjoy snowcones, popcorn or snacks, drinks! Swim, slide AND enjoy more FUN activities for the kids!

DUCK RACE AT 8pm!  We’ll launch them into the pool and the one who crosses the finish line first WINS a $1000 MasterCard®/Visa® gift card! Second place duck WINS big too!  Top 20 ducks will WIN a prize!  (Need not be present to win)

*** New this Year ***
Join the Virtual 5K!  Complete your 5K anytime, anywhere, between now and 7/25. All participants will also receive a free duck adoption ($5 value) and be entered for a chance to WIN a super cool Family Road Trip Prize basket including a Portable DVD Player, Board Game, Snacks, etc (Valued at over $100). Participants can pick up medals at 7/25 Duck Race / Wellness Carnival and Splash Fest or after 7/25 at the TSUF Operations Office or an upcoming Family Connection Night. *Once registered, we will email more details.*

All sales/registrations support This Side UP! Family’s wellness programs/services.

2nd Saturday Family Connection Night is taking a break in August.

We hope you will join This Side UP! Family on August 15th at the Historic Downtown Plano Association’s first ever Chalk-It-Up Art Contest and Movie Night!

This is a FREE Event for the whole family! Your family can enter to win cool prizes by creating your own pavement art! Come watch Professional Chalk Artists do their thing and play chalk games at the TSUF Tent!  Then stay to watch the “UP” Movie on a big, inflatable screen at 8:30pm. Bring your own picnic! Snow Cones, Water and Popcorn available!

Please check our calendar entry “HDPA Chalk It Up AND Movie in the Park! (TSUF Chalk Games Tent!)” for all the details.

We hope to see you there!

4th Saturday Family Connection Night is taking a break in August.

We hope you will join This Side UP! Family on August 15th at the Historic Downtown Plano Association’s first ever Chalk-It-Up Art Contest and Movie Night!

This is a FREE Event for the whole family! Your family can enter to win cool prizes by creating your own pavement art! Come watch Professional Chalk Artists do their thing and play chalk games at the TSUF Tent!  Then stay to watch the “UP” Movie on a big, inflatable screen at 8:30pm. Bring your own picnic! Snow Cones, Water and Popcorn available!

Please check our calendar entry “HDPA Chalk It Up AND Movie in the Park! (TSUF Chalk Games Tent!)” for all the details.

We hope to see you there!

FREE FAMILY CONNECTION NIGHT
Improv Comedy Night with The Understudies! 

You want the freshest comedy available?  Made to order?

The Understudies will serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!  If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun see you at COMEDY NIGHT!  (The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by HimProv.)

Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun together!  We’ll send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool, too.

As usual, bring your own dinner and/orsnacks (optional).

Location:
Hughston Elementary, 2601 Cross Bend Rd, Plano, Texas 75023

Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family is again honored to have been selected as a local non-profit who will provide volunteers (and receive funding for doing so) to fuel this amazing community event!

Volunteers will sell tickets / wristbands to attendees for the activities in the Kids’ Fun Zone. Each volunteer will receive a 3 day admission pass for the Festival, a volunteer parking pass for the day they volunteer, and our appreciation for their time and energy!! 

We have two volunteer shifts to choose from.  Click Here to volunteer!  You can use your pass to enjoy the Balloon Festival all weekend long!

It’s time for a TSUF
At-Home Family Challenge!!

This month’s Family Value is “THRIVING FAMILIES FOCUS ON FINANCES!” so this weekend we are challenging you to schedule some connection time together to make and talk about SAVE, GIVE, SPEND jars as a family!

Post a picture of your family with your JARS to our FB page!  Your post will register your family to win a family basket with movie tickets, family board game and more!  Enter through Sunday and prize drawing will be held (and winner announced) on Tuesday!

