Queens 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
QueensParent
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contents table of
Original photo by ›› PhotoOp NYC (photoopnyc.com) Clothing provided by Appaman (appaman.com)
january 2018
54 41
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.
16 Baby Needs Books! 20 The Buzz on Blended Learning
46
24 Should School Start Later? 26 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? 48 Meet the Camp Director 49 Meet the Doctor 50 Professional Services 51 Party Central 52 Open Houses 53 Family Resource Guide and Party Planner 53 Advertisers’ Index 54 Quotables
11 Dynamite Dinner Table Conversation Jar
42 Creating a ‘Yes’ Space
32 Family Fun a Ride Away
44 Food and Drink Hacks for Parents
33 Family Activities Calendar
46 Choosing a Guardian for Your Child
41 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 15 Education Special
46 Family Life: Choosing Your Kids’ Guardian
@NYMetroParents Visit NYMETROPARENTS.COM for family activities updated daily and more than 2,000 parenting articles!
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Our Resolution: More Solutions
JANUARY 2018 • Vol.23 • No.6
NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com
EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Deborah Skolnik MANAGING EDITOR: Katelin Walling DEPUTY EDITOR: Caitlin Berens
A
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. 54), and features sound bites from parents right in your area. Our Outings page has been renamed Family Fun a Ride Away (p. 32)—there’s no better way to plan your day trip to get away from the city! And the Where-to Guide (p. 41) 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. 46). 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. 42). Babies and teens will now be a regular focus of ours, and are featured in this month’s education theme. Turn to page 16 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 24. 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, 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
Who: Holy Cross High School What’s New: Coeducation for the class of 2022. Holy Cross is a college preparatory school that educates young people following the educational and spiritual vision of its founder Blessed Father Basil Moreau C.S.C. In the spring of 2017, Holy Cross High School enhanced its mission by announcing the decision to move to coeducation. This fall, young women entering freshman year in September 2018 can apply to join Holy Cross. The school’s student-to-teacher ratio is 12-to-1, and the school offers more than 50 electives and 25 advanced placement and honors courses. Want More Info: 26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing; 718-886-7250; info@holycrosshs.org; holycrosshs.org
Courtesy Holy Cross
High School
Flushing Catholic High School to Be Coeducational
Holy Cross High Sch ool, formerly an all-boy s Catholic school, will introduce coeduc ation for the class of 2022.
Courtesy Circle of
Who: Circle of Friends Early Learning Center What’s New: A SMART board, which was added in the fall to enhance daily curriculum and introduce new methods of learning. Children use the SMART board to practice writing, colors, and shapes. Staff members use the large, electronic visual for Internet tutorials and occasional movie afternoons. Circle of Friends is committed to providing a loving, Christian environment to help preschoolers develop through hands-on, Christcentered curriculum that combines learning and play every day. The eight-person staff, many of whom are church members, includes certified teachers and volunteers with more than 227 years of combined experience teaching children. Want More Info: 41-54 Murray St., Flushing; 718-359-3993; info@circleoffriendselc.com; circleoffriendselc.com
Friends Early Learnin
g Center
Christian Early Learning Center in Flushing Adds Technology
h Circle of Friends
Children engage wit . new SMART board
nter’s
Early Learning Ce
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January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Courtesy Monsignor McClancy Memo
Who: Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School What’s New: Music and performing arts tuition incentive awards, which upcoming freshmen may audition for in January 2018 with a song or instrumental performance. Applicants must be accepted to Monsignor McClancy, do well on their entrance exam, list the school as their number one choice on their application, and be in good academic standing. The Brother Joseph Rocco, sc, Ed.D., Music and Performing Arts Tuition Incentive Award ranges from $1,000-$2,000, which will be deducted from annual tuition. It’s renewable each year assuming good academic standing and participation in the school’s band or singing program. Want More Info: 71-06 31st Ave., East Elmhurst; 718-8983800; msgrmcclancy.org
rial High School
Catholic High School in East Elmhurst Launches Arts Award
The Brother Joseph Rocco, sc, Ed.D. , Music and Performing Arts Tuition Incentive Award was established by an anonymous benefactor.
QueensParent
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raising kids in the know
Things You 5Didn’t Know
About Girlhood
››
By Bethany Braun-Silva with Katie Hurley, LCSW
I
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.
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January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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?
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.
QueensParent 11
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
D
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.
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January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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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 ›› 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
16 B aby Needs Books!: It’s never too soon to raise an eager reader. he Buzz on Blended Learning: 20 T This bold approach integrates technology with traditional teaching. hould School Start Later?: Early 24 S classes can harm teens’ health and academic performance. 26 Education Directory: Schools, academic enrichment, and special education services in Queens.
Baby Needs Books!
››
It’s never too soon to raise an eager reader—these early steps are the way to start.
W
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 16
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
ITHWAI RA
continued on next page ››
Braithwaite Nursery School ~ Your child will be governed only by his or her limitless imagination. ~
ery Sch
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B
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.
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13-18 Months: Pages and Passions
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“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!
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
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This bold approach integrates technology with traditional teaching. By Jordan Laird
O
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, 20
January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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. 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 blend-
ed 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).
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
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Two kindergarteners at St. Ann focus on their lessons in i-Ready.
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
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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 ex-
plains. “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?
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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
W
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.
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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
Why Don’t More Schools Make a Change?
Like so many other things having to do with public school sysTeens need enough sleep, not only to stave off the grumpies, but tems, the current situation is largely driven by budgets. The start also to effectively learn once they get to school. Schools with the times of high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools first period bell ringing at 8:30am or later—which eliminates more have to be staggered in order to keep the number of buses and than 85 percent of U.S. public high schools, according to federal drivers—and costs—to a minimum. And high schools tend to start data from the 2015-16 school year—wind up with better attenearliest, often to allow the youngest students to wait at the bus dance and graduation rates. One study comparing schools in seven stop in broad daylight and to have teens back home before their states, including New York, found that instituting an 8:30am start little brothers and sisters arrive, an arrangement some working increased attendance rates from 90 to 94 percent and graduation parents depend on. rates from 79 to 88 percent. These schools’ students have more Aside from increased transportation costs, rejiggering the start downtime too, according to a separate study recently published times of a district’s schools would mean renegotiating contracts, in December in the journal Sleep Health. It found that when high not only with transportation providers, but with teachers and school classes started at 8:30am or later, teens spent 46 more minschool staff, including sports coaches. utes in bed, on average, compared with peers whose schools startAnother consideration: The traffic that school buses and traveled between 7 and 7:30am. ing school sports teams would face if their schedule were closer to Meanwhile, a study of middle-school students in North Carorush hour. “As it was, it would take Joey an hour to get back when lina found that a one-hour delay in start time increased math test his away volleyball games ended at four. Imagine if they ended at scores by 3.3 percentile points and reading test scores by 3.7 points. five?” says Marie Iorio, a mom of “As someone who has studied two in New Hyde Park in Naseducational interventions, I trusau County. A situation like that ly believe that this is the single Despite their appearance, high school kids could hamper a child’s participaeasiest and least expensive way are just that—kids who are still growing. tion in extracurriculars or sports, to improve student outcomes,” which—who knows?—could be said the study’s author, Santa Adolescents need 8½-9½ hours of sleep a the thing that makes or breaks Clara University economist Teny night, an almost laughable number when their college applications. M. Shapiro. Other parents are simply neuIn fact, none other than the compared with day-to-day reality. tral on the issue. “I have mixed American Academy of Pediatfeelings about late start,” says rics released a policy statement Gina Seymour, the library media in 2014 saying that “insufficient specialist at Islip High School. “Yes, the kids are tired, but as a sleep in adolescents [is] an important public health issue that signifimom I do like to see my children off to school before I leave for cantly affects the health and safety, as well as the academic success, work, rather than leave with them still in bed.” of our nation’s middle and high school students.” The following year, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urged Continued Clock-Watching education policymakers to start school later. “Getting enough While the premise of later school start times for teens is widely sleep is important for students’ health, safety, and academic perforaccepted by those familiar with the facts, there’s another stummance,” stated Anne Wheaton, the lead author and epidemiologist bling block to overcome: human nature. People, parents included, in the CDC’s Division of Population Health. tend to rally around causes that affect them directly. That means Both the CDC and the AAP noted that sleep-deprived teens not that hard-won advocates graduate along with their kids every four only have poorer educational outcomes, but also are more prone years, so it’s a constant battle for groups such as Start School Later to car accidents, obesity, and depression. to keep re-educating parents and maintain the grassroots pressure. None of this is to say, of course, that opening high schools an Success Stories hour later is the lone magic bullet to kids’ sleep issues and school The realization is spreading that it’s harmful to force teens to success. And some kids fare better than others with the current rise with the birds. Some schools have adopted later start times, arrangement. Jennifer Geddes, a mom of two teens in Manhatthough there’s no hard data on the trend. “Unfortunately, it is tan, is one of the lucky ones. Her daughter’s high school starts at very difficult to track how many schools are talking about chang8:30am. But while Geddes says the late start is great, “Fiona could ing or have changed start times because there is no mandatory start earlier than that,” she shares. “She’s up and ready to go well reporting. Our lack of tracking start times reflects our level of sysbefore she has to leave.” temic lack of awareness,” Simera says. Barring a sweeping change to start times, what are families to do? But the Glen Falls School District is one that made the switch. Promoting good sleep-hygiene habits for kids, such as avoiding cafIn 2013, the high school pushed back its start time from 7:45am feine in the evening, shutting down electronics before getting into to 8:25am, and saw better student outcomes. The South Orangebed, and keeping to roughly the same sleep schedule on weekends, town Central School District is another that opted to try a later will help them regardless of when school begins. That, combined start. “Our high school and middle school went from a 7:30am with continuing efforts to educate parents, school boards, and polstart to 8:15. It’s soooo much better,” says Stephanie Mullen, a iticians on the benefits of letting teens sleep later, may ultimately mom of three in Blauvelt. “Teens are not adults, and there’s no yield eye-opening results for our chronically weary kids. point in forcing them to adapt to an adult schedule.” At Islip High School in Suffolk County, upperclassmen can opt out of first Christina Vercelletto is a former editor at NYMetroParents, Parenting, Scholastic Parent & period and come in 40 minutes later, provided they’ll have enough Child, and Woman’s Day. She lives on Long Island with her kids, a chiweenie, Pickles, and a credits to graduate, which most do. 20-pound calico, Chub-Chub. QueensParent 25
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Education Resources Top area schools and academic services to help you make the best decisions for your child
Academic Enrichment and Educational Services Clover Prep Learning Center
192-11 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-740-7888 cloverprep.com cloverprep@gmail.com Clover Prep Learning Center is the “best rated spot for learning” for students ages 2½-12, featuring FasTracKids and JEI Learning. We offer proven programs that deliver results for realizing each student’s maximum potential. Whether it’s critical thinking, gifted and talented test prep, math, reading, science, summer camp, after-school programs, or preschool alternative, we have the best programs for your child. Most importantly, we make learning engaging and fun!
Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C.
114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills 180 E. 79th St., Suite 1C, Manhattan 1-888-441-0015 comprehendthemind.com Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. is a group of school and neuro-psychologists, who diagnose and assess a variety of conditions in children and adults. We perform neuropsychological, educational, speech and language, and psychiatric evaluations to help you understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and plan for their educational success and emotional well-being. Who we help: children and adults with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD), memory and processing deficits, developmental disorders (speech, motor, and adaptive delays), depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and mood disorders.
Huntington Learning Center
35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing 718-358-7900 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,
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and state and other standardized exams. To learn more and locate a center near you, visit huntingtonhelps.com.
ISTEIN Education Center
107-06 71st Road, 2nd floor, Forest Hills 718-575-8877 isteinny.com info@isteinny.com ISTEIN after-school program is a different kind of extended day after-school program with featured music programs, Chinese language class, multi-interest activities, plus free school pick-up. Enrolling kindergarten-sixth grades only. Our program is designed to not only help your children with their homework but offer them the opportunity to expand their knowledge, create friendships, and have fun. We also offer rigorous academic enrichment in our State Test Prep (third-sixth grades), and Little Winner Program (kindergarten-second grade). Our staff is comprised of professional teachers and assistants whose goal is to make sure your child has a rewarding experience.
JEI Learning Centers
Auburndale: 347-408-4098 Floral Park: 718-347-3138 jei.com JEI Learning Centers have helped children achieve academic success around the world since 1977. We offer a variety of academic enrichment and tutoring programs for children in pre-K through ninth grade, including math, problem-solving, English, reading, and writing. Our program is designed to elevate each student’s abilities to the next level and beyond. JEI’s scientific diagnostic system pinpoints the missing links in learning and prescribes individual study programs based on specific needs. Our curriculum is aligned with the Common Core Standards. Call us for more information.
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:
January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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.
Nina’s Tutoring Center
8702 Grand Ave., Elmhurst 718-205-7508 92-22 Corona Ave., Elmhurst 718-606-1056 tutornina@hotmail.com We tutor kids in kindergarten to 12th grades. For the past eight years, we have provided quality education that helps kids excel in school. Our excellent, highly dedicated, and experienced tutors are very competent. We specialize in homework help and offer critical thinking and writing classes. We help improve skills in math, ELA, science, and social studies. We also have an intensive preparation program for ELA, math, and science citywide and statewide exams. We opened our second branch on Corona Avenue to serve our community better. Please call to find out more about the programs we run throughout the year.
Noah’s Ark Preparatory
38-20 Bell Blvd., Bayside 718-279-4251 62-48 Mt. Olivet Crescent, Middle Village 347-335-0044 noahsarkschool.com noahsarkpreparatory@gmail.com Noah’s Ark Preparatory Inc. strives to create a learning environment that invites the fullest potential of each person’s gifts. Both nursery and pre-kindergarten classrooms are divided into distinct learning areas and foster in the children a love of learning. The setting offers children the opportunity to teach themselves through their own discoveries. Noah’s Ark also offers an after-school program with bus service for ages 6-12, during which time will be spent building academic skills and addressing the needs of each individual student. Please call for further information about all of our programs, including UPK.
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® is a rigorous 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.
to educating the hearts and minds of young people. In the spring of 2017, Holy Cross High School enhanced its mission by announcing the decision to move to coeducation. Beginning this fall with the class of 2022, and each year after, young women can apply to join.
Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School
71-06 31st Ave., East Elmhurst 718-898-3800 x1 msgrmcclancy.org Monsignor McClancy Memo-
rial High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory school conducted in the educational tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, providing a quality education for young men and women, fully interweaving gospel values and Catholic teachings with core curriculum. The school incorporates a dynamic Campus Ministry Program with a strong mission and service component. Students are offered a disciplined and nurturing environment, which
promotes growth in scholarship, leadership, and outreach. Opportunities are available for college credit and advanced placement, as well as challenging honors courses in all subject areas.
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 continued on next page ››
CATHOLIC SCHOOL MARKETPLACE
Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School
Catholic Schools Archbishop Molloy High School
83-53 Manton St., Briarwood 718-441-2100 x155 or x110 admissions@molloyhs.org Archbishop Molloy High School promotes intellectual curiosity, creativity, personal growth, and faith. Rooted in a tradition of high standards in academics, athletics, and service to others, students are challenged to excel by our top-tier faculty, dedicated coaching staff, and competitive curriculum. Students feel part of a family, and with many school activities and programs, there truly is something for everyone. Molloy continually benchmarks its current academic offerings and use of technology with other higher learning institutions in order to keep evolving as a dynamic school in a rapidly changing world.
Holy Cross High School
Mr. Robert Botero, director of admissions 26-20 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing 718-886-7250 x558 or text 718-309-0589 holycrosshs.org admissions@holycrosshs.org Holy Cross High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located in Queens. In following the educational and spiritual vision of the Blessed Father Basil Moreau, founder of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Holy Cross is dedicated
Wednesday, January 17, 2018 7:00 PM 71-06 31st Avenue East Elmhurst, NY 11370 Contact Mr. Nicholas Melito (718) 898-3800 X2
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CATHOLIC SCHOOL MARKETPLACE At St. Kevin Catholic Academy, Our Blessings Are Many! COME SEE FOR YOURSELF…
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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.
St. Agnes Academic High School CATHOLIC SCHOOL WEEK SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE January 28th, 2018 • 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Free Full Day Pre K for All • Nursery Half/Full Day Sessions • Mommy & Me • Before/After School Programs Available • 1:1 Chromebook Technology • New STREAM Lab Access
45-50 195th Street Flushing, NY 11358 Call (718) 357-8110 to inquire www.stkevinca.org We Offer A Spiritual Foundation That Provides A Lifetime Of Benefits!
13-20 124th St., College Point 718-353-6276 stagneshs.org Celebrating 110 years of educating and inspiring young women, St. Agnes Academic High School understands that success for young women in science, technology, engineering, and math is critical to the future. The Maureen Martin Fritch Health Science Lab provides a world of opportunity in a variety of health fields giving St. Agnes girls the ‘edge’ when applying to health and nursing programs. This is an exciting time for young women in STEM and St. Agnes is committed to staying ahead of the curve.
