Contents
October 2017
17
features
17 17
8
The Teal Pumpkin Project®
10 14
Pilgrimage to the Pumpkin Patch
17
Special Child
Spooky Mood
18 The Art of Advocating 20
Helpful Books & Apps
22
Identifying the Gifted Child
26
Special Child Educational Resources
28
Zen Play Every Day
10 departments health 16
Healthy Start: Protection After the Storm
32
Maximize Precious Moments with Medical Specialists
33
Local Pedicatricians Resource
36
National Child Health Day
education 12
Early Learning Coalition: Partnering with Your Pediatrician
44
St. Johns County School News
30
Products We Love!
every issue
34
Fall Festivals & Halloween Happenings
24
October 2017 Calendar of Events
38
The Mean Girl Time Bomb
40
Reel Life with Jane
15 Books About Bullying
46
Family Fun Guide
42
Coming Soon!
2 OCTOBER 2017
November
December
National Adoption Month Adoption & Foster Resources Directory Children’s Diabetes Reader Choice Awards
The Big Holiday Issue Year in Review, Ultimate Toy Guide Winter Holiday Camp Directory
www.StJohnsParent.com (386) 437-0300
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Parent to Parent Charlene Michaux Publisher/Editor charlie@bradymediainc.com Fall is my favorite season. Even though we don’t have a lot of crunchy leaves to rake into a pile and jump in with our kids, I still look forward to the slightly cooler temperatures and the smell of cinnamon brooms, pumpkin (everything), apple pies and of course those awesome corn mazes and pumpkin patches! Many of you know, I love decorating for Halloween. It’s my favorite holiday! Over the years, we have collected a storage unit full of house decorations, boxes of costumes and party supplies. As I was planning this year’s Halloween soiree, I had a great idea. What if we created a photo collage of local children in their favorite costumes! We have had cutest kids contests in the past, but we’ve never had a costume contest. Unfortunately, Irma prevented our costumed photo shoot, but we were still able to pull together the idea with our readers help. Thank you to all of the parents who submitted photos of their children in costume. We created the collage in place of our fashion section this month. We have some great stories for you this month, from hosting the perfect Halloween gathering with family and friends to great costume ideas and an extensive calendar listing with community festivals. Plus, some more serious content recognizing national bullying prevention month, national kid’s health day and our newest addition, Special Child Magazine. Our community has so much to offer with all of the family friendly events coming up, it’s time to slow down and spend quality time with the ones we love. It’s our 9th year celebration for Volusia Parent Magazine! Our parent magazines are FREE, because of community support. Our readers go hand in hand with our advertisers in making this publication the success it has become and has helped us to maintain our status as the number one family resource guide in the counties we serve. We strive to bring you content that interests you, our readers. We’re always looking for fresh content, new outlooks and special editorial spotlights. Thank you to the great group of businesses and organizations who advertise with us. If you want to contribute to the success of our magazine, we would love to hear from you and will work to develop an advertising partnership that will not only benefit you, but also the parents of Volusia, Flagler and St Johns Counties. Don’t forget to download our app! You can take us with you, anytime, anywhere on any device! Have a Happy and Safe Halloween! Boo Ya’ll!
Charlie
6 OCTOBER 2017
Publisher / Editor
Charlene Michaux charlie@bradymediainc.com 386-547-0161 Graphic Artist
Stephen Savidge Photography
Marina Pierre 386-283-8005 marina@marinas-photography.com
Contributors
Christina Katz Judy M. Miller Laurie Zottman Sue LeBreton Flagler Parent, Volusia Parent, and St. Johns Parent Magazines are published by Brady Media, Inc. and are copyrighted 2008. Brady Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission from Brady Media, Inc. is prohibited. Flagler Parent and Volusia Parent reserve the right to reject advertisements or listings that are not in keeping with the publication’s satndard. Submissions are welcome, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited materials. Flagler Parent and Volusia Parent do not endorse or assume responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The Flagler County or Volusia County School Boards are not affiliated with these publications in any manner, nor do they endorse ro assume any responsibility for any of the information or advertisements contained in therein.
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OCTOBER 2017 7
feature
THE TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT
®
PROMOTES INCLUSION OF CHILDREN AFFECTED BY FOOD ALLERGIES EACH HALLOWEEN! Show Your Spirit with our Teal Pumpkin Project Halloween Products!
Halloween is creeping around the corner and kids are gearing up to trick-or-treat. With this spook-tacular holiday comes the thrill of dressing up and collecting treats at every door. But for the nearly 6 million children with food allergies (that’s 1 in every 13 children), many candies can be potentially harmful. Kids affected by food allergies often have to give away much of their candy because it contains common allergens such as milk, peanuts and tree nuts, so they don’t get to participate in the same way their friends do. And, the food allergy epidemic keeps growing...the number of children affected by food allergies has increased by a staggering 50% between 1997 and 2011. This year, show your support for those with food allergies by informing trick-or-treaters of your non-food Halloween handouts with our Teal Pumpkin Project licensed products! SCS Direct Inc. is excited to partner with FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) to raise awareness for the community affected by food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project serves to create a safer, happier Halloween for kids by promoting an inclusive environment through the use of non-food treats that any child can enjoy.
Inflatable Teal Pumpkin This Halloween, show your spirit by putting an Inflatable Teal Pumpkin on your lawn! In addition to looking festive, it will also signal parents and kids that your Halloween treats are safe and allergy-free! Offered in 15” x 15” and 35” x 35” sizes, these officially merchandised Teal Pumpkin Project blow up pumpkins will get the neighborhood kids excited for the season! Once the holiday is over, simply deflate the pumpkin and put it into storage until next year! Small Inflatable: $11.99; Large Inflatable: $29.99; Amazon.com
Teal Pumpkin Canvas Bag Once you’re ready to hit the town, be sure to take your Teal Pumpkin Canvas Bag or your Teal Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Bucket around the neighborhood to show each house that you’re accepting non-food handouts! Show your spirit with these officially licensed bags that will hold all your treats! (Canvas Bag: $5.99; Trick-or-Treat Bucket: $3.99; available on Amazon.com)
Teal Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Glow Torch Stay safe on the street this Halloween with a Teal Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Glow Torch! This adorable and portable glow torch lights up in teal and can be easily held along with your bag of treats! Retail: $7.99; available on Amazon.com
About FARE: Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is an organization working on behalf of 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life- threatening anaphylaxis. FARE’s missions is to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments. FARE is organized by three basic tenets. LIFE: Support the ability of individuals with food allergies to live safe, productive lives with the respect of others through our education and advocacy initiatives. HEALTH: Enhance the health care access of individuals with food allergies to state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment. HOPE. Encourage and fund research in both industry and academia that promises new therapies to improve the allergic condition. This Halloween, show your support for children with food allergies as well as the Teal Pumpkin Project with SCS Direct’s officially licensed Teal Pumpkin Project decorations and accessories! Please consider featuring Teal Pumpkin products in your related TV segments and editorials. Product samples and audience/reader giveaways will be considered upon request. 8 OCTOBER 2017
OCTOBER 2017 9
Pilgrimage To The Pumpkin Patch: Make It An Annual Family Tradition by Christina Katz Every year, weeks before Halloween, we take a half-day pilgrimage to the pumpkin patch. Our local pumpkin farm is so festive that we usually go twice each season-once as a family and again with friends. Years ago, I was even brave enough to chaperone a field trip with super-enthusiastic elementary school students, who could not have been prouder of their pumpkins plucked right out of the patch. Pumpkins are bright globes of cheer against the muted shades and foreboding weather of autumn. And kids from toddlers to teens never tire of annual visits to pumpkin farms. While some farms keep things as simple as a roadside patch and pay station, others go all out and create a full harvest festival with animals, rides, bakeries and shops.No matter how fancy the farm, a visit to the pumpkin patch is good for the soul. It’s an opportunity to slow down and enjoy time in nature, take in the wide-open views and enjoy the crisp fall air in fields dotted with pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Visit a local pumpkin farm every harvest season so your kids can witness the transformation of seeds planted in late spring into fields overflowing with produce. Supporting locally owned farms feels great and helps connect your family with nature and each other. Here’s how to make the most of each and every trip: Plan Ahead Check websites of local pumpkin farms in advance. Subscribe to farm newsletters to stay abreast of announcements. You cannot control the weather, but you can try to visit on discount days, if your farm has any. Expect the farm to get increasingly busy as Halloween draws near, and plan accordingly. If you must go on peak days, arrive early to beat crowds and get the best parking. If your local pumpkin farm has a loyalty 10 OCTOBER 2017
program, be sure to sign up. Leave strollers, pets and food at home and bring plenty of cash to purchase delicious seasonal snacks like kettle corn, caramel apples and fresh doughnuts. Bring friends Spread your love of local farms by bringing friends to the pumpkin patch. What’s great about going back year after year is that you get to watch your children become
old enough to try things they’ve looked forward to doing, like braving the haunted hay maze or driving the pedal carts. You might leave some activities behind as the years go by, like the petting zoo or the kiddy playground, and that’s okay. Just be sure to choose a farm that has age-appropriate activities for your kids and their guests. You can always visit more than one farm throughout the weeks long harvest season.
Expect to get dirty Don your blue jeans, flannels and rain jackets because you are going to the country! Expect rain and mud and you cannot go wrong. Hiking boots or rain boots are your best footwear for the farm. Portable umbrellas with hand straps are helpful if you have them. Or, if you will be out in the sun all day, you may need suncreen for your face, neck and arms. Toss a few of beach towels in a bag in case you need to wipe off afterwards or cover car seats. They can also protect your car from muddy pumpkins on the ride home. Make a day of it Purchasing a full day, all-activity pass rather than individual tickets is usually the best value for your money. A petting zoo, a hay or corn maze, hay rides, face painting, food and entertainment are all possibilities. If your children are different ages, parents can split up to find age-appropriate activities and then meet up later for a bite to eat or to hit the pumpkin patch. Many working farms make a big chunk of their annual income during harvest season. So why not purchase some produce before you leave? Grab photos You are unlikely to find as many photo ops anywhere as you will find at the pumpkin patch. Try getting down low in the patch and shooting upwards. Also try standing on something and shooting downwards. Take shots yourself or hand your camera to a friendly passerby to capture your happy group. You are after fun shots, not perfect shots. And don’t forget candids. You can click three times per pose and edit out the duds later. If you know kids will tire out, get photos early on and then put the camera away and enjoy the day. Take breaks At some farms, you will find as many activities as an amusement park! Let kids get their ya-yas out on the playground before you expect them to wait patiently in lines. If the things you want to do are on opposite ends of the property, be prepared to build in some downtime, especially if you plan to stay all day. Grab your beach towels or bring a blanket because you can usually find a shady spot under a tree where younger children can regroup with a nap or a little quiet time.
How To Pick A Pumpkin •
Avoid harvesting pumpkins after a frost. Find out when the first frost of the season is predicted in your area and get your pumpkins at least two weeks prior.
•
Select pumpkins according to your needs. Is your pumpkin for cooking or for decoration? Cooking pumpkins are smaller and more solid than carving pumpkins.
•
Grab a wheelbarrow or a wagon if your farm provides them. This is no time for pride, which will evaporate once you get halfway out into the field.
•
If you have a wagon or wheelbarrow, pick any size pumpkins you like. But if each child will carry their pumpkin, help them select a manageable size.
•
Choose a carving pumpkin that feels firm and heavy for its size when you pick it up.
•
Pumpkins do not continue to ripen after they are picked, so choose a pumpkin that is uniformly orange and not at all green with a nice, thick stem.
•
A green stem indicates a freshly harvested pumpkin. Stems can be fragile, so do not lift or carry pumpkins by them.
•
Avoid any pumpkins with soft spots, brown spots, holes, cracks, splits, wrinkles or mold. The pumpkin shell should be uniformly hard to the touch all the way around the pumpkin. Be sure to check the bottom and the side that was on the ground.
•
Round or oval-shaped pumpkins are easier to carve and are full of seeds you can scoop out and roast.
•
Put your pumpkins on a flat surface before you bring them home to make sure they will sit pretty without rolling over. Haul in a few extra pumpkins from the patch just in case you have some rejects.
•
Newer varieties of decorative pumpkins have a range of colors, shapes and warts. When unsure about quality, have a salesperson inspect your selections before you pay.
