Gold medal fun
AUGUST 2016
| FREE
CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES
Ready set. . . school
176
THINGS TO DO
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Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders
British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park offers an innovative and international education for children ages 2-11 years old amidst a global community of learners. Our experienced faculty deliver personalized learning that ensures every child reaches their potential, explores their passions and gains a global perspective. A challenging academic program complemented by a values driven approach prepares our students for our secondary school program in a nurturing and primary school focused environment.
Our unique grade structure provides facilities and leadership opportunities that can only be experienced in our environment, inluding our collaborations with the Juilliard School and MIT. BISC Lincoln Park students have confidence and problem solving skills that give them a distinct advantage as they progress through their education and on to their journey through life.
Visit our Fall Open House! November 13, 2016 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. | www.bischicagolp.org
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#goforthegold Believe. Achieve. Succeed.
While safety is our #1 priority, we know that swimming lessons can be so much more. If you want your child to #goforthegold, sign them up for lessons at Goldfish and watch them shine! Stay in the pool this summer to keep building skills and avoid regression Year-round lessons help children learn to swim and be safer in the water at a much faster pace Our proven curriculum builds confidence in kids ages 4 months to 12 years Swim by Goldfish for a FREE Family Swim! Call your nearest location to schedule your swim today!
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Ready for school and beyond. At Bright Horizons, we provide an exceptional place for children to thrive. Our individualized, flexible curriculum, enrichment programs and spaces, and experienced teachers inspire children at every age and stage.
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Now Accepting Registrations for the 2016-17 School Year LEARN MORE Call: (877) 624-4532 Visit Us Online: www.brighthorizons.com/CPFall16
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Ask about our wonderful infant program! *Lincoln Park Preschool Room opening soon!*
Lakeview 3111 N. Ashland, Chicago IL 60657 West Loop 118 S. Ashland, Chicago IL 60607 Lincoln Park 1929 N. Halsted, Chicago IL 60614 Evanston 2017! g n i C om 2814 Central Street, Evanston IL 60201
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GET AHEAD Start college in high school Dual Credit
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Benefits of Dual Credit • Students experience reduced college costs with tuition-free courses. • Students engage in college curriculum and coursework. • Students enhance abilities and skills to do college-level work and gain confidence for college success. • Students have access to College of DuPage resources.
4 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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contents IN THIS ISSUE 13
BEST IN CHI
14
MY PERFECT CT SUNDAY SUN NDAY AY
16
INSIDE VOICE CE
19
GET OUT OF TOWN
21
FAILING WITH TH GUSTO
Tips for watching the Chicago Air and Water Show A day in the e norther northern rn burb burbs bs Four ways to o soak up up eater thiss summer theater month #LoveIndy: 72 hours in the Circle City ity
On a brake
46 24
REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES
The class list 73
AUGUST 2016 | VOLUME 32 | NO. 8
FEATURES YMPIC FAMILY 28 OL FEVER
176 THINGS TO DO
Don’t do August without our award-winning calendar by your side
ON THE COVER
10 ways to celebrate the Rio 2016 summer games
Gold medal fun
, SET .... 31 READY SCHOOL
AUGUST 2016
| FREE
CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES
It’s almost time for the new school year and we can help you get ready
Ready set. . . school
Kick off the new school prepared, organized and ready
176
THINGS TO DO
Five things parents can do to help their kids thrive
Cover kids: Triplets Ralu Uzokwe, Amaka Uzokwe and DumDum Uzokwe, 6, of Oak Park
Homework without tears The nightmare teacher: 6 ways to get through the year
Photography: Thomas Kubik/TK Photography Design: Claire Innes
Ready to rock kindergarten: How to prepare your child for the big step
New year, old IEP: Simple ideas to make this year a big success
First day feelings 2.0
Plus great snacks and products
Clothes provided by Appaman, shoes provided by Plae (details on page 31) Photo shot at the Oak Park Public Library ChicagoParent.com August 2016 7
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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED
Nature never ends When a tree turns bare and dies in your neighborhood, it will probably be cut down and taken away. But if a tree dies in the forest, it’s a chance for more life to begin. New kinds of insects and other organisms quickly move into a dead tree and start consuming the wood. They soon catch the eye of other animals looking for food. Insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers, wrens, nuthatches, and swallows love dead trees, nesting in holes and cracks. Owls and bats like hollow trees, too. They lie low during the day and come out at dusk to spend the night hunting. Among the things that live in dead wood are millions of bacteria so small you can’t see them. There are fungi that intertwine long, slender fibers like a huge hidden spider’s web. Where you see mushrooms in or near a dead tree, you know fungi are at work, breaking down the wood. Over time, the wood becomes soft, brown, and powdery. It falls to the ground where it enriches the soil for trees and other plants. When a tree falls, it often opens up a space in the forest where the sunlight, no longer blocked by leaves, can reach the soil. Soon, a new seedling sprouts in the light, nourished by the soil enriched by dead trees. The circle of tree life begins again.
So long summer I’m not sure about you and your family, but I don’t feel nearly ready to send my girls back to school this year. Summer just started, didn’t it? Yet, it must be that time of year because in a blink of an eye, the back-to-school products started elbowing colorful pool noodles out of the way. Just the other day while TAMARA L. shopping for sandals, I got a $10 off O’SHAUGHNESSY coupon from Famous Footwear for back-to-school shoes. Sigh. I’m probably resisting the idea of the new school year because this summer I really enjoyed seeing actually empty spaces on the giant dry-erase wall calendar that keeps my busy family organized. I know that come the start of school, those empty calendar spots go away and my dining room again becomes cluttered with backpacks, errant mechanical pencils, laptop computers and more shoes than two girls can ever wear. Still, as the pages of this month’s issue started coming together, my excitement started building over the possibilities that a new school year always brings. From homework without tears to dealing with a teacher with a bad rep, you’ll find plenty of tips from other Chicago parents and experts to help you make this a great new school year. This fall, we’ll also unveil a series of new education newsletters and some really exciting education summits to help you even more. Bring it on, new school year.
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, Ilinois 60532 mortonarb.org • 630-968-0074 8 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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CONTRIBUTORS
What we love most about August EDITOR
Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR
Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR
Jackie McGoey ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Emily Adams INTERN
Lanie Maresh ART DIRECTOR
Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS
Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER
Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Matt Boresi, Danielle Braff, Megan Murray Elsener, Keely Flynn, Caitlin Murray Giles, Lisa Katzenberger, Natalie Rompella, Marianne Walsh, Jennifer Wood, Shannan Younger
The unstructured and unscheduled days of summer fun before the back-toschool routine and chaos returns. Megan Murray Elsener
Trying to squeeze in all the summer activities our family didn’t get around to! Seems like we’re always saving the best for last. Lisa Katzenberger
What I love most about August is the buzzing sound of the cicadas on a hot day. It’s as if they’re singing a farewell-tosummer song. Natalie Rompella
I love August because it means back to school. Shopping for school supplies delights me, and the new academic year feels like a fresh start. Shannan Younger
DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES
Annette Coffee, Christine Griffith, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER
Philip Soell
ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER
Andrew Mead
ADVERTISING DESIGN
Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER
Jill Wagner DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR
Caleb Thusat
BUSINESS MANAGER
Joyce Minich
CREDIT MANAGER
Laurie Myers PUBLISHER
Dan Haley 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
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Our commitment to the liberal arts challenges the ordinary. CGS students enjoy and thrive in an environment that nurtures curiosity, develops academic proficiency, and inspires personal virtue and wisdom.
Chicago Grammar School 900 N. Franklin, Chicago IL 60610 312.944.5600 www.chicagogrammar.org 10 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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ON THE WEB
Back-to-school buzz
Giveaways ga lore
Before you begin your B TS shopping, h ead to our C ontests page to win a $50 gift ca rd from Target! T And if you’r e looking to hold on to summer a little longer, we’ve teamed up w ith some of the best ho otels in the city and ‘bu rbs to givve away ex clusive stayca tion paackages, in cluding one from Faiirmont Ch icago (Psst! Fans of Finding Dor y won’t wan t to miss this.). Pllus, enter to fourr-pack, va win a CityPASS lid Musseum, Sky at The Field deck Chicag o and The Art Inst itute. We al so have tickettss to se e Pete’s Dra gon and more.
at ChicagoParent.com
F
or some of you, the he lazy days of summer are re slowly coming to an end,, and it’s time to start thinking king about notebooks, pencilss and calculators again.
Hit the books JACKIE MCGOEY
From fresh ideas for lunch ch to tips for stressfree mornings (Yes, they do o exist!), we’ve pulled together everything ing you need ed d to t k know tto make k th the transition back to school a smooth one. Visit bit.ly/ CPBacktoSchool hool for all the deets.
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BOOK SMART & LIFE SMART From preschool through 8th grade our engaged students learn to make good decisions. Nurtured in a climate of creativity and computational thinking, they explore problem solving in fresh and useful ways. They graduate as empathetic, culturally competent students able to confidently adapt to an ever-changing world.
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12 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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u 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 20-21 u chicagoairand watershow.us
Summer soars high
Y
ou don’t have to be sad to see August arrive; there’s enough time to squeeze in one last summer extravaganza thanks to the 58th annual Chicago Air and Water Show. With returning acts such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the F-35 Heritage Flight soaring through for the first time this year, the Air and Water Show is one of Chicago’s most popular free events. But it can get a bit hectic, especially for families with little ones. Mary May, from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, shares
three tips to help make your experience smooth sailing (or flying) from start to finish.
1
Travel smart Public transportation is definitely recommended to avoid traffic hassles. But if you’re coming from the suburbs, park at the Millennium Park Garage. It has $35 all-day parking and a free shuttle to North Avenue Beach.
2
Avoid the crowds Since all of the action takes place at North Avenue Beach, be sure to plan ahead. Many spectators arrive early to
stake out their spot and it gets crowded fast. If you plan on coming later in the afternoon or just want to avoid the craziness, you can still get a great view along the Lakefront from Oak Street Beach to Fullerton.
3
Have a back-up plan If the kids are excited for the show but it’s just too hot to hit the sand, don’t panic. Tune into WBBM 780 or 105.9FM to hear a broadcast of the event. Or view the livestream at cbschicago.com/airshow for complete coverage of the show. Lanie Maresh
Best in Chi
Chicago Air and Water Show
ChicagoParent.com August 2016 13
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MY PERFECT SUNDAY
A day in the northern burbs
A place to play Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1750 Techny Road, Northbrook With nearly 110 acres of space to play, everyone in the family easily will find a way to while away the afternoon. Four ball diamonds, six batting cages, fishing stations, c a playground, plenty of picnic areas and a ninehole golf course are just the beginning.
T
here’s something about Sundays, you know? Growing up, Saturdays were errand days for my family. We’d get through our list of groceries, the post office, visiting a long-lost aunt. Sundays, though: Sundays were for fun with a side of lazy. This has carried over to my adult life, and my son knows it. Saturday evenings he asks, “Is it still the weekend?” When I tell him yes, that we’ve got one more day, his eyes become bright. He knows there’s something about Sundays. Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a Sunday. A place to eat Salsa 17, 17 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights My Arlington Heights peeps kept telling me about this place before I finally
stopped in for a margarita … whiskey sour … sangria … anyway. Stay for apps and dinner, too—especially the tableside guacamole.
727 Harlem Avenue, Glenview ph. 847-729-3606 e-mail gmps65@yahoo.com glenviewmethodistpreschool.com Director: Karen Coan Glenview Methodist Preschool is a NAEYC-accredited, nondenominational, play-based, early childhood program providing a safe and nurturing environment for all young children on the path to autonomy. GMPS received the Gold Circle of Quality through “ExceleRate Illinois” and has openings in the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s classes for the 2016-17 school year. Contact us for more information or to schedule a tour as you consider joining our GMPS family.
8/31/16.
(847) 619-1900
14 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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MY PERFECT SUNDAY
A place to gr grab a treat Graeter’s, 1 1347 Shermer Road, Northbrook The “Fren “French pot process” of ice-cream making makes this downtown Northbrook shop is what mak visit. Fresh local dairy, in-season fruit worth a vis amazing little chocolate chunks make their and amazi some crazy good ice cream. Grab a way into so cone and head across the street to the con co Village Green, basically my favorite V park ever. p A place for thrills Hidden Creek AquaPark, 1220 Fredrickson Place, Highland Park How does a nearly 30-foot drop slide sound? (Hint: amazing.) Feel your stomach suspend in mid-air before relaxing with the little ones in the zero-depth entry pool plus a water playground. An onsite cafe serves up more than just burgers and hot dogs; s; try a turkey wrap or a salad. A place for a rainy day Rockin’ Jump, 950 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove If you’ve taken your kids to an indoor trampoline park, you know it’s a one-way ticket to an early bedtime (#goals). An openjump arena, dodgeball “field,” foam pit and slam-dunk zone will keep kids active no matter what’s happening outside. Katie Niekerk What does your perfect Sunday look like? Tell us at chiparent@chicagoparent.com and we may feature you and your family.
Mom to one, Katie Niekerk is a marketing copywriter by day, worker-outer whenever possible and valiant lover of top 40 hits.
ChicagoParent.com August 2016 15
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INSIDE VOICE
Soak up summer theater
I
KEELY FLYNN
t ain’t over ’til it’s over, and the season for outdoor revelry certainly hasn’t yet rolled up the welcome mat. Here are four of our favorite picks for enjoying the kid-friendly arts scene during what’s arguably Chicagoland’s best season.
Broadway in Chicago Summer Concert What happens when Broadwayy musical lovers join forces with Millennium Park lovers? Multi-octave magic, pure and simple. Where else can you get a sneak peek of the show tunes that’ll be overloading your iPod come autumn while fan-girling (and fan-guying) over the stars themselves? Kids will want to have their magic gic carpets as close as possible for Disney’s Aladdin, while you’ll need prime grooving space once The Bodyguard’s cast (starring R&B sensation Deborah Cox) hits the stage. And a brand spanking new
Peacebook Collaboraction, long known for its social activism and no-holdsbarred brand of theater, is taking to the streets this summer. It will be converging on three Chicago Park District locales with seven world premieres showcased at each spot. Fast-paced blends of theater, dance and spoken word performances (clocking in at under seven minutes each), these free shows will encourage and cultivate throughout a city that peace thr can on only benefit from its smallest citizens doing sma their part, too. th Aug. 12-27 collaboraction.org Free
production of Andrew Lloyd pro Webber’s Phantom of the Opera? Webb might be the only time you’ll This mi hear it sung by thousands of fans in unison. Aug. 15 broadwayinchicago.com Free
Tavern at Little Fort’s “Mr. Dave” Summer Series Any time you mix children’s concerts with a build-your-own mimosa bar, you’ve got the true definition of “family friendly.” Mr. Dave, he of the near-fanatical Wiggleworms fame, invites kids to step lively with his Beer Garden Bear Hunt show at this Northcenter eatery. In between all of that singer/songwriter adoration (because the guy’s got a serious musical pedigree), maybe they’ll take a break for
a Kids’ Menu brunch of mac n’ cheese or mini corn dogs. Meanwhile, between the Breakfast Burger, a Bloody Mary bar and that mimosa station, you’ll be singing a
pretty sweet tune yourself. Aug. 13 littleforttavern.com $8 per person for concert series (Free kids 12 months and under)
Dancin Sprouts at the Chicago Botanic Garden The floral paradise you’ve long enjoyed is a surprisingly wonderful bet for familyfocused evenings, too. Every Wednesday night features a different performer (Duke Otherwise, Leonardo and the Makin’ Waves Band, and Wendy & D.B. and the Band are just a few of the headliners your kids probably already dig). Aug. 10’s show is The Exceptionals, created by Old Town School of Folk Music faculty to accommodate children with sensory differences, with all families welcome. Picnicking before each show is encouraged on the Esplanade and dancing up a storm is downright mandatory. Wednesday evenings in August chicagobotanic.org $25 per parked car, admission/concert series free
16 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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18 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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GET OUT OF TOWN
Day 1 A short walk from Crowne Plaza is Rhythm! Discovery Center (110 W. Washington). This hidden gem (you’ll find it tucked away on the lower level of Circle Centre Mall) is a hands-on, music-making wonderland. Best of all, you can be as loud as you want, so it’s a great opportunity to get out wiggles and shouts after the ride from Chicago. About 25 minutes away, in Zionsville, Trader’s Point Creamery (9101 Moore Road) offers a truly unique family experience. The operating organic dairy farm and artisan creamery
produces 100 percent grassfed products, including beef, milk, yogurt and some of the creamiest ice cream you’ll ever taste. Schedule a tour to explore the pastures and make sure to find time for a live cow milking demo (evenings only). For dinner, The Loft Restaurant is an exquisite example of farm-totable dining. Housed in an on-site barn, originally built in the 1860s and beautifully restored, it’s a perfect landscape to enjoy locallysourced and seasonally-inspired dishes. The staff is wonderful and knowledgeable and will make you and your littles feel right at home.
Day 2
#LoveIndy:
72 hours in The Circle City
I
BY JACKIE McGOEY ndianapolis is a bustling and evergrowing family-friendly destination. A three-hour car ride is all that stands between Chicago families and a long weekend of getting to know and love Indy. Book your stay at Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Downtown-Union Station (123 W. Louisiana), home to the first Union Station in the world. Your choo-chooobsessed kids won’t believe they’re actually sleeping in an authentic Pullman train car. Since it’s conveniently connected to Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indianapolis Convention Center, and just a few blocks from downtown Indy, you’ll be in a prime location to easily access restaurants, entertainment, shopping and more.
Begin the day at the Indianapolis Zoo (1200 W. Washington). The small-but-mighty attraction packs a ton of fun into an easily accessible space. Highlights include coming face-to-face with orangutans, handfeeding giraffes (through October), seeing elephants again (Chicago hasn’t had one since 2010) and wandering in the beautiful White River Gardens, a three-acre botanical garden dreamland. Make your way to downtown Indy for a soulful dinner at Georgia Reese’s Southern Table & Bar ((14 E. Washington). g ) Before heading back to the hotel, snap a photo at the “ndy” statue on the corner of Washington ington and Meridian streets (You become the “I”). Share using the #LoveIndy hashtag.
Day 3 Grab breakfast at Milktooth (534 Virginia rginia Ave.). Then devote the rest of your day to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (3000 N. Meridian ridian St.). Not only will you need that time to make your way through all five floors of the world’s largest children’s ldren’s museum, you’ll want every minute you can get. Opening this month is ‘Doc McStuffins: ins: The Exhibit’ (Aug. 6), the result of a partnership with Disneyy Junior that teaches kids about health and play, and ‘ScienceWorks’ orks’ (Aug. 27), featuring a new multifaceted water table, climbing wall ll and d cave experience. The museum’s End of Day Parade, led by mascot Rex and departing every day at 4:45 p.m. from Level 4 is the perfect celebratory send-off to your Indy weekend adventure. Jackie McGoey is Chicago Parent’s digital editor and mom to two adorable girls.
ChicagoParent.com August 2016 19
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20 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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On a brake
MARIANNE WALSH
It might not have been the cherry-red Ferrari from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, but it was close. For a minivan mom, anyway. It started a few months back when my welltraveled Honda Odyssey began making peculiar noises. They stubbornly persisted despite my belting out “7 Years” at full volume in accompaniment with the radio. I pretended the obnoxious grinding sound was actually coming from whatever car was next to me at red lights.
Truth is expensive. Denial is cheap: u I think Danny’s teeth will straighten out by themselves. u We can totally afford ice hockey. u If something is 70 percent off, that’s like free, right? With nearly 150,000 miles on our minivan, the thought of a fatal diagnosis paralyzed me. My husband, who doesn’t normally drive the minivan, questioned me after a hockey road trip. “Have you noticed your car making noise?” “Noise?” “It sounds like the engine is gargling shrapnel.” “No. I wonder what you did to it.” With a call to our mechanic, there came the frantic search for a loaner car. It took a desperate text to my friend Kathy to see if she could spare one. Hers wasn’t just any car.
