Westchester Parent September 2019 by City Guide NY

Westchester

Parent NYMETROPARENTS.COM SEPTEMBER 2019

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Talented? What you need to know about G&T programs and test prep Plus, back-to-school resources for every grade

Why are tweens and teens self-conscious? And the Winner Is… A behind-the-scenes look at our cover contest photo shoot!

HELPING PARENTS MAKE BETTER DECISIONS

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Happy. Healthy. Loved. These are the dreams we have for our children. So we cherish the moments when little giggles fill the room, imaginations take us on great adventures, and when it seems our hearts could burst with pride and love. Here and now, we’d stop time if we could. Because when kids are being kids, we all feel better.

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Call: 1-888-FIDELIS Click: fideliscare.org/everychildcovered Visit: A Fidelis Care community office near you. Search for locations at fideliscare.org/offices

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To learn more about applying for health insurance, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health, The Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

WestchesterParent

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September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

It’s Swim Time!

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For program information or to register please visit www.BGCNW.com 914.666.8069 •

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contents table of

Original photo by ›› Big Apple Portraits (bigappleportraits.com) Clothing provided by Land’s End (landsend.com)

september 2019

back to school

And the Winner Is...

A behind-the-scenes peek at the 2019 Cover Kids photo shoot.

18 Is Your Child ‘G&T’? 20 Back-to-School Programs Directory

32 Meet the Directors

Family Activities Calendar

Find something fun to do in Westchester every day this month!

The Age of Self-Doubt

Self-consciousness in early adolesence will lead to greater well being in adulthood.

raising kids

things to do

family life

8 Editor’s Note 10 New Places, New Programs 12 Savor Each Moment? 14 Empowering Your Differently-Abled Student 16 And the Winner Is... 32 Meet the Directors 44 Day Care Center, Nanny, or Relative? 46 The Age of Self-Doubt 50 Party Central 51 Open Houses, Professional Services 53 Advertisers’ Index 54 You’ve Got Mail

35 Family Activities Calendar

48 Separation Strategies

NYMetroParents

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions ON THE COVER ›› 16 And the Winner Is... 18 Gifted&Talented 46 Why are tweens and teens self-conscious? facebook.com/nymetroparents

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

Scarsdale Medical Group Welcomes OLAMIDE ODUBOGUN, MD, FAAP Board-Certified Pediatrician

Joining the Scarsdale Medical Group pediatric care team, Olamide Odubogun, MD specializes in newborn care, asthma management, ADHD, children with complex medical problems, pediatric infectious disease and pediatric nephrology.

From newborns and toddlers to tweens and teens, Dr. Odubogun is committed to assuring your little ones receive the most up-to-date, high-quality medical care.

Accepting new patients Appointments:

Whether your kids need a regular check-up, have an acute or chronic illness, or require a vaccination, Dr. Odubogun has the expertise, experience and compassion to provide the best care possible for your children.

(914) 989-1111 Now scheduling back-to-school physicals.

Learn more about Dr. Odubogun at www.scarsdalemedical.com/odubogun.

Scarsdale Medical Group Pediatrics Department 600 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 301 | Harrison, NY 10528 WestchesterParent

raising kids editor’s note

Cute Kid Alert!

id you see the beautiful teen on the cover? That’s 14-year-old Daniela from Suffolk County, the older than 6 grand-prize winner in our 2018 Cover Kids contest! She’s the last of the finalists from 2018 to grace the cover of Westchester Parent, so it’s only fitting that the 2019 grand-prize winners be announced in the behind-the-scenes peek of the photo shoot in this issue. It took a lot of work to get here, though. More than 1,000 of you, dear readers, submitted your children in our call for cover models, and our editors narrowed down the list to 10 (who knew looking at cute pictures of kids would be so difficult?!), shopped for outfits at Macy’s Backstage, planned the photo shoot at Sarah Marians Photography & Video Company in Manhattan, and coordinated 10 kids’ schedules. The results, as they say, are priceless! Flip to p. 16 to see our finalists in action—and be sure to keep an eye out in the coming months for our new cover stars! While we can’t stop thinking about the great photos we got of our 2019 Cover Kids finalists, we’re also planning for the back-to-school season. If you’re a parent of a child with a learning disability, you’ll want to read “Empowering Your Differently-Abled Student,” p. 14, for five great tips to ensure your child has the best school year possible. And if you’re wondering how to keep the fun of summer going all year-round, read, circle, and highlight (put those new office supplies you snuck in the cart when buying school supplies to work!) the “Back-to-School Programs” directory on p. 20. It’s full of fun after-school classes that will keep your kids engaged even after the school day ends. With all this thinking about school, don’t forget to soak up the last days of summer with your kids! This issue is packed with fun for September, but you can always find great things to do every day at nymetroparents.com—and get a curated list of weekend fun hand-picked by our editors sent to you at nymetroparents.com/register. Happy first day of school! Katelin Walling Editorial Director

Helping Parents Make Better Decisions P.S. Share your first-day-of-school photos with us by tagging @nymetroparents on Instagram!

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

SEPTEMBER 2019 • Vol.19 • No.1

NYMetroParents nymetroparents.com

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Katelin Walling PRODUCTION EDITOR: Melissa Wickes FEATURES EDITOR: Shana Liebman ASSISTANT EDITOR: Jacqueline Neber EDITORIAL INTERN: Laura D’Angelo CALENDARS CALENDAR COORDINATOR: Whitney C. Harris EVENT RESEARCHERS: Lisa Fogarty, Kristina Johnson, Shara Levine DIRECTORIES EDITOR: Alice Van Dyke COPY EDITOR: Christina Vercelletto

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Big Apple Parent 212-315-0800 Jeunesse Jackson, Manager Lauren Alperin Meirowitz, Managing Director Queens Parent 718-878-4860 Annene Guertin, Manager Westchester Parent 914-397-0200 Nini DeLuca, Manager Lauren Anchin, Merrill Sugarman Brooklyn Parent 718-878-4860 Phyllis Crupi, Selene Rodriguez Rockland Parent 845-848-8021 Cara Roteman, Jim Russo Long Island Parent 516-883-4543 Joan Bergman, Manager Lisa Herlihy, Karen Shapiro, Gayle Sherman To Advertise: nympads@davlermedia.com To Submit Events: nymetroparents.com/submitevents To Submit News: nymetroparents.com/submitnews

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EDITOR/PUBLISHER: Roselle Farina-Hecht 718-494-1932

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MANAGING DIRECTOR: Lauren Alperin Meirowitz 646-736-3609 EDITOR: Jennifer Rojas

OPERATIONS

DIR. OF OPERATIONS -- EVENTS: Rebecca Stolcz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Ray Winn OPERATIONS COORDINATOR: Elvins Cruz, Leonard Porter DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC: Heather Gambaro MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER: Erin Jordan

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR | PUBLISHING MANAGEMENT: Anthony Diaz DIRECTOR | DIGITAL CONTENT: Silvia Balu

MARKETING

ASSISTANT MARKETING MANAGER: Kristine Pulaski

Our Editors Find You the Best Events! When it comes to finding weekend fun with your kids, we make it easy for you! Our editors spend hours scouring the community for the best events happening. And every Thursday, you’ll receive a curated list of the best of what’s happening that weekend in Westchester—from sports and theater to festivals and petting zoos. Sign up today at nymetroparents.com/newsletter!

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CREDIT MANAGERS: Rosa Meinhofer, Dan Finnegan

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CEO: David L. Miller GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas K. Hanlon CFO: David Friedman 213 W. 35th St., Suite 12W, New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-315-0800; Fax: 212-271-2239

BIG APPLE PARENT, QUEENS PARENT, WESTCHESTER PARENT BROOKLYN PARENT, ROCKLAND PARENT, BERGEN • ROCKLAND PARENT, STATEN ISLAND PARENT, and LONG ISLAND PARENT are published monthly by Davler Media Group, LLC Copyright © 2019, Davler Media Group, LLC No part of contents may be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher.

BACKÂ TO SCHOOL, BACK TO DANCE!

"WE DON'T TEACH KIDS TO MAKE GREAT DANCERS, WE TEACH DANCE TO MAKE GREAT KIDS!"

Call the studio today to inquire

(914) 793-2799 WestchesterParent

Courtesy Kids in Sports

raising kids new places, new programs

Multi-Sport Program Opens Preschool in Scarsdale Who: Kids In Sports What’s New: The preschool program, slated to begin Sept. 4. Designed for children ages 2½-4, the program will offer a structured curriculum in various sports with an hour-long session of educational enrichment for children. Students will participate in activities such as seasonal-based arts and crafts, story time, music, cognitive development, and introduction to letter recognition. The program can serve as either a prerequisite to preschool or an alternative to preschool, according to Michael Strutt, co-founder of Kids In Sports. Want More Info: Seely Place School, 51 Seely Place, Scarsdale; 914-3599732; kidsinsports.com; scarsdaleny@kidsinsports.com

Courtesy Lil Cham

eleon

The preschool program centers aroun d a theme of structured progression where kids learn valuable skills, such as listening to directions, from a teacher or coach, accor ding to Michael Strutt, co-founder of Kids In Sports and forme r physical education teacher.

Resale Boutique in Tuckahoe to Offer Drop-Off Care Who: Lil Chameleon What’s New: Kids Club drop-off care, slated to launch Sept. 3. The child care program will be offered in two sessions: 9:30am12pm for children ages 2-5 and 3:30-6pm for children ages 3-6. Children will participate in open play with toys, circle time, music time, playing games, and listening to stories. An enrichment class will also be incorporated into each session, including an arts and craft project, a science project, a cooking class, music and movement classes, or mindfulness exercises such as yoga and meditation. Want More Info: 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe; 914-346-5148; lilchameleon.com; care@lilchameleon.com

gs, whether s with life’s little thin play sion is to help familie ce to socialize in the spa Lil Chameleon’s mis a ms mo ing ale spot, giv g parents to have win allo it’s by providing a res m, gra pro drop-off care café, or with the new time for other needs.

Who: Stepping Stones Museum What’s New: Big Adventures: Dinosaurs exhibit, which opened July 27. The exhibit relies on the use of imagination by presenting a new scenario for children to role play. While doing so, kids will learn about the Connecticut region’s past and are encouraged to think about things happening in the present. Visitors will travel back 190 million years in a time machine to see a full-sized “living” Dilophosaurus, which is the official state dinosaur of Connecticut. Then, they’ll be brought back to the present to explore a paleontologist’s laboratory, and discover the clues dinosaurs left behind. Want More Info: 303 West Ave., Norwalk; 203-899-0606; steppingstonesmuseum.org; info@steppingstonesmuseum.org

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Jim Russek/ Stepping Stones

Museum in Norwalk Opens Dinosaur Exhibit

A junior paleontologist works to uncov er a dinosaur fossil in the PaleoLab portion of the Big Adven tures: Dinosaurs exhibit at Stepping Stones Museum.

At The Little Gym, we complement the traditional school experience with unique classes that revolve around active play. Our students are encouraged to jump, flip, and swing their way towards increased health, focus, knowledge, and happiness. Big Discoveries at The Little Gym. Find your kid's happy place with an Introductory Experience!

The Little Gym of Scarsdale tlgscarsdaleny.com 914-722-0072 The Little Gym of Upper West Side tlgupperwestsideny.com 212-799-1225

Now

Enrolling for Fall Semester

Parent/Child Classes • Pre-K Gymnastics Grade School Gymnastics • Dance Karate • Sports Skills • Awesome Birthday Bashes Parents’ Survival Nights • Camps WestchesterParent 11

raising kids voices

Savor Each Moment? ››

It wasn’t until my own babies were tweens that I truly understood what “enjoy them while they’re young” means. By Kate Haas

hey were everywhere when my kids were small: older women smiling at me in the grocery store, approaching me at the library, their expressions softening at the sight of my baby’s plump cheeks, my toddler’s irrepressible grin. Before they opened their mouths to speak, I knew exactly what they were about to tell me: It all goes so fast. Enjoy them while they’re young. These women did not tend to catch me at my most serene. Typically, I was attempting to locate the mac and cheese on sale or explain to a distraught 3-year-old that Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! wasn’t on the library shelf today, but there were lots of other books—really!—that we could take home instead. Still, when approached by a member of the “treasure each moment” brigade, I always smiled politely and assured them I would do exactly that. Naturally, I didn’t mean a word of it. Life with young kids is full of moments no one treasures, and the hours until a toddler’s naptime can seem slower than the day of labor it took to produce him. Didn’t those old ladies remember that? Why, I wondered, did they feel so compelled to urge me to enjoy every second? Once my kids were tweens, those older women disappeared. There is universal agreement, it seems, that the parent of a 10-year-old need not be advised to enjoy every second. By then I felt far removed from the world of babies. My friends and I were focused on matters such as basketball practice and homework, and how to get our children to clean up their appalling rooms. I’d certainly acknowledge a cute infant when I spotted one in my daily rounds, but always with quick sigh of thankfulness to be done with diapers and sleepless nights. It was only when my kids were teenagers that I began to notice babies again—really notice them. One day, minding my own business at the grocery store, I became aware of a curious pair of eyes regarding me unblinkingly from over the shoulder of a woman in the produce department. The baby’s cheeks were so delectably plump that I was tempted to give them a squeeze, like an avocado. Instead I smiled—and was rewarded by a huge, delighted grin.

I wanted to scoop that baby up and give her a kiss. The impulse was so strong that I actually had to take a step back to avoid being mistaken for a creepy hoverer. The mother turned around and caught my smile. “Um, your baby’s super cute,” I said. She thanked me and moved on to the bananas. As she walked away, I realized there was something I wanted to tell that woman. But following her and her baby would have been stalkerish, so I didn’t. It was the sight of that baby’s uncomplicated smile that did it, that finally made me understand what those women had been trying to tell me all those years ago, when they repeatedly noted how fast it goes and urged me to enjoy each moment. Frazzled and sleep deprived, I could only interpret that advice literally, and puzzle over it. Which was not, I now realize, the intent. What those women were telling me to enjoy in my little kids was something specific, something I took for granted until it disappeared from my life as a parent: unconditional love and affection. I get it. I was a quiet, withdrawn teen myself, spending hours alone in my room with a book. I wasn’t particularly demonstrative—at least, not where my parents were concerned. I accepted their affection routinely, as my due. So I am unsurprised that my two teen boys don’t greet me with joy when I return home after a few hours away. I don’t expect them to tell me how much they love me, or to offer spontaneous hugs and kisses. But it sure was nice when they did those things. I’ll never be the type to advise a weary mother to treasure each moment. But that day in the produce section, I wanted to tell that woman something else: to soak up the embraces, the sweet heft of a toddler on the hip, the fun of coaxing a smile from a baby, the joy of a preschooler spotting you at pickup. Because if I had understood how much I’d miss all that affection, maybe I really would have tried to savor it a little more. Of course, I didn’t say a word to that mother at the grocery store. I’m not one of those older ladies. Not yet, anyway.

Kate Haas is a freelance writer and editor. A mother of two boys, she has written on parenthood for various publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Slate, and Salon.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

THORNTON-DONOVAN SCHOOL Individually Focused, Globally Engaged

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SACRED GEOGRAPHY: ISRAEL 2020 Co-Ed • Grades K–12 100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle, NY 10804| www.td.edu | 914-632-8836 WestchesterParent 13

raising kids in the know

Empowering Your Differently-Abled Student ›› By Jacqueline Neber

ood parent-teacher communication is crucial for any successful school year, but being on the same page becomes even more important when your child has a learning disability. You should take a few key proactive steps to ensure your child has the best year possible. Know your rights and speak up. Parents are entitled to receive information about special education from their schools and teachers— reading up and staying informed is the best way to advocate for your kid. When attending Committee for Special Education meetings, annual review meetings, or parent-teacher conferences, if you don’t understand something, ask questions. Communicate with teachers frequently. Kathy Devine and Emily Cole co-teach at Waverly Avenue Elementary School in Holtsville. They say parents of students with special needs must be extra communicative with teachers. “We would like to know sooner when things might be happening at home, whether it’s medication changes or maybe something in the home life has changed,” Cole says. When it comes to homework, “reach out to us as soon as possible so that we’re not waiting until the end of a trimester to know [kids are] struggling,” Devine says. Another tip? Write a letter describing your child and his needs at the beginning of the year.