St. Kevin Catholic Academy
45-50 195th St., Flushing 718-357-8110 stkevinca.org At SKCA, classrooms are equipped with SMARTBoards™ and students have access to iPads and 1-to-1 Chromebook tech-
INFORMATION NIGHT
nology. Our STREAM Lab offers resources that allow students to supplement classroom experiences through problem-solving and project based activities to develop deeper levels of understanding of science, technology, religion, engineering, arts education, and mathematics. We offer Mommy and Me, full- and halfday classes for nursery, full-day pre-K for all program and before- and after-school programs. Shadow days can be arranged for middle school and junior high students. Call 718-357-8110 for more information.
St. Sebastian Catholic Academy
39-76 58th St., Woodside 718-429-1982 stsebastianacademy.org Nursery through eighth grade, including free Universal Pre-K for All. Free after-school academic and recreational programs are offered daily for students in sixth-eighth grades, sponsored on-site by Maspeth Town Hall. An extended day program for students in nursery-fifth grades is available for an additional fee. A partnership with Monsignor McClancy High School Regents classes is offered in algebra and Earth science. Title 1 reading and math, SETSS, speech, and OT are available. You may be eligible for tuition assistance!
Preschools Braithwaite Nursery School
160-21 13 Ave., Whitestone
St. Sebastian Catholic Academy
BUILDING STRONG VALUES • Nursery through Grade 8
THURS., JAN. 18, 2018 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
OPEN HOUSE January 30th and February 1st 9:00 AM - 11:AM
St. Agnes Proudly Introduces the Maureen Martin Fritch Medical Health Lab!
39-76 58th Street Woodside, NY 11377 718-429-1982 www.stsebastianacademy.org
13-20 124th Street
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College Point, NY 11356 • 718.353.6276 www.stagneshs.org
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• FREE Universal Pre-K for All • FREE After School Academic/Recreational Programs daily for students in grades 6, 7 & 8 sponsored by Maspeth Town Hall. • Partnership with Monsignor McClancy High School for advanced classes • Over the last three years our graduating classes have earned an average of over $600,000 in Catholic high school scholarship money and were accepted into the finest high schools in New York City. Students may be eligible for tuition assistance
718-767-2776 9am-12pm (prime time for little ones) braithwaitenurseryschool.com Lynne and Ron Braithwaite, certified teachers, have been operating the Braithwaite Nursery School for 15 years, serving children ages 2-4 in a safe and nurturing environment. Our goal is to foster a love of learning through varied experiences. A Green School yard gives children the opportunity to observe and appreciate their environment. Seasonal changes and migrating birds introduce a love of science. We focus on the total child, academically and socially. Reading readiness, art, music, math, and science are an everyday part of our program in an exciting fun way. Your child will be governed only by his or her limitless imagination.
The Church-in-the-Gardens Nursery School
50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills 718-268-7980 citgnurseryschool.org nurseryschool@thecitg.org Our nursery and UPK programs reflect research that encourages learning through play and handson activities. Each individual child is supported as he or she becomes a successful, lifelong learner. We offer a diversified, multicultural program, a printrich environment, hands-on, developmentally-appropriate small group instruction, a music and movement program that promotes fine and gross motor skills, and reinforced acceptance of others through teaching the basic strategies for coping with issues that may arise when our students enter elementary school. All programs offer enhanced enrichment throughout the school year.
Circle of Friends Early Learning Center
41-54 Murray St., Flushing 718-359-3993 circleoffriendselc.com info@circleoffriendselc.com Since 1963, we provide children ages 2-5 an enriched, handson education with Christian learning in a safe, cheerful facility. We offer part-time, full-time, and extended days and times schedules. The loving staff with certified teachers guide growth in music, art, science, literacy, math, and gym, and incorpo-
rate our Smartboard. Emphasis is on loving one another while growing skills and completing tasks independently, in both small and whole group settings. The lovely neighborhood is regularly explored in playground visits and walking trips!
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.
Noah’s Ark Preparatory
38-20 Bell Blvd., Bayside 718-279-4251 62-48 Mt. Olivet Crescent, Middle Village 347-335-0044 noahsarkschool.com noahsarkpreparatory@gmail.com Noah’s Ark Preparatory Inc. strives to create a learning environment that invites the fullest potential of each person’s gifts. Both nursery and pre-kindergarten classrooms are divided into distinct learning areas and foster in the children a love of learning. The setting offers children the opportunity to teach themselves through their own discoveries. Noah’s Ark also offers an after-school program with bus service for ages 6-12, during which time will be spent building academic skills and addressing the needs of each individual student. Please call for further information about all of our programs, including UPK.
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
SCHOOL MARKETPLACE
QUEENS CAMPUS K - 8
OPEN HOUSE Friday, January 26 at 9:00 a.m.
RSVP rsorrentini@unis.org • Rigorous international curriculum • Multicultural music, art, and drama programs • French and Spanish taught from Kindergarten • Environmental Center • Flexible after-care and after school activities
173-53 Croydon Rd. Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 718-658-6166 | www.unis.org
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Established in 1918, The Kew-Forest School is the oldest independent, co-ed, college preparatory school in Queens for students in Pre-K through 12th Grade. With 230+ students, we are small by design, inclusive, and globally representative, with approximately 60 nationalities on campus and 20 languages spoken at home. Our School provides a safe, nurturing, and intellectually vigorous environment.
119-17 UNION TURNPIKE FOREST HILLS, NY 11375 718.268.4667 WWW.KEWFOREST.ORG
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SCHOOL MARKETPLACE
NURSERY SCHOOL & PRE K:
• • • • • • • •
AM/PM Classes 3 Day PM Nursery Level Classes Available Program encourages socialization and diversity Multicultural curriculum Small group hands on instruction Music & Movement Outdoor Play Area Indoor Gym Program
NEW
2017 UPK HALF DAY SESSIONS AVAILABLE
Music Program
es
for PM Class Included
SPECIAL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS Pre-K OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL HOUR
Contact us: 718-268-7980 | Email: nurseryschool@thecitg.org citgnurseryschool.org | 50 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills
THE HIGHLAND SCHOOL Established 1949
USES OPEN HO th • 2-4pm
Sun. Jan 14 & King Day Martin Luthther • 11am-1pm Mon. Jan 15
Small Classes After School Program Transportation Available NEW!!! PRE-K Program Early Morning Drop Off Children Born Smartboard Technology in 2014 Foreign Language, Music, Art Large Gymnasium and Outdoor Playing Fields Extracurricular Activities: Sports, Drama, Piano 193-10 Peck Ave. • Fresh Meadows, N.Y. 11365 718-357-4747 • www.thenewhighlandschool.com 30
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Village East Gifted of Roslyn 216 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights 631-549-2313 villageeastgifted.com info@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.
The Kew-Forest School
119-17 Union Turnpike, Forest Hills 718-268-4667 x125 kewforest.org Established in 1918, The Kew-Forest School is the oldest independent, coed, college preparatory school in Queens for students in pre-K through 12th grade. With more than 230 students, we are small by design, inclusive, and globally representative, with approximately 60 nationalities on campus and 20 languages spoken at home. Our school provides a safe, nurturing, and intellectually vigorous environment.
United Nations International 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.
173-53 Croyden Road, Jamaica Estates 718-658-6166 unis.org rsorrentini@unis.org The United Nations International School Queens campus provides an intimate learning environment promoting academic achievement, personal growth, and a passion for learning. Inspired by the ideals of the United Nations, students become active and thoughtful global citizens. Small class sizes support individualized attention. Modern languages and a strong fine arts program complement a rigorous academic curriculum. With an experienced faculty, supportive parents, and outstanding students, UNIS provides an optimal educational experience for students from kindergarten through eighth grade.
The Highland School
Vincent Smith School
Private Schools Buckley Country Day School
193-10 Peck Ave., Fresh Meadows 718-357-4747 thenewhighlandschool.com Highland is an independent, non-sectarian school serving pre-K through eighth grades in Fresh Meadows. All grades enjoy a well-rounded program, incorporating academics with specialty classes in gym, music, art, and computers. Early morning and after-school hours meet the needs of working parents. The quality education allows students to reach their own levels of success in an enriching and nurturing environment.
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 through 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-to1 student-to-teacher ratio); onsite counseling; 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.
Special Needs Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C.
114-20 Queens Blvd., Suite CS 2, Forest Hills 180 E. 79th St., Suite 1C, Manhattan 1-888-441-0015 comprehendthemind.com Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. is a group of school and neuro-psychologists, who diagnose and assess a variety of conditions in children and adults. We perform neuropsychological, educational, speech and language, and psychiatric evaluations to help you understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and plan for their educational success and emotional well-being. Who we help: children and adults with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD), memory and processing deficits, developmental disorders (speech, motor, and adaptive delays), depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and mood disorders.