Click HERE for our Family Connection Time sheet with more ideas for Family Finances connection.  Also, if you already made JARS at a TSUF program this month, that counts!  Just post a pic of your family with them at home!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Social Media 101 (9/29)
Panel Style Education & Discussion on the in’s and out’s of social media and it’s impact on development and self-esteem.
Panelists:
Cynthia Garrison (PISD Lead Parent Educator)
Coach Keisha Howard (Parent&Teen Coach, 2015 Mom’s Choice Award)
JJ McLeod (Youth/Family Pastor at Legacy Church Plano)
Irum Kitty Jones (Chief Technology Officer with VPay and Noxx Media

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in October and November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

TAG, You’re It (10/6)
Development of the adolescent brain, stress, depression and suicide; learn how to recognize the signs of a young person in psychological distress and how to get appropriate help.
Presented by Vanita Halliburton

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in October and November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Bingo Night PLUS the Plano Symphony Orchestra!

Come play Bingo! Fun games! WIN prizes and more!

PLUS….

the PLANO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’s Instrument Petting Zoo will be here for the kids to enjoy their own hands-on experience!

Youth musicians will even treat us to a mini-performance!!!

*COOLNESS ALERT! They have given us FREE tickets to share with our wonderful families!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Location:
Davis Elementary School
2701 Parkhaven Drive
Plano, TX 75075

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

(Location details coming soon!)

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Communicating Effectively with Your Teen (10/13)
Dr. Jenny Warren from Collin College will share information and answer your questions on effective communication.

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in October and November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Healthy Relationships (10/20)
The Family Place will share information on teen relationships, friendships, and dating, and how to address your concerns as a parent.

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in October and November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Raising a Strong Teen (10/27)
Learn how to navigate the sometimes challenging teen years and equip yourself with the necessary tools to support their development.

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Drugs / Alcohol (11/03)
Panel Style Education & Discussion on current drug and alcohol issues facing our teens and how to communicate effectively to protect and strengthen your child. 
Panelists:
Cynthia Garrison (PISD Lead Parent Educator)
Diane Windsor (Single Side UP! Leader)
Grace Raulson (Collin County Substance Abuse Specialist)
Officer Courtney Pero (Plano Police Officer)

Click HERE to see the topics and timeline for the rest of the series in November!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring you this invaluable, empowering Fall Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!

Amazing Local Experts will deliver wisdom and practical ideas to equip parents! Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens.

Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075

Sex (11/10)
Panel Style Discussion on talking to your tween/teens on this tough, but very important topic.
Panelists:
Cynthia Garrison (PISD Lead Parent Educator)
Jennifer Barker (Director of Programs at CARE Collin County)
Laura Atterstrom, MA (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POW-er Hours are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

FREE Family Bingo PLUS Attitude of Gratitude Night

We’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!

We’ll also send you home with a family connection tool to continue building an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE into your home!

PLUS!!! Come Watch Zoe the Clown’s FUN Show and learn a few clown moves of your own! 🙂

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Chase Oaks Family Center
1890 K Ave, Plano, TX 75074 (across Ave K from Fire Station)

Every Second & Fourth Saturday from 6-8pm, find us at various terrific community locations each month!

FREE Family Bingo Night PLUS – Gingerbread House Making

EACH FAMILY WILL BUILD THEIR OWN GINGERBREAD HOUSE AND TAKE IT HOME!

You’ll fill your gingerbread house with written ideas of how to show each other love this Christmas instead of getting caught up in “looks” and “things”.

PLUS, we’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Thank you to our Location Sponsors!
Join us Upstairs at PSA Plano 1!
PSA Star Center
6500 Preston Meadow Dr, Plano, Texas 75024

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

THE most FUN, Safest, Family Friendliest way to bring in 2016 in Collin County!  We’ll have great food, wonderful entertainment, free family portrait by Kemp Portraits, silent acution and a “High Five” gift for every family to celebrate our 5th year!

• TERRIFIC Entertainment
• Delicious Dinner and Desserts
• FREE professional family portrait
• AMAZING Silent Auction and Crafts for the Kids
• A Gift for Every Family
• Countdown and Sparkling Juice Toast to midnight at 9pm!

Click HERE to purchase tickets!

FAMILY CONNECTION TIME CHALLENGE

Save the Date!
Program details coming soon!

