Contents
features 56 58
August 2017
Classroom Collections Feeling Stuck
departments health
16
Healthy Start
education
17
features 10 14 17
Go Team! Back-To-School, Back-To-You The Ultimate Florida Keys Vacation!
18 20 22 22 23 24 44 46 48
8 25
The Islander Resort Reelax Charters
Kidz in the News Back-To-School Guide
26 28 30 34 36 38
No More Homework Hassles Get Your STEM On After School Directory Fun & Reusable Snack & Lunch Containers Best Educational Apps for Kids Back-To-School Serenity Strategies
The African Queen
42 60 64
Feed the Tarpon at Robbie’s
every issue
History of Diving Museum
32
Hawk’s Cay Resort
Pack it Up: School Luch Box Ideas Digital Designers Family Fun Guide
40 51 62
Excellence in Education FUTURES Foundation 2017-2018 School Calendar
August 2017 Calendar of Events Reel Life with Jane Fashion: Back-To-School Volusia County School News
Next Issue: September 2017 Fall Festivals/Top Pediatricians Plus: Hispanic Heritage, Celebrating Granparent Special Directories: Pediatricians, Primary Care Physicians 2 AUGUST 2017
www.VolusiaParent.com (386) 437-0300
Reader Services Calendar Submissions: We publish information about family events within and surrounding our county. We would love to hear from you! If you have a family event, fundraiser or childrens activity/program please send your information to editor@bradymediainc.com Deadline for submitting information is approximately one month prior to the month in which the event will occur. Subscriptions We now have subscription service direct to your home. We are offering these services for only $10 per year for 11 issues of Flagler Parent Magazine. You can also subscribe for FREE to our digital edition for your iPad, iPhone, NOOK, Kindle Fire, or Android Device. Visit our website www.bradymediainc.com and click SUBSCRIBE. Feedback: We Welcome Your Feedback & Thoughts. In our continuous effort to improve our publications, we look forward to your thoughts, questions and feedback on how we can better tailor information to your families needs. Please feel free to send me an email at Charlie@bradymediainc.com.
AUGUST 2017 3
with
What’s New in Print & Online
Volusia Parent
Florida Baby - Fall 2017 A special section that caters to pregnancy, birth, babies, and toddlers, showcasing products, services and ideas for young families. Publishing: September 2017 Advertising Deadline: August 10th
Special Child - Fall 2017 A special section that is dedicated to special needs families and their care-givers. Providing educational articles, local resources, easy-to-use directories, product reviews, shopping guides, and much more!
New in Schools, On News Stands & Online
Call for Advertising Opportunities!
Publishing: October 2017 Advertising Deadline: September 10th
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AUGUST 2017 5
Parent to Parent Publisher / Editor
Charlene Michaux charlie@bradymediainc.com 386-547-0161
Associate Editor
Deb Wind 386-299-6684 debwind@bradymediainc.com
Graphic Artist Charlene Michaux Publisher/Editor charlie@bradymediainc.com Welcome back, I hope that everyone had a great Summer! It always seems to go too fast, doesn’t it? On the first day of Summer vacation it seemed like we had so much time to complete our “Best Summer-Ever Family Bucket List” And yet, as I sit here writing my back to school publisher’s letter, I realize that we still have so much to do. How does this happen every year? We definitely had some great adventures though, which you will read about it “The Ultimate Family Keys Vacation”. If I learned anything this Summer, it’s that life doesn’t always follow a family plan, Let go of your expectations and go with the flow, you will thank me later. Here we are, back to school season and it seems like only yesterday I was searching for summer camps! This issue is packed with information to help you get back on schedule! From articles that help you engage with your kids, to healthy lunches, to bus schedules and open houses. If you don’t see your school, visit your county school website for up to date information your child’s school. We have included an after-school directory to make it easier for you to review your choices for after school care. As you will notice our magazine is once again growing with advertiser support. I would like to thank all of our new and renewing advertisers; CentraCare, Ameris Bank, Superwash Express, Best Tutoring, Once Upon a Child, Jukido Martial Arts, Temple Beth El, Warner Christian Academy, Little Feet Academy, MediQuick, Jurassic Quest, First Baptist Christian Academy, Florida Family Dentistry, Giant Recreation World, Community Partnership for Children, Help me Grow, Villaris Martial Arts, Healthy Start Coalition, Geico, PrimeCare Urgent Care, and Flagler School of Dance. We appreciate your business and are happy to welcome you into our family. Next month, we are bringing you a special magazine insert called “Florida Baby”. Our new magazine will cater to pregnancy, birth, babies and toddlers, showcasing products, services and ideas for young families. Including a Birth-Care Delivery Guide- a comprehensive guide providing moms-to-be information about every birth-care facility in and around our community. Florida Baby Magazine will give you all the tools you need to be informed and ready for the arrival of your baby. We cover everything from diet and exercise for moms-to-be (and dads, too!), to maternity fashion and must-have baby gear. Our expert advice helps you make the best decisions that are right for your family. Inside you’ll find: product reviews; local resources; ask an expert; recipes; DIY decor ideas and so much more! Call or email me for more information, advertising opportunities are available. Finally, don’t forget to log-on to our website or digital app and sign up for digital delivery to complement your print edition. You can view our editions directly from your smart phone, iPad, or tablet through newsstand. We appreciate support from our readers and advertisers, without you we could not continue to bring you the quality content and programs that you have come to expect from us. Wishing you and your family a great new school year! And, thank you for your continued support of our magazine!
Charlie 6 AUGUST 2017
Stephen Savidge
Photography
Marina Pierre 386-283-8005 marina@marinas-photography.com
Advertising Consultant
Megan Rizzo 386-931-6684 megan@bradymediainc.com 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.
Brady Media, Inc. 800 Belle Terre Parkway Ste. 200-207 Palm Coast, FL 32164 (386) 437-0300 Office (386) 246-2950 Fax www.BradyMediaInc.com Proud Member of
AUGUST 2017 7
education
in the
KI DS NEWS
Math Madness Competition Friday, June 2, 2017 Flagler Schools congratulates all our competitors at this year’s Math Madness! This is a math competition for students in grades K through 6 at each of our elementary schools. We all know that learning addition/subtraction and multiplication is an essential part of our students’ elementary education. Students who master these skills gain a solid foundation in mathematics that will help them throughout middle school, high school, and beyond! The purpose of this county-wide event is to develop fluency and confidence with fact families, multiplication, and mental math skills. This year’s competition was held May 22nd at Wadsworth Elementary School. 8 AUGUST 2017
Our first place winner were: 3rd Grade: Robert Yost Old Kings Elementary 4th Grade: Jojo Taylor Rymfire Elementary 5th Grade: Tyler Grady Rymfire Elementary 6th Grade: Sebastian Azevado Wadsworth Elementary Principal: Marcus Sanfilippo Bunnell Elementary School
AUGUST 2017 9
feature
Go Team!
10 Ways To Raise Good Sports During Dramatic Times by Christina Katz
In the reality television age, when contestants are either considered superstars-in-the-making or deserving of international ridicule, parents may struggle to instill basic teamwork principles in their children. So encouraging kids to become members of a team can help them constructively channel their energy and creativity, while learning about sportsmanship first-hand. Kids can learn new things about themselves through participation in teams of many stripes: sports, leadership, performing arts, robotics, debate, etc. Teams that uphold positive leadership can evoke skills kids did not even know they possessed. Contributing willingly to something greater than themselves often increases self-esteem and personal pride in participants. Teamwork means the coordinated efforts of members of a group in the interests of a common cause. In order for a team to be successful, the will of the members must converge in support of a shared goal or task. A team is composed of individuals, who temporarily release self-interest to focus their energy in pursuit of a desire they could not achieve on their own. The timeline of a team can be short-term or long-term but it’s usually for a specific duration. Sportsmanship is a word that 10 AUGUST 2017
describes players on any type of team who participate with character and integrity. Teamwork has not gone out of style. In fact, teamwork has never been more important than it is today. Sports teams rely on it, and so do schools, businesses, towns, states, countries, and international partnerships. Groups of every type can benefit from better teamwork among members from you local PTA to your family’s church or temple. Perhaps you are hesitant about your
child making a commitment to a team and if so, I don’t blame you. It’s probably a good idea to weigh the pros and cons with your child before joining any team because of the time and focus required. Once you decide to go for it, however, never fear. The experience will likely challenge and stretch everyone involved. Keep these teamwork tips fresh in your mind and your entire family will have a better experience.
1. Commit wisely. Join teams pursuing goals your child is passionate about. It’s great to be good at more than one thing, but resist the urge to over-commit to too many teams at once. If you and your child try to please every coach at once, you won’t be able to please any coaches at all. 2. Communicate consistently. Conflicts, illnesses, and field trips are bound to happen. Try to manage expectations by communicating schedule conflicts to coaches as early as you can. Other parents may not bother, but you don’t want to be one of them. 3. Get in the spirit. You have heard that attitude is everything, and nowhere is this saying more relevant than once your child becomes a team member. If you want your child to be a positive contributor, have regular conversations with him about how fortunate he is to be part of such an awesome group.
6. Stay open to constructive criticism. Part of being on a team is responding to criticism. Feedback will not likely be given perfectly every time. The coach and team administrators are also not perfect. Members need to learn to take what is helpful in feedback and try to apply it to the best of their ability without pushback. 7. Bounce back from disappointments. Sitting the bench, getting cast as the understudy, making JV instead of varsity-kids need help finding the value in experiences that don’t thrust them immediately into a spotlight. Help them find the silver lining, so they can maximize it as they keep growing.
8. Cultivate courtesy. Sometimes you have to say, “Good game,” when you don’t feel that way.Coaches expect kids to park their pouting and behave with humility. Increase the odds your kids will be on their best behavior by being impeccable in your behavior, too. Cultivate your family’s reputation as team players and you will raise good sports.
9. Take confusion to the top.
Coaches love engaged, enthusiastic players. Assume your child, no matter how capable, has not yet mastered the entire skill set. Skills are an ongoing journey. If your child does not have more to learn, than maybe it’s time to graduate from the team. 5. Contribute your best. We need to ditch the idea that some people are natural born players and others are not. Anyone can contribute something to a team if she follows her innate instinct to be generous. Discuss the difference between giving whole-heartedly and brown-nosing with your kids so they understand the difference.
Misunderstanding? Miscommunication? Miffed for any reason? Wait 24 hours before you fire off that email. Taking out your anger or frustration on the coach or administrators hurts your child’s reputation and yours. So compose yourself and ask for help in understanding the situation before you demand heads on a platter. 10. Encourage new members. When you and your child became part of the team, you looked to others to learn the ropes. Once your rookie becomes a veteran, it’s your turn to welcome new members and families. Stick out your hand, introduce yourself, and offer whatever assistance you can. There is only one rule: keep your comments constructive.
4. Be an eager learner.
AUGUST 2017 11
If You Want To Raise A Good Sport, Don’t... Be two-faced. Showing one face in public and then talking smack about the coach or teammates at home is confusing to kids. So don’t do it. Hover. Your child is on the team; you are not. Sometime the coach needs you around but most of the time she does not. Parents play a supporting role and can ask for clarification as to what helpful looks like whenever unsure. Stroke your child’s ego. Let your child strengthen his own ego through participating fully. You don’t need to make a child feel superior to others. In fact, over-praising will undermine a player’s natural desire to progress. Grouse. Appreciating the coach, the administrators, and the teammates will lead to family optimism. Kvetching, complaining, and grumbling will only inspire cynicism. Choose wisely. Imagine your child is the only one who matters. How many members of the extended team are there? How many coaches? How many are there on the support staff? How many parent volunteers? Show appreciation and support for everyone involved. Nobody enjoys diva behavior. Merely focus on winning. Teams win some and lose some. Your child will have to learn to deal with emotions related to both extremes. Don’t be surprised if you are balancing cockiness as much as discouragement because kids may not have the ability to handle emotional highs and lows without guidance.
Overstay your child’s enthusiasm. When the thrill of being on the team is gone, it’s time to move on. Don’t make the mistake of staying on a team when your child is no longer feeling the love. But never leave in a huff or quit when things don’t go your way. Instead, leave graciously when it’s a natural time to choose differently.
12 AUGUST SUMMER2017 2017
Encouragements That Build Sportsmanship To your child:
To the team:
I am so proud of your efforts.
Way to come out strong!
I could tell you did your best.
Keep your chins up!
Thank you for being such a good sport.
You’ve got this!
You really came back strong.
Way to finish strong!
Your hard work is paying off.
Way to do your best!