Perfect Roasted Pumpkin Seeds As everyone is carving pumpkins, offer a large bowl or pot for pumpkin pulp. When the bowl is half full, loosen the seeds with your hands and fill pot to the three-quarters mark with water. The seeds will rise to the top. Squeeze them through your fingers to remove any clinging pulp as you transfer them to a colander to rinse again. Then spread them on paper towels and pat dry. Set your oven for 325 degrees and transfer seeds to cookie sheets in single layers. Sprinkle each pan of seeds with a tablespoon of olive oil and a few shakes of salt. Turn seeds with spatula every eight minutes until crispy on the outside and golden on the inside. Estimated roasting time is 20-30 minutes but do not let seeds turn brown. Remove roasted seeds from oven, cool and enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two months. OCTOBER 2017 11
education
12 OCTOBER SUMMER 2017 2017
OCTOBER 2017 13
feature
A Spooky Mood
A Family-infused Approach To Halloween Decorating
by Christina Katz
Halloween is the perfect time to crank up the playfulness in your décor. Using the method below, you can find the place where the fear factor and your family’s unique style intersect. These tips will help you personalize your Halloween décor until you find the appropriate tone and look that will set you apart from everyone else in your neighborhood. You will have so much fun gathering everyone’s input, you will probably want to make Halloween decorating a family affair every year.
Contain Props
Keep a large bin for Halloween décor and add to it year after year. Our bin is orange, which makes it easy to spot in our storage area. Pull your bin out in early September, at the latest, to see what you need to restock. Halloween supplies go on sale in late August, so you will have plenty of time to find what you need. If you have a Halloween wreath, use a separate wreath storage container, since most wreaths don’t fit into storage boxes. Make a list of everything in your box, so you can fill in the gaps as you shop, instead of starting from scratch. Do any items need fresh bulbs or batteries? Before you shop for fresh materials, consider your current habits. Shopping Habits: Organic/Natural
Contemporary/Current
Crafty/Inspired
Used/Vintage
14 OCTOBER 2017
Identify Your Styles
Since you are the person in charge of all of this decorating, ask yourself some pointed questions about the looks you love. Chances are good your home already has an overall décor style, and you will certainly honor that. But Halloween is also an opportunity to introduce something new or even try a fresh style. Here are some words that might describe your décor style. Combine looks for an even more unique style. What words describe your home best now? What look are you going for with your décor this year? Decor Directions: Antique
Classic
Historical
Modern
Country
Victorian
Eclectic
Urban
Techno Retro Vintage Primitive Antiquated
Gather Your Ghouls
Have a family meeting in early September so everyone can get on the same page as far as Halloween décor goes. You may not think your son’s love of zombies and your daughter’s fondness for black cats would go with your husband’s crow fetish and your proclivity for carved pumpkins, but you never know until you put them all together. Make new discoveries about each other by combining seemingly clashing icons into your unique Halloween look. Here is your chance to go as understated or over-the-top as you like with your look. So what’s it going to be this year? The repetition of a single icon or a mash-up of everyone’s favorites? Halloween Icons Pumpkins Gourds Witches Ghosts Skulls Skeletons
Bats Cats Rats Crows Graves Zombies
Spiders Caldron Daggers Pirates Candy Corn Masks
Skeleton Keys Gargoyles Mummies Wizards Aliens
If you have very young children, you probably won’t go for an attack of the zombies theme this year. But you might align some of your decorating choices with family-friendly films or kiddie cartoons to create recognition and familiarity. I’ve created a spookiness spectrum below. What’s right for your family this year? Be realistic. You can always up the fright factor in future celebrations. Scary Macabre Terrifying
The sun is setting earlier and the nights are getting cooler, so why not warm up your home with Halloween lighting? You can go creepy, outlandish or classic. I go for a fairly vintage Halloween look, so I usually opt for white lights, but let your choices suit your family vibe. If you like flashing purple neon, Halloween is your chance to rock it. Don’t be afraid to let your family freak flag fly! Here are some possible color schemes you might choose. Select lights that will accentuate the colors you choose. Color Schemes Orange & Black Silver/Black/Red Orange/Green/Purple Orange/Black/Green
Purple/Orange/Black Red/Orange/Black Black & White Black/White/Purple/Green/ Orange Black/White/Silver
Story Location
Adjust the Fright Factor
Spookiness Spectrum Bewitching Adorable Gross Cartoony Goth Mystical
Light The Night
Spooky
Movie Inspiration
Still feeling stumped about how to bring just the right amount of magic and mystery into your Halloween décor? Look to favorite films for inspiration, and don’t be afraid to go your own way. If you want to have a Breakfast At Tiffany’s or a Toy Story Halloween, go for it! Frightening Films Tim Burton: Corpse Bride; The Nightmare Before Christmas; Edward Scissorhands; Beetluice; Alice in Wonderland. Alfred Hitchcock: The Birds; Psycho. Steven Spielberg: ET; Close Encounter of the Third Kind. Horror Classics: Frankenstein; Dracula; The Wolf Man
Tell a story with your décor. Consider indoor and outdoor settings. You can either leave the outdoors out of doors or bring it in. The interior of your home could evoke a cemetery or the woods. Or continue a location theme from the front yard right into your home. Of course, you can take any location you can come up with and make it haunted. Consider the following possible settings. Haunted Settings Graveyard Ruins Burial Vault Haunted House Mortuary Castle
The Woods Cornfield Barn
Theater
Finishing Touches
If you want to take a fresh approach to Halloween décor, why not choose a theme the whole family loves and weave it through your entire look? Here’s an example using a Shakespeare theme, which might work well for families with teenage children. This is also a good example of a theme that can benefit from everyone’s creative ideas. Example Theme: Shakespearean Shopping Habits: Craft/Inspired & Used Vintage Style: Antique, Classic & Antiquated Colors: Black/White/Silver Lights: White and Black Icons: Skulls, Cauldrons, Daggers, Bottles of poison Spookiness: Bewitching and Goth Film Inspirations: 1948 version of Hamlet and Tim Burton films Haunted Setting: A Theater OCTOBER 2017 15
Social and Emotional Competence - We know our children better than anyone else does. At each stage of their development, we can “tune in” to see what might be different about them after they have been stressed or scared. Letting children express their feelings about an event is so important and can reduce their stress. Depending on their age, encouraging them to draw about or write about the storm may help spark important conversations about how they are feeling.
Protection - AFTER the Storm
T
he Healthy Start Coalition of Flagler and Volusia Counties subscribes to the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework to help families be all that they can be. The Protective Factors include:.
• Resilience – the ability to cope and bounce back after tough times • Practical Support – knowing how to ask for help and where to get it because all families need help sometimes • Social Connections – making and keeping friends and connecting to our community • Social and Emotional Competence – communicating effectively with our children and teaching them to communicate effectively with others • Nurturing and Attachment – making sure our children feel loved and supported • Knowledge of Child Development and Parenting - understanding our child(ren)’s development in order to assist them in learning and growing. It is important to think of these things in relation to a traumatic event such as a storm. Children can feel the same anxiety as adults but may express it differently because they can’t communicate their feelings like we can. Here are some things we can do to help our children after a major storm event: Resilience - Let children hear and see how we cope and bounce back after a stressful event – “We are a strong family and we stick together” is a message children can see and hear in our responses to the storm. We show how we clean up, how we dust ourselves off, and how we get our lives back on track. Practical Support – our children can see us seek help for ourselves and others in a positive way. Showing them how we navigate, and find resources we need as we link to agencies, organizations or people for our practical needs shows them it’s ok to ask for help. When we are able, showing them how we can assist others with their practical needs can teach them as well. Social Connections – after the storm, the REAL social connections – not those on social media – are what our children can see and learn from. Connecting to neighbors and friends to share meals, information, and a shoulder to lean on helps our children see the strength in connectedness.
16 OCTOBER 2017
Nurturing and Attachment – it can be hard when we are stressed to remember how much our children need hugs, love, and patience. They may be exceptionally needy after a scary event. Make time to get at eye level, keep close with touch and voice so they can feel, see, and hear our love for them. Knowledge of Child Development and Parenting – Understanding child development means we know that each age represents specific needs of a child. For instance, infants are newly establishing trust about their world and need to know that people respond to their needs. Toddlers need to start separating from the parent by walking away or learning to talk (sometimes taking delight in saying “No!”) so they learn to be their own person. The more we know about children’s development, the more we can help them master these crucial needs. They may regress after a scary event and stop talking or wet their pants or the bed. Letting them back up and them “catch up” again may be the space they need to get through it. Talk to your pediatrician if any of these things occur. References: https://www.cssp.org/.../Strengthening-Families-Protective-Factors.pdf https://www.aap.org http://www.cpeip.fsu.edu/storm/
386.354.1226
www.healthystartfv.org
OCTOBER 2017 17
The Art of Advocating for Your Child with Special Needs
by Judy M. Miller
Parents are natural advocates for their children. We love our children, and we want the best for them. As a mother of four children, three with special needs, I know how important it is to advocate for my children. There is no one who will be more committed to making sure my children have access to the support, treatment, and education they are guaranteed more than me.My youngest daughter was my second child to be diagnosed with special needs (each of my kids have different special needs). I was at first overwhelmed by my lack of knowledge and intimidated by how to best advocate for what she would need in school, when I did not yet know myself. I chose to dive in. Great hope impelled me. First steps: accept your child’s diagnosis and become the expert about it. Gather information about your child’s special needs diagnosis, recommended remedial techniques, and treatment. Learn all you can about your child’s special needs. Break the information into terms that you can understand. This will help others appreciate your child’s special needs when you share the information with them. I needed to fully comprehend my daughter’s diagnosis and the recommended care and treatments (therapies). I felt I would be a far more effective advocate for my child if my knowledge about my child’s special need bordered on encyclopedic. I fast-tracked my education. I purchased books, highlighted 18 OCTOBER 2017
passages, and wrote in the margins where I required further clarification, discovered something I desired to learn more about, or wanted to share with others. I went online to reputable websites and printed out articles. And similar to my expanding collection of books about my daughter’s special needs, I highlighted passages and made notes in the margins. I created an impressive section of resources in my personallibrary about each of my kids’ special needs. During each visit I asked my child’s therapists about treatment and outcomes, recommendations of what to read, what I might expect, and clarification of my questions. I did the same with my daughter’s teachers and therapists when she attend-
ed developmental preschool.I took notes, notebooks full of notes. I was driven by my love for her as well as trying to assure she was physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe. Become über-organized. I purchased two 3-inch, 3-ring binders and index pages with pockets. One binder contained written records-sections for my child’s initial diagnosis and follow-up reports; therapy goals and therapy progress reports; copies of bills; medical paperwork; IEPs (Individualized Education Plans)-the original and future updates; and teacher emails, notes, and cards, etc. The other binder was my personal “education primer.” It held 3-holed college lined paper full of my journal entries; questions and the answers to them; definitions of terms-technical and layman; and highlighted recommended resources; and the printed articles about the diagnosis my child had been given. I made sure every paper that went into both binders was dated.
Learn about your child’s rights.
Be prepared.
Legally, children with special needs are entitled to an “appropriate” education. Your child should have access to “specially designed instruction” (20 U.S.C. §1401) to meet their unique needs. Learn what this means for your child. Become competent about the “rules of the game.” Research and understand your state’s and the federal education laws and regulations. These federal laws apply to children with special needs:
Build healthy relationships with your child’s team-therapists, doctors, and school. This encompasses preparation and planning for meetings with your child’s doctors, therapist, and teachers and aides. Be polite, firm, and persistent. Create a meeting agenda with your objectives: items such as addressing issues or test scores, clarifying treatment or goals, identifying problems, proposing solutions, or to firm up agreements. Focus on solutions. Share this ahead of time with the team members you are meeting with. This allows them to be prepared as well.
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) http://idea.ed.gov/explore • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/disability/ adahtm • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 https://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/ statutes/sec504.htm Do a search in your library or online to learn about cases similar to your child’s to answer your questions. Be informed about the procedures you must follow in your school to protect your child’s rights and yours. Print the legal rights, regulations and procedures out. Add these to the binder that has your child’s diagnosis information.
Take care of yourself. Parenting a child with special needs is challenging, sometimes downright exhausting. We moms typically give and give, until there is little to nothing left to give. And then we find we cannot be the parents we wish to be for our kids. Give yourself permission to put yourself first for a minimum of an hour each day. Have someone you trust watch your child if she or he is at home while you embrace “me” time. Take a walk; sit in silence, garden, or do yoga. Do something that will replenish your mama stores and bring you back to balance.
A Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP) Shares Her Viewpoint Carol Foulke M.S., a retired Speech/Language Pathologist with over 30 years of experience in a public school setting, who served elementary through high school students the suggests thefollowing: • From your perspective, what makes a parent an effective advocate for their child? • What is most often overlooked? • What gets in the way of parents’ effectiveness? Here is Carol’s response: “One of the most important things that parents can do is to know the state laws regarding special education. That way they know what is within their rights, what is reasonable to ask for, and what to expect. If parents can let school staff know that they are educated on SpEd law without threatening or bullying, it can set the tone for working within the legal framework. A huge factor is the parents AND school staff working together as a team for the benefit of the child, and not as adversaries. Be in communication with your teacher of record. Let them know about significant events (both positive and negative) at home, e.g., if there are changes in medication/dosage so that staff can help assess behavior changes. Let the school know if there is a family member in health crisis, if parents are separating/divorcing, etc. Although these are ‘family matters’, they can have a major impact on the student’s performance at school. No need to get into too much detail, but let someone know that there is disruption at home. I think a big issue that can get in the way of parents’ effectiveness is that they focus solely on what they want for their child; it is sometimes very difficult to be unbiased when dealing with our little ones! But remember that the school must take into account the welfare and educational rights of ALL of its students. Behaviors, poor work habits, etc., may be present at home, but not at school, or vice versa. It can be a fine line to walk for parents... Demanding that their child’s educational needs are met while understanding that difficulties and differences may NOT equal disability under state andf ederal guidelines.
Advocacy Supplies List In order to be an effective advocate for your child you need supplies to help you organize the information and resources you acquire. You want to be able to access the information quickly. Here is a list of supplies that will help you get started: • Two 3-inch, 3-ring notebooks (one for your child’s file; one for information about your child’s disability and educational information) • Index pages • Contact log sheet (I kept this in the front of my binder) • Small tape recorder, or record with an app on your smart phone. Sometimes it is challenging to write when you are listening. • Stapler and staples, to keep multiple report/ update pages together • Calendar (I printed mine out blank calendars off the Internet and 3-hole punched them) • Loose leaf 3-hole paper, or 8x11 notebooks with perforated pages that can be separated from the notebook easily and added to your binders. I used this paper for journaling as well. • 3-hole punch for medical, therapeutic, and school paperwork • Highlighters • Different colored pens, if you choose to color code as I did • Package of sticky notes (again, multiple colors)
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Helpful Books & Apps Special Needs Apps Proloquo2Go - Symbol-based AAC Proloquo2Go is an award-winning symbol-supported communication app. It provides a voice to over 150,000 individuals who cannot speak. The app is designed to promote language development and grow communication skills. Its innovative features support users, parents, teachers and therapists to quickly personalize the vocabulary and settings. This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad $249.99. TalkTablet US AAC/Speech for aphasia, autism etc. TalkTabletUS is the award winning speech app for people with autism, aphasia and other speech conditions that is supported by our toll-free technical support phone number at 866-487-1006. This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad $79.99 Bob Books #2 - Reading Magic HD Parents and educators have raved about Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic. Now set #2 is here with twelve new scenes and over 50 words! "Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic for iPad is an incredible app offering under the category Education... It's rare that I find an iPad book that is so full of value... If you have a young child learning to read and an iPad, you will not want to hesitate to download this title. I recommend it whole-heartedly!" --- Digital Storytime This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad $3.99 Math Evolve: A Fun Math Game For Kids -Winner of BEST EDUCATIONAL GAME OF 2011 in the Best App Ever Awards. -“The holy grail of edutainment math apps.” Editors Choice, 5/5 Score -Best Apps for Kids -“A must-have game app for kids...An excellent way to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division via fun and interactive game play.” Fun Educational Apps This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad $1.99 Dexteria - Fine Motor Skill Development Dexteria turns your iOS device into a therapeutic tool that improves fine motor skills and handwriting readiness in children and adults This app is designed for both iPhone and iPad $3.99 Credit: Care.Com 20 OCTOBER 2017
Reading Materials Friends are? by Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan Friends Are…? is volume 6 in the delightful Autism Is …? series. It was written by a grandmother for her autistic grandson. This fabulous, educational kids’ book teaches a child how to be a good friend. Its “fantastic friendship rules” are perfect for ALL children. It can be a springboard for conversations about such friendship topics as bullying, giving compliments, making conversation, and respecting personal space. Magical Max and Magical Mickey’s Big Surprise by Penelope Anne Cole This is the fifth and final book of a fun, engaging series of children’s books. It closes out this delightful series on a very positive note. It is an excellent “first chapter book” for readers ages 6 to 8. $9.50 Overcome and Become: Reconnecting with Yourself and Your Child with Special Needs by Lorilet Monegro As a parent of a child with special needs, you often put aside your dreams to provide the best life for your child. If you’re ready to stop struggling and start reconnecting with your child and yourself, discover the know-how from expert speech pathologist Lorilet Monegro in Overcome and Become. With this book, you will gain a new perspective on your current challenges with your child and begin the journey to assessing their skills and finding miracles in their abilities. .99 Kindle What Every Parent Should Know About Autism: Understanding How to Care for an Autistic Child by Sheena Elly By working patiently, deliberately, and lovingly with your child, you can most certainly overcome all the hurdles of autism. You do not even have to take a shot at achieving some semblance of normalcy. Know that your child is capable of great things when you focus on his strengths instead of dwelling on and trying to repair his vulnerabilities. .99 kindle www.pinterest.com/specialchildmag
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Behavior at Home Children are usually most comfortable in their home environment. Here they will “be themselves.” Does your child have endless questions? Does he actually search out answers through books or hands-on experiments? Is he learning to read easily and quickly? Does she use words above and beyond her peers? Is she very aware of information presented by adults and can she engage in a conversation at their level? Does he have a vivid imagination Map it? Does she create new worlds filled with characters? Can she lose herself in books? Many children do some of these things. The gifted child will actually live in a world of heightened awareness and consider questions the average learner does not. Advanced learners enjoy working independently and can often sustain their work for a long time. Successes in School
Identifying The Gifted Child:
What Parents Need to Know At one time or another you’ve probably wondered if your child is gifted. Maybe he can identify all the birds in your neighborhood. Or maybe your daughter is only four years old and already reading. How can you know for sure if your child is an exceptional learner? The truth is that in any given group of twenty to thirty children there are probably one or two gifted in at least in one subject area. Additionally, there are another handful of children who are eager, bright learners, but not gifted by academic definitions. Just what is a gifted child? Educators have wrestled with the definition for decades, but there is agreement on general traits that help us recognize talented learners. The National Association of Gifted Children says: “Gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of competence in 22 OCTOBER 2017
one or more domains.”1 Gifted children have high intelligence as measured by standardized testing. They learn information easily and remember it well. They have large vocabularies and are able to grasp abstract ideas. They are often creative and may be seen as leaders. They may excel in the visual or performing arts. They’re often ahead of others in hands-on physical skills. If you’ve noticed advanced learning patterns in your child’s early years, you may want to do a little systematic information-gathering to identify aptitudes. Here are some ways to begin putting the pieces of the identification puzzle together. You may find out that your son or daughter is a high-performing, engaged learner, but not gifted. Or you may find that he or she truly is gifted and would benefit from an enhanced learning environment.
Many gifted children excel in a traditional school setting. They get the highest grades, do the best work and “stand out” in the crowd. Sadly, some gifted students don’t function well at all in the rigid structure of a classroom schedule. They may seem disinterested or uncooperative because they need freedom to learn in their own unique ways and on their own timeline. Teachers will quickly pick up on advanced reading and writing ability and on logic and reasoning above the norm. It’s important to distinguish between the bright learner and the truly gifted learner. This chart, created by Diane Heacox and widely quoted in literature about gifted learners, compares the learning styles and abilities of these two distinct groups:
Bright
Knows the answers
Has good ideas
Learns with ease
Copies accurately
Absorbs information
Pleased with perfection
Enjoys sequential learning
Enjoys peers
Gifted
Asks the questions May have wild, silly ideas Already knows Creates new designs Manipulates information Can be self-criticaln Thrives on complexity Prefers adult company
You’ve probably wondered if your child is gifted. According to the National Association for Gifted Children, gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of competence in one or more domains. From the classroom teacher’s perspective the gifted child can present quite a challenge. Even extending lessons may not be enough to meet needs. The gifted learner is beyond the group, probably isn’t motivated by grades and learns information in one or two hearings. He will be frustrated by moving one step at a time with slower learners. Testing If you find your child on the gifted child side of the above chart, you may want to pursue testing and other means of evaluating potential. Understanding your child’s areas of special interest and ability can inform your curriculum choices. Gifted children often benefit from mentoring relationships in specific areas of study. A broad understanding of learning may allow gifted children to shine in areas such as music, art and drama. Your goal is to know your child and to support his or her learning journey. You can find more helpful information on identifying the gifted child from the following resources: www.gifted-children.com; www.gtworld.org; www.hoagiesgifted.org
Resources 1. National Association for Gifted Children: www.nagc.org. 2. Bright vs. Gifted chart: Janice Szabos as quoted in Differentiating Instruction in the Regular Classroom by Dianne Heacox, Free Spirit Publishing, 2001.
Resources for background information Who Are the Gifted? by James R. Parker, Gifted Education International 1997, Vol. 12, pp 85-90. A B Academic Publishers Bright Child vs. Gifted Child by Lynn Elizabeth Marlowe, lynnelizabethmarlowe.com, June 7, 2012. The Bright Child vs the Gifted Learner: What’s the Difference? By Christopher Taibbi, Psychology Today.com January 29, 2012. Is Your Child Gifted? www.education.com July 29, 2009. Giftedness and the Gifted: What’s It All About? Davidson Institute, ERIC Digest #E476, l990. OCTOBER 2017 23
Special Child Education Resources Aldersgate Academy 51 Children’s Way Enterprise FL 32725 386-668-4774
Services: Emotional/Behavioral disability Specefic learning disability, Other half impaired
Applied Behavior Center For Autis 111 South Alabama Avenue, Deland FL 32724 407-324-7772 Services: Occupational therapy, Speech impaired Language impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability Specific learning disability, Dual-sensory impaired Autism spectrum disorder, Traumatic brain injured Developmentally delayed, Established conditions, Intellectual Disability
Bethel Christian Academy 1407 W. Enterprise Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168 386-427-8889 Services: Speech impaired, Gifted, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed
Beyond Borders Christian School Inc 1011 W Intl. Speedway Blvd., Daytona FL 32114 386-333-9814 Services: Occupational therapy, Physical therapy Speech impaired, Language impaired Emotional/Behavioral Disability Specific learning disability, Gifted Hospital/Homebound, Dual-sensory impaired, Autism spectrum disorder, Traumatic brain injured, Developmentally delayed, Established conditions, Other health impaired, intellectual disability
Blake Memorial Day School 134 N Euclid Ave Lake Helen FL 32744 386-228-2829
Services: Speech impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability, Specefic learning disability, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed, Established conditions , Other health impaired, ntellectual disability
Blue Jay Academy 960 Rooster Road, South Daytona FL 32119 386-868-1979 Services: Speech impaired, Language impaired, Specific learning disability, Autism spectrum disorder, Other health impaired, Intellectual disability
Central Florida Academy 2700 Enterprise Rd., Orange City FL 32763 386-218-3906
Services: Speech impaired, Language impaired, Visually impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability, Gifted, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed
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Central Florida Academy 2700 Enterprise Rd., Orange City FL 32763 386-218-3906 Services: Occupational therapy, Speech impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing, Visually impaired, Specific learning disability, Gifted, Dual-sensory impaired, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmenally delayed, Established conditions, Other health impaired, Intellectual disability
Children’s House Montessori 509 E. Pennsylvania Ave, Deland FL 32724 386-736-3632 Services: Specific learning disability, Gifted
Daytona Beach Christian School 1850 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach FL 32119 386-760-4808 Services: Specific learning disability , Gifted, Autism spectrum disorder
