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LongIsland NASSAU EDITION

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM PARENTS.COM JANUARY 2018

Education Special

• Why Babies Need Books • The Hot Tech Trend in Learning • Should School Start Later?

Family Life

Choosing Your Kids’ Guardian

Don’t Tell! The 5 Big Secrets of Girlhood

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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contents table of

Original photo by ›› PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)

january 2018

62 44

education

Quotables

The best parenting quotes from the web, and your New Year’s parenting resolutions!

Wintry Family Fun

Where to ski, snowboard, and ice-skate, plus kid-friendly museums and day trips in the area.

18 Baby Needs Books! 22 The Buzz on Blended Learning

26 Should School Start Later? 28 Education Resources

Choosing a Guardian for Your Child

Take these steps to make sure your child is always cared for, now and in the future.

raising kids

things to do

family life

6 Editor’s Note 8 New Places, New Programs 10 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Girlhood 12 To Test or Not to Test? 52 Professional Services 54 Party Central 56 Meet the Doctor 58 Meet the Director 60 Open Houses 61 Advertisers’ Index 62 Quotables

14 Dynamite Dinner Table Conversation Jar

46 Creating a ‘Yes’ Space

34 Family Fun in Manhattan

48 Food and Drink Hacks for Parents

35 Family Activities Calendar

50 Choosing a Guardian for Your Child

44 Wintry Family Fun

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› facebook.com/nymetroparents

10 Don’t Tell: The 5 Big Secrets of Girlhood 17 Education Special

50 Family Life: Choosing Your Kids’ Guardian

@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!

Great Neck

Five Towns

New Hyde Park

Lynbrook

Roslyn

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Our Resolution: More Solutions

JANUARY 2018 • Vol.9 • No.8

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens

s surely as New Year’s Eve involves a dropping ball and confetti, it brings with it something else: resolutions. I bet you have a few, and so do I, such as to give my two teenage daughters a bit more freedom (I’ll try!), figure out my new Instant Pot (honest!), and lose 15 pounds (who am I kidding?). We here at NYMetroParents have made a resolution too, and it’s one we think you’ll really like: to serve your needs better than ever. We know parenting is more than a verb; it’s an identity. And so we’re taking a holistic approach to parenting, with the aim of helping you make better decisions across all areas of your life. The changes start right on our table of contents, where you’ll see stories grouped into the three main “buckets” of parenting: Things to Do, Raising Kids, and Family Life. Some of our longstanding sections have been freshened up, too. Q-and-A is now In the Know (p. 10), giving you the inside scoop on some of parenting’s hottest topics. Quotables has moved to the back of the magazine (p. 62), and features sound bites from parents right in your area. Our Outings page has been renamed Family Fun in Manhattan (p. 34)—there’s no better way to plan your next city trip! And the Where-to Guide (p. 44) now offers a greater range of suggestions for seasonal activities. You’ll also find a more varied and robust selection of articles. We’ll address your legal and financial needs going forward, starting with Samantha Neudorf’s story about how to choose a legal guardian for your children (p. 50). We’ve also got great advice for your home—Katelin Walling explains how to create “yes spaces,” kid-friendly areas filled with safe stuff to play with and explore (p. 46). Babies and teens will now be a regular focus of ours, and are featured in this month’s education theme. Turn to page 18 for my article about why it’s so important to read to your infant right from the start. And if your teenagers, like mine, shout “five more minutes!” every time you try to get them to wake up for class, you’ll appreciate our special report on school start times on page 26. One big takeaway: Early classes may go against adolescents’ biology and their best interests too. And don’t miss Ellen Horafas’s essay explaining why it may be short-sighted to opt out your children from state tests (p. 12). Just as few people can achieve their New Year’s resolutions without a little help, I couldn’t possibly put together this wonderful magazine without the help of my team. That’s why they’re all pictured below. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and not-too-hectic 2018, from our family to yours.

SENIOR EDITOR: Bethany Braun-Silva ENGAGEMENT EDITOR: Samantha Neudorf REGIONAL EDITORS: Samantha Beranbom (Rockland); Karen Demeter (Suffolk); Whitney C. Harris (Manhattan); Rosalind Muggeridge (Brooklyn); Jamie McGillian (Westchester); Dorette Saunders (Nassau); Gail Warren (Queens) DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke EDITORIAL INTERN: Jordan Laird To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents

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Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, EJ Morales-Gomez, Linda Pierce Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Merrill Sugarman, Mary Wender Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent, Nassau 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy Long Island Parent, Suffolk 631-472-5437 Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATORS: Leonard Porter, Christopher Regalado DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro ADMINISTRATION MANAGER: Erin Jordan

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Davler Media Group davlermedia.com

CEO: David L. Miller General Manager: Thomas K. Hanlon 498 Seventh Ave., 10th Floor, New York, NY 10018 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

Clockwise from top left: Katelin Walling, Caitlin Berens, Bethany Braun-Silva, Deborah Skolnik, and Samanth a Neudorf

Keep in Touch: @nymetroparents nymetroparents.com editor@nymetroparents.com

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN •ROCKLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2017, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. Subscription rates per year, per publication: $39

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raising kids new places, new programs

Courtesy The Diocese

The Diocese of Rockvil le Centre is working on arranging more J.A. in a Day dates for the spring.

Swim School Courtesy Goldfish

Who: The Diocese of Rockville Centre What’s New: A financial literacy program, J.A. in a Day, during which students in the seventh and eighth grades learn about financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. The Diocese of Rockville Centre partnered with Junior Achievement of New York to bring a financial literacy program into its schools. The series of oneday workshops are led by volunteers from Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation, an organization that raises money for Catholic schools on Long Island. The program launched during the past school year and came to more schools on Long Island in November 2017. Want More Info: 50 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre; 516-678-5800; drvc.org

of Rockville Centre

Financial Literacy Program Comes to Area Catholic Schools

Indoor Swim School to Open Farmingdale Location Who: Goldfish Swim School What’s New: A location in Farmingdale, which is scheduled to start lessons on Jan. 3 and will follow the same curriculum used at the other location in Garden City. The Farmingdale swim school will have a 4½-foot-deep pool within its 9,000-square-foot facility. Lessons involving water safety skills and swimming techniques for children ages 4 months to 12 years will be offered year-round and taught by certified swim instructors. The Farmingdale location will also offer party packages with private pool access, decorations, and cupcakes and beverages for children. Want More Info: 450 E. Main St., Farmingdale and 650 Stewart Ave., Garden City; 516-267-5120; goldfishswimschool.com

Swim School in struction, Goldfish Currently under con and a temperater wa e 90-degree egivers, Farmingdale will hav for parents and car a are g win vie ture-controlled ve. abo similar to the image

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy Our Lady of Mercy Schoo

Who: Our Lady of Mercy School What’s New: Two educational, age-appropriate discovery rooms for students in kindergarten to third grade and fourth to eighth grades, which opened in September for students to experience STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Each room has science equipment for measuring as well as microscopes, magnets, circuitry packages, Legos, craft materials for design and creativity, and other items that support the STEM curriculum. There is also ageappropriate equipment for nursery and pre-K students. “The teachers use the rooms as an extension of their lessons,” says principal Jane Harrigan. Want More Info: 520 S. Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville; 516-433-7040; olmshicks.org

Hicksville Elementary School Adds STEM Rooms

“Children are getting formal instruction in a traditional classroom, and then they move into the discovery rooms to try it out,” says principal Jane Harrigan.

LongIslandParent

raising kids in the know

Things You 5Didn’t Know

About Girlhood

››

By Bethany Braun-Silva with Katie Hurley, LCSW

t’s hard to ignore the news as of late. Every day new cases of sexual harassment make headlines, social feeds are flooded with #metoo posts, and Time Magazine just named “The Silence Breakers” as its Person of the Year. More and more women are feeling empowered to speak up and stand up and, of course, we want to get that message across to our girls, too. However, this empowerment may come with consequences, says Katie Hurley, LCSW. In her book NO MORE MEAN GIRLS: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, and Compassionate Girls, she cautions against letting our girls grow up too early. “Skipping over the development of crucial social-emotional skills in the name of creating a generation of supergirls doesn’t actually empower our girls,” she writes. “In fact, it does the opposite: It creates a culture of cutthroat competition.” Hurley adds a further warning: “When we fast-track girls through developmental levels without considering the potential consequences, we set girls up for negative behaviors and friendship fails.” Below, Hurley shares five things everyone needs to know about girls and girlhood. 1. A girl’s social world plays a crucial role in her day-to-day life. Whether your daughter has two close friends or 10 besties, she’s enmeshed in her social world. Young girls leave the parental orbit once they enter school, and they look to their peers to make sense of the world around them when they are away from Mom and Dad. So while a playground argument might not sound like a big deal to you, this kind of micro-stressor can make or break a day for your daughter. 2. Risk aversion is on the rise. With all the pressure to be the best at everything and find a passion, young girls feel like they’re under a microscope. This fuels perfectionism, which leads to fear of failure and risk aversion. If you

suspect that your daughter plays it safe, she probably does, and she may need your encouragement to branch out and take chances. 3. Your daughter needs you more than you know. When Hurley asks girls what they want or need most from their parents, the No. 1 answer is uninterrupted 1-on-1 time. They might roll their eyes, slam their doors, or keep quiet at times, but girls crave guidance and input from their parents, and time spent having fun. 4. Girls’ sensitivity is at an all-time high. Middle childhood is a time of rapid growth, both physically and emotionally, and this makes girls vulnerable to emotional upheaval. Joking about “girl drama” and being sarcastic often makes girls feel ashamed and guilty. Proceed with caution and empathize often to help the girl in your life to thrive. 5. Girls know more about the world than you think. They piece together information about the modern world from a variety of sources. Hurley has had many girls confess they binge-watched 13 Reasons Why (a controversial series about a teen’s suicide) or set up Snapchat and Instagram accounts on a friend’s phone. Sometimes they keep these activities secret to avoid disappointing their parents, since they crave parental approval. Couple that with intense pressure to fit in and peer pressure to keep up with technology, and the result is a recipe for very young girls dipping their toes into murky water with limited information. Talk openly and honestly with your daughter about modern girlhood to help her navigate these tricky topics and work through big emotions.

Katie Hurley, LCSW, is a child and adolescent psychotherapist, parenting expert, and author of The Happy Kid Handbook and No More Mean Girls (TarcherPerigee; on sale Jan. 30). She is also the founder of Girls Can! empowerment groups for girls between ages 5-11.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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raising kids voices

To Test or Not to Test?

››

Few parents like the current system of state standardized tests. But here’s why the solution may not be as simple as just opting your child out. By Ellen Horafas

addy, nooooo…..why?!” My 13-year-old daughter’s voice was cracking. “Please. Please!” When it registered that her father wasn’t going to give in, her pleading had switched from lighthearted to desperate. When he finally walked away, Amanda ran to her room, sobbing, slamming the door so hard that the family cat, on the couch 50 feet away, jumped. If you’re guessing that the cause of Amanda’s meltdown was a parental decision that she perceived to be unfair, you’re sort of right. Her dad, the night before her eighth grade New York State English Language Arts (ELA) exams were to begin on March 28, was refusing to sign the form that was her ticket out of the tedious, three-day test and into the auditorium, where most of her friends, apparently, would be. The school districts on Long Island lead the way in Common Core test refusals in the New York metro region. A Newsday survey of the 124 school systems across Long Island showed that fully half—52 percent—of the third- to eighthgrade students eligible to take the ELA tests did not. In some districts in Suffolk County, where we live, the numbers topped 80 percent. My husband was one of many in our town who didn’t like the content or the implementation of the Common Core Standards—and hated the intense test prep that came with it. So he signed Amanda out of the tests in sixth and seventh grade. I did tell him then that I thought it might be a mistake. Standardized testing was unlikely to disappear anytime soon. And before you know it, our daughter will be taking the SATs, and maybe other college entrance exams as well. The more practice she had with the admittedly unpleasant experience of preparing for and sitting through them, the better, it seemed to me. Then there was the fact that life is littered with interminable tasks you can’t just opt out of. In turn, he reminded me of the son of one of our friends who was totally stressed about what would happen if he “failed.” And of the third-grade girl down the block who had been in tears at the bus stop, as she had gotten the idea that if she

didn’t do well, her beloved teacher would be fired. Indeed, I could see both sides of the argument, and I pick my battles. Amanda was signed out. Interestingly, in elementary school, such tests were a non-issue for Amanda. They were annoying, sure, but in the same way that having to play kickball in the gym on a rainy day was. She was able to deal with them and quickly forget them. But now, she looked at them as a form of torture that all the good parents were swooping in and saving their kids from. My husband, meanwhile, had seen that opting her out hadn’t improved her grades, inspired her to learn for learning’s sake, or made her more relaxed throughout the school year. What it had done, he only just realized the night the door was slammed, was make her feel entitled to avoid what she didn’t want to do. But, oh, she fought. She fought with the skill of a lawyer and the fervor of, well, a 13-year-old. She first tried logic: “A person, even a young person like me, should always stand up for what she believes in!” She used her dad’s own words against him: “You told everybody the tests were a waste of time!” She invoked practicality: “I could do all my homework in the auditorium, all my projects, everything, for the next two weeks. Think how easy school nights would be!” And, in a last-ditch attempt, Amanda appealed to her Daddy: “You know how you said you feel bad for me that I have to wait until seventh period for lunch every day? The kids who take the test have to wait even longer. I’ll be soooooo hungry. I’ll be fainting!” In the end, it failed, all of it. We passed two miserable nights of bitter complaining. “See this bruise on my leg? It’s from being in that chair all those hours. I hope you’re happy!” Will putting her back into the state-test stream be to her advantage? To ours? To anyone’s? We’re holding our breath. The math tests are coming in May.

Ellen Horafas is a Long Island mom of three, whose kids have all gotten to an age where they no longer appreciate being named in her prose.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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things to do

diy corner

Dynamite Dinner Table Conversation Jar Sometimes sitting at the dinner table can feel like sitting behind an interrogation table. Your grown-ups constantly asking, “How was your day?” only to be met with the ever-popular response, “Fine.” This Dynamite Dinner Table Conversation Jar game will blast your conversation skills to the next world, making you the talk of the table. Not only will you get to tell everyone the coolest tricks you did for the day, but you’ll start connecting with your family in a whole new way!

What You Need Recycled glass jar Permanent markers Popsicle sticks How to Make Ahead 1. Color a creative pattern on the outside of a clean glass jar using permanent markers. You can be as creative as you want: make a rainbow, make stripes, make a funny face, add a super-powered symbol…really, the sky is the limit. 2. Once you have covered your entire jar, set it to dry while you prepare your conversation starters. 3. On each of your Popsicle sticks, write simple word clues or questions to help you the next time you are stuck and don’t know what to talk about (ideas listed below). When you have enough choices, add your Popsicle sticks to your jar and place it in the middle of your dinner table. How to Use This Tool At your next family meal, when your adults ask, “What did you do today?” instead of saying, “Nothing,” you can pull a prompt from the jar and get the conversation rolling. Never again feel like you are at a loss for words or worried about what to talk about when you have company over. Sample Conversation Starters Let’s learn about your day. Today, what is your favorite… subject in school? game you played at recess? book you read? thing you did with a friend? part of the day? WHY? 14

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Let’s learn more about everyone. What is your favorite... food? movie? song? color? game? WHY? Let’s learn about your dreams. What would you do if... you had a million dollars? you had to move to a new state? your friend switched schools? you lost your two front teeth? WHY? Let’s learn about your struggles. Today, what is your… biggest worry? worst memory? scariest moment? WHY? Challenge Make your own conversation starters. Use cardstock paper and pens to write out some funny questions or jokes to get the conversation going with your family. Train Your Adult Have you ever felt like the cat’s got your tongue? Adults use that phrase when kids suddenly go quiet. Your grown-up wants nothing more than to understand you, and some days that seems impossible when all of their questions are met with roadblocks. I know you have a lot to say, but you just aren’t sure how to access all the awesome things you want to tell your adults. Instead of leaving adults baffled at your silence, give them this super-secret tool to get you talking and sharing all the cool things you have to say, and give them a sneak peek into your world.

Cover and book design by Page Street Publishing Co. Photography by Dayna Abraham. Excerpted from The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day by Dayna Abraham with permission of the publisher.

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online extras In families with two or more children, an older sibling’s departure for college can spark mixed emotions in the younger child. Find out how to cope at ›› nymetroparents.com/college-sibling Is homework necessary? Take a look inside the debate—and what a Brooklyn school is doing instead at ›› nymetroparents.com/no-homework

Local Catholic schools are integrating students of all religions. Learn why at ›› nymetroparents.com/inclusive-catholics One of the first decisions you’ll have to make as the parent of a child with special needs is what school your child will attend. Find answers to common questions that go into the decision making process at ›› nymetroparents.com/special-school

inside

raising kids education special

18 B aby Needs Books!: It’s never too soon to raise an eager reader. he Buzz on Blended Learning: 22 T This bold approach integrates technology with traditional teaching. hould School Start Later?: Early 26 S classes can harm teens’ health and academic performance. 28 E ducation Directory: Schools, academic enrichment, and special education services in Nassau County.

Baby Needs Books!