Way to be a supportive teammate. You are growing so much; keep it up. Mantras to memorize: It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s knowing you did your best. You’ll win some and you’ll lose some, but always be a good sport. It’s easy to get swept up in the drama, so take a deep breath and just play. Acknowledge your mistakes without being hard on yourself. Be the first one to tell a teammate, “That’s okay. Shake it off.” Forget your mistakes, forget your record, and just have a good time out there. Celebrate everything you do well while working to improve any weaknesses. Teams are works in progress. They are never finished and they are never done. Enjoy being an enthusiastic member of the team; that’s where the memories are. What’s Going To Work? Teamwork! If your child wants to join any type of team, she is going to get a crash course in sportsmanship. Parents need to remember the games teams play are opportunities for members to grow. Most coaches know that developing skills and character are just as important as playing well. Unfortunately, team members sometimes bring negativity, distraction, and dissipation into a team. Never underestimate the static even one unhappy team member can create. Kids-and their parents-who consistently undermine team goals are considered poor sports. Families that care about the team, can all grow together. Families that don’t care to grow, should probably find other pursuits.
AUGUST 2017 13
feature
Back-To-School, Back-To-You by Christina Katz
School is back in session and after-school activities are starting to kick in. Suddenly, besides the before-school shuffle and the after-school shuffle, stay-at-home parents suddenly have a lot more kid-free time. But time is tricky-there never seems to be enough of it no matter how much you have. And somehow, even though the kids are in school again, their needs and schedules always take priority. Sound familiar? If so, this might be a good opportunity to make time for you a priority, as well. Before your newly kid-free schedule starts filling up to overflowing, put a few want-to’s at the top of your priority list. Here’s a few ideas to get you started: Journal. Journaling can help you get in touch with your personal priorities. Just remember: there is no right way to do it. So whether your scrawl page after page at a rapid clip, cut and paste images into a blank book with inspirational quotes, play with images you admire on Pinterest, or keep carefully scrapbooked records of all that has recently transpired, reflective time will calm and center your mind. Energize. Take a yoga class, a dance class, or swim laps. You can also run, walk, and bike outside and enjoy some of the most beautiful weather of the year. Exercise the way you 14 AUGUST 2017
should (aerobic exercise plus strength training) and the way you want (enjoying the season outside on your way to the gym) and double the payoff. Learn. Feeling bored at home? Perhaps there’s a class you’ve been dying to take. With the kids back in school and so many classes offered online, there’s no longer room for excuses. Online classes are also a great way to connect with like-minded others who might not live in your neighborhood. You can find just about any kind of class in a wide range of prices, so hop online and start searching.
Earn. If the economy isn’t rebounding fast enough to create the quality of life your family enjoys, a part-time job might be just the ticket to increasing your household income. After a few classes in the same field, you might be able to turn a skill you learn online into a part-time, work-at-home income. Just be shrewd about how much time and money you invest up front before you start counting on profits. Plan ahead to determine what you can reasonably earn from your investment, so you can manage your expectations accordingly.
Accomplish. Make a list of all the major strides you intend to make between now and the end of the year. Then break each project into steps. Clip the master list to a clipboard you can keep handy. If you check even a few things off the list each school day when the kids are out from under, big projects will eventually get done. If you are not a list maker, just try to get three things done each day, including one thing you really would rather not do, and you’ll find yourself more productive in no time. Express. If you are so busy nurturing everyone else’s creative growth that you start feeling out of touch with your own, remedy the situation with some singing, art, dance, writing or whatever ways you enjoy expressing yourself. Why not set up a special work area for yourself at home or rent a space in a co-op or studio with access to the kind of equipment you need? Be sure to work your creative outlet into your weekday schedule. Enrich. The concept of the “Artist’s Date” in Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way, suggests spending five bucks on yourself in a way that stimulates your creative juices. It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself wandering around a store, with five bucks burning in your pocket to spend on yourself for a change. Take an hour and try it. Connect. Now is your chance to schedule some playtime with your friends. Who do you genuinely miss seeing or speaking with? Get back in touch via videophone, cell phone, a coffee shop chat, a spa visit, a lunch date or a shopping trip. Don’t delay. The pre-holiday rush will be here before we know it. Indulge. You don’t have to do anything, if doing nothing is what you really need. That novel you never finished this summer? Curl up on the couch and relish every word. That family album you swore you’d complete in time for ordering holiday gifts? Finish it up. Relaxing means different things to different people. Ask yourself what would make you feel happy and relaxed and then do that.
Books For Balanced Moms Are you so busy you are not sure what you need most? Pick up one of these books for inspiration to slow down and get centered:
A Gift From The Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
The Art of Extreme Self-Care, Transform Your Life One Month At A Time by Cheryl Richardson
The Balanced Mom, Raising Your Kids Without Losing Yourself by Bria Simpson
The Mother’s Guide To Self-Renewal by Renee Peterson Trudeau
A Moment’s Peace: A Mom’s Guide To Creating Calm Amidst Chaos by Elizabeth Irvine
AUGUST 2017 15
Summer’s Over...
Get Ready for School! Promoting Emotional and Physical Health for the New School Year.
when they leave you to go to school. • Send notes with your child to school – it goes a long way to making them feel cared for. • Purchase a sturdy lunch box and pack healthy snacks. • Use a sturdy back pack and make sure it does not exceed one fifth of the child’s weight. Shoulder straps should be wide and padded • Make sure the school has all critical health information and emergency contact forms, cell phone numbers, and instructions for any special health needs or allergies. • Check with the health department regarding all requirements for vaccines for your child’s age group a few weeks before school starts. Schedule an appointment with the pediatrician at least two weeks before school starts so they can have an updated physical exam.
I
t’s not an endless Summer. Many parents feel the relief of a more relaxed schedule for the beginning of summer. After many days of camp, vacation, more face time with the kids, and being out of the school routine, preparing for school can come with mixed feelings, especially if it is your child’s first experience with “big-kid school.” While getting back into a routine may be anticipated as a welcome transition, children may be feeling anxiety about entering a new environment, meeting new children, and having to perform and respond to a new teacher. In addition, making sure that children are healthy and have met all the requirements for physical examinations and immunizations should be considered several weeks before the school year begins. Here are some tips that families can use for this important transition...
make time for breakfast, try to keep the atmosphere relaxed. • Be an engaged parent! Review the school menus and try to have lunch with your child at the school to see the environment they are in and the food they eat there if you are not packing a lunch. • Don’t overbook after school time. For the first weeks of school, children are transitioning to a new routine. • If a younger child will be at home – make sure your school age child is reassured that there will be special time to hear all about their day when they come home after school hours • Practice the good-bye – have a special goodbye word or tune that helps your child prepare emotionally for “saying goodbye” in the morning
• If your child is taking a school bus make sure that you know the school’s policies regarding school bus rules, seat belts, missing the bus from the school to the home bus stop, and behavior of all students on the bus. Meet the bus driver and connect your child to a buddy to ride with each day. • As much as possible remember to discuss the importance of hand washing with your child, particularly before meal times and after play time periods. • Get plenty of rest the night before and make sure you are there early the first week to pick them up if at all possible. If there are afterschool services, familiarize them with how that transition will go and what time you will be there. Sponsored By
• Practice the school routine prior to the beginning of the school year – make sure your child is familiar with the school. • Meet with the teacher before the school year begins and attend any orientation opportunities they provide. • Reduce stress on school days – prepare clothes,
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386.354.1226 • www.healthystartfv.org
feature
I
t’s summertime! That’s right, it’s time for the annual trip to the beautiful Florida Keys! Okay, sometimes it’s the second or third trip because we love it so much. This time we are searching for the Ultimate Family Vacation fun spots for you, our readers. In the next few pages you will read about two of our resort stays; The Islander Resort and Hawks Cay Resort plus some of our adventures along the way. This year we tried to add some of our bucket list items, like kayaking in the shallow waters of the back county and visiting the iconic Robbie’s for some Tarpon feeding. You will also read about two unique stops, the History of Diving Museum and our voyage on The African Queen. We hope our journey will inspire those of you who have yet to experience the beauty and wonder of the Florida Keys to start planning a trip of your own as soon as possible. From Key Largo to Key West, you can’t go wrong. We’ll be back next month with fun stories about our second week from the Lower Keys and Key West!
AUGUST 2017 17
T
he perfect Florida Keys vacation getaway and sport fishing destination, Islander Resort, the newest Guy Harvey Outpost Resort, is ideal for vacationing with friends and family, as well as the perfect spot for a wedding, a romantic getaway or believe it or not, a business meeting. Islamorada gives you the best in boating, fishing, diving and dining. The pet-friendly Islander Resort offers families oceanfront rooms, suites and Lanai Villas set on, a 1300-foot private coral sand beach, a picnic area with grills, a saltwater pool and zero entry freshwater pool. Kids will
18 AUGUST 2017
enjoy checking out the local marine life and maybe throw in a line from the resort’s 200-foot lighted fishing pier. They offer on-site watersports
activities such as boat rentals, aqua cycles, rafts and snorkeling gear as well as bicycle rentals for those who want to explore the area. As we reached Islamorada, I told my son to start looking for the big funky iconic motel sign. I was excited to bring him back to this resort and show him the first resort pool we brought him to as a toddler. After we checked in, we made our way to our villa, where we were greeted by the local iguanas walking though the courtyards. It was apparent that the property had been renovated as Guy Harvey artwork was everywhere
— the gift shop, bedroom walls, bedspreads and even parking spaces. In 2013, the resort was rebranded the Islander as a Guy Harvey Outpost. Renovations to the 20-acre property included new banquet facilities, a new gift shop and the Guy Harvey Beachside Bar and Grill next to the pool. As well as the addition of the Florida History and Discovery Center. Located near the Islander’s main office in a new 7,500-square-foot building, the Discovery Center shares exhibits and archives featuring the environment, wildlife and history of the Keys with visitors. This was a great first stop on our week-long journey through the keys as a family. There is truth to the Jimmy Buffet song, “Changes in Lattitude, Changes in Attitude”! The Islander Resort, a Guy Harvey Outpost, 82100 Overseas Highway, Islamorada: All villas have kitchenettes and lanais. The resort includes two pools, a hot tub and watersports activities. There are two restaurants, Bonefish Flats, for breakfast only, and Guy’s Beachside Bar and Grill with a view of the ocean. Summer rates start around $189. They also offer Bayside Townhomes and Boat slips. One mile from the Islander on the island’s bayside, it includes 25 two-bedroom cottages. Rates start at $269. www.guyharveyoutpostislamorada.com AUGUST 2017 19
E
xplore the Keys in a completely new way by touring the backcountry.
Enjoy an all-inclusive backcountry experience that will take you on an easy 20-minute motorboat trip to an ideal kayaking and swimming hideaway. Perfect for all ages, families and individuals alike can partake in this unique and exclusive adventure tour with friendly owner and expert guide of 15 years, Captain Andrea Paulson.
20 AUGUST 2017
Up to six people can tour together from 4 hours or longer depending on your interests. This experience is a wonderful way to spend a day in the Florida Keys viewing birds and aquatic life in a natural serene habitat. Sea Kayaking is the best way to experience the Keys! Kayaking is a great form of exercise and the perfect way to enjoy the peaceful backcountry off Sugarloaf Key and get back to nature. Captain Andrea provides a unique and wonderful trip through the mangrove is-
lands of the Lower Florida Keys and Sugarloaf Key area. Kayaks for one or two people at a time are provided along with instruction and a guided tour of many of the interesting plants, birds and aquatic life that exists here including tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, and more. Located at the Sugarloaf Marina at Mile Marker 17 in Sugarloaf Key, a short beautiful drive from Key West. Escape the crowds and discover what the Florida Keys are really about, REELAXing!
About Captain Andrea Paulson You’ll find Captain Andrea Paulson at the Sugarloaf Marina at Mile Marker 17 on Sugarloaf Key. She has been in business as a charter boat captain for a few years now. She started out doing these backcountry trips to keep her and other wives of fisherman in the neighborhood busy for a day. Now she offers custom backcountry excursions for anyone interested in the beautiful waters and mangrove islands of the Lower Florida Keys. Your Trip Each trip is customized so the departure time varies. She has a boat with a 10-foot beam to accommodate the kayaks, cooler, beach chairs and even has wheelchair accessibility. There are many reasons why people choose Reelax Charters but some of them are to get a better perspective of the Florida Keys and the nature of the surroundings here. Others want a romantic trip where they can comb beaches, kayak, and just have some quality time together.
