BigApple igApple Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM SEPTEMBER 2018
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And the Winner Is…
A behind-the-scenes peek at our cover contest photo shoot
HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS
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S E R M E A H E T R R A D T S
YOUTH CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 6. Register Today!
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Happy. Healthy. Loved. These are the dreams we have for our children. So we cherish the moments when little giggles fill the room, imaginations take us on great adventures, and when it seems our hearts could burst with pride and love. Here and now, we’d stop time if we could. Because when kids are being kids, we all feel better.
Let’s get every child covered. If your child needs health insurance, Fidelis Care is just a call, click, or visit away.
Call: 1-888-FIDELIS Click: fideliscare.org Visit: A Fidelis Care community office near you. Search for locations at fideliscare.org/offices
HHHHH Fidelis Care is a top-rated plan in the 2017 New York State Consumer’s Guide to Medicaid and Child Health Plus.
1-888-FIDELIS • fideliscare.org (1-888-343-3547)
TTY: 711
To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.
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contents table of
Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided by Land’s End (landsend.com)
september 2018
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back-to-school
Cute Stuff Alert!
A behind-the-scenes look at our annual cover contest photo shoot
Family Fun a Ride Away
Two can’t miss venues in Nassau County, plus a native American Museum in Connecticut and a Museum and Planetarium in Suffolk County.
22 Help Your Young Learner Thrive 24 Back-to-School Directory
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32 After-School Planner 34 Education Planner
Kitchen: Trending
Five big design fads happening in kitchens right now, according to interior designers
raising kids
things to do
family life
6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 5 Rights Your Child Has in School 12 A Farewell to My Foster Daughter 20 Cute Stuff Alert! 48 The Benefits of Baby Classes 50 From Friends to Falling Out 56 Party Central 58 Professional Services 60 Open Houses 61 Advertisers’ Index 62 Quotables
13 Squeezy Bottle Rocket
52 Saving for Higher Education
36 Family Fun a Ride Away
54 Kitchen: Trending
37 Family Activities Calendar
NYMetroParents
Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 20 And the Winner Is... 22 Help Your Student Thrive 24 Resources to Get Ready for Class 32 After-School Planner 34 Education Planner 52 Saving for College facebook.com/nymetroparents
@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
The Diller-Quaile School of Music
SEPTEMBER 2018 • Vol.33 • No.8
raising kids editor’s note
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL
Lots to Learn!
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling ASSISTANT EDITORS: Anja Webb, Melissa Wickes DIRECTOR OF CONTENT: Deborah Skolnik
W
e’re finally settling into a new school year. Your kids will be learning lots of new things, but did you ever stop to think about all you’ll be learning, too? For my family, this fall is the ultimate “teachable moment”: We packed up our older daughter and dropped her off at college for the first time. Now I’m learning how to be a parent even when my child is hours away. I’m figuring out how to temper my worry for her safety and happiness with pride that I raised a kid who’s ready to face the world without me. Whether you’re dropping off your toddler at day care or nursery school, waving your big kid onto a bus, or watching him disappear through those school doors, I’m right there with you in the trenches, feeling that pang of separation—and also that joy. If it makes you feel better, even the smallest of children get big benefits from learning lessons and interacting with their peers. Christina Vercelletto’s piece “The Benefits of Baby Classes,” on p. 58, explores the way infants and toddlers develop both socially and intellectually by being in a structured yet playful setting. And have you ever wondered what you as a parent can do to help your child succeed in school? You’ll want to read Alana Coopersmith’s story, “Help Your Young Learner Thrive” on p. 20. It explores kids’ different learning styles, and explains how to find the schools and activities that can help your unique child excel. Of course, navigating childhood and adolescence can be a challenge for kids at times. As children grow and change, even longstanding friendships can wane or abruptly end. Find out how you can help your child with the transition by reading Samantha Neudorf’s thoughtful article, “From Friends to Falling Out” on p. 60. With the right guidance, kids can find closure—and even a silver lining. And here’s a thought that will blow your mind: From the moment your child is born, it’s a good idea to be thinking about…college. Yes, even though it seems so far away, it’s wise to come up with a plan to shoulder all or part of the expenses. The estimated cost of a four-year private college 18 years from now tops $300,000! That may make you feel hopeless, but we’ll show you how to reach your goals in Barbara Russo’s story “Saving for Higher Education” on p. 62. It’s never too soon—or too late—to start saving! Ready for a lighter lesson? Katelin Walling’s got it for you with her fun piece, “Kitchen: Trending” (p. 64). It gives the 411 on what’s hot in kitchen design and accessories. We’ll show you how to bring the heart of your home up-to-date and make it cozier than ever. (And you don’t need to do a total renovation either—even a few minor changes can do the trick.) Lastly, don’t miss this month’s touching essay by Lindsay Smith, “A Farewell to My Foster Daughter” on p. 12. She cared for a beautiful baby girl from birth, but ultimately realized that the most loving thing she could do was give her to a family to permanently adopt. It’s a lesson that will resonate with every parent, since raising a child, for a year or straight through to adulthood, is ultimately—as I’ve learned—about letting go. Hoping your back-to-school season is exciting and enlightening!
REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan, Westchester); Karen Lo (Brooklyn); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke
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Deborah Skolnik Director of Content
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P.S. Got a personal story you’d like to share? We’d love to consider it for our Voices essay column. Send your submissions to editor@nymetroparents.com.
FINANCE
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At The Little Gym, we complement the traditional school experience with unique classes that revolve around active play. Our students are encouraged to jump, flip, and swing their way towards increased health, focus, knowledge, and happiness. Big Discoveries at The Little Gym. Find your kid's happy place with an Introductory Experience!
The Little Gym of Scarsdale tlgscarsdaleny.com 914-722-0072 The Little Gym of Upper West Side tlgupperwestsideny.com 212-799-1225
Now
Enrolling for Fall Semester
Parent/Child Classes • Pre-K Gymnastics Grade School Gymnastics • Dance Karate • Sports Skills • Awesome Birthday Bashes Parents’ Survival Nights • Camps BigAppleParent
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y Ballet School
raising kids new places, new programs
Who: Joffrey Ballet School What’s New: Musical theater program and Children’s Ballet and Youth Ballet in Long Island City location, which start this month. The theater program will teach kids Broadway-style dance, lyrical dance, and singing techniques. Classes are tailored into age and level appropriate programs, with Children’s Ballet for kids ages two to seven and Youth Ballet for kids ages eight to eighteen. Both curriculums are structured as an after-school program, with classes offered after 3pm Mondays through Fridays and all day on Saturdays. To allow for a more focused learning environment, sizes are capped at about 10 to 15 students and one to two instructors per class. Want More Info: 434 6th Ave., New York; 7-10 Austell Place, Long Island City; 888-438-3808; joffreyballetschool.com
Courtesy Joffre
Ballet School in Greenwich Village Offering Musical Theater Program
erience,” says n-one learning exp ool is a great one-o Sch Ballet School. y llet fre Ba y Jof of ffre or “Jo direct ner and executive ow o, ari dd D’A ris Ch
Courtesy Symphony
Who: Symphony Space What’s New: The series ‘Just Kidding,’ which will run from October 6 to March 30. Highlights from the series include rock band Michael & the Rockness Monsters, performing October 6, as well as first-time Symphony Space performers Boogalo Familia, who will bring audience members on an interactive journey through Spanish Harlem on March 2. Puppetry will be another theme throughout the series, including The Mermaid Theatre of Novia Scotia performing Rainbow Fish on October 20. All Just Kidding performances take place Saturdays at 11am or 2pm. Want More Info: 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Upper West Side; 212-864-5400; symphonyspace.org
Space
Performing Arts Venue on the Upper West Side Starts Fall Series of Shows
Symphony Space’s mis sion is to connect art, ideas, and community through programs and a commitment to lite racy and education through the arts.
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September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
l Sch Courtesy Internationa
Who: International School of New York (IANY) What’s New: Upper West Side location, and Pre-Nursery program in fall of 2019. The move comes while the school is renovating the Upper East Side location, planned to be completed for the following academic year. The renovations will update and refresh the existing building and facilities such as the classrooms, kitchen, the music and art facilities, among others. The school immerses its students in the city, encouraging them to be outdoors and active in the community. The temporary move will allow students to experience establishments such as the Museum of Natural History among other local museums and cultural centers. All IANY students are taught a second language with the option of Mandarin Chinese or Spanish. Want More Info: 150 W. 83rd Street, Upper West Side; 212641-0260; ianyc.org
ool of New York
Multi-Cultural School Temporarily Moves to Upper West Side Location
l, multi-cultural, and of New York is a bilingua The International School h, and creativity mat , acy ool focusing on liter to 8th grade. diverse independent sch sery nur ld, serving children from that celebrates the wor
The Shoe Tree WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A SHOE STORE?
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Sunday
11am–6:00pm
THE SHOE TREE HAS ALL THIS AND MORE!
• Friendly service • Proper fit for all: birth to adult • Huge inventory • Frequent buyer program • Knowledgeable staff • Socks, hats, jewelry, sunglasses, rain gear
Convenient NYC location Broadway between 111th St. and 112th St. #1 subway, M4 & M104 buses
Family Owned and Operated in Morningside Heights For Ten Years
2876 Broadway | New York, NY 10025 | 212-280-1711
theshoetreeonline.com
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raising kids in the know
Your Child 5HasRights in School ››
By Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP
F
Marion M. Walsh, Esq., Littman Krooks LLP
ederal and state laws protect the rights of students in school, yet many parents are unaware of their child’s legal protections as a student. As your child heads back to school this year, make sure you know his rights and entitlements to services. Here are five rights your child—from kindergarten to high school—possesses in a public school:
environment free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, and bullying in school or at school-related activities. School districts must take appropriate action to prevent bullying and harassment and cannot be deliberately indifferent. This includes off-campus harassment or bullying where there is some sort of connection to the school.
The right to be safe: Ultimately, every parent’s biggest concern is the safety of his or her child. Luckily, with certain limitations, teachers and administrators have the general duty to act as a parent when protecting their students, under the doctrine of in loco parentis. While this is not a guarantee of safety, your child has the right to supervision in school and the right to be safe from foreseeable harm.
The right to evaluations and a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities: Every student learns differently, especially those with special needs, emotional difficulties, or mental health concerns. School districts have an obligation to identify and evaluate students suspected of having a special need that may impact their learning. If a student is eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the school district must create an Individualized Education Program. An IEP must provide instruction and services designed to meet the unique needs of a child. Parents have the right to challenge IEPs or lack of services in a due process hearing. Students with special needs also have the right to receive accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In addition, public schools may not discriminate against students with special needs, and may not deny them equal access to all programs.
The right to freedom of speech: Especially in today’s political climate, it is important to know when your school district is legally allowed to stop your child from protesting or speaking up. This is far less often than you probably imagine. Students do not “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate,” according to the U.S. Supreme Court. Under the First Amendment, students have the right to free speech, as long as it does not cause a substantial disruption in school or interfere with the rights of others. For example, if a student walks out in a peaceful protest of school shootings, he may not face school discipline, even if the protests deviate from school-sanctioned protests. The right to be free from severe and pervasive bullying and harassment: Bullying can have a devastating effect on any child and it is the obligation of the school to take reasonable steps to protect students from that harm. New York State’s Dignity for All Students Act seeks to provide students with a safe and supportive
The right to a free public education, regardless of race, color, national origin, or even immigration status: Families do not have to prove their immigration status to enroll their children in school, and public schools cannot deny undocumented children the right to an education. If your child is an English-language learner, she has the right to receive English language instruction in school. This list is not inclusive of all rights and services your child has in school. If you believe your child’s rights have been abridged, consult with an experienced attorney.
Marion M. Walsh, Esq., is a partner with the firm of Littman Krooks LLP and leads the education law practice. Walsh has worked in education law for 20 years and has been an advocate for children in many capacities.
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raising kids child care
The Mary Louis Academy
TMLA+
Improving the ParentNanny Relationship ››
At The Mary Louis Academy, you will find your own voice—distinctive, confident, intelligent, creative, and empowered—a voice that will be one of your greatest assets in life.
Courtesy Mommybites.com
I
f you follow any of the ever-popular parenting boards or groups on social media sites, you’ve likely encountered more than one mother venting about her nanny. There seems to be a rise in the ideology that nannies must inherently be all-knowing, psychic, and micromanaged all at the same time. While in most cases this is simply a (major) miscommunication, rest assured there are easy steps you can take to ensure the nannyparent relationship is harmonious for all. Nannies: Moms aren’t all over-privileged tyrants. In most cases, moms are just tired, frazzled, and stressed out—with probably a hint of guilt thrown in for hiring a nanny in the first place. Moms: Nannies can’t read your mind. They aren’t out to steal your husbands either. Nor do they like being micromanaged to the point of a mental breakdown (would you like that kind of work environment?). The biggest “trick” to ensuring a healthy working relationship for everyone involved? Communication. Talk to each other in great detail both before the commitment begins and during the employment contract as well. It’s the only way you’ll both be on the same page, and it will iron out any misconceptions before they can even occur. This goes without saying, but there needs to be a clear-cut set of instructions, rules, and/or guidelines that give details on what’s expected of everyone in the family (not just the nanny). Behaviors and discipline efforts need to be addressed up front. Schedules, routines, and any things or areas in the home that are off limits should be outlined as well. You can’t expect your nanny to know you planned to dress your kids in that outfit on Sunday if you didn’t tell her so. Nannies aren’t psychic. Mommybites’ mom-generated nanny, babysitter, and nanny-share boards have been some of the most popular child-care resources in New York City since 2006. You can find nannies and babysitters as well as help them get new jobs. Join this community of moms and receive weekly parenting advice at mommybites.com/newyork.
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 14, 2018 10am-3pm
SHADOW A STUDENT buddy@tmla.org
Please pre-register for our open house at tmla.org
VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.tmla.org
The Mary Louis Academy is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Chartered by the State of NY.
176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 Phone: 718-297-2120 | Fax: 718-739-0037 @WEARETMLA | #HILLTOPPERNATION | TACHS #016 BigAppleParent 11
Ashley Formica Photography
raising kids voices
A Farewell to My Foster Daughter ››
Our story didn’t end in adoption, but it still had a very happy ending. By Lindsay Smith
T
here are some moments you never forget. Those times in your life—happy, tragic, heartbreaking—that are forever seared in your memory. Vivid details, emotions…time freezes, and you know for the rest of your life, you’ll know exactly where you were in that moment. That’s what it was like when I got the text message from the social worker. I was standing outside my car, waiting for my husband to leave work, one day away from giving birth to our third baby. At the sound of the soft ding, I looked down and read the message. “We got the order!” it said. And before I could stop myself, the tears were slipping down my cheeks. I’d wished and hoped for this moment. But standing there on that fall day, looking at that text message, all I felt was the wind being knocked from me. She’s leaving. Oh my God, she’s really leaving. From the first day our foster daughter entered our lives—two days old, right from the hospital—I knew this moment was coming. It had always been expected that she would be adopted. We’re foster parents, this is what we do: take in children for a short period of time, love them well, give them a safe and secure home, and then send them home. We’d been doing it for years at this point; we knew the drill. But we’d never had a newborn. Never raised a baby right from the beginning. I hadn’t gotten up in the middle of the night to feed a newborn, to rock a baby to sleep since my own babies. I hadn’t known the thrill of a first smile, first giggle, hadn’t felt the weight of a sleeping baby in seven years. It wasn’t hard to fall in love; it didn’t take long to wonder if we could adopt her. I feel like we hear a lot of those stories, the ones where the foster family adopts a child. Or adoption stories in general. And we hear them so often for good reason—they’re good stories. Redemptive and hopeful, they remind us of what’s good in the world. That wasn’t our story, though. We talked about it; I thought about it often, but it never felt as though it was the best decision for us. A few months into her placement, we found out we were
Lindsay Smith and her family
(unexpectedly) pregnant with our third child. That news certainly contributed to our decision, but at the core of it was the sense that adoption wasn’t to be our story. I struggled with it. I loved her so much; we all did. Saying goodbye to her was the hardest thing I have ever done, and I wondered if we had done the right thing. Would she understand why we didn’t adopt her? Had we inadvertently made her life more difficult by choosing not to adopt her and asking her to transition to another family? Would I ever stop missing her? It was so hard to believe something that hurt this much was the best thing for everyone involved. And then I met her family. I could see it when they saw her for the first time—this was one of their moments. I knew watching them that they would never forget the first time they laid eyes on their baby girl. It was such a privilege to witness the coming together of this family, to see this girl who I raised and loved so much be so adored by this couple. I saw them fall in love with her the way that we had; I watched how she fit with them, and I knew we made the right decision. This was her family. These were her people. This was their story, and we helped to make it happen. When we started fostering, I expected the most incredible feeling would be adopting a child who had come into your home. It didn’t take too long for me to realize the real gift in fostering is having a small part in bringing families together—in opening your heart and home for children and families who need it, and even breaking your own heart and saying goodbye. Sometimes, I still wonder what our family would have looked like if we’d been able to adopt her. But then I get a text from her mama and it has a picture or a video, and she tells me of new words and silly faces, and I know. I know she is happy. I know her family loves her. I know she will grow up feeling safe and secure. And I know we were so blessed to have been a part of it, to lay a foundation, to bridge the gap until she went to her forever family. That was our story, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Lindsay Smith believes that stories might just change the world. Her writing tackles issues around feminism, social justice, and parenting, and sometimes the intersection of all three. Learn more about her work and writing at lvsmithauthor.wordpress.com.
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September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
things to do
diy corner
Squeezy Bottle Rocket
Now that summer is coming to an end, it’s time for the kids to put their thinking caps back on. And what better way to kick off the back-toschool season than by making a science craft? Get down to learning business by making this bottle rocket from Emma Vanstone’s “This is Rocket Science” to learn about trajectory! Trajectory is the path an object follows as it flies through the air. Imagine the path a ball takes when you throw it. If you throw the ball straight upward, its trajectory is different than if you throw it forward toward someone else. Rockets initially fly vertically upward through the lower, denser parts of the atmosphere but then turn so they are on the correct path to enter orbit around the Earth. This means their overall trajectory is a curved path, rather than the vertical path you might expect. This easy-to-construct rocket is great for investigating how the angle a rocket is launched from affects its flight. The rockets work because as you squeeze the bottle, air is forced out of the straw in the bottle and pushes against the rocket straw. This force causes the rocket straw to fly through the air. Materials Empty water bottles with a sports cap Scissors 2 straws, 1 wide enough fit over the other
Modeling clay Cardstock or paper Felt tip pens Tape
Directions To make the bottle part of the rocket, it’s really important to make sure the sports cap is completely airtight. If air can escape, your rocket won’t fly very far. Cut the thinner straw into quarters and put one segment into the center of the sports cap. Seal the straw around the cap using modeling clay. You can check if the seal is complete by squeezing the bottle: If the seal is secure, all of the air from the bottle should come out of the straw, not the bottle neck. This is your rocket launcher! To make the rocket part, first cut the wider straw into quarters and seal one end with tape; this is to stop air from escaping. Draw a rocket shape with felt tip pens on the cardstock or paper. Remember, the lighter the rocket, the farther it will fly. Attach the paper rocket onto one side of the rocket straw using tape and place it onto the straw in the rocket launcher. Squeeze the rocket launcher hard, and you should find that the rocket shoots up into the air. Try launching at different angles to see how you can make the rocket fly farther.
