Family Living Back to School 2020 by Nuovo Bride & Family Living Magazine

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back to school 2020

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WE’VE GOT YOUR

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THE NEW NORMAL • • • •

Remote Learning Tips Afterschool Programs Kids & Voting 7 Ways to Organize ... and more!

Go Vote

Fan Favorite Reader’s Choice

Sleep

It’s Vital for Back to School

plus!

13 IDEAS FOR HALLOWEEN!

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

GET READY FOR CAT-TASTIC SURPRISES!

3 CONTENTS

ISSUE

back to school edition

parenting

health

education family fun

Talking About the Voting

Getting Enough Sleep?

25 Remote Learning Tips

13 “Spooky” Ideas

2020 is an election year, and even if

Healthy sleep is vital for student

For parents brave enough to try

Halloween might look a little different

you aren’t keeping up with election

success. Yet, a new survey from the

homeschooling or remote learning

this year, but that doesn’t mean it

news or talking about politics at home,

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

- we spoke with 4 local teachers on

won’t be fun! Whether or not you

chances are your kids are hearing

(AASM) shows that many students are

the best age appropriate tips. From

choose to let your children trick or

about it. Is it the right time to talk to

not getting enough sleep. Here is what

Preschool to Middle School, we found

treat, here are some great ways to

your kids about voting? We have 5

you need to know about sleeping

the best practices to help your student

celebrate Halloween this year while

tips to get the conversation started!

patterns and good sleep behaviors.

reach success!

maintaining social distance.

IN EVERY ISSUE

FAMILY FUN

Education Directory

PARENTING

Election Year 5 Tips for talking to your kids about the Election. Have a meaningful discussion about our right to vote.

The Pandemic Guide Talking to your kids about COVID-19. How can parents talk to their kids about it in a realistic way? By Tanni Haas

EDUCATION

Remote Learning Local Teachers Weigh In.

By Kristin Korcheck

Resources and tips you need for students in Pre-K to Middle School.

HEALTH

By Jaclyn Smither

What are the benefits and what is keeping kids up at night?

Review your current system to see if you are missing anything!

By Brandpoint Content

Are They Resting? Healthy sleep is vital for school success.

7 Ways to Organize Simple ideas that can make a big impact.

Hit the Beach Top reasons Fall is perfect beach weather. 8 reasons why you shouldn’t put away the sandals and sunscreen and time to hit the beach! By Brandpoint Content

Trick or Treat? 13 “Spooky” ideas for Halloween this year. Typical Halloween traditions seem a bit taboo to some. Here are 13 ideas for parents who are looking to have a socially distanced fun experience! By Jill Morganstern

Egg Free Cookies Egg allergies? We got you! Some kids struggle with food allergies and that can pose issues for baked goods. We tested out this egg free cookie recipe just in time for the holidays. Enjoy!

Special Section 18

Sarasota Ballet

Brickhouse Academy

The Players Studio

FC Sarasota

Drama Kids of Manasota

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familyliving G U L F C O A S T Edition 2020 - Issue 3

PUBLISHER & SALES Elizabeth Winkle elizabeth@floridafamilyliving.com 941.922.5437 x 1001 941.323.2013

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & EDITOR Jaclyn Smither creative@floridafamilyliving.com 941.922.5437 x 1003

CONTRIBUTORS Kristin Korcheck Jenny Phillips Kerri Kreger Karly Nasby Dakota Carrera Tanni Haas Brandpoint Content

CORPORATE OFFICE 1840 Glengary Street Sarasota, FL 34231 PHONE: 941.922.5437 EMAIL: creative@floridafamilyliving.com WEBSITE: www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com

Florida Family Living Magazine is published four times per year. It is distributed free of charge throughout Sarasota, Manatee & Charlotte Counties. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission. Florida Family Living Magazine is not responsible for statements made by advertisers or writers. All photography and letters sent to Florida Family Living Magazine will be treated unconditionally, assigned for publication and copyright purposes, and are subject to unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially. Copyright 2020. Comments and suggestions are welcome.