It was one of those snazzy Volkswagen Jettas. And she said yes. The first thing I had to figure out was the key. I scratched my head in bewilderment before pressing a tiny silver button that unleashed it with a magician’s grace. What kind of sorcery was this? As I got behind the wheel, a different enchantment took hold. I wasn’t minivan mom. I was JETTA lady. Zipping in and out of traffic without a care in the world, I felt younger. When I pulled up in front of our ice arena to unload several hockey bags (now somewhat smooshed) and related kids, I heard a deep, low whistle. It was not for me, mind you. Hockey people just don’t typically see sexy little Jettas. I discovered a different level of treatment in having
to valet park downtown for an appointment. There was no apology for all the empty Gatorade bottles rolling around inside. The man did not grimace upon entry. He smiled at me. Perhaps if my minivan truly was dead, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing? Ironically, I forgot why I bought a Honda Odyssey. They are like Christmas fruitcakes. They never, ever die. So when Joe called to tell me the crunching noise was due to some issue with the emergency brake and was fully repairable, I was a little disappointed. I liked being Jetta lady. After exorcising the twin demon spirits of putrid hockey bag and pre-teen boy, I dropped off my friend’s car. I knew I was bidding farewell not only to a lifestyle that no longer fit, but to a simpler, easier way of life. The heft of my minivan and all that it entails was never more apparent than when I first slid back into my familiar seat. The smell. The empty Gatorade bottles. And in blue ink, next to where Jack had once parked his kindergarten booster, there was written: I luv mommie. In the words of Ferris Bueller, I am reminded, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Life in Chi
FAILING WITH GUSTO
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VOICE: LISA GOODMAN-HELFAND
The key to a happy marriage And then, this fiasco with a frozen pizza
M
y gravitation toward frivolous items like frozen cookie dough was a sharp contrast to my husband’s knack for precision couponing and stringent adherence to his grocery list. Early on, we agreed the key to a happy marriage was banning me from grocery stores. So I blame him, when four years later, I found myself surrounded by angry customers who were wondering if I escaped from an insane asylum. Normally, I would never have ventured into that Jewel. But I had given birth to my son two weeks earlier and hadn’t slept. Exhaustion, raging postpartum hormones and a husband who magically slept through all the wailing was a perfect recipe for public humiliation. Desperate for a temporary escape, I announced I was going to the grocery store. Alone. He skeptically wrote out a grocery list more detailed than a bomb detonation manual. Just before my breakout, he sealed my doom by handing me a stack of coupons that forced me to stick to his list, down to the appropriate ounce and brand, lest I miss the chance to save 25 cents on a can of soup. Given my four-year hiatus from grocery shopping, finding all my items would have been challenging under optimal circumstances. But in my sleepdeprived state, it took me two hours to navigate the maze-like aisles. I carefully examined each item to ensure it correlated with the specifications of my list and eventually made my way to the checkout. Overflowing carts and impatient shoppers crowded each checkout lane. When it was my turn to unload, I realized I had
accidentally grabbed a frozen veggie pizza instead of a listmandated plain cheese pizza. If I came home with the wrong frozen pizza, my grocery store ban would be reinstated and I’d be chained to my screaming baby 24/7. Mission failure was not an option. I had to exchange that pizza. “I’ll be right back,” I explained to the cashier as I pushed upstream through a pool of irritated customers. I struggled to find the frozen food section and when I did, I found a large man and his cart blocking the pizzas. Feeling bad that I was keeping everyone waiting, I raced back to the checkout area with my new pizza. YIKES! I had no idea which line was mine. In my foggy haze, I tried to recollect what the cashier and bagger had looked like, but could only remember that they were both young men. I pushed my way through the cranky crowd of shoppers. “Excuse me, I’m so sorry!” I apologized as I slammed down my cheese pizza. The confused cashier slowly picked up the pizza and scanned it. “Oh wait, I forgot to give you my coupons,” I said as I handed him my stack. The bewildered teenager took my
You would think someone would’ve said, “Hey! Get to the back of the line!” Nope, I had sufficiently scared everyone by appearing like a crazed lunatic with a rare frozen pizza emergency. coupons and attempted to scan the first one. “Ma’am, this is a coupon for laundry detergent.” “I know, my detergent is in the bag,” I gestured to the paper bags the bagger had already packed up. “Um, ma’am, this is not a coupon for pizza.” “I know, it’s a coupon for my laundry detergent, which is already in the bag.” We went back and forth like this several more times. Had things changed so drastically since I had been grocery shopping? “Um, ma’am … this coupon is for laundry detergent, but you’re only buying a pizza.” The sight of two young men wildly gesturing to me came into my peripheral view. As if in slow motion, I realized that I had just busted my way through the wrong checkout line! I cut ahead of six customers and plopped down a frozen pizza while some guy was in the middle of purchasing his groceries. Yet, not a single customer uttered a word of
protest. You would think someone would’ve said, “Hey! Get to the back of the line!” Nope, I had sufficiently scared everyone by appearing like a crazed lunatic with a rare frozen pizza emergency. In that moment, I was initiated into the M.P.M. (Mortifying Parental Moments) Club. To be a member, you (or your children) have to do something so idiotic that your pre-parenting self would deny knowing you. Since my grocery shopping fiasco, my son and his younger sister have contributed to many more M.P.M.s. I’ve learned to temper the embarrassment with humor and perspective. Perfect parents and children simply don’t exist. Sometimes, we’ve just got to say ‘so what?’ So what if I terrified and delayed dozens of grocery shoppers? The silver lining is my husband still does all the grocery shopping! Lisa Goodman-Helfand is a Highland Park mom and freelance writer who writes about life at comfortableinmythickskin.com.
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VIVA DADDY
Grown-up talk Back to school for your kids means back to talking to your kids’ classmates’ parents. Standing around the playground, waiting for school to end, going to birthday parties—you’re going to log some serious hours talking weather, traffic and the most aggravating parental conversation fall-back: what schools your children will attend in the future. It’s enough to make you hire a nanny to handle all the pick-ups. MATT ROCCO The school situation in Chicago is one of the most aggravating things about living here (easily top three along with red light tickets and that Cubs song by Eddie Vedder). Neighborhood schools are inconsistent (that’s putting it politely), magnets are nearly impossible to get into, private schools have exorbitant tuition and you either navigate those waters through high school or retreat to the suburbs where your soul can wither and die. It’s natural, then, when you’re awkwardly shifting around with the other kids’ folks, to default to that same topic again, ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH and again and again. My daughter Viva’s friends’ parents, like her friends, are all charming and attractive with sparkling wit—we demand nothing less for her. There’s no way they want to drone on about schools all day. And yet, as soon as the conversation stalls, someone pulls that big lever marked “school talk” that results in a dialogue somehow both boring and anxiety-inducing. I do what I can to change the subject away from what seems like obligatory parental blather. It’s hard to find common ground with near-strangers, but it’s always nice to hear what people care about and what makes them happy. “What are you excited about these days?” “Have you been able to do anything for fun lately?” and “So, what do you do when you aren’t sitting in traffic?” can be nice tools to get people off the talk of bedtimes and potties and into the things they really want to talk about: Star Wars, craft beer, Wilco albums or just quoting Bill Murray characters. “So, I got that goin’ for me ... which is nice.” Grown-up talk is a necessary evil—but the sooner we can get past it, the sooner we can discuss crucial issues, like our favorite giardiniera and nearby locations of Ms. Pac-Man machines. Viva small talk. Viva Viva. Viva Daddy. Viva is 4. Daddy is about 10x that age. They live happily with Mommy in Chicago.
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Public Meet & Greet Corey Fogelmanis • Farkle of “Girl Meets World”
Sunday, September 4 Napleton’s Valley Hyundai Family Fun Land ChicagoParent.com August 2016 23
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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES
Your child has discovered not even one friend on their class list this school year. What do you do?
Emphasize the positives of being able to meet and get to know new people! It’s a lesson that will stay with them through life. You can always schedule events after school with some of their old pals. Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago
I’d talk with my child and ask about their fears, etc. Then I’d gently remind them about all the new friends they will make in class this year and how they will be able to see old friends at lunch. Cherish Walsh, Streamwood
I would encourage her to step out of her comfort zone, think positive and meet some more fun people. Rebecca Moulfarha, La Grange Park
@
u Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel
I would use the situation as a lesson to get to know new people. I like when these times come up because it’s a huge part of life. There will be many situations you come across where you know no one. It gets them comfortable meeting new people. Tracie Guzolek, Chicago
Absolutely nothing. I’ve found that while the first few days might be tough, they come out making great friendships eventually. This gives them a sense of accomplishment and less fear of being in similar situations in the future. Gia Lee, Northbrook
While that could be a little daunting at first, familiarity with the surroundings could make it easier. Plus, children tend to make friends rather quickly. Jeff Mezydlo, Chicago
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Real. Relevant. Purpose-driven. GCE Lab School’s real-world learning model offers an elite high school education that prepares students for opportunities in college and life. OCTOBER
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Our core values form the foundation of our school community. These values expand our inner-capacity to learn and love well. Our classrooms are living examples of these ideals; they are felt, heard and seen in action everyday.
“ I think I can, I think I can.” – The Little Engine that Could
“ Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – The Lorax
“ You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.” – Charlotte’s Web
“ Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely of places.”
“ The more he gave away, the more delighted he became.” – The Rainbow Fish
“ Always let your con science be your guide.” – Pinocchio
– The Minpins
“ You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”
“ Let the wild rumpus start!” – Where the Wild Things Are
“ You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – Winnie the Pooh
– Dr. Seuss
We believe these values will be present in our students throughout their lives as active citizens, lifelong learners, and loyal friends. More information available at www.lppschools.com
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The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity 2014 National Blue Ribbon School
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Olymp c Family Fever 10 ways to celebrate the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics
BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER
B
reak out your American flag and get your USA chants ready. The Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have finally arrived. With 42 sports, 306 events and 206 countries represented, the Rio 2016 games ignite an excitement that only happens every four years. From Friday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 21, the entire country will be united and rooting for the red, white and blue. Here are some ideas to get your own games going and get your family into the spirit.
#2 Host an opening ceremony One of the most eagerly anticipated TV events is always the opening ceremony of the Olympic games. To prepare for the big event, host your own opening ceremony. Start by making torches out of toilet paper rolls painted gold, then glue orange and yellow tissue paper around a flameless tea light and insert into the top of the toilet paper tube. Get your torch relay going before the actual event begins!
#3 Fly the flags Beyond the beauty of our stars and stripes are all the amazing and colorful flags of each of the 206 countries participating in the Rio games. Do some research about each country’s flag and create a hanging banner of your favorites flags. You can either print them out online or re-create the flags with your own artistry.
#1 Get those rings ready Nothing says getting in the mood like some festive dĂŠcor. The historic symbol of the modern Olympics is the five interlocking rings, colored blue, black, red, yellow and green. Stamp your own Olympic rings with either Solo cups or toilet paper rolls dipped in the paint colors. Or if you want to amplify your decor, use hula hoops or large bowls dipped in paint for poster-size rings.
#4 Celebrate Brazilian culture The Olympics provide an ideal opportunity to give your kids a lesson in geography and a chance to explore a new culture. Brazil, and in particular, Rio de Janeiro, are packed with foods, traditions, arts and festivals. Learn some words in Portuguese, try a Brazilian restaurant or cuisine, teach yourself to dance the samba, read about the famed Carnival of Brazil celebration each year, or play their most popular sport, football (otherwise known as American soccer).
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#5 Olympic-sized feast
Bring the celebration into your B kitchen. You can make festive ki ffoods to represent the famed Olympic rings, such as sugar O cookies with sprinkles or frosting in the colors. Make yyour breakfast bagels into rrings with some cream cheese and green grapes, blueberries, an strawberries, pineapples and str blackberries. Or even better, try black hand at a new Brazilian recipe your ha empanadas, acarajé or churrasco like empa barbecue.
#6 # 6W Water ater archery archery Take aim and shoot! Create your own water archery competition with some chalk and either water squirt guns or spray bottles. Draw a bull’seye target with chalk on a wall, fence or garage. With tape or chalk, mark different starting lines to shoot. Create a bracket for all participants until it comes down to the final two and an archery winner is declared.
#7 Backyard Olympic games Nobody will turn down the chance to be the star of his or her own Olympic games. Recreate the excitement and thrill of the games in your own backyard with the neighbors as competing athletes. Simple games like a beanbag toss, croquet, crab-walk relays, hula-hoop contests, balance beam walks, a javelin throw with a pool noodle and water balloon relays can be easily re-created. Divide into teams and let the competition begin!
#10 Ceremonial medal presentation
#8 Baton relay race Nothing is better than a good relay race around the neighborhood. Make teams with three to four runners on each. Pick a country or color for each team to wear. Each team should select and decorate their own baton. Place markers around the block where runners will pass the baton to their teammates. For a dramatic finish line, use paper streamers to string across for that picture-perfect ending. Finish off the race with ice cream cone torches for all!
#9 Hit the water The Summer Olympics wouldn’t be what it is without all the water and pool sports. Watch and pick your favorite water competition, whether it is water polo, synchronized swimming, diving, rowing or swimming. Then start perfecting your skills and learning that sport. You may just be a contender for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games!
No Olympics would be complete without the race for the gold, silver and bronze medals. You can craft your own original medals from ribbons and painted circles in each metal color. Or you can go to the edible route for less permanent proof of winning. Golden Oreos with fruit roll-up ribbons are one option, or wrap chocolates in gold and silver foil and tape ribbons around them. Make your own three-tiered podium with stepstools or ladders and break out the American anthem and flag for a customary and moving medal presentation. No matter your level of competition, everyone will come out as a winner when families get involved. It will leave you counting down and dreaming of all the fun the 2018 Winter Games will bring for your family next!
Megan Murray Elsener is a full-time mother of three and part-time freelance writer.
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Where can I still volunteer as an attorney?
Can I practice pro bono at home?
How can I volunteer as a lawyer with my crazy schedule?
We Make Pro Bono Easy for Lawyers! • convenient trainings • low commitment • malpractice • backup/partners • office space • variety of projects Come learn about us at these upcoming open houses (kids welcome!): Wednesday, Sept. 7 @ 9:30-11:00, Oak Park Public Library Thursday, Sept. 8 @ 10-11:30, Hinsdale Public Library Friday, Sept. 9 @ 10-11:30, Lincoln-Belmont Library (Lincoln Park)
www.pro-bono-network.org
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30 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Back to school bonanza!
T
he first day of school is just around the corner, and if you’re like us, you’re on the lookout for inspiration to get the new year started right. We have you covered with tips for every level, from preschool to elementary school to high school to kids with special needs. We’ll give you tips to get you prepared, organized and ready, ideas to help you help your kids thrive and ways to get through homework without tears. Speaking of tears, Chicagoarea parents offer their advice there, too. Oh, and that teacher from hell your kid has been assigned? Yup, we have ways to deal.
Triplets ready for school Clothes provided by Appaman (appaman.com). Ralu Uzokwe is wearing a Prescott cardigan ($64), slim leg denim ($62) and flannel shirt ($53). DumDum Uzokwe is wearing a Mason shirt ($53) and Astro graphic longsleeve tee ($38). Amaka Uzokwe is wearing a Zoey dress ($62) and shiny black leggings ($47). All of the Go for the Gold series eco-minded shoes provided by Plae (goplae. com), starting at $54.95. Photo shot at the Oak Park Public Library’s amazing children’s section. Photo by Thomas Kubik/TK Photography
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BACK TO SCHOOL
Fresh start Kick off the new school year prepared, organized and ready!
G
BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER
et the early morning alarms set! The new school year means on-time schedules, after-school activities and often chaotic days. Instead of starting this year feeling overwhelmed, make a concerted effort to get it all together this year. We found some moms to share the real scoop on what works and what doesn’t.
The night before It is 100 percent worth it to pack lunch the night before just to ease up on the morning rush. I also make sure we know where their shoes and backpacks are before going to bed. Otherwise, searching for shoes a minute before we need to leave never turns out well. Emily Piszczor, La Grange Park We lay out all of our clothes, even socks and underwear, the night before. Finding a matching sock at 6:15 a.m. can turn into your biggest nightmare. That also
gives me time to wash something if I realized that his uniform or pants aren’t clean. Michelle Covington, Glen Ellyn Set a regular wake-up time for yourself in order to shower. Jennifer Dwivedi, Chicago I meal-plan about a month in advance so I have crockpot meal ingredients for days with activities or I can prepare in advance if we need to leave right after dinner. Anne Sedore, Naperville
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The daily meals Frozen grapes are awesome. By lunchtime, they’re still nice and cold and because they’re frozen, they don’t get smashed by a drink or other heavy items. Also, bagged
lunches can get boring. So whenever there is an opportunity for portable leftovers, I always put that in his lunch. For example, if I’m making cheeseburgers the night before, I always make an extra. Michelle Covington Two or three Sundays per month, I spend a couple hours prepping food that can be frozen and
easily thawed for breakfast or lunch. I also prep ingredients for smoothies the night before and simply toss into the blender in the morning. I’ll also prep omelet ingredients the night before so it takes just minutes for a hot breakfast. Heidi Ruehle-May, Oak Park
Stop the morning madness Make it your child’s responsibility after school each day to put the lunchbox where you need it in the morning. For us, it’s next to the sink. It helps me to wake up and walk in the kitchen to see lunchboxes right where I need them. Christine Fenno, Oak Park
getting shoes on at 8:55 a.m., I tell them 8:45 a.m. We all have bad mornings trying to get everyone out the door in time. I try to remember to lighten things up once we are in the car by laughing about the craziness or turning up the music really loud so they don’t start their day at school stressed from the morning craze. Stephanie Pulcanio, Glen Ellyn
I find it helpful to add in an extra 10 minutes for departure time. So even though they should start
More days than not, they sleep in the clothes for the following day. We also have a little chalkboard
easel on our island that has what days they have gym class, library, swim team or safety patrol. Maria Stathakis Ping, Oak Park We don’t do screen time before school. No TV or tablet before school cuts way down on the number of times “Please go get dressed” must be uttered each morning. Essentially we bore them out the door every day. Kelly Murray, Oak Park
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FRESH START
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
Sanity for all the stuff Backpacks are unpacked as soon as they are home. I also have a large zippered envelope for the stuff I’m saving throughout the year that’s in the kitchen, so when the bags get emptied, either things go right into the recycling bin or into their respective envelopes. Maria Stathakis Ping, Oak Park Every activity has a file folder, including a school folder for each kid, on the side area of the counter in a filing system. Papers get signed and sent back immediately. I get a big calendar from Paper Source and hang it right in the kitchen
so we can all see what is happening each day. Anne Sedore, Naperville Backpacks are kept next to the charging station. Ipads stay in their backpack when not in use. The charging cords are long enough to go from the charger into the backpack. There is also a big sign on the back door saying, “DO YOU HAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT?” Jeanine Pedersen, Oak Park My boys always need to be reminded, so I wrote on their mirror, “Dirty clothes in hamper, hang towel, brush teeth.” It is literally in
their face to remind them! I also have a dry-erase board in the garage next to their equipment that’s color-coded for game schedules. Kristine Serio Ippolito, Villa Park I hung various Command hooks under each child’s first letter of their name right behind the front door. It’s helped us be amazingly organized. Leah Marie Picek, La Grange Park
Personal, engaged education – for 100 years.
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1200 Davis Street in Evanston - roycemoreschool.org
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Plan for the papers For the really outstanding artwork, I hang it on the wall either in $1 colorful frames from Ikea or on a wire display string that extends the length of the wall. When he brings something great, I just pull something off and replace it with the new thing. Maja RzepkaMcLaughlin, Chicago For school papers, I have one folder with each kid’s name on it.
Memos get laid inside and dates get written into my planner ASAP. Forms get signed and returned right away, otherwise I’ll forget about them. For master plans, I use an Erin Condren life planner. Everything gets written in as soon as it comes up. That way I don’t forget anything and we don’t get double-booked. Angie Gazdziak, Chicago
room with important papers tacked up there. I also have a paper calendar on the side of the fridge for all other reminders. It may be a little messy, but no one sees it but us. Jenny Kinsella, Algonquin Megan Murray Elsener is a
My go-to is a corkboard in the mud-
full-time mother of three and part-time freelance writer.
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St Josaphat is a welcoming, caring, faith based community. Join us for a Tour & Coffee: Sept. 21, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Jan. 11
2245 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614 • www.stjosaphat.net • 773-549-0909 phone • 773-549-3127 fax
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kindness science lab faith accelerated reading spiritvolleyball band creativity art math love volleyball What do we have? student council
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Visit our website for more information on programs, sports, alumni: sjshomewood.org Call 708-798-0467 to schedule a tour or shadow day. We look forward to meeting you, welcoming you, and introducing you to the faith, focus, and achievement that our Catholic School offers. 17949 Dixie Hwy Homewood, IL 60430 708-798-0622 St. Joseph School is a fully accredited school within the Archdiocese of Chicago
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Homework without tears
BACK TO SCHOOL
Yes, it really is possible
T
BY NATALIE ROMPELLA
he excitement of back to school has just one glitch: All of the homework. As a former elementary and middle school teacher and now a mom of two, I totally get both sides. Here are some triedand-true tips to help make this school year homeworkmeltdown-free.
Take small steps. For super-dreaded assignments, have your child nibble away at it. Here’s an example for a math worksheet: Before snack, have him get out the math worksheet, a pencil and an eraser. That’s it. After a snack break, have him find and complete four of the easiest problems. Time for another break. Then have him dive in. Pick your battles. Keep in mind the objective of the homework. If your child is doing a spelling assignment where he has to cut out the words and categorize them, does it matter who cuts out the pieces? If not, help cut out and glue. With assignments that require writing, sometimes it’s daunting to come up with the idea and to physically write it, so have your child dictate his answers to you. Then, after a short break, have him copy what you wrote. If your child has to draw a picture and despises drawing, don’t make him color it if it’s not necessary. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
ChicagoParent.com August 2016 37
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HOMEWORK
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
ith reading minutes w e tiv ea cr t ge to How t.
mework assignmen are a common ho d Reading minutes half after school an ting up the time— lit sp er id ns Co u ? half before bed. u read to your child at counts: Can yo wh r he o ac di te au e t th ou k u As ? What ab les on the Internet Can they read artic ng books? on a book-borrowi to the library to go ild ch ur yo ke Ta u
spree. er reading level, oks that are at a low bo s er ef pr he If u enjoying it. ading and possibly ithat’s fine—he’s re after-school activ ok on the way to bo o di au an in p u Po add up. ties—the minutes . I found that my n book next to him ow ur yo eir g in ad re u Try questions about th ” me a lot to ask pt get rru t te n’ “in do I n re gh ild ou ch vering. Alth ho t no t bu ar ne at book when I’m e engaged in wh , they end up mor far in my own book they’re reading.
Invest in quality supplies and have them accessible. A pencil with a lousy eraser can be frustrating. So can trying to hunt down a glue stick. Consider buying quality pencils—possibly mechanical ones that don’t need to be sharpened—and a large, separate eraser. Have notebook paper handy, as well as scrap paper for computations. It’s hard to get in the homework groove if he’s having to stop to sharpen a pencil or hunt down needed supplies. Have a go-to topic ready. If your child loves superheroes, use them in examples when helping them understand a math concept. If he needs to write spelling sentences, have him write about superheroes.
gelling at homework time. See if someone else can work on homework with him that day—a high school/middle school neighbor, a grandparent, or an aunt or uncle. This could even be done over the phone or by video chat. Don’t mess with a good thing. If you child has gotten into the groove, don’t disturb him! It seems obvious, but I’ve made the mistake of asking, “How’s it going?” and the magic is lost.
pointless assignment,” or “I don’t know what your teacher was thinking assigning this.” If you were told something was pointless, would you want to work on it? Celebrate successes. The purpose of homework is to practice a concept. Once it does click, share your enthusiasm. Don’t you feel great when you finally understand something you struggled with? If he finishes a dreaded assignment, point out the accomplishment. He did it!