We Can’t Wait to Hear What Your Child Has to Say! Social skills are falling into place here at Chatty Child!
Ph
Co Fa ming l
ysi l 2018in c : Se al Th rvi era ces py
Falling Behind? Turn It Around! Does your child need extra support? Boost academic, social and verbal skills to improve school success. Chatty Child offers: l Individual & group treatment for speech-language and occupational therapy l Socialization groups & InterAct: Theatre & Therapy Lab™ l Specialized handwriting instruction l Feeding and oral motor therapy l Sensory Integration therapy l PROMPT therapy for apraxia of speech For Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy, we accept: l Department of Education Related Service Agreements
(RSAs) l Early Intervention l Private pay with fully coded invoices for out-of-network
insurance reimbursement. At Chatty Child, our therapists provide quality care that is nurturing, innovative and creative. We work with the family to provide each child with a comprehensive treatment plan, while taking into account each child’s interests, strengths and goals. We are here to help your child reach his or her fullest potential. Chatty Child’s state-of-the-art therapy center for children is conveniently located in lower Manhattan. Please come in for a tour to discover what we can offer your child and become a part of the Chatty Child family! To register, or schedule a tour, private consultation or evaluation, email info@chattychild.com, call 347.491.4451, or visit www.chattychild.com. 325 Broadway - Suite 403 New York, New York 10007
Reprinted from This is Rocket Science by Emma Vanstone with permission from Page Street Publishing Co. Photography by Charlotte Dart.
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Independent School Spotlight
欢迎
BIENVENIDOS
raising kids independent school spotlight Island Photography
WELCOME
United Nations International School students celebrate Global Day of Play.
An Education with Eclectic Flair With its diverse student body and ties to the United Nations, this school offers an inclusive learning environment. ›› By Deborah Skolnik
Name of School: UNIS: United Nations International School Grades: Pre-K through 12th grade Size of student body: 1,600
Bilingual education. Multi-cultural understanding. Diverse community. Helping students gain the leadership skills, confidence, and compassion to contribute and thrive in today’s world.
Spanish and Mandarin tracks Pre-Nursery (age 2) - Grade 4. Adding a grade each year through Grade 8.
www.ianyc.org
COME TO AN OPEN HOUSE: September 20 @ 9am September 28 @ 9am (check our website for more dates this fall)
admissions@ianyc.org / 212-641-0260
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September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Educational approach or philosophy: The school operates in accordance with its mission, which “is to, in essence, embrace inclusive and diverse learning environments in rigorous international programs that foster academic success, innovation, creativity, and cross-cultural communications. And to inspire students to be an active force in shaping a better world,” explains executive director Dan Brenner, Ph.D. The high school, or Tutorial House, as its known, follows the International Baccalaureate plan of education. There is also an elementary school called the Junior School (pre-K through fourth grade) and a Middle School (fifth-eighth grades). Nearly half of the students at UNIS have a direct affiliation with the United Nations through their families; the other half are residents of New York City. (A secondary campus, located in Queens, serves approximately 150 of the students in kindergarten-eighth grade). “For the students here, part of the incredible experience is the richness that they get from seeing how diverse our world is, and in the context of that, how to embrace the differences and the similarities,” Dr. Brenner says. What makes the school unique: “We have approximately 123 countries represented in the student body and approximately 90 home languages that are spoken,” Dr. Brenner shares. UNIS itself offers instruction in French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, and Russian. “This gives kind of a flavor of what distinguishes us,” Dr. Brenner says. Students also enjoy top-notch amenities, including an athletic facility and an open-space rooftop playground. In addition, the school enjoys a close relationship with the U.N. The U.N. Secretary General formally appoints UNIS’ board of trustees, and graduation is held in the general assembly hall of the U.N. Parents, too, are intimately involved in the school. More than half of all trustee positions are held by mothers and fathers of students, and parent coordinators—which are a function of the parent association—communicate with the division heads (aka principals) of each of UNIS’ schools. “Parents are the fabric of the school,” Dr. Brenner says.
Independent School Spotlight
BigAppleParent 15
Independent School Spotlight
THE RIGHT START MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE… MORE THAN A SCHOOL, IT’S AN EDUCATION. WWW.BISͲNY.ORG (212) Ͳ 481 Ͳ2700
Selecting a school for your children can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to smooth the process. As we open the doors to our first Upper School students this September we invite you to join us for a private tour this fall to see just what makes a BISͲNY education so special. How the balance of academic rigor, in a supportive, engaging and dynamic environment allows every student the opportunity to be both stretched and supported to meet their potential. With early focus on literacy and numeracy, alongside specialist lessons in French or Spanish, drama, music, swimming and art, even our youngest benefit from our tested approach to learning. An approach that promotes success, independence, and empathy and prepares all our students to leave school prepared academically, socially and emotionally, as well as happy and wellͲadjusted.
Now accepting applications for Nursery 3’s Ͳ 10th Grade at www.bisͲny.org/admissions
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September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Independent School Spotlight
BigAppleParent 17
Independent School Spotlight
INCLUSION • DIVERSITY • EXCELLENCE • ACCEPTANCE • LEADERSHIP
The IDEAL Difference
In our diverse and inclusive K-12 community and within our robust academic program, IDEAL students recognize their potential to effect change and are equipped with the tools to do so. They strive for excellence in and out of school and recognize and draw out the potential for excellence in their peers. They possess the self-awareness to advocate for themselves and the compassion to stand behind others. They not only appreciate but also seek out difference, understanding that only in community are we IDEAL. IDEAL is New York’s only K-12 independent inclusion school.
#SchoolCanBeIDEAL
Sign up for a Tuesday Talk and Tour or an Open House to learn more about IDEAL’s rigorous and differentiated program, innovative social justice curriculum, and uniquely inclusive community. LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES, Grades K-5: Thursday, October 11, 9 AM; Tuesday, November 6, 6 PM UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES, Grades 6-12: Thursday, October 18, 9 AM; Tuesday, November 13, 6 PM
www.theidealschool.org
IDEAL has mid-year openings in select grade levels for qualified candidates.
For further information, contact us at admissions@theidealschool.org or 212-769-1699.
At Wetherby-Pembridge School, we inspire the individual to reach personal confidence and success with integrity, kindness, respect and manners.
Respect, Resilience, Responsibility
Nursery 3 - Grade 8.
Tuesday 25th September, 9:00am - 10:30am Thursday 11th October, 5:30pm - 7:00pm Tuesday 23rd October, 9:00am - 10:30am Saturday 27th October, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Join our Autumn Open Houses Please note that registration is required
For more information: info@wetherbypembridge.org | 646-213-3400 \ www.wetherbypembridge.org \ 7 East 96th St, New York
September 2018 | New nymetroparents.com 18 11091-APG-Wetherby Pembridge York-Autumn Open House Ad Re-Size.indd
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Independent School Spotlight
Formerly École Internationale de New York (EINY)
Nursery through 8th grade (ages 3-13) French and American curricula with an international perspective
Incredible things happen when children love to
Mandarin introduction in 3rd grade and Spanish in Middle School 3 campus locations around Madison Square Park
2018-2019 Tour Dates
Learn. Join us for an open house this fall!
September 18, 2018
Tuesday
October 2, 2018
Tuesday
October 23, 2018
Tuesday
November 13, 2018
Tuesday
November 27, 2018
Tuesday
December 6, 2018 evening tour Thursday
RSVP: calhoun.org/visit
TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR, VISIT EINY.ORG 160 West 74th Street
Preschool – 12th Grade calhoun.org
111 East 22nd Street, New York , NY 10010 646.410.2238
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Cute Stuff
Alert!
Meet the winners and finalists of the 2018 NYMetroParents Cover Contest!
W
Daniela ››
GRAND PRI
ZE
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September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Age: 3 Hometown: Manhattan Jaden loves to play Fortnite.
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WINNERS
Jaden
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Age: 14 Hometown: Suffolk Daniela’s role model is her mom because of everything she does for her and her family.
Daniela
Age: 14 Hometown: Suffolk County Daniela’s role model is her mom because of everything she does for her and her family.
e knew it wasn’t going to be easy to pick finalists in our annual contest. But it was 1,300 times harder than we even imagined— that’s how many adorable entries poured in from every corner of the New York metro area! Once we were done oohing and aahing and narrowed it down, we invited the finalists to a glam photo shoot at Big Apple Portraits in Manhattan (unfortunately one finalist couldn’t make it). It was pouring that day, but inside it was pure sunshine, thanks to the kids’ radiant smiles and way-cool outfits (thank you, Lands’ End!) Everybody rocked the runway, but in the end it was 3-year-old Jaden from Manhattan and 14-year-old Daniela from Suffolk County who won the grand prizes. Jaden and his family will celebrate the big win with a two-day stay at Woodloch Pines Resort, while Daniela will take her modeling skills to the next level with a scholarship to Barbizon Modeling and Acting Studio. Scarlett, our Fan Favorite from Queens, received a family pack of tickets to Sesame Place. Want to see more of these beautiful faces? We don’t blame you. Stay tuned—many if not all of our finalists and winners will appear on our future covers—and Sophia is featured this month!
›› Dillon
Age: 11 Hometown: Westchester County Dillon’s favorite subject in school is English. He says he’s pretty good at it and he finds it interesting.
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›› Aaliyah
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›› Brielle
Age: 12 Hometown: Rockland County t in elle Bri ’s favorite subjec s say She th. school is ma ause bec and it— at d goo ’s she her Dad is a math teacher. Promotional Partners:
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Help Your Young Learner Thrive ›› Just as your child is one-of-a-kind, her learning style is unique, too. Here’s how to help her succeed regardless of how she processes information. By Alana Coopersmith
P
icture this: There’s a classroom full of students singing songs about plant cycles. In the next classroom, students are planting their own bean sprouts to observe the plant cycle in action. In still another classroom, students are creating diagrams to see plant structures and systems. While the children are learning in different ways in each of these scenarios, they’re all learning the same science curriculum. In an ideal world, all schools would be set up in a similar manner or all teachers would incorporate each teaching method in their classrooms because just as each child has a unique personality, likes, and dislikes, each child has a unique learning style. But what is a learning style exactly? It refers to a person’s preference for how she learns, processes, and retains information—“how [people] make sense of the world around them,” says Jeff Wu, representative for The Tutorverse, a tutoring company that supplements classroom learning. There are eight commonly identified learning styles: • Visual-Spatial learners do well with visual aids such as pictures, diagrams, colors, and mind maps. • Auditory-Rhythmic learners retain information by using melodies, rhythms, sounds, and recordings. • Kinesthetic-Tactile learners need hands-on learning opportunities, including building, drawing, and role-play. • Verbal-Linguistic learners crave words, reading aloud, writing, speaking, and creating mnemonic devices. • Logical-Mathematic learners prefer to learn by using logic, reasoning, and systems to explain and understand concepts. • Social-Interpersonal learners thrive by relating to and working with others. • Solitary-Intrapersonal learners prefer study and work alone. • Naturalist learners thrive by experiencing nature. 22
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Learning styles are on a spectrum and are not mutually exclusive; there are countless style combinations. And numerous variables influence your child’s learning style, including internal factors such as personality and interests, and external factors such as how he interacts with other people and how he perceives the world. No matter what your child’s learning style is, though, there are ways to help her thrive, both in and out of the classroom.
Determine Her Learning Style
Parents have an innate sense of how their child learns just by observing and knowing him, says Mariaemma Willis, M.S., education specialist, author, and co-founder of Learning Success Institute, an educational consulting service that offers services catered to personal learning styles. Ever since your child was a baby, she has been hinting at how her brain best processes and retains information. Did he grow up building with Legos? He might learn best by doing, not seeing or hearing. Did she start making to-do lists before she even had anything to do? She may learn best by writing down and seeing information. In addition to your observations, there are plenty of resources available to further your understanding of how your child learns. Assessments like Willis’s Self-Portrait Power Traits Online Assessment will pinpoint your child’s learning strengths and preferences. Even simply Googling “learning style assessment” will result in millions of helpful resources.
Find the Right School
Alina Adams, author of Getting Into NYC Kindergarten and Getting Into NYC High-School and a columnist for NewYorkSchoolTalk.org, emphasizes the significance of making sure your child’s school is the best one for his learning needs. “Schools exist for nearly every sort of learner, but the challenge is finding this school,” she explains. For parents whose
children are struggling in the classroom, Adams recommends first figuring out the problem. Is your daughter constantly reprimanded because she can’t stay in her seat? Look for a school that allows students to move around during the day. Is your son frustrated because schoolwork is simply being explained? There are schools that allow kids to learn by doing. The most positive effect of choosing the right school for your child is she won’t get turned off to learning, Adams says. “We’re happiest when we’re learning and applying what we’ve learned towards a goal. A school that reinforces a child’s passion for learning by fitting how they best learn is a school that will set them up well for the rest of their life” she says. “Deciding you hate learning at the start of your life is as devastating as deciding you hate drinking, eating, or breathing.”
Seek Outside Help
A major issue for students of all learning styles and abilities tends to be that a teacher instructs a class of 27-32 kids, on average, in one way, at one pace. This may be fine for some students, but for many others it may not be the right style or speed. “There are only three to five students in every class that have the magic formula that traditional classrooms are set up for…the rest are shortchanged,” Willis says. Because of this, Wu advises parents seek out a tutor for their child, which will reinforce what he learned in school. Oftentimes too, the tutor will translate your child’s work in a way he can best understand it. To pick the right outside help for your child, Wu suggests two pre-emptive steps. First, understand what your personal goal is for your child, what your child’s goal is for herself, and what she is struggling with. Second, look at the education professionals’ experience and reputation. There are two standard goals for your child when working with an outside educator, Wu explains. The first is to build his confidence and get him to recognize he can do it! The second is to achieve an improvement in your child’s results. The benefit of working with a tutor 1-on-1
is “they can really hone in on the strengths of your child and figure out new ways to explain things to really help your child,” Wu says.
Support Your Child at Home
There are steps you can take at home to help build and reinforce positive learning habits for your child. Wu, Willis, and Adams all agree that the best way to help is to engage her using the following techniques: Create and encourage real-life learning experiences. Visit one of the numerous museums in the New York metro area and explore and talk about the exhibits, or go on a hike and talk about the native species you pass. The opportunities to create real-life learning are endless. Ask him questions. Find out his likes and interests. Doing this creates the perfect opportunity to customize real-life learning to his interests. Model good educational behaviors. David Norment, an educator for 22 years and father of three, stresses the importance of not only spending positive quality time with your children, but also being an educational role model. “If you want them to read, read in front of them. If you want them to prioritize current affairs, watch the news with them,” he suggests. Establish guidelines and an environment for homework. Eliminate distractions, whatever they may be for your child, and create an environment in which she can best work. Some kids study best in short bursts with music in the background, while others prefer to get it all done in one sitting with nothing else going on in the room. Wu emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations for your child as well as creating a system that includes a schedule. To figure out which environment and schedule works best for your child, ask. If the system doesn’t work on the first try, make small tweaks until you find the right fit. Alana Coopersmith was a summer 2018 editorial intern for NYMetroParents.
AFTER-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE
2018-2019
BigAppleParent 23
Back-to-School Directory Affinity Health Plan
866-247-5678 affinityplan.org Affinity is an independent, non-profit organization driven by the mission to help its members, their families, and their communities lead healthier lives. Over the past 32 years, Affinity has built one of the area’s largest physician networks, which includes 40,000 providers and 85 hospitals. Affinity offers a variety of programs under Medicare, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Enriched Health on the New York State of Health Marketplace for members in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange counties.
apple seeds
10 W. 25th S. 200 West End Ave. 6 Stuyvesant Oval 212-792-7590 appleseedsplay.com apple seeds is an all-in-one children’s play space with more than 80 exciting weekly classes. Join them in art, movement, dance, and songs for seeds! Looking for a gentle introduction to school? seedlings PREP 2/3’s group is the perfect start. Through activities such as music, art, gym, imaginative play, story time, and snack kids learn classroom routines and develop social skills. apple seeds also has an indoor playground and offers onsite and offsite party packages. Plus, they offer sibling and twin discounts on all their classes!
Atlas Foundation For Autism
252 W. 29th St., 3rd Floor 212-256-0846 atlasforautism.org; info@atlasforautism.org The Atlas Foundation for Autism houses the Atlas School as well as speech, OT services, music, after-school classes, and weekend social skills groups! Atlas is different in its approach to working within modalities that address communication, emotional and social thinking, as well as behavior and self-esteem! People are welcome to join from every developmental level to play, learn, and grow together as a community!
Ballet Academy East
1651 Third Ave. 212-410-9140 balletacademyeast.com Ballet Academy East, Young Dancer Division, unleashing children’s potential through dance. Ballet Academy East is home to aspiring dancers of all ages in its Young Dancer, Pre-Professional, and Adult Divisions. BAE is internationally recognized for exceptional dance training and is the Upper East Side’s ballet school of choice. The accomplished faculty lead classes that nurture students’ physical and emotional well-being, build technical skills, and develop artistry. All classes feature two teachers and live piano accompaniment. Young Dancer Division: ages 18 months-6 years, Pre-Professional and Enrichment Divisions: ages 6-19.
The Ballet Club
328 E. 61st St., 2nd Floor 917-281-1030 theballetclub.com info@theballetclub.com The Ballet Club is a unique school that offers
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excellence in training in a nurturing environment. Our programs range from Dance Together classes for ages 18 months-3 years of age, The Children’s Creative Dance Club Division for ages 3-9, and The Performing Arts Pre-Professional Division for ages 7-teens. We have a holistic approach to training, with an emphasis on healthy training for both the body and mind. To register, contact The Ballet Club at 917-281-1030 or register online at theballetclub.com.