››

It’s never too soon to raise an eager reader—these early steps are the way to start.

hen my older daughter was born, I ran out and bought a bunch of things I assumed were necessities, such as a wet-wipe heater (which only made the wipes a smidge warmer than they already were) and a rattle (even though Clara’s little hands were in mittens to prevent her from accidentally scratching herself). “She doesn’t need that stuff,” my mom laughed. “She just needs food and shelter and love.” Experts would agree, but they’d probably add one more item to that short list: books. That’s right—even the very smallest children can benefit profoundly from story time. Snuggling over a good read actually helps your baby learn to read you and vice versa, and can yield a host of brain-boosting benefits, both now and later. Here are some reasons to start amassing a kiddie library, and using it daily.

0-6 Months: Building Bonds

At the very beginning of life, “reading time is really about bonding with a parent or caregiver,” says Rina P. Collins, owner of Book Nook, an early literacy studio with two Manhattan locations. Set aside time once or twice a day to break out 18

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

By Deborah Skolnik

a book. It’s also a chance for you to practice your reading technique. Not only do you have to get used to reciting aloud (it can take a while not to feel silly saying things like “and then the bunny went to the market!”) but “you’re learning how to hold your baby in the crook of one arm while holding the book with the other,” notes Pam Allyn, founding director of LitWorld, a global literacy initiative. Your child may not spend lots of time checking out the book’s pages—he isn’t even focusing that well yet—but he’s looking at the faces you make, and starting to associate them with emotions. He’s also listening. “You’re transmitting the grammatical structures and rhythm of language,” Allyn says. Go for books that are rich in sounds, such as Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. Also select some books with black-and-white contrast, since that’s what infants see best. One great choice: Hello Baby by Roger Priddy. Around 4 months, your baby can see pictures more clearly, Collins notes. She’s mesmerized by other babies’ faces, so try reading Global Babies by The Global Fund for Children or a similar book. “And as your baby gets more accustomed to the rhythms of

language, he’ll enjoy texts that have an element of repetition,” says Roslyn Haber, Ed.D., associate professor of education at Touro Graduate College of Education in Manhattan. Nursery-rhyme books are great choices now, as are other books with repetitive turns of phrase. “We started reading Eric Carle’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear a lot at this point,” Collins says. Rest assured, all this reading is doing lots of good. According to a study presented last spring at the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting, reading to babies as young as just 6 months of age results in more robust vocabularies and better early literacy skills by age 4. The more vividly parents share books, the better: “We asked whether they were engaging in reading that involved talking about the pictures and emotions, and having a conversation around the story,” says Carolyn Cates, the study’s lead author. So go ahead— comment on the characters, make funny faces as you read, and modulate your voice up and down.

7-12 Months: Tactile Readers

Speaking of vocabulary, the second half of the first year is a great time to start building your baby’s knowledge of words. “We put out lots of board books that just had pictures and basic words, like ‘mommy’ or ‘daddy,’” Collins says. Roger Priddy’s First 100 Words Lift-the-Flap introduces vocabulary staples while also satisfying curious little fingers. In fact, you may notice your child starting to handle books a lot more around this time—“my son liked taking his finger and rubbing the page and moving his hand all around it,” Collins remembers. Dr. Haber agrees: “this is a very exploratory stage. It’s great to get books that have a lot of tactile fabrics in them,” she says.

By this point, you’ve probably figured out reading to your baby is a way of getting to know her personality. Does he act excited when you pull out a book about dinosaurs? Disinterested in the book about cats? Her expressions, gestures, and even the sounds she makes will provide clues. Since he can see colors very well now, the bright hues of Sandra Boynton’s Moo, Baa, La La La! may appeal to him. Rich language patterns may grab her attention too—at least for a short while. A book such as More More More Said the Baby by Vera B. Williams fits the bill. Once your baby starts to crawl, put books in baskets, so they’ll be at eye level, Allyn recommends. If he shows a preference for certain subjects, stick with them (“Oh, you liked that book about trucks? Let’s get another book about them!”). As she nears her first birthday, your little one will also have a better understanding of the overall concept of a story, so feel free to try a book with more of a plot, such as Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day. Another major concept your child is starting to grasp is the idea that he belongs to a family. Try reading some stories that highlight family relationships, such as the Max and Ruby series by Rosemary Wells, featuring brother-and-sister rabbits. “Max and Ruby are recurring characters in the books, so you and your baby can keep reading about them as your child gets older,” Allyn points out. Also highlight books that talk about where its main character fits into the world, for example The New Baby by Mercer Mayer. Talk to your baby about how there are many different types of families. And make sure to throw in some books just for silly fun: Allyn is a big fan of Acoustic Rooster by Kwame Alexander, chronicling the adventures of a jazz-loving rooster and his barnyard band. continued on next page ››

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LongIslandParent 19

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‹‹ continued from previous page

13-18 Months: Pages and Passions

“One to two years of age is when children’s language is absolutely exploding,” Allyn says. Your baby can appreciate continuity, so introduce her to authors you can return to again and again. These include Mo Willems, author of the acclaimed Pigeon series, and Charlotte Zolotow, who wrote The Seashore Book and dozens of others. “Your child is ready to have books that have multiple sentences, are longer, and have more advanced pictures,” Collins says. Rhyming books, such as Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown, may capture his attention. Tickle your baby’s funny bone by making exaggerated expressions and noises—you may be rewarded with some extra enthusiasm and delicious giggles. Where your baby used to be cradled in your arms for story time, she may happily settle into your lap. Make it easy for him to pick up books on his own, too; Collins recommends using low dish-display shelves and filling them with kiddie volumes. Try finding books that relate to something your child loves in real life: If she’s a fan of unicorns, for example, read her a storybook that features one. And be prepared to let your little one take the lead—she may no longer be content to have you hold the book, insisting she keep a grip on it and turn the pages instead. “Be really patient,” Allyn advises. “It’s important that she learns how books work—even if that means [she is] turning the pages backwards as well as forwards.” With all his squirminess, your child may often be reluctant to go to bed. Make books your secret weapon. Soothing titles such as Night-Night, by Leslie Patricelli, and DK Publishing’s Baby Touch and Feel Bedtime can become part of your evening or naptime rituals. The comforting images and soothing words, read in a soft voice, might just do the trick and help your child (and you!) catch some much-needed zzz’s.

19-24 Months: Read It Again, Mom!

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January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Since you’ve exposed your baby to so many wonderful books by now, don’t be surprised if she has a favorite or two—and wants you to read them again and again. Oh, and again. Yes, it can test your patience a little, but it’s really a good thing for your budding reader. “It links that book to comfort and familiarity,” Dr. Haber says. Don’t be surprised, either, if your child picks up a book and throws it down, or even hurls it several feet across the room. It doesn’t mean your little one is destined to grow up to be the terror of the local library! “At this time, he’s exploring space, and throwing the book is part of that,” Dr. Haber explains. Instead of scolding him, you can calmly tell him to treat books with care. “You can pick the book back up and say, ‘That’s the book about the bird taking a vacation! Should we read it again?’” Dr. Haber suggests. Of course, it’s good to introduce new books whenever you can. At this age, they can have simple lessons, such as Please and Thank You by Richard Scarry and the old favorite, The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. Sing-song books, with hand gestures you can try together, will often be a big hit too—read The Wheels on the Bus by Jerry Smith. Almost any book can inspire some back-and-forth now. Try pointing to a duck or house and asking your child what it is; she may surprise you with a one-word answer you can expand on (“Right! That’s the duck who likes to play in the mud!”) Just as your child may be mimicking some of your day-to-day activities, he may now mirror the way you read. “Many kids this age start trying to hold a book and read it aloud to their stuffed animals,” Allyn says. Your little one may “read” by babbling, using the same inflections you sometimes do during story time. It’s hilarious to watch, and touching, too. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And it shows that when it comes to a healthy love of reading, you and your child are on the same page.

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Jordan Laird

In math class, a fifth-grade student at St. Ann in East Harlem works on a Google Chromebook in i-Ready at the technology station. Behind him, Phil Biondo teaches students at his teacher instruction station. The timer on the board signals when to rotate stations.

The Buzz on Blended Learning

››

This bold approach integrates technology with traditional teaching. By Jordan Laird

n the fourth floor of an old building in East Harlem, Phil Biondo is teaching fifth-grade math. One group of students works diligently in their workbooks on one side of the room, occasionally discussing questions or asking Biondo for clarification. A second group of students is taught by Biondo himself, at the front of the classroom. A third group of students, directly across the room from the first, wears headphones and works online on Google Chromebooks, using a learning program called i-Ready. Behind Biondo, a digital timer is set for 30 minutes. When it goes off, the students rotate between the three ‘stations.’ Biondo remains seated and quickly begins teaching the next group’s lesson. Class at St. Ann looked very different four years ago, before Principal Hope Mueller came on board and instituted a blended learning program—one in which a portion of learning is done online, and data generated is used to track students’ progress and refine lesson plans and other teaching strategies. At the time of her arrival, Mueller says, the school was plagued by behavioral problems, and test scores were stagnant. “The faculty and I recognized something wasn’t working and we kind of brainstormed and thought about the fact that we were not meeting the needs of every child,” she shares. Mueller had gone to a few conferences and heard about blended learning and how the teaching style could possibly help students, so the faculty agreed to try it. At first the school made do with its limited tech gear, but soon won a grant for equipment (including the Chromebooks), better Wi-Fi, and staff support. 22

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

The new strategy has paid off. In its first year after implementing blended learning, St. Ann saw a 28-percent increase in the number of students passing the state English Language Arts test and a 5-percent rise in those passing the state math exam, far exceeding Mueller’s goal of a 3-percent increase in both areas. In addition, “we saw behavior concerns drop to almost nothing,” she says. “We saw morale go through the roof with everybody in the community, and enrollment go up for the first time since 2006.” Last year, St. Ann was 1 of 11 schools to win a Blackboard award for outstanding schools in New York City. It was also named one of the 85 schools in the country worth visiting by gettingsmart.com, a design firm focused on innovations in learning.

A Rich Blend

Kimberly Greene, Ed.D., an associate professor of education at Brandman University in Irvine, CA, and an expert on educational technology, says blended learning is “where there is a formal electronically mediated component. It’s a formal component, not the occasional ‘here, watch this video and we’ll talk about it in class.’” In other words, tech is integral to the teaching process. A growing number of schools are adopting some type of blended approach. According to a 2015 report by the Center for Digital Education, 41 percent of K-12 schools surveyed offered blended and virtual (online) learning classes, and 55 percent of K-12 schools surveyed provided personalized learning, which is learning tailored to an individual student’s particular needs. Personalized learning goes hand in hand with blended learning.

“A lot of times I think about blended learning as a way to allow computers to do what computers do well, which is delivery of standardized lessons in some ways, and using data to personalize but [also] to free teachers to do what only humans can do,” says Michael Horn, co-author of the book Blended. “And that’s, you know, spend a lot more time on rich feedback. The point of blended learning is to increase the quality of those human interactions.” St. Ann utilizes quite a bit of data to personalize lessons for its students. Using the i-Ready software, teachers can check students’ progress on virtual lessons as frequently as desired. The program automatically uses the data to personalize the lessons each student receives next. The teachers use that data to create their own lesson plans as well, and to decide how to group students for station rotation. “Before we had this [approach], basically how you get data from students [is] you’re giving them quizzes or tests or you’re seeing how they act during class, seeing if they can answer questions. But this gives us data on how they’re doing each day in real time,” says Karen Doyle, St. Ann’s Blended Learning Coordinator and a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) teacher. While St. Ann utilizes the station rotation model of blended learning, this is just 1 of 3 major blended-learning approaches used in K-12 education. In 2013, when the Center for Digital Education surveyed schools that have embraced digital learning in some way, it found that roughly equal percentages of respondents used station rotation (38 percent); a “flipped” classroom model, in which instruction is offered outside the classroom—often online—and projects traditionally considered to be homework are done during class time (43 percent); or a mixture of online and traditional classes (43 percent).

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continued on next page ››

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‹‹ continued from previous page

Challenging Changes

Although blended learning can be beneficial, it also can be tricky to implement. “One of the most important things I will tell teachers…is that they need to walk around their rooms first thing and find the [electrical] outlets,” Mueller says. If a school’s building is old, as St. Ann’s is, many of the outlets may not work. In some of St. Ann’s classrooms, the only functional outlet was located where the teacher’s desk had always been, which meant that the desk had to be moved to make room for the Chromebook cart. Even harder than rearranging furniture, however, was reframing staffers’ mindset as to what instruction could look like. “In the beginning, I was the one always complaining, ‘I can’t do this, I’m not a technology person,’” says first-grade teacher Stephanie Gueits-Marrero. “So for me, it was challenging to transition to this blended learning.” Doyle adds that it’s also very difficult for teachers to carve out time to plan for blended learning. “You have to invest a lot of time and planning up front, and in the very first year we really didn’t have extra time built into the schedule,” Doyle notes. She explains faculty has to spend ample amounts of time sifting through student data on the computer software, then must come up with lesson plans for every group they’re going to see in their station rotation. Last of all, schools may struggle with the price tag for the necessary tech tools. “One of the other most difficult things [was that we had to] get this new infrastructure, these Chromebooks. We got a grant that was very substantial,” Mueller says. “If we didn’t have that support from the Archdiocese and these generous donors, we would not have been able to do what we’ve done.”

Remarkable Ripple Effects

Despite the challenges, St. Ann’s faculty wouldn’t go back to a traditional curriculum. “No. I think I like this way of teaching better,” says Gueits-Marrero—this despite her early resistance. “I think it’s more fun for the students too. They’re not stationed at one desk all day long. It’s helping them. The scores show their improvement.” She describes one of her success stories, a student who came into her first-grade class on a pre-kindergarten level in reading and a low kindergarten level in math. But by the end of the school year, she was already on a second-grade reading level. Gueits-Marrero says this student is continuing to do well now. Camron Campbell, a 14-year-old eighth-grader, is also benefiting tremendously from the new approach. “It’s a little emotional for me because my son struggled so long and felt so bad about himself,” says his mother, Antonia Campbell, remembering the years before the curriculum switch. Now, however, Camron “has just been excelling with this blended learning,” she says. In fact, Principal Mueller says the new style of instruction has improved the climate of the entire school, and the surrounding community. Students and parents now trust the faculty and staff more. Because of the improved school climate, Mueller says faculty members have started facilitating after-school extracurricular activities, despite the fact that St. Ann is not able to pay them a salary for doing so. “The goal originally was just to help the kids academically,” she notes. “And it changed everything. If we had not started with blended learning, I don’t think any of these things would have happened.”

Blended Learning Gone Bad

St. Ann has had tremendous success with blended learning, but when schools don’t implement the approach properly, they run the risk of having it backfire. One common mistake some schools make, Horn says, is assuming technology has replaced

the teacher and that the majority of a student’s day will be spent on the computer. Another way schools get blended learning wrong “is they’re using it more as maybe a replacement for a textbook,” Horn explains. “But they’re not really personalizing that learning, and developing strong cultures around starting to help students own what they’re doing and why.” Horn also stresses spending time up front to design the model, and giving teachers adequate professional development. St. Ann has hosted more than 200 visitors from across the country who want to see its award-winning blended learning program in action. Mueller says one common misconception among visiting educators is that if teachers are using learning centers, and one center is computer-based, it constitutes blended learning. But “without the data driving both the technology and the teacher-led instruction, it’s not quite the blend,” Mueller says. “You’ve got to have a sense of who your students are so that you’re meaningfully able to design how the experience will be for that group,” Dr. Greene adds. “You can’t just design a great blended learning opportunity and then use it with everybody and expect it’s always going to be amazing. It’s got to have flexibility. What is the intention of the learning, and how does it best serve this group of students I’m working with?” Jeffrey Tsang, founder of the education consulting firm Building Blocks Education, which implements blended learning programs in schools, contends that “the challenge is getting to the right ‘why.’” He worries a lot of schools will get into blended learning just because the technology is there or because they believe it will make it cheaper to run the school, or easier for teachers. None of these, Tsang feels, are particularly compelling rationales. “Ultimately, once schools and districts get to a place of ‘I think we should use technology

because it’ll improve learning and improve the student learning experience,’ I think that’s where you get to better models and better implementation,” he says.

What’s Coming Next?

Tsang suspects the next big shift for education will be to put students in charge of what they learn, and how. He thinks that if schools could combine internal motivation with individualized learning styles, it

would transform learning into something driven by students in ways that are much more effective for them. Horn believes there will be more movement toward the notion of mastery learning—a model in which students advance not because it’s time for the whole class to move on, but because they’ve truly mastered something. This may eventually involve doing away with traditional assessments. Horn also predicts a move toward “more thoughtful

and coherent interweaving of rigorous curriculum with really rich projects. Meaning, students can learn knowledge on the computer, but it’ll be much more rigorous curriculum than some of the online programs we’ve seen so far, that sometimes are flimsy. And then giving students more time to dive into rich, complicated, multi-day projects with their peers.” No matter which direction blended learning takes in the future, it’s clear that innovation will be integral to the mix.

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Should School Start Later?