The At-Home Family Challenge is always EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket with movie tickets, board game, and more!

Specific details coming soon!  Challenge runs from Friday – through Sunday at midnight!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

01/12 Topic – Social Media / Technology 101
Education and discussion on the “ins and outs” of the most popular teen social media sites plus ideas for establishing social media and cell phone boundaries with your child.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Saturday Night Thrive

 We’ll have a blast playing good ole
fashioned BINGO and winning FUN prizes.

PLUS…. We’ll finish out our 5 Year Anniversary Month with a High-Five your Family Themed Night!

Get Your very own High Five Your Family Travelling Trophy, make Handprint Family Art and play classic games together!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

We’ll have family fun and send you home with a family connection tool to continue building on the family value of the month in your home!

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Crossbend
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

02/09 Topic – Dating and Relationships
Dating and Relationships – how to navigate difficult conversations and what you need to be aware of to protect and empower your teen.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

“MY FAMILY IS SWEET!”
VALENTINES FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

To inspire family connection and a unified belief in your own family’s awesomeness (aka SWEETness), we created the “My Family is SWEET!” Valentines Family Time Challenge.

This challenge starts Friday, 2/12 and goes through Monday 2/15.
It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Step 1. SUBMIT A FAMILY PIC including a “MY FAMILY IS SWEET!” sign you create. (Sign can be printed off the computer, handwritten, written on a cake, etc. Big or small, you decide! Before you snap the pic, read Step 2 below.)…

Step 2. PHOTO SHOULD SHOW YOUR FAMILY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Playing a Board Game TOGETHER.
2. Picnic-ing TOGETHER. (indoor or outdoor)
3. Volunteering TOGETHER.
4. Playing TOGETHER.
5. Making and/or Enjoying a SWEET Treat TOGETHER.

Step 3. Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org BY MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY, 2/15.

WHY??!!!
1.YOU COULD WIN. All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket w/movie tickets, board game, and more!
2.THE BIG WHY. Because Family Time is SWEET (Awesome) and has also been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being. Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up! That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection! And the results are trajectory-changing, for family and community strengthening!

EARN AN EXTRA ENTRY!
Like, comment, and share this TSUF VALENTINES FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE on Facebook and when we receive your PIC we’ll enter you to win TWICE!

Have fun with this VALENTINES FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE!
Facebook or Email us your FAMILY TIME, SIGN-HOLDING PIC by midnight on Monday, 2/15!!

FAMILY TIME IS SWEET!!!!
Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

(Winner announced 2/16!)

Saturday Night Thrive

FREE Family Connection Night!   
BINGO  PLUS… Leap Year FUN!

We’ll have a blast playing good ole fashioned BINGO and winning FUN prizes.  PLUS…. We’ll focus on LEAP YEAR and having fun strengthening your family by LEAPS AND BOUNDS!

Connect with your family over the value of the month and we’ll send you home with a tool to elevate that value at home, too!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Rd
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

03/08 Topic – Drugs/Alcohol
Education and Discussion on current drug and alcohol issues facing our teens and how to communicate effectively to protect and strengthen your child.

Presenters: Jennifer Barker, Director of Programs at CARE Collin County and former PISD Senior High Substance Abuse Counselor AND Diane Windsor, Single Side Up Leader and experienced parent.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Saturday Night Thrive

Join us for
COMEDY NIGHT!

You want the freshest comedy available?  Made to order? 

The Understudies serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!  If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun see you at
COMEDY NIGHT!  (The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by HimProv.)

Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun
together!  We’ll send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool, too.

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Rd
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

“MY FAMILY IS EGGS-ELLENT!”
FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

In honor of Easter weekend AND, most of all, to inspire family connection and a unified belief in your own family’s EGGS-ellentness, we created the …

“My Family is EGGS-ELLENT!”
Easter Weekend Family Time Challenge.

This challenge starts Friday, 3/25 and goes through Sunday, 3/27.
It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Step 1. SUBMIT A FAMILY PIC with a visible egg in it!
(Egg can soft or hard-boiled, white or decorated, whatever you prefer! Before you snap the pic, read Step 2 below.)