Blue School
241 Water St. 212-228-6341 blueschool.org Blue School is an independent school for ages 2 through eighth grade where the dynamic balance of academic mastery, creative thinking, self and social intelligence instills a lifelong passion for learning. Blue School values exploration, play, creativity, self-awareness, family and community connection. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry, observation, and reflection, encouraging children to become bold, creative, and compassionate innovators. The campus in lower Manhattan features thoughtfully designed classrooms, designated lab spaces for art, STEAM, science, music and drama, as well as a gymnasium, Wonder Room, Upcycling Center, Materials Library, and outdoor terraces.
The British International School of New York
20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org info@bis-ny.org BIS-NY offers a global education through which children acquire key knowledge and skills. The school encourages critical thinking and problem solving. Students gain confidence to ask questions and take risks. Curriculum focuses both on embedding the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy early while also developing breadth as even our youngest enjoy French or Spanish, drama, music, swimming, and art. It’s a tested approach to learning and shared knowledge that promotes success, independence, and empathy, and prepares students to leave school prepared academically, socially, and emotionally, as well as happy and well-adjusted.
The Cathedral School A Classical Education for the Modern World
319 E. 74th St. 212-249-2840 cathedralschoolny.org info@cathedralschoolny.org The Cathedral School is a nursery through eighth grade, coeducational institution in Manhattan. We offer a challenging curriculum that encourages students to become independent and critical thinkers. Our small class size allows for individual attention that enables every student’s voice to be heard and allows children to comfortably take risks, make mistakes, and learn how to recover from them. Teachers engage students in lessons that foster open discussion and thoughtful analysis. Our goal is to develop what is best in each student so that they may thrive.
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Chatty Child Speech & Occupational Therapy, P.L.L.C.
325 Broadway, Suite 403 347-491-4451 chattychild.com info@chattychild.com Chatty Child Speech Therapy & Occupational Therapy, P.L.L.C. is a personalized therapeutic center in downtown Manhattan. We provide comprehensive speech-language and occupational therapy services. We are available to provide ST and OT evaluations, individual sessions, and group sessions. We accept DOE-RSAs, EI, and private pay for out-of-network reimbursement. Our therapists are highly experienced, caring, and passionate about creating a unique learning experience for each child. We have years of experience treating a variety of developmental delays. Come take a tour of Chatty Child!
Children’s Museum of the Arts
103 Charlton St. 212-274-0986 cmany.org Children’s Museum of the Arts is an art museum that offers classes across a range of mediums. Taught by teaching artists, these courses encourage children to express creativity, develop an artistic voice, and build critical thinking skills. The after-school program features semester-long classes for ages 5-15. WEE Arts classes introduce toddlers to art, encouraging self-expression and socialization. Art Colony Day Camps are innovative art camps held during school breaks. CMA also offers free inclusive classes for children living with autism or disabilities. Learn more at cmany.org.
Collina Italiana
1556 Third Ave. (at 87th street), Suite 603 212-427-7770 collinaitaliana.com info@collinaitaliana.com Set on the Upper East Side, our Italian classes allow children to benefit from a comprehensive approach to learning in an age-appropriate, inviting atmosphere. Classes for kids include: Giardino dei Bambini (drop-off Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 9am-12pm), Girotondo Giallo, Rosso, Blu, and Viola (ages 2-3, 4-5, 6-8, 9 and older), workshops, private or semi-private tutoring. Children gather to share learned words and expressions through playful, skill-building activities such as games, songs, dances, and stories. For all the bellissimi details on Collina Italiana, call the Italian instructors today or visit collinaitaliana.com!
The Diller-Quaile School of Music
Vanessa Cascio, registrar 24 E. 95th St. (between Madison and Fifth avenues) 212-369-1484 x11 diller-quaile.org info@diller-quaile.org Diller-Quaile offers early childhood classes (ages 3 months to 5 years), instrument and voice lessons, classes and ensembles, adult programs, and teacher training courses. Family Saturday classes, rug concerts for young children, master classes, and concerts for the community by faculty artists occur throughout the year. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and pre-collegiate Arts Schools. Since 1920, Dillcontinued on page 26 ››
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Art After School at Children’s Museum of the Arts 103 Charlton Street in West Village/Tribeca
Painting • Drawing • Animation • Sewing • Sculpture Filmmaking • Photography • Private Lessons • and more! Learn more about CMA’s art classes for ages 5-15 at cmany.org. Questions? Email classes@cmany.org
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‹‹ continued from page 24 er-Quaile has been developing the innate musicality in each student, inspiring participation for a lifetime. Visit diller-quaile.org or contact us at info@ diller-quaile.org or 212-369-1484.
Dwight School
291 Central Park West 212-724-6360 dwight.edu admissions@dwight.edu Founded in 1872, Dwight is a leading nursery-12th grade private school dedicated to igniting the spark of genius in every child. Dwight’s nurturing preschool is the ideal environment for children to have their first classroom experience as early as 3 months–2½ years. Dwight has one of the lowest student-teacher ratios among NYC independent schools and the first in the Americas to offer the comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for students ages 3-18. Through a global network, students travel and participate in enriching exchange programs at Dwight campuses around the world.
East Village Dance Project at Abrons Arts Center
466 Grand St. 212-598-0400 abronsartscenter.org East Village Dance Project (EVDP) made the exciting move to Abrons Arts Center in January 2018. Now in its 22nd year, EVDP offers innovative dance classes in modern, ballet, and pointe techniques. The schedule allows dancers the opportunity to plan a pre-professional regimen, or just attend one or two classes a week. EVDP is excited to announce a performance workshop class this fall. Students and professionals will create work together and culminate in an alternative Nutcracker production the week of Dec. 17 at La MaMa’s Ellen Stewart Theater.
The École
111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 einy.org admissions@theecole.org The École (formerly École Internationale de New York) is an intimate, independent French-American school located in New York’s vibrant Flatiron District. The École offers an academic bilingual program in French and English from nursery-eighth grade offering Mandarin and Spanish as a foreign language. The École is fully accredited by the French Ministry of Education and is affiliated with the Mission Laïque Française. A faculty of certified teachers from France and the United States work to instill the rigor of the French curriculum and the American emphasis on independent thinking.
Ellen Robbins Dance
Three Locations: Soho, Chelsea, and PMT Studio at 14th Street and Sixth Avenue 212-254-0286 ellenrobbinsdance.com dance_er@verizon.net Ellen Robbins’ dance classes for children do what dance is supposed to do: train their bodies in technique, attune their ears to great music, immerse them in the thrill of improvisation, and coach them in composition–the natural outcome of which is performance. Dances by Very Young Choreographers is an annual, professionally produced dance concert. Students perform their own solo compositions and participate in a group work choreographed by Ellen. Each child’s unique personality shines through. Modern Dance for ages 5–18: Technique, Composition, Improvisation, and Performance.
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The Epiphany School
Gramercy, Murray Hill Early Childhood Center: 152 E. 29th St. 212-725-7220 Lower School: 234 E. 22nd St. 212-473-4128 Upper School: 141 E. 28th St. 212-725-7220 theepiphanyschool.org admissions@theepiphanyschool.org Early childhood classes at The Epiphany School utilize art, music, movement, learning centers, and socialization activities to support the growth of each child’s cognitive, linguistic, physical, and social emotional skills. Low teacher-student ratios, bright, colorful classrooms, and outdoor play space provide students an inviting and comfortable environment to begin their educational journey. Graduates continue to many of NYC’s top high schools. Serving approximately 530 students of all faiths, age 2-eighth grade, The Epiphany School provides a value-centered education that educates the whole child and inspires academic success.
First Presbyterian Church Nursery School
12 W. 12th St. 212-691-3432 fpcns.org First Presbyterian Church Nursery School was founded in 1952 in Greenwich Village. Our school offers a non-sectarian program, welcoming children and families of all configurations, religions, races, cultures, and economic backgrounds. FPCNS is dedicated to the development of the whole child in a warm and nurturing environment, offering experienced classroom teachers and specialists in studio, music, movement, gardening, and a healthy snack program. Extended day, enrichment programming, and a summer camp are available for 4-year-old and 5-year-old students. FPCNS has large, airy classrooms, a rooftop playground, and indoor play space.
Galli Theater
74 Warren St. 212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com galliny@gmail.com Galli Theater aims to spread joy to its audiences. Our modern fairytale adaptations by award-winning playwright and philosopher Johannes Galli are humorous, exciting, philosophical, and engaging. Shows are filled with music and are interactive, so little ones do not have to sit still. Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm and are appropriate for children ages of 3-10. We also offer musical acting camps for children in English or German throughout major school holidays, as well as birthday parties, travel performances for special events, plus fairytale and educational school shows.
The Gateway School
211 W. 61st St., 6th Floor 212-777-5966 gatewayschool.org admissions@gatewayschool.org Founded in 1965, The Gateway School is an independent, co-ed day school for children ages 5-14 with language-based learning disabilities or attention deficit. It was among the first schools in the country to recognize that bright children who had difficulty learning simply had to be taught differently. Gateway teaches the skills, strategies, and content necessary for students to realize their potential in school and in life. In a language-rich setting, students experience academic success, recognize their strengths, and develop self-advocacy skills.
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Hudson River Park Trust
353 West St., Pier 40, 2nd floor 212-627-2020 hudsonriverpark.org klevy@hrpt.ny.gov Hudson River Park’s (HRPK) Estuary Lab offers hands-on education and interactive scientific research that communicates the ecological importance of the Park’s 400-acre estuarine sanctuary. HRPK’s Estuary Lab offers a full roster of engaging school field trips and drop-in programs on topics including fishing, waterfront history, and oyster restoration inviting visitors to experience the River as a living laboratory. Join us to celebrate marine science on Saturday Sept. 22 for the SUBMERGE NYC Marine Science Festival on HRPK’s Pier 84 from 11am-4pm. Visit hudsonriverpark.org/estuarylab to learn more.
Huntington Learning Center
237 W. 72nd St. 212-362-0100 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for kindergarten-12th grades. Founded in 1977, its mission is to give every student the best education possible. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results with individualized programs taught by certified teachers at accredited centers. Areas of instruction include phonics, reading, writing, vocabulary, math, science, ACT, SAT, PSAT, high school entrance exams, and state and other standardized exams. To learn more and locate a center near you, visit huntingtonhelps.com.
The IDEAL School of Manhattan
Upper West Side 212-769-1699 theidealschool.org; dbyrnes@idealschool.org On any given day at The IDEAL School of Manhattan, students may present on a civil rights leader, participate in a dance workshop, showcase their writing, enjoy Riverside Park, build a robot, perform in a musical, or visit the Met. IDEAL is New York’s only kindergarten-12th independent inclusion school. Here, we celebrate the tremendous social, emotional, and academic growth born in a diverse and nurturing educational community. IDEAL’s name reflects our core values of Inclusion, Diversity, Excellence, Acceptance, and Leadership. Schedule your visit today to experience this unique school theidealschool.org/admissions/open-houses.
International Academy of New York
4 E. 90th St. 150 W. 83rd St. for 2018-19 school year during renovations 212-641-0260 ianyc.org; info@ianyc.org The International Academy of New York is a bilingual, multi-cultural, diverse nursery-eighth grade school developing culturally astute and confident students with fluency in Mandarin or Spanish, and exceptional literacy and math skills. IANY delivers personal attention to each student, nurturing their intellectual, physical, creative, social, and emotional development, teaching them the skills to contribute and thrive in today’s world. Now accepting applications for pre-nursery (age 2)-fourth grade (adding a grade each year through eighth grade). Financial aid available.
Jodi’s Gym
244 E. 84th St. 212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Jodi’s Gym has been providing New York kids the highest level of fun and fitness for more than continued on page 28 ››
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three decades! Their step-by-step, no-fail approach ensures that every child feels a sense of accomplishment. From the tiniest tumblers to advanced gymnasts (9 months to 12 years), there is something for everyone. They offer parent-child gym classes, gymnastics (ages 3-12), Ninja Challenge, preschool alternative, summer and holiday break camps, free playtime and perks for members, play groups, private lessons, and the best birthday parties!
Joffrey Ballet School
434 Sixth Ave., 5th Floor 888-438-3808 joffreyballetschool.com The Joffrey Ballet School offers classes in musical theater, hip-hop, jazz, contemporary ballet, and more. We specialize in dancers ranging in age from 2-18. We also offer superb adult evening dance fitness classes. The musical theater classes for kids are instructed by actual Broadway stars. Come and experience our more than 60 years of excellence in dance training. You will love the way we care for your child’s dance training. Come and grow with us.
Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy
917-270-7257 ktuga.com/weekly-classes mari@ktuga.com Join Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy (KTUGA) to play golf! Starting Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, we have numerous options for your young golfer. Check out our weekly programs held in Central Park (ages 3 and older) or Premier Indoor Golf ages (8 and older). We have classes on Saturday mornings too. Visit our website at ktuga.com/ weekly-classes for more details.
King School
1450 Newfield Ave., Stamford 203-322-3496 x350 kingschoolct.org/visit King School, a pre-K-12th grade school serving students from 30 towns, prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. What sets King apart is academic challenge, kindness, and personal growth united within our unique community of engaged minds and meaningful connections. Guided by expert faculty, King students take responsibility for their own learning as active learners in a student-centered program that challenges students to achieve their personal best. Teachers make students feel known and safe enough to take risks in order to make discoveries.
The Little Gym
777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues) Upper East Side, Manhattan 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com The Little Gym is an exercise and motor development center offering gymnastics classes, sports skills development, dance, cheerleading, and karate classes for children ages 4 months-12 years, in a loving, non-competitive environment. Qualified instructors implement programs designed to build self-esteem and confidence. An emphasis on music and fun encourages both physical and emotional
28
growth. The Little Gym also offers summer camp, holiday camp, Parent Survival Night, and awesome birthday bashes.
Lycée Français de New York
505 E. 75th St. 212-369-1400 lfny.org Get an early start on your child’s bilingual education at one of the most renowned bilingual schools in New York City. In fall 2019, the Lycée opens its new full-day, bilingual Nursery-3s program. Non-French speakers are welcome in this authentic, immersive program that combines play with structured activities, using real-world projects to engage children in the community. Bilingual aftercare also offered. Register for the Lycée’s fall preschool open houses for nursery, pre-K, and kindergarten and take the first steps to prepare your child for an extraordinarily international life.
Manhattan Charter School
100 Attorney St. 212-533-2743 Manhattan Charter School II 220 Henry St. 212-964-3792 manhattancharterschool.org edellinger@manhattancharterschool.or Two small public elementary schools educating children kindergarten-fifth grades. Committed to offering a well-rounded education designed to help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an intimate school setting. Never more than 25 students in a class. All students receive weekly French, art, physical education, and technology instruction, in addition to daily music instruction beginning in kindergarten. We pride ourselves on delivering challenging, standards-driven instruction, and fostering a culture of high expectations. Free afterschool available. Dedicated to demonstrating that all children can succeed when given equal access to quality education.
Martial Arts Family Studio
290 Mulberry St. 646-460-3770 martialartsfamilystudio.com info@martialartsfamilystudio.com At Martial Arts Family Studio we offer one-stop fitness, after-school, martial arts, and toddler care. Our morning classes offer a toddler separation option for mothers to train while their toddlers participate in a music activity in an adjacent room. Martial Arts in our after-school program teaches kids self-defense, self-esteem, discipline, and instills respect for others through taekwondo and kali. Evening offerings include kali self-defense and real fighting method for teens and adults. We provide the joy of training together, under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936
176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates 718-297-2120 tmla.org The Mary Louis Academy has established several exciting initiatives designed to provide young women with increased opportunities to achieve academic success, develop leadership skills, set career goals, and form strategies to achieve those goals. Successful completion of a program, all of which begin September 2018, will be recognized at graduation with a special designation certificate. The academic concentrations will include: Pre-Med, Dual-Language/International Studies Program, STEM, Fine Art, Music, and Physical Education and Wellness. For more info visit: tmla.org.
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Metropolitan Music Academy
646-470-7246 metropolitanmusicacademy.org info@metropolitanmusicacademy.org A member of Steinway Educational Partnership Program, the academy boasts an extensive network of teachers in the NY metropolitan area including all areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn. All faculty members hold an advanced degree in their field such as masters and doctoral of music degrees. The programs include at-home weekly private lessons along with other classes and performance opportunities. Students may also choose to take lessons at various studio locations throughout the metropolitan area. Each student’s experience is personal and carefully tailored from the very beginning to provoke musicality and individuality.
Mommybites
213 W. 35th St. suite 12W mommybites.com/newyork info@mommybites.com Mommybites is the go-to parenting community for resources, support, and education for expectant moms, new moms, and moms with young children. Mommybites offers expert parenting advice and online classes on parenting topics. In the NY area, Mommybites hosts boutique mommy-and-me holiday events. Since 2006, its Nanny Board has been connecting families with mom-recommended NYC nannies. Moms can look for flexible work or help with projects on the Jobs Board. Families can find fun events on the Events Board. Mommybites also holds raffles and posts casting calls for kids and families.
The Montessori School of New York International
347 E. 55th St., Sutton Place 212-223-4630 montessorischoolny.com In a lovingly, thoughtfully-prepared environment, children explore academic dimensions at their own pace and interest level, helping them grow in self-esteem and independence. Classes are equipped with didactic Montessori materials that encourage absorption of concepts through play, leading children to become well-rounded and confident. Program includes science, music, foreign language, musical theater, swimming, dance, yoga and chess. Children do extremely well academically and are prepared for admission to gifted programs. A unique summer program, staffed by year-round teachers, offers continued learning and outdoor activities, ranging from theme-based trips to sports.
National Dance Institute
217 W. 147th St. 212-226-0083 nationaldance.org caguirre@nationaldance.org National Dance Institute (NDI) is a non-profit arts education organization founded in 1976 by Jacques d’Amboise, New York City Ballet principal dancer. Through school partnerships, workshops, and public performances, NDI uses dance as a catalyst to engage children and motivate them toward excellence. At the National Dance Institute Center for Learning and the Arts, NDI offers classes that provide children the opportunity to experience the joy, rigor, and excellence of NDI’s award-winning arts education programs. Need-based scholarships are available for all center classes through an application process. Please call 212-226-0083.