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parenting

ELECTION year 5 Tips for Talking to Your Kids About the Election words by Kristin Korcheck

2020 is an election year, and that means many parents are starting to have the talk with their kids. No not that talk -- the talk about voting. Politics can be a divisive topic of conversation regardless of who you plan to vote for and this year’s election is particularly contentious. Even if you aren’t keeping up with election news or talking about politics at home, chances are your kids are hearing about it.

If your child is young, give them concrete but easy to digest information about what it means to vote, who you are voting for, and why. Model the voting process by taking them with you to the polls or have them sit with you when you fill out your absentee ballot if you are voting by mail. Explain each step of what you are doing and why.

You may be asking yourself whether it’s the right time to talk to your kids about voting? Are they too young to understand politics? The truth is, there’s no one size fits all answer. As a former childcare professional, I think that your child is probably ready to talk about the election process when they start asking questions about it.

When having a conversation about politics, it’s easy to push forward with our own viewpoints without listening to other point-of-views. But an important part of having a meaningful dialogue is listening. Listen to the questions your child is asking and address those topics first. Ask them to explain what they understand about elections and voting and then help to fill in the gaps. Remind them to respect the views of others by asking them to listen to your thoughts before jumping in.

If you are struggling to have this talk, you’re not alone. Here are five tips to help you have a meaningful conversation with your kids about the election. MEET THEM WHERE THEY’RE AT

If your child has expressed interest in the election, make sure to discuss the process at a level they understand - you wouldn’t talk about voting to a 3-year-old in the same way you would talk to a 13-year-old about it.

LISTEN TO THEM & ASK THEM TO LISTEN

REMIND THEM THAT IT’S OKAY TO DISAGREE

Let your child know that it’s okay to feel differently than you or their friends when it comes to the election. Disagreements can be daunting for children but the key is to remind them that everyone is entitled to their

opinion and that friends don’t have to feel the same way about everything all of the time. Kindness is everything. TEACH THEM ABOUT DIGITAL LITERACY

If your children are old enough to use social media or to do online research, teach them to spot reliable sources versus misinformation. Nonpartisan resource Common Sense Media has a guide on how to spot fake news and teach your kids to be media savvy. TELL THEM WHY VOTING IS IMPORTANT TO YOU

It may be easy to have a conversation about elections using facts and process, but don’t forget to share your views on what makes voting important and why they should care about this important civic duty. If you are still struggling with the best approach to start this conversation, here is a list of age-appropriate books about voting (from younger to older): V is for Voting by Kate Farrell One Vote, Two Votes, I Vote, You Vote by Bonnie Worth Bad Kitty for President by Nick Bruel I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference by Mark Shulman When You Grow Up to Vote: How Our Government Works for You by Eleanor Roosevelt ! Kristin is now a Creative Operation Manager in NYC, and has spent many years in the childcare field as a nanny. She has a degree from UCF in English Literature & Political Science as well as her Florida Teaching Certificate.

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health

ARE THEY resting? Healthy Sleep is Vital for School Success by Brandpoint Content

Healthy sleep is vital for student success. Yet, a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) shows that many students are not getting enough sleep, according to more than half of American parents surveyed. No matter where classes are held - inperson, online or in a hybrid format - the group is highlighting the importance of healthy sleep for students.

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“As many parents and caregivers try to create a routine for their kids, incorporating the right amount of healthy sleep is an important component,” said AASM President Dr. Kannan Ramar.

WHAT’S KEEPING KIDS UP ON SCHOOL NIGHTS? From classwork to social media use, there are many things competing for the attention of school-aged children and teens, interfering with their nightly sleep. According to 90% of parents, homework and early school start times are the top barriers impacting the healthy sleep students need each night,

followed by time with friends (87%), social media/electronics use (86%), hobbies (86%), sports (85%), chores or jobs (83%), and band/music/ clubs (78%). COVID-19 IMPACT ON SLEEP CONSISTENCY Another disrupter to sleep? The COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest challenges students have been facing during the pandemic has been maintaining a consistent and healthy sleep/ wake schedule. According to the survey, four out of 10 parents acknowledge that remote learning affects their children’s bedtime and/or waketime consistency. “Even though students may not need to catch the bus or carpool this school year, they should continue with morning and bedtime rituals, including getting up and going to bed at regular times so they get enough sleep,” added Ramar.