Deltona Christian School 1200 Providence Boulevard, Deltona FL 32725 386-574-1971 Services: Occupational therapy , Speech impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing, Autism spectrum, disorder, Intellectual disability Discovery Days Institute Of Learning 227 North Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater FL 32132 386-428-0860 Services: Autism spectrum disorder
Edgehop Christian Academy 3042 Ridgewood Ave. Suit A Edgewater FL 32141 386-585-0588
Services: Langauge impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability Specific learning disability, Gifted, Autism spectrum disorder, Intellectual disability
Florida Autism Center- Daytona Beach 1128 Beville Road Suite A Daytona Beach FL 32114 386-267-3161 Services: Occupational therapy, Specific learning disability Gifted
Halifax Academy 275 Williamson Blvd. Daytona Beach FL 32114 386-252-9557
Services: Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability
Little Explorers Montessori 408 North Ridgewood Ave Edgewater FL 32132 386-423-2044
Services: Speech impaired, Language impaired, Specific learning disability, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed, Intellectual disability
Living Faith Academy 950 Derbyshire Rd., Daytona Beach FL 32117 386-258-1258 Services: Speech impaired, Language impaired, Specific learning disability, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed, intellectual disability
Monarch Academy 275 N. Williamson Blvd. Daytona Beach FL 32114 386-258-9664 Services: Specific learning disability
Ormond Beach Union Learning Center 1000 Old Tomoka Rd. Ormond Beach FL 32174 386-677-0494 Services: Specific learning disability
Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic School 1014 North Halifax Ave. Daytona Beach FL 32118 386-252-0391
Services: Speech impaired, Language impaired Deaf or hard of hearing, Specific learning disability Gifted , Autism spectrum disorder Traumatic brain injured, Developmentally delayed, Other health impaired, Intellectual disability
Reign Homeschooling Academy 868 George W. Engram Blvd Daytona Beach FL 32114 386-898-8188 Services:
Language impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability
Sacred Heart 1003 Turnbull Street New Smyrna Beach FL 32168 386-428-4732
Services: Speech impaired , Language impaired, Emotional/behaviorial disability, Gifted, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed
Saint Paul Catholic School 317 Mullally St. Daytona Beach FL 32114 386-252-7915
Services: Langauge impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability
Saint Peters Catholic School 421 West New York Avenue Deland FL 32720 386-822-6010
Services: Speech impaired, Langauge impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability, Gifted Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed
Sunrise Academy 2700 Enterprise Road Suite A Orange City FL 32763 386-775-7866
Services: Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Speech impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed, Other health impaired
Temple Beth-El School 579 N. Nova Rd Ormond Beach FL 32174 386-267-0952
Services: Specific learning disability, Gifted
The Chase Academy 2400 S. Ridgewood Ave Suit 17 Daytona Beach FL 32119 386-690-0893
Services: Speech impaired, Language impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing, Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability, Dual-sensory impaired, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed Other health impaired, Intellectual disability
Volusia Vpk Preschool 771 A Briarwood, Daytona Beach FL 32117 386-256-3929
St. Gerard Campus, Inc. 1405 Us 1 South, St. Augustine FL 32084 904-829-5516
Warner Christian Academy 1730 S Ridgewood Avenue South Daytona FL 32119 386-767-5451
St. Johns Grammar School 2353 Sr 13, St. Johns FL 32259 904-287-8760
Services: Specific learning disability, Gifted
Services: Speech impaired, Langauge impaired, Specific learning disability, Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed, Established conditions, Other health impaired
Word And Praise Christian Learning Center 955 Orange Avenue Suite 130 Daytona Beach FL 32114 386-257-2559 Services: Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability, Gifted
Accotink Academy By The Sea 171 Canal Blvd., Ponte Vedra FL 32082 904-273-4267
Services: Occupational therapy, Speech impaired Specific learning disability, Dual-sensory impaired
Florida Autism Center 124 Capulet Drive, St. Augustine FL 32092 866-610-0580 Services: Autism spectrum disorder
Beacon Of Hope Christian School 1230 Kings Estate Road St. Augustine FL 32086 904-797-6996
Services: Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability, Autism spectrum disorder,
Services: Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability, Established conditions, Other health impaired
Services: Orthopedically impaired, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy , Speech impaired, Language impaired, emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability, Gifted Autism spectrum disorder, Developmentally delayed, Established conditions Other health impaired, Intellectual disability
Tlc Academy 2109 Arc Drive, St Augustine FL 32084 904-824-7249
Services: Othopedically impaired, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Speech impaired, Language impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing, Visually impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability, Hospital/homebound, Dual-sensory impaired, Autism spectrum disorder
Turning Point Christian Academy 3500 State Road 16, Saint Augustine FL 32092 904-824-0744 Services: Occupational therapy, Speech impaired
Victory Preparatory School 110 Masters Drive, St. Augustine FL 32084 904-810-0535 Services: Occupational therapy, Speech impaired Deaf or hard of hearing, Specific learning Disability, Developmentlly delayed Other health impaired
First Baptist Christian Academy 201 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell FL 32110 386-446-0094
The Word Center Christian Academy 2120 S. Ridgewood Ave Units Edgewater FL 32141 386-426-1233 Services:
Bridgehaven Academy 190 S Roscoe Blvd Ponte Vedra FL 32082 904-687-6072
Services: Language impaired, Autism spectrum disorder
Services: Speech impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability Specific learning disabiliy, Autism spectrum disorder Developmentally delayed, Intellectual disability
Trinity Christian Academy 875 Elkcam Boulevard Deltona FL 32725 386-789-4515
Island Prep 4001 A1a S., Saint Augustine FL 32080 904-547-2996
Flagler Beach Montessori School 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach FL 32136 386-793-9567
Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability
Services: Othopedically impaired, Speech impaired, Deaf or hard of hearing, Specific learning disability, Gifted, Other health impaired
United Brethren In Christ Academy 560 Flomich Ave. Holly Hill FL 32117 386-947-7428 Services: Gifted, Developmentally delayed
Services: Speech impaired
Lighthouse Christian Academy 555 St. Rd, 16, Saint Augustine FL 32086 904-687-0767
Services: Specific learning disability, Hospital/homebound, Developmentally delayed
Matanzas Academy 4255 U.S. 1 South, Saint Augustine FL 32086 904-794-1623 Services: Specific learning disability, Gifted, Developmentally delayed, Established conditions
Services: Specific learning disability, Developmentally delayed, intellectual disability
Florida Autism Center 515 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast FL 32137 866-610-0580 Services: Speech impaired, Language impaired, Emotional/behavioral disability, Specific learning disability, Dual-sensory impaired, Autism spectrum disorder, Traumatic brain injured, Developmentally delayed, Intellectual disability, Occupational therapy, othopically impaired, physical therapy, deaf or hard of hearning
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Eight Soothing Stimuli 1. Physical Exertion - Biking, hiking, jogging or tag - Climbing, wrestling or tug of war - Pulling a loaded wagon, sled, or blanket - Piggyback rides or wheelbarrow races
2. Mindful Movement - Yoga, dance, and martial arts - Equipment that swings, spins or rocks - Fast and Slow Game: Sprint on the spot for ten seconds, then lie still for ten. Repeat three times. Notice the changes in your breath and body.
3. Breath Awareness - Blow bubbles or dandelion fuzz, and watch them float away - Blow through a straw to spread puddles of paint
Zen Play Every Day: Eight Soothing Stimuli to Relax Intense Kids by Laurie Zottmann
How can you tell if your child needs relaxation? If your offspring’s behaviour is driving you nuts, it is time to work on relaxation. Kids who are tightly wound can be exhausting; they might chronically overreact, demand constant attention, or seem like they are annoying you on purpose. Really, they are overwhelmed and need help to get grounded. Why focus on relaxation instead of behaviour management? Rewards and consequences are important in parenting. However, they work best when a child is in a calm state educators call “available for learning.” Anxiety impairs the brain, activating the fight-or-flight functions and inhibiting the areas that communicate, make plans, and solve problems. Stress also hampers impulse-control, making tense kids act defiant or start whining before they can consider the consequences. Building up your child’s “relaxation muscle” will help her respond to the world more effectively. She will think more clearly, make more positive choices and grow more confident and resilient. Further, when you switch your focus from her failures to her wellbe28 OCTOBER 2017
ing, your relationship with her will become more secure and productive. Teaching relaxation will turn things around with your child now, and equip her to face stress wisely for the rest of her life. It will soften your daily battles, and ease your parenting stress. How do you teach a child to relax? It’s easy – just start providing soothing activities every day. Help your youngster tune in to the way her body feels while she plays. With regular practice, she will begin to recognize and cultivate the feeling of calm. Her chronic stress will begin to fade, and she will feel and function better. Start playing with the Eight Soothing Stimuli listed below. Let your child experiment and decide how long to play. Notice what works for her. Week by week, watch for a shift in her behavior: more smiles, yeses, and “I can” attitude. Tell her how much you enjoy these relaxing moments with her, and compliment her when she shows calm in other situations. Don’t forget to pat your own back for creating and maintaining this beneficial space in your busy life.
- Blow on each other’s skin or hair
4. Calming Food - Eat mindfully, noticing how the food looks, feels, smells, sounds and tastes - Prepare and eat fragrant produce or baked goods together - Quietly drink thick liquids through a straw, or eat ponderously crunchy or chewy food
5. Water - Fill a sink or tray with water and add bubbles, toys, food coloring, etc. - Run through the sprinkler; feel the contrast of hot sun and cool water - Go swimming; paddle vigorously and float serenely
6. Sensory Play - Bury hands in a dry bin filled with sand, rice, or beans - Drive toys through a wet plateful of shaving cream, finger paint, or jello - Practice copying each other’s rhythms with clapping, stomping, and instruments
7. Music - Burn off excess energy with fast, upbeat music - Cultivate calm with lullabies, classical, folk, or reggae - Play music in the background during playtime or chores - Fall asleep to a mellow playlist
8. Nature - Romp around the playground - Have a bug safari or outdoor obstacle course - Make mud pies or a Fairy Garden - Eat outside
Six Relaxing Resources to Enjoy with Your Kids Kids Relaxation (Blog with tons of free activities, videos, and links) Kidsrelaxation.com Complete Muscle Relaxation Fun for Kids (Guided Relaxation Video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaTDNYjk-Gw
123Kids Yoga Full Class (Online Instructional Video) www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qBOdAde-mg Gaiam Yogakids 3 – Silly to Calm (DVD) www.gaia.com/video/yoga-kids-3silly-calm
ABC’s of Yoga for Kids by Teresa Anne Power (Book and Cards) www.abcyogaforkids.com
Quiet Time by Raffi (Music CD) www.amazon.com and www.amazon.ca
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Key Education Big Box of Easy-to-Read Words Educational Board Game • 250 self-checking puzzle pieces (approx. 1.5” x 2”) • 125 photo puzzle pieces (approx. 2” x 2”) • Builds vocabulary • Develops phonics skills • 4-page booklet with directions, teaching suggestions & games
Tangle Relax Therapy • Twistable therapy device with a new ergonomic approach to stress relief and hand therapy • Use Tangle Relax Therapy for hand and mind wellness • An excellent calming toy for anxious moments • With 8 pieces interconnected, this twisty toy keeps your fingers good and busy
HappyPie Foldable Children Nest Hanging Swing • Product Dimensions: 23.6x 59.1 x 23.6 inches ; 2.42 pounds • Maximum carrying weight is 130lbs.; suitable for children aged 2-9 years • Hanging crow’s nest seat and pod hammock: outer fabric: 100% pure very soft • Developed with the German Association for Posture (BAG) to optimize for the special needs of 2 - 9 year old children; Certified by TUV Rheinland
Empathy Activity Kit Educational Crafts and Feelings Game • ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS ages 3 and up. • 4 COMPLETE LEARNING PROJECTS with all materials and step-by-step visual instructions. • PRETEND PLAY Feelings Game to nurture Empathy in children. • TOP SOCIAL EMOTIONAL Learning Activities for kids with Autism, Aspergers, ADHD and Special Needs. Able Play Certified.
Peg Board Shapes Puzzle Occupational Therapy • Preschool Games Fine Motor Skills Stacking Counting & Learning. • GAMES FOR TODDLERS: Use with your child for sorting, color recognition, patterning, learning basic math skills such as counting, adding, subtraction and graphing. • EASY STORAGE & TRAVEL MONTESSORI TOYS: It comes with the Skoolzy drawstring backpack to easily store all the pieces and for your child to carry their peg board set at home, in the car or airplane.. Makes for quick and easy clean up.
Edushape Easy-grip Soft Foam Sensory Puzzle Blocks • DEVELOPMENTAL SKILLS: Foam shapes are moulded into right angle variations; including “C”, T”, “L” and zigzag shapes which aids in the development of spacial, logic and reasoning skills. • VISUAL DEVELOPMENT: Bright and Vibrant colors capture your child’s imagination. • SENSORY DEVELOPMENT: Protruding pyramid shaped nubs on all sides of these blocks encourage gross and fine motor skill development. • SPECIAL NEEDS: 1 inch size and texture, softness and shape adapts well for use with children with special needs, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, the blind.
Abilitations Chewlery Soft Elephant Chew Sensory Seeker Solutions for Mild through Avid Chewers
health
Maximize Precious Minutes with Medical Specialists by Sue LeBreton
Taking your child to see a medical specialist dredges up a complex mixture of emotions. Understandably, you worry about the condition that has caused you to seek the assistance of this specialist. Add in your hope that this expert can provide answers. Stir in any intimidation you feel if you are not a medical person and you have a recipe for a stressful interaction. You can ease your anxiety about this meeting through preparation. If you spend some time before the appointment detailing your child’s health history in writing you will demonstrate that you respect the busy schedule of the specialist and you will maximize the benefit of the interaction. Think of yourself as a fellow detective evidence to help the specialist solve your child’s case.Remember, even things that seem unrelated to you can be significant to the medical expert.
