Chicago Parent August 2015

a t s s e u n g e e u m A so sid e in

2015 | FREE

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August

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connecting with families

Ready for school?

7 habits your kids need

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5 easy lunches 6 morning fixes Back to school success CP_Cover_August_2015.indd 5

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Montessori Making a Difference in our World for 100 Years For Further inForMation, please Call anD visit anY oF the loCations listeD.

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“We must have faith in the child as a savior capable of regenerating the human race and society and Create an environment which gives them the opportunities to explore their possibilities and develop the skills they need to be peacemakers.”

—Maria Montessori

Chicago

Montessori School of Lemont

114 S. Racine, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 265-1514 www.interculturalmontessori.org Ages 3-12 years, Dual language in Spanish, Japanese & Mandarin Chinese. Oak Park campus as well.

16427 W. 135th Street Lemont, IL 60439 (815) 834-0607 www.lemontmontessori.com Est. 1979. Serving ages 3 through 8th grade. Before & After School Care, Spanish, Mandarin, Technology, Yoga, Soccer, Summer Programs. Natural Playground & Organic Gardens.

Montessori Academy of Chicago

Southwest Suburban Montessori

Chicago north

suburban north

Intercultural Montessori Language School

1335 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 243-0977 www.montessoriacademychicago.org Setting the standard in urban Montessori from Birth - 12 years. Full member school with AMS and AIMS.

Near North Montessori

1434 West Division, Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 384-1434 www.nnms.org Est. 1963 serving students 6 mos – 14 years; Early morning, Afterschool & summer programs. Fully accredited.

Rogers Park Montessori School

1800 West Balmoral Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 271-1700 www.rpmschool.org Est. 1966 serving children ages 2 through 14; Full day, half day, early arrival. Fully accredited.

Chicago northwest Brickton Montessori School

8622 West Catalpa Ave., Chicago, IL 60656 (773) 714-0646 www.brickton.org Year round partial and full day programs for ages 2 through 8th grade. Fully accredited by AMS and ISACS.

Chicago / suburban south Council Oak Montessori School

11030 So. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60643 (773) 779-7606 www.counciloakmontessori.org Celebrating 25 years by serving children ages 3 – 15; Before Care, After Care, and a Summer program.

2031 Elmwood Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091 (847) 256-2922 www.ronaldknox.org Est. 1963. Celebrating 50 years of guiding and educating children ages 6 mos. – 6 yrs.

Skokie Montessori School

8401 North Karlov Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076 (847) 679-4614 www.skokiemontessori.com 2 - 12, toddler, 3-6, Elementary programs, full day and half-day, summer programs available.

8800 West 119th Street, Palos Park, IL 60464 (708) 448-5332 www.swsmontessori.com Serving children 2-6 yrs., AM & PM, full-day Vernon Hills Montessori Academy Kindergarten, Spanish, Gym, Yoga & Summer 21 W. Hawthorn Parkway, School.

Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (847) 918-0342 www.vernonhillsmontessorischool.com Toddlers through Kindergarten, Full and half Chiaravalle Montessori day joyful learning! Afterschool and enrichment 425 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 864-2190 classes, summer camp, music education. www.chiaravalle.org Parent/Child, Full & Partial Day Toddler and Early Childhood 3-6, 1st through 8th grades

suburban northwest

Deerfield, Glenview and Riverwoods Montessori Schools

Buffalo Grove Montessori School

950 Ellen Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 3140 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015 (847) 541-8111 www.bgmsweb.net (847) 945-8661 www.montessori-schools.com Serving Infants through Kindergarten (6 weeks Est. 1966. AMS Accredited, 3 mos.-12yrs, – 6 years). AMS accredited programs Full & half day, Elementary, Summer Camp, A lifetime foundation.

Spanish, Monart, Orff, Piano.

Forest Bluff School

8 West Scranton Ave. Lake Bluff, IL 60044 (847) 295-8338 www.forestbluffschool.org AMI accredited 1982. Birth to 14 yrs. Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Jessen founders.

Lincolnshire, The Grove and Northbrook Montessori Schools

135 Sanders Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 415-3663 www.northbrookmontessori.org Ages 15 months – 6 years, year round, All day, Half day, organic hot lunch, music and Spanish

Midwest Montessori Children’s House

926 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 328-6630 www.midwestmontessori.com Demonstration School (MMTTC) ages 3 – 6, full and part time.

Montessori Children’s Schoolhouse Old School Montessori 5935 Hohman Avenue, Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 932-5666 www.mcshammond.com AMS accredited (22 mos – 14 yrs), middle school, before & after care available est. 1968.

Ronald Knox Montessori School

144 Commerce Drive, Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 223-9606 www.OSMKids.com 15 months to 6th grade. Half, full and extended day programs. Spanish, enrichment & summers.

Childrens Learning World, A Montessori School Inc. 8101 Golf Road, Niles, IL 60714 (847) 470-0370 www.clw-montessori.com 6 wks - 12 yrs, open year round.

Crystal Lake Montessori School 3013 S. Country Club Rd Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-0013 www.clms.org Remarkable country setting in the heart of McHenry County. Birth – 8th grade, AMS accredited.

Spanish, art, drama, music & Physical Education.

suburban West Alcuin Montessori

324 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-366-1882 www.alcuin.org Founded in 1961: ages 0 – 14, Spanish, art, theater. Come to a monthly tour.

Aurora & Naperville Montessori Schools

3180 N. Aurora Road, Aurora, IL 60502 (630) 898-4346 www.montessori.com Serving children ages 2 through Kindergarten.

Year round Montessori with Half day, School day and Full day program options.

Greenbrook Montessori

1675 Greenbrook Blvd.

Hanover Park, IL 60133 (630) 830-1675 www.greenbrook-montessori.com Serving ages 15 months through Kindergarten – Year-Round.

Mansio Montessori of Geneva

102 Howard St., Geneva, IL 60134 (630) 232-6750 www.genevamontessori.org 15 months-6 yrs. Art, Yoga, & Music. Full and Part time programs offered.

Montessori Academy of Glen Ellyn 927 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (630) 469-4727 grow@mymage.org Est. in 1961, Before and After care, Toddler through Upper Elementary

Seton Montessori School

5728 Virginia Avenue Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 (630) 655-1066 www.SetonMontessori.org Est. 1965, a Lab School serving students 2 mos – 12 years; accredited by AMS and NAEYC; offering full and half day, summer programs and Parent-Child class.

Montessori School of North Hoffman

1250 Freeman, Hoffman Estates, IL 60194 (847) 705-1234 www.msnh.org A fully accredited school, serving children from 3 months – 15 years old for over 25 years. Early morning, afterschool and summer programs.

Members of Association of Illinois Montessori Schools. For additional information or membership call 847-945-7582 or email info@illinoismontessorischools.com.

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“one test of the correctness of the educational procedure is the happiness of the child.”

– Dr. Maria Montessori

INSPIRING LEADERS OF TOMORROW

call TO aTTeNd aN UPcOMING INFO cOFFee & TOUR! 312.243.0977 Tuesday, July 21, 9:00-10:30am

EDucAtionAL PRogRAmS BiRth – 8th gRADE 1335 w. randolph st. chicago, il 60607 www.montessoriacademychicago.org

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 1

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See how curious children become eager students.

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When most students first learn about other cultures, they open a book. At GEMS World Academy – Chicago, a premier JK - 12 school, they do it face-to-face via international teleconferences. With 70-inch interactive touch screens in every classroom, students collaborate globally beginning as early as first grade. Building authentic relationships with others around the world enables our students to understand the universal experiences that make us responsible global citizens. That’s learning on a higher level.

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Make the most of your child’s early years.

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Provide them a caring educational environment where they are happy.

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4 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Easing the Transition from Home to School

By JENNI SORENSON Community Resource Director

W

innie the Pooh author, A.A. Milne wrote, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Parents everywhere share that sentiment as they take their children to school for the first time. Transitions to new environments can cause stress and anxiety for both parent and child. Starting off on the right foot is crucial to new experiences.

The following five tips will hopefully ease the transition from home to a new school environment.

1. Separation anxiety is a natural/ normal stage of development. The most important way a parent can ease a child’s anxiety is by having complete trust in those who are caring for your child. Finding a preschool you believe in, and are excited for your child to be part of, will set the tone for the experi-

ence. Parental emotions positive or negative will rub off on the ever-perceptive young child.

2. A child’s anxiety when saying good-bye stems from the fear that the parent is not going to return. The fact the mommies and daddies always come back is a lesson that children must learn for themselves. Short separations allow your child to work through their emotions in the care of a teacher that understands the development of a young child and is responsive to their emotions. Returning a short while later teaches your child that you will come back. As your child grows more comfortable, parent time away lengthens until the separation transition is no longer an issue.

3. Always say good-bye. Again, parents set the tone for the departure.

Hide your distress and cheerfully let your child know that you will be back.

Sneaking out sends the message that you are doing something wrong. Putting a smile on indicates that school is a fun place to be. Quick good-byes are best.

The sooner the parent leaves the faster

the child can find friends and start their day.

4. Communicate important info about your child to their new teachers.

Revisiting the first tip, you’ve chosen a school for your child that you are confident in. The teachers are going to individualize your child’s transition to the classroom. Upon returning, information about your child’s day should be shared with you. Parents and teachers should game plan about the next drop off. Teachers and parents working together foster a warm, nurturing classroom environment.

5. Regression is normal. A child may have weeks of happy, stress-free drop offs and then, seemingly out of nowhere a tearful episode. This could be triggered by not having a great night sleep, a parent traveling, not feeling well, or may be nothing that we can trace to a cause. Days like this will happen, take them in stride, say your cheerful good bye and know that the day will be an exciting one.

Join Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten’s Preschool Together: a parent & child introduction to preschool essentials. The creation of a community of children and parents learning together, making friends, and feeling safe is the purpose behind our preschool introduction class. Parents and children will be introduced to the structure of our preschool day. The class is an opportunity to see LPP’s curriculum in action.

• Mom and Dads bring your 15-22 month old to our 6 week preschool prep session.

• Register for our 75 minute class on Wednesdays at 9:30 or Thursdays at 10:45.

• The class will start September 10/11 and run through October 15/16.

• The cost per session is $150.

Question and to request a registration form email j.sorenson@ lppschools.com

LPP Germania : 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago, IL 60610 • 312-482-9009 • info@lppgermania.com LPP Belden : 312 W. Belden Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 • 773-665-0110 • info@lppbelden.com LPP Webster : 2150 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614 • 773-248-3381 • info@lppwebster.com

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Summer Never Ends at Goldfish!

“Back to school” doesn’t have to mean “out of the pool!” At Goldfish Swim School, our pools are always set to a warm 90 degrees, and our half-hour lessons make it easy to work into your busy schedule. So enjoy some summer swim fun year-round at Goldfish!

Kids as young as 4 months learn life-saving swim safety skills that stay with them forever.

No sessions here! Our perpetual model means you start lessons when it works for your family.

Have to miss a class? We offer free make-ups that work around your back-to-school schedule.

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6 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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contents IN THIS ISSUE 15

GOOD TO GO

23

RULE BACK TO SCHOOL

A visit to Dylan’s Candy Bar, Weber Grill and the Wicker Park Farmers Market, plus the scoop on Kurios: Cabinet of Curiosities

Products your kids will love

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AUGUST 2015 | VOLUME 31 | NO. 8

FEATURES

28

CRAFT: ROCK MONSTERS

35

ESSAY: YOU MISSED A SPOT

Create summer memories with beach rocks What messages are we sending our daughters about beauty?

107 FIND AUGUST AWESOMENESS Make the most of the summer days left before school starts

TO SCHOOL 41 BACK SUCCESS What the pursuit of good grades is doing to today’s kids No-stess mornings are possible Fresh ideas for kids’ lunches Easy ways to keep more dough in your wallet How to get your preschooler ready for the year ahead Fuel kids’ interests and learning with apps

14 ways to help your child with special needs adjust to school

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NO POOL? NO PROBLEM Imagination-fueled fun will leave you all wet VOLUNTOURISM Instill giving back in your kids

AUGUST

2015 | FREE

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Holocaust story hits home in Chicago

89

SUMMER’S LAST HURRAH Emptying the summer bucket list

T S S E U N G E E U M A SO SID E IN

Middle school confidential: What you don’t know

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ON THE COVER W

Practice makes perfect when it comes to music

all the kids’ stuff

A

The 7 habits of highly effective students

CHAOS 83 CLUTTERED Eight ways to finally organize

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Ready for or school?

7 habits your kids need

+ + =

5 easy lunches 6 morning fixes Back to school success

Cover kid: Mikaéla Parisien, 12, of Evanston Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography Design: Claire Innes

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED

Even trees need a drink When it’s hot in summer, you get thirsty. And so do trees.

Water is as important to a tree as it is to you. Its leaves are full of water, like flat water balloons; that’s what makes them feel firm and smooth. If they run out of water, they’ll wilt like a balloon that has leaked.

And trees are always losing water, because it evaporates through tiny holes in their leaves. That’s how trees keep cool. In hot weather, the leaves lose water faster.

Most of the time, trees get enough water from the rain. But sometimes, especially in the summer or when it doesn’t rain, trees need us to give them a drink.

How do you water a tree? Get a grownup to help you carry three or four buckets of water and pour it slowly at the base of a tree. The tree will absorb the water through its underground roots, almost the way you sip through a straw. Then the water will flow up the tree’s trunk, out the branches, and into the leaves.

You also can use the hose. Turn the water down to just a trickle and lay the hose on the ground by the tree.

Leave the hose running for 15 to 20 minutes so the tree gets a good, long, slow drink.

Because of your help, the tree can keep its leaves green and full. In return, you can sit in the tree’s shade and sip a cool drink of your own.

A+ breakdown

Looking back on my school years, I can’t honestly tell you whether the intense pressure to succeed came from my parents or if I did it to myself.

As some of you might recall from previous columns, my dad was forced to quit school in sixth grade to help support a houseful of little brothers and sisters. My mom graduated from TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY high school and married him the next month. When I came along a year later, both found themselves working long, hard hours in factories that abused their bodies to make ends barely meet.

They wanted more from me and for me. I wanted them to be proud. As the oldest, I felt it was my role.

I had perfect attendance my entire 13 years, a report card full of A’s (except for that dreaded math!), a spot on basketball, track and cross country teams—and an ulcer by middle school.

B’s and other “bad” things always sent me into a tailspin. The only fix would be an entire batch of what we called Depression Cookies. That emotional eating continues to this day whenever I have bad days, unfortunately.

Fast-forward a few years.

Like you, I dream about a spectacular future for the kids, but I decided I didn’t want to be the mom that pushed them too hard.

Still, habits are hard to break. Too soon, I only wanted A’s on those report cards and they knew it. I wanted them involved and

active in school.

I expected them to do their best.

When they cry over a B or have a meltdown in class, it kills me.

I caused that.

(I’m also guilty of perpetuating emotional eating binges.)

I know I’m not alone. Our kids’ education is hugely important to them having a better life in the future than we have. That’s why we often find ourselves agonizing over public vs. private schools, gifted vs. regular classrooms, the best preschool, the best afterschool programs, the best tutors, the best teams.

With that in mind, we created this issue to help you help your kids succeed without us parents causing them an A+ breakdown. As one of the stories reminds us, the start of the new school year is a time when anything seems possible.

Let’s keep that in mind as we help our kids have an amazing year.

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, Ilinois 60532 mortonarb.org • 630-968-0074 8 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Ready to

Learn. Ready to Grow. Ready to Discover.

Little GEMS International Pre-School in Lincoln Park is the place where your child can learn and explore, grow and develop, and enjoy discovering the world.

As part of GEMS Education’s global network of award-winning schools, children at Little GEMS International Pre-School receive an early start on a world-class education in structured and safe learning environments. We may be the new kid in Chicago, but GEMS Education has been the world’s foremost provider of private education for children from birth through Grade 12 for over fifty years. www.lgipreschool-chicago.com

Schedule a pre-school tour today!

To learn more about Little GEMS International Pre-School and our newest Chicago school, GEMS World Academy-Chicago (K–12), call us at 312-361-3539.

LINCOLN PARK

Little GEMS International Pre-School • 2301 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 • 312. 361.3539

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CONTRIBUTORS

School lunch memories

EDITOR

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR

Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR

Jackie McGoey ASSISTANT EDITOR

Emily Adams ART DIRECTOR

My school lunches came in old-school brown bags. Mmmm, miss those warm turkey sandwiches.

Caitlin Murray Giles

I remember always finding a short, hand-written note tucked inside my brown lunch bag from my mom reminding me to have a great day. I hope to do the same with my kids.

Megan Murray Elsener

Loved my metal lunch box with My Little Ponies. My favorite part of the day—finding that rainbow!

Samantha Schultz

In first grade, I was a big fan of Strawberry Shortcake. I loved my metal lunch box that featured her, Lemon Meringue and Orange Meringue. I thought that having foodthemed characters on a lunch box was wildly appropriate.

Shannan Younger

Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

Jacquinete Baldwin, Sky Hatter IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER

Mike Risher INTERN Katie Johns CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Donna Bozzo, Megan Murray Elsener, Sara Fisher, Cortney Fries, Caitlin Murray Giles, Linda Marsicano, Samantha Schultz, Melissa Silverberg, Meredith Sinclair, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Annette Coffee, Dawn Engelhardt, Erika Goodman, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

Kamil Brady

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER

Jill Wagner DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

EXERCISE & WELLNESS PREGNANCY STUDY The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth  Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy)  Program delivered to you via the mail and phone  Must be 18 years of age or older  Must not currently exercise regularly  Must not take antidepressants  Must have a history of depression  You will receive $100 for your time

Call 612-625-9753, send the word ‘TEXT’ to 612-345-0325, or email mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study.

Shanez Butler CREDIT MANAGER

Laurie Myers PUBLISHER Dan Haley VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Andrew Johnston

COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman,

Carolyn Jacobs

HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com EDITORS

chiparent@chicagoparent.com TO FIND A COPY

circulation@chicagoparent.com ADVERTISING

dhaley@wjinc.com

Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2015 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

10 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Lincoln Park location opening Fall 2015!

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 11

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Be Ambitious

British International School of Chicago proudly delivers rigorous and internationally focused curricula on two thriving, purpose-built campuses in Lincoln Park and South Loop. Our differentiated instruction brings together the strengths of the English National Curriculum, International Primary Curriculum and world-renowned International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Our faculty and staff engage and challenge our students, develop them into global citizens and inspire them to be innovative and ambitious in all endeavors.

We welcome all inquiries about new admissions and invite you to get in touch with us.

Lincoln Park (Preschool – Grade 5) admissions@bischicagolp.org (773) 506-2097 South Loop (Preschool – Grade 12) admissions@bischicagosl.org (773) 998-2472 www.bischicago.org

12 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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ON THE WEB

What’s up at ChicagoParent.com See beyond the city limits

Win imagination stimulation!

This summer, blogger Kari Wagner (A Gracefull Life) hit the roads with her kids to check out communities in Lake County that open their arms to families.

We’ve loved what she’s found so far in Mundelein, Grayslake, Wauconda and Gurnee. Well, she’s got more. This month she’ll hit Long Grove, Libertyville and Highland Park. Before the kids go back to school, you might want to check out the places she’s found. They are perfect day trips for memory

We have some great giveaways for you this month, including ncluding a five-pack of tickets to see Underdogs at a Classic Cinema ma of your choice and tickets to the unique Festival of The Horse and Drum.

Drum And those cool dads who make up Imagination Movers want to make your kids’ summer memorable at their Aug. 23 “Licensed to Move” concert at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. They are giving away one family four-pack of tickets to the concert, VIP passes to meet the Movers AND an autographed guitar played during the concert.

Find more info at northshorecenter.org and imaginationmovers. com/events and check out our interview with the dads on page 131.

making.

While you are visiting the blogger network, make sure to check out all the other bloggers who are working hard every week to find ideas to fill your days with the most fun possible.

Parenting dilemma on Facebook

Have you discovered our weekly Friday night parenting dilemma yet? At 8:10 p.m., when moms and dads share their advice on a reader’s dilemma, the conversation is fascinating.

Submit your own dilemma through a Facebook message or email tamara@chicagoparent.com. Don’t worry, we won’t reveal your name.

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1 Mall.

135 Stores.

BACK TO SCHOOL

FASHION Burlington Coat Factory |Macy’s | Kohl’s Carson’s |Children’s Place | Gymboree Aeropostale | Express| PacSun | rue21

UPCOMING EVENTS: Park Days at the Mall Saturday, August 15th 12pm to 2pm Sponsored by the Bloomingdale Park District Free crafts, face painter and balloon artist.

Free Carousel and Jolly Express Train Rides!

AND a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog!

TICkETS START AT $25!

Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply.

Subject to availability.

Daily Herald / Stratford Square Cruise Night Wednesday, August 19th 5pm to 8pm Family entertainment and treats for the kids!

SEPT. 10 – 13 UNITED CENTER

WTTW Kids Readers Are Leaders Featuring Miss Lori’s Campus and Curious George Saturday, September 19th E H T E V SA 12pm to 2 pm DATE!

SEPT. 18 – 20 ALLSTATE ARENA

STRATFORD SQUARE MALL Located at the corner of Schick Road & Gary Avenue Bloomingdale, Illinois www.StratfordMall.com | 630-539-1000

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Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com 800-745-3000• Venue Box Office

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14 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Sweet nostalgia at

445 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago dylanscandybar.com

Dylan’s Candy Bar

W

hile most kids walk into Dylan’s Candy Bar on Michigan Avenue (if you dare let them loose in this kids’ heaven) and see sugar, sugar and more sugar, adults may recognize that this is a phenomenal lifestyle brand transcending just candy. Founded

by Dylan Lauren (Ralph’s daughter!) in 2001, the concepts and products are ingenious, evoking a sense of current pop culture mixed in with the nostalgic past.

Two stories of pure eye candy, the Chicago store is visually

stunning with not only sweet treats, but also cool gifts, candythemed sleepwear, stationery, toys and—let’s not leave out your pooch—pet-themed products.

One of the best aspects is the gifts for virtually every occasion.

The Willy Wonka line and chocolates are big hits as are the Wizard of Oz items, consisting not only of sweets like the Tin Man and Scarecrow chocolate bars, but gorgeous hard-covered journals featuring the Wicked Witch

and Dorothy.

Not to miss are the time-capsule buckets with famous candies from particular decades. Dylan’s also has sugar-free candy, kosher candy and pretty much any other category one might imagine.

And Dylan’s Candy Bar can host the ultimate kid’s birthday party: A celebration in Dylan’s bright, colorful party room with gumball tables, peppermint stools and lollipop chandeliers, supervised by the top-notch party staff. The downside? You won’t be able to top it the following year.

Linda Marsicano

Good to go

Dylan’s Candy Bar

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GOOD TO GO

Farmers market gets more family friendly Kids classes, activities a highlight

T

he Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce has taken over ownership of the neighborhood’s farmers market—which draws up to 500 people weekly—and is making the weekly event better than ever before. Local produce vendors will still be the staple, but new features have been added to increase the market’s popularity with families.

And the result is no ordinary farmers market.

One stand-out is the children’s hands-on cooking area. Wicker Park’s culinary school for children, The Kids’ Table, provides a free cooking program for children while their parents shop for produce.

There are also theater and exercise programs for kids, including a

ars!

e

15 y

Wicker Park Farmers Market 8 a. a.m. a.m m.-2 2 p.m .m. m. evver ey Sund Su nd day unttil Octt. 25 25

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A Fairytale Ballet & Academy

ing

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Collaboration Theatre interactive performance, jump rope clinics, yoga, hulahooping and art therapy sessions presented by the Rooted Self-Expression Center.

For parents, there are live acoustic musical performances and chef demos by Wicker Park’s most notable restaurants.

Linda Marsicano

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16 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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THREE TO TO SEE SEE EE

Engage Challenge Empower Inspire

Must-dos before summer ends

T

he summer season will end soon and there are a few activities to fit in before fall arrives. Here are three family activities that are a perfect way to wrap up the summer.

1

The traveling Mammoths and Mastodons exhibit, which debuted at the Field Museum in 2010, is back!

Introducing guests to the enormous species that inhabited Earth during the Ice Age, the exhibit includes an excavation site, handson exploration and the aweinspiring gigantic skeletons of the now-extinct animals.

The exhibit heads out on the road again Sept. 13.

2

Embrace bugs at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum at its new Bugs: Outside the Box exhibit that features a virtual army of giant bugs, or in The Secrets of Bees where kids can dress like honey bees and “fly” to the garden of 5-foottall flowers, gather pollen, then “fly” into the giant bee hive to start the hive work of the day. Of course, don’t miss a stop in the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven.

St. Clement School offers a rigorous curriculum which challenges the student’s intellect, promotes service, and enriches their faith. Our students enter their high school of choice with a foundation which enables them to become compassionate leaders, serve the common good, and respond with confidence to the challenges of the day.

Please Check Website for 2015-2016 Admission Coffee Dates To learn more contact our Dean of Students Dean of Students, Anne Byrne abyrne@stclementschool.org www.stclementschool.org 2524 North Orchard Street Chicago IL 60614

3

The Maggie Daley Park took a bit longer to be completed than expected, but wow, was it worth the wait. A climbing wall, an elaborate bridge, a lighthouse slide and a play garden make it perhaps the finest park for kids in the city. And while we enjoyed it as is this summer, we look forward to the skating ribbon, which opens in late November.

Linda Marsicano

Julia Jauregui of Bridgeview Mom of three. Plans to major in nursing.

REGISTER NOW! Fall classes start Aug. 17.

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9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills morainevalley.edu

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 17

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BEST IN CHI

Hitting the links with kids

SARA R. FISHER

I was shocked to learn kids in Chicago have vast resources when it comes to learning and playing golf. I also discovered that August is not too late to start learning one of America’s favorite pastimes.

1

The First Tee of Greater Chicago, which helps kids learn life lessons through golf.

2 The U.S. Department of Education recognized Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School with the 2013 National Blue Ribbon award for exemplary high performance. Queen of Angels was one of only 50 private schools in the nation to receive this honor.

Located in the Lincoln Square and Ravenswood neighborhoods, Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School offers a strong core curriculum, enrichment programs, dedicated faculty and supportive parish community for students from Preschool to 8th grade.

Check the website for the monthly tours for 2015-2016 starting in October

Tour Bound Golf Academy also provides lessons for kids at Play 18, an indoor golf range at 17 N. Wabash St. in the Loop.

It’ll cost you, though. A one-hour private is $130.

Rental clubs are available, as is valet parking.

3

Chicagoland Golf Academy offers 60-minute group lessons for ages 8-17 for six weeks for $149 at Diversey Range.

4

If you already know how to play, you might want to take advantage of the free golf resources Chicago has to offer. The Chicago Park District has six free golf courses for use from the far south side to North Lake Shore Drive. Families can choose from a variety of

options, all managed by Billy Casper Golf.

5

Mini golf is a fun way to get your youngster used to playing with clubs.

Diversey Range, in the heart of Lincoln Park, has mini golf, a driving range and free club rentals for kids. So does Douglas Park in North Lawndale, which boasts a five-hole learning course and mini golf with free clubs to use.

6

The best part about golfing in Chicago?

If the weather’s bad (and we all know just how bad it can be), there are many indoor options. Fairways, 1141 W. Armitage, is open at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays for lessons and practice. Also, the Sydney Marovitz Golf Course, 3600 N. Recreation Drive, has an indoor HD Golf simulator.

But it’s BYOC—that’s bring your own clubs.

Diversey Range

18 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

The ultimate foodie date night The Chicago Food + Wine Festival is this month

C

hicago has one of the best restaurant scenes in the country.

But when you’re a parent, there is not enough time to keep up with the latest restaurant openings and celebrity chef appearances.

What if you could sample dishes from more than 16 of Chicago’s, and the nation’s, best chefs at one time, all while enjoying live music under the stars? That would be like a year’s worth of date nights in one! Happily, you can experience exactly that at the Chicago Food + Wine Festival’s signature event, Toast and Taste, on Aug. 29.

The inaugural festival takes over Lincoln Park Aug. 28-30, and if you are a food-lover, it is a must-attend event.

The weekend opens with Feast Under the Stars, an intimate, five-course, al fresco dinner featuring five of Chicago’s best

chefs, including Tony Mantuano, Graham Elliot and Mindy Segal. Saturday and Sunday are packed with chef demos, book signings and tastings from local celebrities Rick Bayless, Jimmy Bannos, Stephanie Izard, Art Smith and more, as well as national figures such as Jonathan Waxman and Ludo LeFebvre.