Step 2. PHOTO SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE ADULT AND ONE KID AND SHOULD SHOW YOUR FAMILY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Playing a Board Game TOGETHER.
2. Picnic-ing TOGETHER. (indoor or outdoor)
3. Volunteering TOGETHER.
4. Playing or Hanging out TOGETHER.
5. Cooking or Eating TOGETHER.

Step 3. Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org  BY MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, 3/27.

WHY??!!!
1.YOU COULD WIN. All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket w/movie tickets, board game, and more!
2.THE BIG WHY. Because Family Time is EGGS-ellent (Awesome) and has also been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being. Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up! That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection! The results are trajectory-changing, for family and community strengthening!

EARN EXTRA ENTRIES!
Like, comment, and share this TSUF FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE on Facebook and when we receive your PIC we’ll enter you to win TWICE!  Add #familytimematters #thissideuupfamily and we’ll even add another entry!

FAMILY TIME IS EGGS-ellent!!!!  Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

REMEMBER… there should be an EGG in your pic!! 🙂

(Winner announced 3/29!)

Saturday Night Thrive

FREE Family Connection Night – Bingo PLUS!

We’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!  PLUS a Pop, Pop, Pop FOCUS!

• POPcorn Praise Exercise with your Family!
• POPcorn Art as a Family!
• POPcorn Pictionary with the group!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
PSA StarCenter – Plano 1
6500 Preston Meadow Dr
Plano, Texas 75024
Upstairs at PSA Plano 1

Thank you to our Location Sponsors!

We’ll have family fun and send you home with a family connection tool to continue building on the family value of the month in your home!  Join us Upstairs at PSA Plano 1!

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

04/12 Topic – Bullying (Online and Offline!)
Prevent and Identify bullying in your child’s life, both online and offline.  Learn how to teach your child to come to you with concerns early and fast.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

“MY FAMILY IS POPPING!”
FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

We had so much fun with our Pop, Pop, Pop Family Connection Night we want to keep it going! So… to inspire family connection and a unified belief in your own family’s awesomeness , we created the “My Family is POPPING!” Family Time Challenge.

This challenge starts Friday, 4/22 and goes through Sunday, 4/24.
It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Step 1. SUBMIT A FAMILY PIC with POPCORN in it!
(Before you snap the pic, read Step 2 below.)

Step 2. PHOTO SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE ADULT AND ONE KID AND SHOULD SHOW YOUR FAMILY DOING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Playing a Board Game TOGETHER.
2. Picnic-ing TOGETHER. (indoor or outdoor)
3. Volunteering TOGETHER.
4. Playing or Hanging out TOGETHER.
5. Cooking or Eating TOGETHER.
6. Making POPcorn Art TOGETHER.

Step 3. Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org BY MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, 4/24.

WHY??!!!
1.YOU COULD WIN. All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket w/movie tickets, board game, and more!
2.THE BIG WHY. Because FAMILY TIME MATTERS and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being. Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up! That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child! It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection! And the results are trajectory-changing, for family and community strengthening!

EARN EXTRA ENTRIES!
Like, comment, and share this TSUF FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE on Facebook and when we receive your PIC we’ll enter you to win TWICE! Add #familytimematters #thissideuupfamily and we’ll even add another entry!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!
Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

REMEMBER… there should be POPCORN in your pic!!

(Winner announced 4/27!)

Saturday Night Thrive

Mom is MMMarvelous!
Mothers Day Weekend Free Family Connection Night that’s MMM good!

Minute to Win it Games … Marshmallow Family Challenge …
Marvelous Line Dancing Fun by Graceful Soles Dance Studio …
M&M Connection Time … PLUS A GIFT FOR EACH MOM!

Come on out for a night of good ol’fashioned community FUN aimed at honoring the MMMarvelous Moms in attendance!  We’ll have family fun and send you home with a family connection tool to continue building on the family value of the month in your home!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Rd
Plano, Texas 75023

Thank you to our Location Sponsors!