Nord Anglia International School New York
44 E. 2nd St. 212-600-2010 nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/new-york info@ny.nae.school Nord Anglia International School New continued on page 30 ››
AFTER-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE
REACH. GROW. ACHIEVE.
g d lin s p
p rreep
Awaken your child’s potential through dance
seedlings a gentle a gentle introduction introduction to school to school
Chelsea 212.792.7590 Upper West Side 212.792.7591 Learn more: hello@appleseedsplay.com brought to you by apple seeds
466 Grand Street, NYC abronsartscenter.org
Celebrating 22 years of innovative dance education! After school dance classes Modern
for youth and teens.
Ballet
Pointe
Registration is still open for the 2018-19 school year.
A place to discover...
Teen Company
BalletAcademyEast.com
Join us for a free trial class!
Performance Workshops
Rosalie O’Connor
prep
Christopher Duggan
sseeee
Prepare your child for their first preschool experience.
212 598 0400 photo- Stacie Joy
BALLET ACADEMY EAST
1651 Third Avenue, 3rd floor New York, NY 10128
Galli Theater New York Theater For The Whole Family
Get Close to ‘La Bella Lingua’, without leaving Manhattan!
SHOWS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • CAMPS
Brand New Tribeca Location
FALL SESSION starts
galliny@gmail.com
Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm
September 24th
Galli Theater gallitheaternyc.com At GSM 74 Warren Street New York, NY 10007 212-731-0668
Private and Group classes available
- Giardino dei Bambini: Italian morning drop-off (Ages 2-4)
Studio for Film and Theatre & DENISE SIMON Acting & Coaching
- Girotondo Giallo e Rosso: Italian Playgroup (Ages 2-3, 4-5)
Now Enrolling for our YOUTH ACTING PROGRAM Saturday Sessions Ages 8-11
T. SCHREIBER STUDIO 151 WEST 26 TH STREET
Full Year/Semester Ages 12-16
tschreiber.org 212-741-0209
- Girotondo Blu e Viola: Reading and Writing In Italian (Ages 6-8, 9+) - Workshops on Saturdays - Private tutoring For all the bellissimi details, call the Italian instructors TODAY!
Inquire about
Adult Classes COLLINA ITALIANA
1556 Third Avenue, @87th Street, Ste 603 New York, NY 10128 Info@collinaitaliana.com
212.427.7770 BigAppleParent 29
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York is a truly international school with a highly personalized approach to learning for ages 2-14. We recognize that all children are unique and as such, our classes are small enough to provide each child with a tailored and well-rounded academic and personal experience, where friends from all over the world are made for life. We enrich our curricula with world leading programs through our collaborations with Juilliard, MIT, and UNICEF, to give our students access to the latest thinking from the world’s leading educators.
Otto Specht School
260 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-352-5020 x130 ottospechtschool.org info@ottospecht.org At the Otto Specht School, we work to discover each child’s path to lifelong learning, offering a variety of educational programs designed to meet the needs of students with developmental delays, social and sensory sensitivities, and learning challenges. We have looked beyond both typical and special educational models to provide an extraordinary education to those who need it most. We offer kindergarten, grades first–eighth, high school (with the opportunity to earn a diploma), High School Practical Life Skills (certificate program), and Transitional Life Skills (post-secondary program).
Play On! Studios
263 W. 86th St. 347-709-4149 playonstudios.com info@playonstudios.com Play On! Studios offers after-school programming in theater! Our classes meet once a week, the perfect solution for busy NYC kids in grades kindergarten-eighth! We keep class sizes small, so kids get the personal attention and non-competitive environment they need to do their best. All of our incredible teaching artists are also professional actors and musicians, creating a fun environment with a serious edge. Explore improvisation, playwriting, or put on a play in a real theater. No matter your child’s skill level, we’ve got a class for them.
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs
244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org info@pusteblumenyc.org Pusteblume International Preschool provides children with a fun and community-oriented multi-cultural environment. Our preschool program
welcomes families with children from ages 2-5 of all international backgrounds who are interested in having their child learn German, Spanish, or both, in a language immersion classroom. Our after-school programs and holiday camps welcome children from other schools and also offer activities for school-age children (ages 6-12). Pusteblume International Preschool is directed by Friends of the German International School of New York, Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation.
SAY: Confident Voices SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young
55 W. 39th St. 828-393-4244 say.org info@say.org SAY: The Stuttering Association for the Young is offering its Confident Voices program free of charge, so all children who stutter (ages 8-18) can benefit from this life-changing program. This innovative after-school and weekend program utilizes the performing arts to help young people who stutter develop the confidence and communication skills they need to thrive. Several sessions are offered including storytelling, playwriting, and songwriting. Your child collaborates within a cohesive group, while mentored by professional actors, producers, artists, and SAY staff.
Square Circle New York
80 Nassau St., Lower Level 212-964-9800 squarecirclenewyork.com info@squarecirclenewyork.com Martial arts can significantly improve your child’s life! At Square Circle New York, your child will build character, confidence, and self-discipline. Children will learn the three levels of respect and the seven magic words of respect that are the building blocks to successful growth in life. Give your child the opportunity to learn valuable life skills with our martial arts fitness youth program! New students will receive free uniforms upon enrollment. Call 212-964-9800 for a free class! We are here for your child’s success!
St. Luke’s School
487 Hudson St. 212-924-5960 stlukeschool.org sharriot@stlukeschool.org St. Luke’s School is a small, independent, co-ed day school located on a 2-acre landmark block in the West Village. It offers a balanced, yet challenging junior kindergarten through eighth grade curriculum that serves students of all faiths in preparation for rigorous high school placement. Its small size
fosters a feeling of family—a supportive climate of trust and understanding, communicating values and building community where children learn to use their gifts in ways that help others.
T. Schreiber Studio for Theatre and Film
151 W. 26th St., 10th floor 212-741-0209 tschreiber.org info@tschreiber.org T. Schreiber Studio for Theatre and Film in NYC has been preparing actors for careers in stage, film, and television since 1969. Under the guidance of celebrity child acting coach, Denise Simon, the studio is proud to offer a training program for young actors that inspires mastery of the craft and love of the art in a non-competitive environment. Actors ages 8-16 will build their acting technique through exercises, scene work, and monologue under the guidance of a professional acting coach in preparation for a professional career in show business.
Wetherby–Pembridge School
7 E. 96th St. 646-213-3400 Ages:3-14 wetherby-pembridge.org info@whetherby-pembridge.org A British independent school for boys and girls ages 3-14, our school vision is to awaken curiosity, cultivate high standards, and celebrate successes. We combine the merits of single-sex and co-ed in a unique provision that is both family friendly and educationally sound. Our curriculum is based on the rigorous English National Curriculum but is enriched by New York City’s educational practice and infused with our three school values of respect, responsibility, and resilience. Register now for fall open houses by visiting our website or calling the school.
York Preparatory School
40 W. 68th St. 212-362-0400 yorkprep.org York Preparatory School is a New York City independent school committed to guiding students in grades sixth-twelfth to reach their maximum potential-intellectually, socially, and physically-and to prepare them for college and beyond. Compassionate educators creatively address the needs and interests of a diverse community, thereby appropriately supporting and challenging students as they progress through a traditional curriculum within a structured environment. York Prep encourages the development of life-long learners who are responsible members of their community.
AFTER-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE
MAKE THIS THE BEST SCHOOL YEAR EVER! SAVE $100*
ON YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHECKUP
1.800.CAN.LEARN www.HuntingtonHelps.com
TUTORING
OUR STUDENTS TYPICALLY
INCREASE 2+ GRADE LEVELS IN 3 MONTHS**
READING AND PHONICS • WRITING • MATH STUDY SKILLS • ADHD SUPPORT • MORE OUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS INCLUDE:
BAY RIDGE • BRONX • FLUSHING LYNBROOK • PARK SLOPE • STATEN ISLAND
©2018 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. *Offer valid for Academic Evaluation, new students only. Not valid with any other offer. **Grade level results are based on cumulative average grade level increases in reading and math for 17,445 students from 2010-2014 using the full set of available student data. Individual results may vary, and are not guaranteed. HLC3597.2NYC
30
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
AFTER-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE
KATE TEMPESTA’S
Check out our golf programs for kids in NYC!
Register Now! Fall 2018
Urban Golf Academy
info@ktuga.com 917-270-7257
...all about ballet. Anne Easterling Freifelder
328 E 61st St, New York, NY 10065 (917) 281-1030 info@theballetclub.com www.theballetclub.com
MARTIAL ARTS
CALL US NOW AT 212-964-9 800 80 Nassau Street, Lower Level (between John and Fulton Streets). Our private entrance is located next to the UPS Store.
347-709-4149 playonstudios.com
national dance Metropolitan Music Academy
institute
come dance with us!
Take Private Instrumental Lessons At Your Home this summer! (Studio locations also available) All Areas of Manhattan & Brooklyn. Violin-Viola-Cello-Piano-Flute-Clarinet Our FALL SEMESTER begins on Sept. 15th! (Ongoing Enrollment) We are here to find you the right teacher.
ndicenter classes Fall 2018
Register for classes and lessons and begin your musical journey with MetMA! Visit www.MetMA.org to REGISTER ONLINE. Mention “MetroParent” and receive $50 discount
For more info: info@MetMA.org
646-470-7246
nationaldance.org
Arts Encounter • NDI Dance • Modern Dance Ballet • Intermediate Tap • World Percussion BigAppleParent 31
After-School Planner Classes & Programs
Activity Academic Enrichment
Atlas Foundation For Autism
atlasforautism.org
212-256-0846
Huntington Learning Center
huntingtonhelps.com
212-362-0100
say.org
828-393-4244
cmany.org
212-274-0986
SAY: Confident Voices Art
Dance
Children’s Museum of the Arts Otto Specht School
ottospechtschool.org
845-352-5020 x130
Apple Seeds
appleseedsplay.com
212-792-7590
balletacademyeast.com
212-410-9140
theballetclub.com
917-281-1030
abronsartscenter.org
212-598-0400
joffreyballetschool.com
888-438-3808
tlgupperwestsideny.com
212-799-1225
nationaldance.org
212-226-0083
ellenrobbinsdance.com
212-254-0286
collinaitaliana.com
212-427-7770
jodisgym.com
212-772-7633
The Little Gym
tlgupperwestsideny.com
212-799-1225
Martial Arts Family Studio
martialartsfamilystudio.com
646-460-3770
Square Circle New York
squarecirclenewyork.com
212-964-9800
appleseedsplay.com
212-792-7590
Ballet Academy East The Ballet Club East Village Dance Project at Abrons Arts Center Joffrey Ballet School The Little Gym National Dance Institute Ellen Robbins Dance Foreign Language
Collina Italiana
Gymnastics
Jodi’s Gym
Martial Arts
Music
apple seeds The Diller-Quaile School of Music
32
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
diller-quaile.org
212-369-1484 x11
After-School Planner Classes & & Programs Programs Classes
Activity Activity Music (Cont.)
Jodi’s Gym Metropolitan Music Academy
212-772-7633
metropolitanmusicacademy.org
646-470-7246
ktuga.com
917-270-7257
Sports
Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy
Theater
Galli Theater
gallitheaternyc.com
212-731-0668
Play On! Studios
playonstudios.com
347-709-4149
tschreiber.org
212-741-0209
T. Schreiber Studio for Theatre and Film
Creative and positive learning environment !
!
jodisgym.com
ellen robbins Modern Dance Technique, Improvisation, Composition. Ages 5 - Teens Classes meet in: Soho & Chelsea
NON-PROFIT GERMAN AND SPANISH LANGUAGE IMMERSION PRESCHOOL AND AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
212-206-1137
www.pusteblumenyc.org
info@pusteblumenyc.org
212-254-0286
www.ellenrobbinsdance.com BigAppleParent 33
Education Planner Schools
Type Charter Schools
Manhattan Charter School
manhattancharterschool.org
212-533-2743
Parochial Schools
The Epiphany School
theepiphanyschool.org
212-725-7220
First Presbyterian Church Nursery School
fpcns.org
212-691-3432
Mary Louis Academy: Empowering Young Women Since 1936
tmla.org
718-297-2120
stlukeschool.org
212-924-5960
blueschool.org
212-228-6341
theepiphanyschool.org
212-725-7220
fpcns.org
212-691-3432
lfny.org
212-369-1400
The Montessori School of New York International
montessorischoolny.com
212-223-4630
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs
pusteblumenyc.org
212-206-1137
blueschool.org
212-228-6341
St. Luke’s School Nursery & Preschools
Blue School The Epiphany School First Presbyterian Church Nursery School Lycée Français de New York
Private Schools
Blue School The British International School of New York The Cathedral School Dwight School The École The Ideal School of Manhattan International Academy of New York King School Lycée Français de New York
34
bis-ny.org
212-481-2700 x204
cathedralschoolny.org
212-249-2840
dwight.edu
212-724-6360
einy.org
646-410-2238
theidealschool.org
212-769-1699
ianyc.org
212-641-0260
kingschoolct.org/visit
203-322-3496 x350
lfny.org
212-369-1400
Nord Anglia International School New York
nordangliaeducation.com/ our-schools/new-york
212-600-2010
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs
pusteblumenyc.org
212-206-1137
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Education Planner Type Private Schools
AFTER-SCHOOL MARKETPLACE Wetherby Pembridge School
York Preparatory School Special Education
Atlas Foundation For Autism Chatty Child Speech & Occupational Therapy, P.L.L.C. The Gateway School
Huntington Learning Center
Otto Specht School
Schools
wetherby-pembridge.org
646-213-3400
yorkprep.org
212-362-0400
atlasforautism.org
212-256-0846
chattychild.com
347-491-4451
huntingtonhelps.com
212-362-0100
lfny.org
212-369-1400
ottospechtschool.org
845-352-5020 x130
Hurds Family Farm
We Grow Fun
U-Pick Apples & Pumpkins Cider Donuts Over 25 FREE Hurds Applesauce Outdoor Activities with barn purchase. NEW Wild Apple $5 value! Exp. end of 2018 season | BAP Obstacle Course 2187 State Rte. 32, Modena • 845-883-7825
Helping Special Families Plan for the Future
HurdsFamilyFarm.com
York Preparatory School 40 West 68th Street, New York, NY 10023 • www.yorkprep.org York Preparatory School is a New York City independent school committed to guiding students in grades six through twelve to reach their maximum potential-intellectually, socially, and physically-and to prepare them for college and beyond. Compassionate educators creatively address the needs and interests of a diverse community, thereby appropriately supporting and challenging students as they progress through a traditional curriculum within a structured environment. York Prep encourages the development of lifelong learners who are responsible members of their community.
Special Education Advocacy Special Needs Trusts Guardianship Transition Planning Special Needs Planning
www.littmankrooks.com 399 Knollwood Road ▪ White Plains, NY 10603 ▪ 914.684.2100 655 Third Avenue ▪ New York, NY 10017 ▪ 212.490.2020
BigAppleParent 35
things to do
outbound
Family Fun a Ride Away
The south terrace of the Westbury house has double doors that lead into the ballroom.
Old Westbury Gardens
Courtesy Pequot Museum and Research Center
The Old Westbury Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can visit the Charles II-style mansion on 200 acres of formal gardens, ponds, lakes, and landscaped grounds. Guided tours of Westbury House and Gardens, in-depth tours of the gardens, museum exhibits, family programs, outdoor concerts, slide lectures, workshops, gardening classes, and car shows are just some of the various fun activities Old Westbury Gardens has to offer. Visit It: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury; 516-333-0048; oldwestburygardens.org
Courtesy Nassau County NY
Christopher Morley Park features a recently renovated playground, three baseball fields (softball and hardball, including Little League) volleyball courts, and more.
Christopher Morley Park
Christopher Morley Park is a playground for all families with something every age will enjoy. Just north of the Long Island Expressway, this park is a haven filled with beautiful hiking trails and recreational activities, including 10 indoor tennis courts, four handball courts, four basketball courts, a recently renovated playground, golf, and ice-skating and swimming, weather permitting. The Christopher Morley “Knothole” is a one-room wooden cabin that visitors can occasionally explore during public programs. Visit It: Roslyn-North Hills, Searingtown Road, north of Long Island Expressway; 516-571-8113; nassaucountyny.gov
o and bey nd! Courtesy Vanderbilt Mansion
Courtesy Old Westbury Gardens
In Nassau County, NY…
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center is tribally owned and operated.
The mansion was deeded to Suffolk County and opened as a museum in 1950.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
Vanderbilt Mansion, Museum, and Planetarium
This museum highlights Native American culture through 85,000 square feet of permanent indoor exhibitions as well as special exhibits. Among the permanent exhibits are life-size dioramas, films, and interactive computer games such as Glacial Crevasse & A World of Ice, Arrival of the People, Life in a Cold Climate, The Changing Environment, Pequot Village, and Life of the Reservation. The Pequot Museum aims to transform how indigenous culture and peoples are represented. Visit It: 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT; 800-411-9671; pequotmuseum.org
Take a tour of William K. Vanderbilt II’s 24-room, Spanish Revival mansion and learn the history of the Vanderbilt family. The rooms are filled with beautiful antiques, art, and family photos and will take you back in time to the privileged life on Long Island’s Gold Coast from the Jazz Age through the end of World War II. The museum also offers a newly renovated planetarium, one of the most advanced in the United States. Visit It: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport; 631-854-5579; vanderbiltmuseum.org
Ideas When You Need Them:
Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!
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Turn the page for details on Submurge (No. 7on our list).
y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U
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EDITOR: WHITNEY C. HARRIS nyccalendar@davlermedia.com
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR 44
The Great Outdoors, On Screen
45
Crafty Kids
46
Animal Lovers,
38
Editor’s Hot Tickets
39
We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!
40
Showtime, Smarty Pants
41
Mini Musicians
42
Movers & Shakers, Fun Fairs & Festivals
Once Upon a Time,
43
Dance Party
Special Needs
Holiday Fun!,
EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the 10 events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!