››

Early classes can harm teens’ health and academic performance—here’s a look at the movement to push back that first bell. By Christina Vercelletto

e tried sending the dog in to lick him awake. We tried threats, bribes, and a liberal dose of guilt, too (I’d burst into tears at fairly regular intervals). We set progressively earlier alarms, before calling that experiment a failure at 4:55am. But nothing my husband or I did could get our son, Charles, on the 6:50am high school bus more often than a few times a month. So there I’d be, driving him to school, sweaty and breathless, careening into the parking lot when first period was half over. (I usually drove him, because when my husband did, he’d bellow at him the whole way. I got his frustration, believe me, but was afraid he’d get in an accident.) For four years this went on, until, blessedly, my son graduated last June—but not before having to take night-school classes for habitually failing first period. A mere month after those insanely stressful mornings finally ended, Charles began working a shift that starts at 9:30am. He gets up on his own at 8am, fixing himself eggs and toast. He leaves promptly at 8:45am every day, allowing a little extra time for traffic. Really? I thought. As mystifying as it seemed to me at first, my experience, it turns out, squares with science. Research has shown that early school start times (7:21am at our Long Island high school, for example) simply don’t mesh with teenage biology, and that starting even just 60 minutes later has positive effects on mental and physical health, and on academic performance, too. Yet the vast majority of public schools, including in our area, resist making the change.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Rude Awakenings

Despite their appearance, high school kids are just that—kids who are still growing. Adolescents need 8½-9½ hours of sleep a night, an almost laughable number when compared with dayto-day reality. Ruth Angstadt’s son, Kurt, a 10th-grader at West Babylon High School in Suffolk County, is a prime example. “He has soccer practice after school, then dinner and hours of homework. By the time he showers and winds down, it’s after eleven. Midnight is not unheard of,” she laments. Kurt is up at 6:15am (5:45am if he needs to get to school early for extra help). Do the math. Contrary to the assumption that teens are just being, well, teens by refusing to budge from bed, it has much more to do with biology than rebellion. A shift in their internal clocks at puberty signals the sleep hormone melatonin to kick in later at night. That’s why the seemingly simple solution of enforcing an earlier bedtime doesn’t really work. That internal shift makes it hard for teens to fall asleep before 11pm, or wake up much before 8am. They may get in bed and turn off the light at your insistence, but in all likelihood, they’re not sleeping. “The fact that these circadian rhythm shifts appear in adolescent mammals as well as adolescent humans suggests that there’s more to the story here than irresponsibility,” says Stacy Simera, communications director for StartSchoolLater.net.

The Beneﬁts of Later Start Times

Teens need enough sleep, not only to stave off the grumpies, but also to effectively learn once they get to school. Schools with the first period bell ringing at 8:30am or later—which eliminates more than 85 percent of U.S. public high schools, according to federal data from the 2015-16 school year—wind up with better attendance and graduation rates. One study comparing schools in seven states, including New York, found that instituting an 8:30am start increased attendance rates from 90 to 94 percent and graduation rates from 79 to 88 percent. These schools’ students have more downtime too, according to a separate study recently published in December in the journal Sleep Health. It found that when high school classes started at 8:30am or later, teens spent 46 more minutes in bed, on average, compared with peers whose schools started between 7 and 7:30am. Meanwhile, a study of middle-school students in North Carolina found that a one-hour delay in start time increased math test scores by 3.3 percentile points and reading test scores by 3.7 points. “As someone who has studied educational interventions, I truly believe that this is the single easiest and least expensive way to improve student outcomes,” said the study’s author, Santa Clara University economist Teny M. Shapiro. In fact, none other than the American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement in 2014 saying that “insufficient sleep in adolescents [is] an important public health issue that significantly affects the health and safety, as well as the academic success, of our nation’s middle and high school students.” The following year, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged education policymakers to start school later. “Getting enough sleep is important for students’ health, safety, and academic performance,” stated Anne Wheaton, the lead author and epidemiologist in the CDC’s Division of Population Health. Both the CDC and the AAP noted that sleep-deprived teens not only have poorer educational outcomes, but also are more prone to car accidents, obesity, and depression.

Success Stories

The realization is spreading that it’s harmful to force teens to rise with the birds. Some schools have adopted later start times, though there’s no hard data on the trend. “Unfortunately, it is very difficult to track how many schools are talking about changing or have changed start times because there is no mandatory reporting. Our lack of tracking start times reflects our level of systemic lack of awareness,” Simera says. But the Glen Falls School District is one that made the switch. In 2013, the high school pushed back its start time from 7:45am to 8:25am, and saw better student outcomes. The South Orangetown Central School District is another that opted to try a later start. “Our high school and middle school went from a 7:30am start to 8:15. It’s soooo much better,” says Stephanie Mullen, a mom of three in Blauvelt. “Teens are not adults, and there’s no point in forcing them to adapt to an adult schedule.” At Islip High School in Suffolk County, upperclassmen can opt out of first period and come in 40 minutes later, provided they’ll have enough credits to graduate, which most do.

sisters arrive, an arrangement some working parents depend on. Aside from increased transportation costs, rejiggering the start times of a district’s schools would mean renegotiating contracts, not only with transportation providers, but with teachers and school staff, including sports coaches. Another consideration: The traffic that school buses and traveling school sports teams would face if their schedule were closer to rush hour. “As it was, it would take Joey an hour to get back when his away volleyball games ended at four. Imagine if they ended at five?” says Marie Iorio, a mom of two in New Hyde Park in Nassau County. A situation like that could hamper a child’s participation in extracurriculars or sports, which—who knows?—could be the thing that makes or breaks their college applications. Other parents are simply neutral on the issue. “I have mixed feelings about late start,” says Gina Seymour, the library media specialist at Islip High School. “Yes, the kids are tired, but as a mom I do like to see my children off to school before I leave for work, rather than leave with them still in bed.”

Continued Clock-Watching

While the premise of later school start times for teens is widely accepted by those familiar with the facts, there’s another stumbling block to overcome: human nature. People, parents included, tend to rally around causes that affect them directly. That means that hard-won advocates graduate along with their kids every four years, so it’s a constant battle for groups such as Start School Later to keep re-educating parents and maintain the grassroots pressure. None of this is to say, of course, that opening high schools an hour later is the lone magic bullet to kids’ sleep issues and school success. And some kids fare better than others with the current arrangement. Jennifer Geddes, a mom of two teens in Manhattan, is one of the lucky ones. Her daughter’s high school starts at 8:30am. But while Geddes says the late start is great, “Fiona could start earlier than that,” she shares. “She’s up and ready to go well before she has to leave.” Barring a sweeping change to start times, what are families to do? Promoting good sleep-hygiene habits for kids, such as avoiding caffeine in the evening, shutting down electronics before getting into bed, and keeping to roughly the same sleep schedule on weekends, will help them regardless of when school begins. That, combined with continuing efforts to educate parents, school boards, and politicians on the benefits of letting teens sleep later, may ultimately yield eye-opening results for our chronically weary kids. Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub.

SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

Building solid foundations for ninety years. OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 28th, 2018 • 11:30-2:00 Working together to share the JOY and spread the GOOD NEWS

Why Don’t More Schools Make a Change?

Like so many other things having to do with public school systems, the current situation is largely driven by budgets. The start times of high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools have to be staggered in order to keep the number of buses and drivers—and costs—to a minimum. And high schools tend to start earliest, often to allow the youngest students to wait at the bus stop in broad daylight and to have teens back home before their little brothers and

ST. RAYMOND SCHOOL

263 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway, NY 11518 516-593-9010 • www.srsny.org

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raising kids directory

Education Resources Top area schools and academic services to help you make the best decisions for your child

Academic Enrichment and Educational Services Eye Level of Williston Park

516-747-7700 eyelevelwillistonpark.com Many parents today are facing educational challenges and looking for answers to help their children succeed academically. Whether the immediate goal is for early learning, remedial education, or academic education, Eye Level is the answer. Eye Level offers math and English programs for ages 3-12. Our instructors are able to tailor a curriculum by understanding the learning abilities of the students. With ongoing guidance of our instructors, each student will set attainable goals and learn at a comfortable pace. With each success, the student grows more self-confident, self-motivated, and self-directed in the quest for knowledge.

Huntington Learning Centers

656 Sunrise Highway, Baldwin 516-867-4041 607 E. Main St., Bay Shore 631-968-5100 79-81 Westbury Ave., Carle Place 516-747-5600 Elwood Shopping Center 1928B Jericho Turnpike, East Northport 631-462-8900 Phillips Plaza 639 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook 516-568-1900 1506 Northern Blvd., Manhasset 516-365-4455 South Gate Shopping Center 49-34 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park 516-799-9500 Gateway Plaza 499-5 Sunrise Highway, Patchogue 631-289-4900 443 S. Oyster Bay Road, Suite B, 2nd floor, Plainview 516-681-0400 Smithtown Shopping Center 8 Miller Place, Smithtown 631-360-0422 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for kindergarten to 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.

LIU Post Center for Gifted Youth

Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, director LIU Post, Brookville 516-299-2160 liu.edu/giftedyouth vera.savino@liu.edu The Long Island University program for gifted children was established in 1979 in response to the increasing recognition of society’s special responsibilities for children with demonstrably superior intellectual ability. The Long Island University Center for Gifted Youth brings together two important elements of education for the gifted: extraordinary teachers recruited from leading high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools in the metropolitan area and university-level facilities. These two factors, combined with an administrative and psychological team schooled in the needs of gifted children, give the program at LIU Post unique strengths in producing positive benefits for young people admitted to the program.

Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning

175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org info@liwholechild.org Enrichment Classes are open to gifted, twice exceptional, and all students. Flight Team: Become familiar with flying our professional-grade flight simulator. Martial Arts: Students use their bodies and sense of self through martial arts techniques developing self-confidence, self-respect, social cognition skills, and muscle tone. The Science of Magic: Learn the science behind magic tricks and even perform your own. Makers Space: Create, plan, dig and build, using a variety of materials and tools. Readers/Writers Workshop: Geared to elicit creative and wondrous stories from even our most reluctant readers and writers.

Mathnasium Learning Centers Five Towns 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst 516-569-1500 Great Neck

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

The Reading/Writing Learning Clinic at the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center of Hofstra University

131 Hofstra University, Hempstead 516-463-5805 hofstra.edu/rwlclinic Located at Hofstra University, The Reading/Writing Learning Clinic at the Joan and Arnold Saltzman Community Services Center is dedicated to providing literacy support to children and youth in a safe and supportive environment. Each class—taught by New York state-certified teachers—incorporates students’ experiences with literacy in innovative ways to help them develop their strengths as readers and writers. Personalized consultations offer parents advice about how to support their child’s literacy growth. Individual or small group instruction is available. Evaluations are conducted by appointment only.

RSM Russian School of Mathematics

RSM Brooklyn now has a new location! 2583 Ocean Ave., Brooklyn 516-551-6428 russianschool.com/brooklyn brooklyn@russianschool.com Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview 201-661-4229

Sylvan Learning Center of Mineola

393 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-743-9943 sylvanlearning.com sylvanlearning@optonline.net Every child’s learning plan is unique! At Sylvan of Mineola students are posed with challenges that are tailored to their specific skill set, mixing the best in teaching and technology, ensuring your child gets just what he or she needs. Advanced topics in math, enhancing writing skills, and learning how to interact with text on a higher level are just some of our many enriching opportunities. Robotics and coding programs are also fun enrichment activities to enhance your child’s after-school routine. Our team of college-readiness experts help teens with personalized SAT and ACT test prep.

Village East Gifted - Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner

orous and creative academic enrichment program for gifted students ages 2-16 open seven days a week. Its CORE curriculum includes Latin, writing and grammar, geography, global studies, STEAM, mathematics, living science, SAT/ ACT vocabulary enrichment, advanced study skills, and creative problem solving. A gifted pre-K/Kindergarten program (ages 4-5) is offered during the day and after-school as well as a day program for ages 2-4. All enrolled students have placed in the 90th percentile or higher on national tests with IQ scores between 130 and 150.

Parochial Schools Catholic Elementary Schools of Long Island Diocese of Rockville Centre

Multiple locations 516-678-5800 licatholicelementaryschools.org Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools are 43 unique and beautiful schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Academically, the expectations of each student are high and the historical performance has been exceptional. The schools are differentiated from their public counterparts by their integrated program of learning and living the Catholic faith and values. We help instill the moral values, self-respect, and study habits that go on to serve our students well as they continue their education, and for the rest of their lives.

SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

Our Lady of Mercy 520 South Oyster Bay Road Hicksville, NY 11801

OPEN HOUSE

russianschool.com/portwashington portwashington@russianschool.com Recently featured in TED, NPR, and The Atlantic magazine as one of the key players in the “Math Revolution,” and ranked one of the best schools in the world by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, RSM helps children of all levels build a solid math foundation and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Sign up for a free math evaluation today!

January 10th • 9:30-11:00 and 1-2 • N-K January 28th • 11:45-2:00 • N-8 January 30th • 9:30-11:00 • N-8 January 31st • 1:00-2:00 • N-8

SAINT MARY’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

A great place to grow.

Holy Child Academy

25 Store Hill Road, Old Westbury 516-626-9300 holychildacademy.org continued on next page ››

NOURISHING HEARTS, MINDS AND SOULS. | Nursery – 8th Grade · After Care available

A great place to learn. Nursery through Eighth Grade

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, JAN 28 | 12:00 Noon

OUR LADY OF LOURDES

76 Park Blvd, Malverne, NY 11565 516-599-7238 s www.ollmalverne.org

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS AND OPTIONS

1340 NORTHERN BOULEVARD | MANHASSET, NEW YORK 11030 516.627.0184 | WWW.STMARYELEM.WS

LongIslandParent 29

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Holy Child Academy is a premier, independent Catholic school, for children of all faiths, from toddler through eighth grade. Our exceptional teachers provide an intellectually challenging and creative program of study that develops a child’s love for learning. The average class size of 14 honors the learning style and pace of each child. Our joyful whole child approach to mind, body, and spirit integrates art, music, and exercise daily. Students leave our beautiful wooded campus, as happy, responsible, and compassionate young adults, ready to excel (in high school and beyond). Visit us at holychildacademy.org.

Holy Family School

17 Fordham Ave., Hicksville 516-938-3846 x329 hfsli.org Making a difference one child at a time. Students come from 31 Catholic parishes, 34 Long Island school districts to be a part of this one great school. Our nurturing yet challenging program educates the whole child, in mind, body, and spirit. At Holy Family each child is known by name and loved for his or her God-given talents. Holy Family students share love, understanding, compassion, and kindness each school day. Full- and half-day nursery and pre-K, kindergarten through eighth grade, morning and after care, academic intervention and enrichment, and after-school enrichment clubs. Call anytime for a tour.

Our Lady of Grace Montessori School

29 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset 516-365-9832 olgmanhasset.com sister.kelly@olgmanhasset.com Our Lady of Grace is committed to providing an atmosphere that is conducive to spiritual and educational growth. The school strives to foster and maintain an educational experience for children from nursery to third grade, inspiring them to pursue lifelong learning. The school has offered high quality education for 50 years and is rooted in the core values of love, spirituality, respect,

community, and beauty. Our teachers recognize that children learn in different ways and accommodate all learning styles.

Our Lady of Lourdes

76 Park Blvd., Malverne 516-599-7328 ollmalverne.org Nourishing hearts, minds, and souls. It’s more than religion classes. Our faith comes alive when we live it. OLL provides an opportunity for each child to grow in knowledge, friendship, and love of the Lord while aspiring to reach their full potential spiritually, academically, and socially. All classes have a special Saint they align with and each year has a unique theme. Each child is known by name and loved for their unique qualities. We offer Nursery through eighth grade. After care is available. Come visit our open house Sunday, Jan. 28, 10:30am–12pm.

Our Lady of Mercy

520 S. Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville 516-433-7040 olmshicks.org Our Lady of Mercy School strives in the spirit of service and love to inspire our students to grow spiritually, academically, and socially. Our goal is to enable all students to meet the challenges of the future through a strong faith-based academic program enhanced by extracurricular activities. A variety of early childhood classes, full-day kindergarten through eighth grade, before- and after-care programs are available. Weekday, evening, and weekend tours are available by appointment.

Saint Mary’s Elementary School

1340 Northern Blvd., Manhasset 516-627 0184 stmary11030.org At St. Mary’s Elementary School, our students flourish in an environment characterized by academic excellence, inspired faith, and creative learning, in which they are prepared to achieve their greatest academic potential as they grow in mind and spirit. With small classes, skilled teachers, the latest technology, and exciting extracurricular activities, we inspire excitement in learning

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

while integrating Catholic values into our daily curriculum, offering a strong liturgical life on campus, instilling a sense of service and outreach into every student, and promoting an atmosphere of respect, tolerance, and generosity. Schedule your tour today!

St. Christopher School

15 Pershing Blvd., Baldwin 516-223-4404 stchris-school.org St. Christopher School has been educating children for more than 90 years in a safe, caring, Catholic environment. Tours are always available. We offer programs for pre-kindergarten to eighth grades. We recognize that each child is unique and strive to help them reach their potential. We offer an AIS program, enrichment, and STEM classes. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum. Each student in sixth-eighth grades has their own Chromebook, and uses it in every subject. Extracurricular activities and before- and after-school programs are available.