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2016!!

During January – May, second Tuesdays from 7-8pm at Haggard Public Library, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano, Texas 75075.   Leave ready to Connect with your Tweens and Teens!

05/10 Topic – Family Conflict and Communications Strategies
Learn how to address family conflict in a healthy way and how to grow closer to your teen through the conflict you are experiencing.

Click HERE to review topics and timeline from the complete series!

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Don’t miss this incredible Tween/Teen Parenting POWER HOUR Series!!  Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Get The Scoop on Celebrating Dad! 

Free Family Connection Night!

Join us for This Side UP! Family’s FREE Family Connection Night!

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT YES WE DO,
WE’VE GOT SPIRIT HOW ‘BOUT YOU???!!!

Eat at Mooyah at the NE corner of Legacy/Independence and a % of all sales go to This Side UP! Family.  Plus, we will have ducks available for adoption for $5 (to support TSUF) if you would like to enter the Duck Race and a chance for the $1000 first place prize. Quacktastic Yummy-ness and then some!

(Duck Race is on 7/23, you do not have to be present to WIN!)

The TSUF Ops Office (1201 E 15th #202) is one stop of many fun stops on this month’s Downtown Plano Art and Wine Walk!  Click HERE for more information on the Downtown Plano event.

Come on by and visit us!  We’ll have Ducks Available to Adopt for our 7/23 Duck Race Event too!  All Duck Race proceeds go to support This Side UP! Family’s wellness programs/services .

Adopt a Rubber Duck to show your support of
This Side UP! Family
(Need not to be present to win)

Click HERE to purchase your duck adoption TODAY!

Then, mark your calendar for 7/23 to come cheer on your ducks and enjoy a FREE Family Splash Fest with prizes, food, swimming, games and more! Bring your own picnic dinner or enjoy snow-cones, popcorn , snacks, and/or drinks! Swim, slide AND enjoy FUN activities for the kids!

The Lucky Duck Duck Race and Spalshfest is:
Saturday, 7/23/16, 6:45-9:00pm
Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center
5801 W. Parker Rd.
Plano, Texas 75093

DUCK RACE AT 8pm! We’ll launch them into the pool and the one who crosses the finish line first WINS a $1000 MasterCard®/Visa® gift card! Second place duck WINS big, too!! Top 20 ducks WIN A PRIZE! (Need not be present to win)

All proceeds go to This Side UP! Family’s wellness programs and moving families from surviving to thriving!

BACK TO SCHOOL FAMILY LAUGH NIGHT! 

The Understudies serve up heaping portions of laughter – improv style!

If you’re hungry for some family-friendly fun and a great way to conclude your Summer… see you at FAMILY LAUGH NIGHT!

The Understudies is a hilarious Improv group trained and sponsored by Fish Sticks. Kids and adults will enjoy this fun night of laughter and fun together! We will also have an open mic joke sharing time for the kids to share their fave joke!

We’ll have family fun and send you home with a family connection tool to continue building on the family value of the month in your home!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Saigling Elementary
3600 Matterhorn Drive, Plano, TX 75075

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

Saturday Night Thrive
Bingo Night PLUS Clown Show!

We’ll have family fun playing good ole fashioned family-friendly Bingo and enjoy a 30 minute show and a 10 minute Clown “tutoring” time by Daisty the Clown from Clownin’ Around. Clown Noses for all!

Every kid wins a prize! Plus…we’ll send you home with a family connection tool!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Meadows Elementary
2800 18th Street
Plano, Texas 75074

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family
Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2016!!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an invaluable, empowering Parenting POWER HOUR Series in Fall 2016!!

Informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

9/20 TOPIC – AVOID HELICOPTER HOMEWORKING AND DEVELOP GREAT STUDY HABITS!
Come hear Lead PISD Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison and PISD Assistant Principal Karma Cunningham share from their combined 34 years of expertise dealing with parent/child relationships on this important topic! Leave equipped to have a less stressful yet more productive year in the topic of Homework and building great study habits into your kids!!!