Understand Individualized Education Plan goals. Equally important is understanding your child’s IEP goals—which can differ from her classroom goals. This difference often confuses parents who see their student accomplishing goals on one end of the spectrum and not the other. Involve your child. Cassie Reilly, the current Transition Coordinator at Northport High School, suggests involving your kid in IEP and parent-teacher conferences. Being open with kids from the time of diagnosis helps them stand up for themselves and understand their learning disability does not make them inferior to others. Be sensitive to difference. Parents should understand their kids might be different at home than at school, Reilly adds. And, even more importantly, their kids might have an atypical path toward success. Communicating with teachers is key to understanding how your kid can progress in the best way.

KidsInSports.com - 365 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale - 914.358.9732 14

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

ANDRUS EARLY LEARNING CENTER

WestchesterParent 15

And the winner is…

A behind-the-scenes peek at the 2019 Cover Kids photo shoot

t’s official: You, dear readers, have cute kids! We knew picking finalists wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, it wasn’t easy times 1,000—that’s how many children were entered. Well, 1,006 to be exact. Once our editors were done exclaiming, “I love her hair!” “Look at his outfit!” and “Kids wearing glasses are adorable,” we poured over the entries and narrowed it down to nine cuties, plus our Fan Favorite. Those 10 kids were then invited to a photo shoot at Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company in Manhattan. And, boy, did they deliver! All the kids rocked the shoot decked out in clothes from Macy’s Backstage.

Promotional Partners:

The really difficult choice was choosing the two grand-prize winners. We powered through, though, and it’s Jasper from Manhattan and Jordan from Nassau County who are the grand-prize winners! Jasper and his family will celebrate the win with a two-night stay, plus two Paw Passes, at Great Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, PA, and Jordan will get next-level modeling advice with a scholarship to and photo shoot at Barbizon Modeling and Acting Studio. Nyla, our Fan Favorite from Brooklyn, also received a two-night stay at and two Paw Passes to Great Wolf Lodge. Congrats to everyone—and keep an eye out to see these beautiful faces on our future covers!

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WINNER

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WINNER

Jordan

Jasper

Age: 13 y Nassau Count Hometown: t lis a hairsty He wants to be up. s ow gr when he

Age: 2 hattan Hometown: Man e colors in th He can name all d shoes. re lo co tihis very mul

FAN FAVORITE Nyla

Age: 5 Hometown: Brooklyn t Her favorite book is The Ca lly ecia esp She t. in the Ha loves Thing 1 and Thing 2.

Olivia

Age: 9 Hometown: Westchester County She loves to swim, and her favorite movie is Trolls.

Henry

Age: 3 Hometown: Brooklyn If he could pick a superpower to have, he would fly. His favorite superhero is his mommy!

Teagan

Age: 7 unty Hometown: Suffolk Co do! on ekw Ta do to es lov She

Leilani

Age: 9 Hometown: the Bronx the Her favorite books are sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and , ies ser ter Pot Harry . an up to Prisoner of Azkab

Zachary

Age: 4 Hometown: Queens He has an older sister and a younger brother who came to watch his photo shoot, and he liked answering questions with his sister.

Anthony

Age: 3 Hometown: Suffolk County His favorite colors are green and yellow.

Ghianna

Age: 11 unty Hometown: Rockland Co is w sho te Her favori es DanTDM, and she lov playing Minecraft.

Is Your Child ‘G&T’? ››

What parents need to know about the Gifted & Talented program in New York—and how to prep for the test By Madeleine Burry

very year, tens of thousands of kids across New York City— and some in the suburbs of NYC—opt to take a test to qualify for the Gifted and Talented program. The program holds classes (within public schools) that are geared to the test’s highest scorers: kids the Department of Education deems “exceptional” students. The test is administered to kids entering kindergarten through third grade. Will your child be one of those test-takers? Find out what you need to know about the program and the exam—including the best way to prep your little ones for it.

The Basics

The city actually offers two separate district and citywide G&T programs. In the citywide option, children from all of the city’s neighborhoods attend a school with only G&T students. Districtlevel programs, in contrast, prioritize admitting students who live within the district, and these G&T students share the school with non-G&T kids. They also take some classes, such as art and PE, with the non-G&T students. Both programs rely on test results to determine eligibility. A score of 90 or above qualifies kids to apply to district programs; a score of 97 or above is required for application to the citywide programs. However, test score alone is not enough to guarantee entrance for either program—students are entered into a lottery system for programs since more kids qualify than there are available seats. That’s what happened to mom-of-two Dahlia Thompson’s oldest child. “Maya ended up scoring a 97 and made citywide,” Thompson says. But since Maya didn’t get a spot in a citywide school, she instead attended a neighborhood district G&T school 18

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

for kindergarten. If you live in a school district in New York City or the metro area that doesn’t offer a Gifted and Talented program, you can explore after-school programs that offer this type of enrichment. For example, Village East Gifted in Huntington Station and Roslyn Heights and G-tec Kids in New Rochelle offer hands-on activities and classes designed for advanced students to strengthen their cognitive skills.

Taking the Test

Any child who lives in New York City, and is entering kindergarten through third grade in September, can take the G&T test during the previous January (they just have to register by late fall). This includes students with disabilities (with accommodations potentially available for kids who have IEPs, IESPs, or 504 Plans). The exam is also administered in many languages other than English, including Arabic, Mandarin, Spanish, and Cantonese. Emily Levitt, vice president of education at Sylvan Learning, explains that the test is divided into two parts. Test-takers get both a raw and percentile score on each part, which are then combined into an overall score used to determine eligibility. The first part of the exam is nonverbal, Levitt says. Questions are drawn from the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test—students are shown pictures and asked to predict which one would come next in a pattern or combine objects to form a new pattern. The second part of the exam is verbal, with questions from the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test. This multiple-choice portion tests verbal comprehension and reasoning, Levitt says. With applying for kindergarten, the proctor will read the questions aloud once and mark down the child’s responses.

The test is untimed, but according to the NYC Department of Education, students usually complete it within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Practice and Prepare

The biggest challenge for test takers is age. “Really little kids and tests don’t always go well together, for no other reason than that the kids are so little,” Levitt says. “Trying to prep a four-yearold for a test is going to look different than prepping your high schooler for the SAT.” One way to prepare your kid for the G&T exam (without causing undue stress) is to practice abstract lessons at home. Make it feel like playtime! Starting a few months before the exam, have kids identify patterns and sequences, Levitt suggests. Use toys to create a pattern of small, medium, large, and then have your child continue the pattern. Or use M&M’s to make color-based patterns. Another strategy she recommends is to ask questions throughout the day to help get kids in the habit of explaining their thinking and reasoning. The NYC DOE also publishes a booklet with practice exams (you can find it at schools.nyc.gov), though some warn against taking this too seriously. “We went through the examples in the DOE booklet a few times beforehand and that’s it,” Thompson says. Levitt also suggests parents avoid being drill sergeants—do a few questions per sitting, she says. Don’t forget: Your attitude toward the test can be contagious, and stress and anxiety aren’t helpful to your child. Frame any prep you do in terms of getting kids comfortable, so they know what to expect, Levitt says. And no need to go into detail about test results or their

implications. Thompson’s son missed the cut-off score by one point. “Lev vaguely knows he didn’t pass the test, but we didn’t make a big deal out of it,” she says.

Should your kids take the test?

There are few reasons not to take the test: A strong test result opens the door to potential inclusion in the program—and your child’s score will not be shared with schools. That said, the test—and in fact, the G&T program as a whole— is not without controversy. Students in wealthier districts are more likely to take the exam than students in poorer ones. And, while there are many G&T programs in Manhattan and parts of Queens, there are fewer G&T options in historically Black and Latinx districts in the Bronx and Brooklyn, according to a report from the DOE’s School Diversity Advisory Group. “The racial demographics of kindergarten G&T programs are not representative of the racial demographics of kindergarteners as a whole,” the SDAG report notes. Black and Latinx students make up 63 percent of all kindergartners, but only 18 percent of the G&T kindergarteners. Some schools are now considering phasing out their G&T programs because of these types of diversity issues. Levitt argues that you should only avoid the test if it will be a stressful event for your child. Thompson’s advice: Consider your kid’s personality. “I don’t think there’s harm in taking the exam to expand your options if the kid does well, but gauge the kid. My kids think workbooks and puzzles are fun, so the test didn’t stress them out,” she says. “But it’s not for everyone.” Madeleine Burry is a freelance writer and editor who has held staff positions at Parents. com, Scholastic, and About.com. Burry lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with her husband and their cat. You can follow her on Twitter @lovelanewest.

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Back To School Programs AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT/LANGUAGE

Alcott Montessori School

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale 914-472-4404 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale 914-725-7551 alcottschool.org/why-alcott/alcott-home-page After-school enrichment classes are provided for ages 3-5. Offerings include yoga, dance, mad science, super soccer stars, golf, karate, and Spanish. Kidz Club, a social skills group for ages 3-5 meets from 4-5pm twice a week at the Crane Road location. Call to arrange a tour.

Ann and Andy Child Care

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com; annandydca@aol.com Ann and Andy, family-owned and -operated for more than 30 years, offers a wide variety of fun activities for children 2 months to 14 years. We are state licensed, with an extensive campus, and offer flexible schedules, reasonable rates, nutritious lunches, a caring staff, individualized attention, and age-appropriate field trips.

Huntington Learning Center

Eastchester Shopping Center 721 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-6100 650 Central Ave., Scarsdale 914-946-7800 335 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights 914-245-8882 58 East Route 59, Nanuet 845-624-6800; huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for students kindergarten-12th grades, including SAT, ACT, and state tests. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn more about our mission at huntingtonhelps.com.

Mathnasium

Mathnasium of Arsdsley-Irvington 875 Saw Mill River Road; 914-295-2252 Mathnasium of Chappaqua-Mount Kisco 350 Lexington Ave.; 914-725-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Cortlandt 50 Dayton Lane; 914-502-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Mamaroneck-Larchmont 1009 W. Boston Post Road; 914-725-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Rye 275 Purchase St.; 914-967-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Scarsdale 747 White Plains Road; 914-725-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Scarsdale - Central Avenue 450 Central Park Ave. ;914-725-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com At Mathnasium Learning Centers, we make math make sense! Whether your child started out far behind or already ahead in math, Mathnasium

will help them leap ahead because we know that any child can be successful in math—it’s a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them.

Project Explore

70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578; easterseals.com/newyork We serve children with and without disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. We offer high-quality full- and part-time programs, school year and year-round, for children ages 18 months to 5 years, from 8:30am-2:30pm. Before- and after-school care, vacation clubs during school breaks, and summer camp are available options.

Sylvan Learning Centers - Westchester

Sylvan Learning Center of Bronxville 850 Bronx River Road, Bronxville 914-237-4396; sylvanlearning.com/bronxville bronxville.ny@sylvanlearning.com Sylvan Learning Center of White Plains 34 S. Broadway, Suite 512, White Plains 914-948-4116; sylvanlearning.com/whiteplains whiteplains.ny@sylvanlearning.com Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of personal learning for kindergarten-12th students, offers tutoring in reading, writing, math, and study skills. Sylvan also offers Sylvan Prep SAT and ACT courses. Sylvan Learning Centers are conveniently located in Bronxville and White Plains.

Clay Art Center

ART

40 Beech St., Port Chester 914-937-2047 Kelly O’Sullivan, youth director clayartcenter.org/youth-families-classes mail@clayartcenter.org Have your kids “Unplug with Mud” at our award-winning, weekly youth classes starting Oct. 3. Aspiring young artists will have fun and develop their imaginations while working in the transformational medium of clay. Hand-building classes are offered for ages 6-9, wheel-throwing classes for children ages 10-16.

Young at Art Studio Inc.

1088 Central Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-9229; info@youngatartworkshop.com We offer art classes for ages 1½ up to adults. We have mommy/daddy and me, after-school, and Saturday classes. We offer half-day camps, workshops, private lessons, and birthday parties. Our curriculum focuses on the exploration of materials and self-expression, helping children to build self-esteem.

Lil Chameleon

COOKING

29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 914-346-5148; lilchameleon.com Join Lil Chameleon for our popular cooking program for ages 3-6. Kids enjoy cooking and baking with Chef Jen while building fine motor, creative problem solving, math, and science skills. Students take home what they make each week. Register early!

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Central Park Dance

DANCE

450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-2940 centralparkdance.com centralparkdance@gmail.com Central Park Dance offers more than 200 classes a week, in all levels, for children and adults. CPD has a preschool program, introducing children as young as age 2 to dance, CPD has earned a reputation for being the most thorough and rewarding dance experience for students for more than 36 years.

Logrea Dance Academy

2 Dale Ave., Ossining 914-941-2939; logreadance.com Logrea Dance Academy (school of the Westchester Ballet Company) inspires students of all ages and abilities to achieve their highest potential, through training in classical ballet, as well as jazz, tap, and modern. Founded in 1986 by professional dancers, Beth Fritz-Logrea and Jean Logrea, LDA offers classes for students age 3 through advanced.

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

216 Central Park Ave., White Plains Satellite locations in Chappaqua and Ossining 914-328-1900; steffinossen.org Since 1937, Westchester’s dance destination! Our faculty-college dance graduates with performance experience-transmits the joy and discipline of dance with warmth and enthusiasm. Our dance classes develop creativity, technique, and proper body alignment. Classes include modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, classical story ballet, and Moving Wheels and Heels adaptive dance.

Studio B Dance Center

277 White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799; studiobdance.com Voted one of the top dance studios in Westchester. Their modern facility has two waiting rooms with viewing windows into three cheerful classrooms. Knowledgeable staff make it easy to find classes for siblings to dance at the same time. Convenient, friendly, nurturing, and open seven days-a-week, ages 2-18.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

French-American School of New York (FASNY)

Nursery to third grade: Manor Campus, 111 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont Grades fourth-eighth: Village Campus, 145 New St., Mamaroneck Grades ninth-12th: Harbor Campus, 320 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-413-3665; fasny.org; info@fasny.org FASNY’s Extension Program offers bilingual recreation and language programs for children and adults. From sports to arts to cooking, stimulating after-school activities, where children and adults are exposed to different languages and cultures, are a hallmark of our Extension Program. Learn more and register at fasny.org/afterschool.

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Arsdsley-Irvington 875 Saw Mill RIver Road 914.295.2252

Cortlandt

Scarsdale Central Avenue 450 Central Park Avenue 914.725.MATH (6284)

Scarsdale

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747 White Plains Road 914.725.MATH (6284)

350 Lexington Avenue 914.725.MATH (6284)

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Chappaqua-Mount Kisco

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German International School New York (GISNY) 50 Partridge Road, White Plains 914-948-6513; gisny.org; admissions@gisny.org Bilingual education opens a world of opportunities. German International School New York is an independent, pre-K through 12th, college preparatory program. No German knowledge required for pre-K and kindergarten.

Mandarin Discovery School

Classes in White Plains and Yonkers 914-351-6788; mandarindiscov.org shanshanli@mandarindiscov.org Mandarin Discovery Preschool is an immersion program for children. We offer Mommy and Me classes, preschool classes, afternoon program, and Chinese Culture class on the weekend. We also offer tutoring to any age and adults. Our goals are creating a fun learning environment for children and helping them learn Mandarin.