Huntington Learning Center
35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing 718-358-7900 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.
Vincent Smith School
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-to1 student-to-teacher ratio); onsite counseling; 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.
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©2017 Huntington Mark, LLC. Independently Owned and Operated. SAT and Advanced Placement (AP) are registered trademarks of the College Board. PSAT/NMSQT is a registered trademark of the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. None of these entities endorses or was involved in the production of the program.*Offer valid for new students only. Not valid with any other offer. **Grade level results are based on cumulative average grade level increases in reading and math for 17,445 students from 2010 to 2014 using the full set of available student data.
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things to do
outbound
Family Fun a Ride Away Courtesy FunFuzion
Courtesy Westchester Children’s Museum
In Westchester County...
Located on the boardwalk next to Playland Amusement Park, Westchester Children’s Museum is open year-round and serves as an entertaining and educational destination for children ages 13 and younger. The 6,500-square-foot vibrant learning space has interactive exhibits to challenge children of every age group. Visit it: 100 Playland Parkway, Rye (Metro-North New Haven Line); 914-421-5050; discoverwcm.org
Thunder Ridge Ski Area You’re going to get chilly this winter, so why not warm up on the slopes? Approximately 65 miles north of Midtown Manhattan lies Thunder Ridge Ski Area in Patterson. With slopes for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders, this scenic destination is great for a day trip with the whole family or weekend getaway. Open mid-December to mid-March (weather-dependent). Visit it: 50 Thunder Ridge Road, Patterson (Metro-North Harlem Line); 845-878-4100; thunderridgeski.com
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Courtesy Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries. Beacon, New York. © Dia Art Foundation, New York. Photo: Bill Jacobson Studio, New York. Courtesy Dia Art Foundation, New York
Westchester Children’s Museum
This indoor amusement park has a wide variety of activities to entertain family members of all ages (including parents!). With video games, kiddie rides, laser tag, glow-in-the-dark bowling, billiards, miniature golf, and pingpong there’s truly something fun for everyone. Visit it: 29 Lecount Place, New Rochelle (Metro-North New Haven Line); 914-637-7575; funfuziononline.com
Courtesy Thunder Ridge Ski Area
FunFuzion
and bey ond !
Dia:Beacon Step inside a former Nabisco box printing factory to see vast galleries of art at Dia:Beacon. The museum, located on the banks of the Hudson River, presents Dia Art Foundation’s collection of art from the 1960s to present and also includes special exhibitions and public programs. Visit it: 3 Beekman St., Beacon (Metro-North Hudson Line); 845-440-0100; diaart.org
Ideas When You Need Them:
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Turn the page for details on Spooktacular Family Fundraiser (No. 5 on our list).
JANUARY
y-day day-b : r u o t ou line ar Check alendar on alend c ood, hborh cost. g i e n h by and Searc type, age, t n eve ily! ted da a d p U
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nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar EDITOR: GAIL WARREN qpcal@davlermedia.com
CALENDAR
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Editor’s Hot Tickets
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We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Once Upon a Time
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Crafty Kids, On Screen
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Dance Party
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Holiday Fun, Movers & Shakers, Show Time!
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Mini Musicians
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Smarty Pants, Animal Lovers
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EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS
Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the seven events we consider can’t-miss—the ones we’re taking our own kids to. Consider it your cheat sheet to the best of what’s great this month!
1
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Children’s Library Discovery Center FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 13, 1pm WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Freedom Fighters from The East Harlem Repertory Theatre. WHY WE LOVE IT: Because the dream is still alive! WANT TO GO? 718-990-0700. queenslibrary.org.
Sweet Honey In The Rock: A Special Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
2
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 14, 4pm WHERE: Kupferberg Center For The Performing Arts, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: The vibrant, versatile, and ever-relevant musical collective today, as a performance ensemble and ambassadorial African American organization founded on the missions of empowerment, education and entertainment. WHY WE LOVE IT: A powerful concert entity that fuses the elastic 360 degree possibilities of the human voice with a theatrical flair that keeps avid audiences returning for more. WANT TO GO? $35. 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.
3
Stargazing Wonders: Astronomy Night
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 7pm WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Features an indoor Q-and-A session on basic astronomy, followed by exciting outdoor viewing using a professional telescope. 34
January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Participants are welcome to bring their own telescopes and binoculars. Registration required. WHY WE LOVE IT: One of the longest running astronomy programs in the city led by seasoned professor/astronomer! WANT TO GO? $16. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.
Dreams of Sand: Family Performance
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WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 2:15pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Artist Borja González of Spain tells the audience, with only a little bit of sand and his hands, the story of two people throughout their lives, from the dreams that start building up during their childhood, through the experiences of their adult life. This show is accompanied by beautiful live music. WHY WE LOVE IT: Drawing after drawing, this nonverbal story carries audiences to moments filled with emotions. WANT TO GO? $14; $8 children. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.
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Spooktacular Family Fundraiser
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 2-4pm WHERE: Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Corona AGES: All WHAT: Designed and produced by Queens Museum artist and educator Gregory Corbino, Spooktacular presents an afternoon full of exciting performances, live music, face-painting, art-making, scavenger hunts, raffle prizes, and tasty treats for all ages. WHY WE LOVE IT: So much fun, it’s scary! WANT TO GO? $25 and up. 718-592-9700. queensmuseum.org.
Lunar New Year Community Art Project FREE
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WHEN: Jan. 13-Feb. 3, Saturdays, 12-1pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Each Saturday leading up to Lunar New Year, participants will work on a step-by-step collaborative art project. WHY WE LOVE IT: An opportunity to make your mark as part of a community art project. WANT TO GO? 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.
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Mornings @ MoMI
WHEN: Through Feb. 24: Saturday, 9:30-10:30am WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: Visitors can explore the exhibitions and participate in art making projects every first Saturday of the month. Reservations required. WHY WE LOVE IT: Families on the autism spectrum can enjoy access to the museum before it opens to the general public. WANT TO GO? $5; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.
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 four no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Kids Club FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 8-10am WHERE: Queens Center Mall, Lower Level, JCPenney Wing, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Join a cool club in Queens! Powered by National Geographic Kids, this a great opportunity for kids to learn in a fun, interactive setting. WANT TO GO? 718-592-3900. shopqueenscenter.com/events.
Volunteers in the Vaults FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 6pm WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 9 and older WHAT: A public program aimed at those interested in learning about upcoming programs and opportunities. Attendees will also have the chance to discuss oral history projects and network with Queens Memory Program staff. WANT TO GO? queenslibrary.org.
Winnie the Pooh Day Celebration FREE
WHEN: Friday, Jan. 19, 3:30pm WHERE: Queensboro Hill Library, 60-05 Main St., Flushing AGES: 3-8 WHAT: It’s A.A. Milne’s birthday: the creator of Winnie the Pooh. Enjoy storytime, make a Pooh & Friends craft, and watch a cartoon. WANT TO GO? 718-359-8332. queenslibrary.org.
Pete the Cat Party FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 3:30pm WHERE: Queensboro Hill Library, 60-05 Main St., Flushing AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Come by for storytime, snack on some Groovy Buttons, and make a Pete craft or two. WANT TO GO? 718-359-8332. queenslibrary.org.
ONCE UPON A TIME 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 read aloud to a certified as a therapy pet partner. WANT TO GO? 718-225-3550. queenslibrary.org.
Winter Storytime FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 11am WHERE: Rochdale Village Library, 169-09 137th Ave., Jamaica AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: Enjoy stories and songs, plus an indoor “snowball fight.” WANT TO GO? 718-723-4440. queenslibrary.org.
Story Night FREE
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22, 6pm WHERE: Woodhaven Library, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 3-8, adult WHAT: An interactive adventure into the imagination, followed by a craft. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.
Picture Book Storytime FREE
WHEN: Jan. 4-25, Thursdays, 3:30pm WHERE: Queensboro Hill Library, 60-05 Main St., Flushing AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Join in for stories, activities, and crafts. WANT TO GO? 718-359-8332. queenslibrary.org.
Hear a Native American Folktale FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 25, 4pm WHERE: Poppenhusen Library, 121-23 14th Ave., College Point AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Hear a Native American folktale, talk about it, and do a related activity. Children younger than 9 must be accompanied by an adult. WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.
Science Storytime FREE
WHEN: Jan. 5-26, Fridays, 10:30am WHERE: Queensboro Hill Library, 60-05 Main St., Flushing AGES: 3-5 WHAT: A great way to introduce science and math to little ones. WANT TO GO? 718-359-8332. queenslibrary.org.