The Basics Your primary tool is a detailed document that includes your child’s name, date of birth, medical number if applicable and a notation that this was prepared by you on this date. If your document has multiple pages, number the pages and ensure these identifiers are on each page. What else should you include in your child’s health history? Start at the beginning, no matter the age of your child. Was your pregnancy normal? Was your child born full term? Were there any complications during pregnancy? Were there any complications during delivery? Was the baby delivered naturally? Did your baby require any medical interventions at birth? Did you breastfeed and if so, for how long? How would you describe your baby? Fussy? Easy? Do you have other children? What is the status of their health?
Developmental Milestones Note developmental milestones such as when your child first sat, waved goodbye, walked, was toilet trained and talked. If your child is in school, how do they perform academically? Does your child require any modifications or accommodations at school? Has the teacher noticed any changes or behaviors of concern? Has your child’s eye sight and hearing been tested? Note the results and timing of any such tests.
Family History The specialist may be interested in either parent’s medical conditions. Include conditions that you experienced even if you have grown out of them. Remember grandparents on both maternal and paternal sides, do they have any medical or psychological issues? Even if you think these conditions are unrelated, try to give the specialist as much information as possible. This is no time to guard family secrets.
Current Concern When did you first become concerned about this issue and why? How often do you see symptoms or behaviors that concern you? Have you tracked symptoms on a calendar? You may notice symptoms only on certain days of the week or seasonally and that pattern can give the specialist important clues.
The Appointment Take a deep breath and reassure yourself that despite the expertise of whomever you are interacting with, you are the expert concerning your child. Give one copy of your carefully prepared heath history to the specialist and keep one for your personal reference. This will help you stay focused and remember important information. It is easy to forget pertinent details when you are experiencing stress. Also, you can be distracted trying to placate a child who may not want to be there. Bring a pen and notebook to scribe any instructions or questions you cannot answer in the moment.
Medical Interventions
Post Appointment
Has your child ever been hospitalized? If so, when, for what reason and for how long? Is your child currently on any medication? Bring medications with you so that the specialist can confirm dosages. Detail any previous use of medications and why they were discontinued. Remember to document any supplements or alternative therapies. Has your child seen other specialists? Include their names, dates and any follow up that has resulted.
Open up your original document and add the details of your visit including the doctor’s name and any recommendations made. Note any follow up. Try to do this as soon as possible after the visit when your memories are fresh. As you add to your document, are there any questions you forgot to ask? Add them to your document so you have a record to remind you to address them in other visits with this specialist or other appropriate professionals.
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Fall Festivals & Halloween Happenings Amazing Grace Crop Maze Oct 6th - Oct 28th
Fridays: 5:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m., Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Closed on Sundays 2899 Wisteria Farms Road, Green Cove Springs, Florida Amazing Grace Crop Maze is committed to being good stewards of God’s blessings by providing safe family-oriented entertainment while teaching visitors about the agriculture industry. Attractions at Amazing Grace Crop Maze: Barnyard Ball Zone; Corn crib; Corn hole; Cow train; Crop Maze; Duck races; Family Photo ops; Farm animals; Haybale Maze; Jump Pad; Playground; Pumpkin Patch; Rat Rollers and Wagon Rides. http://agcropmaze.com/
Tommy’s Pumpkin Patch & Fun Zone
2460 County Rd 210 West, Saint Augustine, Florida Experience Fall at its Best! Come out and enjoy our “Fun Zone” filled with exciting things for the entire family, and when you are all done with the Fun Zone pick out a pumpkin to take home! For more info 904-342-2092 or visit https://www.facebook. com/TommysPumpkinPatch/
Cowart Ranch and Farms Crop Maze and Fall Festival Oct. 6th – 29th
8185 W Highway 100, Bunnell, Florida, FL 32110 Fall festivities feature a life-size walk through maze, a pumpkin patch/sunflower patch, hayrides, farm animals, and so many other fun activities to do on the farm! Admission $10, children under 3, FREE. More info: 386-437-0750 or visit www.mazedayz.com
Halloween Themed Walking Tours Oct 1st – 31st
This Halloween, get in the spirit by enjoying one of St Augustine’s special tours or events. Events and activities will take place throughout the month of October and include: The St. Augustine Pub Crawl, St. Augustine Creepy Crawl, History-Mystery-Mayhem and Murder, and the Savory Faire. Eat good food; discover the history behind some of the city’s most haunted places and party with friends at various locations. For more info visit http://www.ghostsandgravestones.com/st-augustine
49th Annual Prince of Peace Octoberfest Oct 12th - 15th
600 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida Since 1968, the Prince of Peace Octoberfest has been delighting the citizens of Ormond Beach and surrounding areas with thrilling rides, amazing talent, fair food favorites, and the best in local and regional entertainment. Free Admission, small fee for parking. Visit www.princeofpeaceormond.com/octoberfest or purchase wristbands at your local Walgreens.
Screamin’ Green Hauntoween at Crayola Experience October 7th thru October 31st
Open Daily 10a.m. – 8p.m. 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail , Orlando, FL 32809 Werewolves, witches and monsters - oh my! Spooky and colorful family fun awaits! In addition to 26 exciting hands-on attractions you’ll create monster-rific crafts, snap spooktacular character photos, go on a themed scavenger hunt and even trick-ortreat throughout the attraction.* There is so much to BOO - you may never leave! All included with the price of admission. General Admission: $22.99 + tax per person. Annual Passes: $29.99 + tax per person. h t t p : / / w w w. c r a y o l a e x p e r i e n c e . c o m / o r l a n d o / c a l e n dar-and-news/events-and-promotions/special-events/screamin-green-hauntoween.aspx
Sykes & Cooper Farms Corn Maze & More October 7th thru October 29th
5995 Brough Road (Off of SR 207), Elkton, Florida 32033 Friday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We combine a 9-acre corn maze full of “cornfusing” twists and turns, “live” entertainment including, Jack, the loudest hee- hawing donkey around and lots of farmtastic family fun… Mix it all together and you have “Agritainment”!You don’t want to miss kiddie maze, new furry friends, corn cannons, duck races and MORE, you are sure to have an a-MAZE-ing time at Sykes and Cooper Farms! $10 General Admission, $8 Senior Citizens, $8 Military (with ID), 2 and under are FREE! More info at www.sycofarms.com or call 904-692-1084.
13th Annual Creekside Festival of Flagler County October 7th & October 8th
Princess Place Reserve 2500 Princess Place Road, Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held on the shores of Pellicer Creek, the Creekside Festival has become one of the most popular festivals around, attracting more than 10,000 visitors each year. The draw? A two-day festival with family friendly activities including live bluegrass music, historical demonstrations and exhibits, arts & crafts vendors, a photography contest, a kids’ zone, pony rides, amazing food vendors and much more, all in a picturesque natural setting. Admission is $7 per carload per day. Visit: http://www.flaglerchamber.org/pages/creekside-festival for more information.
Heritage Farms Fall Farm Days September 28th thru October 31st
1338 W. Plymouth Ave., Deland, Florida Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Corn maze and pumpkin patch, Hayrides, family fun and nighttime maze! https:// www.facebook.com/Heritage-Farms-372590736230562/
Haunted Hayrides Oct 14th thru Oct 29th
6130 SR 11, DeLeon Springs, FL. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. This is our 8th Annual Haunted Hay Ride Event - With Well decorated Halloween party environment - free family photo coffin ops and watch horror flicks on our big 20ft projector. Admission $10. Supporting Embry Riddle Students. Free Family Fun day, Oct 30th 2-6pm.
Orchtoberfest Oct 21st thru Oct 23rd
Power Plant Green House - 4265 Marsh Rd., Deland, Florida 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Bounce House, Hay Rides, Authentic German food! Over 17,000 square feet of plants to choose from! 386-490-6924
15th Annual Halloween Spooktacular Oct 27th thru Oct 28th
City of Deltona Dewey O. Boster Sports Complex. 1200 Saxon Blvd, Deltona, Florida 6:00 p.m. Friday night is Teen Night which includes a Haunted Pirate Ship, Haunted Trail, Hayride, and a D.J. as well as other musical groups. Saturday night is Family Night, which includes Haunted Pirate Ship, Haunted Trail and the Hayride but, also Halloween games and prizes, inflatables, treats, a pie eating contest and a frightening freaky food contest. For more info call 386-878-8900.
Halloween Boo Bash Oct 27th
Belle Terre Park - 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast, Florida 32164 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Halloween Boo Bash is a family friendly, safe event for all ages. We encourage everyone to come in costume and enjoy the activities. For more info call 386 986-3700 or visit www.palmcoastgov.com.
ZOO BOO BASH Oct 28th thru Oct 29th
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens - 3755 NW Hwy 17-92 Sanford, Florida 9:00 a.m. thru 3:00 p.m. Trick-or-treat in the wildest neighborhood in town during ZOO Boo Bash. It’s a safe, fun, and not-too-scary event for young and old alike. Kids are invited to bring goody bags and wear costumes for trick or treat stations. If you forget your costume, not a problem, our face painter will help you fit right in. Walk on Water Balls will also be available for an additional charge. Learn about the myths and realities of some misunderstood animals. http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/events
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health
36 OCTOBER 2017
OCTOBER 2017 37
feature
Dismantle The Mean Girl Time Bomb Before Middle School: A Primer For Moms
by Christina Katz The best way to make a positive impact on the girl vs. girl trend sweeping the nation is to address and redirect mean girl behavior in our daughters. Like many mothers of daughters I polled, I started noticing mean girl behavior early in my daughter’s public school experience. Ironically, the behavior wasn’t coming from acquaintances, but from girls my daughter considered friends. This brings up an uncomfortable reality: there is not much we can do about mean girl behavior in other people’s kids. We can report it to their parents or to school or organization authorities, but there is little more we can do to ameliorate mean girl situations once they are happening. So what’s a pro-active mom to do?
Take heart. There is much you can do to prevent mean girl behavior in your own daughter. One more girl setting an example of how to be kind and emotionally intelligent, despite peer pressure moving in the opposite direction, can help turn the tide. If mothers can encourage their daughters to stay open, vulnerable, and in touch with feelings no matter what, we might be able to dismantle the mean girl time bomb that ticks silently away inside every girl, just waiting to go off when that girl is pushed too far. 38 OCTOBER 2017
Only when girls understand that bullying is never acceptable can a better example spread. If your daughter can embody healthier choices, she can help create harmony within her middle school girl tribe. Here are six crucial ways moms can prepare daughters to navigate the social pressures of middle school.
Define Meanness. Rudeness, meanness, and bullying exist on a behavior spectrum. Meanness is intentionally hurtful, as opposed to rudeness,
which is unintentionally hurtful. One of the problems with mean girl behavior is that it can be subtle, insidious, and elusive. Teach your daughter the difference between the three types of behaviors and how to tell the difference between someone who is consistently, purposefully mean and someone who simply makes a mistake. Make sure your child understands that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that you expect her to be kind regardless of circumstances. Keep talking about what these three behaviors mean on an ongoing basis, until your
daughter can tell the difference. Once she knows she always has a choice about how to respond in any situation, you are making good progress.
Encourage Self-acceptance Over Popularity. Left to their own devices, kids will always decide that being popular is better than not being popular. In middle school, popularity is perceived as power and kids are instinctively hungry for it. Make sure you don’t secretly hope your child will be one of the popular kids. If you put this trip on your child, you are encouraging her to put perceptions over feelings, which can lead to imposter syndrome. If you want your child to be authentic and emotionally intelligent, this means accepting and liking her as she is so she can accept and like herself. If you want your daughter to have genuine self-esteem, conversations on self-acceptance need to start young, long before middle school. Then let the popularity chips fall where they may. After all, popularity does not necessarily equal happiness.
Teach How To Detach From Drama. No matter how secure and emotionally intelligent your child, hormones will be ebbing and flowing in middle school. Rather than letting this become an excuse for poor behavior, teach your daughter to step back from situations when erratic emotions are involved. Girl vendettas are common in middle school and can ignite for the slightest reasons. Your daughter may empathize with one or both girls and get inadvertently sucked into a feud if she does not know how to avoid one. Teach your daughter to listen to the facts and form her own opinion without getting involved in any drama. Encourage her to not take sides when one girl turns against another, but to be the voice of reason whenever possible. Affirm that girls need to stick together and prop each other up when they are having a bad day without getting overly involved in solving each other’s problems. Once your daughter understands that drama is a distraction from personal priorities, she can more easily steer clear.