Saturday night offers the Toast and Taste event, followed by a late-night Last Call party of just drinks and desserts.

The whole weekend experience (with the exception of the Friday dinner) is quite pricey at $550 per person. But each event is ticketed separately in case you

can only get away for one event.

The Last Call party is a steal at just $75 a person.

But do not even think about bringing the kids: the entire festival is limited to 21 and over.

For more info and tickets, visit chicagofoodandwinefestival.com. Keep up with the latest festival news on Twitter (@chicagofoodwine), Instagram (@chicagofoodwine) and Facebook (facebook.com/chicagofoodwine).

Emily Paster

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GOOD TO GO

Calling all future grillers New kids menu a hit at downtown Weber Grill

T

he first thing we noticed when we entered Weber Grill early on a Sunday night was the crowd. We took it as a good sign we were embarking on a fun night out with the kids.

The second thing was our server’s attention to our 7-year-olds, quizzing them on their favorite color, explaining the kids menu and asking their summer plans.

When our drink orders arrived—including two of the fanciest Shirley Temples we’ve ever seen—we understood the curiosity about favorite colors: each drink came with a twisty straw in the named color.

The kids menu is

entertaining, with a hot dog encouraging kids to color on toppings and a burger requesting a face. The options are extensive and include barbecue pork ribs, steak skewers, grilled chicken breast and wood-fired pizza.

All the meals are under $9 and come with a beverage, fruit, tater tots, vegetables and a chocolate chip cookie.

For $1.50 extra, the cookie can be turned into a chocolate

chip cookie sundae.

The adults stuck with the Weber signature dishes including the filet kettlekabob with steak and vegetable skewers and the signature BBQ ribs, both perfectly prepared. The roasted garlic mashed potatoes and blue cheese pecan coleslaw are must-haves.

What struck us most was the friendly, kid-centric atmosphere. That, paired with

lake forest Academy

Weber Grill 539 N. State St., Chicago webergrillrestaurant.com top-notch food, makes the perfect family night out.

Warning: Make reservations—you won’t be the only family with this idea!

Linda Marsicano

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20 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL targets curiosity seekers Spectacular returns after four year absence ce

D

evotees of Cirque du Soleil’s stagecraft expect perfection, and the 19th century-inspired KURIOS—Cabinet of Curiosities dazzles with its perfect blend of art and science. Vibrantly charming director Michel Laprise spent some time with us talking about his vision for youth audiences, why this show is doing wonderfully with families and how “impossible” doesn’t exist in the Cirque language.

Do kids have a different viewing experience than their parents?

I’m amazed by how much they get. I wanted to create something appealing to all generations and cultures.

A bit like a Pixar movie: it’s for the kids, but the parents love it. It’s a steampunk show, so it’s a very playful, very inventive.

When I was a kid, I was very … inventive.

People ask “How

Cirque du Soleil presents KURIOS— Cabinet of Curiosities

much time does it take to create a Cirque du Soleil show?” In my case, it took two years—and a whole lifetime.

What did the first rehearsal look like?

The whole process has just been pure joy. At the first rehearsal, I said to them, “I want to tell you how I first experienced Cirque du Soleil.” I was with my dad in Quebec City. I heard this strange music— and you know the legend of the Pied Piper? I had never heard music like that before, and I followed it to this tent. I cried because I didn’t know there could be so much beauty with people working together. So when I started

that first rehearsal I said, “I want the audience to have the same emotional experience that I had.”

bicycle. And don’t go all Cirque du Soleil. I want a real bicycle, and I want it to go up in the air.”

I know there’s no hope for me, but how long would someone have to train to perform with Cirque du Soleil?

A lot of circus acts say five years; for us it’s 15. It’s a life of sacrifice, but when you see the audience’s faces… I want to do special matinees for schools, where we could then have a little lecture [to show] the kids that you work hard, and there are a lot of mistakes until you make the level.

What must that be like, to say, “I need a flying bicycle,” and then everyone just says, “Oh, OK.” (laughs) Is that too much to ask, a flying bicycle?

When she pedals and goes up in the air, it’s magic. The bicycle is very important, because everyone can relate to that. To me, the bicycle was the way to freedom; suddenly, the world was opening. [And there’s an] invisible circus—we have six “invisible” artists. There’s one on a spring board— he’s so scared you see the springboard trembling. The emcee says “Giuseppe needs our support: GIU-SEP-PE! GIU-SEP-PE!” And you see 2,700 people believing in it so much that they’re going “GIU-SEP-PE!” I looked at this and said, “Wow, we’re all 5 years old.”

Keely Flynn

Do you have an absolute favorite part of KURIOS? When you do something fantastic, you cannot do it in an abstract way. I said “I want to have a flying

United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago Aug. 6-Sept. 20 Tickets $35 and up

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 21

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back to school Kids are so darn smart Give kids a mo more comfortable way to do hom homework in the car as them to after-school you shuttle the Students designed a activities. Stud new Portable Desk for Staples, $39.99, that has quickly become thing. The our editor’s favorite f lap desk features storage for notebooks, folders aand even pens and pencils with slots for headphones and power cords so any p assignment can be assignm the go. We completed on th also love the other tools d designed by students including the Big Pen Pencil Case (it actually writes), $8.99, and the Super Folder, $12.99. Sold at Staples.

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Own your stuff One thing every parent should know about backto-school supplies: Label everything if you want it back. We’re super fans of Mabel’s Labels’ Ultimate Back-to-School Combo that includes mini custom name stickers, clothing labels, shoe stickers and personalized mini tags. $42 for 108 labels and tags. We also love the Little Kid School combo to help even the littlest of learners keep track of their stuff. mabelslabels.com

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 23

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GOOD SENSE EATING

Reasons to give a cluck

CHRISTINE PALUMBO

What’s for dinner this week? Chances are at least one meal will include chicken because of its low cost and versatility.

I recently participated in a sponsored tour of chicken production from the hatchery to the processing plant. What I learned dispelled many of the myths I held about how chickens are raised and processed.

The scoop on growth While selective breeding and optimized nutrition are used to improve the size of broilers, no genetic modification or engineering is used.

Like with young humans, chickens’ growth and development is dependent upon calories and protein. Corn and soybeans compose the primary feed, which is supplemented with vitamins and minerals.

Hormones are never given to chicken. Period. In fact, they’re illegal.

Antibiotics are another story, but things are changing. In recent months, a variety of restaurant chains and retailers announced plans to minimize antibiotic use in chickens.

Since the 1950s, poultry producers have used antibiotics through feed and drinking water as a way to stave off illness and promote weight gain.

Recently two large poultry companies, Pilgrim’s Pride and Tyson, announced they will curtail

antibiotic use over the next few years.

Perdue Farms has eliminated all types of antibiotics from about half of the chicken it sells and estimates 95 percent of its chickens never receive antibiotics used to treat humans.

Inside the chicken house The chickens I saw were being raised humanely. For example, they have plenty of space until the final three days. Still, in order to meet demand, most chicken comes from large-scale U.S. commercial farms that can produce the most meat at the lowest cost.

At the processing g plants, every bird is checked forr disease by a USDA inspector. tor.

The good news is that consumers concerned about what’s in their food—and the safety and ethics of how it’s produced— — are demanding changes. anges.

And the producerss are listening.

Ha-Cha-Cha! Burgers Serves: 4 Ready in 20 minutes Fruit Salsa

1 ripe peach, peeled and diced 1 ripe nectarine, diced 2 Tbsp. minced red onion 2 Tbsp. minced fresh cilantro Juice of 1 lime ¼ tsp. chopped jalapeno pepper

Burgers 1 package fresh ground chicken or turkey 2 tsp. minced garlic 1½ Tbsp. chili powder ½ cup plain bread crumbs

Instructions 1 Stir together all salsa ingredients in a small bowl and refrigerate.

2 Stir together burger ingredients in a medium bowl and form into four patties.

3 Place on a lightly oiled grill and cook over medium-high direct heat for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Burgers are done when a meat thermometer inserted into the side reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or juices run clear and burgers bounce back to the touch.

4 Serve with salsa, with or without a roll.

Used with permission from ChickenEveryMonth.com Nutrition per serving: 280 calories, 23 g carbohydrates (7 g sugars), 22 g protein, 10 g fat (3 g saturated), 2 g fiber, 170 mg sodium.

Christine Palumbo, RDN, FAND, a nutritionist in Naperville, is a fan of dark chicken meat. Find her at Christine Palumbo Nutrition on Facebook, @PalumboRD on Twitter or ChristinePalumbo.com.

24 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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ChicagoParent.com August 2015 25

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MOM OF THE MONTH The three most important lessons you plan on teaching Truman: 1. To be polite. It’s so crazy, the day-to-day things of life, going out and saying thank you, telling someone that you appreciate them, saying welcome. I think even as adults, we lose sight of that sometimes. And I think those polite words will go a long way.

2. Just do it. I’d rather him learn to do things and regret later than to never have tried, experienced or had the opportunity to do something.

3. Be empathetic. I know in life there are going to be many experiences, but I want him to be empathetic.

One uplifting mom Donna Marie Post

Husband Craig; Rescue Bot-obsessed son, Truman, 3 Forest Park

{M.O.M}

Creator of I Admire U, iadmireu.com, that celebrates everyday women and their stories What kind of mom inspires you?

To be honest, a mom that gets up and tackles every day with a smile. I think there are so many different parts of being a mom you can get lost in, the scheduling, the tantrums, the ‘how am I going to get through this.’

How has becoming a mom changed you?

It’s changed me in a way that I will never forget.

Before motherhood, there was about four years when I kind of lost myself. I was a bully; I did a lot of damage with my words. And being a mom, I had to realize I am about to mold someone else’s life, that how I speak and how I treat other people is how this human being is going to grow up and reflect that. He reminded me you’ve got to be good, you’ve got to say kind things, you’ve got to encourage people. Life is crazy and doing good and speaking good is so much more rewarding, and without him, I would never have seen that.

What is your parenting style?

This is going to sound crazy, but fun. I am obsessed with fun. ... Life is too short, that’s too cliché, but it really genuinely is. I am one that crams in as much fun as possible so I am sure he will get to an age where he’s just, ‘Mom, can we just do one thing today?’

Since your background is in fashion, what outfit would you not want to be caught dead in?

I don’t know about an outfit, but definitely Crocs.

I know they are cute on a toddler but on a grown woman, no crocs, no booty shorts with holes. I don’t do sexy well. I believe style can be done in a tasteful classy way without being too out there.

Celebrating women Donna Marie Post wants her new website, iadmireu. com, to celebrate everyday women, to remind them they are doing a good job and to encourage them to celebrate others.

“Social media is so filled with negativity, to have something so positive on the web is so different,” she says.

“I hope the site reminds women that we all have different battles and that we all wake up with different strife and that we all should encourage each other, that ... if we choose one thing over another, we are choosing it for our families and we are choosing because it’s right for us. The fact that we are daring ourselves to make choices and live the consequences after, that in itself is bold.”

Keep babies safe from school kids’ germs Back to school often means back to illness. Newborns are especially susceptible to infection since their immune systems aren’t as developed as older kids’ are. If you have an infant in your home with older siblings in school, make sure school kids wash their hands as soon as they get home. You also may want to consider having special “home clothes” that they change into after getting home from school and wear before holding the baby.

Dr. Heidi Renner, Loyola University Health System, 30 Second Mom contributor

26 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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At Brickton Montessori School we measure our students’ abilities to THINK critically, MAKE responsible decisions, and SOLVE problems creatively.

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ChicagoParent.com August 2015 27

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CRAFT

Rock monsters Create e summer memories with h beach rocks

PHOTOS AND STORY ORY RY BY Y ELSENER ELS LSE EN ENER MEGAN MURRAY omb the beach ach be ac b before ffo fore ore r summ summer’s mer’s end to find d tth the he p perfect erffeecct flat and smooth h rocks. roc ocks ocks ks.. In Instead nstead of just skipping ppi pin ng g tthose hose ho osee gemss back into the he water, waate ter, r b r, bring ring tthe rocks homee aand nd tturn nd u n th ur them into monstrous ma m magnets agn nets fo for or you your ur

C fridge.

Directions

1

Select a beach rock that has a flat and smooth surface. Paint the entire rock with colorful acrylic paint. It may need two coats of paint. Let dry completely.

2 3

Usin googly eyes, create a Using face on the front side of the rock. rock Use as many or few monster desires. eyes as your m Usin either a black paint Using pen or thin-point Sharpie, draw a mouth on your mondra create teeth, use a white paint ster. To crea acrylic paint. pen or acry

Supplies

Flat rocks or large pebbles Acrylic paints Magnets Craft glue or super glue Googly eyes Paint pens or Sharpies Paintbrushes

4

O the back of the rock, glue On a magnet on a flat portion of the rock. Make sure the o magnet is large enough to hold the of the rock. weight o

5

Once completely dry, decorate your fridge with your summer rock monsters!

28 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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www.chicagogrammar.org ChicagoParent.com August 2015 29

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ENROLL YOUR CHILD TODAY 30 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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WELL PLAYED

Hold on to summer fun Play with your pals You’ve probably spent the last six weeks organizing fun activities for your summerbreakin’ kiddos. Now it’s time for a play date for you and your own best mates.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said “every artist was first an amateur,” and at Bottle and Bottega, you and your pals can unleash your inner Monet or Gauguin. Sign up for a scheduled event or host a private MEREDITH SINCLAIR party and a professional painter will guide girlfriends through the creyyou and yyour g ation aattio ion n of a true masterpiece. They provide all of of the the art supplies, aprons and instruction, bottles of bubbly aand nd you provide your own bot orr vvino o i o to help uncork your ccreativity. in bottleandbottega.com Check out bottleand schedules at seven for event schedule Chicagoland loc locations.

Play with your back to school shopping School supply shopping can be slightly overwhelming. Book bags, and notebooks and lunchboxes, oh MY! So I say add a pop of playfulness and give-back gusto with the new line of gear from PBS Kids in partnership with Whole Foods Market. From backpacks to lunch totes and basic supplies too, kids will love bringing some of their favorite educational characters along when that big yellow bus appears. Plus, 100 percent of PBS KIDS’ net proceeds will support PBS KIDS educational programming, while Whole Foods Market will donate 1 percent of total sales, up to $25,000, to Whole Kids Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving children’s nutrition and wellness. Win-win-win!

Play outside!

Our Chicago summer is short but very sweet. So it’s vital we all get as much outside playtime as humanly possible before the cold winds blow in again. My favorite new whole-family outdoor game is Spikeball. I discovered it at my local Marbles the Brain Store, brought it home and we were all hooked. It’s like a mash-up of beach volleyball and handball that’s portable enough to take just about anywhere. You’ll be playing it all the way into autumn. $63.99, marblesthebrainstore.com

Play with your hydration I don’t normally share food and beverage products, but this month I’m making an exception. I tend to push tons of water on my family during these hot and sticky summer months, but now and again they want a “fun” drink. Instead of soda, we’ve discovered Jimmy Buffett’s Island Tea by Tradewinds. They sent us a batch to test and we all went nutty for them. Naturally flavored and sweetened, and with varieties like Paradise Punch Hibiscus Tea and Strawberry Lime Black Tea, they’re a sweet alternative to carbonated beverages.

Yum on the run.

Available where Tradewinds Tea is sold. Find more info at tradewindstea.com

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 31

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7/16/15 10:52 AM

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Call 844-GOT-MATH or visit us on the web at: mathnasium.com/chicagoland 32 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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7/16/15 10:51 AM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

My goal this summer was to not be an enabler.

7-Eleven began its stranglehold on my purse years ago. With gaggles of boys showing up to entice my kids into a seedy life of endless Slurpees and Moon Pies, the daily clamoring for a MARIANNE dollar was relentless. After desperately WALSH digging around in my purse for a quarter one afternoon only to come up empty, I knew things needed to change.

If the kids wanted to subsist on flavored ice, then they would have to pay for it themselves.

Ironically enough, all three of my boys are currently between the ages of 7 and 11.

Jesus was secretly whispering to me to get these people jobs. Who was I to disagree?

After carefully reviewing existing child labor laws, I was bummed to discover sweat shops are apparently frowned upon nowadays. So much for my ideas of little hands scrubbing toilets and crafting ammunition. Damn child advocates totally ruin everything.

Danny suggested forming a lawn care business, citing his impeccable service of our own yard. Glancing despondently out the window toward the unevenly cut grass and countless dandelions, I opted to redirect his efforts.

I suggested chess tutoring.

Within moments of posting his services on a local moms’ page, my mailbox was inundated with folks wanting to get on Danny’s schedule. His first gig was a pair of young twins.

Twenty minutes before Danny’s first day of work,

he made a huge spectacle of departing. Noting his disheveled hair, wrinkled shirt and peculiar goop stuck to his cheek, I stopped my firstborn in his tracks.

“You are NOT walking out the door like that,” I scolded.

“What?”

“You look like you just rolled out of bed.”

“I DID just roll out of bed.”

“You are not professional ofessional at all,” I chided whilee spitting on a towel to wipee the crud from his face..

Danny groaned as I ordered him back upstairs to change.

“I cannot believe I have to endure all this justt for a stinkin’ Slurpee!” pee!”

Despite an impeccable performance of righteous indignation, the crisp $10 bill and smile that arrived home an hour later belied his complaints. When the doorbell rang and the Slurpee crew appeared to collect their reliable mate, the outcome was unusual.

This time, Danny turned them down flat and tucked his 10 bucks into his shorts pocket.

I had actually won one. A critical life lesson about hard work and the value of a dollar was secured. Seldom had I known such sweet victory.

So to celebrate?

I went out and bought myself a Slurpee.

Extra large.

I’d earned it.

Marianne Walsh is a Chicago mom of three boys. Want more? Go to ChicagoParent.com and webandofmothers.blogspot.com.

Talk back

Sweat shops & Slurpees

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 33

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• Find out about our flexible extended day schedule & summer camp RSVP by November 2nd to: events@blackbearacademy.com or call the school at 773-244-0700 34 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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VOICE: LISA GOODMAN-HELFAND

You missed a spot What messages are we sending our daughters about beauty?

E

very morning since she can remember, my 9-year-old daughter has sat in the bathroom and watched me put on my makeup. I’m guessing ours is not an atypical ritual. Our customary habit is slightly different though. My daughter surveys my makeup application with the keen precision of a nuclear bomb inspector. “You missed a spot,” she often shouts out.

I have scleroderma, an autoimmune disease that can cause disfiguration and telangiectasia (red spots). My doctor says I have the most telangiectasia sprinkled over my body than any patient she has ever seen. I wonder if there’s some kind of contest I can enter for that cool claim to fame? I religiously apply three layers of concealer to my face each morning before I let the world see me.

Sure, I may look like I’m caking on my makeup with a butter knife, but that beats the alternative, watching everyone I meet recoil in fear of catching some horrible rash, which really isn’t a rash at all.

My kids have grown accustomed to me saying, “I can’t make you pancakes this morning, I’ve got to get my makeup on before the plumber gets here.” Or, “Sorry sweetie, Mommy can’t read with you right now, I’ve got to get my makeup on before your playdate arrives.” Or, “The carpool is here! I’m not getting the door because I don’t have any makeup on.”

I will go to great lengths to avoid being seen in my splotchy skin. When my kids have friends sleep over, I’ll wake up early just to put on my makeup so I don’t scare anyone.

The crazy thing is I’m not even doing this out of vanity. Plenty of people have seen me without makeup. After my daughter was born, I suffered grave complications and was in the hospital for 218 days. I lost all my hair, weighed less than 80 pounds, had a tracheotomy and a garden of tubes sprouting from my

I want my children to think of their mom as a brave person who wasn’t afraid to do something bold.

abdomen. Hundreds of people visited me and my bare spotted skin, which was certainly the least of my concerns.

So why won’t I take out my trash in the morning without makeup?

I have rationalized that it is because I feel more confident when I am masking my disease.

I don’t want to have to explain scleroderma to my lawn-care man.

I’ve convinced myself that it’s OK to want to look more “normal” to the outside world. I truly believe that women should be empowered by their beauty and should not ever apologize for wanting to present themselves well.

One morning when I was upstairs missing out on a family breakfast because I was putting on my makeup, I overheard this conversation between my husband Dave and my daughter, Emi. Emi: Daddy, do you think I’m pretty?

Dave: Of course I do! You’re naturally beautiful just like Mom. Emi: But Mom isn’t naturally beautiful.

Dave: Sure she is! Mom is very beautiful. Why would you say that, Emi? Emi: Because she looks terrible without any makeup on!

Yikes! Why don’t you just tear out my heart and pour acid on it? My daughter is a kind person. She generally will not intentionally try to say mean things or hurt anyone’s feelings. My first inclination was to march out of the bathroom and tell her that her comment was not very nice.

Thankfully, before that happened, I had an epiphany. Holy crap, this is what I have instilled in my daughter. How can

I expect Emi to appreciate all types of beauty when visions of me concealing my natural appearance have been imprinted on her brain since she was a toddler? Of course she thinks I look horrible without any makeup. That is the message I have sent her.

I vowed I would do something to alter my daughter’s perceptions of beauty.

I began to notice all sorts of ways in which I was imparting warped values. I usually greet my groggy 12-year-old son each morning with, “Hey buddy! Good morning! Did you have a good sleep?” In contrast, I awake my daughter with, “Hi gorgeous girl! How’s Mommy’s beautiful princess this morning?”

If I let him, my son would go to school with bed-head hair, mismatched clothes and unbrushed teeth. My daughter spends a lot of time picking out her outfit, selecting her hair accessory and asking me questions like, “Which shoes look cuter with this outfit, Mom?” Some of these differences can be attributed to personality type, interests and dare-I-say gender.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 35

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GOODMAN-HELFAND

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

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But I can’t help but wonder how much of my daughter’s interest in outward appearance has been perpetuated by me.

I’m not saying I want my daughter looking like she just climbed out of a dumpster. I want both my children to take pride in their appearance and appreciate the value in presenting one’s self well. I don’t want my kids to equate their selfworth with their reflections in the mirror, though. It’s important they know that there is so much more to people than what they initially see. Sometimes, it’s tough to strike a balance between these seemingly opposing notions.

One thing I do know is that I don’t want my kids looking back on their childhoods remembering all the times their mom said “I can’t because I’ve got to put my makeup on.” I want my children to think of their mom as a brave person who wasn’t afraid to do something bold.

How can I combat all the subliminal messages I’ve unintentionally transmitted to my daughter? How can I show her there are all different types of beauty? Are you waiting to read my thoughts on this? Sorry, I haven’t got a clue. I’m posing

these questions to the Chicago Parent readers in the hopes that someone far wiser than me has an idea.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Bueller?

Lisa Goodman-Helfand is a mom of two in suburban Chicago. She authors the blog, Comfortable in My Thick Skin, where she explores motherhood, marriage, body image, and overcoming obstacles with humor and perspective.

36 August 20153.625” ChicagoParent.com Chicago Parent x 7” July 2015 Insertion CHIPAR_0815_036.indd 1

7/17/15 10:36 AM

VOICE: EILEEN HOENIGMAN MEYER

Finding space But first, a moment to soak in the memories of our ‘stuff’

O

ur attic is a trove of stories that for the last nine years has been amassing material. Like a photo album, it has been chronicling how our family has grown. Now we need living space more than remembering space, so the beautiful and wrenching task of deep-sea-diving into our past is all mine.

I should have been doing this all along, but life has been so hectic. I would find myself cleaning rooms and frantically socking bags of outgrown things up here—too taxed to think strategically about their future. Only now can I contemplate the task of reclaiming space from this lovable mess.

As I make my way through the clutter, my son’s foam green walker catches my eye. Nico could get this thing moving pretty fast and I could always hear it coming. I push it with my foot on the attic floor—the squeak of those wheels.

When he was about seven months old, Nico maneuvered it to the fulllength mirror and saw himself for the

These sad but sensible goodbyes are practice for some of the many little farewells that growing up requires—theirs and mine.

first time. His chubby arms and legs radiated joy as he observed his happy reflection.

He shrieked. He laughed. As I watched this, I remember feeling the ponderousness of parenthood—the holiness of it. I cried at his milestone of self-discovery.

I don’t want to lose that memory, but this behemoth can’t be my touchstone.

Another baby can use this.

These sad but sensible goodbyes are practice for some of the many little farewells that growing up requires—theirs and mine.

I uncover the crib, cloaked in an old sheet, that I snuck away from countless times, silently begging our creaky old house not to rat me out. Near it I find the colorful letters that spell out “S-y-lv-i-a” and “N-i-c-o” that were long ago deemed “too babyish” and packed away with rattles and board books.

I almost trip over the sloppily-folded inflatable swimming pool that once commanded an afternoon, before they graduated to the public pool.

Evening light becomes orange beams that seem heavier than daytime rays— purposeful and a little sad, like me. I sort. I remember. I cry like the cliché I am proud to say I have become. I make a pile of treasures that will follow us

and another of objects with different destinies.

I am humbled as I stand amidst our detritus. I feel the familiar conflict—the present moment begging me not to leave too soon, and the future compelling me toward what has to happen next. There is a part of me that never wants to let go, for fear I will accidentally throw away something precious.

But parenthood has made me stronger and more clear-thinking than I ever knew I could be.

I text my neighbor. She confirms: the walker is perfect for her daughter. May it bring them as much joy as it has us.

Eileen Hoenigman Meyer is a mom of two school-aged kids and freelance writer living in Berwyn.

At Chicago Friends School, children reeect, question, and explore through an academically challenging and developmentally appropriate curriculum.

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 37

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Viva, like most kids, loves the beach. What’s not to love? Water, sun, people, critters, and you’re walking on what amounts to acres of modeling clay.

Well, I’ll tell you what’s not to love: Water, sun, people, critters and sand.

love snacks. Bring a 3-year-old Truth be told, when Viva to the beach and be prepared came along, it had been to fight Jonathan Livingston years since I’ve been to the Salmonella and his flock over beach, even though I live your Teddy Grahams. very near the Lake. I burn Be prepared to look for easily, I swim poorly, and my someplace to potty. Be very African American wife keeps afraid of finally finding it. her hair relaxed. I haven’t And even though you swum (swimmed? swammslather your child in ed?) since we started dating. sunscreen and But who can bug spray, deny their you can’t 3-year-old a do much trip to Lake about the Michigan fact that when you the Lake live right (and the by it? It’s sand) is cruel. a giant Going to microbial the beach stew made with her is of generous even more helpings challengILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH of stomach ing than it flu, skin was before, rashes, pinkeye, respiratory however. infections, meningitis and Firstly, I have to make sure hepatitis. “Look, Daddy, I’m a 30-pound girl isn’t swept spitting water like a founinto the deadly churning tain!” Let’s skip the ice cream abyss that is Lake Michigan. and drive right to Lurie.

And that means I have to go So, I guess I’m off to the down to the water, probably beach, provided it isn’t with my shirt off, in front closed today because the of a lot of people—which stew is extra angry. If I see means all kinds of decisions you there, we can discreetly have to be made about avert our eyes from one grooming, exercising and another—we need to make hoping people aren’t blinded sure the gulls aren’t taking by skin so fair it looks like I off with our kids, anyway. descended from cave-dwellViva beaches. Viva Viva. ing Gollum-creatures.

Viva Daddy.

Tots need snacks. Seagulls

38 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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@

REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

What’s your best tip for starting the school year off on a positive note?

Plan the transition back into a school schedule. Set the alarm, visit the school playground, make an adventure of choosing back-to-school clothes and supplies and wrap up summer break with a fun day trip or activity.

Kate Atkins-Trimnell, Homewood

Organization.

Start the year out organized so you don’t have to play catch up later! Also bribing faculty members could be an option. Kidding.

Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago

Tell them to stay calm. You don’t need to know everything the first day; you don’t need to know everyone the first day, either.

Simply focus on the fact that you are there to learn and have fun!

Kerry Quirin, Downers Grove

My best tip for starting the school year off is to get enough sleep. Kids are pulled in so many directions during the school year. If they are not rested, it will make things miserable.

Tracie Guzolek, Chicago

Buy as many new supplies as you can. Clean up the used ones including sharpening pencils, covering binders.

Let your child help pick out clothes to wear the first day.

Be enthusiastic yourself. It will definitely rub off!!!