Weekend Mother Goose FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 10:30am WHERE: Windsor Park Library, 79-50 Bell Blvd., Bayside AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. WANT TO GO? 718-468-8300. queenslibrary.org.
Mother Goose Time FREE
WHEN: Jan. 3-31, Wednesdays, 11:30am WHERE: Elmhurst Library, 86-07 Broadway, Elmhurst AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Simple stories, songs, and fingerplays for babies. WANT TO GO? 718-271-1020. queenslibray.org.
Toddler & Preschool Playdate FREE
WHEN: Jan. 11-Feb. 22, Thursdays, 4:30pm WHERE: Queens Village Library, 94-11 217th St., Queens Village AGES: Newborn to 5, adult WHAT: Drop in for circle time, story, and open play. WANT TO GO? 718-776-6800. queenslibrary.org. ›› QueensParent 35
Winter Family Programs at Queens Botanical Garden
WHEN: Jan. 13-27, Saturdays, 1-3pm WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Experience winter’s splendor with indoor garden activities and an outdoor nature walk. WANT TO GO? $10. 718-886-3800. queensbotanical.org.
Crafty Tuesdays FREE
CRAFTY KIDS
Winter Recess: ‘Superhero’ Workshop
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 1, 11am-4pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Kids will create their own superhero world during winter recess with the museum’s drop-in art making workshops for families. Activities include making Lego animations and superhero masks, and designing superhero costumes. WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students with ID; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.
Make Your Own Scrapbook FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 4, 4pm WHERE: Poppenhusen Library, 121-23 14th Ave., College Point AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Kids will decorate blank scrapbooks in their own style. WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.
Open Studio: Wood
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7, 11am WHERE: The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Open Studio encourages families to explore the galleries and make art in response to their experiences. WANT TO GO? $10; $5 seniors and students; free for children younger than 12. 718-204-7088. noguchi.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Craft FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 3:30pm WHERE: Queens Village Library, 94-11 217th St., Queens Village AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will make an MLK craft to celebrate his achievements and togetherness. WANT TO GO? 718-776-6800. queenslibrary.org.
Dreams of Sand: Interactive Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 1pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Participants will stimulate their imagination, creativity, and precision, while learning the basic technique of sand art. Join sand artist Borja González, as he instructs participants in working with sand, first on paper, then on a small-scale light table. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org. 36
January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Jan. 2-30, Tuesdays, 4pm WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join for craft time all month long. WANT TO GO? queenslibrary.org.
Snowflake Suncatchers FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 4:30pm WHERE: Hillcrest Library, 187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Make a beautiful snowflake suncatcher to catch all that bright winter sunlight. WANT TO GO? 718-454-2786. queenslibrary.org.
Drop-In Moving Image Studio
WHEN: Through Feb. 11: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Families can create media and other projects, build their own puppets and animation inspired by The Jim Henson Exhibition and the core exhibition Behind the Screen. Activities include stop-motion animation, puppet making with found objects, creating your own meme, and coloring. WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students with ID; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.
Lego Building Club FREE
WHEN: Jan. 3-Feb. 21, Wednesdays, 4pm WHERE: Bellerose Library, 250-06 Hillside Ave., Bellerose AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children have fun being creative with Legos. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8644. queenslibrary.org.
ON SCREEN Saturday Afternoon Family Movies: ‘Short Circuit’ FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 2:30pm WHERE: Briarwood Library, 85-12 Main St., Briarwood AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Enjoy the family movie Short Circuit on National Technology Day. WANT TO GO? 718-658-1680. queenslibrary.org.
Video Arcade: Changing Exhibitions Gallery
WHEN: Through Jan. 15: Wednesday-Thursday, 10:30am-2pm; Friday, 10:30am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11:30am-7pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 35-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: A popular culture phenomenon and a vital force in the entertainment industry. This arcade allows visitors to play 23 of the era’s most beloved games in their original form. WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors with ID; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us.
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.
Friday Movie Afternoon FREE
WHEN: Jan. 5-26, Fridays, 3pm WHERE: Howard Beach Library, 92-06 156th Ave., Howard Beach AGES: 3-12 WHAT: January’s movie line-up includes Miracles from Heaven on Jan. 5; Chips on Jan. 12; The Emoji Movie on Jan. 19; and Everything, Everything on Jan. 26. WANT TO GO? 718-641-7086. queenslibrary.org.
Super Cinema Saturday FREE
WHEN: Jan. 6-27, Saturdays, 2:30pm WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Ave., Forest Hills AGES: 5-12, adult WHAT: Come be entertained by the magic of the movies. Watch Cinderella on Jan. 6; The LEGO Ninjago Movie on Jan. 13; Despicable Me 3 on Jan. 20; and My Little Pony: The Movie on Jan. 27. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.
Family Movie Time at Kew Gardens Hills FREE
WHEN: Jan. 3-Feb. 28, Wednesdays, 4:15pm WHERE: Kew Gardens Hills Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Weekly movie sessions for families, caregivers, and children to enjoy. In January, watch Despicable Me 3 on Jan. 3; The Emojii Movie on Jan. 10; The LEGO Ninjago Movie on Jan. 17; Cars 3 on Jan. 24; and Deep on Jan. 31. WANT TO GO? 718-261-6654. queenslibrary.org.
‘Dream Big: Engineering Our World’
WHEN: Through June 30: daily, 2pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: From the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings to underwater robots, solar cars, and smart, sustainable cities, this film celebrates the human ingenuity behind engineering marvels big and small. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children with admission: $16; $13 children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
DANCE PARTY Gotta Dance!: QPAC’s Broadway Dance-Along Winter Workout Challenge
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 11am-1pm WHERE: Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside AGES: 9 and older WHAT: Join dance professional Carmen LaRosa as she re-creates the most popular dance numbers from some of the most popular movie musicals of all time. Watch a clip of the dance number, then get up on stage to learn a reimagined version of the routine you just finished watching. WANT TO GO? $5. 718-631-6311. visitqpac.org.
History of Hip Hop Dance FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 13, 3pm WHERE: Peninsula Library, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Virgil “Lil O” Gadson is a dancer, actor, choreographer, and educator from Philadelphia, PA. This event highlights the origins and history of hip-hop dance, from the past to present day. WANT TO GO? 212-360-8114. queenslibrary.org.
Savoy! Dancing through the Swing Era
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 14, 2pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: This interactive dance program will take participants on a journey through the swing era. WANT TO GO? $10; free for seniors and children younger than 12. 718463-7700. flushingtownhall.org. ››
POParazzi….
Let our balloons INVADE your next event
‘Conquest of the Skies 3D’
WHEN: Through June 30: daily, 3pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Embark on an extraordinary journey to unravel the evolution of flying animals, from the first flying creatures to the organisms we know today. WANT TO GO? $6; $5 children with admission: $16; $13 children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2.. 718-699-0005. nysci.org.
Balloons for ALL Occasions Columns, Arches, Centerpieces and more! Corporate Accounts Welcomed Bulk Balloons by the Dozens
POParazzi Balloons & Event Space 61-19 Fresh Pond Road Middle Village NY 11379 347-204-5252 Visit us at POParazzievents.com
Email us at poparazziballoons@yahoo.com
@poparazziballoons QueensParent 37
MOVERS & SHAKERS Meditation for Kids FREE
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 8, 4pm WHERE: Woodhaven Library, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn the benefits and different methods of meditation. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.
HOLIDAY FUN
New Year’s Day Hike (Light) FREE
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 1, 1pm WHERE: Kissena Park, Rose and Oak avenues, Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: If your New Year’s resolution is to get healthy, why not start outdoors? This light hike features a leisurely stroll on mostly paved paths. WANT TO GO? 718-352-1769. nycgovparks.org.
Happy New Year Resolutions and Goal Setting FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 2, 4pm WHERE: Cambria Heights Library, 218-13 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate the New Year by creating resolutions and setting goals for 2018. This workshop is open to the entire community, with something for everyone. WANT TO GO? 718-528-3535. queenslibrary.org.
GingerBread Lane
WHEN: Through Jan. 14: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Marvel at homemade gingerbread houses made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing, and candy. GingerBread Lane has won the Guinness World Record for 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 for the largest gingerbread village. WANT TO GO? $16; $13 seniors, students, and children. 718-6990005. nysci.org.