MUSIC

Bach To Rock Mamaroneck

130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-341-1457; mamaroneck.b2rmusic.com; mamaroneck@bachtorock.com B2R combines individual instruction with group classes such as Rock Band. We offer private instruction in all instruments, including strings and woodwinds, as well as music classes for toddlers and preschoolers. Our state-of-the-art recording studio brings students into the world of electronic music production and recording arts.

Belle School of Music

1088 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 283 Tarrytown Road, White Plains 1537 Central Park Ave., Yonkers 914-961-5511; belleschool.com The Belle School of Music, voted the No. 1 music school in Westchester in 2015, has a unique, effective, and fun way of teaching music to children, (ages 3 and older), and adults. Children will learn to play and develop an appreciation for music. Call for free lesson and consultation.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School

25 School Lane, Scarsdale 914-723-1169; hbms.org; hb@hbms.org Westchester’s premiere music school offers lessons and classes for babies, children, teens, and adults, including Suzuki and summer programs. Students receive not only weekly private lessons, but also musicianship classes, ensemble instruction, and numerous performance and practice opportunities with accompaniment. This all-encompassing approach catalyzes learning, enabling students to fulfill their potential.

Music Conservatory of Westchester

216 Central Ave., White Plains 914-761-3900; musicconservatory.org Music Conservatory of Westchester invites prospective students and their families to go “Back to Music” this fall! Explore music classes for toddlers, children, and teens. The Conservatory offers private lessons, group classes, and performing ensembles for students with all instruments and all genres. Join a musical community like no other!

Musical Munchkins

167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000; musicalmunchkins.com

Musical Munchkins, Westchester’s original early childhood music program is celebrating more than 30 years of “makin’ music and memories”. We continue delighting our youngest musicians and their families with the wonderful world of mommy-n-me music. Our curriculum, filled with awesome activities, is geared for children 6 months to 4 years.

Starlight Starbright Music

78 Garth Road, Scarsdale 914-924-0995 slsbmusic.com; jackie@slsbmusic.com Did you know that all children are musical? Nurture your child’s musical growth in our parent-child Music Together classes for mixed ages (newborn-age 5) or babies (newborn-6 months)! We also offer parent-child ukulele classes (ages 3-6). Join us for some serious fun!

THEATER

Artistree Performing Arts

114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com; heather@artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts is a performing arts studio offering classes in acting, singing, dance, music, and film for students ages 3-18. The focus of Artistree’s instruction is to enhance the techniques required in all disciplines of theater and the arts. We foster a community where students build confidence and establish friendships.

not only teach the basics of rock climbing, they promote confidence, focus, team building, and general fitness. All ages and skill levels are welcomed.

GYMNASTICS & CHEERLEADING

The Little Gym

777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072; tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets), Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225; tlgupperwestsideny.com The Little Gym is an exercise and motor development center for children, offering gymnastic classes, sports skills development, dance, cheerleading, and karate classes for children ages 4 months to 12 years, in a loving, non-competitive environment. Qualified instructors implement programs designed to build self-esteem and confidence.

MARTIAL ARTS

Achieve Martial Arts

590 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-0777 achieve914.com; achieve914@gmail.com Achieve Martial Arts is a martial arts school with instructors offering more than 20 years of teaching experience. The facility is brand new, beautifully designed, clean, spacious, and sunny, with state-of-the-art equipment. The school provides challenging programs for children ages 3 and older, teens, and adults.

Curtain Call, Inc.

1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 203-329-8207 x16; curtaincallinc.com Curtain Call, Inc. is Stamford’s longest-running, non-profit theatre, providing year-round live performances and theatre arts classes for ages 5 through adult in acting for the stage, TV and film, comedy, improv, musical theatre, and dance. Fall classes begin Sept. 14. Full-day summer vacation programs offered for ages 6-16.

The Play Group Theatre

1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org; info@playgroup.org The Play Group Theatre is a nonprofit, educational theatre organization dedicated to providing process-oriented theatre training and diverse performance opportunities to children and teenagers regardless of financial means. Programs include: Little Theater (ages 4-6), Mainstage for high school students, a Design and Tech program, and THEATERLAB with individually designed programs (ages 7-17).

FITNESS

Great Play of Scarsdale

Interactive Gym for Kids 969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470; greatplay.com/scarsdale Great Play is a Family Favorites Winner three years in a row, and kidsoutandabout.com’s Top Place to Take Kids in Westchester for 2016. Great Play makes it insanely fun for kids, ages 6 months-fifth grade, to develop motor and sport skills, fitness, and coordination!

The Rock Club at Pine Brook Fitness

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-633-7625; pinebrookfitness.com/the-rock-club Whether you are new to climbing or a seasoned after-school pro, young climbers will discover adventure at The Rock Club. Our after-school programs

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

MULTI SPORTS

Great Play of Scarsdale

Kids In Sports

365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-358-9732 scarsdaleny.kidsinsports.com scarsdaleny@kidsinsports.com Our Multi-Sport Athlete classes are specifically designed for all age levels. These classes teach the fundamentals of baseball, basketball, floor hockey, football, soccer, and volleyball. Skills of each sport are taught in groups, with games eventually being played at the appropriate age levels. Schedule a free trial class!

Sportime USA

380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2; sportimeusa.com Sportime USA is the ideal place to visit after school! With a restaurant on the premises, and activities for all ages including a Superfly Thrill Ride, four-dimensional motion theater, laser tag, rock-climbing wall, a Ballocity Arena, batting cages, bumper cars, Himalaya coaster, kiddie rides, video and prize ticket games, billiards, and soft-adventure play area.

SWIMMING & WATER SPORTS

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester 351 Main St., Mt. Kisco 914-666-8069; bgcnw.com

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Conveniently located in Mt. Kisco, our stateof-the-art aquatic facility features a 25-yard pool! We offer swim classes starting at 6 months old. We have a Masters Swim Team and Adult Aqua Aerobics. Registration for fall 2019, Aug. 19-Sept. 8. For more information or to register visit us online at bgcnw.com.

Purchase College Learn-to-Swim Program

J. Brian Hansbury, director 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-5938; purchaseaquatics.weebly.com john.hansbury@purchase.edu The Purchase College Aquatics Program runs year-round in our sparkling, six-lane pool and features children’s group lessons, parent and child classes (6 months and older), and specialty programs including adult lessons, private and semi-private lessons, and Pre-Competitive Swimming Group workouts.

Sweet Blue Swim Academy

475-359-3528 sweetblueswim.com; hello@sweetblueswim Sweet Blue offers unparalleled stroke technique in small class settings by top instructors close by in Greenwich! Our trademarked swim program by Olympic swimmer and Sweet Blue owner, Cristina Teuscher, meets the needs of learn-toswim from four months to stroke refinement for national level swimmers and adults.

TENNIS

New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook Fitness

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-636-1003; pinebrookfitness.com/nrrc-home Keep your kids active and having fun all summer long at tennis camp at the New Rochelle Racquet Club at Pine Brook Fitness. The New Rochelle Racquet Club offers junior tennis camps for children ages 5-15 filled with age appropriate tennis, fitness, and fun.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SERVICES DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS

Main Street Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Penny Resnick-Graulich 115 Main St., Suite 302, Tuckahoe 914-633-4440; mainstreetpediatricdentistry.com drpennydds@aol.com Dr. Penny Resnick-Graulich has been practicing children’s dentistry in Westchester for more than 25 years. Dr. Penny and her staff pride themselves on making the dental experience a positive one for children and parents. They help anxious children feel secure during dental treatment and make every patient feel calm and confident.

White Plains Orthodontics - Dr. Jeffrey J. Kim

90 Bryant Ave. Suite 1C-Embassy, White Plains 914-946-9098; whiteplainsorthodontics.com Dr. Jeffrey J. Kim, is a graduate of Columbia University Dental School with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing with Invisalign as a Preferred Provider, metal and clear ceramic braces. Patients benefit from a welcoming, patient-focused environment, with free consultations and flexible payment plans. “A Smile You Can Afford!”

DOCTORS

Pediatric Associates of Southern Westchester, P.C.

Drs. Susan Meisler, Hilary Smith, Lisa Mandelker, Debra Etelson

145 Huguenot St., Suite 200, New Rochelle 914-235-1400; pasw4kids.com Pediatric Associates of Southern Westchester provides quality, comprehensive healthcare from birth to age 21. We are recognized at the highest level of distinction by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Patient Centered Medical Home practice. Our physicians are affiliated with Montefiore New Rochelle, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Children’s Hospital.

Scarsdale Medical Group – Pediatrics

600 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 301, Harrison 914-989-1111 scarsdalemedical.com/specialties-and-services/ pediatrics.html Scarsdale Medical Group is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date pediatric care from newborn through age 21. We offer well exams with screenings, same day sick visits (appointment only), newborn care, preventive medicine, care for acute and chronic illness, vaccinations, sports and camp physicals, and physicians on call 24-hours.

Sterling Optical

Cross County Shopping Center (near Old Navy), Yonkers; 914-968-6600 Jefferson Valley Mall (near Key Bank), Yorktown Heights 914-245-8111; sterlingoptical.com The Sterling Optical stores in Yonkers and Yorktown Heights specialize in providing your family with the eye care services you need and an extensive selection of designer and value-brand eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, and other optical products you want–all with our uncompromised attention to quality.

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Listening Partners Inc.

2975 Westchester Ave., Suite 202, Purchase 914-305-5345 listeningpartnersny.com info@listeningpartnersny.com Our mission is to strengthen the lives of all children with special needs. We believe that working with the whole child, as opposed to just the diagnosed disorder, allows for greater success. We accomplish this by building self-esteem and self-advocacy. Our devoted therapists are part of your support team.

STORES & RESOURCES

Fidelis Care New York

888-FIDELIS (343-3547); fideliscare.org Fidelis Care is a mission-driven health plan offering quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. With more than 1.7 million members statewide, Fidelis Care believes that all New Yorkers should have access to affordable, quality health insurance.

Listening Partners Inc.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Sterling Optical

Cross County Shopping Center (near Old Navy), Yonkers 914-968-6600 Jefferson Valley Mall (near Key Bank), Yorktown Heights 914-245-8111; sterlingoptical.com The Sterling Optical stores in Yonkers and Yorktown Heights specialize in providing your family with the eye care services you need and an extensive selection of designer and value-brand eyeglasses, contact lenses, sunglasses, and other optical products you want–all with our uncompromised attention to quality.

TUTORS & TEST PREP

Huntington Learning Center

Eastchester Shopping Center 721 White Plains Road, Scarsdale; 914-722-6100 650 Central Ave., Scarsdale; 914-946-7800 335 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights 914-245-8882 58 East Route 59, Nanuet; 845-624-6800 huntingtonhelps.com Huntington is the premier tutoring and test prep provider for students kindergarten-12th grades, including SAT, ACT, and state tests. The company prides itself on personalized attention and proven results. Founded in 1977, Huntington’s mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn more about our mission at huntingtonhelps.com.

Mathnasium

Mathnasium of Arsdsley-Irvington 875 Saw Mill River Road; 914-295-2252 Mathnasium of Chappaqua-Mount Kisco 350 Lexington Ave.; 914-725-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Cortlandt 50 Dayton Lane; 914-502-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Mamaroneck-Larchmont 1009 W. Boston Post Road; 914-725-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Rye 275 Purchase St.; 914-967-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Scarsdale 747 White Plains Road; 914-725-MATH (6284) Mathnasium of Scarsdale - Central Avenue 450 Central Park Ave.; 914-725-MATH (6284) mathnasium.com At Mathnasium Learning Centers, we make math make sense! Whether your child started out far behind or already ahead in math, Mathnasium will help them leap ahead because we know that any child can be successful in math—it’s a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them.

Sylvan Learning Centers - Westchester

Sylvan Learning Center of Bronxville 850 Bronx River Road, Bronxville 914-237-4396; sylvanlearning.com/bronxville bronxville.ny@sylvanlearning.com Sylvan Learning Center of White Plains 34 S. Broadway, Suite 512, White Plains 914-948-4116 sylvanlearning.com/whiteplains whiteplains.ny@sylvanlearning.com Sylvan Learning, the leading provider of personal learning for kindergarten-12th students, offers tutoring in reading, writing, math, and study skills. Sylvan also offers Sylvan Prep SAT and ACT courses. Sylvan Learning Centers are conveniently located in Bronxville and White Plains. continued on page 26

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TENNIS PROGRAMS FOR KIDS

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

THE ROCK CLUB

THE NEW ROCHELLE RACQUET CLUB

Join us for our award winning after-school programs! All ages and skill levels are welcomed. Sign up today at www.pinebrookfitness.com

INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING Pine Brook Fitness / New Rochelle, NY / 914.636.1019

Where Your Child Comes First

Schedule your annual physical!

• Comprehensive Care from Birth to Age 21 • Spacious child-friendly waiting area • Extended evening & weekend office hours • State of the Art Pediatric Office • Most Insurances Accepted • Convenient on-site parking

Susan Meisler, M.D. • Hilary Smith, M.D. Lisa Mandelker, D.O. • Debra Etelson, M.D. 145 Huguenot St., Suite 200 New Rochelle, NY www.pasw4kids.com • 914.235.1400 WestchesterParent 25

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EDUCATION

DAY CARE & CHILD CARE

All Aboard Childcare Education Centers

All Aboard on-the-Hudson 255 North Highland Ave., Ossining 914-923-1700 All Aboard at Valhalla 400 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-741-1500 allaboardchildcare.com All Aboard Childcare Education Centers, family-owned and -operated since 1996 provide a safe, secure, child-centered environment for infants, toddlers, pre-K, and school-age children. All Aboard creates a hands-on, developmental curriculum for infants and toddlers as well as a pre-K curriculum designed to meet NYS kindergarten readiness standards.

Lil Chameleon

29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 914-346-5148; lilchameleon.com Lil Chameleon launches drop-off child care starting September 2019. Book individual babysitting sessions or buy a package for discounted rates. Children ages 2-6 enjoy our play cafe, arts and crafts, music, cooking, and other enrichment while cared for by loving, CPR-certified child care providers. Transportation options available. Learn more at lilchameleon.com.

The Nurtury Montessori School

2097 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 1144 North Ave., New Rochelle Nurtury at Flandreau, 130 Flandreau Drive, New Rochelle; 914-632-6200 thenurtury-montessori.com info@thenurtury-montessori.com The Nurtury is committed to promoting quality, full-time Montessori child care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The first six years of life is when intelligence and personality are formed. We greatly understand this concept, and as a result, The Nurtury has set the standard for fulltime Montessori child care.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

Carmel Academy

270 Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT 203-983-3503, Danielle Cohen carmelacademy.com admissions@carmelacademy.com Carmel Academy is a TK-eighth grade private school for children of all Jewish affiliations. Located on a beautiful 17-acre campus in Greenwich, CT, Carmel offers every child rigorous and differentiated academics, award-winning social emotional learning, and broad enrichment opportunities–all wrapped in deep commitment to Jewish learning, values, and community.

PRESCHOOLS

Alcott Montessori School

535 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry; 914-693-4443 27 Crane Road, Scarsdale; 914-472-4404 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale; 914-725-7551 alcottschool.org/why-alcott/alcott-home-page Alcott School provides children ages 2-6 a supportive, multicultural, learning environment where they develop independence, self-confidence, and pride in their abilities. All sites offer

a developmentally appropriate curriculum with Montessori materials, music, creative movement, and nature enrichment programs.

Little School is licensed by NYS OCFS and accredited by NAEYC.

All Aboard Childcare Education Centers

All Aboard on-the-Hudson, 255 North Highland Ave., Ossining; 914-923-1700 All Aboard at Valhalla, 400 Columbus Ave., Valhalla; 914-741-1500 allaboardchildcare.com All Aboard Childcare Education Centers, family-owned and -operated since 1996 provide a safe, secure, child-centered environment for infants, toddlers, pre-K, and school-age children. All Aboard creates a hands-on, developmental curriculum for infants and toddlers as well as a pre-K curriculum designed to meet NYS kindergarten readiness standards.