Coming UP!:
10/18 – Drugs, Drinking and Other Current Trends
11/15 – Boundary Battles and Control Issues
12/13 – Social Media 101 and How to Connect via Technology

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community. Water and Light Snacks Provided. We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.  Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 9/20! (General Attendees do not need to pre-register!)

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Saturday Night Thrive 

Join us for an AMAZING science show with interactive family fun, too!! Newton’s Lab is back by popular demand!

This is a super, cool night that will ignite an even deeper love for Science into our youth!  And… we’ll play a few Minute To Win Games, too!

PLUS… We’ll send you home with a family connection tool!  Our Value of the month is: Thriving Families Think Outside the Box! so… we’ll be doing an activity that night where families decorate and fill a box of “Outside The Box FAMILY TIME IDEAS!”  Go Home equipped to put these ideas to use in your home!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Christie Elementary
3801 Rainier Road
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2016!!

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

Topic for 10/18 – Drugs, Drinking and Other Current Trends
Join us as Plano Police Officer Sergeant Terry Holway, Cynthia Garrison, Lead PISD Parent Educator, AND Irene Little, Founder of Access Counseling in Plano provide great insight into what our kids are dealing with and how to keep communication strong on this topic!  Leave equipped and empowered! 

Remaining Series Topics:
11/15 – Boundary Battles and Control Issues
12/13 – Social Media 101 and How to Connect via Technology

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 10/18!  (General Attendees do not need to pre-register!)

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

PUMPKIN ART FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE (at-home!)

To inspire family connection and a unified belief in your own family’s awesomeness , we created the PUMPKIN ART Family Time Challenge.

This challenge starts Friday, 10/21 and goes through Sunday, 10/23.  It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY! (You can complete the challenge anytime, as long as you submit the picture by 10/23!)

THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Step 1. SUBMIT A FAMILY PIC with your own version of PUMPKIN ART in it!  Before you snap the pic, read Step 2 below.

Step 2. PHOTO SHOULD INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE ADULT AND ONE KID AND SHOULD SHOW YOUR FAMILY’S PUMPKIN ART CREATION.  This can be in the form of a decorated pumpkin, carved pumpkin, paper pumpkin coloring… simply something that shows family connection and creativity!  Pumpkins can be real or not real.

Step 3. Post your PIC on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org BY MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY, 10/23.

WHY??!!!
1.  YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket w/restaurant gift card, board game, and more!
2.  THE BIG WHY.  Because FAMILY TIME MATTERS and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results will be trajectory-changing family and community strengthening!

EARN EXTRA ENTRIES!
Like, comment, and share this TSUF FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE on Facebook and when we receive your PIC we’ll enter you to win TWICE!  Use hashtags #familytimematters #thissideuupfamily and we’ll add another entry!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!
Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community!!

REMEMBER… there should be both kid and adult AND your own version of PUMPKIN ART in your pic!! 🙂

(Winner announced 10/25!)

Bingo, Bubbles, and More!

We’ll have family fun playing good ole fashioned Bingo PLUS The Texas Bubble Lady will be here with The Incredible Bubble Show – an awesome show that will appeal to all ages!

Plus…you’ll create a Family Gratitude Bubble and go home equipped to inspire an Attitude of Gratitude in your home!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Davis Elementary
2701 Parkhaven Drive
Plano, Texas 75075

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2016!!

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

9/20 – Avoid Helicopter Homeworking & Build Great Study Habits
10/18 – Drugs, Drinking and Other Current Trends
11/15 – Boundary Battles and Control Issues
12/13 – Social Media 101 and How to Connect via Technology

Come hear Lead PISD Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison and PISD Assistant Principal Karma Cunningham share from their combined 34 years of expertise dealing with parent/child relationships on this important topic! Leave equipped to have a less stressful yet more productive action plan in coping with Boundary Battles and Control Issues.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.  Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 11/15.

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Bingo Night PLUS – Gingerbread House Making

EACH FAMILY WILL BUILD THEIR OWN GINGERBREAD HOUSE AND TAKE IT HOME!