PARENTS ARE AWARE OF IMPACT OF SLEEP About 94% of parents acknowledge that sleep impacts their children’s mood, and 93% understand its correlation to performance in school. Impacts on physical health (92%), mental health (90%), and performance in sports or other activities (90%) are also widely reported by parents. Getting the recommended hours of healthy sleep on a regular basis is associated with better outcomes, including improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health. SUFFICIENT SLEEP ALSO HELPS STUDENTS: • Excel in the classroom by maximizing attention, memory and learning abilities.

• Look their best and maintain a healthy weight. • Have fun and enjoy life by making better decisions and staying safe. The benefits of healthy sleep require not only adequate sleep duration, but also appropriate timing, daily regularity, good sleep quality and the absence of sleep disorders. The AASM recommends children 6-12 years of age sleep nine to 12 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health, while teenagers 13-18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours per night. ! For more information, visit sleepeducation.org/student-sleephealth-week. For more on the July 2020 Consumer Survey, visit https://aasm. org/about/newsroom/.

• Perform better in sports by being faster, stronger and more accurate. • Feel their best and have a more optimistic attitude toward life.

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health

THE pandemic GUIDE Talking to your kids about COVID-19 words by Tanni Haas, Ph.D.

The pandemic has now been with us for several months, and no one knows when it’ll pass. How can parents talk to their kids about it in a way that’s realistic and helpful but doesn’t make them worry? Here’s what the experts say: STAY CALM

The first and most important thing is to stay as calm as possible when you speak to your kids. “Kids look to adults for cues on how to behave or react,” says Jody Baumstein, a licensed clinical social worker, “so as hard as it may be try to stay calm while talking to your kids.” FIND OUT WHAT THEY KNOW & WHAT THEY WANT TO KNOW

Start the conversation by asking them, as child psychologists Drs. Felicity Sapp and Daniel Chorney put it, “what they know, what their worries are, and what they want to know.”

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This’ll help you: 1) clear up any misunderstandings (there are lots of false rumors circulating, especially on social media); 2) address the topics that concern them the most (some kids worry about what could happen to them, others are more anxious about their family and friends); and 3) assess how much information they can handle (some kids find comfort in knowing as much as possible while others prefer to know just what’s necessary. “Our challenge, as parents,” say child psychiatrists Drs. Karestan Koenen and Archana Basu, “is to consider all the information and

then ask ourselves: what makes the most sense for my child?” Dr. Adam Weiss, a pediatrician, agrees: “the goal is to provide enough detail so they understand the situation and how to stay safe, but not cause them fear, confusion, or anxiety.” ENCOURAGE THEM TO ASK QUESTIONS

No matter how well you explain the pandemic, your kids are likely to

have a lot of questions. When kids ask questions, especially the same questions repeatedly, it’s rarely just because there’s something they don’t understand, but it’s because they’re worried. “Asking the same question over and over,” says Dr. Davis Fassler, a child psychiatrist, can be “a way for a child to ask for reassurance.” For example, if your kids keep asking why it’s so important that they wash their hands with soap every time they’ve been outside, it’s likely not because they don’t know the answer but because they’re concerned with whether they’re washing their hands well enough to protect them from the virus. ACKNOWLEDGE UNCERTAINTY

Answer your kids’ questions and address their worries, but also acknowledge when they bring something up and you don’t have a good answer. “Given how much uncertainty there is,” Ms. Rachel Ehmke of the Child Mind Institute says, “try to be comfortable saying ‘I don’t know.’” Ms. Ehmke adds that it may be tempting to want to reassure your kids that things will be better

soon, even when you aren’t sure yourself: “But teaching children how to tolerate uncertainty is key to reducing anxiety and helping them build resilience.” OFFER REASSURANCE

You can’t promise your kids that the pandemic will be over soon, but you can help empower them by talking about what they can do, in their own small way, to fight it. As Dr. Jamie Howard, a child psychologist, puts it, “kids feel empowered when they know what to do to keep themselves safe.”This includes wearing a face mask at all times when they’re outside, following social distancing guidelines, and avoid touching their face and shaking hands with anyone. However, don’t put too much pressure on your kids. Reassure them that many smart adults (like public health experts and science researchers) are working hard to fight the pandemic and develop a vaccine. “When you reassure children that the adults are managing the situation,” says Dr. Jamie Aten, a child psychologist, “you give them permission to be kids.” MODEL GOOD BEHAVIOR