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ST. JAMES LUTHERAN SCHOOL a community where

LEARNING IS FOR KIDS Knowledge • Inquiry • Discovery • Success

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40 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Under pressure N

What the pursuit of good grades and success is doing to today’s kids

BY KATIE JOHNS

o matter the cause, whether procrastination, parents, peer pressure or getting iinto a good d college, students are stressed out and worried.

And they care more about those good grades than actually learning anything.

That’s what the co-authors of The Straight-A Conspiracy, Your Secret Guide to Ending the Stress of School, Katie O’Brien and Hunter Maats, found when they conducted a survey with The Princeton Review on student life in America.

Despite 56 percent of students reporting feeling happy on a typical school day, the survey found that teens spend one third of their study time feeling worried and stressed. This means that if a student is locked in their room for three hours studying, one hour of that is spent stressing

Mikaèla Parisien, 12, Evanston PHOTO BY

BY THOMAS KUBIK/ TK PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 41

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UNDER PRESSURE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

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out and not getting any work done.

A+ expectations Licensed professional counselor Kristy Gonyon, of Naperville, says there is more pressure put on students now than ever before.

“The ideas of ‘do your best’ and ‘you can be whatever you want to be’ have been added with other negative statements such as ‘do your best, as long as you don’t get less than a ‘B’, and ‘you can be whatever you want to be, as long as it’s a real profession’,” Gonyon says.

O’Brien and Maats’ survey also put a spotlight on students’ study habits and feelings about the future. While most students said they want to do well, some want to do it without learning.

“Ninety percent want to do well, which is great; every

The survey showed more than 40 per

cent of students say that getting into college is their main driver for getting good grades. teacher would be thrilled to hear they want to succeed. But some want to do well without learning because grades and college have taken over the conversation and people are panicking to get to results without enjoying the process,” says O’Brien.

The dream of studying on a grassy quad is a top motivator for students; the survey showed more than 40 percent

42 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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of students say that getting into college is their main driver for getting good grades. Maats says that is 100 percent realistic for the world we are living in, but instead of learning, students are just cramming for tests and not really grasping the concepts being taught.

“What they’re doing is not lazy or not about being turned off. They’re just being logical because if something is painful and isn’t going to turn out well, you probably shouldn’t spend an extra hour on it,” says O’Brien.

Rachel Gadbois of Barrington, 16, agrees. She thinks the students she knows are more worried about getting the grade than understanding what they’re learning.

“I don’t think people go out of their way to get more information,” she says. “I think they just stick to what they’re given so they do well on what the teachers assign them.”

The national conversation

around education agrees that school is stressful, but Maats says the way students are approaching school is stressful. O’Brien says students will stay up until 4 a.m. doing homework, then brag to other students that they studied for seven hours when in reality, four out of those seven hours were spent worrying.

“There is an idea in our culture that you have a horrible grind of a life to be successful or you can enjoy life and get Cs and Ds,” says O’Brien.

“There is a focus on results and cramming.”

Who’s to blame?

There is honest debate about exactly where this pressure stems from, whether it’s parents, teachers or even students themselves.

“Students definitely put pressure on themselves, some parents are there and putting a lot

of pressure and the students are engaging with that, and some parents are putting pressure and the student doesn’t enjoy that and choose not to care,” says Maats. “People hear students say they don’t care and say that’s just who they are, and that has an end result of how students are coping with pressure.”

Gadbois says this pressure comes from the general environment students are in, but for some students like her, it stems from other areas.

“I think I put pressure on myself because of pressure from other people,” she says.

The competitive aspect of

academics can be grueling, and parents notice.

Gadbois’ mother, Jan, says this pressure sometimes comes from a push to be more involved at school.

“You do have those kids that are truly academics and it takes away from kids who want to be more involved in the social side where they can’t devote all of their time to studies,” she says. “The kids who have that priority should be rewarded for it because all they do is study, but it puts pressure on kids who are trying to do it all.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

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UNDER PRESSURE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

Has your child turned two?

Soon to be seventh-grader, Mikaéla Parisien of Evanston, says she feels pressure from her parents, but doesn’t take it negatively.

“My dad’s successful and he wants us to be successful,” she says. “My mom wants me to be able to do the impossible.”

Parisien’s mother, MarieEdmonde, says she and her husband do put pressure on their children to do well, but they also know when to pull back.

“We challenge them very much,” she says. “I’ve always said your first teacher is in the home. The foundation starts at home.”

The impact

Applications to Nursery 3 for the 2016-17 academic year are due October 9, 2015 To learn more about our play-based program and to begin an application, please visit our website www.ucls.uchicago.edu University of Chicago Laboratory Schools 1362 E. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60637 773-702-9451 admissions@ucls.uchicago.edu

O’Brien says that in the past century and half it has been common to revere people who automatically “get” things, which causes kids to think that when they arrive in the classroom, the answers should just show up. Gonyon says students will measure how they compare to other students.

“It becomes a competition of doing better, because doing better academically makes them feel better,” says Gonyon. “I have seen children that feel that their identity is based on how well they do academically, and if they do poorly, they feel like they have lost who they are or their purpose.”

Gonyon says this pressure can become overwhelming and affect kids mentally and physically. Aside from hurting the child’s self-esteem, unrealistic expectations can impact a child’s eating and sleeping habits and can cause anxiety and depression.

“A highly pressured child could develop irrational anxiety, which can not only arise when involving school performance, but also effect everyday life decisions,” Gonyon says.

“Depression can also be present in kids with a lot of pressure.

There are usually unrealistic expectations set for them and the constant disappointment or feelings of failure when those expectations aren’t met can make it difficult to be positive about anything.”

What you can do To help relieve some of this pressure, change the way school is talked about at home. It is also important to make sure that the student is in the driver’s seat of their own education, Gonyon says.

In addition, don’t compare your student to other students, and especially, don’t compare siblings, she says.

“It is important to remember that every kid, even siblings, have different strengths and weaknesses and by comparing siblings, it always makes someone feel ‘less than,’” she says.

“Encourage continued focus on the strengths that your child has and point out the positive things that they do.

Complimenting your child on things other than academic accomplishments will also help them feel better about themselves and understand that there is more to a person than good grades or getting first place at a track meet.”

Katie Johns, a senior at the University of Missouri School of Journalism and Buffalo Grove native, is an intern at Chicago Parent.

44 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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No-stress mornings It is possible! Local experts and real moms show you how

BY CAITLIN MURRAY GILES

M

ornings can be hard. Popular parenting humorist @LurkatHomeMom once tweeted: “90% of parenting is just walking around yelling, ‘WHERE ARE YOUR SHOES? WE’RE ALREADY LATE! FIND

YOUR SHOES!’”

While this social media share was certainly meant to be humorous, real parents in the trenches understand that this sentiment accurately captures a daily struggle: How to get your family out of the house on time, happy and prepared to face the day?

We talked to an organizational expert, parenting coach, mental health professional and experienced parents to find out

how they make mornings at their houses stress-free.

The bad news: You can’t expect a one-step, easy fix to this common problem. The good news: With the right attitude, consistent routines, advanced preparation and a little organization, you can ditch challenging mornings in favor of a more serene start to everyone’s day.

Here is how to make it happen at your house.

u first Focus on yo

ree mom of th delberger, It et (G IT Eirene Hei O of G ent and CE ys sa ), m o .c and presid m om (gitmo om.

Together) M art with m st s g in rn o m e self first. re er -f h t ss u stre up at least needs to p m o m et yourself ry g to “Eve e u av h ing, you his gives yo In the morn efore your children. T ur yo g n ri b ether. Hea g to it 30 minutes et si g the ea est m time to l, but this is fu crucial mo n ai p y e b ff may d and read alarm go o all’ compose ty mess,” b e th t ‘a ve way to arri ed and swea than a rush er th ra , o g to joy r says. inutes to en Heidelberge couple of m pora g im in y k an ta ts spond to re , She sugges ia ed m ’v you e , surf social e day. Once th r fo your coffee ed ss aking your and get dre mmends w co re tant emails e function sh f, r yoursel eed him to n fo u e m yo ti re n o take s bef t 15 minute atime.” child at leas e “m ore cooper n w o his he is, the m d xe la to give him re d awake an “The more ger says. ” Heidelber e, b l il tive he w

Stick to a schedule Ev

eryone n e “The num eds a routine, e specially b e r one tip morning youn for creati is be hon ng a stre g kids. est and re timing b ss-free ecause ru alistic ab out your nn ing at yo ur childre ing late is the ga teway to n,” Heide She advis yelllbe lutely mu es starting with th rger says. st exit yo e ti m e you abso ur minutes to it. This house and then ad increases your “ou t the doo your odd ding five r” goal e s of mee As back-t very ting o recomme -school time nea day. nds mov rs, Heide ing lberger a every thre lso e days to bedtimes up by 1 5 minute kids to h get to th e bedtim s ave at le a e st 10 hou up on th rs of slee that allows eir own. p and wa ke

Include kids in the process Don’t try to tackle every item on the morning to-do list yourself.

As kids get older, they can take on more and more responsibility. Don’t be afraid to delegate. Heidelberger suggests making a chart with your child that outlines exactly she needs to do and when.

“Because you’re making the schedule together, your child feels a part of his morning instead of being told what to do by a dictator. Added mom bonus: the more your child is in charge of, the less you will have to do,” says Heidelberger.

46 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Do your homework, too!

Preparation the night before is key to smooth and organized mornings.

Do as much as you can in advance, including laying out outfits, making a plan for breakfast, packing lunches, and getting backpacks, jackets and other items laid out and ready to go. Think of this as your homework!

Organization is key One of the biggest morning stressors for busy families is managing everyone’s stuff.

Sarah Giller Nelson, owner of Chicago’s Less is More oreorganizers.com), Organizing Services (lessism systems to help manage ate cre can s says that familie every family member’s gear. ool, make your “Before you head back to sch s, gloves, jackets, and hat p Kee ly. end entryway fall-fri hin easy reach. Assign other cool-weather gear wit for their stuff,” she says. bin each child a hook and a checklist of things your She also advises creating a everyone leaves the family needs to grab before snacks, gloves, etc. ne, house each morning: pho s. Post the list on the der -rea pre “Use pictures for ing you can make sure door so that as you are leav ntials,” Nelson says. you haven’t forgotten the esse

How real moms make mornings work Steal these savvy tips from fellow moms and incorporate them into your family routine.

Michelle Price, mom of two: I created a laminated to-do list that has all the things that need to get done each morning for each kid for each day of the week. They love using the dry erase marker to check off each task as they complete it and nothing gets forgotten. Bonus? I’m not constantly asking, “Did you…?” Nor are they constantly asking, “What else do I need to do?”

Debbie Schnitzer Cooper, mom of three: Create a chart with end times/deadlines. Each step the kids complete earns them five minutes of iPad time they can redeem on the weekend. This system works perfectly and on weeks I forget to print a new one, things are a total disaster!

Tara Tidwell-Cullen, mom of two: If we can fit in just 15 minutes of play/reading/focused family time with our almost 4-year-old, she is much more cooperative with getting dressed and out the door, and we all start our days in much better moods.

Attitud e is ev erythin Keep g i n m in e

veryo d that ne m Kelley in the fami orning is a l transi y K . itley owner tion ti of Ser , mom of fo me fo freque endip r u r , p sycho itous P ntly w t h s o e y rks wi r c a Mom h p o i s t t h t anxiet and dad ha h women o erapy (kelle and the y and n bala ve to s ykitle y.c a nc startin ta n g to fe gst can be y calm, oth e and tran om), s conta el stre away e itions r wise gio fo . ss to-do r a few min ful, give yo us. “If the their list,” s morni urself utes b he say n efore a Kitley contin timeout a g is s. nd ste uing t ing ru also recom p o tack sh m le you to hap in perspec ends that r paren tive. “ pen if ts kee What you ar sched p th is ul e coupl e occasiona late? If you the worst t e morne extr hat is l l a y re run , try am go That i sn’t su inutes to to embrace ning behin ing spend ch a b d it. Ma i y ad thi Caitlin ng,” s n the car w be you get Murray h i a t e h s G your k a iles is mom o ys. a freela f three ids. . nce w riter, c o-owne r of 2M omsM edia a nd

the

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 47

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48 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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7/16/15 10:45 AM

Think outside the sandwich: Fresh ideas for kids’ lunches

H

BY EMILY PASTER ere is a math problem that every elementary school parent knows well: Two kids times 180 school days equals lunchbox burnout. This school year, prevent the lunchtime blues before they start. Put down the white bread—with the crusts cut off, naturally—and think about lunch a little differently.

Thinking outside the sandwich requires forethought when shopping at the grocery store and some Sunday afternoon preparation. But the reward is a week’s worth of healthy, portable meals that will make your kids the envy of the cafeteria.

Once you get used to it, this kind of simple, advance preparation will seem like second nature. And when you see how delicious brown-bag lunches can be, you and your spouse may want to get in

on the action.

We’ve created a shopping list, instructions and one key recipe for a week’s worth of satisfying, sandwich-free lunches for two kids.

The daily menu does not include additional items, such as chips or dessert, but you can add those if you like. The shopping list suggests buying items like salad dressing, granola and hummus for the sake of convenience, but keep in mind that these foods are easy and less expensive to

make yourself, if you are so inclined.

Adjust the recipes and ideas to your family’s taste. If your kids do not care for hummus, for example, substitute a pimento cheese spread. In addition, all of these recipes are nut- and peanut-free because even if your child does not have a food allergy, many schools now ban these ingredients.

The only special equipment needed are reusable plastic containers and glass Mason CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 49

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LUNCH

jars in pint, 8 oz. and 4 oz. sizes. Mason jars are inexpensive, reusable containers for portable salads, yogurt parfaits and more. However, you can also buy specialized containers such as the Sistema Klip-It Breakfast-toGo for packing yogurt and granola and Salad-to-Go to keep ingredients and dressing separate, both of which are available at Amazon and The Container Store.

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Shopping list 1 pint grape tomatoes 1 package of eight mini cucumbers 1 bunch scallions 1 bag baby carrots 1 bag seedless grapes 1 quart vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese 1 9 oz. package fresh cheese tortellini 1 dozen eggs 1-inch-thick slice of roasted turkey or chicken breast (Tell the person at the deli counter that it is for cutting into chunks for salad.) as or 2 packages of mini pitas naan (eight total) uss 8 oz. container hummus 1 package nut-free oyy granola such as Enjoy Life 1 bottle vinaigrette salad dressing

To avoid adding mor more ree tasks to your already h hectic tiic i morning, get a jump start on lunch preparations over the weekend. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions and refrigerate the

cooked pasta.

Make the frittata and refrigerate until needed.

Monday: Mason Jar Chef Salad with Pita In the bottom of the pintsized Mason jar, place two tablespoons of your favorite vinaigrette dressing. Chop two of the mini cucumbers and place on the bottom of the jar.

(The cucumber won’t absorb the dressing and get soggy.)

Chop p four baby carrots and add them to the jar. Cut th one-half of the roasted on neturkey into chunks and add to aan tthe jar. Top with four w halved h grape tomagr ttoes. Pack ingredients tightly, but do not crush. Seal jar tightly with lid.

Repeat with a second jar.

Include one of the mini pitas in each lunch. Advise kids to shake jar gently before opening to distribute oil and vinegar.

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(For more ideas like this, pick up the book Mason Jar Salads and More: 50 Layered Lunches to Grab and Go by Julia Mirabella.)

Tuesday: Mini Cheese Frittata with Grapes Pack three or four mini frittata depending on your child’s age and appetite.

Include a side of grapes and one mini pita.

(Remaining frittata can be reheated for a quick breakfast later in the week.)

Mini cheese frittata recipe Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a 12cavity muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat together one dozen eggs and 1/4 cup milk. Season with salt and pepper.

Grate 8 oz. of cheddar cheese.

Divide the grated cheese evenly between the cavities in the muffin tin.

Pour the egg mixture over the cheese filling the cavities about 2/3 full.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until firm.

Remove from muffin tin and refrigerate until needed.

Wednesday: Mason Jar Pasta Salad In the bottom of the pint-sized Mason jar, place two tablespoons of your favorite vinaigrette dressing. Chop one of the mini cucumbers and place on the bottom of the jar. Chop one scallions, white and light green part only, and add it to the jar. Add half of the cooked cheese tortellini to the jar. Top with four or five halved grape tomatoes.

Pack ingredients tightly, but do not crush. Seal jar tightly with lid. Repeat with a second jar. Advise kids to shake jar gently before opening to distribute oil and vinegar.

Thursday: Granola Yogurt Parfait Place vanilla yogurt in the 8 oz. Mason jar and seal. (If desired, swirl a spoonful of your child’s favorite jam into the yogurt.)

Pack granola separately in a small plastic container. Include a side of grapes.

Friday: Hummus and Pita and Veggies Pack baby carrots and grape tomatoes

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in a plastic container. Spoon half of the hummus into a 4 oz. Mason jar. Drizzle top with olive oil and sprinkle with pine nuts, if desired. (Pine nuts are not actually nuts but seeds and do not trigger nut allergies.)

Include two mini pitas and a side of grapes.

Emily Paster writes about food and family on her blog, West of the Loop. The founder of the Chicago Food Swap, she is the author of an upcoming food swap cookbook to be published in spring 2016.

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Easing the PINCH Easy ways to keep more dough in your wallet

W

BY SAMANTHA SCHULTZ ith summer coming to a close and the school year creeping in, the time and money crunch that comes with it can be daunting.

Prepare yourself, mind, soul and pocketbook, to face the school year ahead with a few simple tips.

School supply shopping

1

Plan a day to just cross off the items you need on your ur school supply list. Before heading to the store, decidee what items you will need from where and comparison shop op prices in ads or online.

If you are strapped for time, seek out a local couponer ner to do your supply shopping for you. Last year, I used d this method and not only did my couponer friend buy all of my items at the best sale price, even with her small shopper’s per’s fee, I still saved money.

While it might seem tempting to just get the absolute te bare minimum on a school supply list, buy a higherr quantity of items that may be used more often such as crayayons, paper, pencils or pens. By buying during back-to-school hool sales, you can save money on items you most likely will ne need n eed to replenish later in the year.

2 3

Fast food busters

One of the fastest ways you can pour money down the drain is by eating out when your schedule gets hectic and you find yourself driving from soccer practice to swim practice and back to the school for a forgotten assignment.

Plan ahead by putting together a calendar of breakfast and dinner ideas so that you can refer to those options, especially in a pinch, when you need

1

them. You might consider assigning each day a different option (such as waffles on Wednesdays, tacos on Thursdays).

Schedule a day in August for freezer meal planning and preparation.

You can put together an entire month of meals in one fell swoop and know that you always have options if you are running a bit behind. Simple ideas include lasagna, chicken pot pie set-ups, breakfast muffins, burritos and more.

2

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PRESCHOOL

Preschool Prep How to ready your preschooler for the year ahead

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

W

ill he cry when you drop him off?

What if he doesn’t get along with his peers? Will he have an epic tantrum over sharing toys?

The list of worries as you prepare to send your preschooler off for the beginning of a new school year can be long and stressful, especially considering preschool is often kids’ first exposure to a school setting.

Fear not! There are things you can start doing today to prepare your little one for a successful first entry into school, sending them down a path to academic success and growth.

According to Dr. Tovah Klein, author of How Toddlers Thrive and

director of the Barnard College Center for Toddler Development, the preschool years are the time when social and emotional foundations are being set into place.

“These are years of tremendous growth physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially,” Klein says. “A caring and supportive preschool helps a child develop confidence in who they are, security that they can handle themselves in a group away from the comfort of home, and helps them navigate the complex world of peers and getting along with others.”

Above all, Klein says, the most

important thing a parent can do now is have routines established at home.

Routines for meals, bedtime, leaving the house and daily activities help children know what comes next.

“It makes them feel more in control and secure that they know what to expect and what comes next, which supports their growing independence,” Klein says. “These are key skills for being able to manage themselves in school and handle the transitions that occur throughout the day.”

According to Cara Glass, lead preschool teacher at Kids’ Work Chicago, another simple step to start working on with your preschooler is self-help skills.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

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PRESCHOOL PREP

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

the preschool classroom also provide very real opportunities for a child to develop empathy for others,” Jele says.

“We know that children at this age are typically egocentric, but it is our job as the adults in their lives to guide them toward considerations for others and for the group. The ability to see a situation from another perspective is a valuable lifelong asset.”

Klein agrees that the social skills preschoolers acquire are the foundation for their development, including learning to trust other adults and establishing security away from their parents.

“Once this sense of security is established, the child learns how to be in a group, which is challenging at this age,” Klein says. “Preschoolers are

“Self-help skills, such as hand-washing and putting on coats and shoes, are very important for students as they enter preschool,” Glass says. “A child’s ability to manipulate clothing is crucial, so make sure you are dressing your student in clothing they can handle—no snaps or buttons until they can master them.”

Much of the focus during the preschool years is teaching the social norms and interactions among peers.

“Social and emotional skills learned in the early years are long term, impacting both school years and the workplace,” says Beth Jele, preschool director at Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts in Chicago.

“Social interactions in

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Be a part of something greater.

f focused d on their h own needs d first, so being in the group helps them learn about others, develop empathy and manage their behavior. They learn to handle emotions in age-appropriate ways, which is a key to getting along with peers and to learning. “ In preparing for school’s start, Klein suggests giving your preschooler opportunities to play in unstructured settings, being allowed to make their own play choices and to interact with other children.

“Preschool is a place where they can practice making decisions and choices, such as what activity they want to do or who they want to play with. These are skills that underlay all learning—being able to make decisions,” adds Klein.

Jele suggests other easy things to prepare your child in the weeks before school include visiting the school, talking about school in a positive way, reading books about going to school such as The Kissing Hand by Audrey

Penn, and d arranging a playl date with a classmate.

Glass recommends practicing your goodbye and keeping in mind that shorter is better. Make a goodbye routine and stick to it, even if your child gets upset or cries.

Overall, parents need to remind themselves that going to school for the first time is a big adjustment for the preschooler in their lives.

“Parents should know their little one is working hard to attend school and get used to being with so many other children away from home,” says Klein. “Regression is common at home, such as protesting bedtime or waking at night, more whining or sudden meltdowns, or more clinginess with a parent.”

Provide comfort and reassurance to let them know you are there for them, and your child will be able to excel at school, Klein says.

Megan Murray Elsener is a mother of three, freelance writer and regular

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EARLY ELEMENTARY

LEARNING MADE FUN How to fuel kids’ interests and learning with apps

O

pen up the app store on your phone or tablet and you’ll find a sea of learning apps, all promising to help your kids learn the most, excel the fastest and love the subject matter more.

“There are so many apps out there, it’s really hard to navigate,” says Mary Gurley,

BY MELISSA SILVERBERG curriculum development and instructional design lead for eSpark, a company that helps schools find the best learning apps for their students’ needs.

That’s why each year the American Association of School Librarians hands out awards for the Best Apps for Teaching and Learning, determined by a committee

of tech-saavy people who tested the apps themselves.

The apps they look for need to be free, innovative and creative, as well as to include active participation and collaboration in a user-friendly way, says former president CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

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APPS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

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Terri Grief.

Computers and apps have helped change the way students learn. In the past, students would study and read about certain subjects, taking in the information in a passive way.

Now, learners can participate in their own education, create content and share it with others to show their understanding. All of this is made easier through certain apps and social media, Grief says.

Some apps even help introduce high-level subjects to students at a younger age.

For example, an app called Monster Physics allows students to build and operate their own car, rocketship, helicopter or robot with simple tutorials and missions for them to solve.

The hands-on app is meant for students 10 and up, even though kids likely won’t take physics until later in high school.

“It gets kids started in thinking about physical science and helps them be much more prepared,” Grief says.

Another app, Dragon Box Algebra, uses a game environment to help students from kindergarten to fifth grade figure out algebra equations in a fun way. Kids move through

the levels without even realizing they are doing math and learning basic algebra concepts that get more challenging as they move through the app.

“The most fun part on the apps is that you get instant feedback, did you get it right or wrong,” Grief says.

Dual language learning is easier the younger it starts, and there are plenty of apps available to help make that happen.

Duolingo has been named one of Google’s “Best of the Best” for its free interactive foreignlanguage educational app. The user-friendly app is for ages 5 and up and is available in more than 20 languages. Families can learn a new language together and practice once the screens are put away.

Trying apps on all different subjects from a young age can also help students find what they are interested in.

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A pair of apps called Scratch and ScratchJr, designed by MIT, help students as young as 5 learn computer programming and coding. Users can program their own computer games, art and applications and share them with others.

“It may help kids find their passion way earlier and not be

afraid to try something new,” she says.

While apps have a lot to offer, Grief says they are best when used in conjunction with traditional learning and even better when there is interaction between parents, children and the device.

“Sit with them and talk about it, don’t let them just go off and play for hours,” she says.

“I think there’s room for every type of learning.”

Gurley agrees.

“We look at it as being a completely supplemental part of the student’s learning experience and a time when they can be doing activities exactly at their level, which is really hard to do throughout the school day,” Gurley says.

A few warnings to watch for when downloading a new app for your kids: Hidden charges: Avoid apps that may be free to download, but then will charge you money to actually use the app once you’ve already given your e-mail address and information.

Unheard-of creators: Grief says it is important to look for apps from reputable sources to make sure the company won’t be doing something untrustworthy

with your or your child’s personal information.

Companies that make textbooks or other learning software such as Harper Collins, Scholastic, Discovery Kids or PBS are reliable.

Apps that have ads: Gurley says app makers don’t have control over what kind of ads may be on their apps. “You think you are getting a child-friendly app, but it could have incredibly inappropriate content in it,” she says.

Melissa Silverberg is a freelance writer living in Palatine.

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EARLY ELEMENTARY

Workshop teaches mom/daughter duos web development basics

M

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

oms have a wide-range of skills that keep their families functioning, but not many can say they go from carpooling to coding. Jen Myers is working to change that with her Code and Cupcakes workshops.

The class teaches moms and daughters the basics of web development with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Each pair is provided a laptop to work on, guided instructions and a team of teaching assistants.

Myers, a single mom and Chicagobased web designer and developer, saw a need for a way to teach women the basic elements of

web design.

“Women are underrepresented in technology, and mothers in particular are a demographic that often gets overlooked,” says Myers.

“At the same time, it’s crucial to start reaching out to girls about computer skills when they are young, and having their mothers learn with them helps create a foundation that will help them to continue learning as they grow older.”

Although there isn’t a set age for the workshop, Code and Cupcakes suggests age 7 and up to be able to fully participate in the class. But the workshop is designed so that mothers

and a daughters with little to no experience can be introduced e to t the world of coding.

Plus each workshop includes a sweet variety of cupcakes.

Wendy Widom, of Chicago, took her daughter to a workt shop because she wanted to s learn to code and because she’d love for her daughter to pursue a STEM-related career.

“In only a couple of hours, I learned the basics of coding through Jen’s handson curriculum,” says Widom. “I could not believe something that had once seemed so intimidating was actually pretty easy to grasp. Learning to code with my daughter was a big-time bonding experience. It made me realize that exposing girls and women to technology the way Jen is doing can make a big impact in the industry.”

Janice McGeehan, of Chicago, had CONTINUED ON PAGE 64

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CODING & CUPCAKES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 63

been looking for a way to introduce coding to her daughter but didn’t know where to start until she heard about the Code and Cupcakes workshop.

“The experience opened up a world. It was like peering over a wall, seeing what’s behind there for the first time,” says McGeehan. “Most importantly, my daughter got excited about learning coding, it became relevant to her and she feels competent and confident that ‘I can do this.’”

Myers says she most often hears that girls are excited to have a whole new world opened up to them and women are pleasantly surprised that they can understand and participate in that world.

“Seeing someone discover the potential to do something that they didn’t think they had is my favorite thing ever,” says Myers.

Megan Murray Elsener is a mother of three and a freelance writer.

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LATE ELEMENTARY

The 7 habits of highly effective students Your guide to starting a new year when anything seems possible

A

BY MELISSA SILVERBERG ll parents want their children to be successful, and a brand new school year is a fresh opportunity to grow that success.

It’s a chance to help your kids be better organized, study more, manage their time better and put in more effort for their classes.

It can seem like a daunting task coming back from a summer of fun and relaxation to get back into a serious studying mindset, but by adapting Stephen R. Covey’s bestseller for business success, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you and your kids will be on track for a productive and learning-filled year.

Habit 1: Set goals Starting the school year with clear goals in mind will help students stay on track and give parents a way to check in during the year and see that progress. Goals can be big or small, such as learning to play a new instrument or raising a grade in math or consistently g doing homework.