Captain Andrea Paulson REELAX CHARTERS Sugarloaf Key Marina, MM17 305-744-0263 or 305-304-1392 andreapaulson@comcast.net AUGUST 2017 21
Exploring the Deep at the
Sailing Aboard the
History of Diving Museum
African Queen
T
T
he History of Diving Museum on Islamorada traces the history of underwater exploration back thousands of years. Browse the 13 interactive galleries to
see diving paraphernalia and relics recovered from the ocean floor and visit the museum’s aquarium to see tropical fish. As you vacation in the Florida Keys, which is surrounded by some of the world’s best dive sites, you’re likely to grow curious about the origins of this increasingly popular sport. A visit to the History of Diving Museum is sure to answer all your questions about scuba diving. Drs. Joseph and Sally Bauer, the founders of the History of Diving Museum, both trained as marine biologists and became diving historians. The History of Diving Museum is located at mile marker 83 on U.S. Route 1 and is best reached by car or on foot from other parts of Islamorada. There is free parking outside the museum. An admission fee applies. Special rates for seniors and groups are available. Active military and children under
he newly restored African Queen is again plying the waters of beautiful Key Largo offering daily canal cruises which depart from the Marina Del Mar ma-
rina at mile marker 100 in Key Largo. Get comfortable and watch her steam pressure build to take you on a sightseeing cruise along the Port Largo Canals to the ocean where you will about turn and head back. Ask the Captain for a turn at the helm and enjoy her whistle blowing along the way. Take a canal cruise. 1.5 Hour cruise that departs from the Marina Del Mar and travels down the Port Largo Canals to the Atlantic Ocean before turning around to return. Or take a dinner cruise, 2 hour cruise that departs from the Marina Del Mar and travels down the Port Largo Canals to the Pilot House Marina and restaurant where you will disembark to enjoy a specially prepared three course menu before boarding the vessel again to return to the Marina Del Mar. Gratuities are included in the ticket price.
age 5 are admitted free. The museum is closed on Thanks-
The African Queen
giving, Christmas and New Year’s Days. To gain real insider
305-451-8080 or 305-896-8004
knowledge, call ahead to arrange a guided tour.
www.divingmuseum.org 22 AUGUST 2017
suzanneholmquist@bellsouth.net 99701 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037
Feeding the Tarpon at
Robbie’s of Islamorada
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e have been traveling to the keys now for over 10 years. Once the blue green waters come into sight we can’t wait to get to our hotel so we can start enjoying all that this beautiful oasis has to offer. There has always been one place on my bucket list, Robbie’s! Every time we pass Robbie’s, we promise ourselves that we’ll stop on the way back. Well what better time to check it out, than when we’re researching awesome destinations for our readers! Here’s what they have to say… “Welcome to Robbie’s Marina of Islamorada, home of the world-famous tarpon feeding!” What they’re referring to is the school of more than 100 tarpon that come here daily and linger for hours. Occasionally, a tarpon rises from the water in a powerful flash of silver and green to meet the fish as it leaves your hand. It’s a sight to behold! Maybe the “Silver Kings” just come here to see the humans, but toss a baitfish among them and the water churns as these monsters and the resident pelicans vie for the snack, causing quite a spectacle. Create memorable moments with your family and friends enjoying a few hours by the water exploring all Robbie’s has to offer. You can find Robbie’s in Islamorada at 77522 Overseas Hwy. Admission to the dock is $2 per person, and each bucket of fish is $3 (tax not included). AUGUST 2017 23
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ur travels ended with one of our favorite locations, Hawks Cay Resort. You will find Hawks Cay located about halfway between Key Largo and Key West. Situated on the secluded and intimate isle of Duck Key - where guests can enjoy watching both the sunrise and sunset - the resort is the ideal vacation spot for families, couples and groups interested in the quintessential Florida Keys experience, centered on fun in the sun with virtually every water- related activity imaginable. This year marks our fifth trip to the beautiful oasis, geared largely toward families, sportsmen, and boaters. Each day there is a calendar jam-packed with resort activities, from paddle boarding and yoga to scavenger hunts and marshmallows at the fire pit. Hawks Cay features 60 acres of para-
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dise with a collection of 250 two- and three-bedroom Hawks Cay Villas are perfect for groups and families. Most villas feature complete kitchens with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and oversized decks with water views. Four restaurants, a saltwater lagoon, five swimming pools and an award-winning spa, as well as onsite water sports, fishing charters and Dolphin Connection facility. The centerpiece of Coral Cay, the adventures and activities center for younger guests, is the Pirate Ship Pool, complete with slides, tunnels and water shooting cannons. With a shallow beach-style entry and only reaching a depth of eight inches, the Pirate Ship Pool is a great place for babies and toddlers to splash around and explore while the older children are at the helm of the ship. It’s a great idea to sign the kiddos up for
Camp Hawk Educational Program. They offer activities with educational components. Kids can participate in noodle races as well as arts and crafts activities, play video games, or just chill out with a fully trained staff. The resort also offers bike rentals, sports fields, and volleyball and basketball courts, and the Dolphin experiences are top-notch for kids. There are 90-minute sunset boat rides that serve as a good orientation to the Keys. There’s also snorkeling, Segway tours, mini golf, beach volleyball, SNUBA courses (for kids ages 8 and up), feeding the resident tarpon, or taking a fishing trip and then eating the caught fish for dinner — what the resort calls “Hook & Cook.” There’s always something exciting happening at Hawks Cay in The Florida Keys.
www.hawkscay.com
education
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No more
Homework
Hassles:
7 Simple Ways To Raise Conscientious Students By Christina Katz
Homework serves many helpful purposes. Students learn how to follow through on lessons taught in the classroom. Homework tests a student’s comprehension of material that has already been covered in class so that learning gaps can be caught early. Finally, homework teaches kids how to focus in locations outside of school. Being able to settle down and get to work on a project is a skill that serves students not only in school and throughout the rest of their lives. Like it or not, parents, homework is an important part of school and learning. Over an academic career, the amount of work your child brings home will gradually increase as a student progresses through the grades. Homework will also become more challenging and complex as the years go by. Many parents are surprised when they can no longer confidently answer their child’s homework questions, especially in math, but don’t let this throw you. Of course, you are not the person who needs to complete your child’s homework. You are the person who can help create a space at home where your student can apply focused concentration in the completion of assigned tasks. If you want the transition from school to homework to go as smoothly as possible, be forewarned, you are going to need to monitor your behavior as much as your child’s. If you follow these simple tips you can help all your children avoid homework hassles. 1. Be pro-homework. Whatever you do, parents, do not get down on the idea of homework. If you do, you might implicitly grant your student permission to dismiss it, too. If your child cannot handle the load that is considered typical for each grade, discuss your child’s challenges with the teacher. However a generally negative or
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critical attitude towards learning, teachers or school only will only undermine your child’s ability to prioritize homework. 2. Make space for each student. If you have more than one student doing homework, try to create a separate space for each of them to work. The goal of homework is to take students out of a group environment and teach them to work independently. If others are always nearby creating distractions or trying to help, students won’t get a chance to see what they can accomplish on their own steam. Of course, some homework is meant to be collaborative. Look to your student for invitations to participate. Otherwise try to give each student space where they can spread out and concentrate uninterrupted for the appropriate amounts of time recommended for their grade. Declare quite time in the house until every student has had time to complete work. 3. Participate but don’t take over. Sometimes you will be invited to participate in homework, but more often, your child needs to see what can be accomplished alone. Even when you are invited to pitch in, let students lead the collaboration process. Make sure you are the helper, not the boss. Once you take over your child’s homework, it’s difficult to get them to reclaim responsibility. After all, you can get it done so much faster and more accurately than they can. So be mindful about not taking over in the first place. If your child is lost or confused about homework instructions, seek out teacher input to help get your student back on track.
4. Encourage routine. Use the first few weeks of the school year to establish a set routine for getting homework done throughout the year. Your child might be crabby or tired during the first weeks of school as they adjust to new schedules and juggling more responsibilities than they did during the summer. But resist the urge to make exceptions to the expected homework routine in the first few weeks, as these habits set the tone for the rest of the school year. In fact, you will likely find yourself going through a homework adjustment period after each school vacation throughout the year. Stand firm that homework is the first priority when students return home each weekday. Homework for Mondays can be completed on Fridays or Sundays, according on what works best for your student and family. 5. Take advantage of student-teacher interaction. Some children are more shy than others. Other children may have trouble listening carefully to homework instructions in class. Others may forget to write down assignments or leave needed materials behind at school. Try to see all of these homework pitfalls as opportunities for your child’s growth. Don’t interfere unless you have to. Conspire with your child’s teacher to work together to help your student overcome unproductive habits. Don’t get down on your child. Instead, brainstorm with the teacher about ways to inspire improved academic performance. Teachers always have plenty of experience in this department.
6. Check grades regularly. At some point, your child’s grades will be posted online with the expectation that students and parents will keep up with academic progress. When this happens, it means that you won’t likely hear from teachers beyond parent-teacher conferences and report cards. The onus falls on parents to help students monitor each child’s progress in classes and address any discrepancies in grading. Don’t merely check your child’s quiz and test scores. Students are expected to turn in homework in a timely manner and to participate in class in addition to working hard on quizzes, tests, and projects. Don’t let a few misplaced homework assignments bring your child’s grades down. 7. Use tutors as needed. Despite your best intentions and your child’s best efforts, you may find yourself in need of a tutor during the school year, the summer, or even throughout the year. One of the best things we ever did for our daughter was to say yes to suggestions from teachers to enlist extra help beyond the school day. Academic challenges often show up during the elementary school years and when they are met with helpfulness instead of judgment, academic frustration can be addressed and improved swiftly, especially when parents and teachers work together. Remember you are not your child and seek the type of help most likely to remedy the situation. If you find yourself taking your child’s disappoints too personally, working with a tutor is your opportunity to demonstrate detachment and humility for your child. Life presents challenges to us all. How we meet them determines how successful we will be in school and in life.
Don’t Forget Class Participation Another way parents can really help students succeed in school is by encouraging them to participate in class. Teachers can’t stress enough how important it is for children to be involved in class discussions and debates. The key is to start early. Start the pep talks as early as Kindergarten and keep bringing up ways to participate all through elementary school. When asking about the school day, ask about ways your child participated in class. If your child is shy, encourage babysteps that will help them become more involved. If you remember to do this frequently throughout elementary school, the habit will be ingrained by the time kids start middle school. This way your child will learn from experience that students who participate do better academically and enjoy school more overall.
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Get the latest answers, activities and videos related to hot science questions such as How are bones made? What’s a booger? Or Why is the ocean salty? Planet Smarty Pants: is a blog written by an enthusiastic mom and filled with hundreds of activities exploring science, engineering and art. Great literature supporting STEM projects are offered as well as the everyday activities she and her daughter do at home. Ages 9- tweens Design Squad: Is a reality-based show in which teens aged fifteen to nineteen tackle real-life design problems. They design machines to solve problems. The teens compete to win college scholarship money. May be interesting to teens as well as the 9-12 group. Cyber-Chase: Jackie, Matt and Inez are earthlings who have been pulled into a digital universe. They work together to keep their motherboard safe from Hacker. Math, weather and environmental knowledge help them solve their problems.
Get Your STEM On: Best Sites for Science-minded Kids
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: STEM. That’s what the education buzz is about these days. And with good reason. The future job market for your young learners will most likely rely heavily on the problem solving and technical skills that go with these subjects. Your kids love their screen time. Why not direct them to programs, games and sites that will teach them important educational skills along with having a great time? Here are some of the best games and websites for interacting with science, technology and mathematics skills.
Ages 3-5 Sesame Street: Yes, the favorite of pre-schoolers for generations, has updated their programming to include more than the alphabet. Now you’ll find problem-solving, nature and environmental issues as well as science and engineering segments on this classic OPB program. Peg + Cat: This animated math-based site is found at www.pbs.org/peg. The songs, activities and interactive games make learning math skills a ton of fun. Nina and the Neurons: is available from BBC. It’s chock full of basic science,
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engineering and coding games, plus songs, videos and activities available in both Spanish and English. Hands on proof that science is fun. Ages 5-8 The Odd Squad: Another offering from PBS Kids, this show follows two young agents, Olive and Otto as they save the day using math skills. Each episode is twelve minutes long and full of great math insights for kids. Ask Dr. Universe: Join Dr. Wendy Sue Universe of Washington State University on her site found at www.askdruniverse@wsu.edu.
STEM Collaborative: This site has four major components: math by design, road trip, scale city and proportionland. Each module offers virtual environments, simulations, videos and interactive math challenges. High School Xploration Outer Space: This two hour program is produced by Emily Calandrelli, a former NASA employee. It is shown on FOX affiliate stations. Each of the four half-hour blocks focuses on STEM topics related to space exploration. Sparticl: This site is a treasure trove of information for teen-aged learners. It’s divided into living things, matter and energy, body and brain, tech and invention and earth and space. Each section contains informative articles, videos, and experiments to try at home. Most of these websites and programs are interactive and very entertaining. Be sure to set an expectation for hands-on, real-life projects done in your home as well as screen learning. Kids love to experiment and problem-solve. These sites are a great way to get their creative juices flowing and take them into the world of real-life applications of STEM learning.