1
25th Annual Harlem Meer Performance Festival FREE
3
Summer on the Hudson: West Side County Fair FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 2: Sundays, 2-4pm WHERE: Central Park, Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street, between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park AGES: All WHAT: Expect a variety of performances featuring multi-cultural music and dance. WHY WE LOVE IT: One last chance to enjoy lakeside views and some Sunday entertainment. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 9, 1-6pm WHERE: Pier I in Riverside Park South, West 70th Street and Riverside Park South, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy live bands, carnival rides and games, local food and merchandise vendors, and Grow NYC Stop ‘N’ Swap. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will love to gawk at sideshow performers, aerialists, and stilt walkers. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
26th Annual Great North River Tugboat Race and Competition
Hudson RiverKids FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 9, 10:15am-12:30pm WHERE: Circle Line Spectator Boat, Pier 84 at West 44th Street and Hudson River Park, Midtown West AGES: All WHAT: More than 12 tugboats are expected to participate in this annual race, which features nose-tonose pushing contests and a line-throwing competition by tugboat crew members. WHY WE LOVE IT: Watch from the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises spectator boat, or for free at the Piers. WANT TO GO? $25; $20 seniors; $12 children ages 3-12; free for children younger than 2. 212-757-1600. workingharbor.org.
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WHEN: Through Sept. 13: Mondays and Thursdays, see website for times WHERE: Pier 62, Hudson River Park and West 22nd Street, Chelsea; and Pier 25, West and North Moore streets, Tribeca AGES: All WHAT: From music to magic to interactive storytelling, these twice weekly performances are perfect for families. WHY WE LOVE IT: If you attend just one of the great offerings on the Hudson this summer, this should be the one! WANT TO GO? hudsonriverpark.org.
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Disney Junior Dance Party On Tour Presented by Pull-Ups
WHEN: Sept. 15-16, Saturday, 1pm and 4:30pm; Sunday, 12pm WHERE: Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, Upper West Side
WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE
AGES: All WHAT: This show features the first live appearances of Fancy Nancy and the Puppy Dog Pals on the tour, plus everyone’s favorite characters. WHY WE LOVE IT: Two words: Mickey and Minnie! WANT TO GO? disneyjuniortour.com.
Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the five no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome.
Artisanal Food Pop-Up FREE
Camp Cookie Do FREE
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WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 16, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W. 77th St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Taste and shop everything from infused syrups to perfectly baked snacks and vegan cheeses. WHY WE LOVE IT: One hundred percent of profits are donated to four local public schools! WANT TO GO? grandbazaarnyc.org.
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SUBMERGE NYC Marine Science Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 22, 11am-4pm WHERE: Pier 84, West 44th Street, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy hands-on activities, kid-approved science entertainment, kayaking, fishing, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: The perfect celebration for water lovers of all ages! WANT TO GO? 212-627-2020. hudsonriverpark.org/special-events/view/submerge-2018.
Kite Flight for Peace FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 22, 11am-4pm WHERE: Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island AGES: All WHAT: In recognition of International Peace Day, visitors are invited to design and fly kites that represent personal ideas about peace and freedom. WHY WE LOVE IT: Check out a special kite-flying demonstration featuring kites of all shapes and sizes. WANT TO GO? 212-204-8831. fdrfourfreedomspark.org.
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The 92nd Annual Feast of San Gennaro FREE
WHEN: Sept. 13-23, see website for schedule WHERE: Little Italy, Grand and Mott streets, Little Italy AGES: All WHAT: This celebration includes colorful parades, live musical performances, and ethnic food. WHY WE LOVE IT: Who doesn’t want to witness a cannoli-eating contest?! WANT TO GO? 212-768-9320. sangennaro.org.
Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 30, 11:30am-6pm WHERE: Fort Tryon Park, 741 Fort Washington Ave., Inwood AGES: All WHAT: This medieval market village will feature knights, jugglers, jesters, magicians, musicians, storytellers, and puppeteers, plus several artisans who will demonstrate their crafts. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun concludes with a jousting event between knights on horseback! WANT TO GO? 212-795-1600. whidc.org.
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WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Sunday-Thursday, 12-10pm; FridaySaturday, 12-11pm WHERE: Chefs Club Counter, 62 Spring St., Soho AGES: All WHAT: Delicious takes on classic childhood camp desserts, fun summer-camp themed activities, and more. WANT TO GO? 646-438-9172. chefsclubcounter.com.
Free Kids Yoga FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 12: Wednesdays, 10-10:45am WHERE: Washington Square Park, 12 Washington Square N., Washington Square AGES: All WHAT: Kids can join in the yoga fun as they stretch and move to songs, rhymes, and more with Sacred Sounds Yoga. WANT TO GO? 212-396-5873. nycgovparks.org.
Spy Week FREE
WHEN: Sept. 15-22, see website for schedule WHERE: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Learn about America’s first spy ring, hear stories of famed spies, and discover the truth about unsung heroes of Revolutionary espionage. WANT TO GO? 212-425-1778. frauncestavernmuseum.org.
Museum Day Live! FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 22, see museum websites for times WHERE: Various museums in New York City, see website for participating museums AGES: All WHAT: Get free admission for two to a city museum by downloading tickets from a list of participating venues across the country. WANT TO GO? smithsonianmag.com.
Uni Project FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 21: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: FDR Four Freedoms Park, 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island AGES: All WHAT: A fun-filled weekend with offerings such as a pop-up reading room, story hour, and a curated collection of books and hands-on materials. WANT TO GO? 212-204-8831. fdrfourfreedomspark.org.
Saturday Morning Show FREE
WHEN: Sept. 22-Dec. 15, Saturdays, 10am-12pm WHERE: Brookfield Place, 230 Vesey St., Battery Park City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Family-friendly performances include interactive sing-alongs, children’s book readings, and crafts. WANT TO GO? 212-978-1698. brookfieldplaceny.com. ››
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‘The Wizard of Oz’
WHEN: Through Nov. 24: select Saturdays, 3pm WHERE: Harlem Rep, Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: The classic musical is being performed by a multi-racial cast with a jazzy underscore and authoritative dramaturgy. WANT TO GO? $10 and up. 212-868-4444. harlemrepertorytheatre.com.
Story Pirates
SHOW TIME! Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic
WHEN: Sept. 7-8, Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm and 6pm WHERE: Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A breathtaking cinematic shadow play taken from the Persian epic Shahnameh. WANT TO GO? $25-$55. 212-772-4448. kingorama.com/feathersoffire.
Meet Summer of Magic’s Closing Act: Harry Houdini!
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 11am-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Marvel as Houdini, portrayed by Duffy Hudson, shares his incredible life story, performs illusions with playing cards, and swallows sharp needles. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.
Making Magic with Ethan FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 16, 2pm and 4pm WHERE: Pier 62 Carousel, West 22nd Street and Twelfth Avenue, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Ethan’s philosophy is that magic should not be designed to trick the crowd. Together Ethan and the audience create an amazing show. WANT TO GO? 718-788-2676. pier62carousel.com.
Machine de Cirque
WHEN: Sept. 28-Oct. 7, see website for show times WHERE: The New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Watch acrobats swinging by their toes, bicycling upside-down and backwards, and flipping and flying off teeterboards. WANT TO GO? $17 and up. 646-223-3010. newvictory.org.
FunikiJam’s Baby Likes To Rock!
WHEN: Sept. 16-Nov. 12, see website for show times WHERE: Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: This Kids TV Show to promotes global community. There is an area for kids to dance and play with instruments and props. WANT TO GO? $30. 347-913-5267. funikijam.com/offbroadway.
Gazillion Bubble Show
WHEN: Through Nov. 18: check website for show times WHERE: New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., Midtown AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Experience bubble magic, laser lighting effects, and soapy masterpieces that will make you feel like a kid again. WANT TO GO? $45 and up. 212-239-6200. gazillionbubbleshow.com. 40
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Through Dec. 15: select Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm WHERE: Arthur Seleen Theatre at The Drama Book Shop, 250 W. 40th St., Midtown AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Using stories submitted by children, the Story Pirates create outlandishly funny sketches and mini-musicals. WANT TO GO? $35. 347-878-6798. storypirates.com.
‘Frankenstein’
WHEN: Through Dec. 17: Mondays, 7pm WHERE: St. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W. 46th St., Midtown AGES: 13 and older WHAT: This musical honors Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. WANT TO GO? $20 and up. 212-246-8140. thefrankensteinmusical.com.
Disney’s ‘Frozen: The Broadway Musical’
WHEN: Through March 10: Tuesday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: St. James Theatre, 246 W. 44th St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Frozen the Musical expands on the story of two sisters, giving more time to the characters we’ve come to love. WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 877-250-2900. seatsforeveryone.com/frozen.
SMARTY PANTS Living History: WWII Weekend
WHEN: Sept. 1-2, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: DiMenna Children’s Museum at New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park W., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Try on a helmet, explore the branches and locations in which soldiers served, and get hands-on with uniforms, tools, and other equipment from World War II. WANT TO GO? $21; $16 teachers and seniors; $13 students; $6 children ages 5-13; free for children younger than 4. 212-873-3400. nyhistory.org/childrens-museum.
Blackjack 2 with Don Schlesinger
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 6, 6-6:45pm and 7-8:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: One of the world’s foremost authorities on casino blackjack will explain the mathematical principles that apply to the game. WANT TO GO? $10-$25. 212-542-0566. momath.org/upcoming-events/blackjack-2.
Heroes Then & Now
WHEN: Sept. 7-13, Monday-Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Using photo transfer techniques and drawing, imagine what one of your heroes would be doing today and place them in the present. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-941-9198. cmany.org.
Turn Up The Mic!
WHEN: Sept. 10-16, Monday-Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village
AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Use recycled materials to build your own microphone to raise your voice too. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-941-9198. cmany.org.
Tween Primes: The Annotated Alice by Lewis Carroll
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 16, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Delve into a version of Alice in Wonderland that highlights the hidden mathematical riddles and wordplay embedded throughout the story. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 212-542-0566. momath.org.
WHAT: Work together to unlock a series of puzzles and decipher a strange assortment of scientific symbols. WANT TO GO? $15. 212-398-3133. ripleysnewyork.com.
Monthly Youth Stamp Club FREE
WHEN: Sept. 15-May 18, 2019, see website for schedule WHERE: Collectors Club of New York, 22 E. 35th St., Murray Hill AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Stamp collecting is a hobby that provides fun while offering learning opportunities about almost every imaginable topic. WANT TO GO? 212-683-0559. collectorsclub.org.
Nathan Hale Commemoration FREE
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 21, 12-1pm WHERE: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Commemorate martyred spy Nathan Hale with the SRNY Color Guard, wreath laying, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-425-1778. frauncestavernmuseum.org.
MINI
MUSICIANS
Watson Adventures’ Wizard School Scavenger Hunt for Harry Potter Fans
Harlem Stage Open House: Drum Circle, Community Sing & DJ Party FREE
The Amazing Jewish History Scavenger Hunt
Songwriting: Sounds of the Future
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 23, 2-4pm WHERE: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Track down serpents, Dumbledore look-alikes, and figures as scary as any Death Eater. WANT TO GO? $31-$42. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com. WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 23, 1:30pm WHERE: Roasting Plant, 81 Orchard St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: A series of clues leads you around the city performing physical and mental challenges along the way. WANT TO GO? $39. 718-344-8962. pogoevents.com.
Astronomy Live: Mars 2020
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 7pm WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, Upper West Side AGES: 9 and older WHAT: View the latest high-resolution imagery of rocky terrain and explore the chosen landing site for the Mars 2020 rover mission. WANT TO GO? $15; $13.50 seniors and students. 212-769-5800. amnh.org.
Hello World! with Hannah Fry
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 6-7:15pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: Hannah Fry will consider the role of algorithms in automating important decisions in crime, health care, relationships, and money. WANT TO GO? $10. 212-542-0566. momath.org.
MoMA: Art in 3D FREE
WHEN: Sept. 15-30, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:20-11:30am WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Engage with 3-D objects through lively discussions and fun activities. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.
Ripley’s Relic
WHEN: Through Dec. 31: daily, 9am-1am WHERE: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Times Square, 234 W. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: All
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8, 3-6pm WHERE: Harlem Stage, 150 Convent Ave., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: Learn about Antigone in Ferguson through an excerpted performance and then join a community sing WANT TO GO? 212-281-9240. harlemstage.org.
WHEN: Sept. 3-9, Monday-Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Join Soundbooth teaching artists as you create your own futuristic anthems. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-941-9198. cmany.org.
Music Together Demo PreRhythm Kids FREE
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 17, 4pm WHERE: Broadway Presbyterian Church, 601 W. 114th St., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Utilizing the Music Together curriculum each week, children and adults will drum, sing, dance, and play rhythm instruments and musicbased games. WANT TO GO? 212-592-4627. mtsollati.com.
Fall Family Day FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 23, 12-4pm WHERE: Carnegie Hall, 154 W. 57th St., Resnick Education Wing, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Families can enjoy live performances, build their own instruments, and sing and dance with professional musicians. WANT TO GO? 212-247-7800. carnegiehall.org.
Sonia de la Sontos
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 30, 11:30am WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-8 WHAT: In celebration of Sukkot, De La Sontos will perform songs connected to nature, as well as Latin American party tunes and bilingual versions of American classics. WANT TO GO? $18. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org. ›› BigAppleParent 41
TADA! Fall Open House FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8, 10am-12:45pm WHERE: TADA! Youth Theater, 15 W. 28th St., Chelsea AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Take a sample class and partake in a Q-and-A with Teaching Artists and TADA!’s Education Staff. WANT TO GO? 212-252-1619 x4. tadatheater.com.
Learn to Ride FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 11am-2pm WHERE: Sol Lain Playground, Henry and Montgomery streets, Lower East Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Show your child how to ride a two-wheeler using the “balance first” method. WANT TO GO? 212-408-0296. bikenewyork.org.
MOVERS & SHAKERS Kids Ride Free All Summer FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 3: See website for transit schedules WHERE: All New York Waterway Ferry Terminals, 4800 Avenue at Port Imperial, Weehawken AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Kids younger than 12 ride free on all NY Waterway Ferries all summer between New Jersey and Manhattan. WANT TO GO? 212-843-8321. nywaterway.com/kidsfree.
The Magic of Omar Olusion FREE
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 3, 2pm and 4pm WHERE: Pier 62 Carousel, West 22nd Street and Twelfth Avenue, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Omar’s mix of creativity, passion, amusement, and interactive magic will keep guests of all ages entertained. WANT TO GO? 718-788-2676. pier62carousel.com.
Story Time Yoga For Babies & Toddlers
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 17, 4-4:45pm WHERE: Prenatal Yoga Center, 251 W. 72nd St., #2F, Upper West Side AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Listen to two stories to inspire a yoga journey while exploring breath awareness, yoga poses, and creative ways to find calm. WANT TO GO? $30. 212-362-2985. prenatalyogacenter.com.
Watson Adventures? Grand Central Scramble Family Scavenger Hunt
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 29, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., Midtown AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Kids and adults work together to uncover the secrets of this amazing train station. WANT TO GO? $17.50-$21.50. 877-946-4868. watsonadventures.com.
FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS
#TheSweatSessions FREE
JCP Open House + ShaJam with Tkiya Demo Class FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 4: Tuesdays, 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm WHERE: Hudson River Park’s 14th Street Park, Tenth Avenue, between 14th and 15th streets, Meatpacking District AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Grab your friends and join for free fitness classes. WANT TO GO? 646-640-3610. thesweatsessions.splashthat.com.
WHEN: Sept. 5-6, Saturday and Sunday, 9:30-11am WHERE: JCP Downtown, 146 Duane St., Tribeca AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy Rosh Hashanah arts and crafts, snacks, and stories! Meet JCP staff and register for fall classes and programs, plus a ShaJam with Tkiya demo class. WANT TO GO? 212-334-3522. jcpdowntown.org.
National Geographic Explorer Academy Recruitment Center FREE
Morningside Lights: Flight FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 5, 1-6pm WHERE: Explorer Academy Recruitment Center, 23 W. 24th St., Flatiron District AGES: All WHAT: Attendees will try a series of immersive “tests” to see if they have what it takes to attend the Explorer Academy featured in the book. WANT TO GO? kids.nationalgeographic.com/explorer-academy.
Activist Women Walking Tour
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 6, 6-7:30pm WHERE: Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Stroll the historic streets of the old neighborhood while celebrating the fiery women who led the kosher meat riots of 1902. WANT TO GO? $14; $8 students and seniors; free for children younger than 5. 212-219-0302. eldridgestreet.org.
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WHEN: Sept. 4-8, see website for events schedule WHERE: Miller Theatre at Columbia University, 2960 Broadway, Morningside Heights AGES: All
WHAT: A week of free community arts workshops culminating in a procession of handmade lanterns. WANT TO GO? 212-851-9574. morningside-lights.com.
2018 STEM Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8, 10:30am-3pm WHERE: Pine Street School, 25 Pine St., Lower Manhattan AGES: 9-17 WHAT: There will be a Q-and-A panel, then workshops in which students will learn to code in Python, build robots with Arduino, and explore Blockchain. WANT TO GO? $15. 718-697-1113. eventbrite.com.
Harlem School of the Arts Family Day FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8, 10am-4pm WHERE: Harlem School of the Arts, 645 Saint Nicholas Ave., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: HSA invites families to tour the facility, meet faculty, observe class demonstrations, enjoy student performances, and learn about course offerings. WANT TO GO? 212-926-4100. hsanyc.org.
Positively 8th Street Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8, 1-7pm WHERE: West 8th Street, between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: A celebration of the history, businesses, and institutions of 8th Street, featuring live music, food, pop-up parks, arts and crafts, and family fun. WANT TO GO? 212-777-2173. greenwichvillage.nyc.
61st German-American Steuben Parade FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 12-3pm WHERE: Fifth Avenue, between 65th and 86th streets, Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: Cheer for the marchers while enjoying music, dance groups, and people in Karneval costumes and historic Tracht. WANT TO GO? 347-454-2269. germanparadenyc.org.
Annual Fall Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 11am-3:30pm WHERE: Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, 4881 Broadway, Inwood AGES: All WHAT: This year’s festival will feature cider pressing, a silkscreen workshop, a cornhusk doll workshop, a literacy program, and games. WANT TO GO? 212-304-9422. dyckmanfarmhouse.org.
Little Red Lighthouse Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 29, 12-4pm WHERE: Little Red Lighthouse, West 181st Street and Plaza Lafayette, Fort Washington AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Manhattan’s lighthouse with readings of a children’s book, fishing clinics, live music, food and art vendors, presentations, and activities. WANT TO GO? riversideparknyc.org.
Hester Street Fair 2018 FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 27: Saturdays, 11am-6pm WHERE: Hester Street Fair, Essex and Hester streets, Lower East Side AGES: All WHAT: Peruse handmade goods, creative products, and artisanal food, or participate in one of many workshops taking place. WANT TO GO? hesterstreetfair.com.