“Having a clear purpose “Hav goal in mind enables and go a person to persevere through th the hard work that is required re successful,” to be successfu says Dominique Domin Ciccarelli, Ciccare spokeswoman spok for Kumon North America.

Am Set long- and shortSe term goals to help students feel like they are accomplishing things along the way. Talk to your student and his or her teachers about these goals at the beginning of the year and check in periodically to see if things need to adjust.

Habit 2: Get organized

Haab 4: Start with Habit the t tough stuff

Starting the school year with all the right materials is a great first step. Assign colors for each ach class and get matching no noteotebooks and folders to help p your student keep track of what hat they need. Make a calendar and update it with tests, assignments and other deadlines to keep your students organized and provide yourself with a road map of when to check in on those goals you set together.

Whether your child’s hardest subject is math, h science or reading, don’t sc savee it for the end. Waiting until the last las minute to start a big and difficult subject or project di will only on add stress and create a sense of dread. Encourage them to start with the hardest work or the subject they enjoy the least. Once they get through it, moving on to the subject they enjoy and excel at will feel like its own reward.

Habit 3: Make a schedule Kids respond well to structure, but they often want to have a say in how their time is being managed.

Have a discussion about when feels like the best time to study.

For some students it’s before or after dinner; others do their best thinking late at night or

early in the morning. Either way, write the designated study sessions on a calendar.

You can even break those down into study schedules during final exams and help them plan to spend certain amounts of time studying each subject.

Break up study time with physical exercise to keep their brains sharp.

Cross off each successful day of studying on a calendar to keep them on track.

Habit 5: Keep distractions at bay Help your student set up a designated spot to study, whether it is in his or her room or at the kitchen table. Try to keep the area quiet, away from distractions like the computer or TV, and don’t interrupt them to remind them about chores or other responsibilities. They need

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Habit 6: Stay healthy A healthy student is a good student.

Make sure your little learners are eating three healthy meals each day to keep their brains strong and ready to work.

Studies show that students who take breaks from studying to do physical activity learn better, so encourage exercise breaks every so often or go for a walk or play a quick game of basketball to alleviate the stress of a busy day of studying.

If a late night study session turns into snacking, make sure those are healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables.

If your son or daughter starts getting sick, address it right away because they may not do their best work with a foggy mind. to stay focused, and you have to give them space to let them get their work done.

Sixty productive minutes without looking at the TV or their phones is more effective than two hours of distracted time. The quicker their homework gets done, and done well, the sooner they can get back to other fun activities.

Habit 7: Ask for help Make it clear from the beginning of the year that asking questions is not a weakness. If your student is confused

needs

or wants to spend extra time on a certain subject, foster an environment where they aren’t afraid to come to you or their teacher.

If the subject matter is above your level, or you think they would do better with outside help, there are plenty of resources, from private tutors to working with the teacher or a friend after school. Asking good questions can help students understand better and find out what they are most interested in learning.

Model good questionasking behavior by staying interested in what they are learning and asking questions of your own when you need help.

Melissa Silverberg is a frequent Chicago Parent contributor.

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68 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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LATE ELEMENTARY

It’s not all about that bass Practice makes perfect when it comes to

I

BY MARY F. O’MALLEY Y

‘m an average pianist. I play for family and church events, but I will never rock Carnegie Hall.

Despite my limited abililities, my older daughters ers are terrific musicians—one —o was concert mistress off h her college orchestra and play plays violin in two bands. The other h is graduating with a music degree and already teaches hes piano and sings professionally. nally.

My youngest, 7, is learning ng the piano.

Other parents who are trying to get their kids into music have asked myy husband and me how we did it. How did we get them to stick with it?

I used to answer, “They need to practice,” but realized it’s more complicated than that.

Our kids’ success at musicc has more to do with th our family’s attitude—that music’s not a frill, but a major part of life, and as important to learn as math or reading.

My

children were immersed in music from the day they were born—I sang to them in the delivery room. Every very bedtime had songs. We took them to ook th outdoor concerts outd ts when they were re babies es and indoor concerts rts aas soon as they could sit sstill. My youngest sits with me in the church choir. We want them to know music belongs to them.

Research has found that learning music helps chil-

dren iin other d th areas such as language ge development and using ng large and small muscles. les.

A University of Toronto to at Mississauga study found und an IQ increase in 6-year-olds olds given weekly voice and nd piano lessons.

“It helps with math, h, it helps with cognitive recognition, nition, it helps with memory, itt helps with reading,” says Penny enny Snukst, my daughter’ss piano

teacher who has a master’s in music theory and has taught for nearly 50 years. “It helps them to be able to handle stress.”

So, how do you get kids to play and stick with it? Here are some practical tips:

1

Finding an instrument If a child doesn’t show a strong inclination toward a particular instrument, start with piano since it gives you melody, harmony and rhythm. It is a building block for other instruments.

Piano teachers recommend using an actual piano, not an electric keyboard. Pianos aren’t as expensive as you might think since you can get them free, or cheap, from thrift shops or estate sales.

But if you can can’tt have a real piano, a keyboard will do. Shut off the gadgets, gadg dget ets, s, though,

until your child has the basics down. For other instruments, it’s best to rent until your children are sure they love it.

2

Choosing a teacher Pick a human being, not a computer program. Get recommendations from people at school or friends. If it’s not working out after a few weeks, it’s OK to switch. You need someone you and your child likes.

Individual lessons are better than group lessons, but a group is better than nothing.

You may decide to start with a group and find an individual teacher later.

3

Practicing isn’t a choice, it’s what you do If you don’t practice, you can’t can t play, no matter how much talent you have.

The great Louis Armstrong reportedly said that if he CONTINUED ON PAGE 70

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 69

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MUSIC

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 69

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skipped playing for or one d day, a he’d know it, if he sk sskipped k d two days, critics would know ul kn ul now o it, and if he skipped three days, ed th everyone would know it. For little kids, 10 minutes OK to utes is O start, and if they’re re digging in it, that time will stretch longer. tch longe Snukst advises not ot even ccalling it practice, but just saying “play st sa me a song.”

If resistance is very strong, you may want to try another teacher or another instrument.

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Be patient Listening to a kid’s first attempts at a musical instrument can be tough.

Especially if it’s drums. Or strings. Or brass. So be supportive. You can’t walk before you run and you can’t play Bach before you’ve slogged through

some screechy, scratchy attempts at “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” And following on this point…

5

Don’t worry about being perfect In the old days, before recorded and broadcasted music became ubiquitous, lots of people played. There were music stores in every neighborhood. Now music has been de-emphasized in schools and people consume music more than they play. You don’t have to be a prodigy to play.

I make fun of my own singing and piano playing, but I’m OK when I practice. And I do, especially when my kids nag me. Because another great way to get your kids to play music is to stick your neck out and play it yourself.

Then you can learn, and make music, together.

Mary F. O’Malley is a mom of three. Their house holds two pianos, a violin, a

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle school confidential Kids to parents: What you need to know

M

BY SHANNAN YOUNGER iddle school is a brave new world, very different from the warm, fuzzy cocoon of elementary school. Just hearing the words “middle school” strikes fear in the hearts of many parents. s.

Middle schoolers are more independent, and there are many unknowns for parents, especially with all the technology kids have that we adults didn’t have to deal with when we were middle schoolers. To get the scoop on what really goes in middle school, we went straight to the source: local kids who have been in the middle school trenches for a few years.

Here’s what they said about what middle school is really like.

Dealing with the drama is exhausting

self-harm. Parents can help their kids by encouraging them not to try to handle situations solo and reviewing the adults available to help, including school counselors and Not surprising, many kids reported that teachers. there’s a fair amount of tea With more minor issues, howdrama in middle school. ever, kids often can handle it Devon Molina, 13, an ev without intervention by eighth-grader at the Academy w adults. for Global Citizenship in ad “If it’s not too big Chicago, says: “There’s a lot of a deal, kids are good at drama—a lot of talking about working things out on their people and stuff. Dealing with w own,” says Cecilia Thyen, a it takes a lot of time.” He says o 13-year-old who will be in eighth that parents should know that 1 grade at Immaculate Conception-St. kids are dealing with it and talk Cecilia Thyen Joseph in Chicago. with them about it.

The worst part of middle school is being “I feel like I’m the only person who’s helpbetrayed by friends you’ve known your ing them,” Devon says of a few classmates whole life, says Cassidy Winston, 14, who struggling with significant issues, including leaves middle school behind this year and will be a freshman at Fenwick High School in Oak Park.

Despite the drama, the kids with whom we spoke went above and beyond to be good friends. “There are some really nice people at my school,” says Sarah Parisien, 13 and an eighth-grader at Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies in Skokie.

“Every time someone gets remotely hurt in some way, emotionally or physically, there’s always someone there to help them.”

Cassidy says that while he believes the best part of middle school comes from the close friendships that form, he was most troubled by the neglect of some kids he saw happening in the lunchroom. “You feel like everyone in your class is a friend, then you look at the lunch tables, you’ll have that one person not being talked to.”

Good news: There isn’t much bullying Bullying is not a huge issue, all of the students say.

“I very rarely see full-out Cassidy Winston bullying,” says Veronica Cody, 13, and an eighth-grader at Madison Junior High in Naperville, adding that classmates will occasionally make mean comments, both online and in the halls at school.

Annamarie Filippis, 13, an eighth-grader from Hanover Park, says she sees teasing but not bullying, and many students report that they see the same in their schools.

Cecilia says that she sees more excluding of people than direct bullying.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 74

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Academic Early Childhood Education Project Based Learning est 1969

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 73

Beware of what gets left in lockers Lockers can be a new space for many middle schoolers.

The kids with whom we spoke reported that many of their friends had trouble keeping their lockers neat.

“Most kids’ lockers are very unorganized and messy,” reports Veronica.

The issues ranged from papers everywhere (we’re

guessing that includes a few overdue homework assignments) to the ickier issue of food left inside too long.

Some schools have regular locker clean out sessions, but check in with your child about organizational efforts and remind them to clean it out.

While you’re at it, reminding kids to bring home gym clothes to be washed is a good idea, too. Several kids say classmates go months without doing so.

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One thing parents would be really surprised to know about what goes on?

All the swearing between kids, Cassidy says.

“There is pressure to get good grades. Getting good grades is the most important thing in middle school,” says Max Schemmel, 12 and a seventhgrader at Brooks Middle School in Oak Park.

“Kids worry about grades, maybe more than n parents realize,” Sarah Parisien says Sarah.

Students in Chicago say they feel a lot of pressure to get good grades because of the role they play in the high school admissions process. Other students say they worry about letting their parents down.

Many of the students say parents can and should help middle school students study.

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Sneaking cell phones in school Yes, almost every middle school student has a phone. While schools all have rules on when phones can and cannot be used, kids are regularly breaking them.

Annamarie says kids in her middle school use the phone in the bathroom and during class breaks.

“We are not allowed [to use phones in school], but a lot of people use their phones during school to text each other or play games, do it under the desk,” says Max. It seems sneaking texts is the new version of passing notes.

Social Media Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat are the most popular social media accounts in middle school, the students say.

CMD_CP.GP_halfP7.15.indd 1

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Homework help appreciated

Middle schoolers aren’t that interested in dating “Barely anyone in my class is dating. We’re not interested in each other like that,” Sarah says.

While a few kids in each class are dating, the students all reported that most kids are not too interested Thomas Furman in coupling.

“I don’t really see the point of dating at this age,” says Thomas Furman, 13 and an eighth-grader at St. Benedict Preparatory School in Chicago.

Other surprises

When asked what parents would be surWhile middle schoolers are prised to know goes making a big bid for indepenon in middle school, dence, they aren’t ready to fly the answers varied. solo just yet and actually do “Parents would be appreciate help, especially when surprised to know it comes to homework. how their kids speak “I stress the most when there out of turn or talk to are big projects and assignments. friends when they’re My parents help me and I’m glad not supposed to,” says that they do,” says Max. Max. They agreed, though, that Devon thinks some parent help shouldn’t be every p of the antics in the night but rather when kids are n lunch room, which at rreally stuck. his school included “Parents could show kids how one girl slapping antto do something if they’re really other girl, would catch sstruggling to make sure they parents off guard. understand the concept and then u Finally, all the stukids can learn more,” Thomas k dents mentioned how ssays. quickly middle school “When I ask for help, my goes, so parents can parents are sometimes a little take comfort in knowsurprised because I don’t usually ing that this, too, shall ask, but they are open to helping pass. me,” Cecilia says. “Seventh-grade math is hard with algebra and geometry.”

Katie Johns contributed to this article

7/15/15 1:49 75 PM ChicagoParent.com August 2015

7/16/15 4:09 PM

MIDDLE SCHOOL

‘This story is about what do you hold on to? What do you hold true?’

HOLOCAUST STORY hits home in Chicago

Author of featured CPS book: ‘It’s basically about young people finding their way in their lives.’

I

BY DANIELLE BRAFF

n 1938, Lisa Jura was a frightened 14-year-old on a train racing away from her parents’ home in Vienna toward a strange new world in England, in the hopes of fleeing Adolf Hitler’s deadly reach.

She worked as a maid and in a factory and inspired the other orphans around her when she played the piano at night in her London orphanage.

Now, she’ll be inspiring 7,000 Chicago Public School and Noble Charter School middle and high school students at 60 schools via a memoir Jura’s daughter, Mona Golabek, and co-author, Lee Cohen, wrote about her story.

“Students of the 21st century can relate to this story,” Golabek says.

“This story is about what do you hold on to, what do you hold true?”

The Children of Willesden Lane will be distributed free to the students this fall.

“Students can learn so much from Lisa’s story of survival,” says Tani Prell, a 10th-grade performing arts teacher at Muchin College Prep who read the book with her high school classes last year and will read it with a new group of classes this fall.

“There are many times when Lisa could have given up: From being the

only one from her family to initially leave Vienna, to facing bombings in England, to having to balance work and school. However, Lisa never falters and overcomes her fear and doubt through staying true to herself, her promises and her passions.”

On a nondescript Friday morning, Golabek sat at the Panera across the street from the Harold Washington Library eating a carrot cake muffin for

breakfast.

It was all so perfectly ordinary, so calm, that no one would ever guess that Golabek’s mother had been a Jewish musical prodigy who escaped pre-war Vienna through the Kindertransport, which moved 10,000 Jewish children to England to escape the Nazis. Jura’s parents (Golabek’s grandparents) had one ticket on the Kindertransport and they had to choose which of their three children would be saved.

They selected Lisa, making her promise to use her music to keep her strong and happy. Jura lived, thrived and became a musical hero.

The Children of Willesden Lane is a story about holding onto hope and passion, that if you have something you are passionate about, you’ll be able to survive anything.

And that’s why Golabek is so passionate about her project to circulate her book throughout Chicago.

“It has such a positive spirit to it,” she says. “You go on despite what’s going on around you.”

Golabek says that in Chicago, the moral of the book could apply to everything from gang life to peer pressure.

“We’re constantly surprised by what kids are getting out of the book,” Cohen says. “It’s basically about young people finding their way in their lives.”

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Today’s students still have much to learn about the Holocaust.

In one of Prell’s classes, a student who had been bullied was able to apply the knowledge she acquired from the book to help handle the situation.

“As teenagers, nearly all of them are struggling to find themselves and to cope with the pressures inside and outside of the classroom,” Prell says.

After the students read the book, Golabek will return to Chicago to do five performances of the abridged version of her one-woman play, “The Pianist of Willesden Lane,” at the Harris Theater.

This isn’t the first time the play has been performed in the Windy City. Golabek performed here two years ago at The Royal George Theatre to rave reviews.

On stage, she becomes her mother, telling stories about running from the Nazis and worrying about her family in Vienna. Remarkably, Golabek also mastered the piano (her mother was her main teacher), so in between stories she races through Grieg piano concertos.

Each performance feels like a little sacrifice to her, she says, as she’s telling and retelling the harsh story of her own family’s sacrifices and losses at the hands of the Nazis. But it’s also a good thing, as it keeps her mother’s story alive and continues to help future generations

remember and learn from what happened.

“The most important thing for me has been the impact on young people,” Golabek says.

“Young people today face some of the same challenges—they’re living in a foreign country, they don’t speak the language, they’re displaced—but they go on” What’s different about the book and the play than many of the other books that students read at school, Cohen says, is that it’s a true story that teaches the students about history, music and sociology.

Unfortunately, Jura died before ever seeing the book or even realizing that Cohen and Golabek were planning to do this project.

But Golabek says she’s happy that Jura’s story is living on.

Once the students are done digesting the play and discussing the book and the play at school, the students can put together art pieces, essays, poetry, rap songs, videos and more at mashplant.com.

There, they can all have a shared experience regardless of race, gender or language. Just like Jura would have wanted.

Danielle Braff is a freelance writer, a frequent Chicago Parent contributor and mom of two girls.

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SPECIAL NEEDS

New friends, new teacher, new year 14 ways to help your child with special needs adjust to school

A

BY CORTNEY FRIES

new school year can be exciting, yet overwhelming, especially for families with special needs. How can you set your kids up for a successful start?

Local experts provide tips on how to help:

1

Get to know the teacher and his rules Meet your child’s teacher ahead of time to develop a rapport and get familiar with his teaching style. “Give kids a leg up by going over classroom rules, expectations, routines and curriculum in advance,” says Nancy Christian, coach and founder of Strategies to Excel.

2

Give the teacher insider info Clue her into challenges and potential solutions that have and can work for your

child. “Review IEPs and discuss what accommodations or goals were set, met or not met,” says Dr. Tiffany Sanders, licensed psychologist and owner of Sanders and Associates. “Articulate things that helped, like sitting in the front of the classroom.”

Partner with the teacher to help the year go smoothly for your child. “Be proactive, so they’re not spending the first month trying to figure your kid out,” says Maggi Steib, Children & Adults with AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder coordinator.

3

Ease back into the school routine Return to earlier bed and wake times, start back on medications, and re-establish rewards systems, all about two weeks before the school year starts.

“Slowly re-establish structure so that everything is not dumped onto the kids at once,” says Steib.

4

Involve your child in the preparation Foster independence with self-help skills, like opening lunch containers. “Allow your child to focus her energies on the social aspects of eating with peers,” says Rhonda Cohen, child development and inclusion director at Cherry Preschool in Evanston.

Let her select school supplies that she really likes. “Even picking out a new notebook or crayons can stir excitement,” says Rita McGovern, occupational therapist at Solomon School in Chicago.

5

Initiate academic work Review work from the end of the previous year with your child. Introduce small assignments that align with the grade they are starting. Re-establish structured reading time. “Kids have a lot of demands on them at the beginning of the school year,” Sanders says. “Help avoid a major shock to their system by getting them back in the mode for academics.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 80

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NEW YEAR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 79

6

Take active tours of the school Visit the classroom, library, gym, lunch room, nurse’s area, social worker’s room and all places your child will go, as much as needed to breed familiarity. “Anticipating the unknown is very stressful for both parents and children alike,” says Cohen. “The more familiar the school and school day is to your child, the better.”

7

Make a social story Take plenty of pictures on your school visit. Snap shots of the school entrance, lockers, librarian, etc.

Create a book or video your child can review to prepare himself. Tamara Kaldor, developmental therapist and director of Play is Work, recommends Book Creator for tablets or Android (redjumper.net/bookcreator) and Keynote for Macs (apple. com/mac/keynote). Visual schedules are helpful.

Saint William School Spiritual Welcoming Successful

2559 North Sayre Avenue Chicago, IL 60707 Phone: (773) 637-5130 Fax: (773) 745-4208 www.stwilliamschool.org

Tours available any day – please call ahead to arrange a tour in Spanish or Polish • Scholarships Available for K – 8th grades • Extended Day Program – morning and evening for your convenience • Individual Attention for your child • Reasonably Priced Pre3 and PreK programs • Full-day Kindergarten/Preschool available • Pre-Algebra in 7th gr. and Algebra in 8th gr.

• Sports and Clubs for after-school fun 80 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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8

Be proactive about sensory needs Collaborate with the teacher regarding tools to regulate and feed your child’s senses.

“Some students might need a quiet, secluded corner to wind down,” says Ellen Sternweiler, owner of The Sensory Kids Store. “Others, with anxiety attention challenges, might need tools to increase focus.” Plan ahead for a sensory diet.

“Wake earlier for play on the playground if your child benefits from movement,” says Lorell Marin, director at LEEP Forward. “Pack snacks that are calming, like a smoothie with a straw.”

9

Practice playground games Learn the games kids play and practice at the school

playground. “Feeling like a mini expert will help your child be more confident in unstructured times,” says Angie Escher, owner and occupational therapist at Evola Pediatric Therapy.

10

Facilitate social interactions Find out which students will be in your child’s class. Meet at the park or arrange playdates before school starts. “Having a friend in class can help your child feel more comfortable,” says Kandor.

“Request lunch bunches or social support groups,” Escher says.

11

Get excited about extracurricular activities Read about clubs. View pictures of sports. “Help kids realize the potential of what the school can offer,” says Sanders.

Building excitement can increase participation for kids with social or emotional challenges.

12

Free mornings from decisions Develop a staging area in your home, where the child’s backpack, shoes, coat and everything she needs are placed the night before. “Make the morning as simple as possible,” recommends Christian.

“Kids make decisions all day long at school. Have clothes picked out, lunch and breakfast already decided.”

13

Discuss the family calendar Once a week, review weekly activities with the whole brood. Point out which days Dad will be working late or when the child has a baseball game. “Knowing what to expect will help the week go smoother,” says Christian. “You will also model good organization skills.”

14

Be your child’s advocate, but try not to be adversarial Have regular, open and honest conversations with school staff.

Don’t forget to express appreciation for their efforts on your child’s behalf.

“I’ve been amazed about how flexible and open to parent suggestions staff can be if they’ve already established a positive relationship with a parent,” says Cohen. “When the parent assumes the worst and begins the relationship from an adversarial standpoint, school personnel often feel threatened, instinctively defensive and less cooperative. Make your child’s teacher and case manager your friend. You’ll be thrilled to see how much you can achieve together on your child’s behalf.”

Remember, it never hurts to bring cookies to a meeting.

Cortney Fries is a Chicago mom of two and frequent Chicago Parent contributor.

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Cluttered chaos Eight ways to finally organize all your kids’ stuff!

A

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER long with the joy of having children comes the challenge of managing all the stuff that arrives with them. From toys to sports equipment to endless artwork masterpieces, parents can easily feel buried under it all and struggle to keep it organized.

Here are eight ways to start conquering the clutter today according to organizational experts Sarah Giller Nelson of Less is More Organizing Services Inc. and Monica Friel of Chaos to Order.

Outerwear and shoes

Sports equipment

From the moment your kids step inside the house, have a specific place for their outer gear. “Assign each member of the family bins and hooks for their coats, shoes and gear,” says Giller Nelson.

Friel agrees that you can never have too many hooks.

“Hooks are much better than hangers and you can place them at easy-to-reach heights for any age,” she says.

When it comes to sports equipment, it’s better to have a plan, not just a dumping ground.

“Containers designed d to store umbrellas can be used to corral long, skinny sporting equipment like hockey sticks, bats and tennis rackets,” says Giller Nelson. “It is helpful to store gear in a ‘kit’ that includes everything your child needs. For instance, hang a tote bag pre-packed with goggles, swimsuit, a change of clothes and a towel so that it is ready to grab when it is time to go to swim class.”

School papers Don’t drown in the paperwork sent home from school, which is particularly important as the kids begin the new year.

“I keep a file for

Artwork

each of my children with a label for the grade that they are in,” Friel says. “Important papers that come home from school go into this folder. At the end of the year, my child and I go through the folder together to determine what papers should be kept and what can go.”

Remember that your child is likely not the next Picasso.

“Artwork is the trickiest of all papers to organize because it doesn’t usually fit into a file folder or box,” Friel says.

“Sometimes artwork can be forced to fit by trimming the picture and saving only the best section. Another way is to take a photo of the artwork and keep it in the current year’s file. The artwork can also be stored digitally or made into a keepsake book. Keeping artwork on display, within reason, helps your child to know their work is appreciated, but keeping too much can cause clutter and chaos.”

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CLUTTERED CHAOS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 83

Toy storage

Toy management

Don’t just use large baskets as dumping grounds for toys.

“Big storage bins encourage clutter,” Friel says. “You really need to keep toys contained in bins by type and use. Save toy chests for large items like trucks, blocks and balls and put small toys in small containers. Having the right containers and storage systems makes a big difference not only in maintaining organization, but also in keeping your kids knowing and interested in what they have.”

Rotate, rotate, rotate. “Manage toy overload by using a rotation system,” Giller Nelson says.

“Store a selection of toys in a lidded bin in an out-of-the way place. If the kids get bored, bring the bin down and swap out the toys. If they never ask for the toys in the bin again, those toys can easily be donated.”

Donate Be like Queen Elsa and “let it go” when it comes to clothes your kids outgrow. cclot “Keep a donation bin “K closets so in n everyone’s e yyou can purge outgrown clothes as you discover cclot them,” Friel says. Visit tthem chaostoorder.com/rec sources/donations for a great list of places in the Chicago area accepting donations.

Shop with intention Giller Nelson advises you to think before you get out that credit card.

“Before you buy, ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this?,’ ‘Would I still buy it if it were not on sale?’ and ‘If I bring this into my home, do I have a place to

store it?’ If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no,’ it’s best to walk away. The less you own, the less you have to take care of.”

Megan Murray Elsener is a mother of three, constantly trying to organize their clutter.

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86 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Summer’s last

HURRAH Emptying the summer bucket list

BY DONNA BOZZO

Arrivederci summer!

A

Sneak in one more family-friendly Chicago summer fest. Festa Italiana in Little Italy is one of my family’s favorites. Steal away to Italy with music, Italian dance, trolley tours and delicious Italian food Aug. 13-16 on South Ashland Avenue and West Taylor Streets. On Aug. 16, look for the traditional old world procession from the storied Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii to the Festa Italiana site, all to the beat of a traditional Italian marching band. starevents.com.

las, all good things (including summer) must come to an end.

But before the fall frenzy kicks in, start emptying your summer bucket list with some not-to-miss fun.

Preserve the memories Shut the door!

After hours, you’ll feel like a kid locked in candy store—because you are! Gather 10-30 of your gal pals for giggly bowl-licking fun with a chocolate girls’ night lock-in at Morkes Chocolates, 11801 Main St., Huntley. Enjoy fun candy-making and martini-sipping (BYOM)—all while making sweet last-minute summer memories! morkes huntley.com.

Donna Bozzo, aka The Lady With The Alligator Purse, shares her ideas for simple, fantastic FUN on many of Chicago’s television stations, national shows, and on her website, TheLadyWithTheAlligatorPurse.com. Look for her new book, What the Fun (Plume; Penguin Random House), summer 2016.

Spend a day collecting summer memories. Instagram-friendly Artifact Uprising has some neat ways to remember the sunny times with easy-to-generate scrapbooks, contemporary calendars and wood blocks prints. artifact uprising.com.

Last beeline to fun Put this bee in your bonnet: Staycation guests at the rolling Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort, 3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, can request a bees’ knees tour with its resident Beekeeper Chef. Check out the nearly one million honeybees living and working on resort grounds making honey for farm-to-table recipes and beeswax for natural products. oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com.

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St. Benedict Preparatory School Explore Our Our Unique PK-12 PK-12 Explore Unique Catholic, College Prep Catholic, CollegeCampus!

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education for children ages three through eighth grade. To learn about our excellent preschool and elementary school, or for registration materials, please visit our website at: www.ascensionoakpark.com/school 601 West Van Buren Avenue † Oak Park, IL 60304 † 708.386.7282

St. Benedict Preparatory School, at Irving Park Rd and St. Benedict Preparatory School, at Irving Leavitt Street, is the only PK-grade 12 Catholic, coeducational parishLeavitt school in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Park Rd and Street, is the only PKWe offer a12 unique college prep program in aparish welcoming, grade Catholic, co-educational inclusive, diverse community. Tours of SBPS are school in the Archdiocese of Chicago. We conducted weekly or scheduled at your convenience: offer a unique college prep program in a • Preschool tours take place on most Tuesday welcoming, inclusive, diverse community. mornings at 9:00am.

Tours of SBPS are conducted weekly or • Kindergarten through grade 5 tours take place on scheduled at your convenience: most Wednesday mornings at 9:30am.

• Secondary School tourstake (grades 6-12)on aremost Preschool tours place conducted by appointment.

Tuesday mornings at 9:00am.