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AFTER SCHOOL DIRECTORY Here is a sampling of after-school programs offered in your area. Volusia County Academy of Martial Arts After-School programs Our program’s primary focus is on teaching martial arts and life skills. Here is your solution to getting your child into a great martial arts class. Finally, a martial arts school that is here to fit your needs and hectic schedule. Locations: 333 W. Granada Blvd. Suite #240 Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Phone: (386) 677-6811 South Daytona/Port Orange 2139 S. Ridgewood Ave. South Daytona, FL 32119 Phone: (386) 256-6016 Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Age: 3+ Area: Northeast Volusia http://amafl.com/afterschool-programs-camps/ Ace Gymnastics Our program provides quality care and fun for your child in our after-school program. We have a separate, large gym dedicated to our after school and preschool classes. Bus/ van pick up is available at most Port Orange schools. Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Area: Northeast Volusia 4431 Eastport Parkway, Port Orange, FL, 32127 (386) 760-1445 https://www.acegymnasticsdaytona.com/afterschool-at-ace.html American Martial Arts After School Program After School fitness and success program- Increase your child’s self-esteem & focus. We offer free After School Pick-Up, Nutritious Snack, Tutored Homework Time, Martial Arts Safety Program, Stranger Danger 911 Anti-Abduction Program, How to defeat a bully without fighting Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Age: 4+ Area: Southeast Volusia 323 N Orange St, New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32168 (386) 428-1316 http://www.americanmartialarts.com/classes/after-school-homework-program DeLand YMCA Our Afterschool Enrichment Program is part of the YMCA’s history of dedication to youth and children’s services. Established to meet the needs of working parents in the community while providing their children a fun, safe, enriching environment that would promote the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Hours: School dismissal time until 6:00pm Age: 5 – 12 Area: West Volusia 761 E Int’l Speedway Blvd, Deland, FL, 32724 386-736-6000 http://vfymca.org/locations/deland-family-ymca/afterschool/ Skate and Shake A licensed After School Program designed to provide children with a healthy, structured, fun, fitness oriented environment while catering to the flexible needs of families! Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Age: 5-12 Year Olds 250 N. US1, Ormond Beach, FL (386) 672-8500 http://www.skateandshake.net/after-school-program.htmlhappy
Kindercare Learning Center After School Program Catch the Wave® School-Age Program (Before- and after-school education) for 5-12 year olds: Even after school’s out for the day, children need to be engaged in a comfortable, yet stimulating child care environment. That’s where Catch the Wave comes in. Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Age: K-6 Locations: 1320 Beville Rd, Daytona Beach, FL (386) 310-2418 http://www.kindercare.com/our-centers/daytona-beach/fl/301093 151 Sagebrush Trail, Ormond Beach FL 32174 386-673-4740 http://www.kindercare.com/our-centers/ormond-beach/fl/300934 LaPetite Learning Academy Before- and After-School Programs (5 – 12 years) In our safe environment, your child will be presented with opportunities for fun, socializing and learning—they’ll do homework, get some exercise, create projects, participate in group activities and more. Locations: 650 Taylor Rd, Port Orange, FL 32127 1428 State Road 40, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 698 Deltona Blvd, Deltona Beach, FL 32725 Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Age: K-5 (877) 861-5078 https://www.lapetite.com/educational-programs/before-and-after-school-care/ Southeast Volusia YMCA We pick up from Read Pattillo Elementary, Edgewater Public Elementary, and Indian River Elementary. We will also have a table at Burns Science and Technology Charter school’s orientation for the parents interested in afterschool at the Y there. Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Ages: Kindergarten thru 5th grade 148 West Turgot Ave., Edgewater, FL 32132 (386) 409-9622 http://vfymca.org/locations/southeast-volusia-ymca/ Villari’s Martial Arts After School Program Daily structured martial arts classes, fulltime/professional staff, security monitoring system, character development programs, free transportation from school, supervised homework time, FUN Fridays. Most of all, your child will have LOTS OF FUN!!! The BEST alternative to daycare!! Offers transportation to/from school: Yes, FREE Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Ages: 5-12 Year Olds 1930 W Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach FL 32174 386-672-4545 www.cfmartialarts.com Flagler County First Baptist Christian Academy A fully accredited college preparatory school, we are focused on providing a safe and fun learning environment, while fully emphasizing a fundamental biblical foundation. Offers transportation to/from school: Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm 201 E Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110 386-446-0094 www.crusadersonline.com
Flagler County Flagler Schools Extended Day Program The Extended School Day Program was not designed to be a baby-sitting service. It was created to provide Flagler County children with greater opportunities to grow educationally, socially, emotionally and physically. (Monday-Friday). Morning & Afternoon Care $45 per child Morning OR Afternoon Care $35 per child Teacher Work Day $25 per child Locations: Bunnell Elementary 437-7583 Belle Terre Elementary 447-1541 Old Kings Elementary 517-2063 Rymfire Elementary 206-4623 Wadsworth Elementary 446-6727 https://fce.flaglerschools.com/fce/after-school Pak’s Karate Extended Day Program At Pak’s Karate we offer extended day after school pick up and Karate. This is another quality program with the growth of our students as our first priority. Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Ages: 5-12 Year Olds 2323 N State Street, Bunnell, Florida 32110 386-868-6490 http://pakskarateacademy.wixsite.com/paks-site Palm Harbor Academy Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Ages: 5-12 Year Olds 95 Old Kings Road N, Palm Coast, FL 32137 386-447-9692 http://www.pharockets.com Roma Court Academy Our program is designed to complement the school day, so our state-of-the-art-facility offers many ways for your child to spend their time. The space is arranged for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities where children can play team or individual games. Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Ages: 5-12 Year Olds 515 Palm Coast Pkwy SW, Palm Coast FL 32164 386-445-0834 www.romacourtacademy.com Sunshine Academy of Palm Coast & Flagler Beach Our Before / After School Program allows your child to unwind from an already long day of school. Upon Arrival In The Afternoon, Your Child Will Receive A Snack That Allows Children Time To Socialize With Their Peers and Discuss Their Homework / Tutoring Needs. Homework Help At Sunshine Academy Ensures That When Your Child Goes Home, He or She Can Spend Some Quality Family Time With You. Offers transportation to/from school: Yes Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Ages: 5-12 Year Olds Locations: 1230 Palm Coast Pkwy NW, Palm Coast, Florida 32137 386-445-2822 Pickups from: Belle Terre and Rymfire 170 Old Kings Road, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 386-439-9985 Pickups from: Old Kings and Imagine Schools http://academyofsunshine.com/programs/before__after_school Tutoring Centers
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Car Seat/ Child Passenger Safety Tech 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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To submit an event, send your information by the 10th of the preceding month to: charlie@bradymediainc.com or mail to: 800 Belle Terre Pkwy., Ste. 200-207 Palm Coast, FL 32164
Submit Your Event!
Free Summer Kids Movies 10:00am (August 8. 9, & 10) “Home”
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MOAS Wednesday Yoga in the Gallery 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Museum of Arts & Sciences
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Daytona Lagoon- Family Night 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm 601 Earl Street Daytona Beach, FL 32118 $12.99 after 4pm daytonalagoon.com
Whim Wham Art Studio: Story Art 11:00 am 378B W Granada Blvd Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 A Super Story Time! A New Story and Awesome Art Project Every Week! www.whimwhamartstudio.com
Halifax Hospital- Working Moms Support Group 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Port Orange Family YMCA Healthy Living Center 4701 City Center Parkway, Port Orange, FL www.halifaxhealth.org Free Summer Kids Movies 10:00am (August 1, 2 & 3) Alvin & The ChipmunksRoad Chip (PG) Paragon Ocean Walk 10 250 N. Atlantic Ave Suite 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32118
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Night at the Zoo 6:30pm – 10:00pm Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
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Shrimp & Seafood Festival 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Admission: Dishes priced $3-$5 Flagler Avenue New Smyrna Beach, FL Don’t miss the 9th Annual NSB Shrimp and Seafood Festival! More than 30 restaurants will compete for the “Best on the Beach” awards. Live entertainment, merchant booths and more.
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Jurassic Quest- America’s Best Dinosaur Show 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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The Big Latch On of East Volusia 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Christ Church Port Orange 2421 Tomoka Farms Road, Port Orange 386-235-0041 Sdimatties@msn.com
Dinner, Art and a Movie 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Inc. 78 East Granada Blvd. Ormond Beach, FL 32176 Hosted by the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and the City’s Department of Leisure Services, this 2nd annual family event includes food trucks, a free art project and a free movie in the park.
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Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse- National Lighthouse Day 10:30 am - 2:30 pm 4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 Join us at the Lighthouse and celebrate National Lighthouse Day. See our historical exhibits, play historical games, and make your own lighthouse pennant. All activities are included with regular admission, no advance reservations required. ponceinlet.org 386-761-1821
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Free Summer Kids Movies 10:00am (August 15, 16 & 17) “Shrek the Third” Paragon Ocean Walk 10 250 N. Atlantic Ave., Suite 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Daytona Beach, FL 32118
Paragon Ocean Walk 10 250 N. Atlantic Ave Suite 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32118
The Baby Shoppe 5513 South Williamson Boulevard, Port Orange, FL 32128 bethcpst@gmail.com www.thebabyshoppeonline.com
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Camp “U”Nique 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Calvary Christian Center Anti-bully, self defense, self esteem, self confidence, empathy and bystanders to bullying training. youth ages 10-17 www.campunique.org
Marine Science Center: Turtle Tots 10:00 am Marine Science Center 100 Lighthouse Drive Ponce Inlet Games, Songs, and Stories For Ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult marinesciencecenter.com (386) 304-5545
Special Planetarium Show: Experiencing the Great American Eclipse of 2017 Museum of Arts & Sciences 352 South Nova Road Daytona Beach, FL 32114 $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children
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Daytona Tortugas Game 7:05 pm Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark 105 E Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 www.milb.com
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Paragon Theaters Sensory Friendly Screening- The Nut Job 2 10:00 am Ocean Walk 250 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 www.paragontheaters.com 386-238-5252
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American Red Cross Whale Tales Water Safety Class 11:15am – 12:00pm City-Palm Coast Frieda Zamba 339 Parkview Dr. Palm Coast, FL 32164 Ages 3-5
370 Zoo Pkwy. Jacksonville, FL 32218 http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/ nightatthezoo
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National Lifeguard Championships August 9, 2017 - August 12, 2017 Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort 100 North Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118
352 S. Nova Road Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 $10.00 for future members, $5.00 for members www.moas.org
National Parks FREE Entrance Day All National Parks
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Family Days “Movies Under the Stars” 7:15 pm Finding Dory Kenneth Parker Amphitheater 1999 City Center Circle Port Orange, FL 32129
Ocean Center 101 N Atlantic Ave. Daytona Beach, Florida 32118 $14-29 www.jurassicquest.com
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Afternoon with Florida History $7.00 for future members, $5.00 for MOAS members Museum of Arts & Sciences 352 South Nova Road Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386) 255-0285
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Back to School Ice Cream Social & Book Signing 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Zeno’s World’s Most Famous Taffy Factory 2400 S. Ridgewood Ave. South Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Free www.TaylorandSeale.com
Fun & Reusable Snack & Lunch Containers RUSSBE Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags Durable, with reinforced seams and NEW pull tab, they are easy-to-use while maintaining freshness and preventing leaks. • A unique stand up design make RUSSBE bags perfect for lunches or snacking at school • E nvironmentally friendly, reduce waste and help consumers do their part to help save the planet •E ach set includes: two snack and two sandwich bags; available in assorted fun designs • MSRP $7.99 - Available at Russbe.com
Russbe Stack + Chill Bento Boxes A well-balanced meal at just the right temperature • 3 compartments for main dish and two sides/snacks available in two sizes 30 oz. or 1.5 qt. • C omes with nested fork and spoon; included gel pack keeps foods fresh all day • B PA-free & dishwasher-safe; bases are microwave-safe (remove gel packs and utensils) • MSRP $24.99 (30 oz.) and $29.99 (1.5 qt.) - Available at Russbe.com
RUSSBE Snack Bento Boxes They’re compact enough to fit in a lunch box/bag or backpack and are perfect for on-the-go snacking. • 18 oz. double stacked with nested fork • BPA-free & dishwasher-safe; bases are microwave-safe • Available in several sophisticated colors • MSRP $7.99 - Available at Russbe.com
Russbe Snack Bento Box for Kids Stackable, fun, and perfect for snacks on-the-go • 21 oz. triple stacked (6 oz. /6 oz. / 9 oz.) • BPA-free & dishwasher-safe; bases are microwave-safe • Available in fun, kid-oriented design • MSPR $11.99 - Available at Russbe.com
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Best Educational Apps for Kids by Lara Krupicka
Face it, portable internet devices are here to stay and our kids are fond of them. Screen time for kids becomes more palatable when we know they’re learning something at the same time. But sorting through the thousands of learning apps out there to find the ones that work can be a trick. That’s why we’re sharing a few recommendations for both Android and Apple devices.
Math Apps Motion Math (ages 1-11) - Offers over a dozen apps, each focused on a different age group (Hungry Guppy for ages 5 and under) or a different skill (Fractions!). Kids simulate experiences from feeding fish to running a bakery, all while learning math concepts - which makes the apps both engaging and educational. Motion Math apps can be bought separately or as a bundle. Language Arts Writing Wizard (ages 5 and under) - Help your child learn handwriting with Writing Wizard. Kids trace letters and hear letter names and phonetic pronunciations. Parents can add their own words and choose from 5 fonts, customizing the letter size to suit their child’s progress. Includes printable worksheets and shape tracing for toddlers. Rory’s Story Cubes or Story Dice (ages 3+) - These inexpensive storytelling apps use dice with images in place of numbers. Roll one, two or more cubes to establish story parameters. They can be used for oral stories with preschoolers, writing games for grade schoolers or even creative writing prompts with high schoolers. A fun, flexible virtual version of the popular dice sets. Science and Social Science Britannica Kids (ages 8+) - While the Encyclopaedia Britannica’s apps are pricier (usually $4.99), they offer a wealth of articles and videos on a variety of topics. Kids can learn about the solar system, ancient Rome, volcanoes, presidents and more, depending on which app you choose. Other DuoLingo (all ages) - This free app uses graphics and easy-to-repeat audio to teach basic language skills for 10 different languages. Skills are reinforced through repetition and players don’t move on to the next module until they have successfully learned the previous, earning points to cash in at a virtual store.