DANCE PARTY 8th Annual Washington Square Park Folk Festival FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 9, 1-5pm WHERE: Washington Square Park, University and Waverly places, Greenwich Village AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy folk music, including old time string bands, Blues, jug bands, traditional Mexican and Balkan music, songwriters, New Orleans Jazz, and Klezmer music. WANT TO GO? 646-495-9721. wspfolkfest.com.
9/11 Table of Silence FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 11, 8:15-8:46am WHERE: Lincoln Center, Columbus Avenue and West 64th Street, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: This tribute to 9/11 is a dance performance with more than 100 dancers from major companies and schools in the area. WANT TO GO? 212-719-3301. buglisidance.org.
Quadrivium, MoMath’s Math plus Music Salon, featuring Marcus Miller and Bobby Sanabria WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 8pm WHERE: National Museum of Mathematics, 11 E. 26th St., Gramercy AGES: All WHAT: Discuss and view demonstrations of the historical and cultural stories behind a variety of rhythms, plus live music, refreshments, and a dance party. WANT TO GO? $20. 212-542-0566. momath.org.
Square Dance FREE
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 21, 5-10pm WHERE: Bryant Park, Sixth Avenue between 41st and 42nd streets, Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Don festive country attire and learn to do-si-do and promenade to live music, play cornhole, and take part in trick-roping lessons. WANT TO GO? 212-768-4242. bryantpark.org.
Chinese Playtime in the Park FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 22, 4-5pm WHERE: Washington Market Park, 199 Chambers St., Tribeca AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Get ready to learn Chinese while dancing and singing. WANT TO GO? 646-580-4769. mandarinseeds.com. ›› BigAppleParent 43
Stargazing FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 30: Tuesdays, dusk to 30 minutes before park closes WHERE: The High Line, Little West 12th Street, Chelsea AGES: All WHAT: Peer through high-powered telescopes to see rare celestial sights. WANT TO GO? 212-500-6035. thehighline.org.
Governors Island Open Season
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Family Camping: Manhattan FREE
WHEN: Sept. 8-9, Saturday, 7pm to Sunday, 7am WHERE: Inwood Hill Park, Payson and Seaman avenues, Inwood AGES: All WHAT: Participate in this chance to unplug from the diversions of everyday life and laugh and play with your family. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
WHEN: Through Oct. 31: Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Governors Island, Ferries leave from 10 South St., Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy lush landscapes as well as a calendar full of concerts and free programming. WANT TO GO? $3; free for children younger than 13; free for all passengers Saturday-Sunday until 11:30am. 212-440-2200. govisland.com.
ON SCREEN
Discovery Walk for Families: Towering Trees FREE
Movies Under the Stars: ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ FREE
WHEN: Sept. 10-11, Monday-Tuesday, 10am WHERE: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Discover how trees—from seeds and leaves to logs—contribute to the health of an urban park woodland community. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8, 8-11pm WHERE: Jacob H. Schiff Playground, 1540 Amsterdam Ave., Hamilton Heights AGES: All WHAT: After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother, and her friend to space in order to find him. WANT TO GO? 212-360-1430. nycgovparks.org.
Summer on the Hudson: Sun Gaze Sundays FREE
Outdoor Movie Night: ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 23: Sundays, 12-4pm WHERE: Pier 1, Riverside Park South, West 70th Street and Hudson River Greenway, Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Use solar telescopes specifically designed to safely look at the sun and see sunspots and prominences under a summer sky. WANT TO GO? nycgovparks.org.
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 9, 7:30pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Check out this Star Wars installment (PG-13) under the stars! WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
Get Hooked FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 12-1pm WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art: Theater 3, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Embrace the magic of mishaps during four short films, followed by discussions with an educator, and suggestions for follow-up activities. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 29, 11am-2pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park Alliance, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Expect catch-and-release fishing (equipment provided), games exploring underwater life, crafts that celebrate fish, live nautical-themed music, and refreshments. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
Art on the Farm FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 13: Saturdays, 2-4pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park Alliance, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Use the farm for inspiration for creating seasonal projects such as nature printing, watercolor painting, nature journals, and more. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
Urban Farm Exploration Days FREE
WHEN: Through Oct. 14: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park Alliance, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Explore the Urban Farm’s variety of crops, fruit trees, fragrant herbs, and chickens. Enjoy free, monthly drop-in workshop on topics ranging from gardening skills to cooking to crafts. WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org. 44
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
MoMA: Family Films FREE
Movies Under the Stars: ‘Toy Story’ FREE
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 21, 7:30pm WHERE: Courtney Callender Playground, 2122 Fifth Ave., Harlem AGES: All WHAT: A cowboy doll is profoundly threatened and jealous when a new spaceman figure supplants him as top toy in a boy’s room. WANT TO GO? 212-408-0243. nycgovparks.org.
Neighborhood Movie Nights FREE
WHEN: Sept. 21-Nov. 9, select Fridays, 7-9pm WHERE: St. Paul’s Chapel, 209 Broadway, Lower Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Whether you’re a sports fan or just enjoy a good movie, you’re invited to cheer along underdog athletes from movies such as The Karate Kid (PG), The Natural (PG), and Rocky (PG). WANT TO GO? 212-602-0800. trinitywallstreet.org.
CRAFTY KIDS Design Your Own Exhibit?
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 3, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Explore the different roles and jobs it takes to create a new exhibits and design your own exhibition. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Fantastic Fashion Weekend
WHEN: Sept. 8-9, Saturday, 10:30am-6:30pm; Sunday, 10:30am-4:30pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Transform trash into treasure and design “trashion” pieces that are sure to make a statement. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Printmaking as Resistance
WHEN: Sept. 3-9, Monday-Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Look at iconic posters such as the HOPE image by Shepard Fairey, then try some screen printing in the studio. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-941-9198. cmany.org.
MOCACREATE: Healing Herbs and Budding Botanicals
WHEN: Sept. 1-15, see website for schedule WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Practice grinding herbs commonly used in Chinese medicine, then design your own herb planter and plant seeds. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors, students, and children 2 and older. 855-955-6622. mocanyc.org.
Family Day: Collage City
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place, Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn more about the city’s architecture, then create your own building, park, or other structure using collage materials. WANT TO GO? $6; $12 children. 212-358-6133. centerforarchitecture.org.
Clay Bar
WHEN: Sept. 3-16, see website for schedule WHERE: Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Sculpt a different creature every day around themes, such as reptiles, aquatic animals, birds, arctic animals, tiny critters, or dinosaurs. WANT TO GO? $13; free for children younger than 1. 212-941-9198. cmany.org.
Design Kids FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 22, 11am-3pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Educators at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum lead workshops. WANT TO GO? 212-343-0727. cooperhewitt.org.
Family Sundays: Future Figures
WHEN: Sept. 2-23, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: The Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St., Chelsea AGES: 3 and older WHAT: Dive into artist Chitra Ganesh’s exhibitions Face of the Future and The Scorpion Gesture by creating a poster of moveable figures. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 seniors and students; free for children 12 and younger. 212-620-5000. rubinmuseum.org.
Latinx Arts Festival
WHEN: Sept. 22-23, Saturday-Sunday, 11am WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Use stamps to create rubbings and prints of life-sized figures inspired by the work of Belkis Ayón. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
MoMA Art Lab: Nature FREE
WHEN: Sept. 1-30, Saturday-Thursday, 10:30am-4:30pm; Friday, 10:30am-6:30pm WHERE: The Museum of Modern Art, 4 W. 54th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Discover connections between art, design, and the natural world through finding organic shapes, or designing objects inspired by the sea and sky. WANT TO GO? 212-708-9805. moma.org/family.
P.S. Art: Celebrating the Creative Spirit of NYC Kids
WHEN: Through Oct. 21: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-5:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm WHERE: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: All WHAT: The exhibit highlights young artists and art making as a way to appreciate cultures, life experiences, and traditions across the city. WANT TO GO? $25; $17 seniors; $12 students; free for children younger than 12. 212-535-7710. metmuseum.org.
Studio Art Sessions
WHEN: Sept. 16-May 12, 2019, Sundays, 1-4pm WHERE: The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave., Upper East Side AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Paint, draw, sculpt, or craft a work of art inspired by exhibitions on view. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors; $8 students; free for children 18 and younger. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org. ››
BigAppleParent 45
ANIMAL LOVERS
HOLIDAY FUN
Hummingbird Hootenanny FREE
Rosh Hashanah Oh Honey!
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 8, 11am-1pm WHERE: South Cove, on the Esplanade between First and Third places, Battery Park City AGES: All WHAT: A day of feathered frenzy featuring Hummingbird watching and crafts. WANT TO GO? 212-267-9700. bpcp.org.
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 10, 11am WHERE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Taste honey and use printmaking techniques to create honeycomb art. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.
Monarch Celebration FREE
16th Annual Autumn Moon Cultural Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 15, 11am-2pm WHERE: Randall’s Island Park, 20 Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island AGES: All WHAT: Explore the gardens in search of these charismatic creatures WANT TO GO? 212-830-7722. randallsisland.org.
Discovery Walk for Families: Woodland Wonderland FREE
WHEN: Sept. 1-29, Saturdays, 10am WHERE: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox avenues, Central Park AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Learn about the forest floor, the Meer shoreline, and the treetops. WANT TO GO? 212-860-1370. centralparknyc.org.
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 22, 12-4:30pm WHERE: Better Chinatown USA, Mott Street between Canal and Bayard streets, Chinatown AGES: All WHAT: Performances, arts and crafts, calligraphy, moon cakes, and vendors. WANT TO GO? betterchinatown.com.
Sukkot Celebration FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 26, 10:30-11:30am WHERE: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., Upper West Side AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Experience this harvest holiday through art, stories, music, and more. WANT TO GO? 646-505-5708. jccmanhattan.org.
ONCE UPON A TIME SPECIAL NEEDS Storytime FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 4, 6-8pm WHERE: Books of Wonder, 18 W. 18th St., Flatiron District AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Welcome Yuyi Morales and her book, Dreamers. WANT TO GO? 212-989-3270. booksofwonder.com.
Family Day featuring Drag Queen Story Hour! FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 16, 11am-4pm WHERE: 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Drag Queen Story Hour at 12:30pm and 2pm and more. WANT TO GO? 212-204-8831. fdrfourfreedomspark.org.
Topsy Turvy Thursdays FREE
WHEN: Through Sept. 27: 3:30-4:30pm, see website for schedule. WHERE: Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling, 898 Saint Nicholas Ave., Sugar Hill AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Solo performer delighting the audience with a participatory program. WANT TO GO? 212-335-0004. sugarhillmuseum.org.
Story Time and Craft FREE
WHEN: Sept. 1-30, Saturdays and Sundays, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway, Union Square AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Story and craft with a varying characters including Eeyore and Peppa Pig. WANT TO GO? 212-473-1452. strandbooks.com/story-time.
Showtime Saturdays
WHEN: Through Dec. 29: Saturdays, 1-2pm WHERE: Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling, 898 Saint Nicholas Ave., Sugar Hill AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Make music and be a part of the story with Alexander Elisa. WANT TO GO? $7; $4 seniors, students, and children ages 9-17; free for children younger than 9. 212-335-0004. sugarhillmuseum.org. 46
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Autism Spectrum Tour: The Discovery Squad FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 1, 9-10am WHERE: American Museum of Natural History, 79th Street and Central Park West, Upper West Side AGES: 5-17 WHAT: 40-minute tour with trained guides and explore the Discovery Room. WANT TO GO? 212-769-5100. amnh.org.
Access+Ability
WHEN: Through Sept. 3: Sunday-Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-9pm WHERE: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, 2 E. 91st St., Upper East Side AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Products and services developed by and with people with disabilities. WANT TO GO? $18; $12 seniors; $9 students; free for children younger than 18. 212-849-8400. cooperhewitt.org.
TDF Autism Friendly Performance: ‘The Lion King’
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 30, 1pm WHERE: The Minskoff Theatre, 200 W. 45th St., Midtown AGES: All WHAT: Lighting and sound is adjusted for those on the autism spectrum WANT TO GO? $25.50 and up. 212-912-9770. tdf.org.
Coming up next month: OCT. 6-NOV. 25: Angelina Ballerina The Musical at Theater at Blessed Sacrament, Upper West Side OCT. 14: Harvest Festival at Randall’s Island Park, Randall’s Island OCT. 20: The Laurie Berkner Band’s Monster Boogie Halloween Concert: The Concert Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, Upper West Side
things to do
where-to guide
Fall You Want and More
Compiled by Anja Webb
With back-to-school season in full swing and cooler weather on the way, September is the perfect time to take a moment to relax with your family and clear out a weekend for these quintessential fall activities. Take a day trip to pick apples and de-stress on the farm. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more exhilarating, venture out to some of our favorite amusement parks and catch a rollercoaster or two. And now that it’s not too hot, you can spend a little more time outside, connecting with nature. Try an after-school trip to a zoo or botanical garden to keep your kids busy. And for a night on the town with your family, what better activity than good ol’ fashioned bowling? With these guides, you won’t have to hear “I dunno, whatever you wanna do” this September!
BOWLING ALLEYS Lucky Strike Lanes
624-660 W. 42nd St., Hell’s Kitchen 646-829-0170; luckystrikesocial.com Sunday-Thursday, 12pm-12am; Friday and Saturday, 12pm-2am Check out Lucky Strike’s 26 lanes, billiards, ping-pong, gastropub, DJ station, free Wi-Fi, and full service bar with specialty cocktails. Also available for birthday parties, holiday parties, corporate events, and bar and bat mitzvahs. Must be 21 or older after 7pm. Parking available. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/bowling
AMUSEMENT PARKS Playland Park
100 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-813-7010; ryeplayland.org Through Sept. 3: hours vary; see website. Price: Pay-one-price admission: $30 (includes all rides); $20 for children shorter than 48 inches; $10 for spectators; free for children younger than 2. Westchester County residents receive $5 off with proof of residency. Along with many rides, Rye Playland has a beach, pool, boardwalk, and pier with lake boating, picnic area, and mini golf. There are fireworks every Friday night in the summer. Find more>> nymetroparents.com/amusementparks
APPLE PICKING Hurd’s Family Farm
Theodore Roosevelt Park, Riverside Park, and Jackie Robinson Park nycgovparks.org Through September: daily, sunrise to 1am Admission: Free Every month, new flowers and trees bloom in these parks and others across the city. Plants such as crocus, daffodil, butterfly bush, Asiatic lilies, roses, Hollyhock, cherry trees, and many more can be seen and smelled by all.
2187 State Route 32, Modena 845-883-7825; hurdsfamilyfarm.com Open daily, 9am-5pm Pick your own apples through early November with more than 20 varieties at the 120-acre farm. Apple cider doughnuts, hot and cold apple cider, applesauce, apple butter, and jams and preserves available for purchase. Visit the café for savory and sweet foods, all made with apples.
Find more>> nymetroparents.com/zoos
Find more>> nymetroparents.com/apples
ZOOS, NATURE CENTERS, AND BOTANICAL GARDENS Manhattan in Bloom
raising kids baby
Sponsored by
The Benefits of Baby Classes ›› Time spent with your baby in the company of other wee ones is more than just fun for both of you. It’s a solid plan for bolstering your child’s burgeoning social skills. By Christina Vercelletto
T
he first time my son had any real interaction with a fellow child, he was maybe 4 months old. It was right before the Thanksgiving turkey was served. The son of a family friend, scarcely a month older than he and held on an adjacent lap, clutched my bambino’s calf. He turned, smiled, and promptly blew a raspberry. The two of them proceeded to coo at each other with hands flapping and gums smacking until the pumpkin pie came out. I then realized it was time to get my little one out of our house more regularly. Part of the reason I signed the two of us up for our first class— Babies Boogie at the West Islip library—was my interest in…okay, desperation for…conversing with grown-ups and feeling like a human being once in a while. And there isn’t any shame in that game. “Mothers tend to flock to these programs because of the opportunity to interact and socialize with other mothers who are at a similar stage of life. An upbeat outlook and positive mood in mothers transfers to their babies and is overall a wonderful benefit for all,” says Karen Hopkins, M.D., a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone in Manhattan. But aside from the perks for you, these types of classes actually can play an important part in your little one’s healthy development. Read on for a rundown for all the ways it can help her grow.
A Tiny Caterpillar Becomes a Social Butterfly
According to Jasmin Terrany, LMHC, a Manhattan psychotherapist and author of Extraordinary Mommy: A Loving Guide to Mastering Life’s Most Important Job, infant interaction builds both social skills 48
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
and budding confidence. Of course, your child’s first playmate is you. All that talking, beaming, and singing you do throughout the day become the first building blocks of your newborn’s socialization. At around 3 or 4 months, your little guy is ready to spread his wings in larger groups outside of your home. “Many new parents get accustomed to shutting out the world in order to bond with their new babies,” says Mandi Silverman, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist at Manhattan’s Child Mind Institute. But attending classes with other babies and unfamiliar adults, can help get an infant comfortable with the outside world, Dr. Silverman says. Social learning—when babies are motivated to try new skills because they see others using them—can take hold. Mom of two Melly Shotter, an office manager on Long Island, was pleasantly surprised by her 5-month-old son’s reaction to his first music class. “Practically from the start of the very first session, he started giggling and seemed so alert and interested in everything...It was a wake-up call that I’m not the only one who needed a social life!” Shotter laughs.
Big Payoffs; Plenty of Options
Parent and baby classes come in many variations, from massage, music, and swimming to movement—even yoga! These classes often welcome participants as young as 3 months. But before you register, you might wonder: Can babies this little really pick up any social skills to speak of in these play date-classroom hybrids? The short answer from child development experts? Yep. “The benefits are vast,” Dr. Silverman insists. “It’s never too early for parents to expose their babies to the world in small, developmen-
tally appropriate ways. Mom-baby classes are a perfect way to do so, which is why there are so many options to choose from.” A study published in Developmental Science compared babies and parents who took part in music classes with parent-baby pairs who just listened to the same music while doing other things. The babies in the participatory classes were more musically aware and had finer-tuned gestures and increased social skills after the classes ended. “The benefits of Mommy- or Daddy-and-Me classes on a child’s development cannot be overstated,” agrees Katie Davis, M.D., a developmental psychologist at Park Avenue Pediatric Neuropsychology in Manhattan. Although your baby won’t be communicating with her tiny classmates verbally, “repeated exposure to other children in a safe, supported setting can help build social skills and confidence,” Dr. Hopkins notes. And that repeated part is important. “If you are doing the class so that they will learn a specific skill, then frequency and consistency would be the key,” Terrany agrees. Indeed, Darci Falcone of Dyker Heights, Brooklyn, shares how sticking to the baby signing class her daughter took made it a success. She was dubious at first, though. “I was ready to stop after a few sessions, but at the encouragement of a friend who attended with us, we kept going regularly,” Falcone recalls. Given the range of options to choose from, it’s simple enough to try out a few classes and see which type your baby seems to enjoy most.