Visit our website at www.stbenedict.com

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Kindergarten through grade 5 tours take place on most Wednesday mornings at 9:30am.

Bubbles Academy is your child’s home from birth to age 5, providing School tours (grades 6-12) are • Secondary childhood arts enrichment,conducted school preparation, preschool, by appointment. parent perks and parties!

Visit our website at www.stbenedict.com

Become part of the Bubbles Academy Family today!

312.944.7677 www.bubblesacademy.com 1504 N. Fremont. Chicago, IL 60642 88 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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NO POOL? No problem Imagination fueled fun will leave you all wet (and that’s a good thing)

BY SAMANTHA SCHULTZ

W

ho needs a swimming pool (and all the hassle that goes with it) when a little creativity can give the kids boatloads of wet fun?

Build a water park Your local hardware store should have everything you need to create your own water park in the backyard.

Use a painters tarp to create a custom slip ’n slide. Snag some PVC pipe, drill holes into it and set it up to create a water tunnel that kids can run through to get to the next water obstacle.

You can also create a custom shaped sprinkler using the same idea with PVC piple and drilled holes.

Fight it out

Gather up neighborhood friends and family for an epic water balloon fight. Equip kids with buckets filled with water balloons and set up shields for easy hidden spots for the surprise balloon attacks.

Consider making teams and assigning each a particular balloon color to keep track of how many times the opposing team gets hit!

After the oomph to fight leaves, have the kids partner up and toss a leftover water balloon back and forth, taking a step back each time. See who can toss the balloon the farthest without having it break on their partner. Reward the winner with ice cream.

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WET FUN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 89

Ice, ice baby Ice makes the perfect sensory plaything. Freeze a variety of ice shapes, adding drops of food coloring, and let kids build an ice tower on the sidewalk.

Freeze small dollar store toys in a shoebox filled with water and let kids go to work hammering out their new finds (tons of fun, but parental supervision is advised).

Create your own version of snow cones by making your own crunching the ice and then mak snow cone syrup. Mix 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of (.22 ounce) packet water and 1 (.2 unsweetened powder drink of unsweete mix (such as Kool-Aid) in saucepan, stirring over a saucepa medium heat to disme ssolve sugar. Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat. Allow to cool. Store in a recycled bottle.

Drizzle over your crushed ice and enjoy!

At the car wash Have the kids set up a bicycle wash in the driveway. Create signs advertising the business and encourage neighbors to “drive up” with their bicycles and trikes to get a custom wash with sponges, water and bubbly soap. You can even create your very own custom car wash

Strength, Confidence, Capability:

by using PVC pipes and hanging sponges from the top with rope or yarn. Then have kids drive through the car wash tunnel, getting wetter and wetter, while they clean their ‘car.’

Samantha Schultz is an Oak Lawn mom of two waterbugs and a member of the Chicago Parent Blogger Network.

AUGUST ART FESTS Art at the Glen

August 8-9 • The Glen Town Center

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90 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Professional Adult call for Audition

2:30 pm Girls Heights: 58” – 61”

Gymnasts & Tumblers call for Audition Mandatory Callbacks will be held August 22nd through August 30th Performances at Lund Auditorium, Dominican University www.balletlegere.org

Audition Ballet Légere

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will be holding auditions for its 31st Annual production of

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Male & Female Dancers Teen through Adult, Pointe & Non-Pointe Roles Dancers Must Bring a Photo For information please call (773) 237-1874 All roles available

Professional Adult Dancers call for Audition

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Gymnasts & Tumblers call for Audition Mandatory Callbacks will be held August 22nd through August 30th

Find out more at bakerdemschool.org or call 847-425-5813 to schedule a tour.

e th S n i M Jo WM e m f co un o f

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Performances at Lund Auditorium, Dominican University www.balletlegere.org

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Rescuing baby turtles

Ed ti di Educating divers and d fishing hi iinterests t t on th the h need d tto protect our delicate ecosystem

Voluntourism

A

BY LINDA MARSICANO s we packed for our trip to Ocho Rios in Jamaica, I reminded my 7-year-old twins to leave room for the school supplies and dental hygiene products we were bringing with us.

“Packing for a Purpose” was one aspect of our voluntourism vacation where we combined philanthropy with a holiday break—and it entailed stuffing our bags with as many books, toothbrushes and much needed supplies as possible for local children.

Dental clinic

Instill giving back in your kids

Packing for a Purpose, a nonprofit organization, has a simple mission that makes a huge impact: to positively impact communities around the world by assisting travelers who want to bring meaningful contributions to the destinations they visit.

For our trip, we worked with the Sandals Foundation, the charitable arm of the family-friendly Beaches Resort where we stayed.

In addition to donating supplies, we took part in several philanthropic activities sponsored by the foundation: reading to school children, visiting a makeshift dental clinic and witnessing first-hand the conservation of baby sea turtles.

“For us, voluntourism is about bringing two worlds together and making a connection that is beneficial to both the volunteer and the beneficiary,” Heidi Clarke, director of programs for the

Sandals Foundation, says.

Real needs are being met all over the world with the explosion of voluntourism.

It’s one of the fastest growing trends in travel today, with more than 1.6 million volunteer tourists spending about $2 billion a year to participate.

Often volunteers pay a fee to participate. For example, for the Reading Road Trip to visit the local school and interact with the students by bringing along books and supplies, participants pay $25.

Similarly, to see the sea turtles via the Turtle Watch Tour, the fee goes toward supporting turtle conservation. Watching the newborn turtles emerge from the nest and crawl to the ocean is one of the best travel experiences of my life.

But you don’t have to leave the country to introduce your family to the concept of giving back

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Interested?

Here are some valuable resources to get started: packforapurpose. org: Provides a list of participating destinations, recommended supplies and news related to voluntourism.

Reading Road Trip

“Voluntourism is about bringing two worlds together and making a connection that is benefi cial to both the volunteer and the beneficiary.”

Heidi Clarke Director of programs for the Sandals Foundation

while traveling. There are plenty of opportunities suitable for kids.

A few include: Making and serving meals to families in need in the Bronx section of New York City Helping to sort clothing and donations in New Orleans Cleaning up the beach in La Push, Wash.

“When volunteers participate in activities to give back to the

communities they are visiting, they feel like they have truly learned about the culture, and that they have developed bonds that go way beyond their vacation,” Clarke says.

And she’s right. We leave for another trip soon—and my girls only had one question: Can we bring more books for the kids?

That’s the very lesson I had hoped they would learn on our voluntourism adventure.

voluntourism.org: For those who want to learn more about voluntourism, this nonprofit produces a weekly webcast, a quarterly newsletter and provides global education opportunities. govoluntourism. com: A global network that matches travelers with volunteering opportunities. handsupholidays. com: Offers a searchable database for voluntourism trips.

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High School and Middle School Open Houses Sunday, November 15th, 2015

MIddLE SCHOOL: Lab will accept up to 40 new students into 6th grade for fall, 2016.

Apply online starting September 1, 2015 Middle School Open House date: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 10:00 am.

Please RSVP at www.ucls.uchicago.edu

HIgH SCHOOL: Lab will accept up to 40 new students into 9th grade for fall, 2016.

Apply online starting September 1, 2015 High School Open House date: Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

Please RSVP at www.ucls.uchicago.edu

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools 1362 E. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60637 773-702-9451 admissions@ucls.uchicago.edu 94 August 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Kane County Fairgrounds 525 S. Randall Road St. Charles, Illinois 60175 Adults - $15.00 Age 6-15 - $7.00 Children 5 & Under - Free

Welcome to the Festival Of The Horse & Drum held on the third weekend in August in St. Charles, Illinois USA. We are the United Nations Of Horses & Humans!

The Festival Of The Horse & Drum is the country’s only Multicultural, Multimedia Equestrian Festival! From the Native American learning experience to the French Classical Dressage demo, Black Cowboys teaching the true history of the Wild West and Mexican dancing horses, we have something for every horse lover, young and old alike!

Call 630-524-0088 or visit www.festivalofthehorseanddrum.com for more information

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL

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Mr. Bryan Scriver, Principal 525 63rd St., Downers Grove

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GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL

3 yr. PreK –8 L UT HE R A N

S CHOOL S

Mr. Bill Koehne, Principal 7300 W. Division, River Forest

(708) 366-6900 graceriverforest.org/school

JERUSALEM LUTHERAN SCHOOL AND PRECIOUS CHILD EARLY LEARNING CENTER

Ages 3-14, extended care

Duane Vance, Principal 6218 Capulina, Morton Grove

(847) 965-4750 jerusalemlutheranschool.org

ST. JAMES

ST. PHILIP LUTHERAN

Warren Gast, Principal Enrolling now for 2015/2016!

2101 N. Fremont St., Chicago

Come visit us at our Tuesday Tours of Campus, 9am 2500 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago

Preschool Age 3-through 8th grade Preschool to 8th Grade

(773) 525-4990 stjames-lutheran.org

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Grades PreK (3 yrs.) – 8

(773) 561-9830 StPhilipLutheran.com

WALTHER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Douglas Markworth, Principal 3years-8th grade 4939 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago Kathryn Craven, Administrator 1025 W. Lake St., Melrose Park (773) 736-1196

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SAINT LUKE ACADEMY

Taste of Preschool (Age 3, MWF half day) Preschool Age 3 through 8th Grade, Extended Care

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WALTHER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

Grade 9-12

Donna Beck, Principal Enrolling now!

Call for a private tour today!

1500 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

James Craver, Head of Schools 900 W. Chicago Ave. Melrose Park

(708) 344-0404 Walther.com

(773)472-3837 stlukechicago.org

Lutheran schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin.

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Parents know that Catholic schools provide a safe and sacred space where students can grow to their full potential. At a Catholic school, your child will receive an outstanding academic foundation from people who share your values. Nationally, Catholic school students outperform others on tests for math, reading and science. They also lead in graduation rates, and they're the most likely to go on to college. Each school is its own vibrant community creating a secure and engaging environment for children to become responsible and confident young adults. Find a school near you at: schools.archchicago.org/schools Archdiocese of chicAgo cAtholic schools

iMMAcUlAte coNcePtioN school

Nationally students lead in graduation rates, and they’re the most likely to go on to college. Preschool – 12th grade 243 elementary and high schools in Chicago, Cook and Lake Counties 250 Schools in Chicago and the suburbs (312) 534-5250

Rosanne Hendricks, Principal

Preschool – 12th grade

schools.archchicago.org

citY AlPhoNsUs AcAdeMY PreK-8, Extended Care

1439 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago (773) 348-4629 alphonsusacademy.org

AUgUstUs toltoN cAtholic AcAdeMY Pre-School thru 8th grade.

Extended care available: 6am-6pm

Pastor: Fr. Matthew O'Donnell Principal: Pamela Sherley

7120 S. Calumet Ave., Chicago (773) 224-3811 www.toltonacademy.org

frANces XAvier WArde school Preschool – 8th grade

Old St. Patrick’s Campus (Preschool – 3rd grade) 120 S. Desplaines St., Chicago Holy Name Cathedral Campus (4th grade – 8th grade) 751 N. State St., Chicago (312) 268-2558 (Admissions) fxw.org

7263 W. Talcott Av., Chicago Preschool (3) - Grade 8

sAcred heArt schools Independent, Catholic, Single Gender, Coed Campus, K-8, Extended Care

Mr. Nat Wilburn, Head of Schools

iccowboys.net

6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 681-8436

Northside cAtholic AcAdeMY

sAiNt ANdreW school

(773) 775-0545

Preschool – 8th Grade

shschicago.org

Pre-K - 8th Grade

6216 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago 5525 N. Magnolia Ave., Chicago (773) 743-6277

Mr. Allen Ackermann, Principal

northsidecatholic.org

gosaintandrew.com

QUeeN of ANgels school

st. BeNedict PrePArAtorY school

Preschool - Grade 8

Julia Byrns Kelly, Principal

4520 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 769-4211 QueenofAngelsChicago.org

QUeeN of All sAiNts Preschool - 8th Grade

1710 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 248-2500

Preschool - Grade 12

Rachel Gemo, CEO

3900 N Leavitt Street, Chicago (773) 539-0066 stbenedict.com

st. cleMeNt school

Peter Tantillo, Principal

PreK (3yrs) - Grade 8, Extended Care

qasschool.org

2524 N. Orchard, Chicago (773) 348-8212

resUrrectioN college PreP high school

st JeroMe's cAtholic school

Ms. Debbie Gillespie, Enrollment Coordinator

2801 S Princeton Ave, Chicago (312) 842-7668

reshs.org

st. JosAPhAt school

6230 N. Lemont, Chicago (773) 736-0567

Grade 9-12

7500 West Talcott Ave., Chicago (773) 775-6616, ext 129

Melissa Dan, Principal stclementschool.org

Preschool - 8th Grade

Stjeromeschool.net

Preschool-8th grade

Ms. Colleen Cannon, Principal

2245 N. Southport Ave., Chicago (773) 549-0909 stjosaphat.net

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st. MArgAret MArY’s Grades: PreK-8th

Laurie Konicek , Principal

West

7318 N. Oakley, Chicago (773) 764-0641

AsceNsioN school

st. MArY of the Woods

601 Van Buren, Oak Park (708) 386-7282

Preschool-8th Grade

Mary Yamoah, Principal

2012 National Blue Ribbon School 7033 N. Moselle Ave, Chicago (773) 763-7577 smowschool.org

st. MAtthiAs school PreK-8th

An International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Middle Years Programme 4910 N Claremont Ave, Chicago (773) 784-0999 www.stmatthiasschool.org

st. PAscAl school

Preschool- 8th Grade, Extended Care

6143 W. Irving Park Road (773) 736-8806

Ms. Denise Akana, Principal

We Make a Difference Through Service stpascalschool.com

st. roBert BellArMiNe school

2-yr. olds program, 3 yr. PreK through 8th grade, Summer Program

Mrs. Carrie Mijal, Principal

6036 W. Eastwood Avenue, Chicago (773) 725-5133 srb-chicago.org

st. WilliAM school Spiritual Welcoming Successful

Mrs. Peggy Forgione, Principal Grades: PreK(3&4)-8th

2559 N. Sayre Ave., Chicago (773) 637-5130 stwilliamschool.org

PreK – Grade 8

MaryJo Burns, Principal Ascension-School.com

oUr lAdY of PerPetUAl helP school (olPh) 3 yr. Preschool -8th Grade, Extended Care Programs

Amy Mills, Principal

1123 Church St., Glenview (847) 724-6990 olph-il-org

PoPe JohN XXiii school Gail Hulse, Principal

soUth

PreK – 8th grade, Before and After School Daycare

christ oUr sAvior cAtholic school

popejohn23.org

Preschool age 3 & 4 to 8th Grade Extended care available: 6am-6:30pm

Principal: Mrs. Karen Brodzik & Asst.

Principal Mr. Kevin McMillen

900 E. 154th Street, South Holland (708) 333-8173 christoursaviorcatholicschool.org

st. BeNedict school Preschool – 8th Grade

Principal: Mrs. Susan Rys

2324 New Street, Blue Island (708) 385-2016 stbenbi.org

st. NicholAs of toleNtiNe school Preschool age 3 & 4 to 8th grade Extended care available: 6am-6pm

1120 Washington, Evanston (847) 475-5678

st. cAtheriNe lABoUre school PK3-8th Grade

Principal: Adam Dufault

3425 Thornwood, Glenview (847) 724-2240 sclschool-glenview.org

WoodlANds AcAdeMY of the sAcred heArt Catholic, independent, day and boarding college preparatory school for young women

Madonna Lee Edmunds, Principal Grades 9-12

760 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest (847) 234-4300 woodlandsacademy.org

Principal: Mariagnes Menden

3741 W. 62nd Street, Chicago (773) 735-0772 stnicksschool.com

North holY cross school

A 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Full Day PreK3-8th grade, Before and After School Daycare

Janice DiVincenzo, Principal

720 Elder Lane, Deerfield (847) 945-0135 holycrossdeerfield.org

St. Margaret Mary School

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Lakeshore Academy of Artistic Gymnastics Don’t miss Fall enrollment which begins August 3rd Classes begin August 24th!!!

Call Us Today!

Downtown Chicago 937 W. Chestnut Street 312.563.9400

Mt. Prospect 520 E. Business Center Drive 847.376.8826

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Gymnastics skills that improve independence and coordination.

Or as they see it,

RUSHING WATERS YEAR ROUND PUBLIC FISHING

ON FARM DINING WED-SUN

No poles or licensing required. $8.75/pound live weight

Hook your lunch and have the chef prepare your catch Wednesday - Sunday: 11:00 - 3:00

20 miles North of Lake Geneva www.rushingwaters.net

N301 Cty Rd H Palmyra, WI 262-495-2089

The Little Gym ages 4 months through 12 years reach their greatest potential.

Structured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Fall Session begins August 31st. Enroll today!!!

The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

RKMS

Ronald Knox Montessori School & Morning n Afternoo s Program Full Day Options !

Available

est. 1963

PARENT CHILD (6 mths-2 yrs) TODDLER (2-3 yrs) PRIMARY (3-6 yrs) SUMMER CAMP (2-6 yrs) EARLY BIRD, LUNCH & EXTENDED DAY SCIENCE & MATH READING, WRITING & YOGA Many ART & SPANISH Enrichment Pr ograms!

FOOD, FITNESS AND FUN TODDLER

For further information about you child’s Montessori education, visit RonaldKnox.org or contact us at (847) 256-2922.

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Save The Date! ‘s

Fall

Sunday, October 4th 10am - 4pm Sports Thrills • Character Visits • Bounce Houses Train Rides • Obstacle Courses

2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (Western & 90/ Kennedy Expy)

Visit ChicagoParent.com/playdate for more info!

Play, Eat, Learn, Shop & Explore!

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Faith in Learning From a Christian Perspective Cornerstone Christian Academy Preschool-12th grade Extended care available: 6am-6pm Tom Olmstead, Administrator, Danielle Perez, Admissions Director 355 North Cross Street, Sycamore, IL (815) 895-8522 ccaroyals.com St. Chrysostom’s Day School Superior early childhood education with our developmentally appropriate programs for children ages 2-5. Most teachers have Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education or Child Development 1424 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago (312) 642-3422 saintcdayschool.org

It’s All About

Possibiliti es We love taking part in the early stages of your child’s educational career and growth. The emerging sense of self that we see during this time remind us of the possibilities that lie ahead for your little one.

West Loop Campus 312.229.4299 • Bucktown Campus 773.661.0151 Naperville 630.657.5029 • Glenview-Northbrook 847.770.6260 Oak Brook 630.576.4740 www.TheGardnerSchool.com

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Mary Macaroni

Princess & Character Parties Magic • Clowning Guitar Sing-a-Longs Face Painting & Balloons!

Children’s Parties!

Corporate Events!

Your Birthday Party Specialist H Fun Magic Shows H Balloon Twisting H Goodie Bags Available And Much More!

Since 1989

708- Fun-Town (386-8696)

Call Today:

312-498-9845

www.marymacaroni.com

Perfect 5-star rating on Yelp Chicago’s best-reviewed magician

www.mrbobsmagic.com mrbob@mrbobsmagic.com Mention Chicago Parent for extra savings

Magic & Juggling Shows Balloon Animals and Puppets

Providing Quality, Professional Entertainment since 1991 Several Themed Characters available.

Video clips and party ideas are provided on the website.

www.IYQENT.com IYQ Entertainment

Learn more: thegreatscott.com (847) 361-0924

SuE’S Party AnimAlS

As seen on WGN, WTTW, and NBC Local!

Book us for your next party or event!

•We Entertain •We Educate •We're Cute & Fun •We're Clean & Safe

You'll LOVE US!

Call Sue Johnson, Educator

847-215-8508

847-228-0882 Award-winning magician with over 30 years experience!

All Birthday Shows include balloon animals and live rabbits!

Also offering Face Painting!

Don’t miss our newest magic trick, “BirthDAy ChilD levitAteS”

Magical Entertainment for all occasions!

630-855-4521 toll free:855-KDM-AGIC

www.kidzmagic.biz Planning a Party?

Check out our Entertainment & Party Planning section for the perfect entertainer, party supply or service.

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Make your next Birthday Party a

• Hands-on • No mess fun • Ages 5-12!

Let’s CLown Around Former Ringling Bros. Navy Pier Entertainer

Performer with an ActionPacked, High Energy Comedy Magic Show Includes: • Fire-Eating • Machete Juggling • Stilt Walker • & Much More

847-672-6165

www.letsclownaround.net

Traveling Players We Come to You! Exciting hands-on experiments may include: • Slippery slime • Cool chemistry Also Available • Rocket launches • Cotton candy ....and lots more

North Cook and Lake

Chicago

Western Suburbs

773-227-3345

224-676-1635

630-393-3322

presents

Aurora area

Diane C

CLOE the Clown

Cl

• Magic Tricks • Games • Face Painting • Balloon Animals • Story Telling and More

Book your Birthday Parties Today!

11 (630)

Call: 630-816-2288 www.cloeclown.com

Child with balloon animals, fac puppetry, magic, game

Save The Date! Sunday, October 4th 10am - 4pm

‘s

Fall

Sports Thrills • Character Visits • Bounce Houses Train Rides • Obstacle Courses

2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (Western & 90/ Kennedy Expy)

Visit ChicagoParent.com/playdate for more info!

ChicagoParent.com August 2015 103

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#1 Birthday magician

Amazing Tim Adamz 3 Arrives Early

3 Amazes Kids 4-9

Rated

3 As Seen on WGN 3 Live Rabbit

HHHHH

Book Him Here Now: www.AmazingAdamz.com - 630-416-4318 Low rates!

Book Now!

Summer Special $10 Off Indoor & Outdoor Party Rentals for...

• Birthday Parties • School Festivals • Church Events • Reunions • Picnics

Games/Concessions/Tables/Chairs also available! Face Painting!

708-620-HOPP Call to reserve and lock in low rates!

Local delivery, Setup & Pick-up included

www.hippity-hop.com

Natures Creatures Animal Show

A fun Exotic Educational Animal Show for kids & adults of all ages!

Serving the Chicago land area for over 10 years!

• Birthday Parties • Block Parties • Scouts • Schools • Licensed & Insured • Veterinarian & Teacher Approved!

For more info or to book:

call Erin at

• Snakes • Frogs • Bunnies • Lizards • Giant Turtles • Spiders • Ducks • Talking Parrots • Alligators • Pony Rides

Chicago Parent

needs a few good moms and dads.

We are looking for friendly, outgoing readers to staff Chicago Parent booths at events throughout the city and suburbs. Must have a car and flexible schedule. Events are mainly on weekends.

Email Kamil Brady at kamil@chicagoparent.com

(773) 881-9379 or visit:

www.naturescreatures.net

HOUSE OF BOUNCE Shaved Ice & Cotton Candy machines also available

Serving the greater Chicagoland area

Call Ron at 708-927-5455 www.houseofbounce.org

Themes to choose from: • Disney Princess • Scooby Doo • TMNT • Sports • Strawberry Shortcake • Plain • World of Disney 5 in 1 Combo • 30’ Dual Lane Obstacle • Water Slides • Slip ‘n’ Slides

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special advertising section // Amdur Productions in August Glencoe Festival of Art, Art at the Glen, Lincolnshire Art Festival, Port Clinton Art Festival (847) 926-4300 AmdurProductions.com

American Dance Center A nationally recognized school and performing company 10464 163rd Place, Orland Park (708) 349-4964 1933 Ridge Road, Homewood (708) 747-4969 AmericanDanceCenter.net

ArtReach Educational Theatre Arts and Theatre Camps, Workshops, and Private Lessons that will lead to a life long love affair with Theatre and the Arts.

Suburan office (847) 372-7798 Chicago office (773) 604-1892 Artreachspotlite.com

Ballet Legere NUTCRACKER Auditions for 31st Annual Production August 15 & 16 7377 W. North Ave., River Forest (773) 237-1874 balletlegere.org

Chicago Playworks DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre Esperanza Rising October 8 - November 14 60 E. Balbo Drive (312) 922-1999 theatre.depaul.edu

College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn (630) 942-2380 cod.edu College of DuPage, with more than 29,000 students, offers a choice of 76 associate degrees and 167 certificates.

DePaul University School of Music/Community Music Division Music instruction for all ages in a university setting 804 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 325-7262 Music.depaul.edu/cmd

A Fairytale Ballet & Academy Lakeview, Bucktown & Evanston 1.5yrs - 16yrs Fairytale Ballet Classes (1.5-6yrs) incorporate literature with costumes & props each week.

Academy level (6yr+) advanced training includes education of

Arts Education Guide

classical ballets. Tap & Birthdays too! www.AFairytaleBallet.com

Oak Park (708) 524-5252 lmschool.com

I-90 & Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) WE-JOUST (935-6878) medievaltimes.com

Lakeshore Academy of Artistic Gymnastics

Marvel Universe - Live!

North Shore School of Dance

United Center - Sept. 10-13 All State Arena - Sept. 18-20 (800) 745-3000 ticketmaster.com

The North Shore’s favored dance school since 1989. All levels & ages.

Offering Ballet, Pointe, Modern & Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Hip-hop, Boys classes, Pre-Dance.

505 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park (847) 432-2060 northshoredance.com

Programs for 6 months to 12 years old 937 W. Chestnut, Chicago (312) 563-9400 520 Business Center Dr., Mt Prospect (847) 376-8826 lakeshoreacademy.com

Language & Music School Teaching Foreign Languages and Music to the very young and the young at heart.

150 North Oak Park Ave.,

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts and Fitness Associates We’ll help your child’s strength and confidence 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Salt Creek Ballet Dedicated to Excellence in Dance.

Classes for ages 3 - Adult 98 E Chicago Ave., Westmont (630) 769-1199 saltcreekballet.org

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org

Smiling Strings 5249A N. Elston, Chicago Grades: Pre-K- High School Music lessons at Foster/Elston location serving Chicago’s north side and surrounding suburbs.

Suzuki strings, guitar, keyboard, & early childhood music classes.

Professional staff w/ music degrees.

SmilingStrings.com

The Paintbrush - A hands-on art studio for kids The Paintbrush is a unique art studio for children ages 1 to 10 years (with some programming available for even older kids!).

2646 N. Halsted, Chicago, 60614 (773) 636-1968 thepaintbrush.net

Theatre at the Center Educational while entertaining combine for an “edutaining” experience. Groups enjoy discounted tickets, activity guides and special contests. Hot dog lunch. Prince and Princess Party available!

1040 Ridge Ave., Munster, IN 46321 (219) 836 3255 TheatreAtTheCenter.com

Western Springs School of Talent Education & Naperville Suzuki School 1106 Chestnut St. Western Springs & 32 Foxcroft Rd., Naperville (708) 246-9309 wsste.com ChicagoParent.com August 2015 105

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calen dar 1 AUGUST

Talk about a hair-raising experience!

Family Day: Hair Fair gives visitors a flurry of follicular fun, courtesy of art projects like making wig helmets, creating hair mop monoprints and getting a “hairicature” drawn, all led by “Official Ambassador for Hair Affairs” Mather Seerlo.

For the Pippi Longstockings among us, there will be a hairdo contest, plus entertainment from a barbershop quartet (get it?) and a snack that bears a striking resemblance to certain silky strands. Free. 1-4 p.m. Aug. 1.

Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 7020200, smartmuseum.uchicago.edu.

2

In this city, one food reigns supreme, and there’s no better way to celebrate Chicago’s top dog than at Chicago Hot Dog Fest. The three-day blowout promises music for all ages, face painting, crafts, games and a train ride for the kids, and of course, hot dogs galore (exclusively from Vienna Beef). Advice for Chicago newbies: Leave the ketchup at home. Free; cost for ket food. 11 11 a.m.-9 a.m m p.m. Aug. 7-8; 11 a.m.-8 a.m m..-8 m 8 p.m. p.m. .m Aug. 9. Chicago .m History N. Hist Hi story Museum, 1601 1 Clark St., Chicago. (312) 642(3 4600, 4 00, chicagohistory.org.

46 chicagohistory.org

3

The chance to listen to some marqueeworthy talent without spending big-time bucks? Sign us up! At the Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert, you’ll get to see (and hear!) some of our city’s upcoming shows, from the hotly anticipated family favorite “The Lion King” to best bet for mom’s-night-out “Dirty Dancing.” The coolest part is the price tag—completely free! There’s no way to beat that, especially on the Great White Way. 6:15 p.m. Aug. 17. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 742-1168, millennium park.org.