Avoid the negative. No matter how frustrated you become, avoid talking bad about the assignment or teacher as in, “This is a
Use math manipulatives. Pieces of food or toys can make learning concepts like subtraction or fractions more fun. Search online for ways to teach concepts with objects or for related games. (Pinterest is great for this!) And even if it doesn’t help with a particular homework assignment, it can help learn the material. Outsource. Sometimes you and your child just aren’t 38 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com ent.c com
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What to consider What changes can you make to avoid homework meltdowns? Consider finding the answers to these questions. When is your child most successful/focused: Right after school? After dinner? Does he need some time to decompress before beginning? If so, what helps him do that: a snack, watching TV, shooting baskets, reading a book? Where does he work best? Although you might have invested in a good desk, maybe he prefers working at the kitchen table, alone in his room or even on the family room floor. Is background noise better or worse? Is music helpful or distracting? With multiple kids, is it better to have them do their homework simultaneously or to run shifts (one child has tablet time while you work with the other)? Does he prefer you sitting next to him or in a different room? (I’ve found that hovering too close or being too far away makes a big difference!) Can he handle you pointing out errors to be corrected or are you both better off if the teacher marks them? Natalie Rompella is mom of two as well as a freelance writer and published children’s author.
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Gearing up
BACK TO SCHOOL
Equipped for back-to-school BY LANIE MARESH
Left-handed rights Left-handed kids don’t have to suffer through maneuvering right-handed scissors thanks to the new True Left-handed Blades by Fiskars. Now, lefties can cut with comfort thanks to a Softgrip handle and safety-edge blade that cuts through most craft materials. fiskars.com
Ditch the sack lunch You pick out the kids’ outfits and make sure their homework is done. But now you can worry about one less thing with the Pak’d lunch kid paks. These prepared healthy lunches include an entrée, fruit, vegetable and dessert delivered right to your door. $6.50 for kid paks, eatpakd.com
Dory-approved lunchware ECOlunchbox is making a splash in the world of lunchware. The company developed the Blue Water Bento Collection, which has stainless steel containers with silicone lids for a plastic-free and leakproof design—and an ocean-friendly alternative for lunchboxes. Starting at $9.99; bluewaterbento.com
Five Star has outdone itself again. We like the Five Star Reinforced Filler Paper with stronger triangle-shaped holes, the Five Star Expandable Backpack that creates up to seven more inches of storage space in addition to a padded laptop compartment and the Five Star Flex Hybrid NoteBinder that has the sleek look of a folder but holds as much as a 1-inch binder. Available at Walmart, Target or meadonline.com.
Schedule in style Gone are the days of boring planners, thanks to Blue Sky stationery. Whether it’s floral or picnic plaid or cheetah print, you’re sure to find one that matches your style. We especially love the Dabney Lee line, including one planner that lets you create your own cover. $14.99-$19.99; bluesky.com or officedepot.com
Backpacks on a mission From butterflies to rocket ships, the sky’s the limit when it comes to picking your Bixbee backpack. The unique horizontal design allows your child to keep unnecessary weight off their back and shoulders. For every backpack sold, the company donates a school bag and supplies to a child in need. Starting at $27.99; bixbee. com
Crack the uniform code Kids can express their quirky style with Code Socks, colorful socks that still follow uniform dress codes. These knee socks include a variety of fun patterns—think colorful stripes and polka dots—on the soles so kids can choose the pair that speaks to their inner flair. Starting at $8; codesocks.com
Less lunch mess Label everything Keep tabs on all your stuff with Mabel’s Labels, waterproof and durable labels created by four moms frustrated about all their children’s things getting lost. Check out the back to school combo packs or buy separately. $42 for 108 labels; mabelslabels.com
Lunchtime means a mess, especially when it comes to maintaining your lunchbox. But you can keep lunches cool and organized with Nalgene’s Lunch Box Buddy. The BPA-free hard case allows you to turn your lunchbox lid into a serving tray, and the adjustable ice pack lets you pack it in three fun ways. $24.99, Nalgene.com
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BACK TO SCHOOL
5 things parents can do to help kids thrive this school year
strive to
thrive
B 1 i
BY SHANNAN YOUNGER ack to school time is busy, and while parents are making sure kids have backpacks and shoes that fit, there are other steps they can take to make sure their kids thrive this school year.
Set up a designated homework space and time prior to the start of school.
Let your children weigh in on where and when they think they will work best. Corinne Alt, an educational therapist at Individual and Family Connection, a Chicago Public Schools teacher and parent of two, advises that giving them ownership can go a long way. “Buy extra supplies and
have a homework caddy ready,” she says. “You want to have everything they need so they don’t sit down and then say ‘I need a protractor.’” She emphasizes prioritizing homework time and making sure it’s on the master family schedule. “Sometimes the schedule changes, but overall consistency matters and helps a lot to get the homework done in a peaceful manner,” Alt says.
2
Use family time to tie in with what they’re learning at school.
Cinda Klickna, president of the Illinois Education Association and a former English teacher, recommends that parents learn
what their children will be studying this year and look for ways to connect with it as a family. “When you know what the curriculum covers, consider planning family activities that coincide with CONTINUED ON PAGE 42
ChicagoParent.com August 2016 41
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3
Get to know your child’s teacher(s) early in the year.
Knowing your child’s teacher can go a long way to making a difference in the academic year. “Be sure you know each teacher by name,” says Klickna, who explains that while that’s easy when children are younger, as they get older they have different
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she says. Even a trip to the library to find books related to the subjects they are studying can be hugely beneficial. Klickna notes that kids thrive when they realize that learning happens anywhere, not just in the classroom. teachers for different subjects. Alt recommends sending a brief, friendly email to your child’s teacher at the start of the year to introduce yourself. “Having a good relationship with the teacher from the start sets a good foundation for future communications,” Alt says. “It makes it easier for a teacher to work with parents when they’ve reached out in the past in a positive way.”
Get connected.
“Many schools have great tools online for keeping up with grades and homework that parents don’t know about or don’t sign up with,” says Alt, noting that parents can use the Chicago Public Schools’ parent portal to review assignments and grades. Alt recommends that parents use it as a source of information but cautions, “Don’t overreact.” If a parent sees low grades or missing assignments, a parent should first talk with their child before reaching out to
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the teacher. If a parent then needs to communicate with the teacher, having all the facts make that conversation more productive. Some teachers also have blogs or weekly newsletters, which are good sources of information.
5
Be involved with your child.
It sounds simple, but being involved with your child and talking about school can be a game-changer. “Ask open-ended questions,” suggests Klickna. Parents can sometimes get a lot of information by asking, “What was the funniest thing that happened today at school?” Alt also says parents should consistently ask, “What homework do you have?” Parents should not do the work for their children, but it helps kids to know that parents are there to help. Says Alt, “When kids know that you’re on top of it and there to support them, it makes a world of difference.”
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BACK TO SCHOOL
Snack attack
5 treats we know you and your kid will ill lovee
C
reative snack ideas are not exactly plentiful this time of year (we’re looking at you, #pinterestburnout), so the Sweets & Snacks Expo held earlier this summer in Chicago brought new inspiration. Here are five new snacks that you can bet will be filling our kids’ lunch boxes.
Hungry Buddha Cheeky Chocolate Coconut Chips
Zollipops Best.invention.ever. Our daughter isn’t allowed to eat lollipops because her 7-year-old mouth contains seven cavities. So when we handed her a bag of lollipops after the show and told her to eat them all, she nearly cried with joy. These are sugar free and they raise the PH in your mouth, neutralizing the acid post-meals to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Bonus: they were created by a 9-yearold kidpreneur. zollipops.com, available in many area Whole Foods stores
Dig into these for dessert. They’re dairy free and only have 5 grams of sugar per bag, though they taste super sweet. They also only have four ingredients: coconut, cane sugar, organic cocoa powder and salt. They will be available in major retailers by the end of the summer.
Simply Protein Kids Bars Finally, a granola bar that’s not loaded with sugar. These bars have 2 grams of sugar and 70 calories each. Yes, they’re created by a protein bar company, but
these aren’t for mini-weight lifters. With 4 grams of protein per bar, they’re meant to be snacks for kids, so use them as you would a granola bar. $18 for a 12-bar box at simplyprotein.com
Fru-licious Vegetable Crisps These aren’t just pretending to pack in the veggies. Here are the ingredients: sweet potato, purple sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot, green bean, onion, okra, vegetable oil, dextrin and sea salt. It’s practically a salad. $5 on amazon.com
Second-only to real fruit, Fru-licious freeze-dried and twisty treats are made with 99 percent real fruit. The first ingredient is concentrated apple puree. They are available now, but later this summer, they’ll have an organic version. $16 for four boxes at fru-licious.com Danielle Braff ChicagoParent.com August 2016 45
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PRESCHOOL
A preschooler’s to-do list 11 ideas that will help them get ready for the big time BY LISA KATZENBERGER
T
he first foray into preschool is a great time for learning to share, experimenting with crafts and singing the ABCs. But if your child is entering his final year of preschool, you can start thinking about getting him ready for the big time: Kindergarten. Here are a few areas to focus on—academically, socially and emotionally—to best prepare your child for the road ahead.
1
Independence Make sure your child is able to separate from you successfully. And if they’ve been at the same daycare for several years, introduce them to different environments where they are away from you. Playdates where you drop your child off are helpful, longtime Chicago Public Schools teacher Stacy Hauser says.
2
Number sense Don’t worry about counting to 100. Instead, stress number sense. Does your child know if three is more or less than five? “Being able to play with numbers is more important than being able to rote count to 100,” Hauser says.
3
Reading and letters Make sure they know the difference between upper and lowercase letters. “It does set them up for an easier time in the school year,” Hauser says. And read daily together. “It teaches kids to focus, it teaches kids to listen, it gets their attention,” she says. “It gets their mind to think about a great adventure in their head.”
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4
Proper ways to get attention In kindergarten, there are more students per teacher. A child may have to learn new ways to get attention in a crowded lunchroom or ask permission to use the bathroom. It’s not just a teacher’s attention a child needs to learn to attain, but their peers’ as well. They need the ability to ask to play with a classmate, as opposed to pushing their way into a game.
5
Self-care skills Your child should be able to put on and take off their coat and boots independently, and to know where to store their belongings, says Kathy Boxell, principal of Barnsdale Road School in La Grange Park. “I encourage families to have an identified spot at home where things go,” she says. This his will help once they receive homework orr paperwork that needs to return to school the he next day.
7
Self-directed activities Make sure your child has the ability to fill larger blockss of time on his own. “Set it up so your child has some downtime for a chunk of the day, so they have a chance to practice those skills,”” Hauser says. Hauser user also encourages alone time for older preschoolers. “If they’re ey’re used to you giving g them 100 percent ercent attention, tion, it’s a hard d transition for them em in a classroom oom setting g or a group p that they can’t be number ber one all thee time,” she says. ays.
6
Don’t compare Focus on your child making progress against himself, not others. “Remember that all children are on a different continuum developmentally, and we recognize that as teachers and administrators,” Boxell says. When it comes to mastering a specific academic skill, Hauser encourages parents to let the child take the lead. “If your child’s not don’tt push it, be because it will happen ready, don naturally.”
8
Solid sleep habits Since older preschoolers often no longer nap, keeping solid bedtime routine a so with 10-12 hours of sleep wit per night will help your child have stamina for chi more challenging day. am Boxell says even 10-15 Box minutes difference in min sleep can impact a child. slee After the fun of A summer, she suggests sum getting back into a good get sleep habit almost a slee month before school mo starts. Hauser agrees, star saying children thrive on say structure and routine. “It stru definitely makes a differdef ence in how they’re going enc to ffeel and behave and participate in class.” par
Snooze time The American Academy of Pediatrics supports the American Academy of Sleep Medicine sleep guidelines: u Infants 4-12 months should sleep 12-16 hours per 24 hours. u Kids 1-2 should sleep 11-14 hours per 24 hours. u Kids 3-5 should sleep 10-13 hours per 24 hours. u Kids 6-12 should sleep 9-12 hours per 24 hours. u Teens 13-18 should sleep 8-10 hours per 24 hours. The group found that adequate sleep on a regular basis leads to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health. The AAP suggests that all screens be turned off 30 minutes before bedtime.
9
Encourage a love of learning You want your child to view school as a great place to go, not a burden. “I think one of the most important things is to get your children interested in learning, and encouraging them in a very fun, positive way,” Hauser says.
ChicagoParent.com August 2016 47
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KINDGERGARTEN
Ready to rock
kindergarten
How to prepare your child for the big step
P
BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER arents’ memories of their own kindergarten experiences are likely vastly different from the current environment their child will encounter in a kindergarten classroom. Gone are the half days, play-based structure and toys. They have been replaced with the Common Core State Standards to ensure all students are college and career ready
after graduating from high school. By the end of the year, kindergarten students are expected to be proficient in roughly 75 skills in language arts, math, writing, speaking and listening. “With the change in standards, the expectations in kindergarten have become much more academically driven with a focus on English language arts and math,” says Erin Bracco, kindergarten teacher at District 100’s Berwyn South Elementary School. As summer is coming to a close, it is the perfect time to start preparing your
“Incoming kin dergarteners will be in sch ool for so ma ny years, the kin dergarten experience sh ould be fun.”
Chrissie Che ney, kinderga rten teacher
CONTINUED ON PAGE 50
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Prepare academically
KINDERGARTEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49
child for what to expect when school begins. “One of the best ways to prepare for kindergarten is to establish a consistent bedtime routine,” Bracco says. “Getting children accustomed to picking out clothing the night before and being responsible for their belongings are great ways to encourage more independence.” Much of kindergarten is about teaching children in a social setting, and even summer playdates help ready them for school. “A great way to prepare your child is to expose her to as many social settings as possible with peers,” says Chrissie Cheney, kindergarten teacher at District 102’s Barnsdale Road School in La Grange Park. “During the kindergarten year, we explicitly teach problem solving and conflict resolution. Experiences with different friends and play situations are helpful to add to our conversations and contributes to a caring classroom community,” she says.
Prepare yourself
As you prepar e to send your little one off on that first day of school, it may be harder on you than your child . “Kindergarten is a tough year for parents as much as for the child ren,” Jenkins says. “It is a m uch easier tran sition when parents try an d keep their ow n anxieties from coming to the surface.” If parents are nervous, the ki ds will be, too. “If your child begins to be up set, calmly tell him or her that it’s OK an d you will see them later, then leave. If a parent sticks around, it can make th e situation worse.” And above all, despite the ch anges in standards, kind ergarten and sc hool are meant to be en joyable. “I would advise parents to enco their child to ha urage ve fun at scho ol and enjoy each day,” Ch eney says. “Als o, support your child with any academic activities he or she is worki ng on in class. ”
ademic preparaWhen it comes to ac fundamentals that tion, there are some ld have. students already shou nts to know how de stu “It’s helpful for me, uppercase and to write his or her na , s, and some sounds lowercase letter name d basic shapes an how to count objects, areness skills like aw ic em on colors and ph Jenkins, kinderrhyming,” says Katie ict 97’s Lincoln str garten teacher at Di k Park. Oa in ol ho Elementary Sc skills, I believe ic em ad ac nd yo “But be a parent can ng thi the most important child,” Jenkins r he or his do is to read to and nurturing envisays. “A safe, loving be all a child needs to ronment at home is successful at school.” ards, kindergarten With the new stand ious growth, academ is a year of tremend otionally. cally, socially and em rgarten, children de kin of d “By the en oks with more should be reading bo ple patterns,” sim n complex text tha to have a solid ed ne y he “T Bracco says. gin ran g between base of sight words le to segment and ab 50-100 words, be use a variety of blend words together, unt to 100, identify reading strategies, co tly add and subtract en 3D shapes, and flu within five.” s , you’ll see your kid As the year goes on dent. en ep ind d an nt de become more confi hard during the “Teachers work very te students communica school year to help er. oth ch ea to ds and to be good frien ys and girls soar in Academically, the bo child shows growth kindergarten. Each el they were when compared to what lev ey says. en Ch entering school,” r of three and r is a full-time mothe Megan Murray Elsene er. part-time freelance writ
50 August uggu u usst 2 20 2016 016 6 C Ch ChicagoParent.com hic icag ago ar nt. t.c co om om
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
The nightmare teacher 6 ways to get through the year BY SHANNAN YOUNGER
T
eachers’ reputations often precede them, for better and for worse. It’s been that way since schools posted class lists on the school doors. Reactions vary from elation to despair. To help parents and students make the most of the year with a teacher who can be difficult, or even rumored to be “an absolute nightmare,” we asked experts to weigh in.
1
Don’t assume everyone will have the same experience with the teacher Sometimes parents know teachers by reputation and word of mouth only, and they hope to avoid that teacher entirely. If your child ends up in the class of a teacher you’ve heard only negative things about, don’t despair. “Sometimes the teacher you think isn’t a good fit ends up being
the best fit for your child,” says Nancy Feely, head of elementary at St. Benedict Preparatory School in Chicago. “Every family has different circumstances,” Feely says. Also, one kid’s negative experience may be due to a variety of factors, including personality or perhaps a rough year personally for a teacher.
2
Keep an open mind When your child comes home upset, it’s understandable that your first reaction may be to go into mama or papa bear mode. Taking a deep breath, however, and remaining calm can go a long way and stop you from jumping to conclusions. The experts remind parents that there are two, or more, sides to every story, and it’s often worth considering what the other perspectives may be. “Keeping an open mind is an essential parenting skill,” says Jean Robbins, head of the early childhood division at Catherine Cook School in Chicago. “It’s important to ask questions to help
us understand the teacher’s perspective and intentions.” Feely notes that it can help to remember that teachers are professionals and their intention is to do the best they can for your child. Jill Hope, founder and family empowerment coach at I Shine, agrees. “Assume the teacher wants the best for your child,” she says. “When talking with the teacher, hear what she has to say and ask how you can partner together to bring out the best in your child so that he can be successful.”
3
Take the high road While sharing information about teachers happens, be mindful of the circumstances surrounding those discussions. The neighborhood block party may not be the ideal environment, Feely says. “Think of the behavior you want out of your child and expect that for yourself, too,” advises Feely, who reminds parents to think about how they would feel if others were discussing their job performance in public and whether gossip is something they want to model for their children. Robbins also urges parents not to complain on social media. “Negative social media posts can have tremendous unintended consequences for everyone involved, including your child,” she says. Parents also should avoid complaining CONTINUED ON PAGE 54
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about a teacher in front of their children. “This forces your child to make a choice of who to listen to: you or the teacher. This makes school life complicated for your child who has to spend all day with this person that you’re maligning,” says Robbins.
4
Give the relationship a chance to improve If a relationship gets off to a rocky start, that doesn’t mean all is lost for the school year. “Some student/teacher matches are made in heaven, and of course, some are made in the toasty place below, but children are surprisingly resilient and forgiving,” Robbins says. “They can often repair relationships after a conflict much more easily than adults can.” Feely says, “Kids usually want to like their teacher.” To help repair the relationship, Hope recommends encouraging kids to see the best in their teacher and says parents can help by seeing the best in that teacher, too. “That positivity from the parent rubs off on the child,” she says. “Often, that positive perspective can bring out the best in that teacher.”
5
Know when to call in assistance The experts agree that parents should start by talking with the teacher and working to
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53
form a partnership to overcome any problems. If your efforts are unsuccessful, going to an administrator can be helpful. “If you can’t meet with the teacher, or if their answers seem unsatisfactory, then you can call the principal or the supervisor. You don’t always need to be in conflict to call on administrators, though. At Catherine Cook, I often sit in meetings with parents and teachers to discuss behavior, learning challenges, family changes, goals and occasionally even to work through misunderstandings between parents and teachers,” says Robbins.
6
View the experience as a learning opportunity There will always be challenging people in life, and experiencing a challenging teacher is an opportunity for kids to develop skills they will use far beyond the classroom. “Your child may have bosses, in-laws or neighbors that they don’t like, and those relationships last longer than the academic year, so this is a chance to coach them on how to deal with that adversity,” Feely says. Keeping a bit of perspective can help, too. “While it’s difficult, remember that it is nine or ten months of your child’s life and for every bad teacher, you’ll have five fantastic teachers,” says Hope.
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HIGH SCHOOL
First day feelings 2.0 Chicago area parents share advice on sending kids off for their first day of high school
F
BY CAITLIN MURRAY GILES
or most parents, the day they send their little one off to kindergarten for the first time is a major and memorable milestone. Moms and dads snap pictures of their precious 5-yearolds dressed in first day of school outfits to capture the big moment. Fast forward 10 (very quick) years and parents once again find themselves sending their (now not so little) child off for yet another big milestone: the first day of high school. The first day of high school may look and feel different than the first day of kindergarten in many ways (and most high schoolers say no thank you to those first day of school pics), both firsts certainly stir up plenty of emotions! We asked local moms who’ve sent kids off to kindergarten AND high school to reflect on the milestone days and share advice with parents facing these firsts this fall.