Holiday Train Show
WHEN: Through Jan. 15: Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm WHERE: New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: More than 150 miniature landmarks are created from plant materials. Come watch trains make their way through the Statue of Liberty and more. This year’s show features replicas of the Empire State Building. Reservations required. WANT TO GO? Weekdays: $23; $10 children ages 2-12; weekends: $30; $18 children ages 2-12. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 4pm WHERE: Cambria Heights Library, 218-13 Linden Blvd., Cambria Heights AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Discuss the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a national Civil Rights Leader and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Children will explore and discuss Dr. King’s famous quote and use the exploratory writing prompt, “What does content of character mean to me?” WANT TO GO? 718-528-3535. queenslibrary.org. 38
January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
Super Saturday Morning FREE
WHEN: Jan. 6-27, Saturdays, 11am WHERE: Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71st Ave., Forest Hills AGES: 3-12, adult WHAT: Have fun on Saturday mornings with coloring pages, board games, jigsaw puzzles, blocks, Legos, and the occasional craft. WANT TO GO? 718-268-7934. queenslibrary.org.
Ping Pong Game Time FREE
WHEN: Jan. 2-Feb. 27, Tuesdays 4pm WHERE: Glen Oaks Library, 256-04 Union Turnpike, Glen Oaks AGES: 5-17 WHAT: Let’s play pingpong. Children younger than 13 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian. WANT TO GO? 718-831-8636. queenslibrary.org.
Wii Game Challenge FREE
WHEN: Jan. 10-June 13, Wednesdays, 3pm WHERE: Bayside Library, 214-20 Northern Blvd., Bayside AGES: 9-17 WHAT: Play and challenge friends with Mario Kart, Just Dance, or other Wii games in the collection. WANT TO GO? 718-229-1834. queenslibrary.org.
SHOW TIME Urban Stages Presents ‘The Gates of Equality’ FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 4, 6pm WHERE: East Elmhurst Library, 95-06 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst AGES: All WHAT: This dramatic presentation tells about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through his speeches, press conferences, and fictional narrative. WANT TO GO? 718-424-2619. queenslibrary.org.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’
WHEN: Dec. 21-Jan. 6, Wednesday-Sunday, 3:30pm and 7pm WHERE: The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: A family-friendly holiday musical based on the beloved animated TV special. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the whole Peanuts gang as they dig past the commercialized gimmicks of presents and decorations to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. WANT TO GO? $20; $12.50 children. 718-392-0722. secrettheatre.com.
‘Mighty Patsy Mink!’ FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 17, 4pm WHERE: Baisley Park Library, 117-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Join Patsy Takemoto Mink on her journey to become the first woman of color elected to Congress. Despite facing discrimination, Mink does not let injustice quiet her voice WANT TO GO? 718-529-1590. queenslibrary.org.
Winter Talent Show FREE
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 17, 4:30pm WHERE: Peninsula Library, 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Winter blues? Warm up with a January talent show. WANT TO GO? 212-360-8114. nycgovparks.org.
Guess What: A PG Stand Up Comedy Show for Families FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 1pm WHERE: The Creek and the Cave Comedy Club, 10-93 Jackson Ave., Long Island City AGES: All WHAT: The Guess What comedy show is a stand up comedy show with the perfect recipe for parents and kids: funny jokes and no sailor talk. Plus parents now don’t need a babysitter to see a comedy show. Watch top NYC comics do their PG best jokes and, in between, kids gets a chance to go on stage and tell a joke. WANT TO GO? 718-706-8783. facebook.com/guesswhatpg.
South African Storytelling and Mask Making FREE
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 29, 4pm WHERE: Baisley Park Library, 117-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Watch a performance of King Lion’s gift, which is Nelson Mandela’s favorite story, and then join us in making masks of the South African animals presented in the tale! WANT TO GO? 718-529-1590. queenslibrary.org.
Monthly Jazz Jam
WHEN: Wednesday, Jan. 10, 7pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Jazz Jams are a fun way to hone your skills and jam with your peers. The house band is led by saxophonist Carol Sudhalter. All are welcome, regardless of instrument (vocalists, too!). WANT TO GO? $10; free for students and jamming musicians. 718463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.
Maestro Ustad Shafaat Khan: East Meets West, A Fusion of Musical Traditions FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 21, 2pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: An energetic, exciting, and educational concert that taps into other cultures. Experience a blend of Indian Classical and folk music on the sitar, tabla, and vocal, with violin, flamenco, jazz and rock guitars, keyboard, and world percussions. WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.
Rock Band FREE
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22, 4pm WHERE: Woodhaven Library, 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Learn about and play a variety of different musical instruments, then form a band and perform. WANT TO GO? 718-849-1010. queenslibrary.org.
Great American Songbook FREE
MINI
MUSICIANS Yalla Concert
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 7:30pm WHERE: Kupferberg Center For The Performing Arts, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Yalla is a folk rock band from Uzbekistan. Throughout the 1970-1980s, Yalla was popular all over the Soviet Union and WarsawPact countries. WANT TO GO? $35 and up. 718-793-8080. kupferbergcenter.org.
1950s Doo Wop with The New York Serenaders FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 6, 2pm WHERE: Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: The New York Serenaders are made up of founder and bass man Ron (Ronnie D) Derin, Joe (Joey Guitar) Sanders, Dan (DooWop Dan) Juhn, and Rodd (Hot-Rodd) Marcus. WANT TO GO? 718-661-1200. queenslibrary.org.
Sunday Concerts @ Central: Jaliya Kafo Ensemble FREE
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 7, 3pm WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: All WHAT: This group Ensemble keeps traditional West African music alive with ancient instruments played in Africa since the 14th century. West African dance will also be performed. WANT TO GO? queenslibrary.org.
WHEN: Monday, Jan. 22, 6pm WHERE: Hillcrest Library, 187-05 Union Turnpike, Flushing AGES: 13 and older WHAT: Bill Gati and Willa Bassen interpret some of the most popular songs from The Great American Songbook in a contemporary style. WANT TO GO? 718-454-2786. queenslibrary.org.
Black String
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 8pm WHERE: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing AGES: All WHAT: Presenting new sounds from the ancient instruments of Korea, this group creates a unique musical language drawing on Korean traditional music, jazz, and free improvisation, led by geomungo (Korean zither) virtuoso Yoon-Jeong Heo. WANT TO GO? $16; $10 students. 718-463-7700. flushingtownhall.org.
Jazz for Kids
WHEN: Oct. 15-May 27, Sundays, 2-3pm WHERE: Jazz Standard, 116 E. 27th St., Kips Bay, Manhattan AGES: All WHAT: Talented musicians ages 11-18 dish out jazz classics as family audiences devour the goods off Blue Smoke’s southern barbecue lunch menu. WANT TO GO? $5 suggestion donation. 212-576-2232. jazzstandard.com.
ANIMAL LOVERS Kidz Kitchen: This Lil’ Piggy Went to Market
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 13, 11am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Kids will have fun learning about an animal, then make a snack to compliment what they’ve learned. WANT TO GO? $22. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.
Animal Care Trainee
SMARTY PANTS How Our Bodies Work FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 4, 4pm WHERE: South Jamaica Library, 108-41 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., South Jamaica AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Learn about how our bodies work, why we need food, and the food groups. WANT TO GO? 718-739-4088. queenslibrary.org.
Powerpoint for Kids FREE
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 4, 4pm WHERE: Kew Gardens Hills Library, 72-33 Vleigh Place, Flushing AGES: 9-12 WHAT: Students can create reports and presentations using PowerPoint. WANT TO GO? 718-261-6654. queenslibrary.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. 516224-5800. licm.org.
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 9, 4pm WHERE: South Ozone Park Library, 128-16 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children will answer jeopardy game questions about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and learn interesting facts about his life and civil rights work. WANT TO GO? 718-529-1660. queenslibrary.org.
Science Fair How-To Family Festival FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 11am WHERE: Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica AGES: 5-12 WHAT: The Discovery Team will showcase amazing science projects and help find the right one for you. WANT TO GO? queenslibrary.org.
Installation: A Memory of Astoria
WHEN: Through Feb. 11: Wednesday-Thursday 10:30am-5pm; Friday, 10:30am-8pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10:30am-6pm WHERE: Museum of the Moving Image, 35-01 35th Ave., Astoria AGES: All WHAT: This is an impressionistic portrait of the blocks surrounding the museum. WANT TO GO? $15; $11 seniors and students with ID; $7 children ages 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 718-777-6888. movingimage.us. 40
January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 14, 9am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: 5-12 WHAT: This program introduces children to the unique responsibility of being an animal caretaker. Children will learn about APEC’s animals, and gain hands-on experience in feeding, brushing, and cleaning them. WANT TO GO? $23. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.
APEC Adventure Time: Animal Homes
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 20, 10:30am WHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston AGES: Newborn to 2 WHAT: Learn about different homes of local wildlife. WANT TO GO? $18. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.