ANDRUS Early Learning Center

65 Main St., Tuckahoe; 914-337-4492 andrus1928.org/early-learning-center aelcadmissions@jdam.org AELC serves ages 6 weeks to 5 years, offering full-time and part-time care. The primary objectives are to foster a love of learning, encourage curiosity, and build positive relationships. We encourage social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development and maintain the flexibility necessary for each child to grow at their own pace.

Ann and Andy Child Care

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com; annandydca@aol.com Ann and Andy, family-owned and operated since 1973, offers a variety of fun activities for children ages 2 months to 14 years. We are licensed by NYSOCFS and the health department. We offer flexible schedules, reasonable rates, nutritious lunches, a caring staff, individualized attention, and age-appropriate field trips.

The Goddard School®

1 Jackson Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson 914-478-1390; goddardschool.com For more than 30 years, The Goddard School has been a trusted name among families. Its classrooms are safe, nurturing environments for children 6 weeks to 6 years, offering age-appropriate opportunities to explore and discover. Trained teachers lead each child to reach developmental milestones, preparing children for social and academic success.

Kids In Sports

365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-358-9732; scarsdaleny.kidsinsports.com scarsdaleny@kidsinsports.com Kids In Sports’ Pre-School Athletes program offers children ages 2½ through 4 the opportunity to combine the best of the Kids In Sports athletic program with a classroom segment utilizing a curriculum designed to aid preschool learners.

Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School

307 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale 914-472-5409; kbls.org Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School encompass before- and after-school programs for school age children, and a preschool program for ages 2-4. The Little School provides a Breakfast Club, an extended day program until 6:30pm, enrichments, and sports. The

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Mandarin Discovery School

Mazel Tots Early Childhood Program at Scarsdale Synagogue

2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale 914-723-3001, Jody Glassman mazeltots@sstte.org; bit.ly/mazelallinone mazeltots@sstte.org Mazel Tots helps children grow! They serve ages newborn through kindergarten-bound. Featuring a wide variety of developmentally appropriate activities including sports, music, sign language, yoga, science, art, and the study of Jewish holidays. They also have fully equipped indoor and outdoor play spaces.

The Milestone School

70 W. Broad St., Mt. Vernon 914-667-3478; themilestoneschool.com Founded in 1979 on the premise that “the first years of a child’s education are the most important,” The Milestone School is an independent, non-sectarian, nursery-fourth grade school. Celebrating 40 years of excellence, our unique, stimulating academic environment emphasizing Early Reading prepares students to continue on to top private schools.

The Nurtury Montessori School

2097 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 1144 North Ave., New Rochelle 914-632-6200 Nurtury at Flandreau 130 Flandreau Drive, New Rochelle thenurtury-montessori.com info@thenurtury-montessori.com The Nurtury is committed to promoting quality, full-time Montessori child care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. The first six years of life is when intelligence and personality are formed. We greatly understand this concept, and as a result, The Nurtury has set the standard for fulltime Montessori child care.

Project Explore

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Carmel Academy

270 Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT 203-983-3503, Danielle Cohen carmelacademy.com admissions@carmelacademy.com Carmel Academy is a TK-eighth grade private continued on page 28

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

FALL CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 9 FEBRUARY AND SPRING BREAK CAMPS BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR AGES 1-12

ARTISTREEARTS.COM 914-835-2200 114 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD

MAMARONECK

BEST OF ALL WORLDS From N to 12, the best of French, American and International curricula. FASNY.ORG SCHEDULE A TOUR

914-250-0401

FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL OF NEW YORK WestchesterParent 27

›› continued

German International School New York (GISNY)

from page 26

school for children of all Jewish affiliations. Located on a beautiful 17-acre campus in Greenwich CT, Carmel offers every child rigorous and differentiated academics, award-winning social emotional learning, and broad enrichment opportunities–all wrapped in deep commitment to Jewish learning, values, and community.

50 Partridge Road, White Plains 914-948-6513; gisny.org; admissions@gisny.org Bilingual education opens a world of opportunities. German International School New York is an independent, pre-K through 12th, college preparatory program. No German knowledge required for pre-K and kindergarten.

The Chapel School

Thornton-Donovan School

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org; info@thechapelschool.org The Chapel School (est. 1947) welcomes a wonderfully diverse community, where we engage learners, encourage explorers, and empower leaders from preschool 2s through eighth grade. Children at The Chapel School experience nurturing teachers in small class sizes, with expanding extra-curricular activities, social emotional literacy, and service learning programs.

French-American School of New York (FASNY)

Nursery to third grade: Manor Campus 111 Larchmont Ave., Larchmont Grades fourth-eighth: Village Campus 145 New St., Mamaroneck Grades ninth-12th: Harbor Campus 320 E. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-413-3665; fasny.org; info@fasny.org Open your child to the world. FASNY is a coeducational, international, and bilingual day school for children in nursery through 12th grade. We offer the best of American, French, and international curricula, culminating in outstanding college placements and a choice of degrees: IB, French Baccalaureate, and NY High School diploma.

100 Overlook Circle, New Rochelle 914-632-8836; td.edu Thornton-Donovan School, located in the heart of New Rochelle’s Beechmont section, was founded in 1901. T-D is an independent, international, kindergarten-12th, coed school that attracts students from 40 different countries, and teaches French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Greek, German, and Japanese.

Whitby School

969 Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT 203-869-8464 whitbyschool.org; admissions@whitbyschool.org Whitby School is an 18 month through eighth grade private school in Greenwich serving students throughout Westchester and Fairfield County. Whitby challenges students to ask big questions, solve real world problems, and achieve big dreams. Students become empathetic leaders who bring out the best in themselves and others.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Green Chimneys

400 Doansburg Road, Brewster; 845-279-2995 33 Clearpool Road, Carmel; 845-225-8226

greenchimneys.org Green Chimneys School is an accredited special education program for students kindergarten-12th who need a highly structured, supportive setting. Therapeutic day and residential programs include an enriched curriculum for individualized academic, behavioral, and emotional support, and experiential learning. An innovative nature-based approach integrates animal-assisted activities into treatment and education programs.

Otto Specht School

260 Hungry Hollow Road, Chestnut Ridge 845-352-5020 x130 ottospechtschool.org info@ottospecht.org At Otto Specht School, we work to discover each child’s path to lifelong learning, offering exceptional educational programs that reach beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom. Designed for students with learning challenges and developmental delays, we offer kindergarten-12th, Transitional Life Skills, and 21 plus programming.

Project Explore

70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla 914-328-1578 easterseals.com/newyork We serve children with and without disabilities in inclusive, integrated, small classrooms. We offer high-quality full- and part-time programs, school year and year-round, for children ages 18 months to 5 years, from 8:30am-2:30pm. Before- and after-school care, vacation clubs during school breaks, and summer camp are available options.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

OPENING A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES VISIT US

Request a private tour at admissions@gisny.org. For future open houses visit GISNY.ORG/ADMISSIONS.

Discover German International School New York, an independent, Pre-K through Grade 12 college preparatory program. Our English-German bilingual curriculum and international community of children cultivates students of exceptional character who are open to a world of opportunity. Children entering our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes do not need to speak or understand German. We welcome families of all nationalities.

GISNY.ORG

50 Partridge Rd, White Plains, NY 10605 - (914) 948-6513 - admissions@gisny.org 28

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

g tin s a r leb year usic e C 0+ g m ies 3 akin mor m e of nd m a s Join u a for Trial Free s Clas

Music • Movement • Friends • Puppets • Fun Songs • Learning • Instruments • Stories • Props

Ask Abou Speci t Need al s!

Experienced, Nurturing Teachers

Music, Movement & Friends

Fun-Filled Classes

Age-Specific Curriculum

914-771-7000 • www.musicalmunchkins.com

SWI M LES SON S Taught by two–time Olympic Medalist Cristina Teuscher and by former Yale Dean Amerigo Fabbri I’m just so very impressed and grateful with how much “progress my son has made and how much he’s LOVING it! MOM OF LEARN-TO-SW IM STUDENT

”

Did you know that children under five who take regular swim lessons have more accelerated physical and mental development than their peers*? Unparalleled stroke expertise. Low teacher-to-student ratio for group lessons ages six months to adults. Learn-to-Swim or refine your strokes. SIGN UP NOW: 475-359-3528 or sweetblueswim.com Fall Registration start date for Greenwich location: August 12th | 12pm

GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT COMING SOON TO STAMFORD

visit us at Sweet Blue Swim Academy

* 2009 Griffith University Study of 45 swim schools.

WestchesterParent 29

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Bach to Rock

Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Music School

Private & Group Classes Early Childhood Classes Electronic Music Production Rock Band

PROJECT EXPLORE We offer a structured learning environment for children to grow in the areas of cognitive, motor and social development.

Musical Theater Birthday Parties Music Camps

Programs Offered: Toddlers 18 months - 2.9 years of age Integrated Pre-School Program 2.9 through 5 years of age If you are interested in touring our Program, please contact Asanchez@eastersealsny.org or call us at 914-328-1578. Easterseals Project Explore

130 Mamaroneck Ave a

BACHTOROCK.COM Mamaroneck 914.341.1457

70 Columbus Avenue Valhalla, NY 10595

877-227-8558

BachtoRock.com/Mamaroneck

LET YOUR CHILD ACT OUT! In cooperation with The City of Stamford.

For nearly 30 years, Curtain Call, Inc. has offered year-round live theatrical productions and theatre arts classes for kids, teens and adults. Our professional facilities and staff provide the perfect environment for experienced performers and raw beginners.

Classes begin Sept. 14! Discounts for siblings,. Scholarships and payment plans available. We can even design a class for your school, business or civic group! 1349 Newfield Avenue Stamford, CT 06905

203-329-8207 x16 www.curtaincallinc.com 30

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS Exciting New Birthday & Event Packages

CLASS OFFERINGS

FREE party upgrade!

Ages 3.5 – 5.5 yrs

Great Play Jr. & Multisport Jr.

Ages 4.5 – 10 yrs

Single Sport, Multi-Sport & Play 50

Don’t forget about the little ones! We have classes for children 6 months and up!

PRE-SCHOOL & SCHOOL-AGE PROGRAMS (AGES 3.5 – 10 YEARS)

Add an EXTRA activity for FREE. Call for details. Ad must be presented at time of booking. Exp. 9/30/19

50,000 sq. ft. of PURE FUN! Laser Tag • Super Fly • 150 Arcade games Rock Wall • Kiddie Zone Bumper Cars • Batting Cages and MORE! Can You Handle The Thrilling Excitement?

Thrilling SUPER FLY ride

Preschoolers: Through games and instruction, preschoolers continue to develop fundamental motor skills - as well as introductory sport skills, coordination and agility - all while having a lot of fun! To the kids, it's all fun and games. But

GREAT PLAY 969B Central Park Ave. Scarsdale, NY 10583

behind the fun is a carefully crafted curriculum of progressive motor skill

914-713-3470

acquisition that helps children reach their full physical potential.

School-age:

www.greatplay.com

At Great Play, we offer a full range of fun programs that are ideal for helping any child get off to a great start athletically, whether they aspire to play competitive sports or not. With our small intimate setting, our patented interactive technology, our unique curriculum that turns practice into play, and our highly trained coaches, we provide the perfect setting for kids to develop the skills that will start the ball rolling to lifelong success.

ASK ABOUT • Private Parties

• B-Mitzvah’s • Sweet Sixteens

914-592-2111 www.sportimeusa.com 380 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford

Like Us & Receive Special Promotions

OPEN ALL WEEK!

Children's Swimming Programs School-Session Sessions Fall Session 1: 9/14-10/20 Fall Session 2: 10/26-12/8 (No Class 11/30 & 12/1)

Winter Session: 1/25-3/1 (No Break in February)

Spring Session: 3/14-5/3 (No Class from 4/4-4/12)

Early Bird and Multiple Session Discounts VISIT purchaseaquatics.weebly.com

Saturday & Sunday Swim Lessons For All Levels 10AM, 11AM, 12PM*, 1PM** Private and semi-private lessons are available upon request *Family Swim Sat/Sun 12PM **Swim Team Clinic Sat 1PM

All of our instructors are American Red Cross-trained Water Safety Instructors For more information contact: @purchase.edu | 914-251www.purchasecollegeathletics.com

Show Auditions Acting Classes Ages 4-17

Enrolling Enrolling Now! Now!

(914) 946-4433

playgroup.org 2018

Discover why The Play Group Theatre was voted best After School Program, Family Theatre, Acting Classes and received ArtsWestchester’s Arts Education ArtsAward WestchesterParent 31

Meet the

Director Whitby School

969 Lake Ave., Greenwich 203-869-8464 whitbyschool.org admissions@whitbyschool.org Dr. John “Jack” Creeden is the Whitby School’s interim head of school. Creeden comes to Whitby with more than three decades of experience in independent school leadership, teaching, governance, and strategic planning. Creeden has been a leader in the independent school community, mentoring aspiring heads, conducting governance workshops, and serving as chair of the Board of Trustees for the National Association of Independent Schools from 2012-15. Creeden holds a B.A. from College of the Holy Cross, and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Artistree Performing Arts

114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com heather@artistreearts.com Heather Capelle is committed to Artistree’s mission of educating and inspiring children through performing arts. A member of Actor’s Equity Association, Heather’s professional credits include Special Skills (a one-woman show she co-wrote with Martin Charnin, director and lyricist of the Broadway musical Annie), appearances on ABC’s One Life to Live, and lead roles in more than 30 theater productions. Heather has performed for Walt Disney World, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines, and the Six Flags organization. Heather holds a B.M. in music theater and a B.A. in communications.

The Chapel School

172 White Plains Road, Bronxville 914-337-3202 thechapelschool.org info@thechapelschool.org Principal Michael Schultz is entering his 24th year of service (fourth as principal) at The Chapel School (TCS) in Bronxville, a wonderfully diverse community that celebrates God’s faithfulness! Michael and TCS faculty believe in tapping into individual student strengths and preparing them for high school and beyond by focusing on a balance between next generation standards, technological advances, social-emotional literacy, and service learning. Providing all of these things in harmony in a safe, nurturing, Christ-centered environment is how we prepare today’s learners to become tomorrow’s leaders.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Ann and Andy Child Care

2170 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-3027 annandandychildcare.com Deborah Asadoorian, Cheryl Anstett, and Anna Fucci have been following their passion to provide quality childcare to the families of Westchester County since 1973! Our beautiful campus houses programs for infants 2 months to children age 14!

Curtain Call, Inc.

1349 Newfield Ave., Stamford, CT 203-329-8207 x16 curtaincallinc.com Brian Bianco has been the education director of Curtain Call, Inc., Stamford, Connecticut’s longest-running and only nonprofit theatre-producing company for nearly 15 years, offering year-round educational programs in the dramatic arts for kids, teens, and adults. His experience spans 25 years of acting, directing, and stage management, including credits with Long Wharf Theatre, The Lamb’s Theatre, National Theatre of the Performing Arts, Bridgeport Free Shakespeare, and Radio City Entertainment. He is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and The National Shakespeare Conservatory.

Hoff-Barthelson Music School

25 School Lane, Scarsdale 914-723-1169 hbms.org hb@hbms.org At Hoff-Barthelson students of all ages, aptitudes, and levels of interest enjoy a supportive, joyful learning environment; a focus on the whole person; exceptional teaching; and a multifaceted curriculum. Ken Cole, executive director, holds degrees in viola performance from Oberlin and Louisiana State University. Prior to coming to HBMS, he served as vice president for learning and leadership development at the League of American Orchestras. He has produced several notable arts education guidebooks including Engaging Adolescents: Building Youth Participation in the Arts; and Creativity Matters: The Arts and Aging Toolkit.