Model Healthy Communication. Girls often start to lose their authentic voices when they become teenagers. So your job as your daughter’s confidante is to keep the doors of communication open and let her be honest and real with you as she is try-
ing to figure everything out. If your formerly sunshiny girl suddenly turns partly cloudy, don’t fret. She may push you away and not want to talk as much as she used to, but don’t give in to the common misperception that teenagers need to be left alone. Your middleschooler can’t navigate this brave new social world solo. If you expect her to, she is going to feel stressed and look for friends who can help her take the edge off. You have to be there, mom, every day, listening and responsive, whenever either of you wants to talk.
Keep Your Negativity In Check. When confronted with a challenging situation, your daughter will intuitively imitate the way you behave. If you project negativity onto others, she is going to learn to do the same. If you are insecure, she will be insecure. If you are superior and competitive with others, she will follow suit. If you judge and condemn…I am sure you get the picture. You can’t hold your daughter accountable for her attitudes and actions, if you are not accountable for yours. Be sure you set a good example, mom, or you just might see your least appealing qualities reflected back to you in your daughter’s behavior. Reinforce & Challenge Your Daughter’s Strengths. If you want your daughter to be a leader, not a follower, she needs to know and use her strengths. If you and the rest of your family don’t reflect her strengths back to her, it’s going to take your daughter longer to activate her personal power. If you only reflect back her weaknesses, she is going to believe she is a walking, talking pile of not good enough, which makes her an easy target for mean girls. Girls with high self-esteem don’t usually become targets and self-motivated girls don’t focus on the behavior of others. If they have a negative encounter with another girl, they shrug it off and bounce back quickly. So make sure your daughter is armed with something besides superiority and a sharp tongue. Be certain she knows what she is good at and encourage her to put her strengths to good use in your community for the benefit of all. If your daughter is busy exercising her skills, challenging herself to reach new goals, and striving to make a positive impact in the world, she will gain the healthy
self-esteem and confidence that result from positive personal experiences. Happy, engaged kids are less likely to bully others. Once your daughter understands the dynamics of mean girl behavior, she can steer clear of drama when it crops up and will keep you in the loop as to how she handled it. These are the kinds of conversations every mom hopes to have with her daughter in middle school. If you are not having them, then maybe your daughter needs the mean girl primer only you can give her. Take the time to educate yourself about how to avoid mean girl behavior before middle school starts, mom. Then share what you learn with your daughter. You will both be so glad you did.
Mean Girl Behavior Books For Moms Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World by Rosalind Wiseman Little Girls Can Be Mean: Four Steps to Bully-proof Girls in the Early Grades by Michelle Anthony and Reyna Lindert Odd Girl Out, Revised and Updated: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls by Rachel Simmons
Mean Girl Behavior Books For Elementary School Girls Stand Up for Yourself and Your Friends: Dealing with Bullies and Bossiness and Finding a Better Way by Patti Kelley Criswell A Smart Girl’s Guide: Friendship Troubles: Dealing With Fights, Being Left Out & The Whole Popularity Thing by Patti Kelley Criswell A Smart Girl’s Guide: Drama, Rumors & Secrets: Staying True to Yourself in Changing Times by Nancy Holyoke
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JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it. Two Reels – Coulda been a contender Three Reels – Something to talk about. Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick! Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
MOVIES FOR KIDS & TEENS OCTOBER 2017 MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE Rated PG for mild action. In Theaters 10/6. Ok for kids 4+. Reel Review:
ONLY THE BRAVE
Rated PG-13 for thematic content, some sexual references, language and drug material. In theaters 10/20. Ok for kids 13+. Reel Preview:
This new animated movie finds a dark force threatening Ponyville. The Mane 6 – Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity – embark on an unforgettable journey beyond Equestria where they meet new friends and exciting challenges on a quest to use the magic of friendship and save their home. Directed by Jayson Theissen, this movie features all new music, with the Mane Six characters voiced by Tara Strong, Cathy Weseluck, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain and Ashleigh Ball. Voice talent also includes Kristin Chenoweth, Emily Blunt, Zoe Saldana, Liev Schreiber, and Taye Diggs.
All men are created equal ... then, a few become firefighters. Based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, this movie tells the heroic story of one unit of local firefighters that through hope, determination, sacrifice, and the drive to protect families, communities, and our country, become one of the most elite firefighting teams in the country. As most of us run from danger, they run toward it - they watch over our lives, our homes, everything we hold dear, as they forge a unique brotherhood that comes into focus with one fateful fire. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this movie stars Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, James Badge Dale, Taylor Kitsch and Jennifer Connelly.
MARSHALL
GEOSTORM
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, sexuality, violence and some strong language. In theaters 10/13. Ok for kids 14+. Reel Preview: Long before he sat on the United States Supreme Court or claimed victory in Brown v. Board of Education, Thurgood Marshall (Chadwick Boseman) was a young rabble-rousing attorney for the NAACP. This film tells the true story of his greatest challenge in those early days – a fight he fought alongside attorney Sam Friedman (Josh Gad), a young lawyer with no experience in criminal law: the case of black chauffeur Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown), accused by his white employer, Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson), of sexual assault and attempted murder. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, this film also stars Dan Stevens and James Cromwell.
Rated PG-13 for destruction, action and violence. In theaters 10/20 (2D, 3D, IMAX). Ok for kids 13+. Reel Preview: After an unprecedented series of natural disasters threatens the planet, the world’s leaders came together to create an intricate network of satellites to control the global climate and keep everyone safe. But now, something has gone wrong. The system built to protect the Earth is attacking it, and it’s a race against the clock to uncover the real threat before a worldwide geostorm wipes out everything and everyone. Directed by Dean Devlin, this movie stars Gerard Butler, Jim Sturgess, Abbie Cornish, Ed Harris and Andy Garcia.
THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US
WONDERSTRUCK
Rated PG for thematic elements and smoking. In Theaters 10/20. Ok for kids 9+.
Rated PG-13 for a scene of sexuality, peril, injury images, and brief strong language. In Theaters 10/6. Ok for kids 13+.
Reel Preview:
Reel Preview:
Based on Brian Selznick’s critically-acclaimed YA novel, this movie tells the story of Ben and Rose, children from two different eras who secretly wish their lives were different. Ben longs for the father he has never known, while Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his home and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out on quests to find what they are missing that unfold with mesmerizing symmetry.
Stranded after a tragic plane crash, two strangers must forge a connection to survive the extreme elements of a remote snow covered mountain. When they realize help is not coming, they embark on a perilous journey across hundreds of miles of wilderness, pushing one another to endure and discovering strength they never knew possible. Based on the Charles Martin book, this film is directed by Academy Award nominee Hany Abu-Assad and also stars Dermot Mulroney and Beau Bridges.Sturgess, Abbie Cornish, Ed Harris and Andy Garcia.
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OCTOBER 2017 41
feature
15 Books For Kids
to Read About Bullying When your child is bullied, you may feel as frustrated and powerless as they do, as well as unsure of how to help them address the abuse. And while anti-bullying campaigns have raised awareness at schools, teachers and other personnel often don’t know what to do either. The emotions that often arise from bullying - shame, fear, depression, and low self-confidence may keep you or child from even asking for help. Shannon Hale, a best-selling author of multiple children’s books, says when her parents read Real Friends, her graphic memoir on her experience being bullied, they were surprised to know it happened. “When I was a kid I didn’t have the words to explain it,” says Hale. “I was neck deep in that reality and didn’t have enough perspective to be able to tell my own story to my parents or anyone else.” Reading books on bullying is a way to bring the topic up in conversation. Hale says when she read her book to her own kids, “they were able to point to different parts and say, ‘I know how that feels,’ or ‘that happened to me too.’” She believes kids need other people’s stories to process their own. Books can also help your kids find ways to help themselves, even when the bullying can’t be stopped. Aija Mayrock wrote The Survival Guide to Bullying when she was still a teen and her experience
was not only fresh in her mind, but also ongoing. She believes it’s important for kids who are being bullied to read about other kids who have endured the same struggle for one simple reason: To recognize they are not alone. “When I was being bullied,” she says, “I felt like I was the only person in the world going through it. Obviously, I was so wrong. But it’s so easy to feel alone, misunderstood, and alienated. Books about bullying not only encourage resilience and strength, but also a sense of comfort and understanding. The stories that I read (during the time I was bullied) helped me find the strength to persevere, no matter how difficult it got.” But what if you suspect your child is a bully. Can books help them too? Frank Cottrell Boyce says he thinks they can. Boyce, author of The Astounding Broccoli Boy, says, “Most bullies are fearful themselves, or locked in patterns of behavior that they didn’t create themselves. They are kids who find it hard to admit their own fear and weakness.” Boyce says his character Grim from his book is, in a way, “having a much worse time than Rory (the protagonist). I think if a bully read about Grim they would be delighted to find that there is a way out of being that character.”
Here is a list of books that address bullying. Use them to start a conversation or to educate yourself and your children about the many different forms bullying takes.
Ages 6 to 8 The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes This Newbery-award winner from 1945 about a girl who claims to have 100 dresses but wears only one to school every day still resonates in modern times. This story includes the perspective of a character who is a bystander to bullying.
The Invisible Boy by Tracy Ludwig Nobody at school thinks to include Brian in their games, invites him to birthday parties, or sits with him at lunch. Even his teacher doesn’t seem to know he exists. Then a new boy arrives and Brian befriends him when others don’t.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes Chrysanthemum loves her name until she starts school and the kids tease her for her long and unusual moniker. Her parents comfort her, and her teacher supports her, giving her the confidence to accept herself. 42 OCTOBER 2017
Ages 9 to 13 The Astounding Broccoli Boy by Frank Cottrell Boyce Rory Rooney and his bully both land in the isolation ward of a local hospital when their skin turns green. While alone together they discover unknown things about each other. This story gives voice to the bullied, the bullies, and those who are powerless to make themselves heard.
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham When Hale was bullied by her friends, she relied on her own ability to make up games and tell stories until she eventually found new friends who were happy with her as she was. This graphic memoir should encourage others who may feel like outcasts within a group.
Secret Coders by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes This graphic novel teaches kids the basics of coding while also telling a story about making friends and fitting in, standing up to bullies, and challenging authority.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio After being homeschooled, August enters fifth grade at a public school, where he faces ridicule for his facial deformities. With courage and humor he learns to cope with difficult new situations and changes the perspective of those around him.
Tangerine by Edward Bloor Paul Fisher, who wears thick glasses and struggles to remember the accident that left him legally blind, sees more than people believe. But it’s not until he joins the soccer team and makes new friends that he uncovers the truth about his brother’s bullying his family would rather ignore.
Smile by Raina Telgemeier Telgemeier lost two front teeth after an accident when she was 12. Painful treatment followed, as did bullying about her looks with headgear, false teeth, and more. She tells her story in a graphic memoir sure to resonate with anyone who has worn orthodontia.
Ages 14 and Up Dear Bully: Seventy Authors Tell Their Stories edited by Megan Kelley Hall and Carrie Jones These personal stories written by authors of popular novels for teens tell of their own experiences with bullying. In some cases they were victims; in others they were bystanders. Some were even bullies themselves. Everybody Sees the Ants by A. S. King Most people in Lucky Linderman’s life turn a blind eye to his abuser because they don’t know how to stop the bullying. Even his parents gave up after years of trying to help. When something dramatic happens, it puts him on a path to figure out how to help himself. Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick Leonard has decided he’s going to kill himself and the guy who torments him, a former friend. But first, he decides to say goodbye in his own way to the people who made a difference in his life. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie All his life Arnold’s been picked on because he looks strange. But when he transfers from his high school at the Spokane Indian Reservation to a white school, he is targeted at home and his new school. His challenge is to be true to himself despite pressure to conform. The Survival Guide to Bullying by Aija Mayrock Mayrock wrote this nonfiction book when she was a teenager, because she wanted to show other teens they weren’t alone in what they were experiencing. Her first-hand account gives survival tips, advice for getting help, and more. OCTOBER 2017 43
education
School News
October 2017
New ESOL Teachers and Hispanic Character Camp
Career and Technical Education Update This summer was extremely productive in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department. Over 100 rising seniors completed summer internships related to their academy focus. CTE also supported 11 non-career academy internships through business partners. A big thank you to the teachers who came in over the summer to help pave the way for a smooth school year ahead. Congratulations to the following schools for their summer accomplishments: PVHS Academy of International Business & Marketing sent 13 students in June to the FL Business Leaders of America national competition in Anaheim, CA. SAHS St. Johns County Aerospace Academy sent five students from June 22 – 24 to the Technology Student Association national competition in Anaheim, CA. The team came in 8th place in Video Game Design. CHS Academy of Emerging Technology sent students to compete at the Future Business Leaders of America National conference in Anaheim, CA in June. Students received 2nd in Management Information Systems, 4th in Network Design and 6th place in Public Speaking out of 13,000 competitors. With the school year in motion, we turn our attention to the classroom as well as our business and advisory meetings. Each Career Academy has a Business Advisory Board that meets four times per year. Those meetings have begun, and we are looking forward to working with our students, teachers and community to make our programs the best in the country! 44 OCTOBER 2017
Federal Programs is excited to have two new traveling ESOL teachers this year who will coach teachers, counselors and work with the students in small groups to help meet their needs. The district continues to offer Rosetta Stone for beginners while supplementing with an innovative language and literacy software called Imagine Learning with instruction focusing on building academic vocabulary. This software provides one-on-one tutorials and detailed reports to help general education teachers utilize as grades. Also, the Federal Programs Department is again collaborating with Flagler College and the Collaborative Online Mentoring Program for English Learners (COMPEL) Program where we connect one of our ELLs to an education intern as they share in an online lesson via Zoom. Federal Programs was also thrilled to be a part of promoting a first-ever Hispanic Character Camp this past July sponsored by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Students from three counties gathered and shared in football-oriented activities, learned about CHARACTER COUNTS!, met football players, received a t-shirt, lunch and two tickets to a Jaguars pre-season game. All had fun, and it was definitely an experience to remember.