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CALENDAR 1 | SATURDAY CHICAGO THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. Barrel

of Monkeys presents sketches conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by company members. $12, $6 kids under 12. 2 p.m. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. (773) 327-5252, stage773.com.

ROBOT DEMONSTRATIONS WITH FIRST ROBOTICS. See robots

in action created by FIRST LEGO League teams. Discover how children design, build and program an autonomous robot, and create innovative solutions to problems facing today’s scientists. Free with museum admission. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

Ho H ome eto own wn Picnic Pi cn nic c S e Au Se Aug. g 8 g.

SUBURBS DOG DAYS AT CANTIGNY.

Lots of special entertainment, plus vendor exhibits and sales. $5 parking.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

Monee. (708) 534-8499, reconnect withnature.org.

2 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURE.

OLD TIME FAMILY PICNIC.

Families with kids 2 and up hike, do activities and roast marshmallows before going on a silent tram ride through the woods after dark. $19, $16 members. 6-8 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Includes food, music, art, lawn games and more. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (773) 445-3838, beverly artcenter.org.

GO FISH. Learn some basic fishing

techniques and types of bait, then discover the best fishing spots. All equipment and bait will be provided, or bring your own. $11.25, $9 resident.

9-10:30 a.m. Northside Park, 1600 N. West St., Wheaton. (630) 690-4880, wheatonparkdistrict.com.

KIDS’ FISHING DERBY. Kids 5-15

compete for prizes for the largest fish, smallest fish and the greatest number of fish caught. Each participant receives a goodie bag and free ice cream. $5. 7 a.m.-noon. Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave.,

SUBURBS MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN FAMILY SUNDAY. Enjoy hands-on

activities related to Japanese gardens and culture, and make a take-home project. Different projects and activities are featured each week, including raking miniature dry gardens, trying chopsticks and practicing calligraphy. $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

INTERNATIONAL CLOWN WEEK. Festive remembrance of

circus artists past, held in the nation’s most well-known final resting place

for circus artists. Event includes speakers, laying of flowers, circus arts performances, fun stuff for kids including activities and entertainment, prizes, snacks and refreshments, and many clowns. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. 1-3 p.m. Woodlawn Cemetery, 7750 W. Cermak Road, Forest Park. performforthelove.com/ showmensrest.

3 | MONDAY MERIT STORYTIME. Kids 2 and up and parents/caregivers enjoy a musical storytime. 11-11:45 a.m.

Merit School of Music, Joy Faith Knapp

Music Center, 38 S. Peoria St., Chicago.

(312) 786-9428, meritmusic.org.

4 | TUESDAY FAMILY FISHING. Learn safety and the basics of fishing, then spend some time trying to reel in the big one. All equipment and instruction provided.

Each child must be accompanied by a registered adult. $10. 7-8:30 p.m.

Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 4336901, hellernaturecenter.org.

NICE MICE. Kids 3-5, with adult, hike, listen to stories, and play games

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the September issue is July 27. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go.

Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 126.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

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CALENDAR in this interactive sensory-based class that explores the little world of mice. $25, $18 members. 9:30-11 a.m.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

SECRET OF THE MUMMIES.

Kids 5-12 help prepare a simulated mummy for the afterlife, meet real mummies and discover tomb treasures. 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

5 | WEDNESDAY BLUE MAN GROUP. Families (and

dolls) enjoy a 4 p.m. afternoon tea at American Girl Place before attending a performance of Blue Man Group. $70. 1 p.m. American Girl Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com.

AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: KINDER HOUSE. Kids 5-12, with

adult, go back in time with the Kinder family on their day-to-day activities.

Tour the house and imagine living in a house that was the most modern one in Des Plaines. $3, $2 members.

1-3 p.m. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. (847) 391-5399, desplaineshistory.org.

BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR.

A one-stop shop for Health and Human Services serving low-income families in DuPage County. Includes free school supplies, dental and vision screenings, child development and safety information, free books, and social security and insurance information. Plus, balloon art, games and face painting for kids.

11 a.m.-6 p.m. DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-6636, dupagecountyfair.org.

ELSA AND ANNA’S FROZEN BALL. Dress to impress and enjoy

a buffet meal, royal craft and the very Frozen hairstylings of Avendelle Kingdom. $45 couple, $20 additional; $30 resident couple, $13 additional resident. 4:30-6 p.m. Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois

Ave., Aurora. (630) 859-8606, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

NICE MICE. Kids 18-35 months, with adult, hike, listen to stories, and play games in this interactive sensory-based class that explores the little world of mice. $22, $15 members. 9:30-10:45 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

6 | THURSDAY PETITE CHEFS. Introduce kids 4

and up to new foods with chefs from the Washburne Culinary Institute.

Space is limited; free tickets are available at the Bonnie Fine Workshop one hour prior to start of program.

Free with museum admission. 3:30, 4:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA.

Barrel of Monkeys presents sketches conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by company members. 6:15 p.m. Gladstone Park, 5421 N. Menard Ave., Chicago. (773) 631-7859, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

WINDY CITY RUBBER DUCKY DERBY. Spectators cheer

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on more than 50,000 yellow rubber register at: americandancecenter.net ducks to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Family entertainment Voted “Best Dance School” 20 Years Straight - SouthtownStar includes face painting, games, free Award-Winning Youth Division 3 years and up food and appearances by several Where Talent is Born sports mascots. Donated prizes will • Pre dance • Beginner Dance Beginner to Advanced be provided to the adoptive parents Child • Teen • Adult of the winning ducks. $5 to adopt Science & Arts Academy 1/4 Page Ad • Ballet • Tap • Contemporary a duck. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Chicago Chicago Parent, • Leaps/Turns • Modern • Jazz Back to School Issue • Hip-Hop • Street Funk River Columbus Avenue bridge to Deadline: July •2,Tumbling 2014 • Dance Teams Michigan Avenue bridge, Chicago.

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Dance in our Spectacular Showcase!

June 2016 DROP-IN THURSDAYS. An

exciting and enriching hour of story time, messy activities, and gross motor fun. 9-10 a.m. Oak Leyden Developmental Services, 320 Chicago Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-2050, oak-leyden.org.

MADE IN CHICAGO. Share culture and talents at a showcase

Orland Park 708-349-4964 10464 163rd Place Invited as 2015 Illinois Delegates to Dance Excellence International 6 Studios • Dancewear Shop Free New Student Evaluation

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CALENDAR all about Chicago kids. Visitors of all ages and abilities can take to the stage to sing, dance or just play. Stick around to jitter and jive during the Dance Party. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

FAMILY FUN NIGHT. An evening of rides, games and more. At dusk, watch “A Bug’s Life” on an outdoor screen.

Bring blankets, picnic baskets and lawn chairs. 7-9 p.m. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. (630) 892-1550, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

8 | SATURDAY

CAMPFIRE NIGHTS. A family eve-

ning with activities including games, crafts, kid-friendly campfire stories and a night hike. Marshmallows are available for roasting. Bring bug spray. $7. 7-8:30 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

7 | FRIDAY FROZEN. Liquid nitrogen, dry ice,

and instant snow are just the beginning of this chilly experience. Check for brain freeze, toss a snowball at the target, make a melty masterpiece, and see what Olaf can teach about science. Costumes are welcome. Free

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with museum admission. 11 a.m.3:30 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

FAMILY CAMPOUT ADVENTURE.

Pitch a tent on the lawn and get ready for a summer night filled with fun. Families should bring a tent,

fishing poles and hiking boots to take part in outdoor adventures, lawn games and stargazing. The morning will include a light breakfast and a chance to explore the arboretum. $37, $30 member. 6:30 p.m.-9 a.m.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

features floats, bands, drill teams, dance teams and celebrities. At the end of the parade route, there is a picnic with entertainment, food and music. 10 a.m. Martin Luther King Drive from 39th Street (Oakwood Boulevard) to 51st Street. (773) 5363710, budbillikenparade.com.

CHICAGO BEARS MEIJER FAMILY FEST. See head coach John Fox and

the 2015 Bears gear up for the very first time at Soldier Field. Festivities outside the stadium begin at 9:30

the Nicholson School the Nicholson School the Nicholson School The Nicholson School

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Educating young children Educating young children with love and respect for Educating young children with love and respect for eachand child’s individuality. with love respect for each child’s each child’s individuality. individuality

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Ages 6 months – 5 years 1700 West Cortland Street Ages 6 months – 5 years Ages 6 months – 5ILyears Chicago, 60622 1700 West Cortland Street 1700 West Cortland Street www.novellanicholsonschool.org Chicago, IL 60622 Chicago,email: IL 60622 administration@ www.novellanicholsonschool.org www.novellanicholsonschool.org nicholsonschool.org email: administration@ email: administration@ phone: 312-493-6044 nicholsonschool.org nicholsonschool.org phone: 312-493-6044 phone: 312-493-6044

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CALENDAR a.m., followed by Bears practice at 11:35 a.m. plus a team scrimmage.

Families can enjoy interactive games, alumni autographs, giveaways, live music and more. $8-$12. 10 a.m.1:30 p.m. Soldier Field Stadium and Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive.

(312) 235-7000, soldierfield.net.

SPACE VISUALIZATION. Space visualization experts give demonstrations and conduct workshops in 3D modeling, as well as lead astronomy conversations in the Space Visualization Lab. Free with museum admission. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

mothers and babies. $2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oak Lawn Park District, 10444 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn. novaenterprisesllc.com/2nd-annual-illinoismommy-and-baby-fair.html.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

Bring a picnic lunch and relax in the park, visit booths from local petrelated businesses, and learn some fun facts about dog history. Noon-4 p.m. Wandschneider Park, Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

ILLINOIS MOMMY AND BABY FAIR. A fundraising event for the

FISHING DERBY. Prizes are awarded for the shortest and the longest fish caught by each age level. A fishing license is required for participants 16 and up. Register at Barth Pond on the day of the derby.

9 a.m.-noon. Downers Grove Park District, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

new birth center in the southern suburbs of Chicago. Includes more than 60 vendors, food, performances, educational presentations, raffles, fun activities and music in celebration of

Features an eco-marketplace, local businesses, organizations and individuals who raise awareness on

SUBURBS

GREEN FAIR ON THE FOX.

sustainable living, physical fitness and healthy living. Enjoy food, live music, demonstrations and fun activities.

A free Zumba class will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Plus, take part in the Alternative Transportation Show and Bicycle Expo. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Batavia Riverwalk, Houston Street at Island Avenue, Batavia. (630) 879-5235, bataviaparks.org.

HOMETOWN PICNIC. Spend a lazy,

hazy summer day at a picnic with oldfashioned games, contests, an apple pie baking competition and a vintage baseball game. Cheer on the Lemont Quarrymen as they take on the Deep River Grinders at 1 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic.

Free with admission. Noon-4 p.m.

Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.org.

JUST PLAIN BATTY NIGHT HIKE.

Learn about bats through a story and then take a hike to spot them. Children must be accompanied by a registered

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Affordable Summer Camps Private Voice Lessons Year-Round Musical Theatre Workshops Acting & Dance Classes

adult. $11, $9 resident. 7-8:30 p.m.

Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org.

SECOND SATURDAY: PAPERMAKING. Robert McCormick,

Cantigny’s benefactor, made his fortune in the newspaper business.

Try making the raw material that he depended on. $5 parking. Noon-3 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

9 | SUNDAY CHICAGO ECUADOR PARADE. Parade takes place in the Albany Park neighborhood and features a vibrant train of floats, along with Andean music and dancing from local folkloric troupes, all celebrating Ecuadorian independence. Noon. 4346 N. California Ave. cityofchicago.org/ specialevents.

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CALENDAR

Alcott College Prep

A quality alternative to selective enrollment Experienced administration proven in achieving growth for every student • Rigorous and differentiated curriculum • Inquiry-based, experiential instruction • Diversity of engaging extra-curricular activities • Nurturing, small-school community •

Come grow with us.

Email for a tour:

Grace Moody Assistant Principal gmmoody@cps.edu

www.alcottcollegeprep.net 2957 North Hoyne Avenue Chicago, IL 60618

CREATEFEST - ARTS AND FOOD TRUCKS FESTIVAL. A hands-on

arts and food truck festival that joins artists, families and foodies for a day of arts and eats with live music, dancing, food trucks, art activities and exhibitions. $7 and up. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St. (773) 247-3000, bridgeport art.com.

SUBURBS KITE FEST. Includes stunt, trick and show kite demonstrations, a family fun fly, candy drop, free kite building for children and interactive contests. Bring kites to fly during open fly times. Concessions and kite vendors will be on site. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Berens Park, 493 Oak Lawn Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 782-4955, epd.org.

11 | TUESDAY NICE MICE. Lisle. See Aug. 5.

LITTLE SCRIBE. Learn how

WHAT DOES

writing began, how it changed over time, and how it changed the world forever. Kids 9-12 help “evolve” a script, while kids 5-8 take part in an interactive tale that describes how the alphabet was created and evolved.

10:30 a.m.-noon. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago.

(773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

LOOK LIKE?

12 | WEDNESDAY

rea l college preparation

educational activities and a lecture by an Adler astronomer. Check website for cost. 6-11 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 S. Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

13 | THURSDAY HAWAIIAN LUAU. Dress in

Hawaiian attire and enjoy the Barefoot Hawaiians as they perform the various forms of Polynesian, Hawaiian and Tahitian dance as well as the specialty dances of neighboring islands. The audience is welcome to participate. Bring chairs and wear swimsuits. Check website for cost.

5:30-7:30 p.m. Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad, 1100 W. Wood St., Bensenville. (630) 766-7015, bensenvilleparkdistrict.org.

NICE MICE. Lisle. See Aug. 4.

INTRODUCTION TO HIEROGLYPHS. Kids 5-12, with

adult, learn the basics of the Egyptian hieroglyphic writing system and discover some sneaky tips for reading ancient Egyptian artifacts. Explore the differences and similarities between hieroglyphs and the writing system used for English. $20 pair, $10 members; $10 additional, $5 additional member. 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

EVENING BIKE TOUR.

Sure, SAT scores and GPA are important.

But so is walking in another person’s shoes.

Immersing yourself in a new culture.

Growing in awareness.

MPA students encounter and influence the world with their heads up, their eyes focused, and their minds alert. What they learn with us matters and endures through college and beyond.

PreK-12 TheRealMPA.org

AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: ICE CREAM SOCIAL. Spend the day

making ice cream and creating art.

Look at art inspired by ice cream and candy, too. $3, $2 members. 1-3 p.m. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. (847) 3915399, desplaineshistory.org.

NICE MICE. Lisle. See Aug. 4.

PERSEID METEOR SHOWER STAR PARTY AT CANTIGNY PARK.

Features activities for the entire family, including shows for children in the Adler’s portable planetarium dome, telescope viewing, hands-on

Cantigny’s resident horticulturists lead a leisurely bike ride for families with kids 8 and up, with stops at different areas of the gardens. Register in advance. $5 parking. 6:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE POOL. Swim and listen to music

provided by a D.J. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. All participants must be registered by a parent/ guardian. $7, $5 pre-registration.

8:30-10:30 p.m. East End Pool, 463 Schiller, Elmhurst. (630) 993-8986, epd.org.

the South Side’s small-scale independent school for real learning

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CALENDAR 14 | FRIDAY

glimpse into the agricultural past of DuPage County. Bring a picnic blanket and lunch to enjoy the farm before the tour. 1 p.m. Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. wheatonparkdistrict.com/tickets.

WHOOSH AND SPLOOSH. Use

wind and water to create a work of art, defy gravity, make a toy, and take part in science demos. Dress to get wet and wind-blown. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

16 | SUNDAY SUBURBS

15 | SATURDAY

ONE LAST SUMMER ADVENTURE. Learn to use a GPS

CHICAGO

to find hidden clues along the trails, shoot a bow and arrow, build shelters in the woods, or work together to build a fire. End the afternoon with a cookout (grills provided). $12.

3-7 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE. This celebration of Indian

independence runs on Devon Avenue from Western to California avenues.

11:30 a.m. cityofchicago.org/ specialevents.

PASCHKE PAGES. A family storytime featuring exhibition-themed kids’ lit, read aloud by the imaginative, interactive, widely acclaimed Storybook Mom Nili Yellin. Program promotes early literacy, language acquisition and sequential learning.

11-11:45 a.m. Ed Paschke Art Center, 5415 W. Higgins Ave. (312) 533-4911, edpaschkeartcenter.org.

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SUBURBS

Attendees can view the night sky behind the nature center or participate in games and crafts inside the building. Telescopes will be on hand for viewing. 9-11 p.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

(847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT: SUPER STOLIE. This act’s high-

energy style and blend of kid-friendly pop-rock songs and audience participation encourages everyone to be silly and have a good time with music.

Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. $5 parking. Noon. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

S e Au Se Aug. g 1 g.

STAR GAZING PARTY.

CANOE CRAZY. Heller naturalists provide canoes and everything else needed for a day of canoeing at the Skokie Lagoons for families with kids 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $20. 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

FARM & BARN FEST. Features

sheep-shearing and horse-shoeing demos, petting zoo, horse rides, farm antiques, raffle, stage entertainment, square dancing, kids’ games and activities, face painting and food vendors. Plus, woolcarding and corn-grinding demonstrations, baby contest, quilt show, flea market and country concert. Some activities cost extra. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Yunker Farm, 10824 La Porte Road, Mokena. (708) 390-2401, mokenapark.com.

MOVIE NIGHTS UNDER THE STARS. Relax and watch “Guardians

of the Galaxy” under the stars, complete with favorite theater-style concessions available for purchase.

Free with arboretum admission.

Seating begins at 6 p.m.; movie at 8 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

GO FISH. Learn some basic fishing

techniques and types of bait, then look for the best fishing spots. All equipment and bait will be provided or bring your own. $11.25, $9

resident. 9-10:30 a.m. Rathje Park, 616 Delles, Wheaton. (630) 6654710, wheatonparkdistrict.com.

START YOUR ROCKIN’ COLLECTION! Kids 5-10 get started

creating personalized rock cartons.

Repurposed egg cartons are provided for rock and mineral identification or bring a collection box. Materials for decoration and personalization will be provided, and each child will choose several rocks to start or fill in their collection. Rocks from home can be brought for identification. $5.

2 p.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

WALKING TOUR OF HISTORIC FISCHER FARM. Join

Curator Jonathan Sebastian for a tour of the property, including nine historic structures and a first-hand

NAPERVILLE PLAYS! Naper Settlement, the DuPage Children’s Museum and the Naperville Public Library will be on-site with exhibits and hands-on activities. Discover the wonder of play and innovation in a historical setting. Free with museum admission. 1-4 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, naper settlement.org.

TOTALLY TURTLES. Take a hike to

explore and learn more about terrapins. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult. $9.50, $7.50 residents. 1-2 p.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org.

17 | MONDAY MERIT STORYTIME. Chicago. See

Aug. 3.

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CALENDAR 18 | TUESDAY WHAT’S UP, KING TUT? Kids 5-12 find out the real story of what makes King Tutankhamun famous, find his artifacts in the gallery and decipher the hieroglyphs on his 17-foot-tall statue. 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

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make ice cream from scratch and create their own sundaes. $2. 10 a.m.noon. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

DROP-IN THURSDAYS. Oak Park.

See Aug. 6.

inorganic materials and the scientific principles that make mummification possible. Meet a real Egyptologist and see how science can show what ancient Egyptians looked like using CT scans and 3-D modeling. $20 pair, $10 members; $10 additional, $5 additional member. 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

MUMMY SCIENCE. Kids 5-12, with

adult, get hands-on with an interactive mummy, learn about organic and

21 | FRIDAY

SSeee Auug. 8

20 | THURSDAY SUNDAE SCHOOL. Kids 3 and up

Centre to enjoy on the museum grounds. Listen to live music, and tour the “Pigskin Peanuts” and “Beyond All Accounts” exhibits.

Complimentary dessert is available.

BYO blanket or chairs. 5-8 p.m.

Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org.

where they use their senses and discover what makes Illinois unique. Experiment with painting, gluing, sticking and creating, while developing fine motor skills. Free with museum admission. 10-10:30 a.m. (kids 2-5); 2-2:30 (kids 5-7).

Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.org.

THIRD THURSDAY THINKERS.

THIRD THURSDAYS AFTER HOURS. Hop off the train and pick

Kids 2-7 go on a museum adventure,

up a picnic dinner in Elmhurst City

October 8 & 22, 2015

MOVIES IN NATURE: FERN GULLY. Enjoy games, activities and

giveaways, and a twilight family concert by the Music Institute of Chicago faculty and friends. At 8:30 p.m., watch “Fern Gully” under the stars (or indoors if it rains). Children must be accompanied by a participating adult. Film is subject to change.

7-10 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

FAMILY NIGHT OUT: FIELD GAMES. Bring a picnic and enjoy

March 16, 2016

2016-2017 Applications Available Online: September 10, 2015 Preschool and Kindergarten Application Deadline: November 1, 2015

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CALENDAR some lawn games provided by Cantigny, including water balloons, sack races and egg relays. Outdoor movie at 8:30 p.m. $2 parking.

5:30-7:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURE.

Lisle. See Aug. 1. Today’s times are 7-9 p.m.

22 | SATURDAY CHICAGO UNITED WE DRUM FAMILY DAY. A day of music with drum-

mers from various cultures with Muntu Dance Theatre, a world music performance by Funkadesi, and art workshops for all ages. Noon-5 p.m.

The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th St. (773) 702-ARTS, logan center.uchicago.edu.

SUBURBS BUG FEST. Start at Lippold Park with fun bug games, insect encounters and more. Then take the stroller-friendly Fox River Trail or head into the woods toward Red Oak Nature Center for David Stokes “Arthropods for Fun” presentation at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. and noon. Snacks, beverages and other concessions available for a small fee. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fox Valley Park District, 517 N. Union St., Aurora. (630) 898-7500, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

FAMILY GEOCACHING. Search for

hidden treasure at the Lincoln Marsh using GPS (GPS units provided).

Children must be accompanied by a non-paying adult. $10, $8 resident.

10-11:30 a.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincoln marsh.org.

MUNCHIN’ MONARCHS. Try feeding monarch butterflies and get an up-close look at the winged wonders in the Children’s Garden. Free with admission. Noon-3 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

PARK PALOOZA. Enjoy a lazy end of summer Saturday with music, food trucks, beer garden, friends and fun. Concessions for sale. 4:30-10 p.m. Berens Park, 493 Oak Lawn Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 782-4955, epd.org.

RED OAKS VINTAGE BASE BALL FESTIVAL. The home club,

Cantigny Red Oaks, hosts the DuPage Plowboys, Creston Regulators, Aurora Town Club, Belleville Stags, Milwaukee Juneaus, Munster Centennials, Rockford Forest Citys and Somonauk Blue Stockings. In addition, see Todd Eschmann of Old Dutch Bats demonstrate the art of bat making. $5 parking. 10 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

23 | SUNDAY SUBURBS SUMMER BEES. Families with kids

6 and up put on bee suits and visit the hives to see what the bees are doing to get ready for honey harvest.

Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. All participants must wear closed shoes and tall socks to visit the hives. $8. 9:30-11 a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

Pre-K through 8th Grade Independent Day School for Bright & Gifted Children

IMAGINATION MOVERS CONCERT. A live performance by

the Emmy-winning Imagination Movers, stars of a preschool series on Disney Junior. On TV, the Movers work together to solve problems with teamwork and creativity. On stage, they transform into the world’s most exciting live rock ‘n’ roll experience designed specifically for parents and kids. See flying toilet paper, giant balloons, smoking trashcans and other moments of inspired chaos. $25-$30. 2-3:30 p.m. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300, northshorecenter.org.

LAURIE BERKNER. Best-selling,

award-winning children’s musician Laurie Berkner has been a longtime fixture on TV’s Nick Jr. and Sprout channels. Her music speaks to kids

Upcoming Tours October 14 November 11

Contact us for more information or to register for a tour: www.averycoonley.org admission@averycoonley.org 630-969-0800

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CALENDAR

Discover Why Chicagoland Jewish High School Is The #1 Choice

without talking down to them, charming youngsters without boring grown-ups. Check out the interactive, family-friendly space on the north lawn offering large-scale percussion instruments that will be open to kids of all ages. $15, $5 lawn. Gates open at noon; concert starts at 1 p.m.

Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org.

25 | TUESDAY ONE. BIG. EGYPTIAN. MURAL. Kids 5-12 find out how

Students graduate from CJHS with a solid foundation of critical thinking, readiness for college and grounding in Jewish learning and traditions.

Chicagoland CJHS is committed to making education affordable through tuition assistance.

Jewish For more information, contact Riv Lynch at rlynch@cjhs.org.

High School WWW.CJHS.ORG

1095 Lake Cook Road • Deerfield, IL 60015 • 847.470.6700

A partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.

A Festival of Family Fun for The Friendly Village August 20-23, 2015

Thursday, August 20 - 6-10pm • Carnival Only Opens Fri., Aug 21- 6pm - Midnight • Sat., Aug 22 - Noon-Midnight Sun., Aug 23 - 3pm-10:30pm

Event & Entertainment Carnival Rides Kids Zone Car Show Carnival Games/Mini Golf Main Stage Music & Entertainment • Children’s Stage Sunday Night Fireworks!

11500 S. Beloit Ave., Worth, IL 60482 The 2015 Worth Days is brought to you by WORTH PARK DISTRICT For a full schedule visit:

www.worthparkdistrict.org

Egyptian murals were made by helping to create a paper one using the techniques and “rules” that make ancient Egyptian art so recognizable.

10:30 a.m.-noon. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago.

(773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

27 | THURSDAY NOT PI. Kids 5-12, with adult,

rediscover and explore pi in a handson workshop. Kids interact with the power of pi at a variety of levels in order to better understand the properties of a circle, the history of trying to work without pi, angles and how all of it relates to clocks and calendars. $20 pair, $10 members; $10 additional, $5 additional member.

1:30-3:30 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago.

(773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

29 | SATURDAY CHICAGO LIFE TIME KIDS TRI CHICAGO.

The swim takes place in Lake Michigan, including a shallow water start, parallel to the beach. The bike and run take place on closed park roadways and running paths all along Chicago’s beautiful lakefront.

Open to boys and girls 7-14. Check website for cost. First wave starts 8:30 a.m. Montrose Avenue Beach.

(773) 404-2372, ltkidstri.com/page/ show/1102119-chicago-il.

POWER OF THE CROWD. This

wrap-up to the Summer of Science includes activities related to

Kite Ki te F est es st See Se ee Au Aug. g 9 g.

crowdsourcing—using crowdsourcing to create a sky show, participate in a Community Design Lab activity that lets you do hands-on storyboarding, and much more. Free with museum admission. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. See Aug. 1.

SUBURBS OPERA FOR THE YOUNG PRESENTS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Opera for the Young brings

live, professional opera to elementary students. All productions are fully staged, sung in English and adapted especially for kids. $10, $5 lawn.

Gates open at 10 a.m.; concert starts at 11 a.m. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org.

ALLEY ART FESTIVAL. Local artists converge on Water Street Mall.

More than 60 artists display their wares, food is available for purchase, and events include free yoga, a creative children’s booth and live music.

Check website for schedule. Water Street Mall, Aurora. auroradowntown. org/alley-art-festival.

AMERICAN INDIAN VETERANS CELEBRATION. A full-day salute to

native veterans that includes music, art, dance, guest speakers and award presentations. For more details, visit trickstergallery.com. 11 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

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s m u e s Mu

i n i m o g

W

ho says that just because you have a baby, you have to kiss culture goodbye?

Chicago’s best-loved institutions are catering to the pint-sized crowd with tours that keep parents and babies happy. And if your little one doesn’t quite cooperate with the usual indoor-voice rule? There’s a no-shushing guarantee.

For art buffs: The Ed Paschke Art Center opens its colorful galleries to babies and caregivers (4 p.m. last Tuesday of the month) with free 30-minute guided tours.

Paschke’s Pee-Wees introduces little ones to the colors, patterns and big faces featured in Paschke’s paintings, and teaches the grownups some of the ways babies’ brains process them. Feel free to leave the stroller at home: baby-wearing is encouraged. For more traditional stroller tour experiences, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art (11:30 a.m. first Wednesday) and Art Institute of Chicago (11:30 a.m. second Monday).

For nature lovers: Outdoor trails might not seem the most stroller-friendly (all those

bumps!), but babies can breathe in some fresh air at these programs tailored especially to them. Heller Nature Center offers Babies in Nature,, an educational stroll with a naturalist through the 97-acre preserve’s trails (10 a.m. m. Aug. 6 and 20), while Chicago Botanic tanic Garden’s Bloomin’ Garden Strollers includes cludes a brisk walk through the greenery ass well as a social play component (9:45 a.m. Aug. 7 and 14).