St. Dominic Elementary School

35 School St., Oyster Bay 516-922-4233 stdomsob.org St. Dominic Elementary School opened in 1924 and was one of the first Catholic elementary schools established on Long Island. Today, the school provides an academic program for students ages 3-14. It is a faith-centered program that connects reading, writing, thinking, and listening skills across subject areas with the use of 21st century technology and the integration of Catholic values into every subject taught. All classes follow the NY State Curriculum Guidelines and are approved by the Diocesan Office of Education in Rockville Centre.

St. Edward the Confessor School

2 Teibrook Ave., Syosset 516-921-7767 stedwardconfessor.org St. Edward the Confessor School is a Catholic faith-based school located in the heart of Syosset, with more than 50 years of excellence in education. The Early Childhood program provides a strong foundation

for the elementary school years, providing multi-faceted activities which allow the children to develop socially and academically. The curriculum in the elementary years uses many strategies to strengthen skills in writing, reading, and comprehension. The middle school students use Chromebooks to take notes, research, and watch tutorials. St. Edward’s incorporates 21st century technology, including interactive Smartboards, iPads, and robotics.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School

2341 Washington Ave., Bellmore 516-785-5709 steas.com St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School is a middle states accredited parochial school for nursery through eighth grade children providing a top quality education since 1992. We offer an early childhood program that consists of half-day nursery, halfand full-day pre-K and kindergarten, as well as Our Time, which is a transitional program for children age 2 with a parent. “SEAS” provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes language, music, art, computer technology, academic intervention services, sports, clubs, and after-school enrichment and care. At SEAS we learn and grow in respect, responsibility, and reverence.

St. Raymond School

263 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway 516-593-9010 srsny.org St. Raymond is a Catholic elementary school dedicated to nurturing a Christ-centered community for more than 90 years in which students serve God and others, develop their talents, strive for academic excellence, and become lifelong learners. Our academic purpose is to develop each student to achieve scholastic success. Spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and aesthetic growth opportunities are provided while keeping in mind individual differences. We offer nursery, half-day and full-day pre-K programs, full-day kindergarten through eighth grade, after-school activities, and before- and after-school care.

Preschools Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com Countryside Montessori School was founded in 1998. We were founded with the aim of providing a high quality early childhood education based on the philosophy, methods, and techniques developed 100 years ago by educational pioneer and Nobel prize nominee Dr. Maria Montessori. Our children become responsible for their own learning and their own behavior. They learn to respect themselves and others. Everything in our school is designed to encourage and aid the child’s natural curiosity.

East Woods School

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org East Woods, in Oyster Bay, is a private school for age 2 through

eighth grade. We are a friendly community of students, faculty, and parents that feels more like one big family. We have been inspiring confidence, excellence, and kindness since 1946. East Woods is small by design, and promotes excellence in a nurturing environment where advanced learning opportunities abound. We develop confident, motivated, and kind leaders. We believe that your child’s potential is only the beginning.

Green Vale School

250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville 516-621-2420 greenvaleschool.org The Green Vale School is Long Island’s premier and largest independent elementary school. Families from more than 30 school districts are drawn here by the outstanding faculty, excellent facilities, and small classes in pre-nursery through eighth grade. Our mission—instilling confidence and competence, promoting respect and responsibility, teaching a

love of learning, and inspiring our students to excel, to lead, and to care—has been at the heart of a Green Vale education since 1923. Come learn more about our uncommon core of excellence with an emphasis on character development.

Village East Gifted Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner Kindergarten and Preschool

Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com villageeastgifted.com The Village East Gifted® Kindergarten and Preschool implement a “100-percent academic” curriculum designed for young accelerated learners ages 2-5. The classes are small and lessons are differentiated to meet the highest level of comprehension in each class. Students are taught skills to prepare them for CORE

classes (first to 11th grades) after-school, which include Latin, writing and grammar, geography, global studies, SAT/ACT vocabulary, mathematics, living science, study skills, and creative problem solving. IQ scores are not required but an interview must be scheduled to determine academic readiness.

Private Schools Buckley Country Day School

2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn 516 627-1910 buckleycountryday.com Buckley Country Day School is an independent, coeducational day school providing a superior elementary education to an intellectually capable and diverse student body. Buckley provides the foundation that enables our students to achieve their full potential and excel as educated, ethical, and self-confident individuals. Our graduates are well prepared for secondary schools and beyond. continued on next page ››

SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

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East Woods School

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org East Woods, in Oyster Bay, is a private school for age 2 through eighth grade. We are a friendly community of students, faculty, and parents that feels more like one big family. We have been inspiring confidence, excellence, and kindness since 1946. East Woods is small by design, and promotes excellence in a nurturing environment in which advanced learning opportunities abound. We develop confident, motivated, and kind leaders. We believe your child’s potential is only the beginning.

Fusion Academy Woodbury

260 Crossways Park Drive, Suite A, Woodbury 516-364-5414 fusionwoodbury.com Fusion Academy Woodbury is a revolutionary, accredited, private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock academic potential. With one teacher and one student per classroom, Fusion teachers are able to personalize curriculum and teaching to students’ individual strengths and learning styles. Each campus includes a state-of-the-art recording studio, mixed-media art studio, and a Homework Café® in which students complete all homework before going home. Connect with our campus by visiting fusionwoodbury.com.

Green Vale School

since 1923. Come learn more about our uncommon core of excellence with an emphasis on character development.

Long Island Whole Child Academy School for Twice Exceptional Learning 175 Wolf Hill Road, Melville 347-668-3676 liwholechild.org info@liwholechild.org The Long Island Whole Child Academy, School for Twice Exceptional Learning, is the only Long Island school dedicated to serving once highly capable students who also cope with anxiety, executive functioning, social cognition, and sensory processing challenges, ADHD, and high-functioning ASD youth, who do not thrive in a traditional school setting. Our mission is to provide a cutting-edge, integrated educational experience that raises the academic bar while building social and emotional strength and resilience through individualized attention and best clinical and gifted education practices.

Sappo School

40 Kings Park Road, Commack 631-736-2146 sapposchool.com info@sapposchool.com Founded more than 20 years ago, Sappo School is one of the leading independent private schools on Long Island for students in kindergarten to 12th grades. Our students are taught using their individual strengths and interests. We offer small class sizes and a tailored approach to learning. Students learn by doing, as well as listening, reading, or watching. Real world projects allow students to develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills. This creativity is enhanced through our STEM, music, and arts programs. We also offer College Prep and SAT Prep.

Vincent Smith School

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory and language disorders in first to 12th grades. VSS students travel from Long Island and Manhattan to take advantage of the school’s comprehensive program. What makes VSS stand out? Differentiated, personalized instruction in small classes (5-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio); on-site counseling and reading, speech, and occupational therapy (OT); highly-engaged teachers passionate about their mission; emphasis on multi-sensory learning; and college and vocational prep— approximately 85 percent of VSS graduates go to college.

Public Schools Long Island High School for the Arts

239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa The Long Island High School for the Arts offers a free, public, halfday high school program (ninth to 12th grades) for talented young artists who are passionately exploring the world of dance, drama, filmmaking, instrumental and vocal music, theater technology, musical theatre, and visual arts. We also offer the LIHSA Summer Arts Academy open to sixth to 12th grades. For more information, contact us at 516622-5678, mstencel@nasboces. org, or nassauboces.org/lihsa.

Special Needs The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org The Hagedorn Little Village School is a nonprofit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services. Services provided on-site, in homes, nursery schools, and day care centers include speech, feeding, occupa-

tional, physical, and movement therapies; behavior management or Applied Behavior Analysis; counseling; and support groups.

Huntington Learning Centers

656 Sunrise Highway, Baldwin 516-867-4041 607 E. Main St., Bay Shore 631-968-5100 79-81 Westbury Ave., Carle Place 516-747-5600 Elwood Shopping Center 1928B Jericho Turnpike, East Northport 631-462-8900 Phillips Plaza 639 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook 516-568-1900 1506 Northern Blvd., Manhasset 516-365-4455 South Gate Shopping Center 49-34 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park 516-799-9500 Gateway Plaza 499-5 Sunrise Highway, Patchogue 631-289-4900 443 S. Oyster Bay Road, Suite B, 2nd floor, Plainview 516-681-0400 Smithtown Shopping Center 8 Miller Place, Smithtown 631-360-0422 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington Learning Center is an accredited tutoring and test prep leader for kindergarten to 12th grades, since 1977. Huntington’s certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, math, science, study skills, and executive functioning skills and prepare students for the SAT, ACT, and state and standardized exams. Huntington helps students at all levels achieve results by building their skills, confidence, and motivation. According to one parent: “In just four months, I have seen incredible improvements in Jessica’s grades and confidence.” To learn more about Huntington’s programs and find the center near you, please visit huntingtonhelps.com.

Law Offices of Brad H. Rosken, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com School districts consult their attorneys, why shouldn’t you? Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s

also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. He’ll guide you, decipher lingo, and develop effective strategies. He’s also a New York state-certified impartial hearing officer who hears cases in New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties.

Our mission is to provide a cutting-edge, integrated educational experience that raises the academic bar while building social and emotional strength and resilience through individualized attention and best clinical and gifted education practices.

College Prep, SAT Prep, STEM, music, and arts programs.

childhood personnel; and Saturday Enrichment Groups.

Variety Child Learning Center

Vincent Smith School

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301 vclc.org Variety Child Learning Center provides programs and services to more than 750 children (ages newborn to 7) and their families annually, at two sites in Syosset and Levittown, and offsite. Services include Evaluation Center to determine eligibility; Early Intervention; special education preschool and kindergarten-second grade; Special Classes in an Integrated Setting (SCIS); Special Education Itinerant Services (SEIS) at nursery schools, child care locations, and homes; Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA Home Program); Family Center Sunday Respite and Recreation Program; Social Skills Training Groups; Lufrano Training Program for early

Sappo School

40 Kings Park Road, Commack 631-736-2146 sapposchool.com info@sapposchool.com Founded more than 20 years ago, Sappo School is one of the leading independent private schools on Long Island for students kindergarten to 12th grades. We are forerunners in the movement toward educational reform and academic excellence. For more than 20 years, Sappo School has been providing a safe and nurturing environment for students. We offer small class sizes and a tailored approach to learning. We have had proven success in working with students with anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, and ENL students. We offer

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org Vincent Smith School is Long Island’s premier prep school serving students with learning issues such as school anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory and language disorders in first to 12th grades. VSS students travel from Long Island and Manhattan to take advantage of the school’s comprehensive program. What makes VSS stand out? Differentiated, personalized instruction in small classes (5-to-1 studentto-teacher ratio); on-site counseling and reading, speech, and occupational therapy (OT); highly-engaged teachers passionate about their mission; emphasis on multi-sensory learning; and college and vocational prep—approximately 85 percent of VSS graduates go to college.

SCHOOL MARKETPLACE

Looking For An Alternative? School for Twice Exceptional Learning

A Cutting-Edge K-12 College Preparatory School

The Long Island Whole Child Academy “Twice Exceptional” program is strength-based, personalized and student centered.

“Twice Exceptional Youth” (or “2e”) describe students with high ability and potential who simultaneously experience learning, executive functioning, production, and/or social challenges, who do not thrive in a traditional school setting.

347-668-3676

www.liwholechild.org LongIslandParent 33

things to do

city bound

N Y C

Kids can check out and climb aboard real sea vessels.

Welcome to the Boat Show

All aboard! The Progressive New York Boat Show at the Javits Center will please nautical novices and enthusiasts alike. The show, which originated in 1905, has boats of all sizes, from luxury motor yachts and stunning sailboats to performance boats and inflatables. Enjoy workshops and seminars, plus a touch-a-boat tour for families with working vessels from the New York Fire Department. Kids can climb aboard, chat with captains, and take pictures at the helm. Jan. 24-28, Wednesday-Friday, 12-9pm; Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm. Age: All. $16; free for children younger than 13. Javits Center, 625 W. 34th St., Hell’s Kitchen. nyboatshow.com.

Grammy-nominated songwriter and cartoonist Morgan Taylor will present his animated characters and sing original songs at the Gustafer Yellowgold Show at Symphony Space. Families will dig live music, hand drawn on-screen animations, and vivid storytelling featuring Gustafer—a friendly creature who came to Earth from the sun and is living an explorer’s life in a slightly psychedelic version of the Minnesota woods. Jan. 20, 11am. Age: All. $17. Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, Upper West Side. 212864-5400. symphonyspace.org.

Gustafer and Morgan © Erin Patrice O’Brien

Sing “Strawberry Love” at the Gustafer Yellowgold Show

Catch tunes from the new album, Brighter Side, plus old favorites.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Courtesy New York Botanical Garden

W he hile y re ou , v ’r isit e …

New York Botanical Garden During any given season, guests young and young-at-heart can appreciate the beauty of nature at the 250-acre New York Botanical Garden. There are family programs, indoor and outdoor exhibits, and a 50-acre native forest to satisfy any nature lover. Visit it: 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; 718-817-8700; nybg.org Can’t-miss event: Holiday Train Show through Jan. 15 Directions: Approximately a 40-minute drive from Garden City or a 20-minute train ride from Grand Central Terminal Courtesy Children’s Museum of the Arts

Courtesy Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show/Mike Sheehan

Family Fun in Manhattan

Children’s Museum of the Arts

Stop by the Children’s Museum of the Arts for family-friendly and accessible art exhibits as well as hands-on art classes for children as young as 10 months up to teens—you can also create together during Saturday Family Studios. Visit it: 103 Charlton St., Greenwich Village; 212-274-0986; cmany.org Can’t-miss event: New Year’s Eve Celebration on Dec. 31, 10am-3pm (Celebrate at 12pm!) Directions: Approximately a 50-minute drive or a 1-hour LIRR and subway ride from Garden City

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 Disney On Ice Presents ‘Reach For The Stars’ (No. 3 on our list).

JANUARY

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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar

EDITOR: DEE SAUNDERS nassaucal@davlermedia.com

CALENDAR

Editor’s Hot Tickets

Crafty Kids, Little Foodies

We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!

Movers & Shakers

Show Time!, Smarty Pants

Mini Musicians, On Screen

Special Needs

Once Upon a Time, The Great Outdoors

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS

Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the nine 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!

‘Pinkalicious’

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 11am WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. WHY WE LOVE IT: We were tickled pink because we love cupcakes, too! WANT TO GO? $28. 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Candid Camera’s 8 Decades of Smiles with Peter Funt

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 12, 8pm WHERE: NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Candid Camera holds a unique place in entertainment history as the only show to have produced new episodes in each of the last eight decades, from Allen Funt’s debut in 1948 through Peter’s recent run on TV Land. WHY WE LOVE IT: Peter’s topical humor is blended with audience participation and special surprises to make the show a great night of fun. WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 516-334-0800. thetheatreatwestbury.com.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Disney On Ice Presents ‘Reach For The Stars’

WHEN: Jan. 11-14, Thursday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy set the stage for a star-studded talent extravaganza. Expect performances by Elsa, Anna, and Olaf from Frozen; Belle from Beauty and the Beast; Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled; and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: You never know what unforgettable feats your whole family will discover with these beloved characters. WANT TO GO? $18 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 21, 7pm WHERE: Tilles Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The program is set to include Star Dust, a touching tribute to David Bowie, which premiered earlier this year at The Joyce Theater, set to Bowie’s iconic music, and featuring glam rock costumes. WHY WE LOVE IT: This group’s amazing repertoire and stylistic genius will leave you asking for more. WANT TO GO? $44 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Daniel Rodriguez on Broadway

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 21, 3pm WHERE: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Daniel’s hand-picked favorites include music from Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, The Man of La Mancha, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and songs from Vincent Youmans’ 1927 masterpiece Hit the Deck. WHY WE LOVE IT: Acclaimed tenor Daniel Rodriguez is renowned for his inspirational voice that lifted the nation after the events of 9/11. WANT TO GO? $35-$45. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Happy as Clams: The Musical!

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 10:15am and 12pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Meet Clammy the Clam who confesses she is not “happy as a clam.” Clammy and her best friend Grabby the fiddler crab set out to find her happiness by wishing on a star. WHY WE LOVE IT: We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of our own Long Island writer. WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Rolling River Prospective Family Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 12pm WHERE: Rolling River Day Camp, 477 Ocean Ave., 477 Ocean Ave. AGES: All WHAT: Families can come in to learn more about summer camp. During the orientation, kids can do camp activities including playground time, arts and crafts, gymnastics, Wii games or sports while they wait. WHY WE LOVE IT: A unique opportunity for children to get a taste of camp while parents attend an interactive information session. WANT TO GO? 516-593-2267. rollingriver.com.

‘Goodnight Moon’ and ‘The Runaway Bunny’

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 28, 11am and 2pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. The performances employ a variety of puppet styles such as rod and table-top puppets to tell the two stories. WHY WE LOVE IT: All of the puppets and scenic elements are manipulated by just three puppeteers! WANT TO GO? $25. 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Laurie Berkner, Solo!

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 28, 3pm WHERE: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Laurie Berkner will bring such well-loved hits as “Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz),” “Victor Vito,” “We Are The Dinosaurs,” and “Pig on Her Head” to this performance, along with songs from her recent album, Superhero. WHY WE LOVE IT: Laurie is the uncrowned queen of children’s music and the power behind the progressive “kindie rock” movement. WANT TO GO? $19.50 and up. 631-674-5300. paramountny.com.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE

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. Kids Workshop FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 9am-12pm WHERE: Home Depot, 600 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Kids learn to build or create a useful, fun product. WANT TO GO? 516-488-8500. homedepot.com.