Pre-K Classrooms and Monday Fundays College and Career Night The Guidance and Choice Department presented the annual College and Career Night September 6. St. Augustine High School was the host school for this year’s event. Over 80 representatives from post-secondary universities, colleges and career technical schools provided students in grades 8-12 and their families from public, private and home school of St. Johns County with an opportunity to learn more about their institutions and programs. Also, over a dozen mini-workshops were provided on topics such as the college admission process and financial aid. The event was well attended by students and families throughout the county. We are grateful for the collaborative effort between the department and St. Augustine High School for this year’s successful event!
Science Textbook Adoption Florida adopts instructional materials for those specific courses within a selected subject area on a rotating basis. The Florida Department of Education publishes specifications. These specifications outline the courses, as well as the standards materials, must meet. This year, the district is adopting science textbooks. Detailed information is available on the FLDOE website at http://www.fldoe.org/academics/standards/instructional-materials/. The textbook adoption process includes teachers and parents. If you are interested in serving on the Review Committee, please contact the School Advisory Council (SAC) chairperson at your school.
It has been an exciting start to the 20172018 school year for the school district’s youngest learners. The St. Johns County School District continues to make early education a priority for our community by providing free full day pre-k programs at Crookshank and Osceola elementary schools and The Webster School. These three schools have 18 pre-k classrooms with over 300 total students. Early Childhood Services kicked off the Monday Funday program with “Once Upon a Mat,” a children’s yoga session. The Monday Funday program is not only for preschoolers but for parents as well. This year the Early Childhood Services staff will be offering an eight-week parent curriculum that will be held once a month during Monday Funday. This curriculum will provide parenting tips and tools in addition to providing an opportunity to collaborate with other parents and the Early Childhood staff.
Monday Funday Schedule Monday Fundays are held 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Yates Building located at 47 Orange Street in St. Augustine. Each Monday that school is in session, the Early Childhood Services team will provide fun and engaging activities for families. Activities will rotate each week: 1st Monday of the month: Bigger than Books – Literacy Activity 2nd Monday of the month: Cookin’ Kids – Health/Nutrition/Cooking 3rd Monday of the month: Science is Fun 4th Monday of the month: Kids Yoga and Parent Meeting
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Family Fun Guide Grace Kids Camp Wednesday, October 11 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Grace United Methodist Church, 8 Carrera Street St. Augustine, FL 32084 Cost: Free Grace Kids Camp is held every Wednesday (except the first Wednesday of the month when PowerHouse meets instead) at Grace United Methodist Church located at the corner of Cordova & Carrera Streets in downtown St. Augustine. This is an active midweek Bible-based program for kids ages 3 years through 5th grade. Caregivers drop kids off and we begin with some playtime outside before heading in to begin our camp activities which include worship through music & prayer, bible study, games, crafts, and a time of free play where kids can build friendships. Grace Kids Camp is an active midweek program that allows our kids to learn while deepening their friendships with each other and with Jesus. Website: gracestaugustine.org Martha Yamnitz: 904-829-8272 marthayamnitz@gmail.com Illegally Yours - A Free Movie Event! Wednesday, October 11 7:00 pm St. Augustine Amphitheatre 1340 A1A South Saint Augustine, Florida 32080 Free Admission with free parking at the Amphitheatre FREE MOVIE EVENT!! The St. Augustine Historical Society, St. Johns County Public Library System, the Castillo de San Marcos of the National Park Service and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre have planned an event to commemorate the cinematic adventure, Illegally Yours, filmed in St. Augustine in 1987! There will also be an 80s Costume Contest with the best dressed 80s attendee winning a pair of St. Augustine Amphitheatre tickets!! Introduction to Modern Calligraphy Thursday, October 12 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm 4031 Blanding Boulevard Jacksonville, FL 32210 Cost: $90.00 If you are wanting to create that great Calligraphy look for larger projects such as mirrors, chalk boards or wooden signs – this is the class for you! No experience is needed and all supplies are included in the class! calligraphybycami.com Annual St. Augustine Greek Festival Friday, October 13 All Day Event Francis Field, Downtown at 29 W. Castillo Drive St. Augustine, FL 32084 Cost: $5. Children under 14 are free with paying adult. Active-duty military and first-responders get in free too. The St. Augustine Greek Festival celebrates all things Greek -- food, dancing, music and heritage. Taste from our homemade Greek foods and Greek pastries; join us in traditional Greek dancing and music, an outdoor marketplace and Kids Center with carnival rides & games and other children’s activities, and much more. www.stauggreekfest.com 904-479-6729 info@stauggreekfest.com
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St. Augustine Orchestra Season Opener Friday, October 13 8:00 am - 10:00 am Anastasia Baptist Church 1650 A1A South St. Augustine, FL 32080 Cost: $20 for adults / $5 for students with ID / children 12 and under free We will feature seven American composers whose rich sound is proof that classical music has strong roots in the US – and that its composers can be highly interesting too! staugustineorchestra.org Music for Minis Friday, October 13, 2017, 10:15 am 11 Old Mission Avenue, Saint Augustine, Florida Cost: $10 Drop In Or $85 Punch Card For 10 Classes That Doesn’t Expire! A music class for babies, toddlers, and minis up to 5 years old including songs, dancing, instruments and music inspired stories! www.facebook.com (386) 299-3932 lauraantoni@gmail.com 1st Annual St. Augustine Songwriters Festival Friday, October 13 5:30 pm Sure you know the songs. You sing them in the car and at work. Some songs make you laugh, some make you smile, and some make you cry. Just a simple note or familiar lyric can fast track you back to that first back seat kiss or first hardwood floor dance. Songs create life long memories. What if you could hear it from the creator and learn the inspiration that brought the song to existence? Find out or meet who the song was written about or for. The St. Augustine Songwriters Festival will feature today’s hottest hit songwriters, legends of yesterday and the shining stars of tomorrow. All at the fantastic stages scattered about the beautiful town of St. Augustine. staugustinesongwritersfestival.com Creative Me! Art Studio Cookies & Canvas Friday, October 13 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Creative Me Art Studio - 132 Everest Lane, Suite # 3, St. Johns, FL, 32259 Cost: $20 per painter Open to Anyone 8+. You can join your child in our two-hour teacher guided class. www.creativemeartstudio.com (904) 770-2222 Ted@CreativeMeArtStudio.com Let’s Talk Turkey Friday, October 13 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Hoptinger - St. Augustine 200 Anastasia Blvd, Saint Augustine, Florida 32080 Cost: $10 online or $15 at the door Join GREAT Rescue & Hoptinger for a fun evening of food, drink and socializing with fellow Golden Retriever lovers (and Golden Retrievers) as we raise money to transport additional rescued Golden Retrievers from Turkey this fall. *50% of the proceeds from the sale of the Turkey Dog and Turkey Tumbler to benefit GREAT Rescue.
The Beaches Oktoberfest Friday, October 13 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Location: 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250 Cost: $15 - $35 The Beaches Oktoberfest - Jacksonville Beaches Largest Family Friendly Festival will be taking place at the Sea Walk Pavilion on October 13-15, 2017. The annual festival attracts over 55,000 visitors and offers a large variety of german, craft and oktoberfest beers, food trucks, a 110+ ft ferris wheel, arts & crafts market, games, activities, kid zone and so much more. Spooky Stables Haunted Mansion Friday, October 13 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm 5780 County Rd 305 Elkton, FL 32033 Cost: $5 with canned food donation – $8 without Rype & Readi will be shrouded in darkness and the creatures that lurk within are no longer bound by the rules. You’ll experience the tribal fires of our Scarecrows and witness the spooky stables as never before. Enjoy some cider, a fresh donut, and join us for a Bite & Fright! Spooky Stables Haunted Mansion includes: The Witch’s Kitchen, The Butcher Barn, Creepy Camping, The Electric Chair, Zombie Cemetery, Other Spooky Surprises! Any persons disturbed by strobes or flashing lights should not go through the mansion. Lots of ghouls throughout. Please do not touch them or the items in the mansion. Groups of 10 or less at a time. All canned goods to benefit local food banks. Children under 12 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH ADULT 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER. rypeandreadi.com (904) 209-0360 rypenreadi@gmail.com Fall Festival Saturday, October 14 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Orange Park Mall 1910 Wells Rd, Orange Park, Florida 32073 Bring the whole family and join the Fall fun. Join us at the Old Navy Entrance for all of the activities. There will be a bounce house, petting zoo, food trucks and more! Halloween Kids Party! Free Costumes Meet Maleficent Saturday, October 14 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Jacksonville Business Connections Event Room 1515 county rd 210 suite 102 Saint Augustine, Florida 32259 Cost: $25 Take a night off and drop you little ones off (or parents are welcome to stay too) for a fun night of crafts, games, dancing, and dinner. The kids will enjoy their night, while you enjoy your night out. This is your opportunity to enjoy an evening with your special someone or pamper yourself while your kids are off having supervised fun! Meet & Greet with Malificient! Free costumes - must purchase ticket to receive them. Found on ticket options. Age: children 7 and up are welcome Limited to 20 kids. 2 adult supervision at all times. Melissa Lampugnano & Julia Pearl, Pizza and drinks, Games, Crafts, Dancing
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert Saturday, October 14 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Daily’s Place Amphitheater at Everbank Field 1 Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Cost: $28 - $89 Relive the film that started it all. Watch the wand choose the wizard, a troll runs amok and magic mirrors in high-definition while the Jacksonville Symphony performs John Williams’ iconic score live. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime event as Harry, Ron, Hermione and all your favorite characters return to the screen and enchant the world all over again. Children’s Arts Festival Sunday, October 15 10:00 am - 3:00 pm St. Augustine Amphitheatre 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 Cost: FREE Mark your calendars and bring the kids to FOSAA’s Fourth Annual, A Gathering of Friends – Children’s Arts Festival. The list includes individuals and organizations who will share their talents with the children. This is a totally interactive experience and it’s free! Children can sing, dance, play instruments, engage in a variety of art projects, take part in a hoedown, make a puppet, tell stories, play theatre games, get a library card, join a drum circle, and lots, lots more. Area organizations with information for families, and a select group of non-food vendors will also be on hand. Concession stands will be open all day and goodie bags will be given to the first 300 children. www.fosaa.org Carol Gladstone grambini1@comcast.net Halloween Art Camp Monday, October 16 9:00 am - 12:00 pm 2220 CR-210 W Suite 309 Saint Johns, Fl 32259 Cost: $35 Trick or Treat Day Camp School’s Out! In this camp, your child will make two great projects! They will paint a wooden door decor candy corn AND a create a frankie plate using the silkscreen technique. Our popular Art Camp is open to boys and girls beginning at age 7. Each class is limited to only 15 campers, so please register early to ensure your child’s spot. We will cancel classes with less than 3 children registered.All projects will be ready to take home in one week. www.doingdishes.com Doing Dishes: 9048247774 doingdishes210@gmail.com Musical Theatre Day Camp Monday, October 16 10:00 am - 3:00 pm KidzfACTory at Limelight Theatre 11 Old Mission Ave, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 Cost: $35 per day Grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th — Explore the story, music, choreography and costumes of particular shows 3-5: A Day with Matilda & Willy Wonka Musicals 904-825-1164 School’s Out Day Camp Monday, October 16 10:00 am - 3:00 pm KidzfACTory at Limelight Theatre 11 Old Mission Ave, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 Cost: $35 per day Kindergarten, First, and Second Grade Students — Themed acting and improv games, music & hands on activites K-2: SPOOKLEY THE SQUARE PUMPKIN & CLICK CLACK MOO 904-825-1164