You’ll fill your gingerbread house with written ideas of how to show each other love this Christmas instead of getting caught up in “looks” and “things”. PLUS, we’ll play some BINGO and everyone leaves with a prize!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Road
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Fall 2016!!

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

9/20 – Avoid Helicopter Homeworking & Build Great Study Habits
10/18 – Drugs, Drinking and Other Current Trends
11/15 – Boundary Battles and Control Issues
12/13 – Social Media 101 and How to Connect via Technology

Join us as Irum Jones, Managing Partner at Electrician on Call and Chief Strategist at Noxx Media Group, shares her Social Media expertise from years of experience and working on her first book, Social Media for All Stages and Ages.  You will not want to miss hearing her 101 tips and how best to connect with your child using today’s technology.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

Free Family Connection Night

Dream Big and Go for the Goal!

Kick off a new year of TSUFamily Connection Nights having a blast with Pictionary, Headbanz, and deciding it’s “Game ON” for your family!

We’ll enjoy a great evening of FUN games and you’ll make a Family Pennant with your crew!  Go home with a tool to guide your family in creating your own Mission/Vision Statement, too!

Yes, everything’s totally FREE!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Christie Elementary
3801 Rainier Road
Plano, TX 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

1/17 – Allowances: Effective Guideline
2/21 – Internet Safety and Sexting
3/21 – “She Hit Me First!” Sibling Rivalry
4/18 – Are We Born That Way? Understanding Temperament
5/18 – When Nagging Doesn’t Work: Effective Positive Discipline

Money… what an emotionally charged topic. We all need guidance on what to give, when to give and for what we should pay. Join us as Lead PISD Parent Educator, Cynthia Garrison, and Single Side Up! Leader and experienced parent, Diane Windsor, discuss this challenging topic and give assistance on how to navigate this parent responsibility.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 1/17!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

DREAM Big and Go for the Goal!
AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

We all know that teams have a common goal—and families are the most important type of team!

This challenge starts Friday, 1/27 and goes through Sunday 1/29 at midnight.  It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

Step 1: Sit down with your family and brainstorm a word that you want your family to be about/focus on this year.  Give each member an opportunity to choose a word and take a vote to pick your family word.

Step 2:  Use the 2017 WORD template on this event page (or make your own WORD template/sign) to tell everyone your Family Word of the Year.  Get creative—you can draw it, type it or even cut out letters from fun, patterned paper.  Make it as unique as your family!
Template – TSUF Family Word of the Year 2017

Step 3: Post a pic of your family with your 2017 Word sheet on This Side UP! Family’s FB page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org by midnight, January 29^th.

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community. HANG YOUR 2017 FAMILY WORD IN A COMMON AREA FOR YOUR FAMILY TO FOCUS ON ALL YEAR LONG!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!
Winner announced 2/1

Free Family Connection Night

Bingo plus A Family Valentines Evening TOGETHER!

BINGO and all the traditional elements of Valentines… Flowers, Chocolate and even a little Music and Dancing!

We’ll have family fun and send you home with an At-Home Family Connection Tool too!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Davis Elementary
2701 Parkhaven Drive
Plano, TX 75075 

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

1/17 – Allowances: Effective Guideline
2/21 – Internet Safety and Sexting
3/21 – “She Hit Me First!” Sibling Rivalry
4/18 – Are We Born That Way? Understanding Temperament
5/18 – When Nagging Doesn’t Work: Effective Positive Discipline

Children today are very technology savvy, but they do not always comprehend the safety risks associated with their Internet and social media activities.  Join us as we welcome Marisa Miller, Assistant US Attorney, US Justice Department.  AUSA Miller is the Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Eastern District of Texas, responsible for the coordination of all of the district’s prosecution of crimes against children and human trafficking.  Her years of experience and wealth of knowledge will teach you ways to protect and keep your children safe, because technology is not going away.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 2/21!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

THRIVING FAMILIES
CELEBRATE AND DATE!!!
AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

We know that quality time is an important love language for families and February is known as the month of LOVE.