Theatrical Performance: ‘Once Upon A Snowflake’ FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 2pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: All WHAT: A heartwarming musical about solving the mystery of the missing Liza. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Holiday Poinsettia Display FREE

WHEN: Through Jan. 8: daily, 10am-4pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: All WHAT: The Main Greenhouse will have a holiday poinsettia and cyclamen display to ring in the festive season. Be sure to take photographs of this magnificent arrangement. WANT TO GO? 516-922-8688. plantingfields.org.

Kids Play Free Week FREE

WHEN: Jan. 8-12, Monday-Friday, by appointment only WHERE: New York Musician’s Center, 701 Bedford Ave., Bellmore AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Call to schedule a free music lesson. Offer available to new customers by appointment only. WANT TO GO? 516-515-0236. nymcmusic.com.

Made with Love FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 17, 11am-1pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Avenue, Floral Park AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between, Made with Love knitting and crocheting group welcomes all to the weekly group. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org. ›› LongIslandParent 37

Daniel Rodriguez on Broadway

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 21, 3pm WHERE: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Daniel’s hand-picked favorites include music from Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, The Man of La Mancha, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and songs from Vincent Youmans’ 1927 masterpiece Hit the Deck. WANT TO GO? $35-$45. 516-323-4444. madisontheatreny.org.

Yamato – The Drummers of Japan

SHOW TIME! Broadway on Main Street

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 8pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Port Washington’s own Broadway impresario Stephen DeAngelis is back with an all new show to bring Broadway vocalists to recreate their signature musical moments from their long-running roles in Broadway and off-Broadway musicals. WANT TO GO? $40 and up. 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘Dirty Dancing’

WHEN: Jan. 5-6, Friday, 8pm; Saturday, 2pm and 8pm WHERE: Tilles Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The classic story on stage is a record-breaking live theater sensation, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Featuring the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby, Do You Love Me?” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” WANT TO GO? $49 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

‘Cinderella’

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 13, 11am WHERE: The Showplace at the Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore AGES: 3-8 WHAT: All the ingredients that have made this story a perennial favorite are here including a zany Fairy Godmother, a trip to the Royal Ball, and a glass slipper. Meet-and-greet to follow the performance. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-599-6870. plazatheatrical.com.

‘Legion of Villains’

WHEN: Jan. 6-20, Saturdays, 2pm; Sundays, 11:30am WHERE: BroadHollow at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: All WHAT: The villains of the storybook community learn they have to put their differences aside and team up together to actually save the day. Can they do it? Follow along in this charming and funny musical adventure. WANT TO GO? $13. 631-581-2700. broadhollow.org.

‘Annie’

WHEN: Jan. 6-21, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: BroadHollow Theatre at Elmont, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 5 and older WHAT: With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start during the 1930s in New York City. WANT TO GO? $29. 516-775-4420. broadhollow.org. 38

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 28, 7pm WHERE: Tilles Center, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville AGES: All WHAT: This amazing ensemble travels the world with Japan’s traditional Wadaiko drums, whose sound stirs the hearts of people everywhere. WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Gazillion Bubble Show

WHEN: Through Feb. 25: Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 11am, 2pm, and 4:30pm; Sunday, 12pm and 3pm WHERE: New World Stages / Stage 2, 340 W. 50th St., Midtown West, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Got bubbles? Families will get a kick out of watching bubbles expand, float, and take over the room. WANT TO GO? $55-$75; $20 lap seat tickets for children younger than 2. 212-239-6200. gazillionbubbleshow.com.

SMARTY PANTS Sunday Science: Space Exploration

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Discover astronomy and tackle challenges of a space-traveler. WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Heart & Seoul: Growing Up in Korea

WHEN: Through Jan. 7: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The growing popularity of all things Korean, from fashion and film to music and cuisine, called “Hallyu” (the Korean Wave) is on view. WANT TO GO? $13; $12 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Innovation Afternoons FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 9, 4pm WHERE: Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 13-17 WHAT: Tinker and play with tools and/or materials to bring ideas to life. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

Discovery Lab JUNIOR FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 11, 4:30pm WHERE: Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Discover something new in our STEAM lab. Work on critical thinking skills while you explore a new project every other month. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS ‘Happy as Clams: The Musical!’ Sensory Friendly Performance

Magical Days at a Gold Coast Mansion

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 14, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Inspired by the exhibit, Fool the Eye, enjoy a day of family-friendly art making and magical adventures. Discover what secrets about the Frick family the museum may hide right before your eyes; watch magical feats during A Show By Joe; and create artworks that fool the eye. WANT TO GO? $10 with admission: $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Little Builders Imagination Club FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 19, 4:30pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Enjoy some fun, creativity, and imagination as you build with Duplo blocks, Lincoln Logs, and Bristle Blocks with an adult caregiver. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Conservation Kids: Recycling

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 10am WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about different topics in conservation to help protect Earth. Bring in an empty two-liter soda bottle and an old CD and create a craft from recycled materials. WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 14, 6pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: All WHAT: Meet Clammy the Clam who confesses she is not “happy as a clam.” Clammy and her best friend Grabby the fiddler crab set out to find her happiness by wishing on a star. Sensory Friendly Performances allow for children with autism to attend the show in a more comfortable setting that includes lighting and sound adjustments. WANT TO GO? $9 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors; free children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Sensory Bounce

WHEN: Jan. 1-Feb. 26, Mondays, 6-8pm WHERE: Bounce Trampoline Sports, 310 Michael Drive, Syosset AGES: All WHAT: Staff members with experience working with children and adults with special needs will supervise this bounce session. WANT TO GO? $12. 516-762-1300. bouncesyosset.com.

Baby Fingers Sign and Song Class

WHEN: Jan. 9-Feb. 27, Tuesdays, 2pm WHERE: Theresa Academy of Performing Arts, 250 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach AGES: Newborn to 5, adult WHAT: Learn American Sign Language through songs and play with other parents, educators, and/or children close to your child’s age. WANT TO GO? $20 per class. 516-432-0200. tapany.org.

After School in the Arts

WHEN: Through June 14: Wednesday-Thursday, 4pm and 5pm WHERE: Theresa Academy of Performing Arts, 250 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach AGES: All WHAT: Classes are small in size, and taught by passionate, talented, certified teachers. Each student receives individual attention and also has a 1-on-1 buddy. WANT TO GO? $20 per class. 516-432-0200. tapany.org. ››

Sunday Science: Earth Explorers

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 21, 2-4pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Unearth an understanding of what geology is about. Dive deep below the Earth’s surface to explore earthquakes, volcanoes, rocks, and minerals. WANT TO GO? $14. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Let’s Speak Italian FREE

WHEN: Jan. 3-31, Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn the basics of Italian with this course. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

Parent/Child Workshop FREE

WHEN: Jan. 19-Feb. 23, Fridays, 11am WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: This five-week program allows parents or caregivers and children time to play, relax, socailize, and develop new skills. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

LongIslandParent 39

Ceramic Snowmen

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Turn two ceramic flower pots into a snowman. WANT TO GO? $2. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

LEGO Building Club FREE

CRAFTY KIDS stART (Story + Art)

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 4, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join us each week as we read childhood classics and introduce new favorites; followed by a take-home, book-inspired craft. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Learn to Draw with Art Teacher Amy FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 2-3pm WHERE: Bethpage Public Library, 47 Powell Ave., Bethpage AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Draw polar bears in oil pastels. Call the library to sign up. WANT TO GO? 631-931-3907. bethpagelibrary.info.

WHEN: Jan. 3-Feb. 21, Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: 5-11 WHAT: Children will have fun being creative with Legos. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.

Family Sundays at the Museum

WHEN: Jan. 7-March 25, Sundays, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: Be inspired by the works in the galleries and explore new art materials. Family Sunday allows children and the adults in their lives to take time to reconnect while talking about and making art together. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Fri-Yay Art Day!

WHEN: Jan. 5-March 30, Fridays, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 3-5, adult WHAT: Under the guidance of Deanna DelSanto, young children and their adult companions investigate color, shape, form, and more with hands-on activities. WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Sketching in the Galleries

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 9, 1pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Led by artist and educator Glenna Kubit, Sketching in the Galleries encourages visitors to slow down as they engage in a variety of drawing assignments that focus on the use of line, proportion, texture, and value. WANT TO GO? $5 with admission: $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

Glitter Snowman

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22, 4pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Decorate your mosaic snowman with glitter circles. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Winter Fantasy Origami

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 4pm WHERE: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square AGES: 5-8 WHAT: MaryAnn Scheblein-Dawson will help you fold projects. WANT TO GO? $1. 516-488-3444. franklinsquarepl.org.

Crafts For Kids FREE

WHEN: Jan. 6-28, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-3pm WHERE: Lakeshore Learning Store, 2079 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Kids will have a ball making exciting crafts they can use or display. WANT TO GO? 516-616-9360. lakeshorelearning.com.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

LITTLE FOODIES Learn to Make Gourmet Flatbread Pizza FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 1pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Chef Robert DellAmore will teach you how to use spinach, mushrooms, cauliflower, artichoke, roasted peppers, and part-skim mozzarella on whole wheat or white flour flatbread to create a delicious pizza. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

Cranberry Chocolate Scones

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 12pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Bring a large mixing bowl, rubber spatula, and cookie sheet. Everyone will go home with eight large scones ready to bake. WANT TO GO? $5. 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Kids in the Kitchen

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 12, 11:30am WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Little chefs use real cooking tools (with some help from adults) as we make easy, yummy, kid-friendly snacks from start to finish. Kids gain experience measuring ingredients and following directions. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Fine Wine & Food Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 1pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Sample the region’s best wines, taste the local cuisine, shop down our merchants row, or check out the variety of games and entertainment. WANT TO GO? $15 and up. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Gourmet Food And Handmade Market FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 11am-3pm WHERE: Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Vendors stock a variety of delicious quality items and hard-tofind handmade goods. WANT TO GO? 631-335-0653. allamericanwontons.com.

MOVERS & SHAKERS Parents Night Out

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 5, 6:30-9:30pm WHERE: Pump It Up-Plainview, 135 Dupont St., Plainview AGES: 3-12 WHAT: There will be bouncing, movie, games, and other fun-filled activities, along with a craft to take home. WANT TO GO? $16.95. 516-575-2300. pumpitupparty.com.

Weekend Fitness and Fun with Ms. Lisa FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 11am WHERE: Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Get moving, get healthy, and jump into a fit new year. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

Open Bounce

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 11, 4:15pm WHERE: BounceU, 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale AGES: 3-12 WHAT: The sessions include music, games, and of course, play time on the giant inflatable toys. Parents must remain on premises. WANT TO GO? $12.95. 631-777-5867. bounceu.com.

Music and Movement

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 17, 11:30am

WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Enjoy creative movement exercises and interactive sing-alongs that get little bodies moving to the rhythm. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Night in the Library FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 18, 7pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Wear your PJs to play games, make crafts, hear stories, and more. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Long Island Nets vs. Lakeland Magic

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 7pm WHERE: NYCB LIVE, home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale AGES: All WHAT: Come root for the home team as the Nets take on the Lakeland Magic. WANT TO GO? $15. 516-231-4848. nycblive.com.

Messy Afternoons

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 21, 3:30pm WHERE: Long Island Children’s Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Get up to your elbows in oobleck, clean mud, and slime for artistic activities that everyone loves, but no one likes to clean-up after. WANT TO GO? $3 with museum admission: $13; $12 seniors 65 and older; free for children younger than 1. 516-224-5800. licm.org.

Family Yoga

WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 21, 10am WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Yoga practice aligns naturally with children’s imaginations as they create the shapes of animals and plants using their bodies. WANT TO GO? $20 per car. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.

Kids Leagues

WHEN: Through June 15: See website for times WHERE: Massapequa Bowl, 4235 Merrick Road, Massapequa AGES: 5-17 WHAT: There are classes for both adults and children starting now. Register for a league or individual instruction. WANT TO GO? $9. 516-541-8000. massapequabowl.com. ›› LongIslandParent 41

Shlomo Mintz & Friends in Concert

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 8pm WHERE: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington AGES: 13 and older WHAT: The Sands Point Preserve Conservancy is proud to present world-renowned violin and viola virtuoso and conductor Shlomo Mintz in a special concert in Hempstead House. WANT TO GO? $65. 516-571-7901. sandspointpreserve.org.

Project Trio

MINI

MUSICIANS Lois Morton: Edith, Marlene, Sophie... & Me FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 1:30pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Join singer/songwriter Lois Morton as she brings us back to another era with the music of Edith Piaf, Marlene Dietrich, and others. WANT TO GO? 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Afro-Cuban All Stars

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 11, 7:30pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: The ensemble captures the undeniable spirit of AfroCuban music with the potent mix of driving percussion, a powerhouse horn section, with piano, bass, tres, guitar, and incomparable vocals. WANT TO GO? $49 and up. 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Max Weinberg’s Jukebox

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 13, 8pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: Choose from a video menu of more than 200 songs from the glory days of rock ‘n’ roll—everything from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band’s biggest hits—and hear the group play them live. WANT TO GO? $49 and up. 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 19, 8pm WHERE: Tilles Center, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Pinchas Zuckerman, principal guest conductor and violin soloist, performs Beethoven: “Egmont Overture”; Mozart: “Violin Concerto No. 5” (Turkish); Elgar: “Serenade for Strings”; and Beethoven: “Symphony No. 7”. WANT TO GO? $50 and up. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Music at the Mansion: Joelle and the Pinehurst Trio

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 19, 7pm WHERE: Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Hear the group’s unique collection of American Songbook standards, re-imagined pop covers, and a few original tunes on Joelle’s debut album, Take Me There. WANT TO GO? $30. 516-922-8688. plantingfields.org. 42

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 26, 7:30pm WHERE: Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville AGES: All WHAT: The group bridges the gap between classical music and pop culture, and features a beatboxing flutist. WANT TO GO? $32. 516-299-3100. tillescenter.org.

Intro to Drumming FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 7pm WHERE: Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave., Wantagh AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Learn the basics of drumming with Adam Craig Ratner. WANT TO GO? 516-221-1200. wantaghlibrary.org.

ON SCREEN Children’s Movie: ‘Rudolph’s Shiny New Year’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 4, 4:15pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join in for a showing of Rudolph’s Shiny New Year. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Movie Screening of ‘Screenagers’ FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7:30pm WHERE: Bethpage High School, 10 Cherry Ave., Bethpage AGES: All WHAT: Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age is a film about how cellphones, Internet usage, video games, and texting are having an impact on child development. Immediately after the film, there will be a discussion moderated by Cindy Goldrich, a mental health counselor, author, and parent workshop presenter. WANT TO GO? 516-644-4100. bethpagecommunity.com.

Movie: ‘Wonder Woman’ FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 11, 6:30pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, and a trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, and discovers her full powers and true destiny. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Film Screening: ‘Victoria and Abdul’ FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2pm WHERE: Douglaston Little Neck Library, 249-01 Northern Blvd., Little Neck AGES: 9 and older WHAT: The extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria’s remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim, a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself. WANT TO GO? 718-225-8414. queenslibrary.org.

Native American Artists Films

WHEN: Jan. 16-27, Tuesday-Saturday, 2pm and 3pm WHERE: Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, 50 Barry Drive, Glen Cove AGES: All WHAT: A number of tribes including Apache, Hopi, Eskimo, and Navajo who are jewelers, painters, potters, and sculptors are represented in these highly visual and informative films. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children ages 5-12; free for children younger than 5. 516-571-8010. garviespointmuseum.com.

‘Funny Face’ Movie FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1:30pm WHERE: Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Suite 1, Port Washington AGES: All WHAT: A 1957 American music romantic comedy film starring Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, and Kay Thompson, and featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin. WANT TO GO? 516-767-6444. landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘Paper Medium Rare: All Things Paper’

WHEN: Through March 4: Tuesday-Sunday, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: All WHAT: This film visits chefs at the helm of their respective kitchens— where telling the difference between food and paper may not be so easy. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

ONCE UPON A TIME Mother Goose Baby Time FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 8, 10:30am WHERE: Elmont Public Library, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Join in for a morning of bonding with your baby and sharing nursery rhyme favorites. WANT TO GO? 516-354-5280. elmontlibrary.org.

We’re Having a Pigeon Party FREE

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 12, 4:15pm WHERE: Mineola Public Library, 195 Marcellus Road, Mineola AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Celebrate Pigeon from Mo Willems’ beloved stories. Read books, sing songs, and create a craft. WANT TO GO? 516-746-8488. mineolalibrary.info.

Read To A Dog FREE

WHEN: Jan. 11-18, Thursdays, 3:30pm WHERE: North Hills Library, 57-04 Marathon Parkway, Little Neck AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children can select a book to read aloud to Jami, who has been certified as a therapy pet partner. Reading aloud improves literacy skills, and animals are ideal reading companions because they create a relaxed, comfortable, and safe environment. WANT TO GO? 718-225-3550. queenslibrary.org.