Cowart Fields of Fear 2017 Friday, October 20, 2017, 7:00 pm 8185 SR-100, Bunnell, FL 32110-4240 Creepy Corn Maze, Wicked Walking Trail, Horrifying Hay ride, Spooky Fire side stories and much more. RATED FOR AGES 10 AND UP. Reel in the Cure Tournament Saturday, October 21, 2017 7:30 am Northeast Florida Marlin Association 3030 Harbor Dr, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 Cost: Billfish $350.00 Gamefish $250.00 Big Bottom Fish $250.00 Billfish and Gamefish $500.00 -Friday October 20th, Kick off Party and Captain’s Meeting. Bar, Raffles and Auction. Lines in at 7:30am and Out at 4pm. Ultimate Racing Fearless 5k Saturday, October 21 7:30 am 2700 FL-16, St. Augustine, FL, 32092 Cost: Kids Fun Run - FREE, Other races $20 and up Fearless 5K RUN/WALK will provide competition, fun and teamwork while celebrating health and fitness for all ages. Presented in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Healthy Lifestyle Expo, the St. Augustine Outlets Mall will become a feast for the senses featuring music, food, colorful & informative health exhibits, and lots of fun physical activity for health conscious people from one to one hundred and one! Fearless 5K Run/Walk will raise funds to benefit St Johns County Sheriff’s Office Victim’s Advocacy Program. 100% of the Family Walk proceeds will directly benefit Victim’s Advocacy. 5K RUN Timed by Ultimate Racing, Inc. 2K FAMILY WALK To benefit St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Victim’s Advocacy… encouraging ALL AGES to participate! KIDS RUN 4 FUN FREE…featuring a 100 YARD DASH & 1 MILE RUN www.itsyourrace.com 58th Annual Cracker Day Saturday, October 21 8:00 am St Johns County Fairgrounds 5840 State Road 207, Elkton, Florida 32033 Cost: $5 per car charged at the gate, cash only. Come out and join our St. John’s County Cattlemen’s Association for a day of horse games, food, and fun! Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to compete in or watch horse games, and enjoy Barbeque and other great food provided by our vendors. Kids are welcome. Gates open at 6. Free Kayak Trip at Moultrie Creek Saturday, October 21 10:00 am Moultrie Creek Boat Ramp 4805 Shore Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32086 Cost: FREE Join us for a beautiful paddle of the marsh along Moultrie Creek. During the paddle participants will learn about the marsh ecosystem, the animals that call it home, as well as the history of the area. All trips are approximately 3 hours long. www.sjcfl.us Kelly Ussia: 904-209-0335 kussia@sjcfl.us
Healthy Lifestyle Expo Saturday, October 21 10:00 am - 2:30 pm St. Augustine Outlets 500 Outlet Mall Blvd. Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 Cost: FREE St. Augustine Media & The St. Augustine Record have partnered with Lifestyle Events Management to produce an interactive Expo on October 21st, 2017 at the St. Augustine Outlet Mall to promote Healthy Lifestyle for every age and interest! We educate, entertain and empower families to take action and make choices toward living a healthy lifestyle. The Healthy Lifestyle Expo will be the largest indoor, free admission Health, Fitness, & Leisure Expo in St. Augustine! Town of Orange Park Fall Festival Saturday, October 21 10:00 am - 5:00 pm 2042 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL Cost: FREE The Town of Orange Park Fall Festival is Clay County’s oldest and largest Arts and Crafts Festival! This two-day festival has over 200 artists & vendors and two stages packed with entertainment from regional and local artists! The kids can bounce on inflatables in the Kids Zone. And, of course, the shopping is second to none with art, unique gifts, handmade quilts, jewelry, pottery, and even treats for your furry friends. What’s a festival without great food?! Our 30+ food vendors have it covered! Attendees will enjoy a wide variety of food from barbecue and local seafood to funnel cakes and turkey legs. Farmer’s Market fans can even pick up some fresh produce! fun4firstcoastkids.com (904) 264-2635 thyder@townop.com TrailMark Fall Fest & Open House Saturday, October 21 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 805 TrailMark Drive, St. Augustine, FL, 32092 Pumpkin Patch & Farmer’s Market, Live Music from Love Monkey, Rock Climbing Wall | 70’ Obstacle Course Double-lane Giant Slide, Hot Air Balloon, Food Trucks – Treemendous BBQ | Mother Trucking Pizza | Chubby Burrito | Island Dream, Prizes, Giveaways & More! trailmarkliving.com Surf Quest Saturday, October 21 1:00 pm Mary Street (Beach ramp in Crescent Beach) SurfQuest is bringing more and more people with Intellectual and Development Disabilities together with a growing cadre of active volunteers to introduce the fun and comradery of surfing. There is true joy in seeing the men, women and children cheering, smiling and hurrying back for more, wave after wave.Our vision extends to all levels of disabilities, including those men and women returning from military engagements overseas. SurfQuest is a total volunteer program made possible by kindred and caring businesses and individuals who sponsor needed equipment and events. arcsj.org BooFest 2017 Saturday, October 21 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Island Prep 4001 A1A S and 4171 A1A S, Saint Augustine, Florida 32080 Cost: Wristbands will be sold in advance for $5 and at the door for $6 It’s that time again! Please mark your calendars for IP’s annual BooFest! The family friendly Halloween event for children ages 1-10. Open to the public!
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Halloween Themed Parents Night Out Saturday, October 21 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm WGV Gymnastics 314 Commerce Lake Dr. Ste. 204, Saint Augustine, Florida 32095 Cost: $25 Drop your kids off for a night of fun. The kids will enjoy their night, while you enjoy your night out. This is your opportunity to enjoy an evening with your special someone or pamper yourself while your kids are off having supervised fun! Pizza and drinks, Games, Crafts, Karaoke & Dancing, Gymnastics, Trampoline, Pit Age: children 4 and up are welcome (open to the public)
EstuSCARY Festival & Haunted Forest Trail Friday, October 27 6:00 pm Location: GTM Research Reserve Environmental Education Center 505 Guana River Rd., Ponte Vedra, FL 32082 Cost: $7 Join GTM Research Reserve for a frighteningly fun Halloween event. The EstuSCARY Festival begins at 6 p.m. with free entry, kid-friendly booths, candy, popcorn, food truck and games. Starting at 7 p.m., those with tickets (for purchased timeslot) can take a hayride to the Haunted Forest Trails. www.eventbrite.com 904-823-4506
World Golf Village Gymnastics Saturday, October 21 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm 314 Commerce Lake Drive Suite 204 St. Augustine FL Cost: $25 per student and $15 for additional siblings At World Golf Village Gymnastics we use love and encouragement to coach your child! Our highly trained coaching staff strives to help kids grow in self esteem and confidence while learning the skills needed to excel. Join us for parents night out the 3rd Saturday of every month! wgvgymnastics.com 904-940-1895
Halloween Spooktacular Friday, October 27 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 132 Everest Lane, Suite #3, St. Augustine, FL 32259 Cost: $5 per child Come in your costume! Prizes! Special games! Halloween Art stations! Photo opportunities! Light snacks! Parents must accompany their child. Ages 4+ www.creativemeartstudio.com 904-770-2222
Arlington Toyota Kids Fitness Zombie Chase Sunday, October 22 7:30 am St. Johns Town Center 4663 River City Dr., Jacksonville, FL, 32246 Cost: $10 - $25 The Kids Fitness Zombie Chase is back!! And this year, we’ve added an all ages 5k !It’s true...we’ve got ‘em....Zombies in Jax! Don’t miss the most anticipated Halloween running event in town. zombie5kandkidsfitnesszombiechase.itsyourrace.com (904) 710-2458 Momtography™ Class Sunday, October 22 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 600 Palencia Club Drive, St Augustine, FL, 32095 Cost: $199.00 Momtography™ is the jumpstart DSLR photography class designed with moms in mind. Learn the basics to start taking print-worthy photos on your own! I’ll teach you the essential beginner tips and tricks needed to beautifully capture your family snapshots. There will be opportunity for hands on practice built in to the afternoon. You’ll leave Momtography™ with tools to successfully document the stories of your life from lazy days at home, to sporting events and extracurriculars, to milestone moments not to be missed! www.berylaynyoung.com 904-671-6253 jenn@peytonryanphotography.com FUMC Trunk or Treat Wednesday, October 25 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm FUMC - 118 King Street St. Augustine, FL Cost: FREE Families are invited to our Trunk or Treat!! This is free event for children ages infant to fifth grade. We will have trunks to collect candy from, as well as hotdogs, and bounce houses. Hope to see you there! www.first-united-methodist-church.org
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Dr. Glenos’ Annual Halloween Bash 2017 Friday, October 27, 2017 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm St. Augustine Shipyard 117 Dockside Dr, Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 Cost: FREE Join Dr. Jimmy Glenos and the Smiles By Glenos Team at our NEW PARTY LOCATION, the ST. AUGUSTINE SHIPYARD, for a fun filled evening packed with FOOD, MUSIC, CONTESTS, and PRIZES! Everyone is invited to this FREE event! No ticket required! The Wizard of Oz Musical Friday, October 27 7:30 pm KidzfACTory at Limelight Theatre 11 Old Mission Ave Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 This classic tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has been entertaining audiences for generations. Jail Break 5k Saturday, October 28 8:00 am 167 San Marco Avenue, St Augustine, Florida 32084 Cost: $25 ($45 Day Of) Runners will enjoy a 5k to the Atlantic Ocean facing a treacherous climb over the Vilano Bridge as they flee from the Authentic Old Jail. We invite runners of all ages and abilities this Halloween weekend to make a break and enjoy the fun. Running not your thing but dressing up is? Check out the 0.0! Be part of the team, enjoy the fruits of no labor and donate! www.escapefromstaugustine.com Waldo Farmer’s and Flea Market 10th Annual Trick or Treat and Costume Contest Saturday, October 28 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Waldo Farmers and Flea Market Cost: Free Must be in costume and registered at office to be entered into the contest. Kids: Have parents bring you to the hallway in front of the office to register and receive your number and treat. Please make sure your number is visible so the vendors can vote on their favorites. waldofleamarket.com Savanna Miller: 3524682255 Waldoflea@aol.com
Ancient City Kids Day Saturday, October 28 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Francis Field St. Augustine, FL Cost: FREE During this free community celebration, parents and kids will enjoy games, arts & crafts, live entertainment, a non-profit resource fair and more! The only cost to patrons is at the food tent where hot dogs and hamburgers are available. Ancient City Kids Day allows adults and kids to share in relationship-building activities that create positive and memorable experiences. Plan to join us in October for Ancient City Kids Day – a day of free family fun! epicbh.org Goulish BBQ & Burning Man Scarecrow Saturday, October 28 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 5780 County Road 305 Elkton, FL 32033 Bite and Fright! We feature a goulish BBQ and BURNING MAN SCARECROW! That’s right, we celebrate the season with a ceremonial burning of our Scarecrows! This is for anyone 9 and up. 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This is our Spooks On Saturday Night!! rypeandreadi.com Ninth Annual Right Whale Festival Sunday, October 29 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 75 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250 Cost: FREE Extinction is scary….and the North Atlantic right whale is one of the world’s most endangered large whale species, with fewer than 500 remaining. Join us in celebrating the right whales annual return to our coast to give birth to and nurse their young. Music in the Box Sunday, October 29 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084 Cost: $5.00 - Free parking on site and street-side. On the last Sunday of the month, enjoy live acoustic music by some of the area’s up-and-coming musicians and bands. They will be on stage performing in the Koger-Gamache Studio Theatre (black box). Refreshments available for purchase. Halloween Costume Contest - Ghost Boat Sunday, October 29 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm Florida Water Tours - St Augustine Boat Tours 282 Yacht Club Dr - Dock A-19 Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 Cost: $39 We will be having a Halloween Costume Contest on our Ghost Boat (BYOB) on October 29th, 30th and 31st this year! Join us for a chance to win some fun prizes, and get to know the darker side of St. Augustine’s history. Suitable for ages 15 and older. Trick or Treat at St. Augustine Outlets Tuesday, October 31, 2017 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm St. Augustine Outlets 500 Outlet Mall Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32084 Enjoy a fun and safe Halloween at St. Augustine Outlets. Indoor Trick-or-Treating. Participating stores and details coming soon! www.staugoutlets.com 904-826-1052 gsstaug@staugoutlets.com