THE PANEL: Name: Cathy Brennan Hometown: Chicago Kids: Ferris, 19, Clare, 17, Jimmy, 14, and Aila, 7 Name: Amy Bizzarri Hometown: Chicago Kids: Daniel, 15, and Chiara, 6 Name: Brandie Langer Hometown: Palatine Kids: Abigail, 16, Emma, 13 and Carter, 10 Name: Kristine Prugh Hometown: Chicago Kids: Ronan, 14, Fiona, 12, Maisie, 8
What you do remember most about sending your children off to their first day to kindergarten? I won’t ever forget watching my son roll away on his bicycle, off to his freshman year of high school and my daughter smile and confidently wave goodbye as she entered her kindergarten classroom for the very first time—on the very same September day, this past fall. There is a 10 year gap between my two children; it seemed like just yesterday my son was the one going off to kindergarten and there he was, not only taller than me but on his way to high school. To say that the days are long but the years are short is the understatement of motherhood. Amy
I remember thinking how “grown up” they looked in their school uniforms and still how little they looked sitting at the tiny kindergarten-sized tables and chairs. It was a strange combination of big and little. Kristine We only sent our youngest to kindergarten (the other two were homeschooled). We had planned to homeschool as well, but I was diagnosed with cancer over the summer and knew kindergarten would be the best thing for him. Because it was unplanned, I was really nervous about everything because we hadn’t prepared him for the transition. All of this was unfounded, of course. His teacher was amazing and not only did he do OK, he thrived in kindergarten! Brandie CONTINUED ON PAGE 58
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FIRST T DAY
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How did YOU feel? I felt happy for my kids, but the first day of school was always emotional for me. I remember crying in my car after dropping off. Not a sad cry, just a good old cry because they reached a new, exciting milestone in their lives. Cathy I suggest having a plan for yourself after dropoff. Grab a coffee with another friend also dropping off at school for the first time. You will both enjoy it and it will solve the problem of “now what?” I often feel on the first day of school. Kristine
What you do remember most about sending your children off to their first day of high school? I remember thinking “this is it.” I’ve raised them to be able to go off on their own and I have to trust that I have done a good job because I won’t be a part of their lives as much as I was in grade school. Cathy
It isn’t so much about dropping off as it is about them taking off. We didn’t drop our son off at school on the first day or any day of his freshman year. He simply got up, got ready and walked to the L. He “took off” ready for the adventure of high school. We were left behind vs. when we dropped off at kindergarten. Kristine
How did you prepare your child for the transition to high school? We talked a lot about the fact that they would be given a lot of freedom and independence and they should not take it for granted. Cathy When we sent my oldest to high school, I was worried about lots of things. Life is bigger and scarier in high school. I worried about bullying, sexting, drinking and drugs. We knew she was prepared academically, but I had forgotten the little things that can be worrisome: using a locker, changing for gym, who to sit with the first day of lunch. But I was also really proud of how mature and grown up she was. Brandie
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Any general words of wisdom to share? Don’t always assume the worst, and don’t assume that they are going to do the same things that you did when you were in high school. You have to let go a little and let them make mistakes. That is how they will learn and grow. Do trust in the fact that in the past 14 years, you have raised them and prepared them for this time in their lives. Plus, your kindergartner will hug and kiss you goodbye—that’s not always the case with high school students. Cathy
Be present. My greatest gift as a mother is to watch them spread their wings and head out into this big, wide, wonderful world. Inevitably, they will encounter roadblocks and bumps in the road, setbacks and stress, but also wonderful moments of smooth sailing and sunny skies. My job is to be present, love them and let them go. Amy If the big day is bittersweet for you, honor both sides! You can acknowledge the sadness of it all and the amazingness of it all too. Brandie
Caitlin Giles is a freelance writer and the co-founder of 2 Moms Media. Chgo Parent 4c 2016-17new.pdf 1 7/5/2016 1:27:40 PM
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SPECIAL NEEDS
New year, old IEP Simple ideas to make this year a big success
A
BY JENNIFER WOOD s anyone who has carefully crafted an Individualized Education Program can tell you, putting the IEP on paper is only half the battle. It can be a frustrating process and also a hopeful one—parents face hard realities but also hear teachers sing a student’s strengths. Seasoned special needs parents will say they are both relieved and empowered when the IEP process results in a document that all team members can support. However, after all is said and done, the IEP is only as good as its execution. Numerous factors can complicate matters. For instance, an IEP is valid for a year, so one designed for a second-grade student must also apply to the same student in the third grade. It has to carry over between school years, between teachers, and sometimes between schools, when grade-level transitions take place, or when a family moves. An IEP is positioned for success when parents understand the goals, when teachers believe in the goals and when students are motivated to achieve the goals. But the team that drafted the document may not be the same team that implements the document. Teachers change and therapists may be reassigned, yet the IEP is still the plan and your child is still the person counting on all of you to set him up for success. So how can you prepare for these transitions and make sure that the IEP is effective from year-to-year, room-to-room, teacher-toteacher and school-to-school?
Review that IEP As you approach a new school year with an existing IEP in place, look for clues in the document about what may be lost in translation between grades, teachers and schools. Ask yourself: “What is working well that I want to continue?” and “What is not working well that I would like to see change?” For example, if there is a parentschool communication provision in the IEP and your child’s second-grade teacher was diligent in sending you weekly emails to document progress or problems, then connect with your child’s thirdgrade teacher to let her know that you would appreciate still receiving these emails on a weekly basis. If there is no parent-school communication provision in the IEP, but the former teacher had developed this communication piece on her own, ask the school to amend the IEP so the new teacher is aware of your expectations. Another example: If your child’s IEP
speaks in general terms about social skills, but does not identify practical strategies you know have worked, share this information with the new teacher. Let her know what types of challenges your child faces and what has helped in the past. You could say, “My son becomes anxious when asked to initiate conversation with his peers, so if you could provide him with a script to follow, that would help.” Sign releases for school personnel to connect with private therapists or tutors who work with your child and provide the teacher with this contact information. Careful study of the IEP, no matter how hard the team worked on it, will identify important things the IEP does not say, but that the new teacher or team needs to know. The IEP may make goals clear, while still not defining the facets of your child that will be critical to his success, such as what triggers his sensitivities that the teacher should be on the lookout for? What makes your child feel valued and important that the teacher can use as a motivator?
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It is critical to work with your child at home to help them prepare for the school setting, says Ally Albers, of EB Pediatrics. Albers of EB Pediatric Resources in Chicago, and Heather Bragg, founder of Learning Decoded, shared easy ideas at the Neighborhood Parents Network’s Developme ntal Differences Resource Fair that parents can use to help their children succeed, both in school and at home . But most important is remembering that there are many facets to the learning process, including things like processing speed, reasoning and organizatio n. Just because your child might need more time to proce ss information or “mull it over” doesn’t reflect on his or her intelligence level. u Work on fundamental skills, such as under standing and following simple directions, as well as worki ng on their expressive skills, especially in young childr en. u Promote language skills at home by “voca lizing back” what they say to you and then expanding on what they say. Engage your child in play and talk about the things you are playing with. For example, if you’re playing with a truck, talk about the truck and descr ibe what it is doing and where it is going, Albers says. She also emphasized the importance of readin g with your child as much as possible. Expose them to music and simple nursery rhymes or finger plays to prom ote positive language development. Talk with your child’s teachers to see how they reinforce language development. It also might help to obser ve your child in school, to see if they are successfull y getting their point across to their teacher and peers . u Work on listening skills. Can your child under stand most of what you’re saying? Can they follow two-s tep directions and understand basic concepts? Do they hear and respond to questions? u Assess your child and see how best they learn, Bragg said. Some children are visual learners, while others learn by listening or even by touching thing s. Sometimes kids struggle because the way they’r e being taught in school doesn’t match their preferred learning style, she says. For example, if your child is a visual learner, just listening to the definition of a vocab ulary word might not help them learn that word. In those cases, seeing a picture of the word can help them connect meaning to it. u Address concerns about your child’s acade mic career right away, because waiting and letting them struggle might have a long-term impact on their self-esteem. “If you think something is going on, take action ,” Bragg says. “Kids internalize things, and if they think they’re not smart and get turned off towards educa tion, that’s something that’s hard to undo. There is so much benefit to early intervention.” Carrie Rodovich
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NEW YEAR, OLD IEP
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 63
Before school starts As an attorney who works with families of students with special needs, I often encourage my clients to write a letter to their child’s new teacher that describes their son or daughter. I ask them to tell the teacher what works and what doesn’t work, what they expect and what they don’t expect, and what is important in the IEP and also what is missing from the document. I tell them it is a “get-toknow-my-kid” kind of letter because a good teacher-student relationship can be the most critical aspect of a comfortable classroom experience for your child Also, plan a visit to the classroom before the general
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population of students arrive. This is less stressful for students with an IEP and gives them a chance to become familiar with new faces and places while not being surrounded by peers. Most school administrators will welcome your request for a private visit as long as it is within reason. Just remember that school planning, and especially classroom assignments and transportation, can be in flux until the very last minute, and so you may not have answers to all of your questions before the first day. Be flexible, be open-minded and be diligent in communicating information. Don’t rely on the IEP to tell the story of your student; you be the narrator. Jennifer Wood is a mom of three kids on the autism spectrum and a special needs attorney.
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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
CITY ALPHONSUS ACADEMY & CENTER FOR THE ARTS PreK-8, Extended Care
Principal: Dr. Casimer Badynee
1439 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago (773) 348-4629 alphonsusacademy.org
RESURRECTION COLLEGE PREP HIGH SCHOOL Grade 9-12
Ms. Debbie Gillespie, Enrollment Coordinator
7500 West Talcott Ave., Chicago (773) 775-6616, Ext 129 reshs.org
SACRED HEART SCHOOLS
ST. CONSTANCE SCHOOL
Preschool through 8th grade Extended care available before and after school
Principal - Eva Panczyk
5841 West Strong Street, Chicago (773) 283-2311 stconstanceschool.org
ST. FRANCIS BORGIA SCHOOL Pre K through 8th Grade
Mrs. Susan Betzolt, Principal
NORTHSIDE CATHOLIC ACADEMY
Independent, Catholic, Single Gender, Coed Campus, K-8, Extended Care
Christine Huzenis, Principal
6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 681-8436
ST. JOSAPHAT SCHOOL
SAINT ANDREW SCHOOL
Ms. Colleen Cannon, Principal
Preschool – 8th Grade
6216 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago (Primary Campus PreK-4) 7318 N. Oakley, Chicago (Middle School 5-8) (773) 743-6277 northsidecatholic.org
POPE FRANCIS GLOBAL ACADEMY NORTH CAMPUS
6040 West Ardmore Avenue, Chicago (773) 763-7080
POPE FRANCIS GLOBAL ACADEMY SOUTH CAMPUS
6143 West Irving Park Road, Chicago (773) 736-8806 PrK- 8th Before and After School Care Terrence K. O'Rourke, Head of School www.pfgacademy.org
POPE JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Before & After Care Financial Aid 3 & 4 year old Pre-School (Full & Half Day) Grades K – 8
(773) 523-6161 4325 S. Richmond St., Chicago www.pjpiischool.com
Mr. Nat Wilburn, Head of Schools shschicago.org
Pre-K - 8th Grade
Mr. Allen Ackermann, Principal
1710 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 248-2500 gosaintandrew.com
ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL 3 & 4 year old Preschool – Grade 12 Before & After School Care Available
Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School
3535 N. Panama, Chicago (773) 589-1000 sfborgia.org
Preschool-8th grade
2245 N. Southport Ave., Chicago (773) 549-0909 stjosaphat.net
ST. NICHOLAS CATHEDRAL SCHOOL Prek (3yrs) - 8th Grade Extended care available until 6pm
Principal, Anna Cirilli
2200 W Rice St., Chicago (773) 384-7243 stnickschicago.org
3900 N Leavitt St., Chicago (773) 539-0066
ST. PHILIP NERI SCHOOL
SAINT CLEMENT SCHOOL
Principal: Linda Sanders, M.Ed.
www.stbenedict.com
Pre-K to 8th Grade
PreK (4yrs)-Grade 8 Before and after school care available
2110 East 72nd Street, Chicago (773) 288-1138
2524 North Orchard, Chicago (773) 348-8212
ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Principal: Mari Jo Hanson StClementSchool.org
www.spnschoolchicago.org
2-yr. old program, 3 yr. Prek through 8th grade, Extended Care, Summer Program
Mrs. Carrie Mijal, Principal
6036 W. Eastwood Avenue, Chicago (773) 725-5133 srb-chicago.org
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NORTH
EVEREST ACADEMY
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL
Mrs. Lori Broncato, Principal
a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Half and Full Day Preschool options for 3 and 4 year-olds K-8 full day programs Before and After School Daycare
PreK 3, Prek 4 – 8th Grade
11550 Bell Road, Lemont (630) 243-1995 www.everestadvantage.org
ST. ANDREW THE APOSTLE
Janice DiVincenzo, Principal
ST. JOAN OF ARC SCHOOL PreK(3) – 8th Grade, Extended Care
PK3-8 7am-7:45am/2:35-6pm (additional fees apply)
holycrossdeerfield.org
9245 N. Lawndale Avenue, Evanston (847) 679-0660
505 Kingston Drive, Romeoville (815) 886-5953
WOODLANDS ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART
SAINT JOSEPH PARISH SCHOOL
720 Elder Lane, Deerfield (847) 945-0135
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
THE SCHOOL OF SAINTS, FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY PK-8th Grade
Katie Carden, Principal
180 Ridge Ave., Winnetka (847) 446-0031 faithhopeschool.org
ST. CATHERINE LABOURE SCHOOL PK3-8th Grade
Principal: Jodi Reuter
3425 Thornwood, Glenview (847) 724-2240 www.sclschool-glenview.org
Craig Scanlon, Principal
Principal: Mrs. Carol Albreski Andrewcc.org
www.saintjoanofarc.net/school
Preschool to Eight Grade
Dan Fleming, Principal
Catholic, independent, day and boarding college preparatory school for young women Grades 9-12
17949 Dixie Hwy Homewood 708-798-0622
760 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest (847) 234-4300
WEST
sjshomewood.org
Interim Principal: Christine Schmidt woodlandsacademy.org
ASCENSION SCHOOL
SOUTH
PreK – Grade 8
MaryJo Burns, Principal
601 Van Buren, Oak Park (708) 386-7282
CARDINAL JOSEPH BERNARDIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Ascension-School.com
PreK 3 year old to 8th Grade Extended Day is available
Mary Iannucilli, Principal
9250 West 167th Street, Orland Hills (708) 403-6525 cjbschool.org
Celebrations
CHICAGO PARENT’S PARTY PLANNING GUIDE
Fitting Families Since 1995
Coming in October For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com
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JODI KO PLIN
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JODI JODIKOPLIN'S KOPLIN'S JODI KOPLIN'S "a mus ic fe
s t fo r c h il d r e
n"
musicfest for children" "a musicfest for children" "a"a musicfest for children"
Funtastic Interactive Concerts
Just Jodi or with The Jigglejam Band! Festivals, Camps, Corporate Events, Schools, Parties & More!
847-236-9235 jodijigglejam@gmail.com jigglejamproductions.com
SUE’S PARTY ANIMALS
Children’s Parties! Corporate Events!
•We Entertain •We Educate •We're Cute & Fun •We're Clean & Safe
You'll LOVE US!
847-215-8508
Chicago’s best-reviewed magician
Princess & Character Parties Magic • Clowning Guitar Sing-a-Longs Face Painting & Balloons!
Book us for your next party or event!
Call Sue Johnson, Educator
Perfect 5-star rating on Yelp
Mary Macaroni
Call Today:
312-498-9845
Learn more: thegreatscott.com (847) 361-0924
www.marymacaroni.com
Magic & Juggling Shows
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
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
(773) 881-9379
847-228-0882
or visit:
www.naturescreatures.net Planning a Party? Check out our Entertainment & Party Planning section for the perfect entertainer, party supply or service.
HOUSE BOUNCE OF
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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Traveling Players presents
Aurora area
CLOE the Clown
• Magic Tricks • Games • Face Painting • Balloon Animals • Story Telling and More
Book your Birthday Parties Today!
Call: 630-816-2288 www.cloeclown.com
Diane Cloe Knight is
Cloe Clown
visit the chicagoparent.com 115 Cedar Aurora IL 60506 toStreet, explore our (630) 816-2288 www.cloeclown.com amazing Children’s birthday parties a specialty with balloon animals, face painting, silly story telling with puppetry, magic, games, prizes, bags and more &goody astounding directory of entertainers! 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
‘s Sunday, Oct, 2 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Don’t Miss It!
Fall
Playdate
Sports Thrills • Character Visits • Bounce Houses • Train Rides • Obstacle Courses
Max McCook Athletic & Exposition, McCook Visit ChicagoParent.com/playdate for more info! 68 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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sponsored //
Summer Fun
Make your kid’s summer 5 places that must be on your must-do list before school starts
I
t’s not too late to give your kids awesome summer memories just like you had when you were a kid. We found five great spots sure to thrill every member of your family.
1
There are lots of places where your kids can be active, but there’s a new place in Glenview— Funtopia—that not only gets everyone in the family active, but also learning and having fun together. What makes Funtopia unique is that the climbing walls aren’t just for climbing; the walls are interactive, says Yasen Nikolov, co-owner and managing director of the North American division. His best tip: Enjoy Funtopia as a family. “We try to make Funtopia a place where everyone can do something,” he says, adding that it offers climbing walls for little kids through adults. “It truly has something for everyone to do,” he says. Book tickets online at funtopiaworld.com/glenview to guarantee your spot. The Glen Town Center, 2050 Tower Drive, Glenview
2
There’s nothing like being out in nature and spending your day together as a family. That’s where Apple Holler comes in. This 78-acre year-round destination just over the Wisconsin border packs in a day of fun through its farm tours, Kids Corral play area, Golden Goat Bridge and summer puppet shows and pony rides. Pick peaches in early August or get a jump on apple picking, says Sheri Gavin, sales manager. “There’s nothing really like us,” she says. Start the day with a home-cooked breakfast at the farm-totable restaurant themed around the magic of apples, do some picking and take a tractor ride through the orchards, play in the Farm Park and visit the animals. At day’s end, don’t forget the fresh apple pie and cider doughnuts. Sturtevant, Wis.; appleholler.com
3
Families with Lego lovers already know Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg is a must for a full immersion into everything Lego. But Legoland appeals to all families wanting a fun day out, with everything from rides to activities to movies to mind-blowing Lego creations. “It’s a great place for a family to enjoy a two- to three-hour experience and just have fun,” says Legoland Discovery Center Master Model Builder David Howard. Not to miss this month: Ninjago Wu-Cru Weekend Aug. 13-14 full of giveaways, mascots and creative building. Howard’s best tips: Buy your tickets online and don’t forget to stop by the Model Building Academy to get building ideas from the master builders themselves. Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg; legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago ChicagoParent.com August 2016 69
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Summer Fun // sponsored
4
With the Olympics on everyone’s minds, you’ll definitely want to check out Language Stars’ August summer camps and classes. There’s no better place to use kids’ fascination with Olympians than by exposing them to language teachers from around the world and games centered around learning action verbs in another language. “It’s a really cool time to come into Language Stars and get that cultural experience,” says Ali Beaulieu, regional director for Language Stars. If your family’s schedule is too full for a camp, attend a class at one of Language Stars’ 12 locations. Language Stars offers Spanish, Mandarin, French, Italian, German and Arabic for kids 1-12. “It’s a really great way to get your kids ramped up for back to school,” Beaulieu says. Enroll online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/ languagestars or call (866) 557-8277.
He Gets It.
5
He knows that he likes to explore, ask questions, and do projects. His parents and teachers know that his education should be inspiring, engaging, and challenging. He gets all this and more at The Children's School. Progressive education in action
Your child can too. Enrollment is open for K-8
TheChildrensSchool.info
708.484.8033
RSVP to attend one of our monthly Friday Open Houses, 9-10:30 am RSVP to tcscp@thechildrensschool.info | 1428 Wesley Ave., Berwyn, IL
If the Discovery Center Museum isn’t on your radar, you need to change that. Nationally ranked as a top family destination, the museum is a hybrid of a children’s museum and science center and offers the perfect combination of fun and learning for truly everyone from tots to grandparents, says Ann Marie Walker, the museum’s director of marketing. Outside the 8,000-square-foot outdoor science park is something you won’t find anywhere else. It includes a two-story wooden maze, a 40-foot water trough, dino bone dig and secret garden, in addition to swings, slides and sand pits, she says. Also, if “Finding Dory” is a new family fave, kids will love Family Friday on Aug. 5, Finding Cory. It will focus on creating underwater art, creating sea creatures and getting wet. 711 N. Main St., Rockford; discoverycentermuseum.org
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special advertising section // 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
and classical ballet education. Nutcracker & Annual recital. (773) 477-4488 (LV & EV) (773) 606-0318 (BT) AFairytaleBallet.com
Marengo Cave and Cave Country Canoes
1934 Dempster Street, Evanston (847) 328-6683 www.dancecenterevanston.com Fun, progressive program for dancers ages 3-adult with classes in a variety of techniques.
Marengo, IN (812) 365-2705 MarengoCave.com Select from our easy walking tours, cave exploration trips, gemstone mining, cave simulator, or canoeing adventures on the nearby Blue River.
Day Out With Thomas
The Morton Arboretum
Dance Center Evanston
Illinois Railway Museum 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL August 13 & 14, 20 & 21 - Saturdays & Sundays. The ever popular Thomas the Tank Engine™ returns. Special Fare applies. www.irm.org.
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle (630) 968-0074 mortonarb.org Ribbit! The Exhibit (whimsical frog sculptures) runs through September 25
A Fairytale Ballet & Academy
Featuring two full floors of games, laser tag and rides. Tinley Park: I-80 & Harlem Ave. (708) 429-3800 Naperville: I-88 & Rt. 59 (630) 416-2222 OdysseyFunWorld.com
Lakeview, Bucktown & Evanston 1.5yrs - 17yrs Fairytale Ballet (1.5-5yrs) incorporates literature with costumes & props each week. Academy level (6yr+) advanced training w/ pointe
Odyssey Fun World
Arts Education Guide
Pump it Up Chicago (312) 664-7867 Orland Park (708) 479-2220 Pumpitupparty.com The only 100% private party place with gigantically fun inflatables.
Salt Creek Ballet Dedicated to Excellence in Dance Classes for ages 2 1/2 to Adults 98 E Chicago Ave., Westmont (630) 769-1199 www.saltcreekballet.org
Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie (847) 674-1500 www.SkokieParks.org
Trail Safety Days Forest Preserve District of Will County Aug. 13: Hickory Creek Barrens Nature Preserve, New Lenox Oct. 1: Centennial Trail, Romeoville 10 a.m.-1 p.m. All ages. ReconnectwithNature.org
JERUSALEM LUTHERAN SCHOOL AND PRECIOUS CHILD EARLY LEARNING CENTER Ages 3-14, extended care
Witness Always
L UTHE RAN
S CHOOL S
Duane Vance, Principal 6218 Capulina, Morton Grove
(847) 965-4750 jerusalemlutheranschool.org
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN SCHOOL Grades PreK (3 yrs.) – 8
Douglas Markworth, Principal 4939 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago
(773) 736-1196 stjohnschicago.org
GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL 3 yr. PreK –8
Mr. Bill Koehne, Principal 7300 W. Division, River Forest
(708) 366-6900 graceriverforest.org/school
SAINT LUKE ACADEMY Taste of Preschool, Preschool Age 3 through 8th Grade, Extended Care Donna Beck, Principal
Enrolling now! Call for a private tour today!