Love and Learning for the Long Term
That fun class you take with baby right now can also have far-reaching positive effects. A study in Early Child Development and Care discovered that compared to a control group, moms who attended music and movement classes were more adept at responding to their infants and using a more variable pitch when speaking to their child. That could give a baby a head start on language skills. Plus experts agree group baby classes can represent an early opportunity to develop social and behavioral skills that are crucial for academic readiness down the road. Keep in mind, though, that you shouldn’t let your best of intentions get in the way of keeping your baby’s age and developmental stage top of mind. “As in any setting a mother or caregiver is in with a baby, it is important to understand your baby’s cues, to know when a situation that started out as fun may not continue to be positive or pleasurable, and to not force the interaction this time, so that the next time he or she will be ready,” Dr. Hopkins urges. The most important gift you can give your child, in a group class or any other setting for that matter, is being fully present. While it’s wonderful to make friends, Terrany cautions against letting the babies in a class entertain each other, so to speak, while the parents just chat away and check their phones the whole time. The No. 1 benefit of most baby classes is the undistracted, quality time we are giving our children. “With babies, who can’t demand our attention the same way older kids do, it can be so easy to get distracted, so setting aside this time to connect with our children can be beneficial,” Terrany says. Just take it slow, following your baby’s lead. Then as you learn and grow together, you’ll be enjoying classes side by side for years to come. Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day.
From our sponsors: The mission of Allied Foundation is to impact and improve the health and well-being of residents within Allied Physicians Group’s geographical footprint, which currently includes Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk), Queens, Brooklyn, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland, and Orange. The Allied Foundation funds community-based strategies and initiatives, including Breastfeeding Support (toll-free Support Line: 866-621-2769; Breast Milk Depots), Community Education (free app—AlliedPG—and lectures about such topics as ADHD, managing food allergies, behavioral health, and infant CPR), Early Childhood Literacy (proud partner of Reach Out and Read and The BookFairies); and Community Service (Diaper Bank of Long Island). For more information, visit alliedfoundation.org.
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Nothing Else Even Comes Close! Gymnastics • Music • Playtime • Summer Camps School Break Camps • Ninja Challenge Jodi’s To Go • Best Birthdays Ever
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A non-sectarian program welcoming all children since 1952 Dedicated to children’s growth and learning Experienced, nurturing teachers Children ages 2.0-5.3 Specialists for Music, Movement, Studio, Gardening, & our Healthy Snack Program Large, airy classrooms, rooftop playground & an indoor play space
The First Presbyterian Church Nursery School 12 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 212.691.3432 | www.fpcns.org
BigAppleParent 49
raising kids teen
From Friends to Falling Out
How teens can cope with friendship breakups
››
By Samantha Neudorf
A
t the end of my freshman year in high school, two friends I thought I was close with stopped talking to me for no reason. They decided not to invite me to one of their birthday parties and when I asked why I was excluded, their response was one of them “just did not want to be friends with you anymore.” Navigating friendships as a teenager can be tricky. This is the age when kids are trying to figure out who they are, meeting new people, getting involved in different activities, and going through physical and emotional changes. Kids who have been friends since childhood may drift away from each other because they no longer have anything in common. Though friend breakups are common in the teen years, they can be devastating—after all, friends can act as a strong support system. It’s important to remember not all friendships may last, but going through a rough patch can help kids learn how to build better relationships with others. Here are some ways to help your teen learn how to resolve problems, be a better friend, and know when to move on from a bad friendship.
“We really look at a situation and ask both parties to take responsibility for whatever occurred, whether that was a miscommunication or any action that was not a positive one,” Wilson says. “Then we look at both of their parts to see if they’re willing to apologize to each other and come to some kind of a meeting of the minds.” If the problems lie beyond a counselor’s realm of expertise, parents may choose to send their teen to a behavioral psychologist to try to help her with any deeper issues within herself. “A lot of times it’s just helping [teens] navigate their own self-esteem and identity formation to develop healthy relationships around them,” says Adam S. Weissman, Ph.D., a clinical-behavioral psychologist and the founder and director of The Child & Family Institute, a cognitive-behavioral therapy center with locations in Westchester, Manhattan, and Brooklyn. “Sometimes if they really are trying to maintain a friendship or develop a new friendship, there’s definitely some social skills and tips for overcoming social anxiety or worry about what that person thinks of them,” Dr. Weissman says.
Suggest a Sit-Down
Encourage Equal Friendships
If a teen is having issues with a friend at school and needs to seek advice from someone, a guidance counselor’s role is to be a mediator. A counselor can set up separate or group meetings with the students involved, depending on how comfortable they are being in a room together. Jeanmarie Wilson has been a high school guidance counselor for more than 20 years at Smithtown High School West in Suffolk County and recommends having all parties communicate to work through the issue they are trying to resolve. 50 September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Oftentimes teens may put themselves in situations in which the people they call friends are using them, or they are not being their authentic selves in order to gain popularity and please others. Explain to your teen that if the dynamic feels as though he’s giving more than he’s getting, it’s a sign the friendship is unbalanced. “A friendship is a product of how [teens] choose to engage with their social environment, and that’s usually a reflection on how they feel about themselves,” Dr. Weissman says.
The key to any relationship, whether it’s platonic or romantic, is to have two-way communication and for both parties to feel there is reciprocity. Let your teen know that if she’s unhappy in a situation, conveying her feelings to the other person lets them know she cares enough to be open and honest in communicating, and that she respects herself enough to say she is upset. Then she also needs to be a good listener and understand where the other person is coming from. “Give thought in what you say to people, how you say it, and respect others for who they are—you can’t expect them to be perfect all of the time,” Wilson says.
Help Your Teen Limit His Social Media Exposure
Social media nowadays can really mess with a teenager’s head. He can find himself overanalyzing subtext that may or may not be in captions and Instagram stories, fretting over not receiving enough likes and comments on a post, or feeling FOMO (fear of missing out) when friends are hanging out without him. Social media can create unnecessary drama, so it’s best to avoid spending too much time on apps and have more face-to-face conversations. “It’s really important not to use social media as a form for expressing things that are really sensitive topics,” Wilson says. “I would advise communicating to the person directly and not posting your feelings or texting anything that needs to be said in person to avoid miscommunication.” Teenagers may feel pressure to look or live like “influencers” on the Internet, which can lead to feeling inadequate or unhappy. Remind your child social media is curated and the best way to feel better is to log off once in a while (this advice can apply to adults too). Apps such as Moment or Checky can monitor how many times she checks her phone to make her more aware of reducing screen time. “Spending hours on social media becomes more depressing over time and you start feeling guilty of the things you’re not doing,” Dr. Weissman says. “If you’re that kid who’s going on there and self-esteem is an issue for you, you’re going to use that as your barometer to find how people value you.”
Put a Friendship’s End in Perspective
Though it is ideal to resolve an issue among friends and continue the friendship, sometimes after laying all of the problems and feelings out on the table, the friendship cannot go back to what it was and does not work out. Not everyone will remain your teen’s friend, but every friendship or brief encounter can help him understand what types of qualities he values in a friend moving forward. Encourage your child not to view a friendship breakup as a failure, but rather as an opportunity to grow and continue to learn how to be a better friend. Once she lets the not-so-great-people out of her life, she can make room for better ones to create more meaningful friendships. “Some kids are going through the motions and figuring out who they are and trying to be popular, and sometimes those kids have a hard time being a good friend,” Dr. Weissman says. “Having open and real conversations about what’s going on for each other can be an important sense of support and can make a real valuable friendship that can last beyond high school, but it takes a certain level of maturity for that to happen and I think some kids are not there yet.” As high school progressed beyond my freshman year, those two friends who excluded me ended up drifting apart themselves, and finding new groups to hang out with. Teens who say they’ve found their BFFL (best friends for life) may not always end up staying friends for life, and that’s okay. Friends come and go throughout high school to make room for better ones down the road. Samantha Neudorf is a former editor at NYMetroParents. She currently resides in Astoria, Queens with her cat and holds a journalism degree from Hofstra University. You will most likely find her gallivanting around New York City or at brunch.
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family life finances
Saving for Higher Education
››
College is costly, but more often than not, necessary for your child’s success in life. Here’s how to start saving for higher education so you get the most for your dollar without breaking the bank. By Barbara Russo
A
new baby in the house is certainly something to celebrate. This wonderful addition to the family also brings with it some heavy responsibilities for parents for many years to come. Sleep cycles change, babysitters need to be found, and soon enough it’s time for baby to start day care and preschool. Expenses will accompany every milestone a child hits. One of the most costly ones is college. When you have a newborn or toddler, college seems a world away. But time flies, so it’s never too early to start saving for higher education. “Parents should begin to plan for their children’s education as soon as they are born,” says Nancy Curtin, CFP, CLTC. Another reason to save: Admission costs are likely to increase as the years go by. Today, the average four-year cost for a public university is $101,000 and $167,000 for a private university. In 18 years, the projected average cost for a public college is $184,000 and $303,000 for private, according to Curtin. With such exorbitant expenses, how exactly should you begin to save? What are some steps to take to ensure college will be paid for?
Diversify Your Savings
“There are several ways to save, and the best way to go may be to put your college savings in several places,” says Sharon Epperson, CNBC senior personal finance correspondent and host of Retire Well, a digital video series designed to help viewers of all ages manage their money. “Diversify where you save in terms of the type of accounts that you choose and what you invest in.” 52
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Some of these options include 529 plans, Roth IRAs, and highyield savings accounts. The 529 is one of the most common ways parents start saving for college. It is specifically designed for higher education expenses. “You put after-tax money into this account, your earnings are not taxed, and you can withdraw the money tax-free to pay for college. Many states will give you a state tax deduction for your contributions,” Epperson says. “Plus, this year there’s an extra perk. Under the new federal tax laws, up to ten thousand dollars a year of your 529 plan money can be used to pay for private school tuition for kindergarten through twelfth grade. Your money in the 529 can be invested in a range of assets based on your child’s age and when they will be going to college.” Parents who have multiple children may think they need to open a separate 529 plan for each child, but that’s not necessarily the case. Plus, it can be overwhelming for some parents to manage. Epperson suggests parents contribute as much as they can to a 529 plan for their first child. If they wind up not needing all of the money, they can change the beneficiary of the account to another child without any penalties.
Encourage Good Grades
The 529 plan is a great foundation, but once he starts school, it’s important to start focusing on his academic success, too. “The reality is that grades and test scores weigh heavily in the scholarship and financial aid process for college,” says Anne Huntington, vice president of Huntington Learning Center. “One way
that parents can save for their children’s college education is by investing in their academic and skills progress early.” Huntington cites how students who attend the learning center achieved higher grades and ultimately received an impressive amount in scholarship funding. “Our individualized test prep programs’ results are tremendous and show that after only three months of tutoring, students on average achieved a 5.2 point increases on the ACT and 238 point increase on the SAT,” she says. “In addition to the point increases, on average, our seniors in the tri-state area last year [each] received over $50,000 in scholarship offers.”
Create a Registry for College Funding
As your child grows, there are other ways to keep the savings going. For example, when arranging birthday parties or other special events, consider asking guests to contribute to your child’s 529 rather than giving a physical gift. “It may not win best gift on the day of the birthday party, but it sure will come in handy down the road,” says Pete Wylie, vice president of Student Lending at CommonBond, a financial service that refinances graduate and undergraduate loans. There are even websites that allow people to register online to send gifts to 529 accounts, including Ugift529.com, GiftofCollege.com, and LEAF College Savings (leafsavings.com).
Remember It’s Never Too Late
As important as it is to start saving early, it’s never too late. It might also give you a better idea of what type of education you’re saving for, and whether your child is likely to attend community college, a private institution, or another type of school. If your child knows what kind of career path she wants to take, that can also be helpful in figuring out which school to attend. The most expensive school doesn’t always mean the best education. “The first step to do is to get some kind of idea as to what college education we’re talking about,” says Douglas Boneparth, a certified financial planner and author of The Millennial Money Fix. “Once you have time and value, there’s any number of college education calculators online. I do this typically during financial planning. You can search to solve for how much you need to save each month, each year to actually achieve that goal.” There are some other factors to keep in mind within these calculations as you work to fund your child’s education goals, Boneparth adds. “There [are] a lot of assumptions in there—the return on the money you’re investing, the inflation rate of college education and tuition. But if you’ve quantified it by time and value and have used the calculator and have solved for what it’s going to take every month, you’ll have something here that you can use. You can take that information and plug it into your budget.”
Make Your Kids Part of the Process
One last tip from the experts is to get your kids involved in college planning early. Talk about school with them, and get them to start saving once they have a job and start earning money. “Encourage each child to open a Roth IRA when they start earning money. You want to get them in the habit of saving a portion, at least twenty percent, of what they earn,” Epperson says. “Saving more early on will encourage them to keep saving, even if it’s a little less, later. Also, each child can have their own high yield savings account. When you start teaching them to manage their own money, show them the benefits of saving in their own account. Talking about saving can provide some great teachable moments.” Barbara Russo is a freelance writer who holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the City University of New York. She enjoys playing guitar, following current events, and hanging out with her pet rabbits.
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Courtesy Debra Funt
Courtesy Jennifer Morris
Courtesy Jennifer Morris
family life home
This kitchen in the Bronx, designed by Jennifer Morris, perfectly displays the color trend in cabinets.
Brooklyn-based designer Jennifer Morris added a pop of color in this Fort Greene kitchen with a yellow sink.
Debra Funt, a Scarsdale-based interior designer, incorporated metal barstools, pendant lights, and more in an all-white kitchen.
Kitchen: Trending
››
Interior designers share the five big design fads happening in kitchens right now.
M
ore and more, the kitchen is becoming the heart of the home—just look at home design shows, including Nate & Jeremiah by Design and Fixer Upper, for inspiration. “It’s not only the central hub for a family,” says Debra Funt, founder and president of Debra Funt Interiors in Scarsdale, “it looks like it’s integrated into your living space.” So just how do you achieve that integration in your kitchen? Here are five big trends you can incorporate now to give the new heart of the home a cozy feel, whether you’re a homeowner and can make drastic changes, or you’re a renter who can, at most, paint.
Pops of Color
While soft neutrals that create a serene space are still popular in the kitchen, Jennifer Morris, principal at Brooklyn-based JMorris Design, says more people are being adventurous with color accents including navy and cobalt blues, jewel tones, and bright yellow. And these colors are being incorporated in numerous ways. If you’re feeling daring, paint the walls (or just an accent wall) or cabinetry a bold color. “It also can just be one half of the cabinetry instead of feeling like you’re investing in the expression of a full kitchen,” Morris says. “I’ve seen it in just the lower cabinets where you’re seeing a dark, rich color and then the upper cabinets are a little bit safer.” If you decide to paint your cabinets, “for durability reasons as well as aesthetic, the high-gloss trend for cabinets is not going away anytime soon, but we are also seeing a lot more satin finishes, 54
September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
By Katelin Walling
which is a great option if you want an overall more matte look,” says Nivara Xaykao, Benjamin Moore color and design expert. “Also be sure to consider the light in the kitchen, as this will impact how the color will look on walls and cabinets.” Another color trend in kitchens is pale and milky colors (think matte too), according to Xaykao. And appliance brands are following suit with matte finishes, including De’Longhi’s Dedica DeLuxe Espresso Maker and Lattissima One, which come in matte white, and Café, A Matte Collection of appliances that come in matte white and matte black. If you just want to dip your toe in adding color to your kitchen, go for colorful accessories, such as hand towels, area carpets, soap containers, curtains, and décor items.
Metal Accents
“People are into a more modern aesthetic. Right now I’m seeing a lot of industrial happening,” Funt says. “In the city, people tend to be open to a lot of metal accents right now when I’m doing a kitchen renovation.” If you have barstools at an island or counter, swap out your old ones for some trendy metal ones, change the knobs and pulls on cabinets for metallic options, replace the outdated lighting fixture for one that looks industrial, update your faucet for a trendier style, or upgrade some old countertop appliances to ones with metallic finishes. Café, A Matte Collection is on-trend in this aspect, too. After choosing matte black or matte white, you can “update and
personalize with these accessories in the form of hardware and knobs,” says Maggie Bellinger, CMF, senior designer with Café, A Matte Collection. That hardware is offered in four finishes in line with the metallic trend: brushed copper, bronze, black, or stainless. Want to add metallic accents but not sure what finish to choose? “Warmer gold tones are looking particularly fresh at the moment,” Xaykao says.
Fun Backsplashes
If you want to add color but adding accessories isn’t enough color for you (and painting is too much), Morris suggests updating the backsplash because it’s “very low risk.” It’s also a fun way to incorporate metal accents in the kitchen, with metallic inlays or tiles as part of the design. “It is something that can be removed or replaced in a relatively inexpensive way for the labor and materials. …It’s usually in the smallest area, but it’s something you see so much,” she says. If you want the wow-factor without a lot of color, try one large piece of frosted glass or sandblasted mirror (bonus: They’re both easy to clean with Windex!). And if monochromatic is more your style, install single-color tiles in an unexpected pattern (think herringbone).
Living Room Décor in the Kitchen
“A lot of times we think of it as a sterile environment, but we’re starting to see framed artwork and paintings and photography…in the kitchen. I find that pretty fascinating where it’s almost a second living space,” Bellinger agrees. “So people want their pieces in the kitchen to actually look like the rest of their home.” Incorporate items in your kitchen that you would typically put in a living room, such as vases, candlesticks, artwork, and sofas or loveseats at the breakfast table, to give your kitchen a lived-in feel.
Tech-y Touches
As with other facets of our lives, technology is slowly creeping into kitchen design and trends. “I think generally a lot of people are looking at their home system as something they can maintain the control of from an environmental point of view, such as power saving, and in the kitchen there’s room for all of those things,” Morris says. The easiest thing you can do to incorporate the energy-saving tech trend is to replace your old light bulbs with LED ones. They use 2025 percent of the energy and last 15-25 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In terms of kitchen appliances, they’ve been “making huge leaps and bounds,” Morris says. Samsung’s Family Hub refrigerator, for example, is Energy Star-certified and has a touchscreen, which allows you to take photos of the inside of your fridge to see what you have and what you need when you’re not home, create grocery lists you can share instantly to any connected smartphone, write memos and sync family calendars, and even keep you entertained in the kitchen with streaming music and TV mirroring. And brands such as LG, GE, and Bosch offer smart ovens, dishwashers, microwaves, and more that can all be controlled and monitored from brand-specific apps on a smartphone.