Sweet Blue Swim Academy

475-359-3528 sweetblueswim.com hello@sweetblueswim Meet Sweet Blue co-owners Cristina Teuscher and Amerigo Fabbri. Cristina is a six-time national champion, Olympic Gold and Bronze medalist, former Olympic team captain, and has coached the sport of swimming from beginners to national elite-level. Amerigo was a former Yale dean providing academic and personal counseling to hundreds of undergraduate students while helping to create and support a tight-knit community within his college. Together, they have created a swim school offering unparalleled stroke expertise in a rich, nurturing environment that has grown at an unprecedented rate.

Kids’ B.A.S.E. & The Little School

307 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale 914-472-5409 kbls.org “It takes a village to raise a child,” and Janice Barnes is thrilled to be an integral piece of that puzzle at KBLS. With more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Janice runs her school with a very hands-on approach. As executive director, she is a team player and enjoys mentoring teachers and staff to be the best they can be. She is a resource for parents and students, and her door is always open to everyone.

Lil Chameleon Kid’s Club

29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 914-346-5148 lilchameleon.com/child-care With an art and design background, working in the fashion industry for 20 years, and seeing first-hand how difficult it is to find short-term childcare for her own child, CC Benitez, founder of Lil Chameleon and mother, sees the need for on-demand childcare. Because of her extensive experience in art and design, music, and extra-curricular enrichment, these type classes are integrated into each care session. CC is “aiming to help with life’s Lil things,” by adding this new childcare service to her multi-faceted, award-winning business.

Logrea Dance Academy

2 Dale Ave., Ossining 914-941-2939 logreadance.com For 33 years, Beth and Jean Logrea have provided quality dance training for pre-professional and recreational dancers. The Logreas have had extensive performing careers here and abroad, plus years of experience as co-directors of the Westchester Ballet Company, including the annual production of The Nutcracker at the Westchester County Center each year. In addition to the regular September-May season, LDA offers precamp and post-camp open classes, a five-week summer program, and a pre-ballet program for ages 3-5.

Musical Munchkins

167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Eileen Oddo celebrates 36 years as co-founder of Musical Munchkins. With degrees in piano performance and piano pedagogy from Loyola University and Conservatoire de Cachan in France, Eileen is uniquely qualified to understand the steps from early childhood to success on an instrument. Eileen has received wide recognition as an early childhood professional because of her finely-honed, sensitive approach to each stage, from 6 months to 6 years. Eileen has lectured at local, state, and national educational conferences and publishes books and recordings under the Musical Munchkins label.

The Nurtury Montessori School

2097 Palmer Ave., Larchmont 1144 North Ave., New Rochelle 914-632-6200 Nurtury at Flandreau, 130 Flandreau Drive, New Rochelle thenurtury-montessori.com info@thenurtury-montessori.com Cathy Billone graduated from Hunter College and has her NYS Teaching Certification as well as Montessori Infant, Toddler, and Primary Certification. She has been involved in teaching, training teachers, and running a Montessori School for more than 30 years. Brianna Banahan has a B.S. from Florida State University and had a very successful career in business in New York City. Brianna was raised as a Montessorian. Brianna brings all her business knowledge and her passion for Montessori to her role as administrator.

The Play Group Theatre

1 N. Broadway, Suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org info@playgroup.org Jill Abusch (artistic director) is co-founder, and camp director of The Play Group Theatre. As artistic director, Jill has guided PGT’s innovative theatre programs from their inception. She is proud to have directed the Teen Conservatory summer writing program for several years. She has taught a variety of classes and has gone into schools and camps to train teachers on the use of drama in the classroom. Jill studied acting and directing at the Stella Adler Conservatory and the Classical Studio at NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned a B.F.A. in drama.

Purchase College Learn-to-Swim Program

J. Brian Hansbury, director 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase 914-251-5938 purchaseaquatics.weebly.com john.hansbury@purchase.edu J. Brian Hansbury is entering his third year as the head women’s and men’s swim coach and aquatics director for SUNY Purchase College. Brian comes to Purchase after years of coaching at Iona College, numerous club programs, and aquatic directing at country clubs. He has found a home at Purchase College and works with an amazing team within PC Athletics. Purchase College offers learn to swim programming from ages 2 through adult, group, semi-private, and private lessons.

Steffi Nossen School of Dance

216 Central Park Ave., White Plains, Satellite locations in Chappaqua and Ossining, 914-328-1900 steffinossen.org Shelley Grantham is the executive director of the Steffi Nossen Dance Foundation. Ms. Grantham, former school and outreach coordinator and company director for Peridance-Capezio Center has 25 years of teaching experience for schools in Minnesota, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York. She has worked with organizations such as University Settlement, Dancers Responding to AIDS, Free Arts, NY Cares, and New York City Department of Education.

WestchesterParent 33

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

kid's resale birthday parties classes & events

W NE drop-off child care

Come learn from our experienced Montessori teachers who provide an individual, hands on learning environment. We offer a variety of toddler and pre-K programs! Extended hours are available.

www.alcottschool.org 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe 10707 | 914 346 5148 | LilChameleon.com

Scarsdale

Dobbs Ferry

27 Crane Rd. | 914-472-4404

535 Broadway | 914-693-4443

LEARNING MANDARIN BROADENS THEIR WORLD

Mandarin Discovery School

An immersive Mandarin language school

A fun environment for children to learn Mandarin and Chinese culture. • Mommy & Me • Preschool ages 3 - 5 • Programs for children 1st - 5th grade • Tutoring Morning and afternoon classes. Held in White Plains and Yonkers

MandarinDiscov.org 914-351-6788

Shanshanli@mandarindiscov.org

steffi nossen

SCHOOL OF DANCE

Come Grow With Us!

White Plains ♦ Chappaqua ♦ Ossining steffinossen.org | (914)-328-1900

Beginner ~ Pre-professional

Parents & Toddlers Creative Movement

ENRICHING LIVES AND CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC

Ballet • Modern • Jazz Hip Hop • Tap • Boys Summer Programs Adaptive Dance A dance style for every child 34

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WELCOMING ALL AGES & SKILL LEVELS! A supportive, joyful learning environment, a focus on the whole person, exceptional teaching, and a multifaceted curriculum. EARLY CHILDHOOD • SUZUKI • K-12 • ADULTS

914-723-1169 | www.hbms.org 25 School Lane | Scarsdale | hb@hbms.org

Ideas When You Need Them:

Sign up for our FREE newsletter & never hear “I’m bored!” again. We email the top kids’ events every Thursday—just in time to make weekend plans!

nymetroparents.com/register

Turn the page for details on CORNucopia (No. 1 on our list)

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SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

36 Editor’s Hot Tickets

40 Fun Fairs & Festivals,

Holiday Fun 37 We Can’t Believe It’s FREE!, Special Needs 41 Movers & Shakers, 38 Crafty Kids Animal Lovers 39 The Great Outdoors 42 Smarty Pants WANT US TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT?

nymetroparents.com/submitevent UPDATED DAILY AT nymetroparents.com/calendar wpcal@davlermedia.com

EDITOR’S HOT TICKETS Our calendar is full of great ideas. First, here are the ten 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!

CORNucopia

WHEN: Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Philipsburg Manor, 381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow AGES: All WHAT: Bring the family to the Lower Hudson Valley’s only corn festival. Indulge in sweet corn ice cream from The Blue Pig, challenge yourself in a corn maze, and play corn-y games! You’ll work up an appetite watching live cooking demonstrations, taking a walking tour of the farm, and tapping your toes to live bluegrass and folk music. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can quench their thirst with root beer (and grown-ups can opt for draft beer) from the local Captain Lawrence Brewing Company. WANT TO GO? $16; $12 students 18-25 and seniors 65 and older; $8 children 3-17; free for children younger than 3. 914-366-6900. hudsonvalley.org/historic-sites/philipsburg-manor.

Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair

WHEN: Aug. 31-Sept. 2, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm; Monday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz AGES: All WHAT: Check out more than 200 juried exhibitors and engage in ongoing craft demonstrations, from wood-turning, alpaca fiberspinning, and brush painting to metal-smithing and soap-making. WHY WE LOVE IT: The festival includes a complimentary and supervised drop-off children’s tent where kids will enjoy face-painting, interactive musical performances, wildlife shows, and more. WANT TO GO? $13 Early Bird 3-day weekend pass online only; $10 adult; $9 seniors; free for children 12 years and younger. 845-516-4342. quailhollow.com.

2019 Yorktown Grange Fair

WHEN: Sept. 6-8, Friday, 4-11pm; Saturday, 10am-11pm; Sunday, 10am-7pm WHERE: Yorktown Grange Fair Grounds, 99 Moseman Road, Yorktown Heights

AGES: All WHAT: The Grange Fairgrounds will be bursting with local farm animals, contests, and carnival fare. WHY WE LOVE IT: Highlights include a tractor parade and live music! WANT TO GO? $10 per carload; $5 walk-ins and single occupant vehicles; free for children younger than 2. 914-962-3900. yorktowngrangefair.org.

Grandparents Day

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 10am-5pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy free admission for one caregiver per family visiting 36

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

9 Stepping Stones on Grandparents Day. WHY WE LOVE IT: Let Grandma and Grandpa take the kids for the day and the parents take a break! WANT TO GO? Included with admission: $15; $10 seniors older than 62; free for children younger than 1, members, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Bugging Out

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 1-2pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Meet some interesting insects and hear about the important jobs they do for our ecosystems, such as pollination and decomposition. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids can complete a craft that will help make the community an oasis for these cool creatures! WANT TO GO? $8; $5 members. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

The 26th Annual Yonkers Riverfest FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 12-7pm WHERE: Downtown Yonkers, 1 Larkin Plaza, Yonkers AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Riverfest with food, some of the greatest music from each generation, art, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes a KidZone, free kayaking, and a wellness area to get some Zen. WANT TO GO? 914-969-6660. yonkersriverfest.org.

The Great Nyack Get Together FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 12-6pm WHERE: Village of Nyack Memorial Park, 4 Depew Ave., Nyack AGES: All WHAT: Check out more than 60 Rockland non-profit and business organizations that are offering family-friendly activities. The fun includes live music, food trucks, art by community artisans, a human foosball game, an obstacle course, and a bounce house. WHY WE LOVE IT: Kids will flip for the fire truck and a fire boat on display. WANT TO GO? 845-358-2600. greatnyackgettogether.com.

The American Gold Cup and Family Festival

WHEN: Sept. 14-15, Saturday, 10am; Sunday, 11am WHERE: Old Salem Farm, 190 June Road, North Salem AGES: All WHAT: See a thrilling Olympic-caliber equestrian show jumping competition combined with a Family Fun Festival. WHY WE LOVE IT: The fun includes pony rides, face painting, a magician, live entertainment, and children’s crafts. WANT TO GO? $15-$20. 941-744-5465. theamericangoldcup.com.

JazzFest FREE

WHEN: Sept. 11-15, see website for schedule WHERE: Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Witness an impressive lineup of internationally renowned musicians spanning a week-long celebration of jazz, culture, and community. WHY WE LOVE IT: Bring the kids for the final day of jazz combined with a food festival! WANT TO GO? 914-762-1900. artswestchester.org/programs/jazz-fest-2.

Cider and Donut Festival 2019 FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 9:15am races begin; 10am-2pm carnival and festival WHERE: Wampus Brook Park, Maple Avenue, Armonk AGES: All WHAT: Enjoy carnival rides, live music, kids’ activities, food, a pieeating contest, hot doughnuts, and cider. WHY WE LOVE IT: The day starts with kids’ races and a 5k walk/run to work up an appetite! WANT TO GO? 914-273-2420. armonkchamberofcommerce.com.

WE CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S FREE Think a freebie has to be ho-hum? Don’t let the price tag (or lack of one) fool you. Here are the four no-cost events we’re excited about now. You’re welcome. Babywearing FREE

WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 10, 10-11:30am WHERE: Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson AGES: Adult WHAT: Learn how to safely and comfortably wear your baby, while also learning the benefits of babywearing for both child and caregiver. WANT TO GO? 914-271-6612. crotonfreelibrary.org.

Pajama Shabbat FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 13, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT AGES: Newborn to 5 WHAT: Children will enjoy this spirited introduction to Shabbat featuring singing, dancing, and storytelling. RSVP required. WANT TO GO? 203-869-7191. templesholom.com.

SPECIAL NEEDS ACCESS-ability

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 16, 2-5pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT AGES: All WHAT: A supportive, sensory-friendly experience for individuals with sensory processing differences and other special needs. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $15; $10 seniors older than 62; free for children younger than 1, members and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Ask A Professional: NAMI FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 19, 5:30-6:30pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT AGES: Adult WHAT: Parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with mental health conditions will come away with information about resources, support systems, and the knowledge that they are not alone. WANT TO GO? 203-899-0606 x268. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Sensory Friendly Day

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 10am-5pm WHERE: Connecticut Science Center, 250 Columbus Blvd., Hartford, CT AGES: All WHAT: Get the fun of the Connecticut Science Center without the usual loud sounds and bright lights. WANT TO GO? $16.95; $14 in advance; free for 1-on-1 aides. 860-520-2112. ctsciencecenter.org.

2nd Annual Smart Walk for Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 12-3pm WHERE: Sherwood Island State Park, Sherwood Island Connector, Westport, CT AGES: All WHAT: After the walk enjoy activities for children, music, and free snacks. WANT TO GO? $15; $10 for children ages 7-17; free for children ages 6 and younger. 203-226-6831. smartkidswithld.org/smartwalk. ››

Moms and Infants Support Group FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 10:30am-12:30pm WHERE: Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson AGES: Newborn to 2, adult WHAT: This warm and welcoming group is open to all mothers and infants looking for companionship, community, advice, and support regarding feeding. WANT TO GO? 914-271-6612. crotonfreelibrary.org.

Welcome Back Family Shabbat FREE

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 20, 5:30pm WHERE: Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El, 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Spend Shabbat with friends old and new. Bring your own picnic dinner and blanket and dessert will be provided. WANT TO GO? 914-725-5175. sstte.org. WestchesterParent 37

Family Art Project: Herds, Schools and Bevys

WHEN: Sept. 7-8, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Create animal puppets, then join your Family Art Project neighbors for some group storytelling to help your puppets find their packs. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6 and on Saturdays until 12pm. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Open House & Free Clay Day FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 1-4pm WHERE: Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester AGES: All WHAT: This event will include free hands-on-clay activities, including trying the potter’s wheel. WANT TO GO? 914- 937-2047. clayartcenter.org.

Family Art Project: Papermaking Brilliance of Seeds and Weeds

CRAFTY KIDS Family Art Project: Shadow Play

WHEN: Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Catch the sun and chase your shadow. Use your body, props, paper, and the sun’s rays to create art and tell stories of all things under the sun. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 ages 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

LEGOLAND Dinosaur Week

WHEN: Aug. 24-Sept. 2, daily, 11am-3pm WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Kids can take part in hands-on dinosaur and LEGO® mosaic build activities! WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $39.95; $34.95 ages 65 and older; $29.95 ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger. 718-2205100. bronxzoo.com.

Back to School Craft FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 11am WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Get back in the school spirit with a special craft! WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

Exploring Art Through Artists

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 11am-12:30pm WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 5-8 WHAT: This special program will include hands-on art making in the style of the featured artist. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $7.50; $6.50 for seniors; $3 per person presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card and a valid form of photo ID; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sept. 14-15, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Honor the resilience of weeds and the brilliance of seed dispersal through papermaking. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6 and until 12pm on Saturday. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Family Art Project: To Be a River

WHEN: Sept. 21-22, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Create a series of water monoprints, reflect on memories, and write a flow of poetries to celebrate the rivers we are. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6 and on Saturdays until 12pm. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Autumn Crafternoon! FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 26, 4pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 3-12 WHAT: Celebrate the return of cool weather with a fun fall craft! WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

Family Art Project: Forest Stories

WHEN: Sept. 28-29, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Create your own spinning storytelling device that explores the unique stories that each forest layer tells. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6 and on Saturdays until 12pm. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Fall Break Out Day: Slime Time (Take Two!)