ATTEND AN OPEN HOUSE RSVP fwparker.org/openhouse Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Saturday, October 22 • 1 p.m. Upper School (Grades 9-12)
Saturday, November 19 • 10 a.m. Apply to Parker Visit fwparker.org/apply • Accepting applications for Grades JK-12
1500 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
(773) 472-3837 www.stlukechicago.org
Lutheran schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin. ChicagoParent.com August 2016 71
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who our children
BECOME
Has your child turned two?
IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS
what our children
ACHIEVE At Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts, we inspire and enable our children to reach their full potential by providing a rigorous education combining academic excellence, an arts-integrated curriculum and a strong Catholic foundation.
Join us for a tour and learn more at www.alphonsusacademy.org/admissions
INSPIRITING A Mindful Global Consciousness
Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Pope Francis Global Academy is a faith-filled pre-K - 8 center of academic excellence offering a strong core curriculum delivered through a global lens.
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TOUR!
NORTH CAMPUS
SOUTH CAMPUS
6040 W Ardmore Avenue 773.763.7080
6143 W Irving Park Road 773.736.8806
Applications to Nursery 3 for the 2017-18 academic year are due October 16, 2016 Apply online starting August 15, 2016 Learn more at www.ucls.uchicago.edu
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools 1362 E. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60637 773-702-9451 eshadmissions@ucls.uchicago.edu
pfgacademy.org • info @ pfgacademy.org 72 August 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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calendar AUGUST
1
Adler After Dark was already one of our readers’ favorite spots for date night (it was voted “Best place to flirt with your spouse” in 2014), and now it’s a place for family time, too! This month’s Adler After Dark: Family Edition has the same after-hours access to Adler’s awesome exhibits and galleries, plus kiddie cocktails (and regular ones for the parents), hands-on experiments and visits from some real characters. It’s safe to say the evening will be truly out of this world. $15, $12 kids; buy three tickets, get one free. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-STAR, adlerplanetarium.org.
2
Talk about your #FBF! Retro on Roscoe is all about throwing it back to the good old days, with antique vendors, a classic car show and live music from your long-ago childhood. The kids will love the special area just for them, complete with inflatables, face painting, balloon artists, rides and more, not to mention the crafts. Here’s hoping there will be some old-school gems like those loom potholders, which are definitely worth passing on to the next generation. $10. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 12; Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 13-14. Roscoe and Damen, Chicago. (773) 665-4682, retroonroscoe.com.
3
Between Batman taking on Superman this summer and the Avengers crew going to war, it’s pretty clear that we’re living in the age of peak superhero. But our caped crusaders aren’t entirely unique to the modern era. At Superheroes Then & Now, kids can learn how Cap, Spidey and fellow comic book creations relate to the tales of Zeus and his ilk. Maybe soon they’ll be asking to read The Odyssey instead of pestering you to let them watch Suicide Squad. Free. 1 p.m. Aug. 30. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. (630) 510-4941, dupage museum.org. ChicagoParent.com August 2016 73
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CALENDAR
Fre Fr en nch Co onne onne on nect ctio ct io on Da Day Day SSeee Au Augg.. 14 Aug.
1 | MONDAY MOON MONDAYS. The Buzz Aldrin
Education Cart, a tech-equipped mobile exhibit, is available for exploration. 2-3 p.m. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 728-8111, swedish americanmuseum.org. SECRET OF THE MUMMIES.
Kids 5-12 help prepare a simulated mummy for the afterlife and go on a mummy scavenger hunt and tour. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu. TRAVELING WORLD OF REPTILES. Come see a 12- to 15-
foot python, 3- to 5-foot alligator, 75-pound tortoise, 4-foot iguana, 5-foot monitor lizard, tarantula and more. 4-6 p.m. Odyssey Fun World, 19111 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. (708) 429-3800, odysseyfunworld. com.
2 | TUESDAY SUMMER KIDS CLUB. Fun, educational and interactive activities for kids 12 and under, including live performances, arts and crafts giveaways and more. Today’s theme is “Fun with Reading,” featuring the Niles Public Library. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Golf Mill Shopping Center, 239 Golf Mill Center, Niles. (847) 699-1070, golfmill.com. ARTS DANS LA RUE.
CAMPFIRE NIGHTS. A family evening 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.
3 | WEDNESDAY INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Kids 18-36 months,
Embrace European culture at a French street festival featuring art, food, wine, music, film, dance, kids’ activities and more. Noon-9 p.m. Marion Street, between Lake and North Boulevard, Oak Park. (708) 383-4145, downtownoakpark.net.
with adult, are introduced to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. Today’s theme is “Water Wonders.” $6, free parking. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.
FAMILY ARCHERY. Kids 8 and up, with adult, learn safety and the basics of archery, then spend some time practicing on the range. All equipment and instruction provided. $10. 6-7 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.
AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: BLAZING GOOD TIME! The Des
Plaines Fire Department answer all of kids’ burning questions. Red firefighter hats will be given to the first 24 kids. They can also create a firehouse dog out of a toilet paper roll. $3, $2 members. 1-3 p.m. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson
St., Des Plaines. (847) 391-5399, desplaineshistory.org. NATURE SLEUTHS. Kids 6-10 work
together to solve mysteries about the natural world through weekly themes and hands-on experiments. $8, $5 members. 4 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.
4 | THURSDAY MCCORMICK DAY. A day of family fun as the park celebrates the birthday of Cantigny benefactor Robert R. McCormick (1880-1955). Kids enjoy vintage games and crafts plus birthday cake cutting. The day will be capped by a concert by Chicago Sinfonietta at 7:30 p.m. outside the First Division Museum. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org. JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS. Kids
5-12, with adult, learn how archaeologists work in the field and discover artifacts, then take part in excavating
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CALENDAR a simulated dig in the Oriental Institute’s Kipper Family Archaeology Discovery Center. $14, $10 member; $7 additional family member. 1:303:30 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu. MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT AT EAST END POOL. Kids 11-14 have
the pool to themselves for DJ music, dancing and swimming. Drinks and snacks available for purchase. $7, $5 in advance. 8:30-10:30 p.m. East End Pool, 463 Schiller, Elmhurst. (630) 993-8986, epd.org. BABIES IN NATURE. Take a stroll
with a naturalist and let nature engage the senses of infants and toddlers. $6 adult and child, $3 additional family member. 9-9:45 a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 4336901, hellernaturecenter.org.
5 | FRIDAY FINDING CORY. Create underwater
art, select a shell, fashion a jellyfish and more. Dress to get wet as you paint a turtle, toss a fish, make a splash, and experiment with water. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org. FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURES.
Families with kids under 10 go on a hike, do activities and roast marshmallows before going on a silent tram ride through the woods after dark to see what animals come out
when people go home. $19. 7-9 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. MOVIE ON THE GREEN.
Enjoy a movie at dusk outdoors. Today’s movie is Wreck-It Ralph. 8 p.m. Odyssey Fun World, 19111 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. (708) 429-3800, odysseyfunworld.com.
6 | SATURDAY CHICAGO AS YOU LIKE IT. Midsommer Flight’s performance features a cast of 16 and original music. Live music will be presented 30 minutes prior to each performance. Donations welcome. 6 p.m. Schreiber Park, 1552 W. Schreiber Ave. midsommer flight.com FAMILY DAY: A DAY AT THE BEACH. An afternoon of art and
reading activities that celebrate living in the city in the summer. 1-4 p.m. Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. (773) 702-0200, smartmuseum. uchicago.edu. WINDY CITY RUBBER DUCKY DERBY. Spectators cheer
on more than 50,000 yellow rubber ducks to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Family entertainment includes face painting, games, free food and appearances by sports mascots. $5 to adopt a duck. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Chicago River, Columbus Avenue Bridge to Michigan Avenue Bridge. chicagoduckrace.com.
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL Developing Leaders in Faith, Achievement and Community Service.
◆◆ ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆◆ ◆◆◆◆ Join our Twice Award-Winning School Where Leadership Begins
3 & 5 day, full and half day PreK programming for three and four year olds Full day Kindergarten - Grade 8 Call Holy Cross School for a private tour at 847-945-0135.
www.holycrossdeerfield.org
River Forest Community Center Early Childhood Learning Center Half-Day & Full-Day: Preschool & Pre-K Before and After School Care Summer Camps Parent and Tot Programs
About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the September issue is July 25. 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 91.
Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar
Full-Day Infant—Preschool Programs at our OPRF HS location 8020 Madison Street River Forest , IL 60305 (708) 771-6159 www.rfcc.info Bring in this ad to receive $10.00 off your initial registration fee! BTS Aug16
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CALENDAR SUBURBS DASH & SPLASH. Swimming takes place at the Aquatic Center and participants run a course around the facility extending onto Harts Hill. Each participant will receive a medal, T-shirt and breakfast item. Awards will be given to the top performers in each age group. Pre-registration required. $40, $35 resident. 8-11 a.m. Round Lake Area Park District Aquatics Center, 860 Hart Road, Round Lake. (847) 740-9823, rlapd. org/facilities-aquatics.cfm. DJ & DINE. Bring the family and friends for a poolside BBQ. DJs will be on hand to create a soundtrack. $14, $8 resident; food costs extra. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Hidden Creek Aquapark, 1220 Fredrickson Place, Highland Park. (847) 433-4790, hiddencreekaquapark.org. HIP HOP PARTY AT THE POOL.
Kids in grades 6-8 join friends for a fun time at the pool with a DJ. $15. 7:15-8:15 p.m. Hidden Creek
Aquapark, 1220 Fredrickson Place, Highland Park. (847) 433-4790, hiddencreekaquapark.org. JOYOUS STRING QUARTET. A four-kid string quartet with musical aptitude beyond their years, who can produce a flawless rendition of “Smooth Criminal” without breaking a sweat. $10, $5 lawn. 11 a.m.; gates open at 10 a.m. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org. NATURE NIGHTS. Bring a picnic
dinner and spend an evening in the garden. Includes a short tram ride, a planting project and s’mores around a campfire. Today’s theme is “Sculpture Scavenger Hunt.” $26 per child. 5-7:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. DAVE RUDOLF. A live performance from Dave Rudolf, featuring beach-themed favorites and original kids’ songs. 5-7 p.m. Odyssey Fun World, 19111 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley
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Park. (708) 429-3800, odysseyfun world.com. DOG DAYS AT CANTIGNY.
Lots of special entertainment for all ages and their furry friends, plus vendor exhibits and sales. $10 parking. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
HOMETOWN PICNIC. Spend a summer day at a picnic with old-fashioned games, contests, an apple pie baking competition and a vintage baseball game. Cheer on the Lemont Quarrymen as they take on the Springfield Long Nines at 1 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic. Free with museum admission. Noon-4 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523
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CALENDAR S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 4206010, napersettlement.org. 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 goody bag and free ice cream. $5. 7 a.m.-noon. Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave., Monee. (708) 534-8499, reconnectwithnature.org. KITE FEST. See stunts and tricks from professional kite flyers or take to the skies in a family fun fly. Plus, kite building for kids and a candy drop. 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.
7 | SUNDAY CHICAGO AS YOU LIKE IT. See Aug. 6.
Today’s time is 2 p.m.
ECUADOR PARADE. Parade takes place in Albany Park 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. KIDZ BOP’S “LIFE OF THE PARTY.” The live show features the
biggest pop songs of the year, awesome choreography and more fun surprises. $35 and up. 3 p.m. FirstMerit Bank Pavilion, 1300 S. Linn White Drive. pavilionnortherlyisland.com.
SUBURBS PEPPER SUNDAYS. Kids play pepper tic-tac-toe and make pepper prints and a dried pepper mix to take home. Plus, pepper growing tips, variety recommendations, pepper plants and products for sale. $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847)
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835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN FAMILY SUNDAY. Families can rake
miniature dry gardens, try chopsticks and practice calligraphy. Today’s takehome project is uchiwa (paper fans). $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. SUMMER BEES. Kids 6 and up, with
adult, put on a bee suit and visit the hives to see what the bees are doing to get ready for honey harvest. All participants must wear closed shoes and tall socks to visit the hives. $9. 9:30-11 a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.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
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performances, activities and entertainment for kids, prizes, snacks and refreshments, and many, many clowns. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. 1-3 p.m. Woodlawn Cemetery, 7750 W. Cermak Road, Forest Park. performforthelove. com/showmensrest.
9 | TUESDAY SUMMER KIDS CLUB. NILES. See Aug. 2. Today’s theme is
“Back to School Dance Party.” BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES. Kids
3-5, with adult, hike, listen to stories and play games in an interactive sensory-based class. Dress up like butterflies, sip some nectar and play butterfly seek and find. $25, $18 members. 9:30-11 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. LITTLE SCRIBE. Kids learn how writing began, how it changed over time, and how it changed the world. Kids 9-12 help “evolve” a
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CALENDAR
Engage Challenge Empower Inspire
Saint 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 2016-2017 Admission Coffee Dates To learn more, contact our Dean of Students, Anne Byrne. abyrne@stclementschool.org www.stclementschool.org 2524 North Orchard Street Chicago IL 60614
Non stop entertaiment on four stages Rock/Jazz/Reggae/Folk/Polka Bands/Games/Casino Bounce House Village Carnivale Rides/ Kid’s Stage
writing script, while kids 5-8 take part in an interactive tale that describes how the alphabet was created and evolved. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.
TALES FOR TWO’S & THREE’S. A mix of stories, songs and
10 | WEDNESDAY
12 | FRIDAY
BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES. Kids 18-35 months, with adult, hike, listen to stories and play games in an interactive sensory-based class. Dress up like butterflies, sip some nectar and play butterfly seek and find. $22, $15 members. 9:30-10:45 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. DRAWING HOUR. Kids 5 and up exercise creativity in the Edgar and Deborah Jannotta Mesopotamian Gallery of the Oriental Institute Museum. Practice looking closely and develop drawing skills. Choose ancient sculptures and pottery to sketch, or grab a drawing worksheet to loosen up and get inspired. A student artist will be on hand to guide the process. All materials are provided. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu. INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Wheaton. See Aug.
3. Today’s theme is “Water, Water Everywhere.” AFTERNOON ADVENTURES: TO BE OR NOT TO BE. Kids 5-12, with
adult, learn the history of entertainment and get up on their feet to act. Plus, create a fun, theater-inspired craft. $3, $2 members. 1-3 p.m. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. (847) 391-5399, desplaineshistory.org.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND Milwaukee & Lawrence I 90 exit 84 1 block from Jefferson Park (CTA/Metra)
FREE PARKING/FREE SHUTTLE BUS every 15 minutes
@ IRISH AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER 4626 N. KNOX AVE. (2 BLKS SOUTH OF LAWRENCE AVE.)
11 | THURSDAY MINION DAY. Cosley Zoo hosts every
kid’s favorite yellow characters for fun interactions and photos. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras and Minion memorabilia. Free with zoo admission. 10 a.m.-noon. Cosley Zoo, 1356 Gary Ave., Wheaton. (630) 6655534, cosleyzoo.org.
movement geared for young children exploring their world. 11-11:30 a.m. Heritage Center, 1S325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 6276100, obtpd.org.
MOVIE ON THE GREEN. Tinley
Park. See Aug. 5. Today’s movie is Pixels. PERSEID METEOR SHOWER STAR PARTY AT CANTIGNY PARK. Take in
the surroundings of Cantigny Park as hundreds of meteors shoot through the night sky above. Enjoy live music, scavenger hunt for kids, hands-on science activities and presentations by Adler astronomers. Check website for cost. 6 p.m.-midnight. Cantigny Park 1S151 S. Winfield Road, Wheaton. (312) 922-STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium.org. CHILDREN’S GARDEN CAMPOUT.
A campout inside the Children’s Garden, designed especially for families with kids 2 and up, complete with hands-on activity stations, snacks, night hikes and bedtime stories. Light evening snacks and light breakfast included. $37. 6:30 p.m.-9 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. MOVIES IN THE PARK. Grab a blanket and popcorn. Movies begin at dusk, about 8:30 p.m. Stop by early for a children’s craft project. Tonight’s movie is The Princess Bride. 7:30 p.m. Wilder Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 7391071, epd.org.
13 | SATURDAY CHICAGO AS YOU LIKE IT. See Aug. 6. Today’s
location is Gross Park, 2708 W. Lawrence Ave.
SUBURBS FAMILY PIZZA NIGHT. Use farm
tomatoes and goat’s milk to make sauce and cheese, then bake a pizza
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CALENDAR FAMILY HEALTH AND WELLNESS EXPO. Enjoy food and
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refreshments, raffles, prizes, family fun and entertainment. Plus, free health care screenings and backpacks filled with school supplies for children. 1-5 p.m. Barrington Square Town Center, Hoffman Estates. (800) 616-5708, monarchawardsfoundation.org. THE TEMPEL LIPIZZANS: EVENING PERFORMANCE. The
performance program follows the careful development of the youngest of the Lipizzan herd to the most talented and highly trained of the stallions, all set to music. $17-$32. 6 p.m. Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth. (847) 244-5330, tempelfarms.com.
in an earth oven. Along the way, learn about the farm and help take care of the animals. $18. 4:30-8 p.m. Angelic Organics Learning Center & Farm, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia. (815) 389-8455, learngrowconnect.org/ on-farm. KIDS BUILD WITH COB. Work
with others to construct a mini eco-village while learning natural building techniques. Build model homes using a mixture of clay, sand and straw, called “cob,” then create stories about people in the
community. $12. 12:30-3:30 p.m. Angelic Organics Learning Center & Farm, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia. (815) 389-8455, learn growconnect. org/on-farm. CANOE CRAZY. Heller naturalists provide canoes and everything else needed for a day of canoeing for families with kids 6 and up at the beautiful Skokie Lagoons. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $20. 4-6 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.
FARM & BARN FEST. Features sheep-shearing demos, petting zoo, horse rides, farm antiques, raffles, stage entertainment, kids’ games and activities, face painting and food vendors. Plus, blacksmithing demonstrations, baby and kid contest, flea market and a 5:30 p.m. country concert. New this year: bean bag tournament. Some activities cost extra. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Main Park, 10925 LaPorte Road, Mokena. (708) 390-2401, mokenapark.com. LEGO NINJAGO WEEKEND.
Meet and take pictures with Kai, the main character of the Ninjago series, while participating in special activities. Guests also receive an exclusive Lego Ninjago factory brick, prizes, freebies and giveaways. Free with general admission. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Legoland Discovery Center,
The Streets of Woodfield (next to Woodfield Mall), 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. (847) 592-9700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago. CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA.
This event pits multiple racing teams in cardboard boats of their construction (around the size of a canoe) against each other as they race across Memorial Park Pool. $15 per team/ boat. 4:45 p.m. Blue Island Park District, 12804 S. Highland Ave., Blue Island. (708) 385-3304, blueisland parks.org. CHICAGO SOUTHLAND DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL. The
Blue Island Arts Alliance, along with the Pan American Dragon Boat Association, hosts the Chicago Southland Dragon Boat Festival, featuring dragon boat races at Fay’s Point in the Cal-Sag Channel. Enjoy Blue Island’s historic architecture and entertainment along Olde Western Avenue. Local craft beer selections, food and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fay’s Point, Blue Island. panamdragonboat. com GREEN FAIR ON THE FOX.
Features eco-villages focused on clean living, alternative transportation, energy reduction options and more. Enjoy great food, live music, demonstrations and fun activities. Learn about fitness offerings at the Batavia Park District and participate in a bike swap with the Batavia Bicycle Commission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Batavia Riverwalk, Houston Street at Island Avenue, Batavia. (630) 879-5235, bataviaparks.org.
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CALENDAR SECOND SATURDAY: PAPER MAKING. Robert McCormick,
Cantigny’s benefactor, made his fortune in the newspaper business. Try making the raw material that he depended on. $10 parking. Noon-3 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
14 | SUNDAY CHICAGO AS YOU LIKE IT. See Aug. 6. Today’s
time is 2 p.m. and location is Gross Park, 2708 W. Lawrence Ave.
SUBURBS
Kiite K e F es e t Seee Au See Aug. gg.. 6
Highland Park Community House, 1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. chicagoprincessparties.com. LEGO NINJAGO WEEKEND.
Schaumburg. See Aug. 13. FRENCH CONNECTION DAY.
Day-long festival to commemorate the personal history of the park’s benefactor, Robert R. McCormick. Colonel McCormick named his Cantigny estate after a French village, scene of the first American victory during World War I. Enjoy live musical entertainment and have your photo taken by an Eiffel Tower replica. $10 parking. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
ICE PRINCESS’ BIRTHDAY BALL! Join the Snow Queen, Ice
HOORAY FOR HERPETOLOGY! The
Princess and five of their friends for a day of singing, dancing, games, crafts, scavenger hunts, performances, meet and greets, autographs, photo ops and more. $45; $10 adult. 1-2:30 p.m. or 4-5:30 p.m.
Children’s Garden hosts Lake View Nature Center and their slimy and scaly friends. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.
It’s a great feeling to belong. Find out more at Open House or one of our upcoming Information Sessions:
Open House for grades 5-12
Sunday, October 16 11 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.LATINSCHOOL.ORG/VISITUS
Middle & Upper School Information Sessions Thursday, October 20 Tuesday, November 8 Thursday, January 19 US at 8:30 a.m., MS at 8:45 a.m.
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CALENDAR NAPERVILLE PLAYS PRESENTS MAKE IT COOL: INNOVATION AND PLAY. Discover the wonder of
play and innovation with exhibits and hands-on activities centered on the cool activities of summer. Includes free sundaes from Colonial Cafe with DIY toppings. Ice cream is served from 2-3:30 p.m. and is limited to the first 200 guests. Free with museum admission. 1-4 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.org.