Want more parenting tips, tools & resources... NYMetroParents.com Helping parents make better decisions
Be Social
If you’re ready to tackle some of bigger design changes mentioned above, start “paying attention to other friends’ homes,” Morris advises. Ask questions about how certain materials have worked out for them, how they like their smart appliances, and whether they have any recommendations for contractors or handymen. And do your research: how are smart appliances rated and do they come with warranties, what is the best value for you, is one material easier to care for and more durable than another? Once you figure out your needs, “the trends should be the icing on your cake,” Morris says. BigAppleParent 55
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Make your party a special one! Dave’s entertainment services include more than 100 costumed characters. From princesses and superheroes to pirates and tea parties, there’s something for everyone.
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MYSTERY & MAYHEM 212-260-2295
mysteryandmayhem.com mitzvahzoe@aol.com Mystery & Mayhem offers hilarious, interactive, age-appropriate dress-up mystery parties in which guests ages 8-18 become suspects in a crime. Choose from five mysterious, winning dramas, or a Nancy Drew, Sherlock Holmes, or Harry Potter theme.
PARTY PLACES BREAKAWAY HOOPS 646-776-2021 x0
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BROADWAY DANCE CENTER CHILDREN AND TEENS 37 W. 65th St., 3rd floor
212-582-9304 broadwaydancecenter.com Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens loves a good dance party! Your birthday dancer and guests are sure to love these birthday parties set in our beautiful, spacious studios. Choose a theme and party package. Come celebrate with us!
CHELSEA PIERS SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park
Field House Registration Desk: 212-3366500 x6520 chelseapiers.com/youth Why cross the bridge for your next birthday party? Because Chelsea Piers parties are action-packed, entertaining, and hassle-free, with more sports, activities, and fun than any other party venue in NYC!
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF THE ARTS 103 Charlton St.
212-274-0986 cmany.org Art-filled parties begin with time to explore the museum’s hands-on workshops. Experienced teaching artists lead children in your choice of private workshop. Parties end with food and cake.
FUNFIT BLOOMING BRANCHES SPECIFIC SPORTS 550 W. 110th St.
646-580-3758 funfitnyc.com; info@funfitnyc.com FunFit parties are customized for the birthday child. Children will be entertained by participating in age-appropriate, high-energy, sport games and FunFit activities led by our expert coaches.
FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY 29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New
Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, option 1 funfuziononline.com Calling all birthday superstars! You and your guests will be dazzled by a unique, interactive party experience!
GALLI THEATER NEW YORK at GSM, 74 Warren St.
212-731-0668 gallitheaternyc.com; galliny@gmail.com Party with the Galli Theater New York and experience the magic of live theater for your special event! Your child loves the theater and would love to be on stage? Allow your child to experience the most amazing theater party in town!
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INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM Pier 86, West 46th Street and Twelfth Avenue
646-381-5010 intrepidmuseum.org groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org Celebrate your child’s birthday with a one-of-a-kind party! The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum will captivate groups of all ages and interests. Choose from exciting themes, value packages, and customization options to create a birthday adventure they’ll remember forever!
JODI’S GYM 244 E. 84th St.
212-772-7633 25 Hubbels Drive, Mount Kisco 914-244-8811 jodisgym.com Kids run, jump, climb, tumble, slide, bounce, and giggle to their hearts’ delight at Jodi’s Gym, where action-packed parties and unmatched experience have won children’s hearts for 34 years.
JUST KIDDING AT SYMPHONY SPACE 2537 Broadway 212-864-1414 x289 symphonyspace.org/justkidding Just Kidding parties are artsy, imaginative, and fun, designed to make party planning easy and engaging! Through the show kids have the chance to interact with Just Kidding artists creating a once in a lifetime birthday party experience.
KATE TEMPESTA’S URBAN GOLF ACADEMY 917-270-7257 ktuga.com; mari@ktuga.com
KTUGA’s parties are customized to your child’s interests. Think pirate golf fun to princess castle chipping. Ideal for ages 3-8. Select from different activities to highlight our golf games including storytelling, shadow screen play, and music and movement.
THE LITTLE GYM 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between
74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com 207 E. 94th St. (between Second and Third avenues) Upper East Side 212-787-1124 tlguppereastsideny.com 777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 28 Franklin Turnpike, Waldwick, NJ 201-445-4444 tlgwaldwicknj.com
A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!
MAX VR AMC KIPS BAY 15 570 Second Ave.
amctheatres.com/imaxvr 2195@amctheatres.com Looking for a unique activity for that special birthday kid? Then look no further. MAX VR is a mind-shattering virtual reality experience center based at AMC Kips Bay 15. For more information please visit our website.
PALISADES CLIMB ADVENTURE 4590 Palisades Center Drive, Level 4 of
the Palisades Center, West Nyack 845-727-3500 palisadesclimb.com Palisades Climb Adventure offers the world’s tallest indoor ropes challenge course with 75 unique challenge elements. Our Sky Tykes kids’ ropes course is designed for ages 2-7. Both courses are available for birthday parties. Book your party today!
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212-245-0444 robofun.org; robofun@robofun.org Celebrate your next birthday making robots, video games, or animations with RoboFun. RoboFun birthday parties are the perfect combination of fun and creativity!
SEAGLASS CAROUSEL AT THE BATTERY Water Street and State Street
718-788-2676 seaglasscarousel.nyc; info@nycarousel.com Celebrate your next birthday at SeaGlass Carousel! VIP Birthday Packages start at $535 within your own exclusive party area. Book online: seaglasscarousel.nyc/birthdays.
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718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include one hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and 1-hour private room for pizza.
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Davler Media Group Fax: 212.271.2239 • Call: 914.290.4716 Email: Distribution@davlermedia.com 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor New York, NY 10018 58
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TUTORS & TEST PREP SCENTIA TUTORING servicing Brooklyn and Manhattan scientia.brooklyn@gmail.com
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OPEN HOUSES 2018 Atlas Foundation For Autism
Epiphany Community Nursery School
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Blue School
First Presbyterian Church Nursery School
Pusteblume International Preschool and Afterschool Programs
252 W. 29th St., 3rd Floor 212-256-0846 atlasforautism.org info@atlasforautism.org Come tour our 7300-square-foot facility and meet with the Atlas team. Call or email to schedule a time to come in at info@atlasforautism.orf or 212-256-0846. 241 Water St. 212-228-6341 blueschool.org Visit Blue School’s page to sign up for available school tours or open houses once you create an account on Ravenna.
The British International School of New York
20 Waterside Plaza 212-481-2700 x204 bis-ny.org info@bis-ny.org Please call us at 212-481-2700 or email Carina at c.szabo@bis-ny.org, to set up a time to meet us and tour the school. We look forward to meeting you!
Dwight School
291 Central Park W. 212-724-6360 dwight.edu admissions@dwight.edu Join us! Preschool open house Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24, Nov. 14, 27, 28, Dec. 4, 9-10:30am. Lower School Sept. 25, Oct. 3, 17, 24, Nov. 8, 29, Dec. 5, 8:4510:30am. Middle and Upper School Oct. 3, 16, Nov. 29 6-7:30pm.
École Internationale de New York (EINY)
111 E. 22nd St. 646-410-2238 einy.org School tours will be held Tuesdays, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, and 23. Those not able to attend, please contact Mireille Desalm, director of admissions to schedule a private tour.
510 East 74th St. 212-737-2977 ecnsnyc.org ECNS ETC. celebrates the return to school and its new fall schedule of classes with a fun free open house on Saturday, Sept. 15. Bring the whole family for a fun and jam-packed morning. 12 W. 12th St. 212-691-3432 fpcns.org School visits for parents available in November and December. Open house is for families applying for our 2s classes. School tours are for families applying for our 3s, 4s and 4/5s classes.
King School
1450 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 203-322-3496 x350 kingschoolct.org/visit Join us for an open house Sunday, Oct. 14 (grades sixth-11th) or Sunday, Nov. 4 (grades pre-K-fifth) both from 1-4pm.
Manhattan Charter School
100 Attorney St. 212-533-2743 Manhattan Charter School II 220 Henry St. 212-964-3792 manhattancharterschool.org edellinger@manhattancharterschool.or We offer school tours every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Reservations are required. You can schedule online. Alternatively, please call either 212-5332743 or 212-964-3792 for assistance.
Nord Anglia International School New York
44 E. 2nd St. 212-600-2010 nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/new-york info@ny.nae.school Contact us for a private tour. You will meet the principal and the director of admissions, observe students in classes and activities, and speak with teachers, students, and senior staff.
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27 N. Moore St. 212-226-8252 portfolio-school.com admissions@portfolio-school.com Schedule a tour on our website. Tours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am.
244 W. 14th St. 212-206-1137 pusteblumenyc.org info@pusteblumenyc.org We offer tours Friday mornings between 9:3011:30am by appointment only. Please schedule a tour by calling us at 212-206-1137 or emailing admissions@pusteblumenyc.org.
St. Luke’s School
487 Hudson St. 212-924-5960 stlukeschool.org sharriot@stlukeschool.org Group tours begin at 9:15 a.m. RSVP required. Space is limited. We use Ravenna to manage our admissions events and applications. Tour dates: Sept. 18, 20, 25, 26, and 27.
T. Schreiber Studio for Theatre and Film
151 W. 26th St., 10th floor 212-741-0209 tschreiber.org info@tschreiber.org Acting classes for teens and kids open house and free class Thursday Sept. 6 from 5-6:30pm with Jazelle Foster and Denise Simon. To reserve a spot, email info@tschreiber.org or call 212-741-0209.
Wetherby–Pembridge School
7 E. 96th St. 646-213-3400 wetherby-pembridge.org info@whetherby-pembridge.org Joins us for an open house on Tuesday, Sep. 25 from 9-10:30am, Thursday, Oct. 11 from 5:307pm, Tuesday, Oct. 23 from 9-10:30am, or Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10am-12pm.
raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! Jodi’s Gym ...................................................................49
birthday / party services
Big Apple Parent Party Planner ...................................61 FunFit Kids ....................................................................9 Jodi’s Gym ..................................................................49 Little Gym .....................................................................7
camps
British International School of New York......................16 Chatty Child Speech Therapy, PLLC ...........................13 Chelsea Piers ...............................................................2 Children’s Museum of The Arts....................................25 Collina Italiana .............................................................29 East Village Dance Project .........................................29 Jodi’s Gym ..................................................................49 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy .......................31 Little Gym .....................................................................7 Lycee Francais de New York ......................................19 Martial Arts Family Studio ............................................27 Montessori School of NY International .......................53 National Dance Institute ..............................................31 Nord Anglia International School ................................15 Pusteblume International School ................................33 Square Circle New York ..............................................31 The École ....................................................................19
child care / day care
Mommybites ................................................................59
classes
apple seeds ................................................................29 Ballet Academy East ...................................................29 Ballet Club (The)..........................................................31 Chelsea Piers ...............................................................2 Children’s Museum of The Arts....................................25 Collina Italiana .............................................................29 Diller Quaile School of Music ........................................5 East Village Dance Project .........................................29 Ellen Robbins Dance ..................................................33 International Academy of New York ............................14 Joffrey Ballet School ...................................................27 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy .......................31 Kumon Manhattan .......................................................64 Martial Arts Family Studio ............................................27 Metropolitan Music Academy ......................................31 National Dance Institute ..............................................31 Pusteblume International School ................................33 Square Circle New York ..............................................31 T. Schreiber Studio for Theatre and Film ....................29
dance
apple seeds ................................................................29 Ballet Academy East ...................................................29 Ballet Club (The)..........................................................31 Capezio ......................................................................25 East Village Dance Project .........................................29 Ellen Robbins Dance ..................................................33 Joffrey Ballet School ...................................................27 National Dance Institute ..............................................31
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education
Atlas Foundation for Autism ..................................17, 23 Blue School .................................................................33 British International School of New York......................16 Calhoun School ...........................................................19 Collina Italiana .............................................................29 Dwight School .............................................................16 First Presbyterian Church Nursery .............................49 Gateway School The ..................................................51
Huntington Learning Center .......................................30 Ideal School (The) ......................................................16 International Academy of New York ............................14 Kumon Manhattan .......................................................64 Lycee Francais de New York ......................................19 Manhattan Charter School ..........................................57 Mary Louis Academy (The) ......................................... 11 Montessori School of NY International .......................53 Nord Anglia International School ................................15 Otto Specht School .....................................................53 Pusteblume International School ................................33 St. Luke’s School ........................................................55 The École ....................................................................19 The Epiphany School ..................................................51 Wetherby-Pembridge School ......................................16 York Preparatory School .............................................35
PARTY PLANNER 100+ CHARACTERS, INTERACTIVE DJ’S FACE PAINTERS & MAGICIANS SUPERHEROES PHOTO BOOTHS NEW! TREASURE ISLAND “ZOOBOTS”
family entertainment / events / outings Children’s Museum of The Arts....................................25 Galli Theater ................................................................29 Hurd’s Family Farm ....................................................35 Wild West City .............................................................57
CARNIVALS & INFLATABLES CHARACTER SHOWS FAIRYTALE PRINCESS PARTIES THEME PARTIES SHOWS & ATTRACTIONS
family travel
Hurd’s Family Farm ....................................................35 Wild West City .............................................................57
COMPLETE CARNIVAL & PARTY PLANNING
financial planning / insurance
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Affinity Health Plan ......................................................63
www.davescast.com
health
Affinity Health Plan ......................................................63 Fidelis Care New York ..................................................3
legal services
Littman Krooks LLP ....................................................35
music
apple seeds ................................................................29 Diller Quaile School of Music ........................................5 Metropolitan Music Academy ......................................31
performing arts / acting
Galli Theater ................................................................29 Joffrey Ballet School ...................................................27 Play On! Studios .........................................................31 T. Schreiber Studio for Theatre and Film ....................29 Vital Theatre Company ...............................................57
religious
First Presbyterian Church Nursery .............................49 Mary Louis Academy (The) ......................................... 11 St. Luke’s School ........................................................55 The Epiphany School ..................................................51
retail
Capezio ......................................................................25 Shoe Tree (The) ...........................................................9
FAMILY RESOURCE GUIDE MUSIC INSTRUCTION
GUITAR LESSONS
In your home - Acoustic or electric
Teaching in NYC since 2006 Gain a strong foundation in the fundamentals of music Discovery and exploration over rote learning Experienced with special needs such as ADHD, autism
info@
acrobatics / gymnastics
Visit my website, or email:
russellhollandguitar.com
special needs
Atlas Foundation for Autism ...................................17,23 Chatty Child Speech Therapy, PLLC ...........................13 FunFit Kids ....................................................................9 Gateway School The ..................................................51 Huntington Learning Center .......................................30 Littman Krooks LLP ....................................................35 Otto Specht School .....................................................53
sports
Chelsea Piers ...............................................................2 FunFit Kids ....................................................................9 Kate Tempesta’s Urban Golf Academy .......................31 Martial Arts Family Studio ............................................27 Square Circle New York ..............................................31
theater
Galli Theater ................................................................29 Play On! Studios .........................................................31 Vital Theatre Company ...............................................57
tutors
Huntington Learning Center .......................................30 Kumon Manhattan .......................................................64
Need to plan the perfect party? FIND venues, entertainers, suppliers, and other ideas to create the ideal party in our online Parent Resources Directory.
NYMetroParents.com
BigAppleParent 61
raising kids quotables
How do you get your kids excited to go back to school? “I tell my daughter my favorite memory from whichever grade she’s entering that year. This year she will be going into second grade, so I told her that was the year I won an award at the science fair. She’s psyched!” —Melissa Ann Ferreira, Queens
“Tell them they’ll be able to see their friends every day.” —Noelle Sarno Uno, Brooklyn
“I look up really cool DIY projects for school supplies and once a week throughout the summer we make the projects ourselves. My daughter can’t wait to show her friends all the cool stuff we made for school.” —Tyaisha Harvey Greene, Suffolk
“I would leave notes in my children’s lunchboxes to get them excited and remind them that I love them.” —Adena Saperstein, Nassau
“We go to Target and get back-to-school supplies!” —Melissa Brown Eisenberg, Westchester
Downtime is rare in the life of a mom. Between deciding on schools and creating spreadsheets, it seems the day has begun and finished before we’ve had time to take a single breath. Downtime might seem like a thing of legend to us, but it can be a reality if we make it a priority. How we each make it happen is up to us, but happen it must. — Jazmin Cybulski, in a post entitled “Simple Ways to Minimize the Stress of Being a Supermom” on themogulmom.com
“Are you stressing about gathering school supplies, schedules and time management? Parental stress can be picked up by your child so stay calm, watch what you say, and show confidence.” — Michelle Spreckels, in a post entitled “How to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety” on momtrends.com
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September 2018 | nymetroparents.com
“I remind them that they can’t go back to camp until they finish another year of school!” —Lisa Novick Bloom, Manhattan
“We talk about the exciting things they will learn in their new grade and all the upcoming fall happenings they look forward to.” —Tara Suzanne, Rockland
LET TWEENS ARGUE “Rather than shut down arguments, give your child ample time to execute her case. Arguing is a critical skill that tweens desperately need as they proceed into adolescence. Think about it: To turn down a beer at a party or resist a boyfriend’s sexual advances, your child needs a strong argumentative muscle. Standing up to you serves as practice for standing up for his or her beliefs and values.” — Margaret Sagarese in an article entitled “Why Your Difficult Tween is Right on Track.” Read the whole story at nymetroparents.com/difficult-tween
More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: FARM FRESH: Your guide to farmers’ markets in the New York area (nymetroparents.com/farmers-markets) SPORTS SAFETY: Learn how to keep your child safe and healthy during sports practices and games (nymetroparents.com/safe-sports) OH BABY: 5 Things to Know About Your Postpartum Body (nymetroparents.com/postpartum) BAKE IT SPECIAL: Try the Ace of Cakes’ favorite brownie recipe for bake sales (nymetroparents.com/brownies)
Social Media Icons 2017:
BECAUSE TRUST IS IMPORTANT Child Health Plus offers the benefits kids need for a healthier future.
Call 866.206.1741 (TTY 711) AffinityPlan.org/CHP To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 855.355.5777.
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