Author Visit and Evening Storytime with Michael Cascio FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 25, 6:30pm WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Ave., Floral Park AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Listen to a story and have a friendly discussion, along with milk and cookies before bedtime. Participants may come in the their pajamas. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Tiny Tots Storytime FREE

WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 31, 11am WHERE: Floral Park Public Library, 17 Caroline Avenue, Floral Park AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Join in for stories, songs, rhymes, and a craft. WANT TO GO? 516-326-6330. floralparklibrary.org.

Hear It! See It! Draw It!

WHEN: Jan. 2-March 30, Tuesdays, 9:30am WHERE: Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Children and their adult companions share story time followed by a walk through the gallery and drawing activities inspired by illustrations in our story book and the art on view. WANT TO GO? $12; $8 seniors; $4 children ages 4-12; $2 weekend parking fee. 516-484-9338. nassaumuseum.org.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS First Day Hikes FREE

WHEN: Monday, Jan. 1, 10am WHERE: Bethpage State Park, 99 Quaker Meetinghouse Road, Farmingdale AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Bethpage State Park will host a 5-mile hike, which will start at the playground in the picnic area. WANT TO GO? 516-249-3560. nysparks.com/parks.

Family Event: Winter Hike

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2pm WHERE: Center for Science Teaching & Learning, 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre AGES: All WHAT: Take a walk through our trails to learn about what wild animals are up to in the cold winter. Afterward, visit our exhibit to see how our own animals cope with the cold. WANT TO GO? $7. 516-764-0045. cstl.org.

Seal Walks

WHEN: Jan. 1-March 18, Saturday-Sunday, see website for times WHERE: Jones Beach State Park, Field 10, 1 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh AGES: 5 and older WHAT: A state park naturalist will lead visitors on a 1½-hour leisurely beach walk to an area where up to four species of seals can be observed. Along the way, there will be opportunities to see many winter birds and explore marine geology. WANT TO GO? $4. 516-780-3295. parks.ny.gov.

Coming up next month: FEB. 3: Lunar New Year Celebration at Landmark on Main Street, Port Washington FEB. 11: Masters of Illusion at NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Westbury FEB. 24: Mr. Popper’s Penguins at Tilles Center, Brookville

LongIslandParent 43

Wintry things to do

where-to guide

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Family Fun

Compiled by Samantha Neudorf

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you and your family have to sacrifice having fun this winter! There are plenty of seasonal things to do, including skiing and snowboarding, ice-skating, visiting museums, and even going on a family day trip. Make warm memories even if it’s chilly out there. Don’t forget to bundle up!

Day Trips Stamford Museum & Nature Center 39 Scofield Town Road, Stamford, CT 203-322-1646; stamfordmuseum.org Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm Admission: $10; $8 seniors; $5 children ages 4-17; free for children 3 and younger Located on 112 acres in North Stamford, this sanctuary supports a working farm with heritage breed animals kids can visit, plus an organic vegetable garden and open pastures, nature center, and the Edith & Robert Graham Otter Pond. Find more>> winter day trips in the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/winter-trips.

MUSEUMS

SKI AND SNOWBOARD Belleayre Mountain 181 Galli Curci Road, Highmount 845-254-5600; belleayre.com Features 51 trails, parks, and glades. Offers ski and snowboard lessons for kids ages 4-6, 7-12, and 13 and older. Round-trip bus service from NYC via Adirondack Trailways (trailwaysny.com) includes lift ticket and luggage lock-up. Rental equipment is available for all ages. There is an on-site nursery for children ages 6 months to 6 years old. Find more>> mountains in the New York metro area at nymetroparents.com/ski.

ICE-SKATING

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Cantiague Park Ice Skating Rink 480 W. John St., Hicksville 516-571-7056; 516-571-7058; nassaucountyny.gov/parks Hours: Through June: 1-3pm daily; additional sessions on Fridays, 3:30-5:30pm. Hours vary by month; call to confirm. Price: $22 for non-resident adults; $15 for non-resident children (with accompanying adult) and seniors. $8 for resident adults; $6 for resident children; $4 for resident seniors. With Leisure Pass: $8; $6 children ages 12 and younger with adult; $5 seniors, veterans, disabled, and civil volunteers; free for children ages 3 and younger with paying adult. $5 skate rental.

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Long Island Children’s Museum 11 Davis Ave., Garden City 516-224-5800; licm.org Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm; open daily during the summer Admission: $13; $12 seniors; free for members and children ages 1 and younger The museum has nearly 15 standing galleries with exhibits and activities for young children, including ClimbIt@LICM, a two-story climbing structure for ages 4 and older, and Sound Showers, exploration of rhythms using instruments from around the world and common everyday objects. Feasts for Beasts: Discover the amazing ways animals find and eat their food, and participate in themed activities. Plus, meet the new additions to the museum’s animal menagerie. Find more>> kid-friendly museums in Nassau County at nymetroparents.com/museums.

Find more>> ice-skating rinks in Nassau County at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating.

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LongIslandParent 45

Courtesy Anna Ruth Myers, RIE® Associate

family life home

This example of a fenced off “yes” space for a mobile infant or young toddler includes a small cozy corner, a firm cushion for climbing, and a variety of easy-to-find play objects such as a colander, woven basket, silicone bowls, and metal cups.

Creating a ‘Yes’ Space

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Making part of your home into a safe-play zone will help your child’s development. And it’s easier than you think—read on for expert tips. By Katelin Walling

“

o, don’t touch that.” “That’s not a toy.” “Don’t do that. It’s not safe.” Sometimes it feels like we are constantly telling our kids not to do something when it comes to play time at home, whether it’s because we’re afraid of them getting hurt, are anxious they’ll misplace our keys or iPhone, or nervous they’ll break our favorite lamp (à la Brother in The Berenstain Bears and the Truth). One way some parents are combating all the ‘no’s said to young children? They’re creating a safe play environment in the home, which stems from Magda Gerber’s Educaring® approach to parenting— responding to a young child respectfully. Gerber studied under Emmi Pikler, M.D., in Hungary, learning about the Pikler approach to parenting, and brought the concept to the United States. A safe play environment is an area in the home in which a child can play without interruption and is 100-percent safe from harm. “Magda Gerber’s definition is the best way to describe it: If you got locked out of your apartment for a day, you would come back to find that your baby is physically unharmed,” says Deborah

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Carlisle Solomon, author of Baby Knows Best: Raising a Confident and Resourceful Child the RIE® Way. “The baby is obviously going to be upset, or hungry, or in need of a diaper change, but physically will have come to no harm. So there’s nothing in the environment that can cause danger.” A safe play environment is also commonly referred to as a “yes” space in an effort to counteract all of the times a child hears ‘no’ in her life. “You have a space that just says ‘yes’ to the child,” says Anna Ruth Myers, founder of The Nurtured Child, a Brooklyn-based educational facility offering RIE®-certified classes that teach parents about Educaring®, as well as how to care for children in a respectful way. “The child is able to touch everything and move freely and not be restricted by the environment. The environment doesn’t say ‘no,’ and you don’t have to say ‘no’ while the child is there.”

Benefits of a “Yes” Space

Having a safe play environment in the home gives children unfettered playtime, which has numerous developmental benefits. It gives a child time to explore the world on her own,

says Johanna Herwitz, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, RIE® Mentor, Pikler-trained specialist, and founder of Mindful Parenting New York City. “The child gets to have a physical [and] a mental space to do her own thing, and she can play with whatever she wants to,” Dr. Herwitz says. “She gets to make choices, she gets to follow her own interests.” Infants learn through their senses, Myers adds. So having the space to explore freely—to touch things with their hands, move their bodies, and mouth toys that are safe—allows their development to naturally progress as fully as possible. A child will start to develop the ability to focus. Playing without interruption “supports the child to develop a long attention span,” Solomon says. “If a baby or toddler is frequently being interrupted, they don’t have opportunities to focus in on something for long periods of time.” It helps the child build self-confidence. By having a “yes” space, the parent begins to develop basic trust in the child’s abilities to solve problems, be interested, and learn, which gives the child space to do those things. And that’s how the child develops self-confidence, according to Dr. Herwitz. “Playing really helps a child learn how to solve problems, how to be tenacious, how to overcome challenges,” Solomon adds. “When things are difficult, they keep on going and see if they can figure it out. And all of those skills are going to be useful to them when they go to school.” A child is more likely to cooperate outside of the “yes” space. When a child is given room to do the things he wants to within reason and make his own decisions, his autonomy is satisfied. “I think that when that autonomy is satisfied, then the child is more likely to cooperate and to go along with things that may or may not be his first choice,” Dr. Herwitz says. A “yes” space also benefits parents: It allows them to relax knowing they can use the bathroom, answer the door, or make a meal without worrying about the safety of their child. “I find that when I’m with children and we’re in a safe space and I’m observing them or just being with them, it feels so much more comfortable for me than if a child is in a space where the outlet isn’t covered or if there’s something on the table [they shouldn’t play with]…my attention is [on] thinking about those things, [so] that I can’t fully enjoy being with a baby like I can in a safe space,” Myers says.

How to Create a “Yes” Space

The Space The most important aspect of a safe play environment is it needs to be gated off in some way, according to Myers. “In order to make a space one hundred-percent safe, [it needs] to have a way that you can close it off from the rest of the environment, but know that your child can be safely in that space and not risk coming out of it when you aren’t expecting,” she says. A pack and play is enough space for an infant until she begins rolling over and needing more space for movement, while a “fenced in” area of a family room or a separate room with baby gates will work for crawlers and toddlers. “Over the years, I’ve found that parents are sometimes resistant to this because they don’t like the look of gates or they feel like it’s imprisoning their child,” Solomon says. She recalls a time a friend called for advice. “Her son was always at her feet crawling after her, and she said, ‘I’m afraid I’m going to step on him. I give him the run of the whole house, why does he always have to be with me?’,” Solomon says. She replied that the whole house was overwhelming to the child and he didn’t feel secure. She advised her friend put up a gate or corral, put a few toys in the enclosed area, and spend some

time with the child in the enclosure to endear him to the space. “And so she did, and it made a big difference for both of them. Some parents don’t understand that what looks like a prison to us, to the child provides a sense of security,” Solomon says. Dr. Herwitz adds that ideally the enclosed space should be in an area where the child can hear and see what’s going on around her so she doesn’t feel isolated from the rest of the house, and where the parent can easily hear and see what’s going on with the child. The enclosed area should also be clean, there shouldn’t be furniture the child can climb or standing lamps that could fall over, and if there are low shelves in the area that they are bolted to the wall. Solomon also suggests parents crawl around on the ground to look at the space from the child’s point of view to see if there is any potential danger. The Toys In terms of play objects to have in the space, Gerber taught that passive toys make for active babies. When a toy lights up and makes sounds, the child doesn’t have to do much to play with it, but when a play object is open-ended (aka passive), the child uses his imagination to activate it. Keep in mind that some play objects might not be obvious to adults. Solomon, for example, had a basket of caps from glass milk bottles in a class. “One toddler picked up two of them, put one on each ear, and was wandering around the room for twenty minutes pretending they were a headset and he was Buzz Lightyear,” she says. “When he was done with them, another child picked one up and she used it as a cup, pretending to drink. That’s what I mean about the toys being open-ended.” For 2- to 3-month-olds, the first plaything is their hands. After they’ve discovered their hands, infants are ready for soft play objects, such as a soft cotton napkin, a little silicone bowl, a soft ball, and other soft objects that are easy to grasp and not too heavy, as the child is still integrating her reflexes and might accidentally hit herself with the object. As the child gets older, more objects should be introduced into the environment. “Some of them might be soft, some might be a little more firm, but then there are also things in the child’s environment that don’t change shape or properties, if that makes sense,” Myers says. “So you might have little silicone bowls, but then you would also maybe have a little wooden pinch bowl, or maybe a little metal condiment bowl. You would have objects that repeat on the same concept but are different materials and have different properties so the child can see how their actions change or don’t change with materials.” Myers suggests some materials stay the same as the child gets older because he’ll play with them in an increasingly sophisticated way, while also introducing new, more advanced objects. Dr. Herwitz recommends play objects have a balance between dramatic play (dolls and items that can be used for dress up), fine motor skills (baskets and bags into which objects can be sorted), and gross motor skills (things that are safe for toddlers to climb on). The Play Time The best time to put a child in the safe play environment is when she is well-rested, fed, clean, has all her basic needs met, and has had some time with the parents. Time spent in the space should also increase with age, according to Dr. Herwitz, as an infant won’t be able to play on his own for as long as a toddler could. While ideally your child would have a “yes” space from infancy through the time she has learned the limits and rules of the home environment as a whole, Myers says it’s never too late to create a “yes” space for a young child. LongIslandParent 47

family life food & nutrition

Food and Drink Hacks for Parents

Four handy tips to make mealtime with kids easier

etting your kid to put her toys away. Convincing your toddler to stay in his big-kid bed when it’s time to go to sleep. Figuring out what’s causing the meltdown in the grocery store and fixing the problem. There are a lot of situations with raising kids that can be a struggle, but one thing that doesn’t have to be? Meal and snack time—at least not with these practical hints for parents. From mess-free ways to enjoy yogurt and juice boxes to tricks to get your kids to eat most, if not all, of their food, mealtime just got a little bit easier thanks to this dad of two.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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LongIslandParent 49

family life finances

Choosing a Guardian for Your Child

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Take these steps to make sure your child is always cared for, now and in the future. By Samantha Neudorf

s a loving parent, you want your child to be well cared for at all times. Though we don’t like to dwell on it, that means asking yourself some tough questions. What if you and your partner pass away or become incapacitated while your child still a minor? Or if your child has special needs or a mental illness, and can’t manage his affairs even as an adult? That’s why appointing a legal guardian is so crucial: It ensures that a child is in good hands for as long as he needs supervision, whether that’s temporarily or indefinitely. Guardianship falls into three categories in New York state: guardianship of a child who may lose both parents, guardianship of a child with special needs after he turns 18, and guardianship of an incapacitated adult. Here’s what you need to know about each type.

Minor Considerations

Ideally, as soon as a couple learns they’re pregnant, they should see an attorney. She can help them draft a will that specifies how their assets will be distributed in the event of their death, as well as who will be the guardian of their child until his 18th birthday. If you didn’t already take this step it’s not too late, but it’s still a good idea to do this as soon as possible. Jules Haas, an attorney who specializes in estate planning, says 50

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

parents usually nominate a close relative to be their child’s guardian. It could be an aunt, uncle, grandparent, or other relation—someone who would have the child’s best interests in mind. If you have few relatives, or aren’t close with them, you might ask a good friend to assume the guardianship role instead. “There’s a lot that needs to be considered through your will,” Haas says. “The most important thing is that it’s better to figure it out and put something in writing than leave it up to the laws of the state of New York.” If you leave no directions, the state will pick a guardian for your child—and it may not be the person you would have preferred. Once both parents are deceased, the nominated guardian needs to fill out an application to Surrogate’s Court. After it is approved, the individual becomes the legal guardian of the minor child. This process can take a few months, as the court reviews the documents. In certain scenarios, complications can arise—say, if your nominated guardian has a prior conviction that may disqualify her from court approval, or if family members fight for custody. Fortunately, problems like these are uncommon.

Special Needs, Special Arrangements

Some children with special needs require guardianship even into adulthood. Happily, there’s a way to make sure they’re

still properly cared for once they reach age 18, and beyond. Parents can apply in Surrogate’s Court for something called an Article 17-A guardianship, which allows them to continue to make financial and health care decisions for their adult child. The process involves presenting medical certifications from either two doctors or a doctor and a psychologist, proving that the individual has a developmental disability. Next, the paperwork is filed with the court. More often than not, the application is approved and the child’s biological parents are awarded guardianship. Andrew Cohen, Esq., an attorney with offices on Long Island and in Manhattan who specializes in estate planning, special needs law, and guardianship, says parents can file for guardianship under Article 17-A themselves, though they can hire legal representation if they prefer. Either way, it’s a step that shouldn’t be overlooked. “Parents who have a child on the autism spectrum automatically presume, because their child is nonverbal or really cannot advocate for himself, that they would be able to continue to make decisions [for their child] into adulthood,” Cohen says. “But the reality is they’re not granted that automatic authority.” Article 17-A Guardianship can become complicated if parents have separated or divorced. In this instance, they must decide if they will both become legal guardians, or if one parent will be the primary guardian and the other a secondary decider. “These are things that all have to be taken into consideration when parents have the best interest of their child in their hearts, but don’t necessarily see eye-toeye on their child’s care,” Cohen says. Of course, parents themselves may not be able to oversee their

adult child’s care for his entire lifetime. If there are no relatives or friends who can succeed them in the role, parents may appoint a nonprofit organization to be their child’s guardian. The arrangement, called a corporate guardianship, would be specified in the parents’ will and would have to be approved by a court guardianship proceeding.

Appointing a Guardian for an Adult A final type of guardianship,

Article 81 guardianship, applies to an incapacitated adult who needs help taking care of personal and/or financial needs under the Mental Hygiene Law. To qualify as incapacitated, the person’s cognitive function must inhibit him from making sound decisions. While in elderly people this may be due to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, in younger people the cause may be other mental illnesses, substance or alcohol abuse, or certain medications. If

your child turns 18 and she has a mental illness, you can apply to be her guardian to help make decisions on her behalf. This type of guardianship needs to be applied for in Supreme Court. Article 81 guardianship can be fairly expensive and timeconsuming to attain, but it’s worth it, says Cohen. “The guardian would be appointed with certain powers vested by the court that will properly protect that person from doing harm to themselves or others,” he says.