15 | MONDAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO SUMMER CONCERT. Features cast
members from more than a dozen shows including Disney’s Aladdin, The Bodyguard, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, Finding Neverland, Fun Home, Phantom of the Opera and more. 6:15 p.m. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 742-1168, millenniumpark.org. MAGIC CLASS. Amaze family and friends with tricks that involve cards, ropes, coins, mind-reading, and more. All materials are provided, with a take-home magic kit included for every child. $30, $20 resident. 5-5:55 p.m. Blue Island Park District, 12804 S. Highland Ave., Blue Island. (708) 385-3304, blueislandparks.org.
16 | TUESDAY BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES. Lisle.
See Aug. 10.
17 | WEDNESDAY BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES. Lisle.
See Aug. 9. MOOOVIE NIGHT. Movies begin at dusk and are shown on a large inflatable screen in front of Mount Prospect Village Hall. Bring a picnic, blanket and enjoy some Capannari Ice Cream. Tonight’s movie is Mary Poppins. Dusk. 50 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect. (847) 392-2277, capannaris.com. INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Wheaton. See Aug. 3.
Today’s theme is “Fun with Water.” NATURE SLEUTHS. Sycamore. See
Aug. 3.
18 | THURSDAY SQUID DISSECTION CLASS. Study the fascinating anatomy of the squid. $18, $12 members. 7-8 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.
Ascension School offers a faith-based 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 Van Buren St. Oak Park, Illinois T: 708.386.7282
IN SEARCH OF BATS. Families
roast marshmallows around a campfire while learning about bats, then go on a hike to find these mosquitoeating machines, using bat detectors to “listen” for them as they search for food. Wear long sleeves, pants and bug repellent. $8. 7-8:30 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.
experience
TheRealMPA where students explore the world and make their mark.
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION Wednesdays | 9 AM | Hansen Hall
To schedule a private tour, call 773.881.6700.
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CALENDAR
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AMERICAN DANCE CENTER
See AAuugg.. 27 Se
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Where Talent is Born • Pre dance • Beginner Dance
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THIRD THURSDAY THINKERS.
Take kids 2-7 on a museum adventure, where they use their senses and discover what makes Illinois unique. Little fingers experiment with painting, gluing, sticking and creating, while developing fine motor skills. Today’s theme is “Pioneer Life.” Free with museum admission. 10:30-11 a.m. (kids 2-5); 2-2:30 (kids 5-7). Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.org. BABIES IN NATURE. Highland
Park. See Aug. 4.
Orland Park 708-349-4964 10464 163rd Place Invited as 2016 Illinois Delegates to Dance Excellence International 6 Studios • Dancewear Shop Free New Student Evaluation
Homewood 708-747-4969 1933 Ridge Road
N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org.
19 | FRIDAY FAMILY NIGHT OUT: SCAVENGER HUNT, MUSIC & CARS! Events include a scavenger
hunt outside the First Division Museum and a guided walking tour of the museum’s historic Army tanks. Stay for a movie in the park (Grease) at 8:30 p.m. $5 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.
THIRD THURSDAY. A time for fami-
lies of children with special needs to enjoy the museum. Accommodations are made so that all children can participate in programs and resources are available to help visitors structure their visit. Free with admission. 5-7 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301
MOVIE ON THE GREEN. Tinley
Park. See Aug. 5. Today’s movie is Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip. NAPER NIGHTS COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES. Bring a blanket
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CALENDAR or lawn chair and enjoy music under the stars on the grounds of Naper Settlement. Children’s activities include Pinot’s Palette, Pro Martial Arts, SciTech and Bright Horizons. No outside food or beverages allowed. $15, $10 kids 4-12, free kids under 4. 5-10 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.org.
seats. 11 a.m.; gates open at 10 a.m. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org. NATURE NIGHTS. Glencoe. See
Aug. 6. HUMMINGBIRD FEST.
CHICAGO
Activities, viewing and demos of how the birds are banded for tracking and research purposes. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont. (630) 257-2045, fpdcc.com.
AS YOU LIKE IT. See Aug. 6. Today’s
FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURES.
location is Gross Park, 2708 W. Lawrence Ave.
Lisle. See Aug. 5.
20 | SATURDAY
SUBURBS JUSTIN ROBERTS & THE NOT READY FOR NAPTIME PLAYERS.
Hear favorites like “Willy the Whale” and “Pop Fly” and brand new songs from Justin’s upcoming full-length album, Lemonade. $10, $5 lawn
PARK PALOOZA. Bring your lawn chairs or pack a blanket and enjoy a lazy end-of-summer Saturday with music, food trucks, beer garden, face painting and kids’ activities. Concessions for sale. 5-10 p.m. Berens Park, 493 Oak Lawn Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 7824955, epd.org.
START YOUR ROCKIN’ COLLECTION! This activity helps kids
21 | SUNDAY
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 can choose several rocks to start or fill in their collection. Rocks from home can also be brought in for identification. $5. 2 p.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.
CHICAGO
PLAY DAY. Kids and adults can get their face painted, plant flowers in the Fragrance Garden, blow bubbles, and have fun in the playground’s first phase, which provides opportunities for play to children of all abilities, including those with developmental delays, physical disabilities, sensory processing disorders and autism. 10:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. The Sensory Garden Playground, 2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle. playforalldupage.org.
AS YOU LIKE IT. See Aug. 6. Today’s
time is 2 p.m. and location is Gross Park, 2708 W. Lawrence Ave.
SUBURBS KIDS’ CONCERT: WENDY & DB. Fun songs with positive lyrics are
the hallmark of this award-winning twosome. Wendy & DB’s interactive children’s music show is perfect for kids and families. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome. $10 parking. Noon. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.
26 | FRIDAY MOVIE ON THE GREEN.
Tinley Park. See Aug. 5. SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: TWELFTH NIGHT. See one
DePaul University School of Music | Community Music Division Music instruction for all ages in a university setting
The Community Music Division offers the highest quality music instruction to students of all ages and levels. Our school provides the opportunity for serious musical study and growth in a nurturing environment.
• Individual Instruction* - Traditional and Suzuki • Early Childhood classes: Music Together® (9 months – 4 years) Dalcroze Eurythmics (4-6 years) • Prelude Choir, grades 1-2 • Chicago Children’s Choir at DePaul University, grades 3-9 • DePaul Youth String Orchestra • DePaul Community Chorus • New Horizons Band and Orchestra *Reduced tuition rates available for certain instruments.
For more information, call 773.325.7262 http://music.depaul.edu/cmd http://www.facebook.com/DePaulCMD Download our course brochure!
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CALENDAR
Open Houses Thursday, October 27, 2016 ~ 6:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday, November 6, 2016 ~ 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Shadow Days 8 grade girls welcome on select days 7th grade girls on Friday, February 10, 2017 th
www.reshs.org 7500 West Talcott Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631
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of William Shakespeare’s comedies, presented by Wheaton College Arena Theater and Wheaton Park District. Enjoy onsite concessions and bring a blanket or chairs. 7-10 p.m. Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton. (630) 690-4880, wheatonparkdistrict. com.
27 | SATURDAY CHICAGO
“I am a citizen of the world.” Dual-Language Montessori Education for ages 3 to 12 Your choice of programs: Chinese Mandarin / English Spanish / English Japanese / English
Two Locations: Historic Oak Park Chicago’s West Loop
ROLLING ADMISSIONS – SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! www.interculturalmontessori.org
LIFE TIME KIDS TRI CHICAGO.
The swim takes place in Lake Michigan at Chicago’s Montrose Avenue Beach, 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, chicagotriathlon.com/ race/kids-tri.
THE EXPLORERS! Join the
Explorers, a rag-tag group of knowledge-seekers, as they adventure to unknown territory in search of learning and laughter and meet fun, silly characters along the way. The show is comprised of short scenes, songs and interactive games. Each show centers on a new location and culminates in a short dance party/ concert from a local musician at the end of the show. $10. 4-5 p.m. The Revival, 1160 E. 55th St. (866) 8114111, the-revival.com. AS YOU LIKE IT. See Aug. 6. Today’s location is Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West.
SUBURBS FATHER SON PICNIC. Join Lincoln Marsh Natural Area and Wheaton Park District staff for a father-son bonding experience, featuring canoeing, fishing, games and more. $25, $5 kids 17 and under. 1-4 p.m. Northside
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CALENDAR Park, 1300 N. West St., Wheaton. (630) 690-4880, wheatonparkdistrict. com. HEIRLOOM TOMATO WEEKEND. Activities for kids
and families include creating an herb mix, playing tomato toss and “Sorting Supper,” searching for “Rainbows of Tomatoes” and more. In addition, staff and volunteer experts share tips for cooking with tomatoes, preserving tomatoes, saving seeds and solving tomato problems. $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.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 without talking down to them, charming youngsters without boring grown-ups. $5, $15. Noon; 11 a.m. gates open. Ravinia Festival, 418
Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org.
Street Mall, Aurora. auroradowntown. org/alley-art-festival/.
ARTISTS & AUTHORS. Local artists showcase their work in a variety of mediums. Attendees can interact with the artists through demonstrations and booth chats and meet the authors and browse through a variety of children and adult books. Also features live music and fun kid-friendly activities. Food and beverages available for purchase. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. (630) 766-7015, bensenvilleparkdistrict. org/pdcms/fischer-farm.
28 | SUNDAY
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: TWELFTH NIGHT. Wheaton. See
Aug. 26. ALLEY ART FESTIVAL. More than 60 local 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
Jewish Day Schools
Celebrate Knowledge
JEWISH CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES THERAPEUTIC DAY SCHOOL AND YESHIVA
Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center 3145 W. Pratt Avenue, Chicago Sandra Spicher, Principal (773) 467-3900 jcfsschool.org K-12 The best educational, emotional and therapeutic services for students in grades K-12. Individualized, specialty support, low student-to-teacher ratio, state-aligned curriculum and modern facilities
KESHET
3210 Dundee Rd., Northbrook (847) 205-0274 Education Programs Kindergarten through adulthood Dr. Melinda Remaly, Director of Education Mremaly@keshet.org
sunday Programs Elementary school through adulthood Rebecca Anisfeld, Director of Sunday Programs Ranisfeld@keshet.org rEcrEation Programs Elementary school through adulthood Jennifer Phillips, Director of Recreation Jphillips@keshet.org adult Programs Debbie Harris, Director of Adult Programming 8140 N. McCormick Blvd., #138, Skokie Dharris@keshet.org (847) 674-5711 KEshEt main officE 600 Academy Dr., #130, Northbrook (847) 205-1234
CHICAGO
HEIRLOOM TOMATO WEEKEND. Glencoe. See Aug. 27.
30 | TUESDAY RUBIK’S CUBE CHALLENGE.
AS YOU LIKE IT. See Aug. 6.
Today’s time is 2 p.m. and location is Lincoln Park Cultural Center, 2045 N. Lincoln Park West.
SUBURBS BIKE THE GARDEN. Bicyclists can ride the perimeter of the garden and end with a finish-line celebration. Visit the festival area across from the McDonald Woods pavilion to check out vendors and learn more at information tables. The Bicycle Store offers helmet and basic bicycle checks, as well as flat tire and maintenance clinics at 8 and 9 a.m. Registration required. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.
Using Speed Stacks timing mats, players try to solve the cube as quickly as possible. Points will be awarded based on finished times. Participants can choose three cubes to solve: 2x2, 3x3, Pyraminx, Megaminx and Mirror Cube. Bring a cube or borrow one. $5. 1-3 p.m. Cat and Mouse Game Store, 2212 W. Armitage, Chicago. (773) 384-4454, cat-n-mouse.com.
31 | WEDNESDAY PLAYSCAPE READERS. Kids 2-7 find a seat on the quilt for an engaging story time featuring changing seasonal themes. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m. (kids 2-5); 1 p.m. (kids 5-7). Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 4206010, napersettlement.org.
Jerusalem Lutheran School 6218 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL 60053 (847) 965-4750 • www.jerusalemlutheran.org
Quality Education Terra Nova Test Results (10/20/2013) Grade Equivalent Scores
Grades Reading Language Math
4th 5.9 7.1 4.8
6th 7.8 7.8 8.4
8th 11 11.2 12
Jerusalem Lutheran School is an F-1 school, accepting all I-20 students. All International students welcome!
Excellent Programs
Great Value
Before School Care starting at 7:00 a.m.
Pre-S and Pre-K
Pre-School and Pre-K Full and Half day
8:00-3:00
Kindergarten Full day 1st through 8th Grades After School Care 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 p.m.
8:00-11:30
Kindergarten 8:30-3:00
Grades 1-8 Please Call for Current Tuition Rates
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S T. CONS TANCE SCHOOL — ENROLL NOW!
RKMS
Full Da y Option s Availab le!
Preschool through 8th Grade / Located in Jefferson Park
Ronald Knox Montessori School est. 1963
Fostering a lifelong love of learning for over 50 years.
PARENT CHILD (6 mths-2 yrs) TODDLER (2-3 yrs) AM HALF DAY PRIMARY (3-6 yrs) FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN SUMMER CAMP (2-6 yrs) EARLY BIRD, LUNCH ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
SCIENCE & MATH ART & SPANISH TODDLER READING, WRITING & YOGA For further information about a Montessori education for your child, visit RonaldKnox.org or contact us at (847) 256-2922.
SUMMER TOUR HOURS Monday—Friday, 9am—Noon Evening Tours by Appointment 773-283-2311 - Recognized for academic excellence - Full-time and part-time preschool - Spanish, music, gym, art, library and computer classes - Title One Program for students who need extra help - Students who excel can move ahead in a subject - After school homework help - Many extracurricular programs - Extended care before and after school
PARENT TESTIMONIALS “...My kids love it. We are a St. Constance School family forever!” “St. Constance is an excellent academic choice for parents who want their children to learn in a safe environment with caring teachers and high standards of excellence.” “This small Catholic school is a tight-knit community that focuses on each child to teach integrity and friendship.”
stconstanceschool.org We Provide • Rigorous Project Based learning environment • High expectation for all students academic success and social emotional development • Christ-center community for the moral development of students • Open dialogue and partnership between teachers and parents • Safe nurturing learning environment that builds confidence and pride
Where Excellence is the Standard, not the Goal! Our school has enjoyed a reputation for scholastic excellence for for than 100 years! Our highly qualified, dedicated teachers and staff set high expectations for students and expect success! Each student receives personal attention and every family in our school is treated on an individual basis with respect and care. We believe in our children and build pride every day.
St. Philip Neri Catholic School 2110 E. 72nd Street Chicago, IL 60649 Phone 773-288-1138 Fax 773-288-8252
www.spnschoolchicago.org
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Scream for
ice cream
W
e’re strong believers that ice cream is an all-season treat, but it’s undeniable that nothing tastes better on a scorching summer day than a double scoop of some frozen goodness. Fortunately, this month is custom-made for the ice cream lovers among us. Check out these five sweet events that guarantee family fun ... with a cherry on top. u Everything’s gone DIY nowadays, even ice cream. At Animal Day for Families, kids can get hands-on experience making goat’s milk ice cream, gathering eggs, milking goats
and checking the worm boxes. All that manual labor’s sure to work up an appetite! $20. 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 6. Angelic Organics Learning Center & Farm, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia. (815) 389-8455, learngrowconnect.org/on-farm. u Party like it’s 1959! The Rock ‘n’ Roll Ice Cream Bash is all about ice cream in the age of the sock hop, complete with backyard games, photos, face painting—and ice cream making, of course. Your iPad-obsessed kids won’t be able to resist the vintage fun. $3, $2 members. 1-3 p.m. Aug. 17. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. (847) 3915399, desplaineshistory.org. u As far as we can tell, there won’t be any Scripture reading at this Sundae School, unless it’s the gospel of Ben & Jerry. Kids 3 and up can make their own ice cream from scratch, then turn it into a sundae that rivals your local parlor’s finest. $2. 10 a.m.-noon. Aug. 18. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, park fun.com. u Just how fast can you scarf down ice cream without falling prey to the dreaded brain freeze? Find out at Homewood’s Giant Block Party,
Hickory Creek Barrens Nature AUG 13 Preserve, New Lenox SATURDAY, Centennial Trail - Schneider’s OCT 01 Passage, Romeoville SATURDAY,
ACTIVITIES • GIVEAWAYS • FUN FOR ALL!
which features an ice cream eating contest, in addition to a water balloon toss for the more headache-averse. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 20. Hickory Road, between Dixie and Martin, Homewood. (708) 798-3000, home sweethomewood.com. u If you’ve ever wondered what ice cream was like before Dairy Queen, the Picnic Supper, Barnyard Dance & Ice Cream Social is for you. This throwback evening includes wagon rides, live music and square dancing, plus ice cream sundaes with all the fixin’s. 4-8 p.m. Aug. 27. Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. (847) 657-1506, glenviewparks.org/ historicwagnerfarm. Elizabeth Diffin
Walkers, runners, and cyclists are invited to attend one of these events to learn how to share and enjoy the trails safely. Learn best practices, sharpen your trail awareness and understand the rules of trail usage. Partners include FnA Bicycles of New Lenox and Spokes of Naperville.
10 A.M. - 1 P.M. • ALL AGES • NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED FREE ! For more information, visit ReconnectWithNature.org. ChicagoParent.com August 2016 87
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PERFORMANCES TORUK - THE FIRST FLIGHT. A
live experience by Cirque du Soleil that envisions a world set thousands of years before AVATAR. “Toruk” refers to the great leonopteryx, the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky. Central in Na’vi lore and culture, this fascinating creature is about to be ridden for the very first time by a Na’vi. $42 and up. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3-5; 4 and 8 p.m. Aug. 6; 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. cirquedusoleil.com. BIG: THE MUSICAL. Based on the 1988 film with Tom Hanks, this is a coming-of-age story about what happens when the power of wishful thinking and adulthood collide. Recommended for families with kids 8 and up. $12, $15 at the door. 1 p.m. Aug. 6; 1 and 4 p.m. Aug. 7. The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424, wilmette theatre.com. ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY.” Worrisome Gerald
wonders if something could go wrong to end his friendship with Piggie. But playful Piggie is not worried, especially when she receives an invitation to a party hosted by The Squirrelles. So begins a day when anything is possible in an imaginative musical romp that explores the true meaning of friendship. $12, $10 kids; $8 Aug. 4. 10 a.m. Aug. 4; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Aug. 6; 2 and 5 p.m. Aug. 7. Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center, 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston. (847) 491-7282, tic.northwestern.edu. DISNEY’S NEWSIES. Through Aug.
7. The story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. $25 and up. Check website for schedule. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 977-1700, broadway inchicago.com. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS.
Through Aug. 12. Meet three sisters about to set out on an adventure to build their houses. Roxanne builds hers out of sticks, Petunia builds hers out of straw,
TOR TOR TO RU UK - Th The F Fiirs rst Fl rst F ig ght ht See Se ee tthhis is pag age
and Babe builds hers out of bricks. Which house will still be standing after the Big Bad Wolf tries to huff and puff and blow them all down? Recommended for families with kids 2-8. $12. 10:30 a.m. weekdays; check website for schedule. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. Through Aug. 14. Though the most modest toy in the nursery, the Velveteen Rabbit earns the love of a young boy and learns about the joys and pain of becoming “real.” Based on Margery
Williams’ classic book. $17.23. 10 a.m. select days. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847)634-0200, marriotttheatre.com. CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS. Through Aug. 14.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater brings Shakespeare to 19 parks across Chicago. Enjoy a 75-minute, daylight production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” Check website for performance locations. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com.
SHAKESPEARE UNDER THE STARS: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Through Aug. 14. A
Midsummer Night’s Dream draws on Greek mythology and Shakespeare’s imagination to tell a story of magic and the difficulties of love. $29 Wednesdays-Thursdays; $39 Fridays-Sundays. 8:15 p.m. Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 W. 31st St., Oak Brook. firstfolio.org. GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL.
Through Aug. 20. Grant Park Music Festival presents more than 20 concerts. Check website for concert schedule and information.
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PERFORMANCES Millennium Park, Chicago. grantpark musicfestival.com. THREE LITTLE KITTENS. Through
Aug. 21. Three little kittens are on the hunt for their missing mittens. This interactive spy story is the perfect way to introduce little ones 0-5 to the mystery and excitement of live theater. $15, $8 kids under 1. Little Theatre in Lakeview, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com. THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE SUMMER STRIKES BACK.
Through Aug. 22. A variety show of short sketches and songs adapted from stories written by kids in Barrel of Monkeys’ arts education programs. The line-up changes each week. $12 adults; $6 kids under 12. 8 p.m. Mondays. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelof monkeys.org. CHICAGO DANCING FESTIVAL. A celebration of the finest
dancers and choreographers from across the country and around the world. Some free tickets are required. Check website for schedule. Aug. 23-27. Various locations, Chicago. chicagodancingfestival.com. SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!
Through Aug. 28. Through unforgettable songs such as “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction,” a nervous schoolteacher discovers how to charm his students through imagination and music. Based on
the animated series. $16-$24. Check website for schedule. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. (800) 7752000, broadwayinchicago.com.
2016-2017 Season
MATINEE PERFORMANCE. Enjoy a performance of the Tempel Lipizzans set to classical music. The program follows the horses through varying stages of development and training. After the performance, take a self-guided tour through the stallion stable and visit the foals in the pasture. Riders, trainers and handlers will be present to answer questions. $17-$32. 1 p.m. Check website for schedule. Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth. (847) 244-5330, tempelfarms.com.
Jack and the Beanstalk
HOGWASH: AN IMPROVISED TALL TALE. Interactive kids’ show
where the kids help guide the story from scene to scene and song to song. Kids create 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. hogwashkids.com.
Dec. 5-17, 2016
Oct. 6-8, 2016
Four Score and Seven Years Ago
Jan. 17-20, 2017
THEATRE HIKES. Travel to the
ancient Mediterranean for a crash course in all things Greek in the spoof “The Iliad, The Odyssey, and all of Greek Mythology, in 99 Minutes or Less.” $20, $10 members; $10 kids, $5 member kids. 1 p.m. SaturdaysSundays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.