For historians: ians: Peek into the past—the ancient past—at t—at The Oriental Institute, where Strolling Through hrough History tours cater to the sippy cup set. et. This month’s theme (2 p.m.

Aug. 11) is “The World in Biblical Times” and promises es an exploration of the writings, sculptures ulptures and objects of daily life housed in

the museum’s galleries, as well as lively discussion. Stick around for playtime for babies once the tour is done.

For first-time parents: Parenting novices can make new friends and get advice from health professionals at Kohl Children’s Museum, all for free. Baby & Me Time (9:30 a.m. Monday) allows new moms and dads to network and socialize, plus chat with a nurse from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital about early childhood development and parenting topics. It’s also a great way to familiarize yourself with one of the country’s best children’s museums—chances are, you’ll be spending a lot of time there in the yyears to come.

Elizabeth Diffin

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FAIRS & FESTS LAKE COUNTY FAIR. Features high-

powered motocross and demolition derbies, professional rodeo, daily entertainment stages, Camping World and County Fair traditions in the livestock barns and auction, horse show, carnival midway and petting zoo. $5-$10; free kids under 5. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 29-30; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1; 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Aug. 2. Peterson and Midlothian roads, Grayslake. (847) 680-7200, lcfair.com.

WOOD DALE PRAIRIE FEST.

Features food, music, arts and crafts and carnival games. 6-11 p.m. July 30-31; 1-11 p.m. Aug. 1; 1-10 p.m.

Aug. 2. Town Square, Wood Dale Road and Commercial Street, Wood Dale. (773) 868-3010, wooddale.com.

FIESTA DEL SOL. Includes Aztec

dancing, local art exhibit, craft workshop, a children’s area with read-out-loud sessions, free books, games and educational activities, Civil Rights of Immigrants Booth, College Fair, live entertainment, Pilsen School

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FAIRS & FESTS Expo, indoor soccer tournaments, free health screenings and food vendors.

Check website for cost and schedule.

July 30-Aug. 2. 1400 W. Cermak Road, Chicago. (312) 666-2663, fiestadelsol.org.

FESTA ITALIANA. Three days of

authentic music, carnival, kids’ activities and Italian food. Check website for cost and schedule. July 31-Aug. 2.

Boylan High School Grounds, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford. (815) 636-2902, griaa.com.

LA GRANGE ENDLESS SUMMERFEST. Includes rides,

entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, music and Sunday night fireworks. Check website for cost. 4-10:30 p.m. July 31; noon-10:30 p.m. Aug. 1-2. Gordon Park, La Grange. lgba.com/ lagrangeendlesssummerfest.

GLENCOE FESTIVAL OF ART. Features more than 110 juried artists from around the world. Plus,

live music, food and activities for kids, including an art scavenger hunt. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1-2. Green Bay Road and Park Avenue, Glencoe.

(847) 926-4300, glencoefestivalof art.com.

DESTINATION ASIA SUMMER FESTIVAL. Travel to Asia with

culinary delights, authentic musical performances, impressive dancing demonstrations, and more during this festival featuring the cultures of China, Japan and India, among others. Hike the trails and explore the Arboretum’s collections of trees and plants native to Asia, including the Ginkgo trees. Free with arboretum admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Aug. 1-2. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

food booths. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 1-2.

Dawes Park, Sheridan Road at Church Street, Evanston. (847) 448-8260, cityofevanston.org/lakeshore.

and rides. $10. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 7; Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 8-9. Roscoe and Damen, Chicago. (773) 665-4682, retroonroscoe.com.

ANNUAL GINZA HOLIDAY.

ART AT THE GLEN. Families can stroll past the work of 185 artists, enjoy food from local restaurants, listen to music and try kids’ activities, including an art scavenger hunt. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 8-9. Glen Town Center, 1800 Patriot Blvd., Glenview.

(847) 926-4300, artattheglen.com.

Experience a taste of Japan at this festival, which features Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations, classical dances, drumming, ukulele, martial arts and fencing. Skilled master craftsmen (Waza) demonstrate crafts which will be offered for sale. Traditional Japanese cuisine and other Japanese merchandise will be offered. On Saturday at 8 p.m., Yoko Noge and Japanesque perform. $7, $6 seniors and students, free kids under 12. 5:30-9 p.m. Aug. 7; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 8; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 9. Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St., Chicago. (312) 943-7801, ginzachicago.com.

EVANSTON LAKESHORE ARTS FESTIVAL. Festival focuses

RETRO ON ROSCOE. Features local

on high-quality juried artwork in 11 categories. Plus, live music, a silent auction, children’s craft tent and

restaurants, artisans, vendors, chili cookoff and a family area with crafts, balloon artists, face painting, music

WRIGLEYVILLE SUMMERFEST.

Includes live music, food, drinks and the Kids Zone, with interactive games, crafts, a bouncy castle and other family-friendly activities. $5.

Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 8; noon-9 p.m.

Aug. 9. 3300 N. Seminary Ave., Chicago. (773) 665-4682, wrigley villesummerfest.com.

SOUTH ELGIN RIVERFEST.

Features food, carnival, kids’ activities, arts and crafts show, live music, entertainment and fireworks on

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FAIRS & FESTS Sunday night. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 13; 5 p.m.-midnight Aug. 14; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 15; noon-10 p.m. Aug. 16.

Panton Mill Park, Route 31 and State Street, South Elgin. (847) 774-1151, riverfestexpress.net.

American dancing and drumming, native and multicultural vendors, Nakota Horse Conservancy, tipi contest, Renaissance Faire, Bird of Prey exhibit, Medallion the stallion, kids’ corral with pony rides, horse demos and more. $15, $7 kids 6-17, free kids 5 and under. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 15; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 16. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 Randall Road, St. Charles. (630) 524-0088, festivalofthehorseanddrum.com.

TAYLOR STREET FESTA ITALIANA.

Features authentic Italian activities, delectable Italian cuisine, cooking demos and live entertainment. Plus, meatballand cannoli-eating contests, trolley tours, big band music and more. $5, free kids 12 and under. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 13-14; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 15; noon-10 p.m. Aug. 16. Taylor Street, between Racine Street and Ashland Avenue, Chicago. (312) 243-3773, starevents. com/festivals/festa-italiana.

EDISON PARK FEST. Includes music, food, craft fair, dog show, bags tournament and basketball clinic. Kids’ Play Area features a rock climbing wall and waterslide, and Children’s Stage has kid-friendly performances, craft booths and a playground. Check website for

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CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW. One of Chicago’s longest-run-

ning events, the show includes a wide variety of civilian acts with daredevil

pilots performing their aerial stunts in the skies above Lake Michigan. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 16-17. North Avenue Beach, Chicago. (312) 744-3370, chicagoairandwatershow.us.

FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE AND DRUM POW WOW. Includes Native

the summer festivals (matsura) celebrated in Japan. Performances

by Kokyo Taiko (Taiko drumming) and Chicago Koto Group (koto harp), traditional storytelling from Anne Shimojima, and a tea ceremony by the students of Dr. Nakashima. Kids can create a paper fan, kite, and gyotaku fish prints. $30 parking.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 15-16. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

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FAIRS & FESTS LINCOLNSHIRE ART FESTIVAL. Features more than 100

juried artists, live music and art activities for kids. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 15-16.

Village Green, Milwaukee Avenue and Old Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 926-4300, lincolnshireartfestival.com.

VEGGIE FEST. Features health booths, vegetarian food demos, talks by health professionals, drawings, live music, food to buy and kids’ activities. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 15-16.

Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle. (630) 955-1200, veggie festchicago.org.

CIVIL WAR DAYS. Watch a

simulated battle between Union and Confederate soldiers, interact and learn from President and Mrs. Lincoln, and participate in 1800s-era activities. The Yankee Collector will be on hand showcasing Civil War memorabilia. Free with farm admission. 9:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. Aug. 15; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 16. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. (630) 892-1550, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

TROLLEYFEST. Vintage trolleys and trains run in conjunction with South Elgin Riverfest Express. $4, $3 seniors, $2 kids 3-11, free kids under 3; $8 all-day pass. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 15-16. Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin.

(847) 697-4676, foxtrolley.org.

WORTH DAYS FESTIVAL. Three days of family fun with live entertainment, a carnival, car show and fireworks.

Check website for schedule. Terrace Centre, 11500 S Beloit Ave., Worth.

(708) 44-7080, worthparkdistrict.org

p.m. Aug. 22; noon-10 p.m. Aug. 23. Lawrence and Kimball, Chicago.

(773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

and games. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 22-23.

Greek Town, 400 S. Halsted, Chicago.

(847) 509-8050, tasteofgreektown.com.

CHICAGO FOOD SOCIAL. Features the best local food trucks and vendors, plus chef demonstrations, live music, communal dining, hands on culinary activities for adults and kids, and an oyster shucking competition with local chefs. $5 donation. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 22-23. Milwaukee Avenue between Division Street and Noble, Chicago. chicagofoodsocial.com.

CHICAGO FASHION FEST. More

ALBANY PARK WORLD FEST.

WEST LOOP ART FEST. About 100 artists showcase and sell creative work. Live art demonstrations, food, live music and interactive features including a graffiti wall, Art Bingo and photo booth. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 22-23.

Washington Boulevard from Halsted to Morgan, Chicago. starevents.com/ festivals/west-loop-art-fair.

The northwest side neighborhood celebrates its melting pot diversity with food, music, arts and crafts, and carnival rides. $5 donation. Noon-9

Features food, music and entertainment, including Greek bands, artisans

CHERRY VALLEY FESTIVAL DAYS.

Includes entertainment, amusement rides, kids’ activities, fireworks and food. Check website for cost and schedule. Baumann Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley. (815) 3322152, valleydays.com.

TASTE OF GREEKTOWN.

than 20 unique fashion runway shows will be included over the two days.

An on-site “Shopper’s Row” will be home to up to 50 exclusive booths of local fashion designers, boutiques and salons, as well as food and drink tents and a dedicated kids’ area. $5 donation. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 29-30.

Division Street and Damen, Chicago. chicagofashionfest.com.

PORT CLINTON ART FESTIVAL. Features more than

260 artists, including a Youth Art Division with works from kids 18 and younger. Event includes kids’ activities, music and food from local restaurants at the Taste of Highland Park, which runs in conjunction with the festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 29-30. Central Avenue at the intersections of First and Second streets, Highland Park. (847) 926-4300, portclintonartfestival.com.

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www.collegenannies.com Lincoln Park • 773-697-9326 Glenview • 847-998-5657 ChicagoParent.com August 2015 121

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ALONG THE RIVERWALK IN DOWNTOWN NAPERVILLE!

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PERFORMANCES THE MUSIC MAN. The North Central College Summer Music Theatre presents the classic musical “The Music Man.” Recommended for kids 8 and up. $18, $12. 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 1, 7 and 8; 2 p.m. Aug. 2 and 9. Wentz Concert Hall, Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton, Naperville. (630) 6375100, northcentralcollege.edu.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS KURIOS—CABINET OF CURIOSITIES. Opens Aug. 6. Cirque

du Soleil returns with a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world where everything is possible.

Recommended for kids 2 and up. $35 and up. Check website for schedule.

United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. cirquedusoleil.com.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. Through Aug. 7. Show is

based on the classic story of a young girl who ventures into the woods and stumbles on a cute house with three bowls of porridge, three chairs and three beds. $12. 10:30 a.m. selected weekdays. Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. (773) 2059600, chicagokidscompany.com.

RAPUNZEL. Through Aug. 14. A young girl with a beautiful singing voice is locked away in a very tall tower. Who will save her?

Recommended for families with kids 2-10. $12. 10:30 a.m. Chicago Kids Company, 4104 N. Nashville Ave., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokids company.com.

ALL SHOOK UP. Through Aug.

16. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and inspired by the movies and songs of Elvis Presley. It’s 1955, and a guitar-playing roustabout changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lipcurling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumping out of your blue suede shoes. $40-44. 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

Theatre at the Center, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind. (219) 8363255, theatreatthecenter.com.

Cirq Ci que u Du So Sole Sole leilil Pres Pr e e en nts ts Kur urio ios ios Cabi Ca bine bi nett of Cu urrio osi sity sity ty Seee th Se t is pagge

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS. Through Aug. 16.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater brings Shakespeare to community parks across Chicago. In “Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits,” see his most memorable characters and scenes come to life, mashed up with today’s popular music. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 595-5600, chicago shakes.com/parks.

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: BACK TO SCHOOL. Opens Aug.

17. Enjoy an entertaining evening of short stories and songs, all conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members.

Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $6 kids, $12 adults. 8 p.m.

Mondays. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL. Through Aug. 22. Festival

presents more than 20 concerts.

Check website for concert schedule and information. Millennium Park, Chicago. grantparkmusicfestival.com.

FANCY NANCY THE MUSICAL.

Through Aug. 23. From the tip-top of her tiara down to her sparkly slippers, Nancy’s eager to steal the spotlight in her first dance recital.

But when someone else gets picked to be the prima ballerina, Nancy must find the fancy flair in her new role. Adapted from the bestselling book series. Check website for cost and schedule. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000, broadwayin chicago.com.

CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL. A five-day celebration

of the finest dancers and choreographers from across the country and around the world showcasing a wide range of dance, including ballet, modern and ethnic dance forms across Chicago’s top downtown venues. Tickets for indoor performances at the Harris Theater for

Music and Dance and the Museum of Contemporary Art need to be reserved in advance; no tickets are required for the closing night performance at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Check website for schedule. Aug. 25-29. Various locations, Chicago. chicagodancing festival.com.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER.

Opens Aug. 27. A company of 12 actors play more than 100 unforgettable characters on a journey to solve the mystery of how Peter Pan becomes “The Boy Who Never Grew Up.” Recommended for ages 10 and up. $52. Check website for schedule.

Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111, drurylaneoakbrook.com.

BINGO’S BIRTHDAY. Through Aug.

30. Kids are invited to Bingo the dog’s birthday, but no one can find him in this interactive performance just for the very young. $15, $8 kids under 1. Check website for schedule.

Emerald City Theatre Company, Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N.

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PERFORMANCES

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Gymnastics skills that improve independence and coordination.

Or as they see it,

Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID.

insect repellent. $20, $10 member; $10 kids, $5 member kids. 1 p.m. weekends. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Venture “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends to the tune of one of Disney’s most beloved classics.

Based on the full-length Broadway show, this newly adapted 75-minute production makes a splash at Navy Pier. After the show, meet the actors in the lobby for photos and one-onone conversations. Recommended for ages 5 and up. $18-$32. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 595-5600, chicago shakes.com.

where the kids help guide the story from scene to scene and song to song.

Kids create the backdrop of the story and pick out the costumes. For tickets, email shelby@bughousetheater. com. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. $10 kids, free adults. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park, Chicago. hogwash kids.com.

THEATRE HIKES. Hikers can

COMEDYSPORTZ. A 90-minute

play along in a game of “Clue: The Musical,” where they get to select the killer’s weapon and room in which the murder takes place. Low-impact hike suitable for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs takes place on Aug. 2.

Each performance lasts about three and a half hours. Participants should wear comfortable shoes, weatherappropriate clothing and bring a chair or blanket, water bottle and

improv comedy show in which two teams create comedy scenes, songs and games right on the spot based on suggestions. The audience chooses the winner and the show is never the same twice. Recommended for families with kids 7 and up. $22. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 6 p.m.

Saturdays. ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 549-8080, comedysportzchicago.com.

HOGWASH: AN IMPROVISED TALL TALE. Interactive kids’ show

The Little Gym ages 4 months through 12 years reach their greatest potential.

Structured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Fall Session begins August 31st. Enroll today!!!

The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

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The French h Connection

T

ime may be running out on your chance for some international travel this summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay tethered to a strictly American existence. Say bonjour to a month of ooh-la-la with these events and destinations overflowing with French flavor.

Oak Park’s Marion Street transforms into a chic European alley at the Art dans la Rue festival. The street fair includes open-art artists, live entertainment and food that tastes like it came straight from a Parisian bistro.

Plus, keep an eye out for a poodle parade and sidewalk chalk works of art, and bring a beret (or buy one!) for some Frenchified photo ops. Free. Noon-9 p.m. Aug. 4. Marion Street, between Lake and North Boulevard, Oak Park. (708) 383-4145, downtownoak park.net.

Cantigny Park gets its name from the

French village where the U.S. won its first victory in World War I, and each year, that landmark is honored at the park’s French Connection Day. The celebration includes fine wine and French cuisine, performances by mimes and cancan dancers, story time with Madeline and a kids’ art project. The 23-foot Eiffel Tower replica is perfect for an international family photo. Just be sure to say “Fromage!” $5 per car. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Aug. 9. 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

It wouldn’t be France without a little retail therapy. And although we may not have the Champs-Élysées, we do have a wide range of traditional French markets that offer everything from fresh fruit to works of art. Stop by the 30-vendor Chicago French Market (we flipped for the FliP Crepes!) in the heart of the Loop, which also has a Kids’ Craft Corner to keep little hands busy. Or visit one of 11 neighborhood markets throughout the city and suburbs. Open air browsing on a hot summer day? Oui, oui. frenchmarket chicago.com; bensidounusa.com.

Elizabeth Diffin

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences Presents:

Esperanza Rising

by Lynne Alvarez based on the book by Pam Muñoz Ryan music by Victor Zupanc directed by Lisa Portes

OCT 8 NOV 14, 2015

Prospero’s Storm

Peter Pan and Wendy

based on William Shakespeare’s The Tempest adapted and directed by Damon Kiely

adapted by Doug Rand from the novel by J.M. Barrie directed by Ernie Nolan

JAN 14 – FEB 20, 2016

APRIL 21– MAY 28, 2016

at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS MODEL RAILROAD GARDEN: LANDMARKS OF AMERICA.

Garden-scale trains traverse bridges and trestles, past scenes of America’s landmarks and gardens planted to scale. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids 3-12, free kids under 3. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

MISSION MOON. Follow the career

of Captain James A. Lovell, Jr.—the commander of Apollo 13—from his childhood through his quest for the moon. Learn the stories of his family, NASA’s Mission Control, and others from around the world who made the quest possible. Free with museum admission. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

PUPPETS! AN INTERACTIVE PUPPET EXTRAVAGANZA. This

installation celebrates the art of

Bo B oat ats See ppaage Se age ge 127 27

puppetry by allowing visitors to explore the movements of shadow, hand and finger puppets. Using

imaginary figures or creatures and characters inspired by artworks, kids can experiment with ways to create

puppets, develop stories and use sound effects and props. Free with museum admission. Art Institute of

Celebrating our 50th year and the opening of the new North Wing

Artist

Poet

Scientist

Inventor

Big Dreams Start Young At Chiaravalle Montessori, we respect the potential in your child and treat them like the adult they will become. We honor each student’s strengths and challenges.

Learn how Chiaravalle prepares children for the world and for life.

School life, real life and dreams co-exist here.

Infant/Toddler through 8th Grade

Schedule a visit at 847.864.2190

425 Dempster, Evanston www.chiaravalle.org

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ONGOING EVENTS Chicago, 111 S. Michigan, Chicago.

(312) 443-3600, artic.edu.

FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT. Vultures,

hawks, parrots, a hadada ibis and other bird species demonstrate natural behaviors. Guests see a trumpeter hornbill catching objects, African white-necked ravens collecting cash, and more. Three shows are offered daily. Free with zoo admission. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

HAMILL FAMILY WILD ENCOUNTERS. Guests can meet the

zoo’s animal ambassadors, including a screaming hairy armadillo, tamandua, a two-toed sloth, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Plus, see Nigerian dwarf goats, reindeer, red pandas, wallabies and emus in special habitats or visit one of the largest aviaries in North America. $5, $3 kids 3-11 and seniors, free kids under 3. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

BUTTERFLIES & BLOOMS. Visitors

can immerse themselves with hundreds of live tropical butterfly species from around the world. A field guide helps visitors identify species in the exhibition. Visitors can observe butterflies hatching through a window. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids 3-12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

BOATS. Kids immerse themselves in a nautical experience. The exhibit includes a dock with a bait and tackle shop, a kayak, sailboat and two-level work boat with a wheelchair-accessible cabin. Free with museum admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicago childrensmuseum.org.

PIGSKIN PEANUTS. A traveling exhibition organized by the Charles M. Schulz Museum that showcases 50 of Schulz’s footballthemed strips. Visitors experience classic Peanuts objects and memorabilia, plus interactive activity stations: dress up in the locker room, snap a football trading card photo, and try

out Lucy’s “Fall Classic” by pulling the football from Charlie Brown.

Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org.

AMPHIBIANS. Offers guests a visual, audio and hands-on experience, immersing them in the changing lives of salamanders, sirens, frogs, toads, newts and more. Tadpoles swim overhead, amphibian sounds fill the air, frogs in every color of the rainbow hop and limbless caecilians swim and slither. John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org.

STINGRAY TOUCH. Staff guide

guests through the 15-minute touch experience, while providing interesting facts about stingrays, including information about how choosing sustainable seafood protects stingrays.

The outdoor exhibit also allows visitors to see the cownose stingrays through various angles. John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org.

CHAGALL FOR KIDS. Showcases 14 multi-sensory stations, each incorporating a reproduction of one of Marc Chagall’s works. Interactive components offer activities and an audio description of each work geared to children. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

MATERIALS SCIENCE. Learn the science behind familiar materials, explore where materials science is headed next and discover how breakthroughs in materials science have shaped our world. Free with museum admission.

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

ROBOT REVOLUTION. Exhibit

explores how robots will change how we play, live and work together.

Includes a collection of cutting-edge robots from some of the most innovative global robotics companies and universities. Check website for cost.

Museum of Science and Industry,

Jewish Day Schools

Celebrate Knowledge ChiCagoland Jewish high sChool 9th-12th Grade Tony Frank, Head of School 1095 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield (847) 470-6700 CJHS.org

Keshet: a Rainbow of hope foR individuals with speCial needs

Keshet: a Rainbow of hope foR individuals with speCial needs

Kindergarten through adulthood

Sunday School Program Dr. Jen Gendel Director, Sunday School Program Office 3210 Dundee Rd., Northbrook (847) 205-0274

Ariella Joy Frankel Keshet Day School Kindergarten through adulthood Dr. Melinda Remaly Director of Education Program Office 3210 Dundee Rd., Northbrook (847) 205-0274 ChicagoParent.com August 2015 127

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ONGOING EVENTS 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

NATURE CONNECTS: ART WITH LEGO BRICKS BY SEAN KENNEY.

Marvel at 13 larger-than-life displays created from nearly half a million Lego bricks. Walk the arboretum’s grounds to find nature-themed sculptures, including a monarch butterfly with an eight-foot wingspan and a hummingbird sipping nectar from a flower. Free with arboretum admission. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

MAMMOTHS AND MASTODONS.

In addition to seeing real fossils and prehistoric artwork, families can practice tusk jousting and explore touchable replicas of mammoths, mastodons and other Ice Age animals.

New additions include an 8-foot-tall African elephant tusk. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

BUGS: OUTSIDE THE BOX. See a

butterfly with a five-foot wingspan or a longhorn beetle with antennae more than 12 feet across. Free with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

THE SECRETS OF BEES. This

interactive exhibit uses costumes and props to allow families to learn the secrets of bees. Dressed like honeybees, children can “fly” to the garden of 5-foot-tall flowers, gather pollen, then “fly” into the giant beehive. Beekeeper gear and a honey roadside stand are all part of the fun. Includes live bees.

Free with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 7555100, naturemuseum.org.

OTHER EVENTS DAY OUT WITH THOMAS: THE CELEBRATION TOUR 2015. Take

a 20-minute ride with Thomas, a 20-minute ride with Percy, meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy Thomasthemed crafts, storytelling, videos and music. This year marks Thomas’

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70th anniversary. $21 Thomas ride, $10 Percy ride. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 15-16; Aug. 22-23. Illinois Railway Museum, 7000 Olson Road, Union.

(815) 923-4000, irm.org.

YOUNG EXPLORERS’ MONDAYS.

This family program features engaging early childhood, age-appropriate activities for kids 2-6. Free with museum admission. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mondays. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

TREE POSE YOGA. Kids 4-6, with

adult, learn about the environment while stretching, moving and breathing like the creatures around them with a certified YogaKids instructor. $17, $10 members. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Mondays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

FITNESS FOR ALL. This series

focuses on getting and staying healthy through practicing physical activity and gross motor skills. Families can build endurance, stretch muscles or gain motor skills outdoors in the Habitat Park exhibit. Free with admission. 10:30 a.m.-noon. MondaysSaturdays. Kohl Children’s Museum,

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

HISTORY CONNECTIONS.

Kids and families can explore a different theme every week and learn something new about our nation’s military history. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

BUBBLE PERFORMANCES. Enjoy complimentary children’s performances on the plaza by Bubbles Academy’s teachers and artists through art integration and play. Snacks and refreshments are complimentary. Noon Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Shops at Roosevelt Collection, 150 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. shops.rooseveltcollection.com.

WILD WEDNESDAYS. Kids 3-10 enjoy hands-on nature exploration through games and crafts. Each week has a theme. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m.

Wednesdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

WILD WEDNESDAYS.

Through Aug. 12. Hear stories, enjoy a hike and learn about the featured

animal. Borrow a fishing pole or rent a paddle boat. Popcorn and lemonade are for sale. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 941-8747, obtpd.org/lvnc.

ACORN EXPRESS ADVENTURES.

Families with kids 2 and up take an open-air tram ride adventure through the arboretum. Plus, make a craft and explore new topics. $5, $4 member, plus admission. 11-11:45 a.m.

Wednesdays and Fridays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

AQUATIC THEMED FAMILY DROPIN ACTIVITIES. Explore the plants

and animals in aquatic habitats. Use scientific tools to look at tiny critters under water, find out what makes water plants different from land plants, and more. $30 parking. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and weekends. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

YOUNG YOGIS. Kids 2-6, with adult, learn beginning yoga poses in a 45-minute class using music, storytelling, counting and games. Little ones

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ONGOING EVENTS stretch, balance and bend while practicing basic breathing techniques and mindfulness. 4 p.m. every-other Thursday. Ed Paschke Art Center, 5415 W. Higgins Ave., Chicago. (312) 533-4911, edpaschkeartcenter.org.

FAMILY DAY THURSDAYS. Families

explore the museum and play games related to artifacts. Free with admission. 1-4 p.m. Thursdays. Fabyan Villa Museum and Japanese Garden, 1511 S. Batavia Ave. (Route 31 and Fabyan Parkway), Fabyan Forest Preserve, Geneva. (630) 377-6424, ppfv.org.

THEATRE GAMES. Kids that are

excited by creativity and have a flair for the dramatic can participate in theater games. Free with museum admission. 1:30 p.m. Thursdays. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

HISTORY ALIVE! Kids 6-12 learn about a different military topic each week. Dress in a soldier’s uniform, interact with artifacts and participate in games and crafts. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

THURSDAY FAMILY NIGHTS.

Enjoy live music, kid-friendly fare and entertainment in the Children’s Garden. Kids can explore a free play area with a huge selection of Lego bricks in conjunction with “Nature Connects: Art with Lego Bricks by Sean Kenney.” $5 after 4:30 p.m.

5:30-8 p.m. Thursdays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE.

One-hour dance lessons by professional instructors and two hours of live music and dancing. 6-7 p.m. dance lessons, 7:30-9:30 p.m. live music and dancing Fridays-Saturdays; 4-5 p.m. dance lessons, 5-7 p.m. live music and dancing Sundays. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 7424007, chicagosummerdance.org.

PETITE CHEFS. Introduce kids 4 and up to new foods with chefs from

the Washburne Culinary Institute.

Space is limited; tickets are available one hour prior to start of program.

Free with museum admission. 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Fridays. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

MATH COUNTS. Young mathemati-

cians enjoy a special storytime before engaging in activities that teach sets and patterns, counting, geometry and algebraic thinking. Free with museum admission. 2:30-4 p.m. every-other Friday. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 8326600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

SCIENCE FRIDAYS. Features activi-

ties like Windmobiles and Kitchen Chemistry. Budding scientists enjoy the combination of learning, play and laughter. Free with admission.