Finally, model whatever good behavior you recommend to your kids. As Wendy Thomas Russell, the author of ParentShift and other parenting books, puts it, “you can’t expect a 6-year-old to wash her hands or a 10-year-old to isolate from his friends if their parents aren’t willing to do the same.” It’s tough but we all need to do our part to make the pandemic a part of history. !

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at the City University of New York – Brooklyn College.

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education

REMOTE LEARNING Local Teachers Weigh In

words by Jaclyn Smither, Creative Director of Family Living Magazine

Working from home is challenging -- then you add a little human in to the mix. The phrase heard most often when chatting with professionals who have been working from home is “it’s been an adjustment”. Now add a toddler into your work flow. Or a kindergartner who just began school and is learning remotely. Or an energetic 10 year-old who wants less class time and more screen time playing their favorite Roblox game. Some parents have chosen to send their kids back to brick and mortar schools simply because they have no other options. But for those parents brave enough to keep their students home, the most popular questions we have been asked: “How do we navigate remote learning?” Wanting to give parents of all ages the best opportunity for success, we spoke with 4 local teachers from preschool to middle school to give you an insight to the school year thus far and provide some resources!

Tips for Parents with Preschoolers Teacher: Miss Jenny

School: Discovery Days Preschool (ages 2-5) Grade: 2 year olds

Years Teaching: 10

Stay Connected Communicate with your child’s teacher/school. Email, text, talk on the phone, zoom, read the newsletters.

Limit Screen Time It is developmentally inappropriate for their learning to be entirely screen based. Limit screen time and turn to other avenues.

Get Some Fresh Air Go outside every day! “Take a walk, ride bikes, chase bubbles, use sidewalk chalk, play catch.” Miss Jenny suggests. “It will burn off pent up energy and help them refocus.” 12

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Read Every Day Ask questions before, during, and after the story to develop reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. “Scholastic has a ‘7 Important Questions to Ask’ article that can be helpful.” Miss Jenny advises.

Follow Your Child’s Lead Adapt lessons to their interests. Miss Jenny says this is key: “If they are not focused, move on to something else and circle back later. It’s about the process ... NOT the product!”

Have a Routine Set a schedule and have a routine. “Making a daily plan keeps the momentum going. Use timers to help you stay on track.” Miss Jenny said.

Be Organized Have all materials ready for the day, including lunches and snacks. This way you won’t have to interrupt the flow to find missing pieces and lose your child’s attention.

Easy Reach Take a note from The Home Edit and have a snack basket or shelf easily accessible. Let your little students pick their own morning and afternoon snacks. Keep a water bottle or cup available for them throughout the day.

supply bin nearby for easy access to crafting and art supplies. “

Reduce Distractions “Be sure to keep the area clear of distractions and only keep materials/supplies listed in the teachers plan for the day.” says Mrs. Nasby.

Organize Supplies Daily Make sure your child has all the supplies needed near them so they can get to them quickly when the teacher is giving directions.

Hold Them Accountable Encourage your child to take responsibility for their space. Miss Jenny wants parents to remember: “Age appropriate chores encourage responsibility and self confidence!”

Stay On Pace Keep with the schedule. If students work ahead it can create too much down time in between lessons. “I always tell my remote students that they can’t start an assignment until I am completely finished with directions.” says Mrs. Nasby.

Be Patient “With your child, their teacher, and yourself. This is new for everyone!” Miss Jenny says. “Always be kind.”

Mrs. Kreger also agrees! “Always listen to the teacher’s directions and follow their pace! If a student falls behind there are always times later in the day to make up the work.”