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Back-To-School Serenity Strategies: Seven Ways To Calm Anxious Kids By Christina Katz
If your child is naturally shy, introverted or resistant to change, you probably won’t be surprised when back-to-school anxiety crops up a few weeks before school starts. And what if your typically fearless, hyper-social child suddenly starts to have angry outbursts or impulsive restlessness a couple of weeks before school starts? Could this be a sign of back-to-school anxiety? Certainly. Transitions can be hard for children at any age, especially for kids who have trouble managing change. Sometimes the unknown can spark a child with a lively imagination to picture the worst. And elementary-school aged children are growing and developing in leaps and bounds, which can often throw physical, mental, and emotional behaviors into an unexpected tizzy. So regardless of your child’s usual manner, you might do the whole family a favor by expecting the onset of school to cause some degree of anxiety in your elementary student, whether this is the first year of school or the fifth. Being proactive at the first sign of school jitters can help. Here are seven ways to calm anxious feelings before they become overwhelming. Ask About Feelings. Don’t assume your child is totally fine unless he says so. And even then, ask some questions. Try to frame a variety of feelings for your child to choose from. Say things like, “When kids start school they sometimes feel excited, nervous, anxious, scared, or overwhelmed. What are you feeling?” Being able to express and describe the experience can often take the edge 38 AUGUST 2017
off. And don’t be surprised if you feel compelled to ask every day for several weeks until school settles into a familiar routine and emotions settle back down. If kids say they are “fine,” gently question until you get a more detailed response. Paint A Picture. Take advantage of school tours and meetthe-teacher days to help your child know what to expect from school. Talk to your
child about how nice and orderly school is.. Make sure your child knows who to talk to if she has a problem or concern. Assuring your child that there is a plan and steady leadership in place can help her relax. If she feels panicky, reassure her that she will quickly catch on to school routines, and then when you come to the visit, she will be able to show you the ropes.
day mentality. Then before you send him off to play or do chores say, “If today was a school day, it would be time to go to the bus stop,” to help him envision what a school day will be like. Post the daily school day schedule and go over it with him as the big day draws near. Focus On The Positive. Okay, your child is definitely nervous about school. There may be no way around it. But chances are good she is also looking forward to some aspects of school. What about seeing her friends every day? How about taking the bus? Does she love libraries full of books? Do what you can to prime the positive pot a bit for the first few weeks of school. Offer a special snack for school, a chance to watch a favorite show right after school, or a daily call to grandma to share her adventures. Express the negative and embrace the positive is your new motto. Keep The Teacher Informed. If your child is seriously struggling with anxiety beyond what might be considered first-day jitters, keep his teacher in the loop. Teachers are trained to handle every kind of situation that may come up in the classroom. And your child might respond more positively to input from other adults beyond parents. If the situation does not improve after the first day hurdle is cleared, consider getting a school counselor involved, as well. Trust that the school is behind your child and express that you all want your child to have a good time at school. Prepare The Launch Pad. Your child will be comforted by tasks that
prepare him for school. Resist the urge to do everything for him or try and shield him from the preparation process. Together you can gather lunch-making supplies, shop for school supplies, and select school clothes. These are all nice, concrete tasks that can bring an anxious child back down to earth. Why not create a getting ready checklist for the two of you and tick tasks off as they are completed? Practice The New Routine. The week before school starts is an important rehearsal time to ease into a new routine. Get your child to bed earlier, wake him up before school will start, feed him well, and get him into the school
Be Extra Calm Yourself. If you are contending with your own separation anxiety as you anticipate sending your child off to a school, discuss your feelings with understanding adults out of earshot of your child. Take part in all of these suggestions as a way to settle yourself down, as well as a way of preparing your child for school. Remind yourself that your child is resilient and strong and will adjust to change just fine with support. If you are too quick to jump in and mediate every situation, you might be interfering with her opportunity to see what she can do for herself.
Books About The First Day Of School The Night Before Preschool (also Kindergarten and First Grade) by Natasha Wing This School Year Will Be The Best by Kay Winters First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg Kindergarten Rocks by Katie Davis Countdown To Kindergarten by Alison McGhee I Love You All Day Long by Francesca Rusackas AUGUST 2017 39
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 and teens in August include a new “Nut Job” movie, a Stephen King adaptation, an inspiring dance movie and more. Let’s take a closer look. THE DARK TOWER Rated PG-13 for thematic material, including sequences of gun violence and action. In theaters 8/4. Ok for kids 13+. Reel Preview: Stephen King’s “The Dark Tower” is the most ambitious and expansive story from one of the world’s most celebrated authors. Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) is an 11-year-old adventure seeker who discovers clues about another dimension called Mid-World. Upon following the mystery, he is spirited away to Mid-World where he encounters a Gunslinger, Roland Deschain (Idris Elba), who is on a quest to reach the “Dark Tower” that resides in End-World and is the nexus point between time and space that he hopes will save the world. But with various monsters and a vicious sorcerer named Walter o’Dim (Matthew McConaughey), the Man in Black hot on their trail, the unlikely duo find their quest difficult to complete. Directed by Nikolaj Arcel, this movie also stars Jackie Earle Haley, Claudia Kim and Abbey Lee. LEAP! Rated PG for some impolite humor and action. In theaters 8/30. Ok for kids 6+. Reel Preview: It’s 1884 and a young orphaned girl arrives in Paris from Brittany. Félicie Milliner is 11 and has no money, but she does have one big, passionate dream: to become a dancer. With nothing left to lose, Félicie takes a big risk: she “borrows a spoiled brat’s identity and enters the Opera Ballet School. Mentored by the tough and mysterious cleaner Odette, Félicie learns that talent is not enough – it takes hard work and friendship to be better than her ruthless, conniving fellow students. Felicie’s inventive, exhausting and charismatic best friend Victor also has a dream: to become a famous inventor. Together, they encourage each other to reach for the stars. Elle Fanning, Nat Wolff, Carly Rae Jepsen and Kate McKinnon are among the voice talent for this inspiring movie. 40 AUGUST 2017
THE NUT JOB 2: NUTTY BY NATURE Rated PG for action and some rude humor. In theaters 8/11. Ok for kids 6+. Reel Preview: Surly Squirrel (Will Arnett) and the “Nut Job” gang are back! The story takes place once again in Oakton, where the evil mayor has decided to bulldoze Liberty Park and build a dangerous amusement park in its place. Surly and his ragtag group of animal friends must band together to save their home, defeat the mayor, and take back the park! Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Jackie Chan and Jeff Dunham are among the voice talent for this cute movie, directed by Cal Brunker. THE GLASS CASTLE Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content involving family dysfunction, and for some language and smoking. In theaters 8/11. Ok for kids 13+. Reel Preview: Based on the New York Times best-selling 2005 memoir by Jeannette Walls, this movie chronicles the adventures of an eccentric, resilient and tight-knit family. Brie Larson stars as a young woman who, influenced by the joyfully wild nature of her deeply dysfunctional father (Woody Harrelson), finds the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, this movie also stars Naomi Watts, Max Greenfield and Sarah Snook. STEP Rated PG for thematic elements and some language. In theaters 8/4. Ok for kids 8+. Reel Preview: This documentary follows the senior year of a girls’ high-school step dance team set against the background of inner-city Baltimore. As each dancer tries to become the first in their family to attend college, the girls strive to make their dancing a success while social unrest embroils the troubled city. Directed by Amanda Lipitz, this movie features Blessin Giraldo, Cori Grainger, Tayla Solomon, Gari McIntyre and Paula Dofat.
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education
9th Annual “Excellence in Education Challenge” Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM & FIAT and Bright House Networks teamed up to bring this incentive based program for high school junior and seniors throughout the 2016/17 school year! At the end of last school year, names were selected from each high school from all of the entries collected throughout the year. Those students, along with their families and mentors attended the end of the year reception at LPGA International on June 1st And the 2017 Winner is….. Matthew Jolliffe of Deland High School!
are eligible to participate. One lucky winner drives away in a BRAND NEW CAR and a lucky winner will be drawn and surprised with a new laptop donated by Bright House Networks! If you’re student is up for the challenge in the upcoming 2017-18 school year.. Pick up a registration form from your school facilitator or Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM & FIAT at the Daytona Auto Mall and YOU COULD BE OUR NEXT WINNER! Like us on Facebook: @ExcellenceinEducationChallenge for updates throughout the year or ask your school for more information. For more details call: (386) 274-0571 Who is Eligible? • All High School Juniors and Seniors (16 years and older by 06/2018) from Volusia & Flagler Counties and Public & Private High Schools. At the end of designated grading periods, students will have the opportunity to register for the drawings as follows: Students must bring the following items in person to Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM & FIAT: official report card and a photo ID within one week of receiving their report card. ENTRY COUNT Each “A” Earned = 2 Entries
The program recognizes good grades, attendance and school sponsored activities. All high school juniors and seniors who attend Flagler and Volusia County Schools
Each “B” Earned = 1 Entry Perfect Attendance For The Grade Period = 1 Entry School Sponsored Clubs, Sports & Performing Art = 1 Entry
Visit here for more details on how your student can enter for 2018! https://www.daytonadodgechrysler.net/about-us/excellence-in-education/ 42 AUGUST 2017
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feature feature
Pack It Up:
School Lunch Box Ideas By Tiffany Doerr Guerzon It’s an age old dilemma: how to pack a healthy, inexpensive lunch for school that your child will enjoy. While “brown bagging it” saves money over buying hot lunch from the school cafeteria, kids aren’t always excited about a homemade lunch. Try some of the ideas below to give kids healthy and interesting choices, and you’ll soon have them eating out of your hand…or rather, their lunch box. Pack it: Start with a great lunchbox. Current styles often go on sale just after school starts. Soft- sided insulated bags are available and some online stores will even personalize the bag for you. Then, make cleaning up fun by picking up a pack of small party napkins in your kid’s favorite super hero or character theme and tuck these into their lunch box instead of plain napkins. Freeze it: Try an ice pack alternative: freeze a juice box or water bottle and pack with perishables. Heat it: Hot lunch can come from home if you have a good thermos. Preheat the thermos by filling with hot water, leaving it in at least five minutes, then emptying and filling with something warm and yummy. This could be anything from canned soup to last night’s chili. Stack it: Cut lunch meat and cheese into small squares and pack with your child’s favorite crackers and they can stack their own cracker sandwiches. Roll it: Make roll-ups by rolling several slices of lunch meat together, then cut in half and secure with toothpicks. Or, roll lunch meat around cheese sticks. Either is great with a container of honey-mustard or ranch dressing for dipping. Dip it: Lots of foods can be dipped, from carrot sticks in ranch dressing to apple slices in peanut butter. Flavored yogurt makes a great dip, too. Wrap it: Turn their favorite sandwich into a wrap. Large tortillas can be found in a variety of flavors and made into almost any kind of wrap, from PB&J to turkey and avocado. Leftover barbeque beef or teriyaki makes a great wrap as well. Large lettuce leaves can substitute for tortillas, if desired. Cut it: For the diehard sandwich eater, try using large cookie cutters to cut their favorite into interesting shapes. Buy it: Invest in small reusable containers for sandwiches, dips, pudding, gelatin, fruit cups and more. It’s cheaper to make a batch of pudding and divide it up for lunches, and this also keeps trash out of the landfill. Write it: A handwritten note from mom or dad in their lunch box makes a kid feel special. From a simple “I love you” to jokes or words of encouragement on test day, a note will let them know you care.
Online resources: Lunch bags: http://www.lillianvernon.com/Category/LunchBags http://www.landsend.com/ix/index.html?store=le&action=newSearch&search=lunch+box Thermos: http://www.thermos.com/product_catalog.aspx?CatCode=LUNC
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feature and writing. Help your child design a free family website using platforms like uKit, Wordpress, Weebly, Wix or Squarespace. Some of these sites are more user-friendly than others. Check around to see what would work best for your youngster. Direct a movie. Kids love to play with video. Show them applications like iMovie (Mac), which gives them an opportunity to choose templates, edit, add audio and share their short films. Slo-mo and Timelapse are also fun video features on many smartphones. On Timelapse, my kids like to record themselves cleaning up their room. They get a kick out of going back and watching the process in fast-forward. (That’s a win for parents too!)