Froggy Day FREE
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 4pm WHERE: Poppenhusen Library, 121-23 14th Ave., College Point AGES: 5-8 WHAT: Come and hear some stories about Froggy and do a related activity. WANT TO GO? 718-359-1102. queenslibrary.org.
Animal Adaptations FREE
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 27, 1pm WHERE: Union Turnpike and 196th Street, Fresh Meadows AGES: All WHAT: The Urban Park Rangers will guide participants to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. WANT TO GO? 718-352-1769. nycgovparks.org.
Sea Lion Feedings
WHEN: Jan. 1-31, daily, 11:25am, 2pm, and 4pm WHERE: Queens Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Corona AGES: All WHAT: Sea lions may seem clumsy on land, but their oar-like flippers and torpedo-shaped bodies make them strong swimmers and divers. WANT TO GO? $8; $5 children. 718-271-1500. queenszoo.com.
Coming up next month: FEB. 20: Celebrate Black History Month: George Washington Carver Workshop at Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing FEB. 23: The New Shanghai Circus at Queensborough Performing Arts Center, Bayside FEB. 25: The Beauty of Ballet at Queens Theatre, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Wintry things to do
where-to guide
❆ ❅
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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World Ice Arena 131-35 Avery Ave., Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 718-760-9001; worldice.com Hours: Year-round: Monday-Thursday, 10:30am-5:15pm; Friday, 9am-5:15pm and 7-9:50pm; Saturday, 12-4:45pm and 8-9:50pm; Sunday, 12-4:45pm. Opens at 11am on summer weekdays. Price: $7 weekdays; $10 weekends (starting Friday at 7pm) and holidays, including school vacation weeks. $6 skate rental. Find more>> ice-skating rinks in Queens at nymetroparents.com/ice-skating.
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New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadows-Corona Park 718-699-0005; nysci.org Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-6pm Admission: $16; $13 seniors, students, and children ages 2-17; free for children younger than 2 Features more than 450 science-themed exhibits that engage learners of all ages. In January, visit GingerBread Lane, the Guinness World Record holder for the largest gingerbread village from 2013-2016, which is on view until Jan. 15; Nikon Small World, an exhibit of winning images from the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition that depict living organisms such as a skin cell with an excessive amount of keratin and a flowering head of a plant, on view until Feb. 23; and Science Inspires Art: Ocean, which combines art and science to encourage educational discussions, on view until Feb. 25. Find more>> kid-friendly museums in Queens at nymetroparents.com/museums.
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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
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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
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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. QueensParent 43
family life food & nutrition
Food and Drink Hacks for Parents
Four handy tips to make mealtime with kids easier
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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.
Excerpted from LIFE HACKS FOR PARENTS by Dan Marshall. Copyright © 2017. Reprinted by permission of Harper Design, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
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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
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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 46
January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
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 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-to-eye 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.
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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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Meet the
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5945 Strickland Ave., Brooklyn 718-251-6200 millbasindaycamp.com Dear Friends, Edith Katsman, the camp director, and I are proud to lead our wonderful staff at Mill Basin Day Camp as we have done for the past 20 years. Please plan a time to stop by to visit and tour our facility and discuss the camp program. Edith and I want to know how we personally can make this summer one that your family will remember forever. Sincerely, Jack Grosbard, owner Mill Basin Day Camp.
800-856-1043 queenscamp.com Jim has served as the executive director of YPDC Queens for the past 20 years. This family run camp provides safe, fun-filled summers for thousands of Queens youngsters. YPDCQ is accredited by the American Camp Association. YPDCQ provides a dynamic, diversified, and professionally supervised program enabling children to experience many activities. Activities include swimming, sports, arts and crafts, music and dance, nature science, academics, educational and recreational field trips, as well as other special events. Ages 4-15. Free transportation. Ask about our premium enrichment programs. New For 2018: robotics, sibling discounts, and special union rates!
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QueensParent 49
Professional services
Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals DENTISTS & DENTAL PROVIDERS AVENUE ORTHODONTICS 150-33 14th Ave., Suite 100, Whitestone 718-767-8400 avenueortho.com Dr. Eleni Michailidis and Dr. Abraham Chahine are highly trained orthodontic specialists. Schedule a complimentary consultation at Avenue Orthodontics to learn about the options available for your entire family. 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 Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 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. LEGAL SERVICES THE LAW OFFICES OF JOSEPH H. NIVIN, P.C. 118-35 Queens Blvd., Suite 1220, Forest Hills 347-642-0376 153-01 Jamaica Ave Suite 201, Jamaica The Chanin Building 122 E. 42nd Street, Suite 2100, Manhattan nivinlaw.com; jhnivin@nivinlaw.com The Law Offices of Joseph H. Nivin, P.C. focuses on family and matrimonial law, including both contested and uncontested matrimonial proceedings, custody, visitation, orders of protection, child support, spousal maintenance, and paternity. LICE FAIRY LICEMOTHERS 2463 South 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
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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. PHOTOGRAPHY GLYPH CREATIVE STUDIO, MARIANA MARTINIS 2525 Borden Ave. 718-838-4827 glyphny.com At Glyph Creative Studio we would love to capture your family’s exciting and precious moments of life in a fun, beautiful, and very spontaneous way. SPECIAL NEEDS HUG MUSIC, CREATIVE & NURTURING MUSIC LESSONS FOR EVERYBODY Music Lessons and Music Therapy 112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com; contact@hugmusicny.com We offer various fun and nurturing music classes, including music lessons on multiple instruments, music therapy for children with special needs, and baby-toddler music classes. LITTLE OPTICS INC. 192-07 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 53-15 Roosevelt Ave., Woodside 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 Queens: 718-640-6767 Nassau: 516-216-1791 • Suffolk: 631-689-6858 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.
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. SPECIALTY APPAREL BRAVO! DANCE BOUTIQUE 108-12 72nd Ave., Forest Hills 718-309-9787 bravodanceboutique.com bravodanceboutique@gmail.com Bravo! Dance Boutique understands the value of community. Our mission is to be able to provide local families the convenience of obtaining dance apparel at competitive prices. THERAPY & COUNSELORS COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, P.C. 114-20 Queens Blvd. Suite CS 2, Forest Hills 180 E. 79th St. Suite 1C, Manhattan 1-888-441-0015 comprehendthemind.com Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an expert in diagnosing and treating all childhood psychological and learning conditions, has a refreshing approach; direct, warm, and competent. These qualities have made her sought after in the field of neuropsychology and child development. TUTORS & TEST PREP 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.
PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT 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. POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons poparazziballoons@yahoo.com Making magic happen with balloons! Turn your dream party into a reality with POParazzi! We custom design your ideas to create the ultimate experience. 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 40,000-square-feet of fun ranging from 92 arcade games, inflatables, bumper cars, roller coaster, a carousel, disco room, and laser tag! AMERICAN DANCE & DRAMA 188-22 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows 718-479-8522 68-02 Metropolitan Ave., Middle Village americandanceanddramastudio.com We are one of Queens’s largest and most exciting birthday party locations, offering dress-up, disco, and gymnastics parties. We also offer bubbles and
Your local guide to entertainers, party places, activities, and other resources.
fog machines, cotton candy, plus crazy craft and princess parties! BOUNCEU OF COLLEGE POINT Whitepoint Center, 13225 14th Ave., College Point 646-883-JUMP (5867) bounceu.com/college-point-ny collegepoint.ny@bounceu.com BounceU of College Point is where birthdays come to life! We provide the ultimate private party and play experience. Come celebrate with us today! 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.
MUSIC TOGETHER® WITH MUSIC AND ME Celebrating our new look with our new name! Wendy DeAngelis, center director (Mommy, Music & Me Inc. since 2003) Gym-Azing in Astoria Shotokai USA Karate in Bayside The Reform Temple of Forest Hills in Forest Hills The Church in The Gardens in Forest Hills Tiger Schulmann’s MMA in Glendale 718-229-0033 musictogetherwithmusicandme.com info@musictogetherwithmusicandme.com We provide unique birthday party musical experiences for first through sixth birthdays. Call us to customize your child’s musical birthday. We can also come to your space. POPARAZZI BALLOONS & EVENT SPACE 61-19 Fresh Pond Road, Middle Village 347-204-5252 poparazzievents.com
Follow us on Instagram: @poparazziballoons poparazziballoons@yahoo.com Our enchanting, multi-level venue hosts all types of celebrations. Call us or stop by an open house and start planning your next event. SOCCER FRIENDS USA INC. 106-06 Queens Blvd., 3rd Floor Gym, Forest Hills 718-261-2403; 718-261-2400 347-756-2568 (para Español) soccerfriendsusa.com soccerfriendsusa@hotmail.com Soccer Friends USA wants to celebrate your child’s next birthday party with you! We offer soccer parties for children ages 2 and older at several fantastic locations. 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. USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Flushing 718-760-6200 x0 ntc.usta.com Birthday party packages include 1 hour of court time with drills and games organized by our USTA Pro staff and 1 hour private room for pizza. 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!