The Story of the Nutcracker
The Tail of the Little Mermaid
April 3-9, 2017
Call now for the BEST seats!
219-836-3258 1040 Ridge Road Munster, IN
TheatreAtTheCenter.com
he t S oin MM J W me f co un o f
Final Weeks - Still Only $1 August 3RD
Series ends August 10th with
Ch Ch hic icago ic ag a go Sh Shak ake es spea pe ea arre in n th he e Par arks ks See pa Se p ge 88
Doors open at 9AM • shows start at 10AM Co-sponsored by
www.classiccinemas.com
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STOCKTON & LASALLE DRIVE Friday AMERICAN ENGLISH Saturday JC BROOKS AND THE UPTOWN SOUND Saturday CATFIGHT
BYRON’S HOT DOGS • COOKERS RED HOTS DOG HOUSE GRILL • EDZOS FATSO’S LAST STAND • FLASHY HOTDOGS FRANNIE’S BEEF AND CATERING WIENER TAKE ALL • and many more!
Clark Street at North Avenue | chicagohistory.org
The Chicago History Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the people of Chicago.
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ONGOING EVENTS
Chic C Ch hic cago ago B ag Bo ota tan niic Garden Ga rd den’s en e n’s s Kite itte Fe F estiv stival st iva iv all Seeee ppaage Se g 92
FESTS NORTHBROOK DAYS FESTIVAL. Features a wide variety
of food vendors and carnival rides and games. Live entertainment is featured each night at the main stage and during the day at the beer garden, food and children’s stages. All proceeds go to scholarship and grants via the Northbrook Civic Foundation. Food and rides cost extra. 6-10 p.m. Aug. 3-4; 6-11 p.m. Aug. 5; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 6 (9:30-11:30 a.m. for those with special needs); 1-9 p.m. Aug. 7. 1331 Shermer Road, Northbrook. northbrookdays.com.
FESTA ITALIANA. Enjoy authentic
music, carnival, kids’ activities and Italian food. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 5-7. Boylan High School Grounds, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford. (815) 636-2902, griaa.com. CHICAGO HOT DOG FEST.
Features live music and family-friendly activities, plus classic Chicago-style hot dogs. Cost for hot dogs. 5-9 p.m. Aug. 5; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 6; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 7. Chicago History Museum, Clark and LaSalle streets, Chicago. chicagohotdogfest.com. WRIGLEYVILLE SUMMERFEST.
LA GRANGE ENDLESS SUMMERFEST. Celebrate summer
with family fun, live music and entertainment. Includes rides, entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, music, and Sunday night fireworks. Check website for cost. 5-10:30 p.m. Aug. 5; noon-10:30 p.m. Aug. 6; noon-10 p.m. Aug. 7. Gordon Park, La Grange. lagrangeendlesssummerfest. com.
Includes live music, food, drinks and the Kid’s Zone with interactive games, crafts, a bouncy castle and other activities. $5. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 6-7. 3300 N. Seminary Ave., Chicago. (773) 665-4682, wrigleyville summerfest.com. DESTINATION ASIA CULTURAL FESTIVAL. Explore diverse cultures
through music, including Japanese
drumming, dance, food and a bonsai show. Also includes champion sumo wrestlers. Free with arboretum admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 6-7. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. ART AT THE GLEN. Families can stroll past the work of 185 artists, enjoy food from local restaurants, listen to music and enjoy kids’ activities, including an art scavenger hunt. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 6-7. Glen Town Center, 1800 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 926-4300, artattheglen.com. EVANSTON LAKESHORE ARTS FESTIVAL. Includes juried
fine arts, musical performance, food, hands-on children’s crafts and a silent auction. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 6-7. Dawes Park, Sheridan Road at Church Street, Evanston. (847) 448-8260, cityofevanston.org/lakeshore. TASTE OF LINCOLN AVENUE.
Features 250 plus vendors, food and nearly 35 acts on five music stages.
Afternoons feature a free, stand-alone kids’ carnival on Altgeld with art activities, pony rides and more, and the “Lill Street Craft Fair” showcasing handmade and DIY art. $8 donation. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 6-7. North Lincoln Avenue between Fullerton and Wrightwood, Chicago. tasteof lincolnchicago.com. SOUTH ELGIN RIVERFEST.
Features food, carnival, kids’ activities, arts and crafts show, live music, entertainment and fireworks on Sunday night. Check website for schedule. Aug. 11-14. Panton Mill Park, Route 31 and State Street, South Elgin. (847) 774-1151, river festexpress.net. ANNUAL GINZA HOLIDAY.
Experience a taste of Japan with Japanese cultural exhibits and demonstrations, classical dances, drumming, ukelele, martial arts and fencing. Skilled master craftsmen (Waza) demonstrate crafts, which will be offered for sale. Traditional Japanese cuisine will be offered, as well as
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ONGOING EVENTS
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
A Premier Private Education in the Finest Catholic Tradition
Enroll Now!
Preschool - 8th Grade
Discover the distinction that makes our school an extraordinary place of learning
1123 Church Street • Glenview • 847-724-6990
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Complimentary Well Baby Checks!
Kids Are Special People Dr. Russell S. Pollina
Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics*
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601 W. Central Road, Suite 4 • Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 18 E. Dundee Road, Bldg. 5, Ste 100 Barrington, IL 60010 *provided by pediatric dentists
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Po P ort ort rt Clilint nto on n Art F esti Ar sttival al See ppaagee 93 Se
other Japanese merchandise. $7, $6 seniors and students, free kids under 12. 5:30-9 p.m. Aug. 12; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 13; 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 14. Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St., Chicago. (312) 943-7801, ginzachicago.com. CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN’S KITE FESTIVAL. Enjoy
stunt-kite performances set to music. Kids can enjoy kite-making workshops with provided materials. A free “Kids’ Mad Dash” rewards the first children to get their kite built and in the air. Participants may bring and fly their own kites in the designated area. Light fare is available for purchase. $30 parking. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 13-14. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org. LINCOLNSHIRE ART FESTIVAL. Features more than 100
juried artists, live music and fun art activities for kids. Art enthusiasts of all ages can get into the “art-filled action” by making their mark on a graffiti wall at the festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 13-14. Village Green, Milwaukee Avenue and Old Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 926-4300, lincolnshireartfestival.com. TROLLEYFEST. Vintage trolleys and trains run in conjunction with South Elgin Riverfest Express. $4, $3 seniors, $2 kids 3-11, free under 3; $8 all-day pass. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 13-14. Fox River Trolley Museum,
361 S. LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin. (847) 697-4676, foxtrolley.org. TAYLOR STREET FESTA ITALIANA. Features authentic Italian
activities, Italian cuisine, cooking demos and live entertainment. Plus, meatball- and cannoli-eating contests, trolley tours, big band music and more. $5, free kids 12 and under. Check website for schedule. Aug. 18-21. Taylor Street, between Racine Street and Ashland Avenue, Chicago. (312) 243-3773, starevents.com/ festivals/festa-italiana. WIZARD WORLD CHICAGO COMIC CON. Features a collection of well-
known comics artists and writers and a variety of activities, exhibitors and special attractions. A lineup of programming with celebrity Q&As, the Wizard World Film Festival, comicsthemed sessions, costume contest, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Admission varies. Check website for schedule. Aug. 18-21. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. wizardworld.com/comiccon/chicago. 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 schedule. Aug. 19-21. 6730 N. Olmstead Ave., Chicago. (773) 631-0063, edisonpark.com.
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ONGOING EVENTS LAND & LAKE DAYS. Includes the annual Movie by the Lake (Friday at dusk), Cardboard Boat Regatta (Sunday at 8 a.m.) and a new body art element, as local tattoo, henna and body art professionals will be onsite showcasing their handiwork. Also features boats, motorcycles, vintage cars and RVs to fishing, archery, BMX bikes, live country music and kids’ activities. Plus, food and drinks from local restaurants, food trucks and beverage vendors. 4-11 p.m. Aug. 19; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 20; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 21. Lakefront Park, 1019 Lakeshore Drive, Round Lake Beach. villageofroundlakebeach.com. GLENWOOD AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL. Includes a street art fair,
indoor art displays and live entertainment on three outdoor stages featuring 48 acts. KidFest Area features hands-on arts activities. 6-10 p.m. Aug. 19; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 20-21. 6900-7000 N. Glenwood Ave. (Morse and Glenwood), Chicago. (773) 7614477, glenwoodave.org. ST. HELEN SCHOOL CARNIVAL. Features carnival rides,
games, food concessions, cash raffle and live music in the beer and wine garden. Ride wristbands cost extra. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 19; noon-10 p.m. Aug. 20; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 21. Saint Helen School, 2347 W. Augusta Blvd., Chicago. (773) 486-1055, sthelenchicago.org. ALBANY PARK WORLD FEST.
The northwest side neighborhood celebrates its melting pot diversity with food, music, arts and crafts, and carnival rides. $5 donation. Noon-9 p.m. Aug. 20; noon-10 p.m. Aug. 21. Lawrence and Kimball, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com. 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. 20-21. North Avenue Beach, Chicago. (312) 744-3370, chicagoairandwatershow.us.
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MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN SUMMER FESTIVAL. Activities,
demonstrations and performances provide opportunities for visitors to learn about Japan’s summer festivals (matsuri). Demonstrations in the McGinley Pavilion feature a tea ceremony at 10:30 a.m.; traditional storytelling at 11:30 a.m.; taiko drumming at 12:30 p.m.; and koto harp music at 1:30 p.m. Traditional craft projects for kids include uchiwa paper fans, Japanese kites and gyotaku fish prints. $30 parking. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 20-21. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. CHERRY VALLEY FESTIVAL DAYS.
Includes entertainment, amusement rides, kids’ activities, fireworks and food. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 26-28. Baumann Park 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley. (815) 332-2152, valleydays.com. PORT CLINTON ART FESTIVAL. Features more than
260 artists including a Youth Art Division with works from kids 18 and younger. Runs in conjunction with the Taste of Highland Park, which includes kids’ activities, music,
and food from local restaurants. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 27-28. Central Avenue at First and Second streets, Highland Park. (847) 926-4300, portclintonartfestival.com. TASTE OF GREEKTOWN.
Food, music and entertainment, including Greek bands, artisans and games for kids and families. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 27-28. Greek Town, 400 S. Halsted, Chicago. (847) 509-8050, tasteofgreektown.com.
EXHIBITS PLANET NINE. Adler’s newest sky show explores the largest of Pluto’s neighbors in the Kuiper belt and invites visitors to join in the search for a new ninth planet. Follow Mike Brown and his team as they uncover dwarf worlds; Haumea, an egg-shaped object rotating incredibly fast; and Sedna, whose orbit takes it into the far reaches of the Solar System. Plus, tag along on Brown’s first night searching for the ninth planet at the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii. Included in All-Access pass. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium.org.
WHAT IS A PLANET? Witness how
astronomers and the media reacted to Pluto’s demotion in 2006, learn the current definition of a planet, voice your opinion through an interactive voting poll, and explore artifacts that illustrate the evolving definition of a planet. Free with museum admission. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 9227827, adlerplanetarium.org. FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT. Guests watch birds demonstrate their natural flight abilities during this interactive experience. The 20-minute show features nearly 20 bird species. Free with zoo admission, 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 is available to help visitors identify dozens of species in the exhibition. Visitors can also observe butterflies hatching in the pupa emergence room. $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.
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ONGOING EVENTS
Zo oom om Roo om See this pagee
ZOOM ROOM. Send toy cars hurtling
Programs for kids 4 months through 12 years filled with movement, music, learning and laughter.
The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750
Pink Tower Montessori School 3420 N Elston Avenue Chicago, IL 60618 773-817-4746 www.pinktowermontessorischool.com Hours: 7:00AM - 6:00PM Age : 2 - 6 y.o. Year round school • Open enrollment
through race jumps, long runs, loops, dips and super spirals within a colossal, multilevel race course. Crash sites, obstacle courses and tracks with different textured surfaces invite physical science exploration for the innately curious. Free with museum admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org. BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
America’s most famous TV pitchman, Chicagoan Ron Popeil, was a tireless innovator and clever inventor who entered homes with an array of gadgets and kitchen helpers designed to save time and money. Learn the Popeil story through “the art of the pitch” video interactive, step into the booth to make a TV commercial to post on social media, and explore many of Popeil’s popular gadgets at hands-on displays. Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org. STINGRAY TOUCH. Shedd staff members guide guests through the 15-minute touch experience, while providing interesting facts about stingrays, including information about how choosing sustainable seafood protects stingrays in global waters. The outdoor exhibit also allows visitors to see the cownose stingrays through various angles. $5 add-on. John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org. TOYS: THE INSIDE STORY. Kids explore the linkages, cams, pulleys and circuits that make their favorite playthings tick, spin, buzz and jump. The exhibit consists of 14 different
components that allow for a complete hands-on experience. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 8326600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org. BRICK BY BRICK. Features a collection of more than a dozen giant Lego-built structures of engineering marvels. Guests will learn how architects and engineers push the limits of design, materials and location; witness how form follows function; and explore Chicago’s impact as the birthplace of the skyscraper. Requires a separate, timed-entry ticket. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org. WEATHER TO CLIMATE: OUR CHANGING WORLD. Exhibit presents
the fundamentals of weather and climate and explains how the two phenomena are connected. Use the interactive weather simulator to combine weather components; get on stage to be a meteorologist; create an animal designed for a changing climate; find out how much CO2 you produce; and gain scientific knowledge for how to combat climate change. Free with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 7555100, naturemuseum.org. SWEET HOME CHICAGO. The
exhibit takes on a Greek twist thanks to the museum’s extensive collection of candy, ice cream, and restaurant artifacts that tell the story of some of Chicago’s Greek-owned establishments. Visitors will enjoy a short documentary narrated by Bill Kurtis, interactive displays with nostalgic photos and artifacts, a Candy IQ Quiz,
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ONGOING EVENTS candy-wrapping challenge, and other fun and tasty activities. Free with museum admission. National Hellenic Museum, 333 S. Halsted St., Chicago. (312) 655-1234, nationalhellenicmuseum.org. CHINA’S FIRST EMPEROR AND HIS TERRACOTTA WARRIORS.
Explore the life of the ruler who vanquished his rivals, unified China’s states, constructed the Great Wall, and standardized China’s currency, weights and measures. See treasures from one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries, including the terracotta warriors. Included with Discovery and All-Access passes. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org. RIBBIT! THE EXHIBIT. Exhibit
showcases 23 whimsical, largerthan-life frog sculptures fashioned from copper. Each frog has his or her own name, story and personality. Free with arboretum admission. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. DAVINCI MACHINES EXHIBITION.
The exhibition displays hand-crafted inventions built from Leonardo
DaVinci’s 500-year-old designs. The main features on display include the “bicycle,” “spring powered car,” “hang glider” and the “air screw” (a precursor to the helicopter) and the secrets behind DaVinci’s legendary robotic lion. Explanatory notes and illustrative panels with his drawings accompany each model. $18.95, $16.95 seniors, students and military, $14.95 kids 4-12, free kids under 4. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. discoverdavinci.com.
It’s not school, it’s Quest
OTHER EVENTS 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. CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR.
Spread a blanket on the ground and enjoy an hour of children’s stories from the 1890s. 10 a.m. Mondays. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. (630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm.
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ONGOING EVENTS Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. (630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm. HISTORY CONNECTIONS.
Kids and families explore a different theme every Tuesday and learn about our nation’s military history. Aug. 2: Combat Canines; Aug. 9: World’s Worst Weapons; Aug. 16: Ultimate Ammo; Aug. 23: Helmet Evolution; Aug. 30: Smells Like History. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.
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DAILY ACTIVITIES. Meet
the animals, view public milking demonstrations, take a tour and listen to stories about farm life. Every day is something new. Stay for a sweet treat at the old-fashioned soda fountain. 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview.
ORY
(847) 657-1506, glenviewparks.org/ historicwagnerfarm. FARM CHORES. Kids learn how 1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with mom’s chores; on Thursdays, dad’s chores. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.
STAY & PLAY AT THE J. Kids 36 months and under, with adult, enjoy newly refurbished infant toddler play spaces that have been designed with the littlest hands, feet and bodies in mind. 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m.noon Sundays. Bernard Weinger JCC, 300 Revere Drive, Northbrook. (847) 412-4235, jccchicago.org.
DANCIN SPROUTS. Bring the family to enjoy musical entertainment on the Esplanade. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Picnicking is allowed at the concert site. $25 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. 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) 668-5161, cantigny.org. HELP WANTED: THE SUMMER SERVANTS’ TOUR. With one of
the Nickersons’ trusted servants as guide, families with kids 8 and up 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. $18, $10 kids 8-12. 5:30 p.m.
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ONGOING EVENTS Wednesdays and Fridays. Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie St., Chicago. (312) 482-8933, driehaus.org. 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 each week. $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. NATIVE PLANT GARDEN FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES.
Activities vary each week and include programs featuring books and puzzles. Parking fee applies. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and weekends. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.
guided nature exploration, reading storybooks and more. After class, visit animals that inspire the class. $20. 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org. ANIMAL TALES. An interactive
sensory experience accompany the nature-based story for kids under 2. Program consists of 10 minutes of story and activities, and 10 minutes of social time for adults. Free with museum admission. 10:15 a.m. Thursdays. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org. THURSDAY FAMILY NIGHTS.
Enjoy live music, kid-friendly fare and entertainment after-hours in the Children’s Garden. $5 after 4:30 p.m. 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.
PARENT AND TODDLER YOGA.
Toddlers practice animal yoga poses and engage in activities like
HISTORY ALIVE! Kids 6-12
learn about a different military
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topic each week. Dress in a soldier’s uniform, interact with interesting artifacts and participate in games and crafts. Aug. 4: WWI; Aug. 11: WWII; Aug. 18: Vietnam; Aug. 25: Persian Gulf War. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org. TOT TIME AT SMALLEY POOL. A
chance for kids 5 and under to splash around without the bigger kids. Free with pool admission. 9 a.m.-noon
Saturdays. Norman P. Smalley Swimming Pool, 665 S. York Road, Elmhurst. (630) 993-8985, epd.org. SUMMER DROP-IN. Kids 9 and up can try a variety of projects, including a bead and ring wrap bracelet, simple loop earrings, a Morse Code necklace, and a Caterpillar bracelet. Kids under 9 are welcome with an adult, or can make a beaded bubble wand ($5). $12. 3-6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Bead in Hand, 145 Harrison St., Oak Park. (708) 848-1761, beadinhand.com.
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ONGOING EVENTS TODDLER TIME. Toddlers 2-4 learn
how chocolate is made, enjoy a story and create a sweet treat based on the story. Reservations required. $7.50. 10-10:45 a.m. Fridays. Sweet Pete’s Candy, 270 Market Square, Lake Forest. (847) 283-9500, sweetpetes candy.com. SUMMER SERIES ‘16. Each Friday offers a different familyfocused event, from game night to karaoke and an artist talent night. Join in the fun while enjoying food and drinks. 6-8 p.m. Fridays. The Bridge Cafe, 3219 W. Carroll Ave., Chicago. (872) 444-8200, breakthrough.org/ familyplex. CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE.
Free 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)
ORY
742-4007, chicagosummerdance.org. BRISTOL RENAISSANCE FAIRE.
More than 1,200 performers, artisans and merchants take visitors on a trip through Elizabethan England with 16th Century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and special entertainment. Kids Kingdom is an enclosed play area filled with oversized sand boxes, a climb-aboard pirate ship, interactive games, crafts and other child-friendly diversions. $24.95, $11.50 kids, free kids 4 and under. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends. Bristol Renaissance Faire, West of I-94, Kenosha, Wis. (847) 395-7773, renfair.com/bristol. FRUIT & VEGETABLE GARDEN FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES. Activities vary each
week and include Plant Parts, Powerful Pollinators, Super Seeds, Rainbow Garden and Wiggling Worms. Parking fee varies. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.
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FROGTASTIC PLAY. Hop, croak and
EXTREMELY INTERESTING REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS.
Find out some fun facts about all of the reptiles and amphibians in Illinois, and use a rock to design a herpetological “pet” 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.
splash your way into imaginative play. Families can explore different natural objects to learn about frogs and their habitat as well as play games like the lillypad hop. Free with arboretum admission. 1-4 p.m. daily. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.
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EXHIBIT
Fight the math slump
W
ell, you blinked, and suddenly it’s August. And while you might have intended for the kids ids to t complete some math workbooks over the t past few months, the pool and ice cream and mini-golf won out every time. But no need to panic: DuPage Children’s Museum’s latest exhibit aims to get kids up to snuff on their math know-how just in time for the first class bell to ring. Math + Motion isn’t your typical “math” exhibit, though. That’s because it combines math with the arts, from visual aspects, like patterns and tessellation, to the performance arts, such as music and movement. “We’re really trying to emphasize that math can be experienced in so many different ways than sitting at a desk and doing equations,” says Alix Tonsgard, early learning specialist at the museum. “It can be a fun, engaging experience.” Kids will especially like the Music Theater, where they can take the stage
and move-and-groove to different songs. A video d screen lets them see their s own movement, or they can o opt o for other videos that emphasize rhythm, like a clip from STOMP, and jam along with some instruments. Other areas of the exhibit include an oversized 3-D tessellation puzzle, the Follow the Leader electronic game (similar to Simon), and the popular pin screens, which have been out of commission since the museum’s recent flood. Tonsgard also likes the scales that let kids experiment with addition and subtraction with the help of color-coded bean bags. For parents who aren’t quite sure how to get their kids to love math (other than those workbooks, of course), Tonsgard says the exhibit has the added benefit of removing some of the intimidation factor that often surrounds math. “This is a way to make it more comfortable for the adults, to be empowered to
Math + Motion
u Through September 2017
u DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville u dupagechildrensmuseum.org engage their child in math,” Tonsgard says. “I can help my child develop these foundational skills without being a mathematician.” And hopefully kids and parents alike will leave the exhibit noticing the math that’s all around them—and definitely ready for the first day of school. Elizabeth Diffin
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JOIN US AT OPEN HOUSE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 - 6:00 PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - 12:00 PM Woodlands Academy ranked the number one Catholic High School in Illinois in a 2016 Niche ranking. Why? We offer more than a typical high school experience, as part of the International Network of Sacred Heart Schools spanning 41 countries, we educate girls with heart and purpose. Our students excel academically, grow spiritually, think globally, and act with social responsibility. Make a better choice for your daughter at Woodlands Academy. 760 EAST WESTLEIGH ROAD | LAKE FOREST, IL 60045 | 847.234.4300 | WOODLANDSACADEMY.ORG
JOIN US FOR INFORMATION NIGHT! PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN October 13 & 27, 2016 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Old St. Patrick’s Campus 120 S. Desplaines Street Chicago, IL 60661 (312) 466-0700 Please visit our website at www.fxw.org for online application details.