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 30, 11am-3pm WHERE: Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: Try slime recipes, meet some slimy (and scaly) critters, discover the wonderful world of slime molds and fungus, and more. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $12; $10 seniors 65 and older; $8 students 18 and older with valid ID; $6 children 4-17; free for members and children younger than 3. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org. ››

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Beneficial Bats FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 11am-12pm WHERE: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Discuss bats’ special adaptations, dispel myths, and learn ways to conserve this vital species. WANT TO GO? 914-741-0333. teatown.org.

River Explorers FREE

WHEN: Sept. 7-21, Saturdays; Nature Themed Arts & Crafts: 11am; Hudson River Seining: 1pm WHERE: Center for the Urban River at Beczak, 35 Alexander St., Yonkers AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Kids participate in a hands-on river exploration activity followed up by a take-home craft. An additional component of River Explorers is Hudson River Family Seining, designed for participants of all ages. WANT TO GO? 914-377-1900. centerfortheurbanriver.org.

Outdoor Adventures: Stream Hunters

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Family Nature Walk

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 1pm WHERE: Wave Hill, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. WANT TO GO? $10; $6 students and seniors 65 and older; $4 children 6 and older; free for members and children younger than 6. 718-549-3200. wavehill.org.

Morning Farm Chores

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 8am WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Help the staff do farm chores. Pre-registration required. WANT TO GO? $6-$20. 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Summer Saturday Adventures: Monarchs On The Move FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 14, 10-11:30am WHERE: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Scout around Teatown’s gardens for monarchs and other butterflies as they say goodbye before cold weather sets in. WANT TO GO? 914-741-0333. teatown.org.

Fairy Walk FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 12-3pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Visit the farm and meet the Fairy Queen Joan and search for fairies on the farm. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Wildflower Island Open Gate Day FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 11am-1pm WHERE: Teatown, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: 10 and older WHAT: Stroll the winding paths and enjoy the beauty of Teatown Lake from a different perspective. WANT TO GO? 914-741-0333. teatown.org. 40

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 4:30-6pm WHERE: Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT AGES: 6 and older WHAT: Explore Poorhouse Brook for the amphibians, macroinvertebrates, and fish that call it home. Registration required. WANT TO GO? $9; $6 members plus museum admission: $12; $10 seniors 65 and older; $8 students 18 and older with valid ID; $6 children 4-17; free for members and children younger than 3. 203-322-1646. stamfordmuseum.org.

Nature’s Nurturers

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 1-2pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Learn about maternal and paternal care in the wild! WANT TO GO? $8; $5 members. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Forest Exploration FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 1-3pm WHERE: Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah AGES: 3-8 WHAT: Learn all about the forest habitat while getting up-close and personal looking for critters that inhabit the ground. WANT TO GO? 914-864-7282. muscootfarm.org.

Fairy Homes FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 29, 1-2pm WHERE: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Construct a home for your favorite fairy or gnome to live in. Register online. WANT TO GO? 914-741-0333. teatown.ticketleap.com/fairy-homes/ dates/Sep-29-2019_at_0100PM.

Play Days @ Jay

WHEN: Through Oct. 25: Fridays, 12-2pm WHERE: John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah AGES: All WHAT: Visit the chickens, then enjoy a hands-on activity. WANT TO GO? $10; $7 students and seniors; $7 highlight tour; free for members and children younger than 12. 914-232-8119. johnjayhomestead.org.

FUN FAIRS & FESTIVALS Back to School Night FREE

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 5, 5-8pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT AGES: All WHAT: A school supply giveaway, school resource fair, and fun celebration! WANT TO GO? 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Bruce ConsTRUCKS FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 12-4pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, CT AGES: All WHAT: Climb into construction trucks, draw on the empty gallery walls, and more! WANT TO GO? 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

7th Annual New Rochelle Street Fair FREE

HOLIDAY FUN Music Under The Stars Concert Series: Labor Day Celebration FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 11am-5pm WHERE: Main Street, downtown New Rochelle AGES: All WHAT: Good vibes, international food, crafts, music, rides, and more! WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. 914-654-2000. newrochelleny.com.

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1, 7:30pm WHERE: Trophy Point Amphitheater, 117-119 Washington Road, West Point AGES: All WHAT: This Labor Day concert has it all: music, fireworks, and live cannon fire! RSVP online. WANT TO GO? 845-938-2617. westpointband.com/trophypoint.

Hastings Flea Special Fall Flea FREE

Labor Day Barbecue

Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst

Family Rosh Hashanah Service FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 10am-4pm WHERE: Hastings-on-Hudson Metro-North Parking Lot, 134 Southside Ave., Hastings-On-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: Find unique items to buy and enjoy live entertainment WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods. hastingsflea.com. WHEN: Sept. 13-15, Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday, 10am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Lyndhurst Estate, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: See modern American makers, artists, and craftspeople. WANT TO GO? $12 weekend pass; $4 kids 6-16; free for children younger than 6. 845-331-7900. artrider.com/fall-crafts-at-lyndhurst-2019.

Arts & Crafts on Bedford FREE

WHEN: Sept. 14-15, Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Bedford Street, downtown Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: Shop, dine, and don’t miss the Imagination Station with activities for kids. WANT TO GO? 203-348-5285. stamford-downtown.com.

58th Annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 2, 1-6pm WHERE: Turtle Cove Golf and Sport Entertainment Center, 1 City Island Road, Pelham Bay Park AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Labor Day with a delicious barbecue. WANT TO GO? $20. 718-885-1129. turtlecovegolfcenter.com. WHEN: Monday, Sept. 30, 2:30pm WHERE: Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El, 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with an engaging, song-filled gathering geared toward families with children through third grade. WANT TO GO? 914-725-5175. sstte.org.

Rosh Hashanah Young Children’s Service FREE

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 30, 1:45-2:30pm WHERE: Temple Sholom, 300 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT AGES: 3-5 WHAT: Listen to a holiday story and sing some holiday songs. WANT TO GO? 203-869-7191. templesholom.com.

WHEN: Sept. 21-22, Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm WHERE: Armonk Community Park, 205 Business Park Drive, Armonk AGES: All WHAT: Fine art and design show with free activities, food, vendors, and more. WANT TO GO? $14; $12 seniors; free for ages 18 and younger. 914-273-4112. armonkoutdoorartshow.org.

Classic Mansion Tour with Autumnal Decor

28th Annual Oktoberfest

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

WHEN: Sept. 28-29, Saturday-Sunday, 11am-5pm WHERE: Quassy Amusement Park, 2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury, CT AGES: All WHAT: Celebrate Oktoberfest with German food, music, free pumpkin decorating for the kids, rides, and attractions. WANT TO GO? Admission is free, prices vary for goods and rides. 203-758-2913. quassy.com.

WHEN: Sept. 26-Oct. 31, Thursday-Monday, 10am-4pm WHERE: Lyndhurst, 635 South Broadway, Tarrytown AGES: All WHAT: See the mansion decorated with trimmings for the fall season. WANT TO GO? $16-$24. 845-331-7900. lyndhurst.org. WHEN: Sept. 20-Nov. 30, see website for schedule WHERE: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Ave., Croton-on-Hudson AGES: All WHAT: See more than 10,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack o’ lanterns in this elaborate walk-through experience. WANT TO GO? See website for pricing. 914-631-8200. hudsonvalley.org. ››

WestchesterParent 41

ANIMAL LOVERS Feeding Fun

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 1, 1-2pm WHERE: Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road, Scarsdale AGES: All WHAT: It’s mealtime for the animals! See what’s on the menu and learn how Greenburgh Nature Center keeps the critters healthy. WANT TO GO? $8; free for members. 914-723-3470. greenburghnaturecenter.org.

Tales for Tails FREE

MOVERS & SHAKERS LEGO NINJAGO Days

WHEN: Through Sept. 2: daily, 10am-7pm WHERE: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Families can unleash their Ninja powers to complete challenges and become a Master of Spinjitzu. WANT TO GO? $24.95. 844-740-9223. westchester.legolanddiscoverycenter.com.

Roller Skating Rink

WHEN: Through Sept. 2: see website for schedule WHERE: Cross County Center, 8000 Mall Walk, Yonkers AGES: 5 and older WHAT: Enjoy skating with music, theme nights, and lots of fun. WANT TO GO? $10 includes skates and one-hour session. crosscountycenter.com.

Pizza Playdate

WHEN: Sept. 3-24, Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30pm WHERE: Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., First Floor, Tuckahoe AGES: 1-5 WHAT: Join Lil Chameleon and other families for a pizza playdate with open play in the play cafe. Advance registration required. WANT TO GO? $15 per child with one adult; $5 additional siblings. 914-346-5148. LilChameleon.com.

Baby Gym

WHEN: Sept. 5-26, Thursdays, 2:30-3:15pm WHERE: Lil Chameleon, 29 Elm St., Tuckahoe AGES: 2 months to 1 year WHAT: Learn fun and useful ways to play with your little one in baby’s first gym class! For pre-walkers. WANT TO GO? $25 per one child, one adult. 914-346-5148. LilChameleon.com.

Geocaching For Beginners FREE

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10am-12pm WHERE: Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining AGES: All WHAT: Grab your smartphone and join Teatown to learn more about this modern-day treasure hunt. WANT TO GO? 914-741-0333. teatown.org.

Bicycle Sundays FREE

WHEN: Sept. 8-29, Sundays, 10am-2pm WHERE: Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains AGES: All WHAT: Bike, skate, scoot, walk, or jog along the parkway. WANT TO GO? parks.westchestergov.com/featured-events/bicycle-sundays. 42

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 5, 6pm WHERE: The Field Library, 4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill AGES: 5-12 WHAT: Children in first grade and older are invited to read to a specially trained dog. Sign-up required. WANT TO GO? 914-737-0847. fieldkids.wordpress.com.

Coyotes: Behavior, Ecology, and Coexistence

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 7, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the Eastern Coyote’s biology and behavior and ways to reduce or prevent problems from occurring WANT TO GO? $14; $11 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

Southeastern Howls

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2-3:30pm WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Learn what it takes to help save a species from the brink of extinction and potentially see critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Pre-registration is required. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

Bark in the Park FREE

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 22, 11am-3pm WHERE: Latham Park, 100 Prospect St., Stamford, CT AGES: All WHAT: An agility course, demonstrations, pet vendors, and more. WANT TO GO? 203-348-5285. stamford-downtown.com.

Marine Tank Animal Feeding

WHEN: Through Sept. 27: Tuesdays, 2:30-2:45pm; Fridays, 2:30-3:30pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT AGES: All WHAT: Meet at the Bruce Museum’s touch tank and see the marine animals have a snack. WANT TO GO? Included with admission: $10; $8 students 5-22 with valid ID and seniors 65 and older; free for members and children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Pack Chat for Kids

WHEN: Sept. 1-29, see website for select days and times WHERE: Wolf Conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem AGES: All WHAT: Visit some wolves and learn about the mythology surrounding them and their important role in the natural world. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 children younger than 12. 914-763-2373. nywolf.org.

SMARTY PANTS Toy Testing Weekend

WHEN: Aug. 30-Sept. 2, daily, 10am-5pm WHERE: Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave., Norwalk, CT AGES: All WHAT: Discover how some awesome mathematical and scientific concepts power your play with today’s popular toys and games and more. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $15; $10 seniors older than 62; free for children younger than 1, members, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 203-899-0606. steppingstonesmuseum.org.

Science Sunday

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 8, 11:30am-12:15pm and 1:30-2:15pm. WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 7-12 WHAT: Take part in this exciting and dynamic lesson about a new scientific concept, complete with hands-on activities, and more. Space is limited. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $7.50; $6.50 for seniors; $3 per person presenting an EBT Card and a valid form of photo ID; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Bruce Beginnings Jr.

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 12, 9:45-10:45am WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, CT AGES: 10 months to 2 years WHAT: Toddlers and their caregivers explore through hands-on play. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $8 students 5-22 with valid ID and seniors 65 and older; free for members and children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Exploring Play

WHEN: Sept. 6-27, Fridays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 2-5 WHAT: Children are invited to a weekly class that features singing, story time, and a take-home project. Space is limited. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $7.50; $6.50 for seniors; $3 per person presenting an EBT Card and a valid form of photo ID; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Bruce Beginnings

WHEN: Through Oct. 1: Tuesday, 11-11:45am and 1-1:45pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, CT AGES: 2 1/2-5 WHAT: Children will explore the museum, hear a story, and enjoy a hands-on activity. Space is limited. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $8 students 5-22 with valid ID and seniors 65 and older; free for members and children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

Dig! Plant! Grow! The Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, Squash

WHEN: Sept. 10-Oct. 11, Tuesday and Saturday, 1:30-5:30pm; Sunday and Monday holidays, 10am-5:30pm WHERE: The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx AGES: All WHAT: Learn about the Native-Americans that grew the Three Sisters— corn, beans, and squash—and participate in activities. WANT TO GO? Included in All-Garden Pass: Monday-Friday, $12-$28; Saturday-Sunday, $10-$23. 718-817-8700. nybg.org.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Bird is the Word

WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 15, 1-3pm WHERE: Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, CT AGES: 4-8 WHAT: Learn about the science exhibitions and get interactive WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $10; $8 students 5-22 with valid ID and seniors 65 and older; free for members and children younger than 5. 203-869-0376. brucemuseum.org.

SPECIAL EXHIBIT

Leapin’ Lizards!

Young Discoverers

WHEN: Sept. 4-25, Wednesdays, 11-11:30am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 2-5 WHAT: Learn something new during this science-based “drop-in” program. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $7.50; $6.50 for seniors; $3 per person presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card and a valid form of photo ID; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

Plan your visit today! steppingstonesmuseum.org

Museum Minis

Silver Sponsor

WHEN: Sept. 5-26, Thursdays, 10:30-11am WHERE: Westchester Children’s Museum, 100 Playland Parkway, Rye AGES: 1½-2 WHAT: Toddlers meet up for social play, muscle and brain builders, tumbling and jumping, music, and more. Space is limited. WANT TO GO? Free with admission: $7.50; $6.50 for seniors; $3 per person presenting an EBT Card and a valid form of photo ID; free for members, children younger than 1, and active duty military personnel and their families within the same household. 914-420-5050. discoverwcm.org.

There are plenty of super-fun interactive experiences in store with this Dino-Mite new exhibit.

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Each general admission up to four admissions.

Not to be combined with any other offers. Coupon must be presented. Expires: 09/30/19 CODE: WP919 Norwalk, CT

WestchesterParent 43

raising kids baby

Day Care Center, Nanny, or Relative? ›› Choosing a child care provider can be an anxiety-filled decision—you are leaving your infant with someone else, after all— but selecting the best option for your family is easier if you understand the pros and cons of each. By Christina Vercelletto

dding a new baby to your family, whether it’s your first or your fifth, is probably life’s most memorable milestone. And of course, along with the excitement and joy comes a long list of to-dos, including the task of identifying the right child care arrangement for your family if you’re heading back to work. This should be sorted out as early as possible—before birth, if possible. (Trust us: Your three months of maternity leave will feel more like three weeks.) But how do you make this very important and often challenging decision? Here, we weigh the three most popular options to help you choose.