Tips for Parents with Elementary Schoolers Teacher: Mrs. Nasby School: Bay Haven

Grade: Kindergarten Years Teaching: 6

Teacher: Mrs. Kreger School: Ashton

Grade: 1st Grade

Years Teaching: 8

Create Space Create a comfortable area similar to how your child would be set up at school. “Make it feel like a little classroom!” recommends Mrs. Kreger. “Put up a little board where students can hang their work and have a

“Have their work printed and ready in a pile for the day. Students should feel like they are responsible for getting their own materials and logging in too.” advises Mrs. Kreger.

Utilize Resources YouTube videos, class Dojo, math manipulatives, white boards and markers will help both parents and children problem solve. Need a break? “GoNoodle for brain breaks!” recommends Mrs. Nasby. Mrs. Kreger says “I like to use a few different sites for books so that students have access to a wide variety of literature. I use Epic, Raz-Kids and Tumblebooks for my first graders. ABC YA has really fun learning games too.”

Class Connection Sharing completed work, showing silent hand signals, zoom play dates, outdoor play dates with other remote students (if comfortable) are great ways to stay connected. “Some parents were worried about remote students being ‘distracting’ to in person students, but it actually has been really fun! It is keeping kids in the classroom engaged because they love seeing the students on our Activeboard answering questions and participating.” continue >>

Bottom Left: Miss Jenny gives an example of how she organizes art supplies in the classroom. Center: Mrs. Kreger’s Dr. Seuss themed library organization. Books are sanitized and held for 48 hours. Top Right: Make a board to hang artwork like a classroom!

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Tips for Parents w ith Middle Schoolers

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Teacher: Ms. Carrera

School: Team Success a School of Excellence Grade: 7th Grade, Science Years Teaching: First Year

Engagement is Key Staying interactive and making time to engage with the e-learners is vital for this age. “My students are transitioning to doing all of their work using technology and it is difficult for them to grasp. It’s week 5 and they are already bored.” says Ms. Carrera. “Find different ways to engage with them.”

Be Consistent Keep a list of relevant resources that are being used for consistency with the classroom. “USA Test Prep, MobyMax and Google Classroom are what I use most often.” says Ms. Carrera.

Utilize Office Hours If your teacher offers after school hours, make sure your student takes advantage of them. “I schedule office hours with the online students twice a week so they have my full attention. If a student falls behind the pace of the class, they are to do the work as homework.” Ms. Carrera advises.

Engage in Class Discussion When the class is working on an assignment, encourage your student to partake in engaging in the class discussion! “I teach science and a lot of the assignments are understanding different structures and functions. I’ll have students physically draw out for example the earth and hold up what they are drawing for me and other students to give input/compliment.”

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Improvise Staying open minded and being able to problem solve is a needed skill for parents looking to do remote learning. Even teachers are having to adjust, so know that you are not alone. “This is my first year teaching so everything is my new normal! I did not have an expectation other than to stay fluid and improvise.” !

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As a parent - take this time to ask the teacher any questions and engage in their school work with them. It will help give you an insight to any challenges they may be facing.

Ms. Carrera asked her students to draw a picture and hold it up for the whole class to review so they can engage with one another. >> www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com

education

WAYS TO ORGANIZE Simple Ideas with Maximum Impact

Whether it’s the first day of Pre-K or the first day of middle school, students of all ages are preparing for a new school year. Students might be learning at home, in the classroom or a combination of both, so now is the time to get organized and prepared to help you tackle the year ahead. Here are some useful tips and tricks to help you succeed this school year.

words by Brandpoint Content

including pencils, erasers and a Postit® Pop-up Note Vertical Dispenser. Need to jot down a quick reminder for an upcoming assignment? The easy one-handed note dispensing has you covered for all of your study sessions.

#2 Add Personality

#1 Designated Study Space

Whether it’s used for homeschooling or homework after school, a dedicated study space helps you stay organized and focused on learning. Once you have your desk area decided, add your go-to essentials for easy studying, 16

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Make a study space you’ll want to be in by adding personalized touches throughout. Pictures of friends and family are always a fun way to make a space feel like your own. Adding favorite colors or designs can help as well, such as colorful folders, bright accessories and fun notes to easily jot down reminders or even affirmations to keep yourself motivated.