Digital Designers: Creative Ways Techy Kids Can Express Themselves Sick of the amount of time your kids are spending on video games this summer? When boredom strikes, give your digitally-charmed youngster a summer time project that enhances their technical skills while also fostering their creativity. by Christa Melnyk Hines
Write a digital storybook. Introduce your young storyteller to storybird.com which features illustrations that kids can use for story inspiration. They can write and design picture books, long form stories or write poetry. Subscription-based monthly writing challenges can help boost a child’s literacy skills. Young authors can choose to keep their work private, publish it to Storybird’s public library, share it on social media, email it to friends and family, or print off the books for special keepsakes or gifts. Other story sites include WeMakeStories.com and BookCreator.com. Draw comic strips. The StripDesigner app enables kids to take pictures of their artwork or upload photos to create their own comic strips using the site’s comic book template. They can play with fonts and filters and write dialogue in speech balloons. Also check out the family friendly website MakeBeliefsComix.comcreated by Bill Zimmerman. The free site provides writing prompts for kids, comic strip templates and suggestions for family activities. Younger children might like Superhero Comic Book Maker and Princess Fairy Tale Maker available at duckduckmoose. com, which are designed for kids who aren’t writing yet. When they’re finished 46 AUGUST 2017
memory book of your family’s vacation. Or suggest they take photos throughout the summer and make photo books in August. Have them include captions of the places you visited, the things they learned, and short anecdotes. Walmart, Picaboo and Shutterfly are a few sites that offer templates for photo books. Play with music. From Garage Band on Mac for older kids to CreatingMusic.com for younger ones, turn kids on to playing around with pitch, tone and rhythm. Many teens love the musical.ly app which lets them lip sync to popular music, browse videos and share their videos. (Be aware that some song lyrics in musical.ly contain swearing and sexual content. The app can be adjusted to protect privacy and users don’t have to share their videos.) Start a family newspaper. My 12-yearold son likes to write up short “ripped from the headlines” news briefs, family news and car advertisements. He also draws cartoons for a “funnies” section. My son prefers to use GoogleDocs so that he can easily email or print his paper, but Word or Pages (Mac) also offers templates for newsletters. Build a family webpage. Many kids love to play with coding, design, photography
Create a digital slide show. On your next family field trip or vacation, provide your child with an inexpensive digital camera if they don’t have access to smartphone. Afterwards they can upload their photos to your computer and create a digital slideshow with music, transitions and creative fonts. Check out smilebox. com, iPhoto, or Movavi. Start a blog. Help your budding artist, writer or photographer start a private family blog where they can share their work with family and friends. If your child likes to cook, suggest she take photos during each step of the cooking process and post her recipes onto the blog. For a group of friends who love to read, watch movies or play video games, suggest setting up a group blog that they can use to take turns posting book, movie or video game reviews. Snap a photo a day. Using apps like “Photo 365” or “Everyday app”, have your child take a photo a day throughout the summer. Choose a specific subject like a tree, a seed that they plant, their puppy or kitten, a sibling or take daily selfies. At the end of the summer, watch the subject in a quick time lapse. How does the subject matter change over the course of the season? Get curious. Check out a list of sites for kids featuring links to art, science, music, games, sports and more at www. KidSites.com. As always, ensure that your kids are taking appropriate personal safety precautions to protect their identity and location while online. Unsure about an app or online platform? Check out CommonSenseMedia.org.
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Family Fun Guide August 1 Marine Discovery Center Dolphin Discovery Boat Tour 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 520 Barracuda Blvd. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 Travel the Indian River Lagoon in the comfort of our 40-passenger Discovery pontoon boat. Your tour guide on the 2-hour journey will be one of our knowledgeable narrators – certified Florida Coastal Naturalists – who enjoy sharing their extensive knowledge of the abundant marine life, which lives in and on the Indian River Lagoon. www.marinediscoverycenter.org (386) 428-4828 Halifax Hospital- Working Moms Support Group 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Port Orange Family YMCA Healthy Living Center 4701 City Center Parkway, Port Orange, FL Meet with lactation consultant IBCLC Patti Hoffman, RN to discuss milestones, breastfeeding, infant care and adjustment to life as a parent. Find encouragement with other working moms. www.halifaxhealth.org Daytona Tortugas Game 7:05 pm Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark 105 E Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 www.milb.com Animal Adventures Camp Day 9:00am – 12:00pm The Little Gym of Port Orange 4645 S. Clyde Morris Blvd. Suite 404 Port Orange, FL 32119 Ages 3-10 Years $25 Members;$30 Non Members; $15 Siblings Our Super Kids will venture into Hullabaloo Zoo – the biggest Baby Animal Zoo in the land! Each day the Super Kids will be presented with a “secret clue” that they will use to work together and find a chosen baby animal! 386-304-1401 www.thelittlegym.com Youth Golf Summer Camp 9:00am – 2:00pm Palm Harbor Golf Club 20 Palm Harbor Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137 Monday-Friday, July 31-Aug. 4, Youth ages 5-18 will learn short game, full swing, putting, golf etiquette, sportsmanship and friendly competition. Open to all skill levels. Lunch, snacks and drinks included. $125, with family discounts available. Pre-registration required. 386- 986-GOLF (4653). FREE Tai Chi Class 9:30am - 10:30am Pak’s Karate Academy 2323 N State St, Bunnell, FL 32110 Children’s Introduction to Drawing & Mixed Media (ages 8 – 15) 10:00am – 12:00pm Flagler County Art League 160 Cypress Point Pkwy # C207, Palm Coast, FL 32164 $25 (includes supplies)/student Learn to draw or refine existing skills. Discover painting, color mixing, pastels, charcoal, watercolor, oil resist painting, portraiture, printmaking and more. www.flaglercountyartleague.org
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Free Kids Summer Movie Escape 10:00 am (August 1, 2 & 3) Alvin & The Chipmunks- Road Chip (PG) The Secret Life of Pets (PG) Cobb Daytona Luxury Theatres 1850 Legend lane E100, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Free Summer Kids Movies 10:00am (August 1, 2 & 3) Alvin & The Chipmunks- Road Chip (PG) Paragon Ocean Walk 10 250 N. Atlantic Ave Suite 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32118 $1 Summer Movies 10:00am (August 1 & 2) “Storks” (G) & “The Lego Batman Movie” (PG) Regal Cinema 215 Williamson Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Junior Golf Clinic at Palm Harbor Golf Club 5:00pm – 6:00pm Palm Harbor Golf Club 20 Palm Harbor Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137 14 and under are invited to learn and practice golf skills in a Junior Golf Clinic at Palm Harbor Golf Club Families are $10 for first child, $5 for each child after. 386-986-GOLF (4653). Racquet Rookies I (12-week tennis program) 5:30pm - 6:30pm Palm Coast Tennis Center 1290 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast, FL 32164 Mondays and/or Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. or Tuesdays and/or Thursdays 5:30-6:30 pm This program is a gentle introduction to the game of tennis for students 5-7 years old. Skill-building exercises and fun activities are used to begin developing the basic movements used on the tennis court. $150 (1 class per week)/$275 (2 classes per week) or $16 per class pay-as-you-go. 386-986-2550 www. PalmCoastTennisCenter.com.
FREE Car Seat Check-up Event 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Halifax Health Medical Center - France Tower Portico 303 N. CLyde Morris Blvd., Daytona Beach FREE Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and Instructors will be available to check, assist and demonstrate the proper installation and usage of your child’s car seat. New convertible car seats will be available for a $30 donation and must be installed at the event. 386-425-7920 steven.parris@halifax.org Daytona Lagoon- Family Night 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm 601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 $12.99 after 4pm daytonalagoon.com August 3 Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center Newborn Care 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 301 Memorial Medical Pkwy., Daytona Beach, FL 32117 Our Newborn Care class is taught by our Certified Happiest Baby Instructor and aligns with the Happiest Baby Association. The class covers tools to calm a crying, fussy baby by turning on their calming reflex, tips for practicing safe sleep and reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and much more on newborn care! floridahospitalbabies.com 386-231-3152 Athens Theatre presents Sister Act 7:30 pm Preferred Seating $28 (Row A-E, Center) - Adult $23 Senior $21 Student/Child $10 - Groups of 8 or more $19 “Making a joyful noise” brings salvation to a stodgy convent and a hilariously misplaced nightclub performer turned murder witness. www.athensdeland.com 386-736-1500
Boy Scouts Of America, Troop 472 6:30pm – 8:00pm Flagler Beach United Methodist Church 1520 S Daytona Ave, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 Boys 10 1/2 - 18. Go Camping, Swimming, Water Skiing, Fishing, Biking, White Water Rafting, Archery, Rifle Shooting, Shot Gun Shooting. Learn Leadership, First Aid, Map and Compass, Knots, Fire Building. ALL while having fun. Contact Info: pepsimanb@yahoo.com
Shrimp & Seafood Festival 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm Admission: Dishes priced $3-$5 Flagler Avenue New Smyrna Beach, FL Details Don’t miss the 9th Annual NSB Shrimp and Seafood Festival! More than 30 restaurants will compete for the “Best on the Beach” awards. Live entertainment, merchant booths and more.
August 2
Art Rageous Art Center- Clay Play 3:00 pm 4649 S Clyde Morris Blvd #611 Port Orange FL, 32129 $20 Clay Play is a wonderful time for your child to experience the art of clay hand-building. artrageousfl.com 386-947-7661
Marine Discovery Center Sea Squirts 10:00 am - 11:15 am 520 Barracuda Blvd. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 The Sea Squirts Program introduces marine life to children ages 2-5 years. Cost is $5 per adult and $5 per child. www.marinediscoverycenter.org (386) 428-4828 Whim Wham Art Studio: Story Art 11:00 am 378B W Granada Blvd Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 A Super Story Time! A New Story and Awesome Art Project Every Week! www.whimwhamartstudio.com
August 4th
Marine Discovery Center Dolphin Lighthouse Cruise 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 520 Barracuda Blvd. New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169 Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour tour with light music and local nautical landmarks including the iconic Ponce de Leon Lighthouse and the historic Coast Guard Station. www.marinediscoverycenter.org (386) 428-4828
Dinner, Art and a Movie 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Inc. 78 East Granada Blvd. Ormond Beach, FL 32176 Hosted by the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and the City’s Department of Leisure Services, this 2nd annual family event includes food trucks, a free art project and a free movie in the park. 8:30 p.m- Finding Dory, PG at The Casements 386-676-3347
Pioneer Settlement- Barberville Family Farm Swap and Market 7:00 am - 12:00 pm 227 Lemmon Road, Barberville, FL 32105 (For GPS use 32180) Join us the first and third Saturday’s each month. The Farm Swap opens at 7am www.pioneersettlement.org 386-749-2959 info@pioneersettlement.org
Last Free Summer Beach Clean Up & Surf Class Of The Summer! 8:30am – 12:00pm Maui Nix Surf Shop 635 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Join us on Saturday, August 5th for our Last FREE Summer Surf Class and Vans Beach Clean Up! Our summer sponsors will be out there with give-a-ways and more! Grab your friends and join us for some fun down on the beach https://www.facebook.com/ events/248479975644196
Skate and Shake Teen Skate and Dance 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm 250 N Highway US1, Ormond Beach, Fl $8.00 Every Friday Night is TEEN NIGHT at Skate & Shake. It’s a special night because we host a 1-hour dance from 10-11PM. A lot of teenagers from local schools come out and join their friends to have a blast, skating & dancing to the latest music out on the radio. www.skateandshake.net 386-672-8500
Home Depot Kids Workshops 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Free Join our hands-on workshop and you and your child can build a wooden Penske truck to roll some fun into August. Once the project is complete, your child can personalize their truck with stickers and paint. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. workshops.homedepot.com
Old City Farmers Market 8:30am - 12:30pm The St. Augustine Amphitheatre 1340C A1A S, St Augustine, FL 32080 Come visit the Old City Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, hand-crafted items and plants directly from the producers. There’s even fresh seafood in season. The Farmers market is always a lot of fun for the whole family with live entertainment and much more. Admission is Free. http://www.staugustinefm.com/
Firefighter Friday at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218 All ages are invited to visit with Jacksonville Firefighters at the Zoo’s entrance. Kids can climb aboard the truck, and take home a free firefighter hat. Held the first Friday of the month.http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org $5 Fridays at MOSH 10:00am – 8:00pm MOSH 1025 Museum Cir, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Every Friday, come to MOSH to enjoy $5 admission* and extended hours, brought to you by Regions Bank. The Museum is open late, until 8pm. http://themosh.org/ First Friday Garden Walk 10:00am – 11:00am Washington Oaks Gardens State Park 6400 N Ocean Shore Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32137 Join a ranger each First Friday of the month at 10am for a walk through our historical gardens. Learn about the history of our park while exploring the beauty of the formal gardens. The walk is approximately 1 hour. Please wear comfortable walking shoes! Meet in the Garden parking lot. Garden walk included with park entry. 386-446-6783 Access Flagler First 1:00pm – 4:00pm Flagler County Fairgrounds, Cattleman’s Hall 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell, FL Flagler Beach First Friday 6:00pm – 9:00pm Veterans Park, Flagler Beach, FL Parent’s Night Out 6:00pm – 10:00pm St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park 999 Anastasia Boulevard, St. Augustine, FL 32080 Ages 5-12 http://www.alligatorfarm.com/parents-night-out/ August 5 FREE Skate lessons 9:00 am - 10:00 am New Smyrna Skate Park 245 Industrial Park Ave, New Smyrna Beach, Florida FREE (386) 427-8417
The Big Latch On of East Volusia 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Christ Church Port Orange 2421 Tomoka Farms Road, Port Orange Free The Global Big Latch On takes place at registered locations around the world, where women gather together to breastfeed and offer peer support to each other. Their friends, family and community join this celebration to promote and support breastfeeding. The first 50 moms will receive a swag bag! Please like our Facebook page @biglatchonvolusia to stay updated on the event. Stephanie DiMatties 386-235-0041 Sdimatties@msn.com Flip Flop Shop at Ace Gymnastics 10:30 am - 11:30 am 4431 Eastport Parkway, Port Orange, FL 32127 $10.00 FLIP FLOP SHOP, a non-commitment class on Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 designed for ages 6-18 to work on tumbling skills, for cheer, dance or other sports. www.acegymnasticsdaytona.com 386-760-1445 Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse National Lighthouse Day 10:30 am - 2:30 pm 4931 S Peninsula Dr, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 Join us at the Lighthouse and celebrate National Lighthouse Day. ponceinlet.org 386-761-1821 info@ponceinlet.org Bandshell Live Summer Concert Series 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Daytona Beach Bandshell 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 $3 for General Admission and $10 for VIP tickets The Bandshell Live Summer Concert Series, in its 9th year, takes place on Friday nights at the World’s Most Famous Beach. 250 N. Atlantic Avenue. www.daytonabandshell.com Daytona Beach Downtown Farmers’ Market City Island 105 E Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 671-8181 The Farmers Market is a great place to buy locally-grown produce, fresh eggs and dairy, fresh caught seafood, homemade baked goods, Florida foliage, handmade crafts and more!