SO SHOW US YOUR FAMILY LOVE!!!!

This challenge starts Friday, 2/24 and goes through Sunday 2/26 at midnight.  It is super EASY to enter and you could WIN A GREAT PRIZE FOR YOUR FAMILY!

Step 1: Make and have a family date.  It can be any combination (for example: daddy/daughter, mom/son, parent date night, entire family)–as long as it’s 2 or more members, it’s fair game!

Step 2: Post a pic of  your family date on This Side UP! Family’s Facebook page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org by midnight, February 26^th.

WHY??!!!

YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!
Winner will be announced 2/28

Health and Wellness Family Fun Time! 

TSUFamily Connection Nights are a much-needed blast of family fun and connection!

We’ll enjoy a great evening of BINGO and family time!  Go home with a Family Values tool to guide your family, too!  Yes, everything’s totally FREE!

Bring your own dinner or snacks (optional).

Host Location:
Hughston Elementary
2601 Cross Bend Road
Plano, Texas 75023

Find us at various terrific community locations each month!

This Side UP! Family has partnered with Plano Public Library System to bring an
invaluable, empowering 

Parenting POWER HOUR Series
Spring 2017

This Side UP! Family and the Plano Public Library system are partnering up once again to bring you informative panel-style discussions with amazing Parenting Experts who will equip and empower parents of Elementary through High School Age Kids on the following topics:

1/17 – Allowances: Effective Guideline
2/21 – Internet Safety and Sexting
3/21 – “She Hit Me First!” Sibling Rivalry
4/18 – Are We Born That Way? Understanding Temperament
5/18 – When Nagging Doesn’t Work: Effective Positive Discipline

What an annoying behavior for parents. But, it is normal for children to argue and fight.  Join us as we welcome Cynthia Garrison, a certified family life educator, licensed social worker and TSUF board member as she helps us better understand the growth of social and conflict resolution skills as well as creating a win-win situation in the charged atmosphere of homes with more than one child.

POWER HOURS are FREE to the community.   Water and Light Snacks Provided.   (We’ll send you home with additional resources on each particular parenting topic, too.)

Following each Power Hour, there will be FREE 30-minute Parent Coaching Sessions from 7:45-8:45 pm.   This Free Parent Coaching is ONLY available to parents who also attend that evening’s Power Hour from 6:30 – 7:30pm.   Click HERE to reserve your 30 minute coaching session for 3/21!

Hosted in partnership with Plano Public Library System.

THRIVING FAMILIES FOCUS ON
HEALTH & WELLNESS!!!
AT-HOME FAMILY TIME CHALLENGE

Spring is in the air!!!  With the days starting to get longer, and the weather getting warmer (but not Texas-hot yet), it’s the perfect time to get out and get active!  We know that being healthy takes commitment, but it can also be FUN when the whole family does it together! 

This month, we want to see what you are doing to stay healthy!  Send us a pic of your family being healthy—it can be doing something active like a 5k or a walk around your neighborhood, or a well-balanced, healthy meal you have created together, or any other creative way you can think of to show your family taking the wellness challenge—the possibilities are endless!  Extra points for colorful food or scenery!!!

Post your pic on This Side UP Family’s Facebook  page or email it to info@thissideupfamily.org between March 24^th and midnight on March 26^th.

WHY??!!!
YOU COULD WIN.  All entries will be submitted for a Family FUNnection basket that contains a gift card, board game and more!

THE BIG WHY.  Because Family Time is so important and has been proven to be a key indicator of a child’s success and well-being.  Children who are positively connected to their family relationships are less likely to make poor choices and more likely to become confident, content community participants as they grow up!  That relationship building starts NOW, no matter the age of your child!  It’s never too early and it’s never too late to focus on family connection!  And the results are trajectory-changing, for the family and community strengthening!

Thank you for participating in this purposeful challenge to increase FAMILY TIME in your home and our community.  Our At-Home Family Challenges are always a fun activity for families to do together, plus they are super easy!

FAMILY TIME MATTERS!!!!

(Winner announced 3/28!)