Strategic Colors

Use different colors strategically to stay organized. For example, use Postit® Super Sticky Notes Marrakesh Collection in a Kanban board to help keep track of all your school assignments. Assigning different colors for each column (for example, yellow for in-progress and green for complete) will help call attention to the tasks at hand.

can go from home to the classroom and beyond so you never miss a beat. Additionally, a weekly family calendar can help keep everyone connected, especially when schedules get hectic. The Post-it® Weekly Planner is great for hanging in the kitchen or mud room for everyone to easily access. That way the whole family can stay in the know.

Mobile Study Bins

When the kitchen table or shared desk are being used, mobile study bins can make moving around hasslefree. Personalize a plastic bin for each student in your home and fill them with grade-appropriate essentials. Give your kindergartner their favorite box of crayons and your high school senior some flags and tabs for easy note taking. That way when space is at a premium, they can grab a bin and head to a quiet corner, their bedroom or even outdoors to study.

Utilize Lists

Lists are one of the best tools you can use to stay organized. Whether it’s a list of facts to study for an upcoming test or a list of supplies needed for an important project, writing items out in a memorable way will ensure you don’t forget a thing. Plus, when you write something down it helps your brain remember it, so make a list to support cognitive function.

Keep a Calendar

With so much going on, to-do’s can slip through the cracks. That’s why keeping a journal or calendar is a good habit to adopt. A personal agenda

“Do Not Disturb”

Studying at home can be full of distractions. Consider adopting a system that indicates if you are busy or not. For example, use Super Sticky notes to create door tags in different colors. Green can mean, “come on in.” Yellow can mean, “knock first.” Red can mean, “do not disturb.”

No matter what the new school year has in store for your family, with a positive attitude and an organized approach, you’ll be sure to have a successful and productive school year packed with learning and fun. ! For more information, tips and organization ideas for how to Think Loud this school year, visit www.post-it. com/study.

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AFTER | SCHOOL SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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THE PLAYERS Studio

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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FC Sarasota strives to create an environment free from the “fear of failure”, where players can explore and be creative without the fear of making mistakes. With no limitations, players can grow and realize their potential both as players and individuals. Call today to learn more about recreational, competitive and specialty offered for all ages and abilities!

DRAMA KIDS of Manasota DRAMA KIDS ENROLLING NOW FOR FALL CLASSES! Drama Kids will be offering limited in-person classes for students ages 5-18 with strict safety measures in Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Ellenton and Parrish. Our creative and dynamic Drama Kids Online program will be available Monday - Friday. As the children begin to return to school this Fall, we will be incorporating a well-being program into our drama classes which will address the social and emotional changes they may encounter as they adjust to new circumstances, in a fun and interactive way.

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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE

941-203-3640 | ODA.edu/discover Historic Siesta Key Campus: Pre-K - Grade 5 Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch: Grades 6 - 12

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education listings gulfcoast

Brickhouse Academy

(K-10)

3552 Webber Street | Sarasota, FL 34239 941.924.7681 • www.brickhouse-academy.com

Grades: 6th Grade - 12th Grade Enrollment: 40 Class Size: 1 :4 Year Established: 1992 Affiliation: Non - Denom.

Community Day School

(L-8)

1050 S. Tuttle Ave. | Sarasota, FL 34237 941.552.2770 • www.communityday.org

Grades: Preschool - 8th Grade Enrollment: 250 Class Size: 1:9 Year Established: 1974; independent 2015 Affiliation: Jewish (all faiths welcome)

NewGate School

(L-11)

5237 Ashton Road | Sarasota, FL 34233 941.922.4949 • www.newgate.edu • Lic.# 58-51-00077

Grades: 18 month - 6th Grade Enrollment: 101 Class Size: Toddler - 1:6, Primary 1:15 Year Established: 1984 Affiliation: A Montessori - IB World School

NewGate School

(N-8)

5481 Communications Pkwy | Sarasota, FL 34240 941.222.0763 • www.newgate.edu • Lic.# 58-51-00077

Grades: 7th Grade - 12th Grade Enrollment: 77 Class Size: Upper - 1:15 Year Established: 1984 Affiliation: A Montessori - IB World School

Out-of-Door-Academy

(I-11)

444 Reid Street | Siesta Key, FL 34242 941.349.3223 • www.oda.edu

Grades: PreK - 5th Grade Enrollment: 250 Class Size: 1: 16 Year Established: 1924 Affiliation: Non - Denom.