2:30-4 p.m. every-other Friday. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. SURE, BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AT FIRST WAS HANGING A LITTLEOUT TAKEN ABACK ANDI NOW WITH HIM

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY. BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT —WITH HIM EINSTEIN IS THE BEST PART OFadopted MY DAY.12-09-10 — EINSTEIN adopted 12-09-10

HELP WANTED: THE SUMMER SERVANTS’ TOUR. With one of the

Nickersons’ trusted servants as guide, visitors discover the true historic inspiration for the “incident,” explore hidden passageways and staircases, and learn about the life of a domestic servant in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. $15, $8 kids 8-12. 5:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie St., Chicago. (312) 482-8933, driehausmuseum.org.

MUSIC THAT MOVES YOU. Get your body moving and express yourself through dance. Free with museum admission. 2:15 p.m.

Fridays-Sundays. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

SATURDAY SURPRISES.

Stroll in the neighborhood to join with BAC teaching artists as they sing, dance, create and celebrate the arts. 10-11 a.m. Saturdays. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 445-3838, beverlyart center.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS

3 Amigos

Histor Hi story st orry Co C onn nnec nec ection ns See pa p gee 12288

KIDS CRAFT MORNING. Kids can

make traditional Native American objects and engage in other activities related to the culture. Recommended for kids 5 and up. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-noon Saturdays; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 18-21. Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston. (847) 475-1030, mitchellmuseum.org.

Adopt A Manatee® Friend … or Three!

1-800-432-(JOIN) 5646 savethemanatee.org Photo © Patrick M. Rose

Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicago childrensmuseum.org.

LEGO BRICK PLAY. Create Lego

brick masterpieces in a self-guided hands-on discovery activity. August’s theme is Monarch butterflies. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

LEGO BUILD. These casual weekly

MONARCHS IN MOTION. Discover

builds are inspired by a theme and are a great place to learn about design principles while exploring the playful side of architecture. $10, $5 members. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 922-3432, architecture.org.

some facts about butterflies and make a monarch mask to take home. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

SETTLEMENT SUNDAYS. Includes

free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings and a variety of hands-on family activities, games, demonstrations and tours of historic buildings. Free with admission. 1-4 p.m.; ice cream 2-3:30 p.m. Sundays. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 4206010, napersettlement.org.

ADVENTURE JOURNALS. Create

a pocketed scrapbook to collect thoughts, souvenirs and mementos. Free with museum admission.

11:15 a.m. daily. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy

DAILY ACTIVITIES. Meet the animals, view public milking demonstrations, take a tour and listen to stories about farm life. Come for an activity and stay for a sweet treat at the old-fashioned soda fountain.

Wagner Farm & Heritage Center, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. (847) 6571506, glenviewparks.org.

ORGANIC GARDEN. Children can plant, weed, water and more in the garden, maintained by The Organic Gardener. Check website for schedule. Westfield Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie.

(847) 674-7070, westfield.com/ oldorchard.

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Time for SOME FUN

Imagination Movers brings magical musical experience to Chicago

T

he Imagination Movers are a combination of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Blue Man Group for families.

Kids and adults alike love their silly, catchy songs. When the Movers rock out the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Aug. 23, you won’t want to miss the flying toilet paper and vortex cannons.

The Emmy-award winning Imagination Movers, four friends from New Orleans—Rich, Scott, Smitty and Dave—really get kids. Betwe Between een them, they have 10, ages 2 to 16. We recently got to chat with these humble, humorous fellows fellows. s.

How ow was the process of developing ping your latest album?

Scott: Our fans partnered with ith us to make this album through hrough a PledgeMusic campaign. ampaign. They went through hrough the whole recording g process with us, even helping elping name the album.

“Licensed Licensed to Move” is a tip off the hat to the Beastie Boys’ oys’ “Licensed to Ill.” Rich: We’ve written close ose to 200 songs across our ur nine albums an aand d developed eveloped 75 eepisodes pisodes forr our Disneyy Junior show, how, but creating this his album was the he most fun. Itt was as the first time wee used an old school, hool, big fancy ncy recording g studio. We caught aught the rock ock and roll spirit. pirit.

What is it like to experience a Movers concert?

Rich: It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, specifical specifically a ly designed for families to come together. We try to create the world’s coolest interactive concert—musicians playing live music, breaking guitar strings, breaking drumsticks and breaking a

sweat. It’s a magical live music swe experience. expe Dave: We make it fun for the Da whole family. We’ll see older who siblings with their arms crossed sibli when they get there, jumping whe around by the end of the show. arou We get moms and dads to participate, too. At our shows, dads ticip are doing the robot or batting balloons in the air. It’s a special ballo memory for the whole family. mem Smitty: We enjoy the connecSm tion that music creates between our fans and ourselves. A lot of families make posters for the fam shows. We try to find them in show the audience, take pictures and sign them, if we can.

Wha message do you hope to What send to children?

Rich: The Movers motto is Ri “Reach high, think big, work “Rea hard, have fun.” One of the hard things I’m most proud of as a thin Mover is to show children you Mov can have an idea, work really

hard, do the tiny stuff required to make that dream into a reality and create your own life.

Dream and do the work.

Dave: Blaze your own path.

Have fun. Don’t give up. Pick up a musical instrument and express yourself.

Scott: You can challenge kids or you can pacify them. We try to do the former.

What’s the next phase of the Imagination Movers experience?

Rich: We’re in development now with an animation company on a show called “Super Movers.” The Movers are a rock band with super powers that we use to help others.

Scott: The underlying message is that everybody has the power to be a superhero— whether it’s being super kind, a super big brother or a super dancer.

Cortney Fries

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Back-to-School Education Guide // special advertising section SUBURBS Alcuin Montessori School

Alcuin Montessori offers a crosscurricular learning environment, for ages 0-14, balancing academic and emotional intelligence. Featuring: An Excellent Montessori Curriculum: Spanish, Art/Theater, Gym/Swim, Before/After Care 324 North Oak Park Avenue (708) 366-1882 alcuin.org

Alta Vista Montessori School Over 17 years of excellence in Montessori Education!!

1850 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville (847) 918-1621 altavistamontessori.com

American School 2200 East 170th Street, Lansing 708-418-2800 www.americanschool.org American School offers accredited high school courses and diploma programs in online and paper-based formats at a cost students and parents can afford.

Ascension School

Rooted in Catholic teaching and philosophy Ages 3 - 8th grade.

601 VanBuren, Oak Park (708) 434-1523 Ascension-School.com

Avery Coonley School

Pre-K ~ 8th grade independent school for academically gifted students.

1400 Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 averycoonley.org

Baker Demonstration School Nationally recognized for excellence in progressive education Ages 2-8th Grade 201 Sheridan Road, Wilmette (847) 425-5800 bakerdemschool.org

Brehm Preparatory School A boarding school for students with complex learning disabilities Grades 6th-12th and Post Secondary Program 950 S. Brehm Lane, Carbondale (618) 457-0371 www.brehm.org

1095 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield (847) 470-6700 CJHS.org

Christ Our Savior Catholic School 900 E. 154th Street, South Holland (708) 333-8173 ChristOurSaviorCatholicSchool.org COS incorporates a blended learning technological curriculum along with project based learning/exploratory enrichment classes all in a Christ centered environment. Spanish, Music, Art, Gym

College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn (630) 942-2380 cod.edu College of DuPage, with more than 29,000 students, offers a choice of 76 associate degrees and 167 certificates.

Countryside Montessori School

Respect, Responsibility, Resourcefulness. From 18 months to 8th Grade 1985 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook (847) 498-1105 countrysidemontessori.org

Fusion Academy

Fusion is a revolutionary one-to-one private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock student potential and allow them to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically.

Western Suburbs (866) 526-6705 FusionAcademy.com

The Gardner School

It’s all about caring.

Award winning, academically focused, ages 6wks - 5 years Naperville (630) 657-5029 Glenview-Northbrook (847) 770-6260 Oak Brook (630) 576-4740 thegardnerschool.com

Glenview Methodist Preschool

Holy Cross School

learning experience for students from Preschool through High School. Some of the smallest class sizes among the top schools in Illinois.

2153 W. 111th St., Chicago (773) 881-6700 MorganParkAcademy.org

Jerusalem Lutheran School

Moraine Valley Community College

Award-winning Catholic education in a caring community of faith and achievement.

720 Elder Lane, Deerfield (847) 945-0135 holycrossdeerfield.org Christian Education, High Standards, PreK - 8 6218 Capulina Ave., Morton Grove (847) 965-4750

Kensington School

For over 45 years, Kensington School has created joyful, nurturing environments for infants through school age children utilizing project based learning and comprehensive, academic curriculum.

Elmhurst, Geneva, LaGrange, LaGrange Highlands, Naperville, South Naperville, St. Charles, Western Springs, Wheaton (630) 990-8000 kensingtonschool.com

Kiddie Academy

Life Essentials curriculum meets and often exceeds state standards 2201 Main Street, Batavia (630) 761-4500 kiddieacademy.com/batavia 540 W. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook (630) 679-9400 kiddieacademy.com/bolingbrook 112 Tay River, Carpentersville (847) 844-8600 kiddieacademy.com/Carpentersville Naperville (630) 416-8000 13703 South Route 59, Plainfield (800) 554-3343 kiddieacademy.com/plainfield 1040 S. Sutton, Streamwood (630) 497-0200 720 Cog Circle, Crystal Lake (815) 893-6315 kiddieacademy.com/academies/ crystal-lake

Lake Forest Academy

Celebrating our 50th year of excellence in preschool education 727 Harlem Avenue, Glenview (847) 729-3606 glenviewmethodistpreschool.com

A coeducational, independent, boarding and day school serving grades 9-12 1500 West Kennedy Road, Lake Forest (847) 615-3267 lfanet.org

Programs for infants through private kindergarten, plus School’s OUT camps.

Locations across Chicagoland.

Call or visit us online to find the school nearest you.

(877) 624-4532 brighthorizons.com/ ChicagoParent15

Good Shepherd Lutheran School

The Learning Experience® (TLE®)

Academic Achievement in a Christian Setting Preschool-8th 525 63rd Street, Downers Grove (630) 852-5081 gsdg.org

One of the nation’s fastest growing academies of early education for children ages six weeks to five years old.

Aurorail.tlechildcare.com

Chiaravalle Montessori

Grace Lutheran School

(Primary school campus) Grades PreK – 5, extended care 5525 N. Magnolia (Middle school campus) Grades PreK and 6,7,8 6216 N. Glenwood (773) 271-4310 northsidecatholic.org

Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool

Big Dreams Start Young PreK-8th Grade 425 Dempster St, Evanston (847) 864-2190 Chiaravalle.org

Chicagoland Jewish High School

A fully accredited college preparatory Jewish high school in Deerfield

Preschool through eighth grade.

Experienced, committed faculty.

Music, fine arts and foreign language instruction. Competitive athletics.

After-school care and enrichment 7300 W. Division, River Forest (708) 366-6900 graceriverforest.org/school

Northside Catholic Academy

Morgan Park Academy

Provides an engaging, personal

Changing lives for a changing world Quality, affordable education. Take classes at our main campus in Palos Hills or an extension site in Tinley Park and Blue Island.

9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills (708) 974-2110 MoraineValley.edu

Pope John XXIII School

Providing an excellent Catholic education in a small, caring and diverse community.

1120 Washington, Evanston (847) 475.5678 popejohn23.org

Quest Academy

Independent day school, gifted and talented students prechool-8th 500 N. Benton, Palatine (847) 202-8035 questacademy.org

River Forest Community Center

Early Childhood Learning Center 8020 Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 rfcc.info

Ronald Knox Montessori School

Fostering a lifelong love of learning for over 50 years!

Serving children 6 months-6 years old.

2031 Elmwood Avenue, Wilmette (847) 256-2922 ronaldknox.org

Roycemore School

Celebrating 100 years of college prep education - Proud history, inspired future.

Pre-K - Grade 12 1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org

St. Catherine Laboure School A PK-8th grade Catholic school united by scholastic achievement, Catholic values, and lifelong learning.

3425 Thornwood Ave, Glenview (847) 724-2240 www.sclschool-glenview.org

St. Joseph School

National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Full Day Program for Preschool 3-8th Grade Before & Afterschool Care Scholarships Available 529 Madison Street, Lockport (815) 838-8173 www.stjoeschool.com

St. Nicholas of Tolentine School

Focused on Faith, Academics, Fine Arts, and Community. Critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration

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special advertising section // skills are nurtured and fostered from preschool through eighth grade.

Principal: Mariagnes Menden 3741 W. 62nd Street, Chicago (773) 735-0772 stnicksschool.com

Science & Arts Academy

Science & Arts Academy is an independent day school for gifted students in Junior Kindergarten - 8th grade. Attend our Open House on November 14th at 1:00pm to learn more.

The Gifted Choice ® 1825 Miner Street, Des Plaines (847) 827-7880 scienceandartsacademy.org

CITY Alcott College Prep High School 2957 N. Hoyne Ave., Chicago (773) 534-5970 alcottcollegeprep.net We are committed to academic and personal growth for every student through a rigorous curriculum and differentiated instruction.

Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts

Dr. Megan Stanton-Anderson, Principal Grades PreK - 8, extended care 1439 W. Wellington Ave.,Chicago (773) 348-4629 www.alphonsusacademy.org

The Ancona School

Pre-K thru Grade 8 A 21st Century progressive education school serving Pre-K thru 8th grade, featuring a Montessori early childhood program. Open Houses and Admissions Coffees/tours begin in Oct 4770 South Dorchester Ave., Chicago (773) 924-2356 anconaschool.org

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools

Preschool – 12th grade 243 elementary and high schools in Chicago and suburbs serving preschool thru 12th grade. Nationally students lead in graduation rates, and attending college.

(312) 534-5250 schools.archchicago.org

Augustus Tolton Catholic Academy 7120 S. Calumet Ave. , Chicago (773) 224-3811 www.toltonacademy.org The first elementary school in the Archdiocese of Chicago to implement a STREAM curriculum. A focus on Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts, and Math.

Bennett Day School 657 W. Fulton, Chicago (312) BENNETT (236-6388) www.bennettday.org Where students and teachers collaborate to construct learning together.

A progressive PreK to 8th Grade independent school.

Back-to-School Education Guide

Black Bear Academy 1801 West Byron Avenue, Chicago Grades Served: 18 months - 6 yrs. Old 773-244-0700 Pre Academic/Academic Programs: Half day and Full day, Low student/ teacher ratio, Highly educated staff, Music, Theater, Art, Foreign Language, and more! www.blackbearacademy.com

Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool

Programs for infants through private kindergarten, plus School’s OUT camps.

Locations across Chicagoland.

Call or visit us online to find the school nearest you.

(877) 624-4532 brighthorizons.com/ChicagoParent15

British International School of Chicago Preschool 814 W. Eastman St., Chicago (773) 506-2097 nordangliaeducation.com

British International School of Chicago, South Loop

BISC delivers differentiated, acclaimed and authentically international curricula to a diverse community of learners, ages 3-18, proudly under one roof in the vibrant South Loop. admissions@bischicagosl.org 161 West 9th Street, Chicago (773) 998-BISC bischicagosl.org

Bubbles Academy

Your child’s home from birth thru 5, providing early childhood arts enrichment, school preparation, parent perks, and preschool. Accepting enrollments for new membership programs now!

1504 N Fremont, Chicago (312) 944-7677 bubblesacademy.com

Catherine Cook School

Preschool - 8th Grade Nurturing, technology-rich environment inspiring personal excellence and community values 226 W. Schiller Street, Chicago (312) 266-3381 catherinecookschool.org

Chicago Friends School

Progressive education in a nurturing environment 1246 W. Thorndale Avenue, Chicago (773) 442-2371 ChicagoFriendsSchool.org info@ChicagoFriendsSchool.org

Chicago Grammar School

PreK thru 8th grade Critical thinking and cultural literacy through rigorous classical curriculum combined with creative progressive practices. Open House: Oct. 22, Nov. 10, Dec. 9 6:00-7:30 PM 900 N. Franklin St., Chicago (312) 944-5600 chicagogrammar.org

Concordia Place

Concordia Place provides NAEYC accredited and licensed children’s

programs including Early Learning for children six weeks to 36 months and Preschool for children three to five years.

3300 N. Whipple Ave, Chicago (773) 463-1600 3855 N. Seeley Ave., Chicago (773) 935-3739 concordiaplace.org

Detour 2 Discovery Day School

2001 South Wabash Ave., Chicago (312) 949-CARE (2273) www.detour2discovery.com 6 weeks to 6 years. A learning community with the lowest overall child-to-staff ratios within small intimate classes!

Duncan Kids Academy

Enroll Now. 6 weeks to 6 years old.

1144 West Madison Street, Chicago (773) 739.KIDS (5437) DuncanKidsAcademy.com

A Fairytale Ballet & Academy Lakeview, Bucktown & Evanston 1.5yrs - 16yrs Fairytale Ballet Classes (1.5-6yrs) incorporate literature with costumes & props each week. Academy level (6yr+) advanced training includes education of classical ballets. Tap & Birthdays too! www.AFairytaleBallet.com

Francis W. Parker School

Serving Junior Kindergarten through 12 Grade 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5107 fwparker.org Parker is a school where inspired teachers, dynamic curriculum and a diverse community of learners thrive.

Register for an Open House event at fwparker.org.

Frances Xavier Warde School Admissions Information Night – October 8th & 22nd 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. for Preschool through Third grade.

Schedule a school day tour through the FXW School web site Old St. Patrick’s Campus (Preschool – 3rd grade) 120 S. Desplaines St., Chicago Holy Name Cathedral Campus (4th grade – 8th grade) 751 N. State St., Chicago (312) 268-2558 (Admissions) www.fxw.org

Fusion Academy

Fusion is a revolutionary one-to-one private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock student potential and allow them to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically Downtown Chicago (Near North) (866) 330-9354 North Shore (866) 448-7843 FusionAcademy.com

The Gardner School

It’s all about caring.

Award winning, academically focused, ages 6wks - 5 years West Loop Campus (312) 229-4299 Bucktown

(773) 661-0151 thegardnerschool.com

GEMS World Academy Chicago

Grades JK-12. Now accepting applications.

350 East South Water St., Chicago GEMS World Academy-Chicago offers a strong international and technologyrich curriculum. Now enrolling junior kindergarten to seventh grade, and growing to serve students through Grade 12. gemsworldacademy-chicago.com

Immaculate Conception School 7263 W. Talcott Ave., Chicago Grades Served: PreK(3)-8th grade (773) 775-0545 iccowboys.net We provide a faith--based education that promotes vigorous and relevant learning, to ready our students for college, careers, and the obstacles that they will face as adults.

Kids Work Chicago 2608 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 572-0308

Kids Work Chicago Too 2633 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 747-3200 Devoted to creating a nurturing, stimulating and accepting learning environment that provides children with the tools they need for future happiness and success.

KidsWorkChicago.com

Lakefront Children’s Academy

Pre-K (2 years old) through age 12.

A co-educational independent day school on the near north side of Chicago. Call or email lakefrontacademy@gmail.com for information.

400 E. Randolph St., Suite 6B, Chicago (312) 819-1760 lakefrontchildrensacademy.com

Latin School of Chicago

Pre-K through 12th grade A co-educational independent day school on the near north side of Chicago.

59 W. North Blvd. Chicago (312) 582-6000 www.latinschool.org

Lincoln Park Preschool and Kindergarten Educating children ages 2 -6 108 W. Germania Place; Chicago (312) 482-9009 312 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 665-0110 lppschools.com

Little GEMS International Lincoln Park Little GEMS International is a preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years.

2301 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 361-3532 LittleGEMSInternational/lincolnpark.com

Little Green Tree House

6 weeks to 5 years old Year-round enrollment for all ages 3111 North Ashland Ave., Chicago

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Back-to-School Education Guide // special advertising section (now open) 118 South Ashland Ave., Chicago (312) 492-9876 littlegreentreehouse.com

Lycée Français de Chicago French curriculum & Baccalaureate with an English program Pre-k through 12th grade 613 W. Bittersweet place, Chicago (773) 665-0066 lyceechicago.org

Metropolitan Schoolhouse 1415 N. Dayton Chicago Grades Served: K-12 MetropolitanSchoolhouse.com At Metropolitan Schoolhouse, differentiated learning is taken to a new level by recognizing and nurturing the unique abilities and talents of each student.

Montessori Academy of Chicago

6 weeks - 12 yrs old Top rated care in activity based learning environments.

1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 828-0907 montessoriacademychicago.org

The Nicholson School

Learning through the power of play in environments where children feel safe and confident.

1700 West Cortland Street,Chicago (312) 493-6044 novellanicholsonschool.org

Northside Catholic Academy 6216 N. Glenwood (Primary school campus) Grades PreK – 5, extended care 5525 N. Magnolia (Middle school campus) Grades PreK and 6,7,8 (773) 271-4310 Start your child’s path to great learning and discovery at Northside Catholic Academy. We offer a challenging, diversified curriculum within a nurturing environment for grades PK-8. northsidecatholic.org

Park View Montessori School Toddler (2-3 yrs), Preschool (3-6 yrs); full or half day progamming 39 years inspiring children to reach their highest potential using the Montessori philosophy 640 W. Irving Park, Chicago (773) 477-6122 Chicagomontessori.com

Queen of Angels School 2013 Blue Ribbon Award winner Julia Byrns Kelly, Principal Grades PreK (3 yrs.) - 8, extended care 4520 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 769-4211 queenofangelschicago.org

Resurrection College Prep High School 7500 W. Talcott, Chicago 60656 www.reshs.org Grades: 9-12 Open Houses: Thursday, October 26 at 6:30 pm and Sunday, November 8 at 2 pm; Shadow Days, Academic and Athletic events for junior high students.

Rogers Park Montessori

Building a strong and fulfilling academic foundation for life.

Ages 2-14, Toddler - Middle School 1800 W. Balmoral, Chicago (773) 271-1700 RPMSchool.org

Sacred Heart Schools

Independent, Catholic, Single Gender, Coed Campus, K-8, Extended Care Mr. Nat Wilburn, Head of Schools 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 681-8436 shschicago.org

Saint Andrew School

A 2013 Blue Ribbon school Grades PreK-8th Allen Ackermann, Principal 1710 West Addison, Chicago (773) 248-2500 GoSaintAndrew.com

St. Benedict Preparatory School

Chicago’s Only PK-12 Coed Parish School Grades Served: PreK- Grade 12 Rachel Gemo, CEO 3900 N Leavitt Street, Chicago (773) 539-0066 www.stbenedict.com

St. Clement School Melissa Dan, Principal Grades PreK – 8, extended care 2524 N. Orchard, Chicago (773) 348-8212 stclementschool.org

St. Chrysostom’s Day School Superior early childhood education with our developmentally appropriate programs for children ages 2-5. Most teachers have Master’s Degrees in Early Childhood Education or Child Development 1424 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago (312) 642-3422 saintcdayschool.org

St. James Lutheran 2101 N. Fremont St. , Chicago Grades: PreK-8th St. James Lutheran School educates the whole child by offering inquiry-based learning with a Christian world view to students in preschool - eighth grade. www.stjames-lutheran.org

St. Jerome Catholic School 2801 S. Princeton, Chicago (312) 842-7668 www.stjeromeschool.net Leader in Education for 92 Years!

Preschool - 8th Grade registration ongoing.

Appreciate all St. Jerome can offer your child because great beginnings last a lifetime!

St. John’s Lutheran School Douglas Markworth, Principal Grades PreK (3 yrs.) – 8 4939 W. Montrose Avenue, Chicago (773) 736-1196 Preparing your child for the top high schools! Foreign languages, music, phys-ed, extracurricular activities, extended care, computer and science

labs, playgrounds, bowling alley, and library.

StJohnsChicago.org

St. Josaphat School

Grades PreK - 8 2245 N. Southport, Chicago (773) 549-0909 Low student-teacher ratio, individualized instruction, rigorous core curriculum integrated with technology, foreign language, music, art, P.E., athletic teams, honors, offcampus retreats, enrichment classes stjosaphat.net

St. Margaret Mary’s

Grades: PreK-8th 7318 N. Oakley, Chicago 773-764-0641 St. Margaret Mary is dedicated to academic excellence and is committed to developing the whole child, spiritually, academically and socially.

Smmchicago.org

St. Mary of the Woods School 6959 N. Hiawatha Ave. Chicago (773).763-7577 Preschool-8th grade SMOW is a National Blue Ribbon school that provides a Catholic education to advance the academic, spiritual, physical and social growth of students.

1:1 iPad in grades 6-8; variety of sports and enrichment programs.

St. Philip Lutheran

Preschool to 8th Grade Come visit us at our open houses on: Tuesday, August 5, 6pm -8pm Sunday, Sept. 7, 11:30am - 2pm 2500 West Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago (773) 561-9830 StPhilipLutheran.com

St. William School

Spiritual Welcoming Successful Mrs. Peggy Forgione, Principal Grades: PreK(3&4)-8th 2559 N. Sayre Ave., Chicago (773) 637-5130 stwilliamschool.org

Smiling Strings 5249A N. Elston, Chicago Grades: Pre-K- High School Music lessons at Foster/Elston location serving Chicago’s north side and surrounding suburbs. Suzuki strings, guitar, keyboard, & early childhood music classes. Professional staff w/ music degrees.

SmilingStrings.com

Sonnets Academy Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, River North, West Loop & Hyde Park 6 Weeks - 6 Years of Age Offering a caring educational environment where play becomes learning. Make the most of your child’s early years by giving your infant, toddler or preschooler an education designed to help them grow socially, emotionally and academically. www.SonnetsAcademy.com

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

(773) 702-9451 www.ucls.uchicago.edu admissions@ucls.uchicago.edu Co-educational independent day school that is home to the youngest members of the University of Chicago’s academic community

FOREIGN LANGUAGE Intercultural Montessori

Dual-Language Montessori education for ages 3-12. Your choice of Chinese Mandarin/English; Spanish/English; Japanese/English Historic Oak Park (708) 848-6626 Chicago’s West Loop (312) 265-1514 interculturalmontessori.org

Lycée Français de Chicago French curriculum & Baccalaureate with an English program Pre-k through 12th grade 613 W. Bittersweet place, Chicago (773) 665-0066 lyceechicago.org

TUTORING/ENRICHMENT Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University

Program sites at Northwestern and throughout Chicago Supplemental enrichment and accelerative programs and resources for academically gifted students, age 4 - grade 12.

(847) 491-3782 ctd.northwestern.edu

DePaul University School of Music/Community Music Division) Music instruction for all ages in a university setting 804 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 325-7262 Music.depaul.edu/cmd

Eye Level

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Join our Community Social 8/11/15. Take a tour today. Ask about one week of free tuition.

Ages 6 weeks to 12 years. www.kindercare.com

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To find the center serving you: (844) GOT-MATH Mathnasium.com/chicagoland

Nursery 3 year olds - Grade 12 1362 E. 59th Street, Chicago

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

ARLINGTON INTERNATIONAL Racecourse Family mily Days 1-5 p.m. Sundays through Labor bor Day $8, $3 kids on 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights rk.

(847) 385-7500; arlingtonpark. com

Jockey for a day

T

hanks to American Pharoah’s historic Triple Crown, horse-racing fervor has reached a fever pitch. But you don’t have to go to Churchill Downs for the full racetrack experience. Our own Arlington International Racecourse (more more commonly mmonly known as Arlington Park) rk) features heart-in-your-throat hea eart-in-your-throat live rracing, as well as Family Days ys that appeal to even the youngest ungest equestrian enthusiasts. enthu thusiasts.

Every Sunday, the Junior Jun Jockey Zone includes activities es like a petting pett zoo, pony rides, face painting and bouncy h houses, as well as musical perfornd b ho mances—Istvan nces—Istvan & H His Imaginary Band play Aug. 9— 9—and appearances earances by b partner organizations like

FireZone (Aug. 16), Museum of Science & Industry ustry (Aug. 23) and The Chicago Wolves (Aug. 9).

And if you need a little incentive to get your ur kids excited about going back to school, Aug. 30 includes a school supply drive and photo ops racecourse’s mascot, Arli. (Hey, it’s p with th the racecou worth wor th a shot.)

Food od is available to buy or you can bring a picnic (fam (families families are allowed one cooler each; website for restrictions) to enjoy at tables check heck webs les way, you won’t situated right off the track. That w si on’t of the thrilling race down miss even a moment o m wn the homestretch.

After all, you never know when you’ll glimpse pse the he flying hooves of the next historic horse.

Elizabeth Diffin

136 August 2015 ChicagoPa ChicagoParent.com arent.com

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