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special advertising section // SUBURBS Alcuin Montessori School 324 North Oak Park Avenue (708) 366-1882 alcuin.org
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
Ascension School
Rooted in Catholic teaching and philosophy Ages 3 - 8th grade. 601 VanBuren, Oak Park (708) 434-1523 Ascension-School.com We provide your child with a warm and nurturing environment while challenging them with a rigorous curriculum and enrichment programs.
Association Of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS) membership@illinoismontessorischools.com illinoismontessorischools.com
The purpose of the Association of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS) is to provide a professional organizational structure for Member Montessori Schools.
Avery Coonley School
Pre-K ~ 8th grade independent school for academically gifted students. 1400 Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 averycoonley.org A pre-K through 8th grade independent school for academically bright and gifted children. ACS provides depth, pace, and complexity of curriculum for gifted learners.
Baker Demonstration School Ages 3-8th grade 201 Sheridan Road, Wilmette (847) 425-5800 bakerdemschool.org
Fostering creative thinking and an inherent love of learning
Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool (877) 624-4532 brighthorizons.com/ChicagoParent15
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.
The Children’s School 1428 S. Wesley, Berwyn (708) 484-8033 TheChildrensSchool.info
Our progressive, independent, Kindergarten- 8th grade school engages students in project-based learning, creative problem solving and cooperative decision making.
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 More than an Education: An Internship to Adulthood From 18 months to 8th Grade 1985 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook (847) 498-1105 countrysidemontessori.org
Back-to-School Education Guide CHICAGO A Fairytale Ballet & Academy
Creative World Montessori
Quest Academy
Our goal is to provide a rich, stimulating and dynamic learning environment in touch w/today’s world for the child to explore and absorb.
An independent day school for gifted and talented students, preschool through eighth grade. An atmosphere dedicated to joy in learning, fostering confidence, initiative, responsibility and leadership.
Edgewood and Goodman, LaGrange (708) 354-5255 creativeworldmontessori.org
Fusion Academy
Western Suburbs (866) 526-6705 FusionAcademy.com 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.
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
Celebrating our 51st year of excellence in preschool education. Karen Coan, Director 727 Harlem Avenue, Glenview (847) 729-3606 glenviewmethodistpreschool.com
Grace Lutheran School
7300 W. Division, River Forest (708) 366-6900 graceriverforest.org/school Preschool through eighth grade. Experienced, committed faculty. Music, fine arts and foreign language instruction. Competitive athletics. After-school care and enrichment
Holy Cross School
720 Elder Lane, Deerfield (847) 945-0135 holycrossdeerfield.org Twice Award-winning Catholic education in a caring community of faith and achievement, serving students from Preschool through 8th grade.
Jerusalem Lutheran School
PreK - 8 6218 Capulina Ave., Morton Grove (847) 965-4750 Christian Education, High Standards
Kensington School
Elmhurst, Geneva, LaGrange, LaGrange Highlands, Naperville, South Naperville, St. Charles, Western Springs, Wheaton (630) 990-8000 kensingtonschool.com 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.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (OLPH) 1123 Church St., Glenview (847) 724-6990 olph-il-org
Providing a premier private education in the finest Catholic tradition for Preschool – 8th grade. Come discover the distinction that makes OLPH an extraordinary place of learning
500 N. Benton St., Palatine (847) 202-8035 questacademy.org
River Forest Community Center
Early Childhood Learning Center 8020 Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 rfcc.info Offering an age appropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth
Science & Arts Academy
The Gifted Choice ® 1825 Miner Street, Des Plaines (847) 827-7880 www.scienceandartsacademy.org Science & Arts Academy educates Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade gifted students from over 50 Chicagoland communities. Attend our Open House on November 5th at 1:00pm to learn more.
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
1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org
Lakeview, Bucktown & Evanston 1.5yrs - 17yrs Fairytale Ballet (1.5-5yrs) (773) 477-4488 (LV & EV) (773) 606-0318 (BT) AFairytaleBallet.com
incorporates literature with costumes & props each week. Academy level (6yr+) advanced training w/ pointe and classical ballet education. Nutcracker & Annual recital.
Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts PreK-8, Extended Care 1439 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago (773) 348-4629 alphonsusacademy.org Principal Dr Casimer Badynee
AltSchool Lincoln Park
Junior Kindergarten - 8th Grade W. Schubert Avenue at N. Clark Street (866) 664-2070 altschool.com AltSchool’s personalized approach to learning develops a child’s knowledge, agility, and confidence to navigate the future. See website for Information Session schedule
The Ancona School
4770 S Dorchester Ave, Chicago (773) 924-2356 www.anconaschool.org Powered by the GENIUS of CHILDREN, Ancona is a progressive independent school in Hyde Park. A 21st Century Education for ages 3 through 8th grade.
British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park
Personal, engaged college prep education in a challenging yet supportive environment. Inspiring and nurturing excellence - for over 100 years.
The School of Saints, Faith, Hope and Charity 180 Ridge Ave., Winnetka (847) 446-0031 faithhopeschool.org
814 W Eastman Street, Chicago (773) 506-2097 www.bischicagolp.org
We offer an innovative and international education for children ages 2-11. Our campus has experienced faculty, a global community and state of the art classrooms.
British International School of Chicago, South Loop
Rooted in Catholic values, FHC, a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School, offers a superior academic education for children Prekindergarten through 8th grade.
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
Saint Joseph Parish School 17949 Dixie Hwy Homewood (708) 798-0622 sjshomewood.org
From Preschool to Eight Grade, each student receives differentiated instruction. Class sizes are kept small for this purpose, the average being 15 students per class.
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Grades 9-12 760 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest (847) 234-4300 woodlandsacademy.org Catholic, independent, day and boarding college preparatory school for young women
161 W. 9th Street (773) 599-BISC (2472) www.bischicagosl.org
Explore our personalized learning and international curriculum that inspires children 3 to 18 to be ambitious in all endeavors at our November 5 Open House!
Catherine Cook School
Preschool - 8th Grade 226 W. Schiller Street, Chicago (312) 266-3381 catherinecookschool.org Nurturing, technology-rich environment inspiring personal excellence and community values. Open House: November 6. See website for Parent Tour Schedule
Chicago City Day School
541 W. Hawthorne Place, Chicago (773) 327-0900 www.chicagocitydayschool.org Chicago City Day School is an independent, co-educational, urban elementary school serving children in junior kindergarten through eighth grade.
Chicago Friends School
K-6 1246 W. Thorndale Ave., Chicago (773) 442-2371 www.ChicagoFriendsSchool.org Teaching the whole child, Chicago Friends School offers small classes, differentiated instruction, integrated arts, and daily
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Back-to-School Education Guide // special advertising section recess. Adding a grade yearly up to 8.
riculum and modern facilities.
Concordia Day
Kids Work Chicago
4809 N. Ravenswood Chicago (773) 463-1600 concordiaday.org Serving children 6 weeks through 2 years old in Chicago’s Ravenswood community. Visit our beautiful new center. Open House every Tuesday from 10-11am and Fridays 4-6pm
Concordia Place
3300 N. Whipple Ave., Chicago 3855 N. Seeley Ave., Chicago (773) 463-1600 concordiaplace.org More than 35 years of experience delivering high-quality early childhood programming for children six weeks to five years. Full day, year-round NAEYC accredited programs. Apply anytime.
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..
Fusion Academy
Downtown Chicago (Near North) (866) 330-9354 North Shore (866) 448-7843 FusionAcademy.com 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
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
GCE Lab School
1535 North Dayton Street, Chicago (312) 643-0991 gcelabschool.com An elite private high school located in Lincoln Park, GCE breaks down the walls of the classroom to engage students with the real world.
German International School Chicago
Now enrolling Pre-K through Grade 6 1447 W Montrose, Chicago (773) 880-8812 germanschoolchicago.com Students learn in a supportive, intimate, individualized environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity and fosters global awareness.
Jewish Child & Family Services Therapeutic Day School and Yeshiva K-12 Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center 3145 W. Pratt Avenue, Chicago (773) 467.3900 jcfsschool.org Sandra Spicher, Principal
The best educational, emotional and therapeutic services for students in grades K-12. Individualized, specialty support, low student-to-teacher ratio, state-aligned cur-
2608 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 572-0308
Kids Work Chicago Too 2633 W. Addison, Chicago (773) 747-3200 KidsWorkChicago.com
Devoted to creating a nurturing, stimulating and accepting learning environment that provides children with the tools they need for future happiness and success.
Latin School of Chicago Pre-K through 12th Grade 59 W. North Blvd. Chicago (312) 582-6000 www.latinschool.org
A co-educational independent day school on the near north side of Chicago
Morgan Park Academy 2153 W. 111th St., Chicago (773) 881-6700 MorganParkAcademy.org
Provides an engaging, personal learning experience for students from Preschool through High School. Some of the smallest class sizes among the top schools in Illinois.
Northside Catholic Academy Serves grades PK-8 Primary Campus (PreK-4): 6216 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago Middle School Campus (5-8): 7318 N Oakley Ave, Chicago Admissions: (773) 743-6277 www.northsidecatholic.org
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.
Pink Tower Montessori School
3420 N Elston Avenue, Chicago (773) 817-4746 www.pinktowermontessorischool.com 7AM - 6PM. Age : 2 - 6 y.o. Year round school. Open enrollment.
Pope Francis Global Academy North Campus
6040 West Ardmore Avenue, Chicago (773) 763-7080
Pope Francis Global Academy South Campus 6143 West Irving Park Road, Chicago
(773) 736-8806 www.pfgacademy.org An exciting new faith-filled center of academic excellence delivering a strong core curriculum delivered through a global lens. We offer two campuses on Chicago’s northwest side.
Pope John Paul II Catholic School
Grades K – 8 (773) 523-6161 4325 S. Richmond St., Chicago www.pjpiischool.com efore & After Care. Financial Aid. 3 & 4 year B old Pre-School (Full & Half Day)
Resurrection College Prep High School
7500 West Talcott Avenue, Chicago (773) 775-6616 Ext 129 www.reshs.org Grade 9-12 Mr. Richard Piwowarski, Principal Ms. Nancy O’Leary, Director of Enrollment Resurrection College Prep High School
is the largest all-girls Catholic, Christian school on the north side of Chicago. Open Houses onThursday, October 27 from 6-8 pm and Sunday, November 6 from 2-4 pm.
Rogers Park Montessori 1800 W. Balmoral, Chicago (773) 271-1700 rpmschool.org
Rogers Park Montessori School (in the Andersonville neighborhood) invites you for a personal tour to witness children ages 2-14 working in their respective classrooms.
Saint Andrew School
A Blue Ribbon school Grades PreK-8th Allen Ackermann, Principal 1710 West Addison, Chicago (773) 248-2500 GoSaintAndrew.com
Sacred Heart Schools
Independent, Catholic, Single Gender, Coed Campus, K-8, Extended Care 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 681-8436 shschicago.org Mr. Nat Wilburn, Head of Schools
Sonnets Academy
Boundless learning through play. Six weeks to six years. Lincoln Park: 1932 N. Clark St. (312) 951-1024 River North: 430 W. Erie St. (312) 344-1926 West Loop: 229 S. Peoria St. (312) 733-7580 Hyde Park: 5548 S. Hyde Park Blvd., (773) 891-0029 sonnetsacademy.com Sonnets Academy inspires boundless learning through play in its discovery-based curriculum and enrichment programs for children six weeks to six years of age.
St. Benedict Preparatory School 3 & 4 year old Preschool – Grade 12 Before & After School Care Available 3900 N Leavitt St., Chicago (773) 539-0066 www.stbenedict.com Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School
Saint Clement School
2524 North Orchard, Chicago (773) 348-8212 StClementSchool.org PreK (4yrs)-Grade 8 Before and after school care available Principal: Mari Jo Hanson
St. Constance School
5841 West Strong Street, Chicago (773) 283-2311 stconstanceschool.org “…an excellent academic choice for parents who want their children to learn in a safe environment with caring teachers and high standards of excellence.” - A St. Constance Parent-
St. Francis Borgia School
Preschool 3 and 4 year olds, K - 8th Grade 3535 N. Panama Ave. • Chicago (773) 589-1000 www.sfb orgia.org Let St. Francis Borgia help your child grow in faith, love,confidence, and independence. First day of school is Monday, August 22. Register today!
St. John’s Lutheran School
4939 W. Montrose Ave.,, Chicago (773) 736-1196 StJohnsChicago.org Want to prepare your child for the top high
schools, see your student excel in core subjects? Get an edge in life? Ask about our quality programs:
St. Philip Neri School
2110 East 72nd Street, Chicago (773) 288-1138 www.spnschoolchicago.org Ages/Grades Served: Pre-K to 8th Grade Principal: Linda Sanders, M.Ed.
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
Language & Music School 150 N. Oak Park Ave,, Oak Park (708) 524-5252 lmschool.com
Language, Music and Tutoring Classes for Kids and Adults. Step inside the school to experience the unique atmosphere we afford students.
SUPPLIES Mabel’s Labels mabelslabels.com
Our Label Packs include personalized, UV resistant, waterproof name labels perfect for identifying clothes, backpacks, shoes!
TUTORING/ENRICHMENT Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University Program sites at Northwestern and throughout Chicago (847) 491-3782 www.ctd.northwestern.edu
Supplemental enrichment and accelerative programs and resources for academically advanced students, age 4 – grade 12.
Eye Level
I am the key. Find a Learning Center Near You! (224) 333-2709 myeyelevel.com Individualized Instruction - Reading Comprehension - Writing Skills - Basic Thinking and Critical Thinking Math Low Student:Instructor Ratio
Mathnasium
The Math Learning Center To find the center serving you: (844) GOT-MATH Mathnasium.com/chicagoland When math makes sense, kids leap way ahead – whether they started out far behind or already ahead in math.
Salt Creek Ballet
Dedicated to Excellence in Dance Classes for ages 2 1/2 to Adults 98 E Chicago Ave., Westmont (630) 769.1199 www.saltcreekballet.org
Sprout Gifted
St. Mathias School, M&W 4910 N Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL and Roycemore School, Tu&TH 1200 Davis St., Evanston, IL sproutgifted.com After school classes which enhance and discover talents of gifted students, focusing on social and emotional growth, STEAM activities, and discovering strengths and weaknesses.
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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS
‘Bear down’ without going broke
W
e all know that paying for NFL tickets can quickly drain the family coffers, especially when you’ve got a full house of pigskin fans. But you can cheer yourself hoarse for the hometown Chicago Bears—without going broke— thanks to the Meijer Chicago Bears Family Fest. The Family Fest is an early look at the team we’re putting on the gridiron this year, and it all takes place right at Soldier Field. Arrive early for the games, alumni autographs, live music and giveaways outside, then head inside the famous stadium for the chance to see Coach Fox, Jay Cutler and the rest of the team take to the field for an honest-to-goodness practice at 12:30 p.m. It’s also your opportunity to see the rookies in action—and decide if the young cubs have what it takes to run with, and tackle, the grizzlies. So while you might not officially need to dig out your blue-and-orange clothes quite yet, the Family Fest is a great time to show a little team spirit before the Bears kick off against the Texans next month. The monsters of the Midway your will thank you—and you Bears-obsessed kids will too. Elizabeth Elizabet Diffin Diffi
Meijer Chicago Bears Family Fest 9 a.m. Aug. 6 $10 and up Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago chicagobears.com/ events/family-fest.html
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Personalized Education for the 21st Century New Junior Kindergarten to 8th Grade School Opening in Lincoln Park in Fall 2017 AltSchool has assembled a team of educational leaders and technologists who partner to deliver a personalized education for every student. We deliver curriculum in a way that reflects how each child learns best. Our personalized approach to learning develops a child’s knowledge, agility, and confidence to navigate the future. Our educators engage students by involving them in their own learning, helping children develop a sense of responsibility for their education. We invite you to join our dynamic community in New York, San Francisco, and now Chicago.
Personalization
Whole-Child Education
Rigorous Academics
Project-Based Learning
“My son is more confident, happy, and excited about school than I have ever seen him before.” — Rebecca, Middle School Parent, San Francisco
Attend an Upcoming Event W. Schubert Ave at N. Clark St | altschool.com | admissions@altschool.com
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Chicago Intercultural Montessori Language School 114 S. Racine, Ste. 100 Chicago www.interculturalmontessori.org 312.265.1514
Dual-language Montessori programs for ages 3-12 in Spanish, Japanese & Chinese. Oak Park campus as well.
Montessori Academy of Chicago 1335 W. Randolph St. Chicago www.montessoriacademychicago.org 312.243.0977 Accredited programming for infants through 8th grade.
Montessori Foundations of Chicago 3575 S. Archer, Chicago www.montessorifoundations.com 773.254.5437
Chicago North/ Northwest Rogers Park Montessori School 1800 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago www.rpmschool.org 773.271.1700
Countryside Montessori School 1985 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook www.countrysidemontessori.org 847.498.1105 Academic excellence. Personal Accountability. 18 months to 8th grade. All-Year/Full day/Half day.
Est. 1966 serving children ages 2 through 14; Forest Bluff School Full day, half day, early arrival. 8 W Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff Fully Accredited.
Brickton Montessori School 8622 West Catalpa Ave., Chicago www.brickton.org 773.714.0646
Good thinking begins at Brickton Montessori School, with programs for students 24 months through Middle School, accredited by AMS and the ISACS.
Suburban South Montessori School of Lemont 16427 W. 135th St., Lemont www.lemontmontessori.com 815.834.0607
Providing a quality Montessori education to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years at an affordable price.
Est. in 1979; Preschool - 8th grade offering Spanish, Mandarin and After School Programs on 7 acres with natural playground, chicken coop and nature trails
Near North Montessori 1434 W. Division St. Chicago www.nnms.org 773.384.1434
Montessori Children's Schoolhouse 5935 Hohman Ave. Hammond, IN mcshammond.com 219.932.5666
forestbluffschool.org 847.295.8338
AMI Accredited 1982. Birth to 14 years. Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Jessen founders.
Midwest Montessori Demonstration School 926 Noyes St., Evanston www.midwestmontessori.com 847.328.6630
Southwest Suburban Montessori 8800 W. 119th St. Palos Park www.swsmontessori.com 708.448.5332
Est. 1970. Beautiful woodland setting. Traditional Montessori experience set in the Serving children 2 - 6 years; am & pm, heart of the city. Birth - 9 years old, AMS full-day Kindergarten. Spanish, Gym, Yoga, Music & Summer school. Accredited by Full Member School. NAEYC.
University Village Montessori School 1304 S. Halsted St. Chicago www.uvmontessori.com 773.800.9780
Suburban North Chiaravalle Montessori 425 Dempster St., Evanston www.chiaravalle.org 847.864.2190
Serving children ages 2 months to 6 years Parent/Infant & Child, Full & Partial Day old. Offering Half, School and Full-day Toddler and Early Childhood, 1st through programs with enrichment classes available. 8th grades
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Providing a quality education for two decades using a foolproof equation: Highly experienced Certified Teachers, the Montessori Method, & Love.
Suburban West Alcuin Montessori 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park www.alcuin.org 708.366.1882
Est. 1961: ages 0-14, Spanish, art, theater, swim, before/after school. Come to a monthly tour.
Greenbrook Montessori School 1675 Greenbrook Blvd., Hanover Park Demonstration School (MMTTC) ages 3 - 6 www.Greenbrook-Montessori.com 630.830.1675 years, full and part time. Skokie Montessori School 8401 Karlov Ave., Skokie www.skokiemontessori.com 847.679.4614
Serving children 15 months through Kindergarten all day, every day.
Montessori Language Academy 314 Circle Ave., Forest Park MontessoriLanguageAcademy.com 708.771.5030
Serving children ages 2 - 12; toddler, 3 - 6, elementary programs, full day and half-day, Japanese-English dual language, 3 through summer programs available. Kindergarten. Art, Music, Spanish, Piano & Harmonica. Vernon Hills Montessori
21 Hawthorn Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061 www.vernonhillsacademy.com
15 months - 6 years; afterschool, summer Est. 1963 serving children 6 mos - 14 years; AMS accredited (22 months - 14 years), Early morning, Afterschool & summer middle school, before & after care available. camp, private piano & voice; semi-private programs. Fully Accredited. karate & music Est. 1968
South Loop Montessori School 47 W. Polk St., Ste G15 Chicago www.southloopmontessori.org 312.431.8050
Montessori Academy of Illinois 418 W. Touhy Ave. Park Ridge, IL 60068 montessoriacademyofillinois.com
Suburban Northwest
Seton Montessori School 5728 Virginia Ave., Clarendon Hills www.SetonMontessori.org 630.655.1066
Est. 1965, a Lab School serving students 2 months - 12 years; accredited by AMS and NAEYC; offering full and half day, summer programs and Parent-Child class.
Buffalo Grove Montessori School 950 Ellen Dr., Buffalo Grove bgmsweb.net 847.541.8111
AMS accredited serving infants through kindergarten, Providing a lifetime foundation for 40 years.
Childrens Learning World, A Montessori School, Inc. 8101 Golf Rd., Niles ciw-montessori.com 847.470.0370
6 weeks - 12 years, open year round.
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