Out-of-Door-Academy

(M-7)

5950 Deer Drive | Sarasota, FL 34240 941.349.3223 • www.oda.edu

Grades: 6th Grade - 12th Grade Enrollment: 500 Class Size: 1: 16 Year Established: 1924 Affiliation: Non - Denom.

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Sarasota Christian School

(M-10)

5415 Bahia Vista St. | Sarasota, FL 34232 941- 371-6481 • www.sarasotachristian.org

Grades: PreK - 12th Grade Enrollment: 440 Class Size: 14:1 Year Established: 1958 Affiliation: Christian (Mennonite)

SKY Academy

(N-18)

705 Center Road | Venice, FL 34285 941.244.2626 • www.SKYattheY.com

Grades: 6th Grade - 8th Grade Enrollment: 250 Class Size: 1: 15 Year Established: 2001 Affiliation: Venice YMCA

SKY Academy

(O-20)

kids health

871 South River Road, Englewood, FL 34223 941.999.4775 www.SKYattheY.com

Grades: 6th Grade - 8th Grade

summer camps

Enrollment: 225 Class Size: 1: 15

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after schools

Year Established: 2001 Affiliation: Englewood YMCA

St. Martha Catholic School

(L-9)

4380 Fruitville Rd. | Sarasota, FL 34232 941-953-4181 • www.stmarthaschool.net

Grades: P3 - 8th Grade Enrollment: 434 Class Size: Varies Year Established: 1950 Affiliation: Catholic Diocese of Venice, St. Martha Catholic Church

St. Mary Academy

(L-9)

4380 Fruitville Rd. | Sarasota, FL 34232 941-953-4181 • www.stmarthaschool.net

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Grades: K - 8th Grade Enrollment: 74 Class Size: 12 or less Year Established: 2000 Affiliation: Catholic Diocese of Venice

Charter School PreSchool Private School Montessori School Exceptional Education Tutoring Center

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HIT THE beach! Top Reasons Fall is the Perfect Time to Escape to the Beach words by Brandpoint Content

You may think fall is time to put the sandals and sunscreen away, but autumn months offer a great opportunity to explore beaches near and far. Consider these eight reasons to escape to the beach with your family. CHANGE OF SCENERY IS GOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH Many people have spent the past several months staying close to home, but changing your scenery can support mental wellness. Whether you visit a beach nearby or take a trip to a different state, even one day away enjoying Mother Nature can help you rejuvenate. SAND IS SOOTHING & CAN HELP REDUCE STRESS With remote work still in full swing and many kids studying at home, stress levels can be high. Fortunately, researchers have found that just touching sand can inspire relaxation. A GREAT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY Whether your child is a preschooler or teen, consider taking them on an educational journey exploring the beach. From learning about the local flora and fauna to studying an area’s unique history, this is one lesson they’ll wish would never end. ENJOY WARM WEATHER SAFELY While temperatures are dropping in many areas of the country, coastlines often see temperate climates throughout fall. With warm autumn weather, the West Coast of Florida has plenty of room to social distance while dipping your toes in the sand, listening to the sounds of waves crashing and destressing from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. SUNSHINE BOOSTS YOUR VITAMIN D Along with the fresh air, being on a beach brings plenty of sunshine, which boosts your vitamin D levels as well as your mood. Just make sure to wear

proper sunscreen to prevent burns, even on overcast days. SMALLER CROWDS MAKE TRAVEL ENJOYABLE The change of season means crowds are down, which can mean a safer, more enjoyable travel experience. Try something new! Take a road trip to South Carolina. Travel along the Grand Strand safely. Spend the day bird watching at Huntington Beach State Park before heading to the park’s nearby beach or visiting sensoryfriendly animal sanctuaries and exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium. ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDE AMAZING VIEWS Finding quiet spots with incredible backdrops is not difficult in the Sarasota area. If you prefer to stick closer to home, think about a staycation. Choose a property that offers an oceanfront view. ENJOY AUTUMN SPLENDOR ALL AROUND In many beach towns, the beauty of fall extends beyond the shoreline. Check out the local parks and gardens to enjoy stunning scenery as well. Get out to Myakka State Park, Jungle Gardens, Selby Gardens and more! Take this time to safely enjoy the beauty of your area with out the massive tourist traffic. !