August 6 Car Seat/ Child Passenger Safety Tech 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Baby Shoppe 5513 South Williamson Boulevard, Port Orange, FL 32128 Stop in between the hours of 12-4:30 today and have Child Passenger Safety Technician Beth Bustamante check your car seat! email Beth at bethcpst@gmail. com if you need to schedule an appointment for another day during the week! www.thebabyshoppeonline.com August 8 Free Summer Kids Movies 10:00am (August 8. 9, & 10) “Home” Paragon Ocean Walk 10 250 N. Atlantic Ave Suite 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32118 August 9 MOAS Wednesday Yoga in the Gallery 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Location: Museum of Arts & Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road - Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 Cost: $10.00 for future members, $5.00 for members. Take a break from your week and explore the world of yoga at the Museum! Space is limited, registration is required. RSVP to the Museum at 386-255-0285. $10.00 for general admission, $5.00 for members. www.moas.org (386) 255-0285 Daytona Tortugas Game 7:05 pm Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark 105 E Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 www.milb.com National Lifeguard Championships August 9, 2017 - August 12, 2017 Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort 100 North Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Spectators are encouraged to witness top youth and adult athletes perform high energy life-saving rescue missions from the hard-packed sands that Volusia County is known for as well as open water and vessel events. There will be celebrity sports commentators and vendors to round out this family-friendly event.
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Night at the Zoo 6:30pm – 10:00pm Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218 http://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/nightatthezoo American Red Cross Whale Tales Water Safety Class 11:15am – 12:00pm City-Palm Coast Frieda Zamba 339 Parkview Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32164 Ages 3-5 August 11 Jurassic Quest- America’s Best Dinosaur Show 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm Ocean Center 101 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, Florida 32118 $14-29 Jurassic Quest is coming to Daytona Beach, FL at the Ocean Center August 11-13 Jurassic Quest is the largest dinosaur event in North America! Our exhibit features huge life-size dinosaurs unlike anything that has visited Florida in 65 million years! We will walk you through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods! Our activities include: walking dinosaur rides and animatronic dinosaur rides, fossil digs, Jurassic Jeeps, paleontology and fossil stations, Dinosaur science station, Jurassic cinema, dinosaur bounce houses and bungee pull, crafts, face painting, green screen photo! You’ll meet our interactive baby dinosaurs not found anywhere else. Mark your calendars! You do not want to miss out on all of the dinosaur fun!! *Online purchase will guarantee access to this event.*Tickets can be purchased at the door if available. *Don’t forget the kids’ socks, which are required for inflatables. www.jurassicquest.com Halifax Hospital- Grandparenting 101 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Ormond Beach Family YMCA, Healthy Living Center $10 Tummy Time, Back to Sleep and Diaper Genies... Oh My! These were certainly not a part of the script when we had our children decades ago. As times have changed we want to make sure you are equipped to be the best grandparent on the block. We will bring you up to speed with a CPR demonstration, diapering options, comfort measures and much more. This class is led by Susan Bekken, RNC, IBCLC. www.halifaxhealth.org Skate and Shake Teen Skate and Dance 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm $8.00 250 N Highway US1, Ormond Beach, Fl Every Friday Night is TEEN NIGHT at Skate & Shake. It’s a special night because we host a 1-hour dance from 10-11PM. Come meet DJ Tom and Skate & Shake’s friendly staff on this night! www.skateandshake.net 386-672-8500 Family Days “Movies Under the Stars” 7:15 pm Free Finding Dory Kenneth Parker Amphitheater 1999 City Center Circle, Port Orange, FL 32129 Movie Under the Stars has become a Port Orange family favorite. Family Days hosts the movies at the Kenneth Parker Amphitheater at the Spring and Fall events, along with a Summer and Holiday Movie Series. There is plenty of seating available, or bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show! www.familydays.com
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August 12 Back to School Ice Cream Social 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Zeno’s World’s Most Famous Taffy Factory 2400 S. Ridgewood Ave. South Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Free There will be a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, puzzles, coloring, the very famous Princess Rain and The Dragon Puppet Show, and a special visit from a surprise book character. There will also be a basket giveaway, not to mention the most amazing ice-cream ever. August 15 Free Summer Kids Movies “Shrek the Third” 10:00am (August 15, 16 & 17) Paragon Ocean Walk 10 250 N. Atlantic Ave Suite 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 August 16 Marine Science Center: Turtle Tots 10:00 am Marine Science Center 100 Lighthouse Drive, Ponce Inlet Games, Songs, and Stories **For Ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult** **Meets monthly- Program included with general admission. Call to pre-register, Class size limited to 12 children.**Meets 3rd Wednesday 10am & 3rd Thursday of each month 12pm marinesciencecenter.com (386) 304-5545 August 17 Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center Infant CPR Class 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 301 Memorial Medical Pkwy, Daytona Beach, FL 32117 This demonstration class teaches family and friends what they need to know in the event of a life-threatening emergency — for example, if your baby is choking or isn’t moving or breathing because of a fall or a near drowning. All instructors are certified by the American Heart Association in Basic Cardiac Life Support. floridahospitalbabies.com Blue Spring Paddle Blue Springs State Park 2100 West French Avenue Orange City, FL 32763 (386) 736-5927 Explore Blue Spring and learn about water quality, local wildlife and history, and the importance of Florida’s springs as manatee refuges. Meet at the end of West French Avenue, about one mile past the Blue Spring State Park entrance in Orange City. Reptile Breeders Expo August 17, 2017 - August 20, 2017 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tickets are $15, and children 6 and under are admitted free. Ocean Center 101 North Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Visitors can see hundreds of captive-born snakes, spiders, lizards, amphibians and turtles, along with herpetology memorabilia, books and supplies. Please visit the website for more information. Science Cafe 5:15 PM Cinematique Theater 242 South Beach Street Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386-252-3118 Science Café invites people with no science background to meet local scientists and talk about interesting and timely science topics. Partnering with the NOVA/PBS science series. Video at 5:15 p.m., guest speaker at 6:15 p.m. Full cafe menu is available for purchase.
August 18 Alex’s Capes & Tiaras 5K 8:00 am 790 Christina Drive Saint Augustine, FL US 32086 $25 runsignup.com 904-814-6668 alexscapesandtiaras@gmail.com Camp “U”Nique 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Calvary Christian Center Come join U Niquely U and Bully Me Now for anti-bully, self defense, self esteem, self confidence, empathy and bystanders to bullying training. For more details or to register, please visit our website at www.campunique.org. Paragon Theaters Sensory Friendly ScreeningThe Nut Job 2 10:00 am Ocean Walk 250 North Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Lights are up, Sound is down, and you are totally free to move around! www.paragontheaters.com 386-238-5252 August 19 Afternoon with Florida History $7.00 for future members, $5.00 for MOAS members Museum of Arts & Sciences 352 South Nova Road Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386) 255-0285 Join Senior Curator of Education and History, James “Zach” Zacharias, and learn and Florida’s amazing history through the eyes of its forts. Uncover the history of Florida through historic forts such as Fort Caroline, Fort Clinch, St. Augustine Castillo, Fort Pickens, Fort Christmas, and many more. August 24 Daytona Tortugas Game 7:05 pm Radiology Associates Field at Jackie Robinson Ballpark 105 E Orange Ave, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114 www.milb.com August 25 National Parks- FREE Entrance Day All National Parks The National Park Service just turned 100 years old! Celebrate the start of our second century by visiting a park in 2017. During ten days of the year, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. August 31 Special Planetarium Show: Experiencing the Great American Eclipse of 2017 Museum of Arts & Sciences 352 South Nova Road Daytona Beach, FL 32114 $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children Did you miss the Great American Eclipse that occurred on August 21st? No worries! We will be highlighting the spectacular footage captured of the solar eclipse as it crossed the continental United States. Using the planetarium software, we will also explore how eclipses work and the scientific implications of studying them. Curator of Astronomy Seth Mayo, and Planetarium Educator, Jason Schreiner, will discuss their experiences viewing and capturing the total eclipse and what to look forward to for the Great North American Eclipse that will be occurring in 2024.
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Thanks to For participating in our fashion section this month!
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Classroom Collections:
12 Ways Ways to to Support SupportYour YourChild’s Child’s Teacher Year Teacher Thisthis Year By Heidi Smith Luedtke, Ph.D. As kids go back to school, parents everywhere breathe a collective sigh of relief…but don’t relax too soon. “Children whose parents are involved in their education have higher self-esteem, more positive attitudes toward learning, and are generally more engaged than children whose parents are not involved,” says Candace Roberts, PhD, assistant professor of education at Saint Leo University in Florida. Kids of involved parents also have better attendance, higher grades, and are more likely to go to college. To help kids get the most out of school, parents need to partner with teachers and share responsibility for kids’ learning. Here’s how to do it. 1. Share your expertise. Kids spend 70% of their time outside of school and you are an expert on your child. Early in the term, fill the teacher in on your child’s strengths and interes ts, personality patterns, and specific learning challenges. When you help the teacher connect with your child, you set everyone up for success. 2. Expect great things Research shows parents’ and teachers’ expectations have a huge impact on kids’ development. Set high but realistic expectations for your child that are consistent with his age and ability. Share your expectations with educators. Their expectations are likely to rise in response – and that’s good for your child. 3. Confront problems early Donna Henderson, PhD, professor of counseling at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, recommends parents contact the child’s teacher at the first sign of falling grades, changes in behavior, or increasing school-related complaints. Working together, you may be able to avert problems before they grow more complicated. 4. Respect teachers’ limits Your child isn’t the only kid in the class and the teacher has a responsibility to ensure everyone gets the attention they deserve. Don’t ask teachers to make exceptions that interfere with other kids’ learning, says Henderson. Ask the teacher to point you toward additional resources and provide extra tutoring at home. 5. Spend time in the classroom If you can, volunteer in your child’s class. Your presence shows your child you believe education is important. It also gives you the opportunity to see first-hand how the teacher works with your child and how relationships with other kids affect her learning. 6. Volunteer time outside the school day Parents don’t have to be present at school to support kids’ teachers, Roberts 10 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com
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says. Offer to prepare project materials or do research for an upcoming unit. Provide supplies for a class lesson or help grade papers in the evenings. Your kids will get excited when they see you doing homework, too! 7. Establish a family routine Build time into kids’ schedules for reading and study in a designated, distractionfree location. Homework is much easier to accomplish at the same time and place each day instead of on-the-fly between soccer and piano le ssons. Routines help kids manage stress and maintain healthy habits. 8. Plan regular face time with teachers Even if you stop in for only a few minutes before or after school, make the effort to say hello and check in often. Stay in contact frequently, but don’t monopolize teachers’ time. Ask what you can do to best help your student prepare for upcoming lessons and follow through. 9. Reinforce learning in real life Find teachable moments in your everyday routine and go over key concepts. Test math skills at the grocery store. Read books together and point out spelling words or
parts of speech. Take in a concert or play. Kids need to see learning and problem solving as everyday activities. 10. Run interference If the demands of class work are overwhelming your child or family issues are disrupting his ability to concentrate, communicate what’s going on and advocate for your child’s interest. Collaboratively identify ways to maximize learning. If your child truly needs extra time or an alternate assignment – ask for it. 11. Watch your tone Present complaints calmly and respectfully, Henderson advises. Use specific examples and ask for the teacher’s ideas about what can be done. Remember, even if you disagree, you’re both on the same side. Your child is likely to lose if you get adversarial or aggressive. 12. Show your appreciation Send an email to say how much your child enjoyed last week’s science experiment or write a note to the principal to compliment a job well-done. Partnerships flourish when people feel appreciated.