Day Care Center

Pros: One major advantage of day care centers is they are statelicensed and regulated. (The U.S. Administration for Children & Families recommends you ask about a license when you visit.) They offer a structured day for children (yes, even for infants), with outdoor time, naps, meals, and snacks. And caregivers typically have a degree (or are earning one) in early childhood education. Many parents like the social aspect of day care centers— children are grouped by age, and starting at 2 years old spend the day in a preschool classroom with a real curriculum and progress reports. Plus, a familiar environment from infanthood through kindergarten is appealing. “The social element cannot be overstated,” says Jessica Wertheim, chief learning officer at Dearest Inc., a child care-sharing marketplace based in New York City. “Social-emotional skills that support children’s ability to 44

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

focus and engage in other classroom environments, manage their own emotions, and socialize well with peers are often taught more directly during day care and preschool than at any other time.” Cons: The day will come when your baby will have a wet diaper at pick-up, or your child will be given the center-provided snack instead of the special one you bring in every day, no matter how great the caregivers are. If these sorts of instances sound like deal-breakers, this probably isn’t the way to go. Cost: Due to state-regulated child-to-teacher ratios, the older the child, the lower the cost. Centers have to charge the most for infants, since they are required to hire more people to care for them. That said, day care centers are not cheap. In our area, you’re easily looking at $1,500 a month, if not more, for full-time day care. It can start to get cost prohibitive if a second child comes along and you, naturally, want both your kids in the same place. Also, day care centers charge extra for late pick-up or early drop-off. Bottom Line: Day care centers can be the right choice for parents with a 9-5 job, who don’t often work late, and prefer a socialized group setting for their child.

Nanny

Pros: Nannies (and plenty of mannies!) are committed sitters who enjoy being part of a family and watching their charges

grow up. It’s hard to beat the concept of a caring professional utterly dedicated to your child. Cons: All your eggs are in one person’s basket. Nannies get the flu, wake up to a busted water pipe in their home, have car trouble, and need to take their suddenly-sick cat to the vet like anyone else. When that happens, you’re stuck scrambling. Also, nannies can quit even under the best of circumstances (say, their spouse gets a new job out of state), and depending on the age of your child, this can be a devastating loss.

Mendez-Baldwin asks. Plus, with a relative, you will still have to lay out a few ground rules and make requests about how you want things done, which can create conflict in an already-delicate relationship. You still need a back-up plan for early mornings when the phone call starts with, “I’m so sorry, but…” Cost: While this could be a free arrangement, you may want to insist on paying your relative

to underscore the fact that this is a real responsibility. On the other hand, she might refuse payment, so cost really depends on the individual family. Bottom Line: If Grandma is energetic, and you have a solid relationship that can withstand honest and open communication, this may be worth considering (especially if money is an issue).

BACK-TO-

Cost: Nannies are costly. In our area, parents can expect to pay upwards of $15 an hour for one child, according to payscale.com. As her employer, you need to provide your nanny with disability insurance, and you may need to pay the IRS an employment tax. It’s also expected that you ante up for birthday and holiday gifts, food in the fridge, and paid vacation. Livein nannies earn a lower salary, but many families don’t have enough space to make that option possible. Bottom Line: If you can afford it and prize personal attention above all else, this is the way to go.

Family Care

Pros: “Having a relative care for their baby often gives parents a sense of relief,” says Martha Mendez-Baldwin, Ph.D., a psychology of childhood assistant professor at Manhattan College in the Bronx. Cons: Your mother or motherin-law may have offered to step in, but as tempting as this alternative may feel, assess the situation realistically. She may not be prepared for the hard work of caring for a newborn. “Is this relative aware of today’s best child care practices? Do they know the safest sleep position is on the baby’s back?” Dr.

Child care arrangements are a big decision, and there is no one-size-fits-all option, Wertheim says. However, there is no bad option either. “When any adult creates experiences that are personalized and respond to a baby’s interests with enthusiasm, positivity, and warmth, they support that baby’s social and cognitive development,” she says.

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WestchesterParent 45

raising kids teen

The Age of Self-Doubt

››

While self-consciousness in early adolescence can seem crippling for your child, it’s a phase that will lead to greater well-being in adulthood. By Jaimie Seaton

nyone with a teenager has witnessed the transformation: Their fearless, confident child becoming a reticent, self-conscious teen. One day, he marches out of the house on adventures, happily clad in clothes picked out by his parents. The next? He’s hiding out in his room with his phone, with zero interest in any ideas you have in regard to his clothes, his hairstyle, or even his backpack. She becomes obsessed with her looks and studies her face in the mirror as if it were an undiscovered country. A bad hair day or emergence of a pimple can turn into a crisis and leave her wishing she could stay home from school. As a parent, it’s hard to make sense of this—and even harder to know how to help.

Belonging Above All

Parents may be tempted to dismiss their teen’s behavior as typical adolescent self-absorption, but what may seem like egocentricity actually serves a higher purpose. It goes back to evolution and our need to belong. “If the goal in adulthood, at the most basic level, is to have social skills in order to ensure social belonging and the associated positive outcomes, then adolescence is a time of learning social competency,” explains Alexandra Rodman, Ph.D., lead author of a 2017 Harvard study on how adolescents and adults process and integrate peer feedback. “One way in which we learn all the complex social rules is by being hyper-attuned to feedback from others.” For example, your teen isn’t fixated on his looks, per se, but because he is so highly preoccupied by what others may think of him, he notices changes in himself more keenly than he did as a child, Dr. Rodman explains. His reaction to those changes depends on how he is viewed in the peer group. “It all depends on what enhances belonging and it corresponds with changing trends,” Dr. Rodman says. “If it was a sign of health and highly coveted to have a pimple, then maybe it wouldn’t lead to such distress to have a pimple.”

The Instagram Age

Most teenagers think they have it worse than their parents—and they’re right. When it comes to pressure to fit in, at least, today’s

Because your teen is preoccupied with how others perceive him, he’ll notice changes in himself more keenly than when he was younger.

teens really do have it worse, according to Seoka Salstrom, Ph.D., a child and adolescent psychologist who practices in New Hampshire. “There are so many more opportunities for compare and despair,” Dr. Salstrom says. “Before social media, we had half of our day at school and half of our day at home or with a few friends, but we didn’t have 45 people that we were interacting with in some way, often times in picture perfect form. Every time we see something like that, our mind is automatically geared toward, ‘How do I fit in to this?’ and sees the inadequacies.”

Coping Strategies

When teens express anxiety or distress about their looks or not fitting in, Dr. Salstrom advises parents to start from a place of “your feelings make perfect sense.” “It’s not to say that you agree with the statement behind it or the content. If they say, ‘I’m so ugly,’ of course you’re not going to agree with that,” Dr. Salstrom says. “But if we don’t start from the place of ‘it makes perfect sense that this thought/feeling is showing up’ (given our evolutionary and cultural context), then anything we say in that moment has the potential to be invalidating.” There’s no denying it can be difficult for parents to see their teens go through this stage, but Dr. Rodman explains it’s a normal and healthy part of development—and it does eventually end. “When you have this low-level or moderate level feedback from your peers, and you feel this drop in self-esteem, that actually feels bad in the short term, but in the long term it leads to greater gains and better outcomes and well-being in adulthood,” Dr. Rodman says. In late adolescence, a self-protective bias kicks in and teens no longer experience that drop in self-esteem after rejection, Dr. Rodman explains. Older teens start to buffer themselves from their peers’ rejection because they’ve gained social skills and learned the social rules they didn’t have or know as an early adolescent. “That’s all to say for parents that a little bit of feedback from peers isn’t a catastrophe, and feeling a little down on yourself, that’s just part of being a teenager,” Dr. Rodman says. “I think a helpful reframe is, it just helps kids learn how to get along with their peers.”

Jaimie Seaton has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is the former Thailand correspondent for Newsweek. Her work on divorce, parenting, dating, and a wide range of topics has been featured in The Washington Post, The Guardian, Glamour, and numerous other publications.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

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WestchesterParent 47

family life legal

BACK TO MUSIC

Separation Strategies

››

How to develop a solid co-parenting plan you both will follow By Lambeth Hochwald

f you’re separated or divorced, you know how important it is to make a plan for sharing time with your child. However, this isn’t always easy, and can lead to frustration or even anger. Here are eight tips to develop—and agree on—a plan to co-parent successfully.

musicconservatory.org 216 Central Ave., White Plains, NY

Consider everyone’s schedules. If a father leaves for work at 6am and doesn’t come home until 7pm, his schedule could make shared parenting hard, says Tanya Helfand, a divorced mom, lawyer in New York City, and author of 20 Great Tips for a Successful Divorce. “In this case, it’s important for his ex-partner to allow him to have a nanny so he can get to work,” she suggests. Keep it consistent. A set schedule is key for fostering stability, says Emily Stulman Klein, a divorced life strategist and mom of a 12-year-old daughter who lives in Montclair, NJ.

37 years of Excellence!

Put yourself in your kids’ shoes. Children should have an open relationship with both parents—and never feel like the gobetweens. “A major problem arises when the parents prevent that relationship from happening and then put the children in the middle,” Helfand says. Be practical and precise. Leave the emotion out of discussions and decisions as much as possible. “I also suggest that communication between the parties be in a written form,” says Steven J. Mandel, a family law attorney in NYC. Skip the good-cop, bad-cop scenario. It’s very common for kids to play the “mommy vs. daddy” game. “That is why it is in the best interests of all concerned for everyone to be on the same page,” Mandel says.

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Make kids feel treasured. Kids should feel like both parents are choosing to spend time with them. “We use the words who ‘gets to’ be with [our daughter] rather than who ‘has to’ be with her.” Klein says. Be accommodating. Life happens and sometimes you will need to swap times. Do your best to always be gracious about it. Remember: You will be in each other’s lives—for life. “Just because it didn’t work out for us doesn’t mean we have to be mean,” Klein says. “The happier we are individually, the happier we all are as co-parents.” Lambeth Hochwald is a journalist covering trends, relationships, and life in NYC.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Open minds. Big ideas. Infinite possibilities.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT WHITBY SCHOOL

Early Childhood Exploration 18 months – age 5 October 1 and October 17 at 9:30 a.m.

Middle School Exploration Grades 5-8 September 26 and October 16 at 9:30 a.m.

All School Open House 18 months – Grade 8 October 27 at 1:00 p.m. and November 14 at 9:30 a.m.

whitbyschool.org | 18 months—Grade 8 969 Lake Avenue, Greenwich, CT | 203.302.3900

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At RCS, exploration

is a requirement. Project-based learning creates a genuine desire to explore the unknown.

Each day, we inspire PreK through Grade 9 students to imagine, create, and innovate. Schedule a tour at www.rcsny.org/VisitRCS or call (914) 244-1205.

WestchesterParent 49

PartyCentral PARTY ENTERTAINMENT AMY ROSEN CUPCAKE, COOKING, AND CHOCOLATEMAKING PARTIES

917-903-1451 amyrosencookingbydesign.com amyrosencookingbydesign@gmail.com Have a cooking party for your child’s next birthday. From Cupcake Wars, to Chopped Style parties, to Pizza Creations, to chocolate melting, molding, and decorating, your kids will enjoy the fully hands-on experience.

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.

BIRTHDAY GIFTS AFFORDABLES

A quality children’s consignment store 10 Main St., Dobbs Ferry 914-627-9462 affordablechild.com We are a quality consignment store, offering children’s clothing, maternity clothes, baby equipment, and toys. A great place to shop for a birthday gift!

GIRL AGAIN

4 Martine Ave., White Plains free parking at the Seasons garage 914-358-1460 girlagain.com; girlagain@yesshecaninc.org Girl AGain is a resale boutique for gently used American Girl dolls and books which make great birthday gifts!

TILLY...A DEER’S TALE

914-764-5564 tillyadeerstale.com ‘Tilly...A Deer’s Tale’ is about a real deer that lives in upstate New York and faces challenges after an accident. This powerful story is meant to inspire children living with physical challenges or limitations. The book makes a great birthday gift!

PARTY PLACES A-GAME SPORTS

856 Main St., New Rochelle 914-278-9477 agamesports.net ; info@agamesports.net A-Game Sports offers a variety of birthday party packages for children of all ages. Each 90-minute party includes supervised playtime with two coaches on a private section of turf.

ARTISTREE PERFORMING ARTS

114 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck 914-835-2200 artistreearts.com jeanette@artistreearts.com Artistree Performing Arts creates amazing birthday parties for children ages 1-12. Have your party in our beautifully renovated studio or let us come to you with just the entertainment.

BACH TO ROCK MAMARONECK

130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-341-1457 mamaroneck.b2rmusic.com; mamaroneck@bachtorock.com Looking for a fun birthday party at a reasonable price? We have three different parties: Rock Star, Karaoke, or Rock City, for an unforgettable experience!

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

CHELSEA PIERS CONNECTICUT

One Blachley Road, Stamford 203-989-1100 birthdays chelseapiersct.com/birthday; info@chelseapiersct.com Birthday parties at Chelsea Piers are action-packed! Options include gymnastics, dance, basketball, volleyball, soccer, ice-skating, ninja warrior, and water slides. New to Chelsea Piers is a gymnastics party option for toddlers and a pool party!

CREATIVE CORNER OF LARCHMONT

7 Addison St., Larchmont 914-833-2880 creativecornerlarchmont.com; creativecornerlarchmont@gmail.com Creative Corner is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday! Art party options include wood toys, treasure boxes, canvas bags, ceramic piggy banks, and canvas paintings. We will help every step of the way.

FUNFUZION AT NEW ROC CITY

29 LeCount Place (Exit 16 off I-95), New Rochelle Party Central: 914-637-7575, Option 1 funfuziononline.com FunFuzion is the only place where kids can “Fuze the Fun” for their fantastic day! Come celebrate at the home of the world’s greatest birthday party!

GREAT PLAY OF SCARSDALE

Interactive Gym for Kids 969B Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-713-3470 greatplay.com/scarsdale Our award-winning, high-energy parties are spectacular events in our amazing Interactive Gym™. We customize each party based on your child’s interests, using some of our most popular Great Play games.

HOMMOCKS PARK ICE RINK

Boston Post Road and Weaver Street, Larchmont 914-834-1069 hommocksparkicerink.org Have your birthday party on ice! Host your next special party at the coolest place in town, Mamaroneck’s popular enclosed Hommocks Park Ice Skating Rink.

KIDS IN SPORTS

365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-358-9732 scarsdaleny.kidsinsports.com; scarsdaleny@kidsinsports.com We design the party to suit your child’s sports interests and abilities. Parties are 90 minutes. You will have our entire location dedicated to only your party, hosted by our expert coaches.

LIL CHAMELEON

29 Elm St.,Tuckahoe 914-346-5148 lilchameleon.com Book our Silver or Gold Package each with unique experiences: crafts with face painting or balloon sculptures, cupcake decorating, princesses, super heroes, tea party, rainbows and unicorns, or live animals.

THE LITTLE GYM

777 White Plains Road, Scarsdale 914-722-0072 tlgscarsdaleny.com 2121 Broadway, 2nd Floor (between 74th and 75th streets) Upper West Side, Manhattan 212-799-1225 tlgupperwestsideny.com A private party at The Little Gym is a perfect way to celebrate your child’s next birthday. Gymnastics, games, obstacle courses, trampoline, sports, and music are tailored to your child’s interests!

MUSICAL MUNCHKINS

167 Scarsdale Road,Tuckahoe 914-771-7000 musicalmunchkins.com Musical Munchkins is the perfect birthday party activity for babies through age 5! Enjoy group drumming, funny favorite sing-along songs, and fabulous dancing scarves!

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

THE PLAY GROUP THEATRE

1 N. Broadway, suite 111, White Plains 914-946-4433 playgroup.org; info@playgroup.org The Play Group Theatre® (PGT) is Westchester’s theater for children and teens. PGT shows make ideal birthday parties for a variety of ages. Enjoy the show, followed by a backstage tour.

QUASSY AMUSEMENT AND WATERPARK

1-800-FOR-PARK (367-7275) quassy.com; info@quassy.com Quassy Amusement and Waterpark in nearby Middlebury, CT is the ideal location for your birthday party. All-day rides and waterpark are included as well as food, soda, and free parking.

THE ROCK CLUB AT PINE BROOK FITNESS

130 Rhodes St., New Rochelle 914-633-7625 pinebrookfitness.com/the-rock-club Parties at The Rock Club literally rock! Rock climbing is an incredibly social sport and a great way to bring excitement and engagement to your next birthday party!