• Dedicated Party Pros • 100% Private Parties • Giant Indoor Inflatables • We Clean Up!
BounceU of College Point 13225 14th Avenue • College Point, NY 11356 (718) 747-5867 • BounceU.com/college-point-ny QueensParent 51
OPENHOUSES 2017 Archbishop Molloy High School
83-53 Manton St., Briarwood 718-441-2100 x155 or x110 admissions@molloyhs.org We offer a unique, challenging, and comprehensive program of instruction, guidance, athletics, and activities. Come to the Winter Open House, Jan. 25 at 6:30pm to meet students, faculty, and parents.
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.
The Highland School
193-10 Peck Ave., Fresh Meadows 718-357-4747 thenewhighlandschool.com Highland School is a private, non-sectarian pre-K through eighth grade school. Join us for our open houses on Sunday, Jan. 14 from 2-4pm or Monday, Jan. 15 (Martin Luther King Day) from 11am-1pm.
Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp
183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing 718-380-4145 hjcdaycamp.org daycamp@hillcrestjc.org Starting on Sunday, Jan. 14 the office will be open from 10am-12pm for Sunday tours and registrations. Call 718-380-4145 or email us for more information.
Hug Music, Creative & Nurturing Music Lessons for Everybody Music Lessons and Music Therapy
112-01 75th Ave., Lower Level, Forest Hills 718-487-4309 hugmusicny.com contact@hugmusicny.com Hug Music will host open house registration for spring 2018 semester through Dec. 22. Office hours Tuesday-Friday, 3-7pm, and
Saturday, 9am-5pm. Please contact us for more information.
Join us Sunday, Jan. 28 between 11am and 2pm and see our new STREAM Lab.
ISTEIN Education Center
St. Sebastian Catholic Academy
Magic Day Camp
United Nations International School
107-06 71st Road, 2nd floor, Forest Hills 718-575-8877 isteinny.com info@isteinny.com To learn more about our programs, you can call to schedule an appointment or join us at our January open house on Jan. 27 from 10am-5pm. 216-15 Peck Ave., Bayside 718-634-8109 magicdaycamp.com Come to our open house session on Sunday, Jan. 21 starting at 1pm at Jib Lanes. Summer magic is here with swimming daily and several trips each week!
Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School
71-06 31st Ave., East Elmhurst 718-898-3800 x1 msgrmcclancy.org At Monsignor McClancy High School, students are offered a holistic education. Join us at 7pm on Wednesday, Jan. 17 for our New Student Reception for both accepted and interested students.
St. Agnes Academic High School
13-20 124th St., College Point 718-353-6276 stagneshs.org A small, college preparatory Catholic school for young women. Join us for our Information Night on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 5-7pm and visit our new Health Science Lab.
St. Kevin Catholic Academy
45-50 195th St., Flushing 718-357-8110 stkevinca.org We offer a safe, faith-filled environment for nursery-eighth grade, including pre-K for all.
SOC SOCCER Ages 18 Months & Up
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Year-Round Soccer Program General Classes After School Summer Camp Futsal League Travel Team Birthday Party All Girls Class Soccer in Spanish
January 2018 | nymetroparents.com
39-76 58th St., Woodside 718-429-1982 stsebastianacademy.org St. Sebastian Catholic Academy, building strong values. Nursery through eighth grade. Join us for an open house Jan. 30 and Feb. 1 from 9-11am, and every Wednesday from 9-11am beginning Feb. 7. 173-53 Croyden Road, Jamaica Estates 718-658-6166 unis.org rsorrentini@unis.org Join us at our Queens campus school for students in kindergarten-eighth grade for an open house on Friday, Jan. 26 at 9am. RSVP rsorrentini@unis.org.
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. Get $100 off new student tuition with promo code Queens.
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.
QueensParent
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raising kids ad index
Visit us online or call: 718-869-2631
NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! acrobatics / gymnastics
All Star Studio ....................................... 48
YMCA of Greater New York .................. 49 Young People’s Day Camp - Queens .. 7, 48
birthday / party services
child care / day care
American Dance & Drama .................... 19 BounceU - College Point ...................... 51 DanceSource (The) .............................. 47 Poparazzi Balloons and Event Space .. 37 Queens Parent Party Planner............... 53 Soccer Friends, USA Inc. ..................... 52
camps
All Star Studio ....................................... 48 American Dance & Drama .................... 19 Archbishop Molloy High School ............ 23 Clover Prep Learning Center ................ 19 Countryside Montessori School ............ 14 Dance Reverie Studios ........................... 3 DanceSource (The) .............................. 47 First Shot Basketball............................. 14 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp ....... 13 Holy Cross High School........................ 22 Hug Music............................................. 31 IStein .................................................... 48 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens .... 56 Kew Forest School (The) ...................... 29 Magic Day Camp .................................... 2 Mill Basin Day Camp ...................... 13, 48 Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School .......................................... 27 Noah’s Ark Preparatory ....................... 18 Soccer Friends, USA Inc. ..................... 52 St. Agnes High School .......................... 28 St. Sebastian School ............................ 28 The Church-in-the-Gardens Nursery School ..................................... 30 World of Discovery Camp ..................... 49
Braithwaite Nursery School ................. 17 Circle of Friends ................................... 51 Mommybites ......................................... 45 Noah’s Ark Preparatory ....................... 18 Our Lady of Grace Montessori School ... 22 The Church-in-the-Gardens Nursery School ..................................... 30
classes
LIU Center for Gifted Youth .................. 49 Steps To Socialization .......................... 21 United Nations International School Queens ................................................. 29 Village East Gifted ................................ 47
dance
All Star Studio ....................................... 48 American Dance & Drama .................... 19 Dance Reverie Studios ........................... 3 DanceSource (The) .............................. 47
developmental
Comprehensive Consultation Psychological.......................................... 5 Huntington Learning Center ................. 31 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech ...................................... 31, 49 Steps To Socialization .......................... 21 YMCA of Greater New York .................. 49 Young People’s Day Camp - Queens .. 7, 48
education
Archbishop Molloy High School ............ 23 Braithwaite Nursery School ................. 17 Buckley Country Day School .................. 9
Circle of Friends ................................... 51 Clover Prep Learning Center ................ 19 Countryside Montessori School ............ 14 Highland Elementary School ................ 30 Holy Cross High School........................ 22 Huntington Learning Center ................. 31 IStein .................................................... 48 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens .... 56 Kew Forest School (The) ...................... 29 LIU Center for Gifted Youth .................. 49 Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School .......................................... 27 Noah’s Ark Preparatory ....................... 18 Our Lady of Grace Montessori School ... 22 St. Agnes High School .......................... 28 St. Kevin’s Catholic Academy ............... 28 St. Sebastian School ............................ 28 Success Academy ............................... 55 The Church-in-the-Gardens Nursery School ..................................... 30 United Nations International School Queens ................................................. 29 Village East Gifted ................................ 47
fitness
First Shot Basketball............................. 14 Magic Day Camp .................................... 2 Mill Basin Day Camp ...................... 13, 48 World of Discovery Camp ..................... 49
health
Steps To Socialization .......................... 21
music
Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp ....... 13 Hug Music............................................. 31
performing Arts / Acting
Dance Reverie Studios ........................... 3
religious
Archbishop Molloy High School ............ 23 Circle of Friends ................................... 51 Holy Cross High School........................ 22 Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School .......................................... 27 Our Lady of Grace Montessori School ... 22 St. Agnes High School .......................... 28 St. Kevin’s Catholic Academy ............... 28 St. Sebastian School ............................ 28
special Events
Poparazzi Balloons and Event Space .. 37
special Needs
Comprehensive Consultation Psychological.......................................... 5 Hug Music............................................. 31 Huntington Learning Center ................. 31 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech ...................................... 31, 49
sports
First Shot Basketball............................. 14 Hillcrest Jewish Center Day Camp ....... 13 Magic Day Camp .................................... 2 Mill Basin Day Camp ...................... 13, 48 Soccer Friends, USA Inc. ..................... 52 World of Discovery Camp ..................... 49 YMCA of Greater New York .................. 49 Young People’s Day Camp - Queens .. 7, 48
tutors
Clover Prep Learning Center ................ 19 Comprehensive Consultation Psychological.......................................... 5 IStein .................................................... 48 JEI Learning Systems Inc. - Queens .... 56 Village East Gifted ................................ 47
QueensParent 53
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
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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)
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