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Feeling Stuck What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do Problem-Solving forfor Kids Who Want to Learn (and(and TheirTheir Parents) A Teacher’s Teacher’sGuide Guidetoto Problem-Solving Kids Who Want to Learn Parents) By Beth and Rich Fornauf Remember that feeling you used to get in school, when you’d stare at a question or problem for a good five minutes and think, “Hmmm. Maybe it’s in a different language?” When you’re a student, there are few feelings worse than thinking you don’t have a clue. Panic and anxiety set up camp and make it almost impossible to concentrate, let alone plan out a course of action. And even though kids today have a wealth of resources at their virtual fingertips, many are still stumped by difficult questions, especially in math. Add pressure to get the right answer (and get it fast), and many kids give up, shut down, and feel bad about themselves. As a parent, it’s difficult to see your child struggle, particularly when there isn’t much you can do to help. For many moms and dads, things like math class and mind benders are distant memories. But parents pay attention, we’ve got a teacher’s secret you should know: Remember those skills and strategies you learned in math class years ago? You use them all the time. This may come as a shock, especially to those of you who don’t consider yourselves “math people.” But the truth is that problem solving is a skill that every child, regardless of interest, inclination and aptitude, needs to know. So get ready for a refresher, because we’ve got the how-to on what to do when you (and your child) feel stuck.
Step 1: Identify the question As kids get older they are faced with test and homework questions that are very involved. With a push toward practical, real-world application, many students are asked to solve complex, multi-step problems on a daily basis. In these cases, it’s important to figure out what the question is actually asking. This is easier said than done. The first step is to look for that question mark. It may not be the problem’s only question, but it’s a start. Have your child highlight or underline it. Then go back and reread the entire problem. Usually the first sentence is an introduction, and the second gives information. Circle any sections that contain information for solving. When your 12 • August 2015 / www.volusiaparent.com 58 AUGUST 2017
child gets to a section that is asking her to “find,” “calculate,” “solve,” or “evaluate,” take note: these are question words. Have her rewrite the question(s) on a piece of scrap paper. Knowing what type of problem you’re supposed to solve is half the battle.
Step 2: Reword and rewrite Tackling a problem written in paragraph form is hard enough – but when there are a bunch of long, scary words you don’t recognize, the task feels insurmountable. Once your child has figured out the question, have him go back and reread the problem again, and write down any words he doesn’t know. Even if he isn’t totally clear on a word, have him write it. Then
have him look them up in his math book, or the glossary, or even online. Find a synonym that he understands and replace the scary word to make the problem more readable.
Step 3: Find similarities The problems that students typically see on homework or class assessments are based on material that they’ve learned. This is good news: even if your child is initially stuck, chances are there are examples she can use as a reference from notes or previous assignments. Look back at that question from step one. Chances are there is a similar question that your child has done as classwork or homework, so take some time to look
cess. Once she’s successfully solved one or two friendly problems, go back and try the original.
Step 7: Try it again Once your child has made it through these steps, have him try it again. Ask the question, look at what he knows, maybe even draw another picture. Get everything organized and tell him to get as far as he can. Even if your child doesn’t end up getting the answer, going through this process will empower her to struggle on her own. And struggling, though they don’t usually like it, is how kids learn best. If she successfully muddles through the first few steps, she can say to her teacher, “Here’s what I’ve done. What can I try next?” which always sounds better than, “I don’t know what to do” or “I don’t get it.” Most important, having a course of action to follow will help your child the next time she feels stuck. Each time she tackles an unfamiliar problem, she’s more likely to stick with it and get further in the process until she gets it herself. And isn’t that what learning is all about? through her book and binder. If your child thinks the problem is totally new, that’s a different story. Skip to step five. If she can’t find anything that looks familiar in her class materials, talk about it for a minute. See if asking, “where have you seen this before” or “what does this remind you of?” can spark her memory. You can even share your own examples, if you have them. Draw a picture. So often seeing a visual can spark at least a starting point. Plus, you have evidence that she tried different approaches. You can also look online to try to find a similar example. Reinforce the notion that finding the answer won’t help if she can’t explain how she got it.
Step 4: Break it down Remember all that highlighting and circling you did in the previous steps? Now is the time to put it to use. Have your child break the problem down into manageable chunks and see where he stands. On his scrap paper, make two columns. On the left, write all the information he gleaned from his reread. Usually this will include some background information and a few numbers needed to actually do the math. On the right, write down what you are trying to find. Label each unknown with a question mark. Organizing information will help your child weed out the important facts from the problem, and ignore the extraneous stuff. Note what type of operations (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) are needed. Write those down too, so your
child can play with the numbers a bit, and get some practice. At this point, your child may be ready to try to solve the problem. If that’s the case, go for it. If he’s still stumped, keep reading.
Step 5: Use your resources At this point, it may be helpful to recruit additional expertise. If the problem is a little clearer at this point, take another look through your child’s math book to see if you can find a similar example. If not, get online. Be careful at this step: you don’t want to just google the question and find an answer. Even if it’s correct, it’s not helping anyone down the road. Most teachers have a website, so start there. See if there are examples posted, or hints about this type of problem. Another good resource is Kahn Academy (www.kahnacademy.org), which can guide your child through problems similar to the ones he sees in school. Try to find one that’s a little simpler to first get the understanding in place, then attempt more challenging ones.
Step 6: Make it friendly If your child thinks she might understand how to start solving, but is still unsure, have her make the problem friendlier. Some numbers just look scary to kids, so if there are a lot of decimals, for example, have her substitute whole numbers instead. Pretending she knows what to do, and going through the process with familiar numbers can build her confidence and let her feel some suc-
Worth a Click Many websites claim to have useful tools, games and activities, but not all are created equal. Here are a few teacher recommended sites to check out with your kids. Nlvm.usu.edu Features K-12 interactive applets and manipulatives; also has explanations and help to show how to use it. www.Khanacademy.org Offers free information about math and many other subject areas; numerous videos walk students step-by-step on sample problems, helping them build confidence. Coolmath-games.com Site with games in math logic and memory; levels go from easy to difficult, and are highly engaging ixl.com Provides free interactive math activities; ties math activities to work your child is doing in school (organized by grade level and topic).
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FUTURES Foundation Receives $30,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools recently was awarded a $30,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation for Teacher Classroom Mini-Grants, energy related training for teachers and Volusia County Schools’ Project IBIS at Rose Bay. Each year the company provides education foundations the opportunity to apply for grant funding and this year’s investment in FUTURES represents a significant commitment by Duke Energy to support educational excellence within Volusia County Public Schools. “Duke Energy is proud to support the Futures Foundation for Volusia County Public Schools, which is critical to the long-term success of our state in competing globally,” said Elisha Gonzalez, Government and Community Relations Manager. This summer Volusia County Public School teachers may apply through FUTURES Foundation’s portal at www. FindItFundItFlorida.com/Volusia for energy related and STEM mini-grants. Selected grants will be funded this fall for the 2017-18 school year. The teacher training portion of this grant will continue Duke Energy’s legacy in Volusia County of providing STEM teachers with components and learning tools for their classrooms, which in turn have an immediate impact on their students. This year 36 teachers attended the training and received Arduino kits for their classrooms funded by the Duke Energy Foundation through last year’s grant. Similar training will take place in the 2017-18 school year funded by this recent investment. This Duke Energy grant also supports Project IBIS, a seasoned program supporting conservation training and research around STEM and environmental initiatives as well as work force skills. 60 AUGUST 2017
2017-2018 New Officers The FUTURES Board is pleased to announce its 2017-2018 executive board members: President Paula Gregory, retired CPA; President-Elect Susan Mendez of Duke Energy; Vice President Jeff Brok of Merrill Lynch; Treasurer Cory Domayer, CPA, of Florida Hospital Flagler; Secretary Robert “Bob” Ludlow, Jr., of SunTrust; and Immediate Past President John Guthrie of Halifax Health. About Duke Energy Foundation The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture. Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.
About the Futures Foundation Established in 1985 to increase business and community involvement in public schools and to provide programs and activities beyond the financial capabilities of the school district, the non-profit foundation is the only organizations that provides assistance to all public schools in Volusia County. FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools 3750 Olson DR, Daytona Beach, FL 32124 (386) 255-6475, extension 50730 Email: caperric@volusia.k12.fl.us
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Volusia County School News
2016-2017 PRELIMINARY SCHOOL GRADES
Dr. Julie Roseboom
Patricia Corr
Volusia County Schools Announces Principals of the Year The School District of Volusia County and FUTURES Foundation announced the Principals of the Year yesterday. Dr. Julie Roseboom, principal of George Marks Elementary School in DeLand, is the 2017 Elementary Principal of the Year, and Ms. Patricia Corr, principal of Galaxy Middle School in Deltona, is the 2017 Secondary Principal of the Year. The announcement was made during a surprise visit by school board members, the superintendent of schools, district administrators and FUTURES Foundation representatives. The Principal of the Year award is co-sponsored by Volusia County Schools and FUTURES Foundation. The purpose of the award is to honor outstanding leadership and service by school-level administrators.
The Florida Department of Education has released the preliminary 2016-17 school grades based on the State Board of Education adopted rules. Schools will earn a grade based upon the percentage of points earned as followed: School Grade A 62%-100% B 54%-61% C 41%-53% D 32%-40% F 0%-31% As you may know, this is the second year in which the district and school grades include learning gains using the new calculation method. The new, more rigorous learning gains methodology requires that students make meaningful gains toward grade level performance and beyond.
2016-17 Highlights for Volusia: • Volusia maintains its B District Grade. • 56% of our schools are rated an A or B. That is a 16% increase from last year. • Volusia increased the number of A rated schools by 36% (7 in 2016 to 11 in 2017). • Volusia reduced the number of D schools from 5 in 2016 to 3 in 2017. • For the 2nd straight year, Volusia has no F rated schools. • Campbell increased from a D to a C for the first time since 2012. • Coronado Beach Elementary and Turie T. Small Elementary increased two letter grades. The district and schools will complete a comprehensive review and analysis of the data to determine successful instructional practices. Focus areas will be developed and will become part of the school improvement planning process for 2017-2018. Visit http://myvolusiaschools.org/ for detailed information regarding your school’s grades. 62 AUGUST 2017
Superintendent’s Outstanding Achievement Award Winners The School District of Volusia County and FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools named Morgan Berry, principal’s secretary at Citrus Grove Elementary School, and Marian Ridgeway, real estate specialist in the Facilities Department, as the 2017 Superintendent’s Outstanding Achievement Award winners Ms. Berry is described in a letter of recommendation from Assistant Principal Carol Sullo as having “a never-ending amount of positive energy, wealth of knowledge and organizational skills that makes her an excellent role model that has impeccable work ethic and interpersonal relationships.” With 21 years of experience with Volusia County Schools, Ms. Berry still has the teamwork philosophy of “we can do it!” which is her favorite expression. Ms. Ridgeway has been employed by the school district for 13 years and was originally hired as a real estate specialist. During the recession, the facilities department was reorganized and without hesitation or complaint Ms. Ridgeway took on additional responsibilities including those associated with school choice. “She has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, consistently worked to improve her skills and performance, and contributes to the wellbeing of our students and schools,” stated Saralee Morrissey, director of planning, in a letter of recommendation. Ms. Ridgeway is an employee who shows initiative and truly goes above and beyond. The Superintendent’s Outstanding Achievement Award is co-sponsored annually by FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools and Volusia County Schools. It was initiated to honor support staff members who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, teamwork, cooperation and innovation in their jobs. All 22 nominees will be honored at a breakfast this fall presented by FUTURES. Other nominees for the Superintendent’s Outstanding Achievement Award include: Sandra “Joy” Barfield
Tonia D. Morgan
Seabreeze High School
Sugar Mill Elementary School
Jill Rogers
Mainland High School
Freedom Elementary School
Cynthia A. Rosa
Chisholm Elementary School
Deborah Combs
Sunrise Elementary School
Frances Senez
DeLand High School
Donna Corrao
DeBary Elementary School
Linda Sikes
Edgewater Public School
Kelly Falcon
River Springs Middle School
Mary Cafiso Sylvia Christiansen
Taylor Middle-High School
Lori Smith
George Marks Elementary School
Manuela Ferreira
Spruce Creek High School
Derek Stephens
Southwestern Middle School
Amanda Forsythe
Deltona High School
Kendra Timpson
Champion Elementary School
Rosanne Hernandez Lisa Hubbard
River Springs Middle School Cypress High School
Nordica Townsend Gail Wolcott
Osceola Elementary School Indian River Elementary School
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