SPORTIME USA

380 Saw Mill River Road, Elmsford 914-592-2111 x2 sportimeusa.com Birthday parties? That’s our specialty! Celebrate your birthday at Sportime USA, the coolest place to have a party in Westchester.

STUDIO B DANCE CENTER

277White Plains Road (entrance on Prospect Avenue), Eastchester 914-793-2799 studiobdance.com Each party at Studio B is uniquely designed to give the birthday child an exciting, personalized experience. Boys and girls ages 2 and older enjoy dancing and playing games to their favorite music.

SUGAR FACTORY

Sugar Factory - Meatpacking District 835 Washington St., Manhattan Sugar Factory - The Row 700 8th Ave., Manhattan Sugar Factory - Upper West Side 1991 Broadway, Manhattan 212-414-8700 sugarfactory.com; sfny@sugarfactory.com Party where the stars play! Here at Sugar Factory, we offer pre-fixed and customizable party packages for any celebration and budget! From private large-scale events to private dinners for two, a Sugar Factory celebration is one you will never forget!

WESTCHESTER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

100 Playland Parkway, Rye 914-421-5050 discoverwcm.org; info@discoverwcm.org Places to build, explore, and discover, the Westchester Children’s Museum is Westchester’s newest, most creative place for birthday parties! Have the museum’s exhibits, MakerSpace, and party room to yourself-our parties offer exclusive use of the museum space when the general public has gone home.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY (WCS) ZOOS AND AQUARIUM

1-800- 433-4149 The Bronx Zoo: 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx Central Park Zoo: 830 Fifth Ave., Manhattan Queens Zoo: 53-51 111th St., Corona Prospect Park Zoo: 450 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn New York Aquarium: 602 Surf Ave., Brooklyn wcs.org/birthdays Make your wildlife lover’s birthday an unforgettable experience with a party at our zoos or aquarium! Parties include park admission, a private party room with host, special animal guests, visits to our exhibits, and hands-on activities to make your party animal’s birthday a truly unforgettable experience!

OPEN HOUSES 2019 Bach To Rock Mamaroneck

Kelly O’Sullivan, youth director clayartcenter.org/youth-families-classes mail@clayartcenter.org

130 Mamaroneck Ave., Mamaroneck 914-341-1457 mamaroneck.b2rmusic.com mamaroneck@bachtorock.com

Visit our open house on Sept. 21 from 11am-2pm. We will have early childhood demos, refreshments, and tours of the school.

Carmel Academy

270 Lake Ave., Greenwich 203-983-3503, Danielle Cohen carmelacademy.com admissions@carmelacademy.com

Come learn how Carmel Academy’s individualized, whole-child approach nurtures and challenges our students to achieve their fullest potential, Sunday, Oct. 27 from 10am-12pm.

Central Park Dance

450 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale 914-723-2940 centralparkdance.com centralparkdance@gmail.com

40 Beech St., Port Chester 914-937-2047

Iona Preparatory School K–12

Brother Thomas R. Leto, C.F.C., Ed.D., president Lower School (grades pre-K-4 to eighth), 173 Stratton Road, New Rochelle 914-633-7744 Upper School (grades ninth to 12th), 255 Wilmot Road, New Rochelle 914-632-0714 ionaprep.org/openhouse Get an early start on excellence when you “Discover the Iona Prep Difference” at one of our fall open houses; Oct. 20, 12-3pm for grades ninth-12th; Oct. 23, 6-8pm, grades pre-K-4 to eighth; Oct. 24, 6-8pm, grades ninth-12th.

Whitby School

Central Park Dance will be hosting their annual open house on Aug. 24, Sept. 7 and 8, with sample classes for all ages, refreshments, and giveaways. Visit centralparkdance.com and stay social @centralparkdancestudio.

Clay Art Center

Join us for an open house on Sept. 14 to learn about our award-winning, weekly youth classes.

969 Lake Ave., Greenwich 203-869-8464 whitbyschool.org admissions@whitbyschool.org

Join us for All School Open House, Oct. 27 at 1pm, Nov. 14 at 9:30am; Middle School Exploration, grades fifth-eighth, Sept. 26, Oct. 16 at 9:30am; Early Childhood Exploration, 18 months–5 years, Oct. 1 and 17 at 9:30am.

Professional services

Your local guide to tutors, teachers, lawyers, financial planners, and other professionals

LICE LICE CLINICS OF AMERICA - WESTCHESTER 599 W. Hartsdale Ave., White Plains 914-996-4315 liceclinicswestchester.com Lice Clinics of America will remove lice in just one hour! All lice and eggs— even Super Lice—are eliminated in a single, one-hour treatment. Affordable treatments, no toxic chemicals.

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WestchesterParent 51

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Southern Connecticut

Model Train Show

Bring the whole family to see operating model railroad layouts and more than 150 tables of model trains and railroadiana!

Sunday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Family Owned & Operated • Infant & Toddler “Hands-On” Developmental Curriculum • Pre-K Curriculum designed to meet NY Standards for Kindergarten Readiness

Admission: $7 (children under 12 free with adult) Greenwich Civic Center 90 Harding Road, Old Greenwich, CT 06870 southerncttrainshow.com, 914-967-7541

NY State Licensed

allaboardchildcare.com • HOURS 7AM—6:30PM Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont & Emanu-El 2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583

Nursery School & Summer Programs

A Lavishly Illustrated Children’s Story of Friendship and Overcoming Obstacles

Tilly... A Deer’s Tale (BASED ON A TRUE STORY)

Follow the adventures of a rescued baby deer. Share Tilly’s courage and valiant recovery. Call 914-764-5564

to schedule a free Tilly Event for schools, libraries & hospitals Available at Barnes & Noble, Walden Books and at Amazon.com For books preview and sale, visit us at:

www.tillyadeerstale.com

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

For Children 18 months through Age 5 www.sstte.org | 914-723-3001

Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy in a fun and friendly environment.

Sensory Gym · Private Session Rooms · Classrooms An Approved Early Intervention, related service provider through CPSE & Private Pay Agency. Individual Sessions · Group Sessions Facility Based · Home Based · School Based Speech + Occupational Therapy Groups Private Evaluations

AVAILABILITY FOR SEPTEMBER

Listening Partners, Inc. | 2975 Westchester Ave. | Purchase 914-305-5345 | info@listeningpartnersny.com www.listeningpartnersny.com

raising kids ad index NYMetroParents.com features more than 20,000 businesses serving the NY metropolitan area! birthday / party services Artistree Performing Arts .......................................27, 32 Bach to Rock - Westchester ........................................30 Clay Art Center ............................................................34 Great Play - Scarsdale.................................................31 Kids In Sports - Westchester .......................................14 Lil Chameleon ........................................................33, 34 Little Gym - Westchester.............................................. 11 Musical Munchkins ................................................29, 33 Pinebrook Fitness ........................................................25 Sportime USA, Inc........................................................31 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................43 Young At Art .................................................................39

camps Ann & Andy.............................................................32, 39 Artistree Performing Arts .......................................27, 32 Bach to Rock - Westchester ........................................30 Boys & Girls Club of No. Westchester ...........................5 Chapel School / Village Lutheran ..........................15, 32 Clay Art Center ............................................................34 Curtain Call Inc. .....................................................30, 32 Goddard School - Hastings .........................................47 Great Play - Scarsdale.................................................31 Kids Base and The Little School ............................19, 33 Kids In Sports - Westchester .......................................14 Little Gym - Westchester.............................................. 11 Mandarin Discovery School..........................................34 Milestone School (The) ................................................49 Music Conservatory of Westchester ............................48 Pinebrook Fitness ........................................................25 Playgroup Theatre..................................................31, 33 Purchase College - Learn - To - Swim ...................31, 33 Scarsdale Synagogue - Mazel Tots .............................52 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ..............................33, 34 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................43 Studio B Dance...............................................................9 Sweet Blue Swim Academy ...................................29, 32 Thornton Donovan School ...........................................13

child care / day care All Aboard (Croton/Ossining) .......................................52 Andrus Early Learning Center......................................15 Ann & Andy.............................................................32, 39 Lil Chameleon ........................................................33, 34 Nurtury (The) .........................................................21, 33

classes Alcott Montessori..........................................................34 Artistree Performing Arts .......................................27, 32 Bach to Rock - Westchester ........................................30 Belle School of Music ..................................................39 Boys & Girls Club of No. Westchester ...........................5 Central Park Dance......................................................48 Clay Art Center ............................................................34 Curtain Call Inc. .....................................................30, 32 Easter Seals Project Explore........................................30 FASNY .........................................................................27 German International School of New York ...................28 Hoff-Barthelson Music School ...............................32, 34 Kids In Sports - Westchester .......................................14

Lil Chameleon ........................................................33, 34 Listening Partners.........................................................52 Logrea Dance Academy ........................................30, 33 Mandarin Discovery School..........................................34 Music Conservatory of Westchester ............................48 Musical Munchkins ................................................29, 33 Nurtury (The) .........................................................21, 33 Playgroup Theatre..................................................31, 33 Purchase College - Learn - To - Swim ...................31, 33 Starlight Starbright Music ............................................39 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ..............................33, 34 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................43 Studio B Dance...............................................................9 Sweet Blue Swim Academy ...................................29, 32 Young At Art .................................................................39

dance Central Park Dance......................................................48 Logrea Dance Academy ........................................30, 33 Steffi Nossen School of Dance ..............................33, 34 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................43 Studio B Dance...............................................................9

developmental Otto Specht School ......................................................23

education Alcott Montessori..........................................................34 All Aboard (Croton/Ossining) .......................................52 Andrus Early Learning Center......................................15 Carmel Academy .........................................................47 Chapel School / Village Lutheran ..........................15, 32 FASNY .........................................................................27 German International School of New York ...................28 Goddard School - Hastings .........................................47 Green Chimneys ..........................................................47 Huntington Learning Center ........................................47 Kids Base and The Little School ............................19, 33 Mandarin Discovery School..........................................34 Mathnasium of Scarsdale ............................................21 Milestone School (The) ................................................49 Nurtury (The) .........................................................21, 33 Otto Specht School ......................................................23 Rippowam Cisqua School............................................49 Scarsdale Synagogue - Mazel Tots .............................52 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................43 Sylvan Learning Centers ...............................................4 Thornton Donovan School ...........................................13 Whitby School ........................................................32, 49

family entertainment / events / outings Inn at East Hill Farm (The) ..........................................52 Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Books ................................................................52 Sportime USA, Inc........................................................31 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................43

family travel Inn at East Hill Farm (The) ..........................................52

fitness Achieve Martial Arts .......................................................2 Pinebrook Fitness ........................................................25 Stepping Stones Museum for Children ........................43

health Fidelis Care New York ...................................................3 Lice Clinics of America ................................................52 Main Street Pediatric Dentistry ....................................56 Pediatric Assoc. of Southern Westchester ..................25 Scarsdale Medical Pediatrics ........................................7 Sterling Optical.............................................................45 White Plains Orthodontics............................................23

music Artistree Performing Arts .......................................27, 32 Bach to Rock - Westchester ........................................30 Belle School of Music ..................................................39 Hoff-Barthelson Music School ...............................32, 34 Music Conservatory of Westchester ............................48 Musical Munchkins ................................................29, 33 Starlight Starbright Music ............................................39

performing arts / acting Artistree Performing Arts .......................................27, 32 Bach to Rock - Westchester ........................................30 Curtain Call Inc. .....................................................30, 32 Playgroup Theatre..................................................31, 33

play spaces Great Play - Scarsdale.................................................31 Kids In Sports - Westchester .......................................14

religious Carmel Academy .........................................................47

retail Lil Chameleon ........................................................33, 34 Pedigree Ski Shop .......................................................51 Sterling Optical.............................................................45 Tilly...A Deerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tale.......................................................52

special events Sarah Merians Photography ........................................55

special needs Easter Seals Project Explore........................................30 Green Chimneys ..........................................................47 Huntington Learning Center ........................................47 Listening Partners.........................................................52 Otto Specht School ......................................................23 Sportime USA, Inc........................................................31

sports Achieve Martial Arts .......................................................2 Boys & Girls Club of No. Westchester ...........................5 Kids In Sports - Westchester .......................................14 Pedigree Ski Shop .......................................................51 Pinebrook Fitness ........................................................25 Purchase College - Learn - To - Swim ...................31, 33 Sweet Blue Swim Academy ...................................29, 32

theater Artistree Performing Arts .......................................27, 32 Curtain Call Inc. .....................................................30, 32

tutors Huntington Learning Center ........................................47 Mandarin Discovery School..........................................34 Mathnasium of Scarsdale ............................................21 Sylvan Learning Centers ...............................................4

WestchesterParent 53

raising kids stuff we like

You’ve Got Mail

››

By Kirsten Clodfelter

Creative Reading

KidArtLit draws inspiration from specially curated children’s books to combine a love of reading with a love of making art. Unbox a beautiful new book to read together each month. Then, dig in to open-ended, process-based art projects that help kids unleash their creativity. Choose from Deluxe or Spark options and enjoy a monthly digital PDF with every subscription. (Ages 3-8; $39.95; kidartlit.com)

Lil’ Chefs, Big Appetites

Little Sous Kitchen Academy was launched from a Kickstarter campaign, and it’s working to inspire culinary interest from a young age. First, unbox a new kid-friendly kitchen tool or non-perishable ingredient each month. Next, learn how to put the special item to use with a step-by-step cooking lesson that empowers kids to cook confidently. Each box also includes collectable recipe cards, hands-on activities, a ready-to-color poster with games and puzzles, and a themed sticker sheet. MasterChef Junior, here you come. (Ages 5-12; $24.99 and up; mylittlesous.com)

World Culture at Home

Encourage your little ones’ wanderlust and open their minds with Little Global Citizens, an interactive culture box. Co-founders, parents, and world travelers Akeelah Kuraishi and Tim Minnick are on a mission to foster kids’ global awareness and compassion with a bimonthly box exploring a new country. Each box includes a guide booklet, a children’s book, cultural crafts and activities, a recipe, and country souvenirs. (Ages 3-8; $39.95; little-global-citizens.com)

Adding Art to STEM

To encourage a love of science, technology, engineering, art, and math, start by getting your hands dirty. That’s the premise behind this monthly STEAM box subscription from Banyan Tree Kidz. Each box includes a hardcover book to introduce an idea, activity, or experiment. After reading, kids will find all the supplies they need for hands-on creative learning. You’ll appreciate the helpful parent’s instruction guide. (Ages 2-7; $29.99 and up; banyantreekidz.com)

Imagination Beyond the Page The super-fun, unique Little Bookish Wardrobe inspires imaginative play each month with an engaging hardcover book, plus a costume and craft to go along with it. After reading, kids can extend the life of every story through dress up and art. Bonus: The boxes have gender-neutral and sibling options for customization that fits any family. (Ages 3-7; $32.99; littlebookishwardrobe.com)

Kirsten Clodfelter is a Midwest-based freelance writer, the co-founder of Rise Marketing, Inc., and a mom of three. Learn more at kirstenclodfelter.com or follow her on Instagram: @icanmotheranyway.

September 2019 | nymetroparents.com

Capturing life at its best

family photo shoots senior portraits mitzvahs sweet sixteens milestone birthdays and more!

WestchesterParent 55

A Dental Visit Can Be Fun!

Penny Resnick-Graulich, D.M.D Emelie Preis, D.D.S. Danya Mermelstein, D.M.D. Fatina Shtivelman, D.D.S. MAIN STREET PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 115 Main Street, Suite 302, Tuckahoe (914)633-4440 www.mainstreetpediatricdentistry.com

State of the Art Facility

• Special Custom Game Rooms • Home Theater with Large-Screen TV • Adult Coffee Bar • Environmentally Conscious Setting

Special Needs Dentistry Our dentists have specialized training to work with special needs patients Now offering General Anesthesia for our patients who need it! Voted 10 years in a row one of Westchester’s Top Pediatric Dentists by Westchester Magazine