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Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals. DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY OF NASSAU COUNTY 300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City 516-280-6734 supermolar.com Dr. Danielle Cooper is a board-certified pediatric dentist specializing in treating children of all ages. She loves working with children every day and strives to make her patients feel comfortable, safe, and excited about their oral health. SHINING SMILES PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, P.C. 444 Community Drive, #201, Manhasset 516-487-5437 shiningsmilespediatricdentistry.com Dr. Rod provides comprehensive care to children of all ages. Our friendly and passionate team is dedicated to making your child’s visit stress-free, pain-free, and fun! DOCTORS & MEDICAL PROVIDERS LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders. RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY Racheal McInnes, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P., Speech Language Pathologist 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142 rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speech-language pathologist, is founder of RMG Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. FOOD & NUTRITION THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com 52

Making food and nutrition fun for the whole family. Available for speaking engagements. Also provides workshops for kids, family night dinners, and healthy weight counseling. LEGAL SERVICES LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. LICE FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 S. Long Beach Road, Oceanside 866-561-0492 1755 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park 866-561-0492 679 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head 866-561-0492 fairylicemothers.com fairylicemothers@gmail.com Our treatment centers are kid-friendly and our products are 100-percent non-toxic. Treatments include two free re-checks. Whether or not you use our service, we are here to help you. SPECIAL NEEDS DR. ELLEN T RICHER EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

LAW OFFICES OF ANDREW COHEN 250 W. 57th St., Suite 1216, Manhattan 212-244-0595 1100 Franklin Ave., Suite 305, Garden City 516-877-0595 amcohenlaw.com; ac@amcohenlaw.com The Law Offices of Andrew M. Cohen can help you achieve your objectives through careful special needs legal planning, regardless of the size of your estate. All clients are provided with high quality service at a reasonable cost. LAW OFFICES OF BRAD H. ROSKEN, P.L.L.C. 534 Broadhollow Road, Suite 275, Melville 631-379-9569 specialedcounselor.com brad@specialedcounselor.com Brad H. Rosken is an experienced trial attorney. He’s also a parent of a child with special needs. He knows how far to push a school district to obtain the maximum that your child is entitled to under law. LIFE’S WORC THE FAMILY CENTER FOR AUTISM 1501 Franklin Ave., Garden City 516-741-9000 familycenterforautism.org The Family Center for Autism provides services and support for people with autism and their families. Programs include insurance services, birthday parties, art, music, sports and culinary classes, camps, parent and sibling programs, social events, vocational programs, and behavior intervention. LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside, Queens 718-468-7500 hablamos Español littleopticsinc@yahoo.com We provide eyeglasses and professional eye care for children, including infants and young adults. We also alleviate any self-esteem issues associated with the stigma of wearing glasses. When your child leaves Little Optics, rest assured they will feel confident. LONG ISLAND CENTER FOR SPEECH AND MYOFUNCTIONAL THERAPY Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, along with her group of therapists, supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders.

RMG SPEECH PATHOLOGY Racheal McInnes, M.A., C.C.C.-S.L.P., Speech Language Pathologist 775 Park Ave., Suite 255-4, Huntington 631-372-4142 rmgtherapy.com Racheal Gardega McInnes, speechlanguage pathologist, is founder of RMG Speech Pathology. Treatment areas include expressive/receptive language disorders, articulation disorders, fluency, voice disorders, auditory processing disorders, and feeding and swallowing disorders. STEPS TO SOCIALIZATION 13 S. Bayles Ave., Port Washington 516-767-0266 Steps to Socialization was created to help children who have difficulty socializing. We teach children how to think socially, step by step. Working in small groups, we cover a variety of topics, including how to establish and maintain friendships and initiating and maintaining conversations. THERAPY & COUNSELORS DR. ELLEN T RICHER, EDUCATION CLINICIAN & COUNSELOR Convenient Long Island locations 347-668-3676 etrdream@aol.com We co-develop strategies to improve executive functioning, sensory processing, and social cognition challenges, and provide enrichment opportunities to engage and motivate highly capable yet underachieving children. TUTORS & TEST PREP MATHNASIUM LEARNING CENTERS Five Towns 414 Central Ave., Cedarhurst 516-569-1500 Great Neck

11 Great Neck Road, Great Neck 516-482-MATH (6284) Lynbrook 381 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook 516-881-7997 New Hyde Park 810 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-616-MATH(6284) Roslyn 217A Mineola Ave., Roslyn Heights 516-484-MATH(6284) mathnasium.com Students go to Mathnasium year-round to catch up, keep up, and get ahead in math. Our instructional approach goes beyond traditional math tutoring to develop understanding and build a love for math. SYLVAN LEARNING CENTER OF MINEOLA 393 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola 516-743-9943 sylvanlearning.com sylvanlearning@optonline.net Sylvan of Mineola offers personalized tutoring programs in reading, writing, mathematics, and SAT and ACT prep. Sylvan will help identify the right program for your child and exactly where your child needs to start to get the best results. VILLAGE EAST GIFTED ENRICHMENT CENTER FOR THE GIFTED LEARNER Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com Village East Gifted provides after-school enrichment and private tutoring. Enriching every qualified, gifted child. We are also a John Hopkins CTY info and SAT testing center.

RMG Speech Pathology Racheal McInnes, M.A. CCC-SLP

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LongIslandParent 53

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT A COUPLE OF PUPPETS THEATRE 631-276-1014 acoupleofpuppets.com acoupleofpuppets@gmail.com Entertain your party guests with a Little Red Riding Hood puppet show! The show is 30 minutes and most appropriate for ages 2-7. We travel to your home or venue. CLOWNS.COM Proudly serving Westchester, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx 516-577-0000 718-971-5862 clowns.com We are a family-owned and -operated entertainment company, offering a wide range of party and entertainment services including clowns, inflatable bounce houses, characters, magicians, princesses, magic shows, face painting, and party concession rentals. THE FOOD WIZARD FOR KIDS Serving all of Long Island 631-606-2680 thefoodwizardforkids.com info@thefoodwizardforkids.com Try a healthy twist on birthday parties! The Food Wizard for Kids provides birthday party workshops for younger children. Kids discover new foods through fun activities including taste tests and art projects. GAMETRUCK LONG ISLAND 917-327-8700 gametruck.com david.schwartz@gametruck.com Video Game Party, laser tag arena, inflatables, or bubble soccer—GameTruck’s unique mobile video gaming theaters and arenas can make your ultimate party wishes come true! MAD SCIENCE OF LONG ISLAND Call for locations throughout Long Island: 855-264-1672 madscienceli.com info@madscienceli.com A Mad Scientist brings all the necessary equipment to you. Party packages include invitations and a take-home activity each child makes. Optional grand finales include Bubbling Potions, Rockets, and Cotton Candy. 54

ROYAL EVENTS PRINCESS PARTIES INC. 516-729-4970 royaleventsli.com royal.events@aol.com Thank you for considering Royal Events! We are a family-owned company that provides princess performers for birthday parties, hospital visits, and all your special events! PARTY PLACES @ PLAY AMUSEMENTS 229 NY-110, Farmingdale 631-815-5355 atplayamusement.com info@playamusement.com Have your next party at the newly renovated @ Play Amusements! It offers 30,000 square feet of fun, ranging from 92 arcade games, inflatables, and bumper cars, to a roller coaster, a carousel, disco room, and laser tag! BOUNCEU FARMINGDALE 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale 631-777-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/cities/farmingdale.ny farmingdale.ny@bounceu.com BounceU Farmingdale was voted “Best of Long Island” for Children’s Party Place and Family Amusement Center. We provide the ideal combination of inflatable structures, a clean environment, incredible customer service, and non-stop excitement in a private party atmosphere. CELEBRATIONS IN THE KITCHEN 63 E. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-396-2193 celebrationsinthekitchen.com celebrationsinthekitchen@gmail.com The most unique, fun-filled, joyous event! We have created a true baking experience for everyone to enjoy, including cookie baking and decorating, cupcakes “from scratch,” muffin and scone baking, and brownies. Come in, call, or visit celebrationsinthekitchen.com for more information on parties. COLD SPRING HARBOR FISH HATCHERY & AQUARIUM 1660 Route 25A, Cold Spring Harbor 516-692-6768 cshfha.org steved@cshfha.org Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.

& Aquarium! See the hatchery and aquarium’s exciting live exhibits. Feed the hungry trout, and learn about fish, reptiles, and amphibians with an upclose animal encounter. THE FASHION CLASS 1812 Merrick Road, Merrick 516-246-2000 thefashionclass.com Learn from real fashion designers with a runway or sewing party this year in our 3000-square-foot, bright, sunny, and pink fashion studio! Guests can choose from a variety of our most popular sewing projects, or put on a full runway show! GREAT PLAY OF SYOSSET 180 Michael Drive, Syosset 516-364-1500 greatplay.com/syosset info@syosset.greatplay.com We offer customized parties for ages 1-10. Your guests will have a blast and your child will receive All-Star treatment in our amazing Interactive Gym™. HUNTINGTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 310 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-4626 huntingtoncenteronline.com huntingtoncenter@yahoo.com Make your child’s birthday a memorable and creative event with our dancethemed birthday parties. As a special treat, a guest artist will come in costume to perform for your guests! KEY TO MY ART INC. 10 W. Oak St., Amityville 631-608-9048 keytomyart.com At Key to My Art, our children’s paint parties include all supplies from aprons to easels. The guest of honor picks the theme, we provide the instruction, and each guest leaves with a finished painting! THE LITTLE LADIES CLUB 246 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville 516-939-CLUB (2582) thelittleladiesclub.com party@thelittleladiesclub.com The Little Ladies Club has been providing glamorous makeover parties for girls since 1998! Her Majesty will be sure to receive the royal treatment! LONG ISLAND AQUARIUM & EXHIBITION CENTER 431 E. Main St., Riverhead

631-208-9200 xH2O (426) 631-208-9200 x186 longislandaquarium.com Have an Aquatic Birthday Party at the Long Island Aquarium! Take a private tour of the aquarium, and receive preferential treatment at our Submarine Simulator and Discovery Tower rides and special seating at our Sea Lion Show! LONG ISLAND SPORTS COMPLEX 103 Mill Road, Freeport 516-546-0900 longislandsportscomplex.com Long Island Sports Complex is your field of dreams! Long Island’s state-of-theart, climate-controlled, indoor turf field. Known to have the “greatest party on turf,” offering special sports or inflatable parties, and bubble soccer parties. M.A.T.S.S. KID’S GYM & EARLY CHILDCARE EDUCATION CENTER A RAINBOW OF PROGRAMS UNDER ONE ROOF! 2629 Grand Ave., Bellmore 516-221-1330 171 Eileen Way, Syosset 516-496-7765 matsskidsgym.com corporate@matsskidsgym.com M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym offers a rainbow of themes and activities that will make your child’s next birthday party the ultimate celebration of their special day! MY GYM CHILDREN’S FITNESS CENTER 1320 Stony Brook Road, Stony Brook 631-751-KIDS (5437) 128 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station 631-427-GYMS (4967) mygym.com/huntingtonstation mgym.com/stonybrook My Gym parties include exclusive use of the gym, featuring a zip line, rock wall, trampoline, trapeze, climbing structures, and slides. Instructors lead your guests through action-packed activities with theme options including Superheroes, Princesses, Mickey Mouse—any theme you want. NOT JUST ART 183 South St., Oyster Bay 516-922-8300 notjustart.com create@notjust art.com Not Just Art has oodles of excellent music, art, and science parties for ages 1-12 and beyond. Choose from our

treasury of super imaginative projects or use favorite themes and activities as a creative springboard. THINKERTOTS 1818 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park 516-488-3414 thinkertots.com thinkertotsnhp@gmail.com We can custom design your party with open playtime and music or you can rent out our location. We provide theme paper goods. TOKEY HILL MARTIAL ARTS 95 Seaview Blvd., Port Washington 516-625-9695 tokeyhill.com Schedule an action-packed party your child will never forget. Guests enjoy 90 minutes of action! Martial arts instruction, games, and board breaking! Paper goods, pizza, and refreshments included. UNLIMITED SPORTS ACTION 30 Beechwood Ave., Port Washington 516-767-7675 unlimitedsportsaction.com info@unlimitedsportsaction.com Unlimited Sports Action offers sports birthdays for ages 2 and older. Our

parties offer 1 hour of sports and activities on a climate-controlled turf field, followed by 30 minutes of food, drinks, and birthday cake in a private room. THE VILLAGE ARTIST 630 New York Ave., Huntington 631-271-0715 thevillageartist.com lori@thevillageartist.com Create art for your next birthday party! The Village Artist Fine Arts Center is proud to host your next birthday party. Enjoy a fun and creative time with your family and friends, including an art project of your choice. WHAT’S COOKING? 30 E. Main St., Oyster Bay 516-922-COOK (2665) whatscookingny.com info@whatscookingny.com Martha Stewart, Newsday, and News 12 boast What’s Cooking? is a No. 1 Choice Birthday Party Place where children can explore their creativity in culinary arts. Funtastic cookie, cupcake, Cupcake Wars, chocolate, or pizza party can be customized in our spacious party room making your party memorable!

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LIU POST’S CENTER FOR GIFTED YOUTH SPRING 2018 SATURDAY PROGRAM Feb 3rd – April 28th for students entering grades K-8

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LIU Post’s Center for Gifted Youth announces its 37th annual fall and spring program for gifted children. The fall

program runs on Saturdays from October 7th to December 16th and the spring program runs on Saturdays from February 3rd to April 28th. The program is open to gifted children entering grades K-8 in September 2017. The program expands

Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offer or discounts. No Cash value. One Coupon per visit per family. Not valid on Special Events or Charity Events. Expires 1/31/18.

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Valid at BounceU of Farmingdale location only. Coupon not valid with any other offers or discounts. No cash value. One Coupon per visit per party. Expires 1/31/18.

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LIU Post • College of Education, Information and Technology • 720 Northern Blvd. • Brookville, NY 11548-1300 liu.edu/post/giftedyouth • Dr. Lynne Manouvrier, Director

BounceU of Farmingdale (631) 777-JUMP (5867) • BounceU.com/farmingdale 101 Carolyn Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735 LongIslandParent 55

Meet the

Health Care Professional

ChiroMom 2874 Merrick Road, Bellmore 516-221-1212 mychiromom.com mychiromom@gmail.com

Dr. Dana Walters is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and pediatric care. Dr. Walters has practiced in a variety of areas, including Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and has brought her passion for helping families discover the benefits of chiropractic care to Bellmore as ChiroMom. ChiroMom offers chiropractic care utilizing techniques including immune boosting treatments, musculoskeletal and nutritional work, activator techniques, massage therapy, and lifestyle education. As a mom, Dr. Walters experiences first-hand how chiropractic care throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood sets a solid foundation for greater health and well-being.

Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy Locations across Suffolk and Nassau: East Yaphank, Farmingville, Stony Brook, Commack, Jericho, Wantagh, and Lake Success lispeechandmyo.com Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 • Queens: 718-640-6767 Janine Stiene, speech-language pathologist, is owner and operator of Long Island Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island, specializing in PROMPT, feeding, myofunctional therapy, voice disorders, fluency, augmentative communication, articulation, auditory processing disorders, and expressive and receptive language disorders (adults and children). Intensive feeding therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions, and FEES— Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing—are also offered. There is a total of seven affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering evening and Saturday hours.

Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C. 444 Community Drive, #201, Manhasset 516-487-5437 shiningsmilespediatricdentistry.com

Dr. Rod is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He truly cares about children and understands that kids need to feel like they are in a safe, comfortable, relaxed, and friendly environment. At Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, P.C., we strive to use the healthiest materials. Our office uses no mercury and no BPA in any of our fillings and sealants. Additionally, all of our materials are gluten-free to provide optimal oral health for your child.

Mesbah OB-GYN Women’s Health Care & Wellness 877 Stewart Ave., Suite 3, Garden City 516-794-1500 mesbahobgyn.com

Michael Mesbah, M.D., is board-certified with more than 20 years of private practice experience. His experience and expertise in obstetrics has made him one of the most respected physicians on Long Island. He has extensive training in gynecological surgery, and is a certified robotic surgeon. Karyn Wat, M.D., is multilingual in English, Spanish, and Chinese. She has been trained in general and high-risk obstetric care, as well as gynecological surgery. She is compassionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable in issues pertaining to teenagers, family planning, menstrual and hormonal abnormalities, and menopausal symptoms.

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria, The Center for Integrative and Innovative Therapies (The CIIT Center) 131 Sunnyside Blvd., Suite 100, Plainview 516-243-8660; theciitcenter.com

Dr. Michael Gruttadauria leads the operations at an advanced treatment center for autism spectrum disorder called The CIIT Center. The CIIT Center’s mission is to approach each child with autism as a total entity by enhancing the biomedical, neurological, nutritional, electrical, and immune system of each of our patients and combining this with occupational, physical, and speech therapies, along with applied behavioral analysis. Our comprehensive approach starts with identifying the underlying factors that may be holding the child back, not just treating their symptoms. This gives each child every opportunity to reach their potential.

Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County 300 Garden City Plaza, Garden City 516-280-6734 supermolar.com Well-nourished kids are ready to learn, grow, and play! The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps childcare providers pay for healthy meals and snacks. Visit ChildcareMealsNY.org to learn more.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

Dr. Danielle Cooper received her degree in dental medicine and completed her two-year pediatric dental residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist specializing in treating children of all ages. She loves working with children every day and strives to make her patients feel comfortable, safe, and excited about their oral health. Her patients leaving with a smile is the best part of her day. In her free time Dr. Cooper enjoys reading, movies, good food, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

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Oasis on the Sound

Meet the

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720 Northern Blvd., Greenvale 646-519-5066 oasischildren.com; liupost@oasischildren.com Matthew Kinigson has been a lifelong camper so it was only natural that as an adult he would want to continue his involvement and enjoyment of camp. Previously, Kinigson has been a division leader, director of travel, and a camp director with 10 years of camp experience. When not having summer fun, Kinigson is a social studies teacher in his 21st year. Kinigson has a master’s degree in Secondary Education, History, and Political Science, and a post master’s degree in School District Administration. Kinigson is pleased to be joining Oasis LIU as the camp director and cannot wait to meet all our campers and their families.

Young People’s Day Camps Nassau

516-650-1856; 631-476-3330 ypdc.com Since 1995, Brendan McCaffrey has been the director of our Staten Island and Monmouth, NJ, YPDC camps until he became director of YPDC Nassau in 2004. McCaffrey graduated from Canisus College and entered the USMC where he served with distinction as an officer. McCaffrey holds two master’s degrees and is a social studies chairperson in the North Babylon School District. He also coaches Boys Varsity Basketball at North Babylon High School and was awarded the Suffolk County Basketball Coach of the Year award. McCaffrey resides in East Islip with his family.

David Zimmerman, camp director Port Washington Senior Center 80 Manorhaven Blvd., Manorhaven 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com; onthesound@oasischildren.com I’m super thrilled to be your camp director at Oasis on the Sound. I truly believe that summer camp is an experience that lasts a lifetime. I’ve been fortunate to have grown up going to day camp and sleepaway camp and as an adult, I am so grateful to give kids an incredible day camp experience. My years growing up in camp have shaped the person I’ve become today. I have been with Oasis for more than 10 years in various camp director and regional roles. I am a father, kindergarten teacher, and an avid sports fan!

Oasis at Tully Park

Jason Miradoli, camp director Michael J. Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park 718-596-4900 oasischildren.com; tullypark@oasischildren.com From 2003 until today, Jason Mirandoli obtained all certifications necessary to work with children in New York public schools, parochial schools, and United States Soccer Federation members. He’s run both soccer and multi-sport clinics for preschool children as young as age 2. Mirandoli is the founder and president of a youth soccer training academy, FC Inter Soccer Inc. He has directed camps, clinics, and training sessions for NOGA soccer throughout Long Island, Manhasset High School, and teams from New Hyde Park, Manhasset, and Port Washington, among others.

RSM Russian School of Mathematics

RSM Brooklyn now has a new location! 2583 Ocean Ave., Brooklyn; 516-551-6428 russianschool.com/brooklyn brooklyn@russianschool.com Mid-Island Y JCC, 45 Manetto Hill Road, Plainview; 201-661-4229 russianschool.com/portwashington; portwashington@russianschool.com Victoria Gartstein has a background in physics and engineering. She brings to RSM 18 years of experience teaching mathematics and computer science in Estonia and in the United States. She taught in U.S. public schools, including the Ingenuity Project (an advanced mathematics and science program for gifted students in Baltimore), and at the college level. After teaching at RSM’s headquarters in Newton, MA, Gartstein brought the RSM program to the Mid Island community. She is passionate about teaching mathematics and believes that every student could be good at it.

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January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

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OPENHOUSES 2017 Buckley Country Day School

2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn 516-627-1910 buckleycountryday.com Please join us for an open house on Jan. 9 at 9am. RSVP at buckleycountryday.com.

Camp East Woods

31 Yellow Cote Drive, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 campeastwoods.com Join us for an open house on Feb. 10, March 11, or April 21 from 10am-1pm.

East Woods School

passion, and ambitions to an open house on Friday, Feb. 3, 10am-2pm.

Our Lady of Lourdes

76 Park Blvd., Malverne 516-599-7328 ollmalverne.org Please join us for a beginning celebration of Catholic Schools Week on Sunday, Jan. 28. Our open house begins immediately following the 9:30am Family Mass and runs until 12pm.

Our Lady of Mercy

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org East Woods is small by design, and promotes excellence in a nurturing environment. Join us for an open house on March 6 from 9-11am or April 15 from 11am-1pm.

520 S. Oyster Bay Road, Hicksville 516-433-7040 olmshicks.org Join us for an open house on Jan. 10 from 9:30-11am and 1-2pm for nursery-kindergarten; and on Jan. 28 from 11:45am-2pm, Jan. 30 from 9:30-11am, and Jan. 31 from 1-2pm for nursery-eighth grade.

Future Stars Summer Camps

Saint Mary’s Elementary School

The College at Old Westbury, Old Westbury 516-876-3490 Farmingdale State College 2350 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale St. Joseph’s College 155 West Roe Blvd., Patchogue fscamps.com Stop by Future Stars Summer Camps Open House Weekend Feb. 3-4 from 10am-12pm to view the facilities and meet the staff.

Green Vale School

250 Valentine’s Lane, Old Brookville 516-621-2420 greenvaleschool.org Green Vale is a coed, nonsectarian elementary school for pre-nursery through eighth grade. Join us for an open house on Jan. 25 from 9-10:30am.

Holy Family School

17 Fordham Ave., Hicksville 516-938-3846 x329 hfsli.org Join us for an open house on Sunday, Jan. 28 from 11:30am-2pm. Tours available Monday-Friday from 9am-2pm. Call to schedule a tour and see how we “make a difference, one child at a time!”

Long Island High School for the Arts

239 Cold Spring Road, Syosset 516-622-5678 nassauboces.org/lihsa Nassau BOCES Long Island High School for the Arts invites all students with artistic talent,

1340 Northern Blvd., Manhasset 516-627 0184 stmary11030.org St. Mary’s Elementary School will host an open house on Jan. 28 from 12-2pm. Presentation at 12pm in the Church of St. Mary with tours immediately following.

Sappo School

40 Kings Park Road, Commack 631-736-2146 sapposchool.com info@sapposchool.com In January, join Sappo School for our open house; call 631-736-2146 for details. Learn about our school and the expansion of our program to include additional opportunities for our students.

St. Christopher School

15 Pershing Blvd., Baldwin 516-223-4404 stchris-school.org St. Christopher School offers a strong academic program in a caring Catholic atmosphere. Join us for an open house on Sunday, Jan. 28 from 10:30am-1pm or Tuesday, Jan. 30 from 9-11:30am.

St. Dominic Elementary School

35 School St., Oyster Bay 516-922-4233 stdomsob.org Open houses will be held Sunday, Jan. 28 and Monday, Jan. 29. Call us or visit our website for times.

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School

2341 Washington Ave., Bellmore 516-785-5709 steas.com Come see the school decorated as the Creation Story at our open house on Sunday, Jan. 28 from 11am-1pm. Participate in our “SEAS Turf War” and vote for your favorite floor via our Instagram game!

St. Raymond School

263 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway 516-593-9010 srsny.org Join us for an open house on Jan. 28 from 10am-1pm. Working together to share the joy and spread the good news.

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts

185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights 631-643-7900 usdan.com Join Usdan for an open house Sunday, Jan. 21. The campus is yours to visit and explore. Reservations required at usdan.org/visit. Receive $100 off new student tuition with promo code Nassau.

Village East Gifted - Enrichment Center for the Gifted Learner

Village East Gifted of Huntington 33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station 631-549-2313 Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@villageeastgifted.com VEG Academic Enrichment Program, where Gifted and Talented students ages 2-16 are inspired to explore, create, and excel. Call 631-549-2313 to schedule a personal tour, information session, and free trial class.

Vincent Smith School

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org Open house: Saturday, Jan. 20, 10am12pm. Discover how your child with anxiety, ADHD, or learning difficulties can progress academically and emotionally within our small classes, individualized curriculum, and multi-sensory instruction.

raising kids ad index

NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics

education

performing arts / acting

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 31

Buckley Country Day School........................................... 9

Nassau Boces Educational Foundation......................... 21

Countryside Montessori School..................................... 16

birthday / party services

Diocese of RVC............................................................. 64

religious

BounceU - Farmingdale................................................ 55

East Woods School....................................................... 21

Diocese of RVC............................................................. 64

Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 49

Holy Child Academy...................................................... 23

Goldfish Swim School ................................................... 45 M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 31

camps Camp Huntington........................................................... 45 Countryside Montessori School..................................... 16 East Woods School....................................................... 21 Future Stars - Old Westbury.......................................... 58

Fusion Education Group - Woodbury............................ 23 Green Vale School......................................................... 13 Hofstra University / Saltzman Center............................ 57 Holy Child Academy...................................................... 23 Holy Family School........................................................ 21 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken...................................... 57 LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 55 Long Island Whole Child Academy................................ 33

Green Vale School......................................................... 13

Mathnasium..................................................................... 5

LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 55

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 31

Oasis Children Services.......................................... 51, 58 Village East Gifted......................................................... 57 Young Peoples Day Camp - LI................................ 11, 58

child care / day care M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 31 Variety Child - Child Care.............................................. 59

classes

Nassau Boces Educational Foundation......................... 21 Our Lady of Grace Montessori School.......................... 20 Our Lady of Lourdes - Malverne.................................... 29 Our Lady of Mercy......................................................... 29 Sappo School................................................................ 16 St. Christopher School................................................... 24 St. Dominic Elementary School..................................... 20 St. Edward The Confessor School................................ 23 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ................................................ 24

Holy Family School........................................................ 21 Our Lady of Grace Montessori School.......................... 20 Our Lady of Lourdes - Malverne.................................... 29 Our Lady of Mercy......................................................... 29 St. Christopher School................................................... 24 St. Dominic Elementary School..................................... 20 St. Edward The Confessor School................................ 23 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton ................................................ 24 St. Mary Elementary School.......................................... 29 St. Raymond School...................................................... 27

research Tobacco Action Coalition of LI....................................... 63

special needs Andrew M. Cohen, Esq.................................................. 53 Camp Huntington........................................................... 45 ChiroMom................................................................ 56, 59

St. Mary Elementary School.......................................... 29

Early Care and Learning Counsel................................. 56

St. Raymond School...................................................... 27

Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 25

Goldfish Swim School ................................................... 45

Village East Gifted......................................................... 57

Huntington Learning Center.......................................... 15

Hofstra University / Saltzman Center............................ 57

Village East Gifted - Preschool & Kindergarten............. 21

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 56, 59

LIU Center for Gifted Youth........................................... 55

Vincent Smith School.................................................... 24

Law Offices of Brad H Rosken...................................... 57

Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 49

Mathnasium..................................................................... 5 Russian School of Mathematics.............................. 49, 58 Steps To Socialization................................................... 15 Sylvan Learning Center - Mineola................................. 57 Village East Gifted......................................................... 57 Village East Gifted - Preschool & Kindergarten............. 21

family entertainment / events / outings BounceU - Farmingdale................................................ 55

fitness Goldfish Swim School ................................................... 45

Long Island Whole Child Academy................................ 33 Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County........................ 3, 56 Racheal McInnes........................................................... 53 Sappo School................................................................ 16 Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry PC..................... 45, 56 Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 19 Vincent Smith School.................................................... 24

developmental

health

C.I.I.T. Center.......................................................... 55, 56

sports

Hagedorn Little Village School...................................... 25

ChiroMom................................................................ 56, 59

Goldfish Swim School ................................................... 45

Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech................. 56, 59

Early Care and Learning Counsel................................. 56

M.A.T.S.S. Kids’ Gym.................................................... 31

Long Island Whole Child Academy................................ 33

Fairy LiceMothers.......................................................... 59

Young Peoples Day Camp - LI................................ 11, 58

Racheal McInnes........................................................... 53

Merrick Pediatric Dentistry............................................... 7

Sappo School................................................................ 16

Meshab OB-GYN....................................................... 2, 56

tutors

Steps To Socialization................................................... 15

Pediatric Dentistry of Nassau County........................ 3, 56

Eye Level Learning Center............................................ 49

Sylvan Learning Center - Mineola................................. 57

Racheal McInnes........................................................... 53

Huntington Learning Center.......................................... 15

Variety Child Learning Center........................................ 19

Shining Smiles Pediatric Dentistry PC..................... 45, 56

Mathnasium..................................................................... 5

Village East Gifted - Preschool & Kindergarten............. 21

Steps To Socialization................................................... 15

Russian School of Mathematics.............................. 49, 58

Young Peoples Day Camp - LI................................ 11, 58

Tobacco Action Coalition of LI....................................... 63

Sylvan Learning Center - Mineola................................. 57

LongIslandParent 61

raising kids quotables

What is your parenting resolution for 2018? “We are resolving to not put off our adventures for another day!” —Anna Novak, Warwick, of tinsparrowstudio.com

My resolution is to give my 12-year-old daughter a little more independence as she matures into a young lady. I also want to teach both her and my 9-year-old son more life skills, like how to make basic meals for themselves for the days I don’t feel like cooking. Which are most days

—Kimberly Thomas, Valley Stream, creator of the blog valleystreammom.com

“My main resolution is that I want to be more of a YES parent. I don’t want to let my boys do whatever the heck they want, but I do want to actually consider their requests before I give them the answer that’s most convenient for me. I want them to have the kind of fun that they want, but that can’t happen unless I encourage and allow it.” —Rhianon Hoffman, the Bay Ridge mom behind brooklynboymom.com

in an instagram So many photos from our Statue of Liberty trip last week, but one of my faves is the view of downtown NYC from Lady Liberty’s pedestal. #statueoﬂiberty #familytravel #travelwithkids #nycviews #nyc #nycskyline #takeyourkidseverywhere #nyckids #thisis8 #nycwithkids #ladyliberty #oneworldtrade (Posted by @globetrottingmommy, aka Lyla Gleason, who blogs at globetrottingmommy.com)

Out of all the people in my life, I get to choose one person to spend my life with. I get to choose one person to love. I get to choose one person to be my partner in everything. ...I have to remember not to take him for granted. I have to remember to show him the love that I have for him. I have to remember that he was here before the kids. —Lili Rasprasith, in a post entitled “I Put My Husband Before My Kids, And This Is Why” on scarymommy.com

“Leta skipped out as she was overcome by the excitement of it all, by the idea of reaching this milestone in her life. She asked me how badly it was going to hurt over the next few days, and because she was still so excited I lied and told her that she’s only going to feel a little pain when the truth is SHE WILL WANT TO CLAW HER OWN FACE OFF.” —Heather Armstrong, in a post entitled “My kid got braces and all I got was a broken heart” on her blog dooce.com

January 2018 | nymetroparents.com

“I am going to try to limit time in front of my phone or computer while my kids are in the same room. As a work-from-homemom, this will be extremely difficult, however I currently find myself demonstrating screen habits that I do not want to pass along to them! And I want to make sure they know that THEY are my number one priority.” —Rebecca Dixon, Manhattan, managing director of mommybites.com

“My resolution is to spend more time playing games with my kids. By games, I mean board games, and as a family. In recent years we’ve become so digital, and my kids, who are 7 and 11, need time to ‘play’ together and with my husband and me. Our goal is to disconnect from devices and have good old-fashioned game nights where we play Monopoly or Trouble with our kids.” —Erin Baker, Eastchester, co-founder of emmawestchester.com

A New Year’s Promise “Being a good parent doesn’t require you to do everything perfectly. Like your child, you are a work in progress. Give yourself credit for the good, and forgive yourself for your parenting imperfections. Seek help and support when you need it—and make smaller, more manageable resolutions.” —Long Island-based psychologist Susan Bartell Psy.D., in an article entitled “Resolutions Revisited.” Read the whole story at nymetroparents.com/resolutions.

More NYMetroParents.com Highlights: WINTER FUN: See the top 100 winter activities in the NY metro region at nymetroparents.com/winter-activities. CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR: How to make resolutions kids can keep (nymetroparents.com/kid-resolutions)

Nodoctor would ever prescribe tobacco... so why do pharmacies sell it? 52% of all pharmacies inNewYork State still sell tobacco products. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to end this practice. Lend your support at BreatheFreely.org

LI Parent full pg CSW 2018:Layout 1 12/12/17 10:54 AM Page 1

Catholic Schools Week Open Houses, Jan. 28-Feb. 3

A better environment for learning. The Catholic school diﬀerence is founded on a simple truth: students know that God loves and accepts them for who they really are. Uniforms help them avoid many of the surface-level distractions of social status and peer pressure, and children learn that their value is not based on how others see them, but on God’s always faithful love for them. To learn more about Catholic Schools Week Open Houses and to ﬁnd a school near you, call 516-678-5800 x 258 or visit www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org.