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TRICK OR

treat?

With the impact Covid has on children still relatively unknown, parents have mixed feelings about whether or not Halloween traditions should change for this year. Angie Wierzbiki, mother to 5 and 6 year old girls says, “I think I would be ok trick or treating in our neighborhood, but not attending one of the numerous community Halloween events.” Rachael Hutchinson is another mother who will let her children trick or treat. “Since they’ll be wearing masks like everyone is supposed to, I don’t see the issue!”

Other parents still see it as risky or want to do their part in social distancing efforts. “I just don’t see how anything is going to be the same this year, so instead of staying home and being disappointed, we booked a little getaway for the weekend” says Megan Wildgoose of her family’s plans.

Whether or not you choose to let your children trick or treat, here are some great ways to celebrate Halloween this year while maintaining social distance: VIRTUAL COSTUME CONTEST

Just because trick or treating may be off the table, doesn’t mean kids don’t want to share their costumes. Get together using FaceTime, Zoom, or other video calling methods. Why not have a prize for scariest, funniest, or most original? FACE PAINTING

Kids love to paint their own faces. Buy a set of face paints, set the kids in front of a mirror, and let their artistic talents shine! MOVIE NIGHT

Younger children might love “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” or “Hotel Transylvania”. Older kids might want something scarier! Whether you host a virtual watch party with friends or cozy up together as a family, a spooky movie will put you in the Halloween mood. KIDS PUMPKIN CARVING PARTY

Gather up the safety knives and patterns and head outdoors (six feet apart of course) to carve pumpkins together! Cleanup is a breeze when 28

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MAKE CARAMEL APPLES

If your cooking skill levels are low, there are kits available at many grocery stores around Halloween to help you make traditional caramel apples. A graveyard “dirt cake” made from Oreos is a lot of fun and can be embellished with Nabisco Nutter Butter cookies for ghosts and Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies for gravestones. Or use a donut hole, a Life Saver gummy candy and a chocolate chip to make edible eyeballs.

PLAY A GAME!

Take turns telling a scary story, either making it up or using a familiar story. A close by object serves as “base.” At the spookiest part of the story, the storyteller shouts out, “And then the boiler burst!” The first player tagged before reaching base tells the next story. SOCIALLY DISTANCED “HAUNTED HOUSE”

Setting up pretend spider webs, skeletons and even old dolls and fake blood can make your front yard into a haunted house for neighbors or friends to enjoy one at a time. PUMPKIN RING TOSS

Grab some glow in the dark necklaces and set up small pumpkins around the yard. Use glow in the dark paint for the pumpkins, place extra glow necklaces at the base, or inside a carved pumpkin to light them up!

HODONTIS

VIRTUAL HALLOWEEN PARTY

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PLAY WITH SLIME

Make your own or buy some. Add plastic spiders for a creepy effect! HAND OUT CANDY FROM AFAR

This is the perfect year to sit outside in a lawn chair with candy on a table and let kids take their own. Provide hand sanitizer on the table if you feel it’s needed. CANDY SCAVENGER HUNT

Hide candy around the yard or house for little ones to find. !

Personalized

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pumpkins are carved outside and of course younger children could paint theirs instead.

Orthodontic Care FOR CHILDREN, TEENS & ADULTS

Just because you won’t be inviting the entire neighborhood inside your home doesn’t mean you can’t gather online to show each other your costumes and eat treats together! If you gather on apps such as Houseparty, you can even include virtual games. TELL GHOST STORIES

Family members can take turns telling scary stories. Alternately, check out some Halloween themed books from the library like The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams. Older kids might enjoy starting the Bunnicula chapter book series by James Howe or the My Undead Life series by Emma T. Graves.

Freeman Orthodontics Proudly Supports the Community Personalized Care • Convenient Ofﬁce Hours Affordable Monthly Payments • Invisalign® • Clear Braces Dr. David Freeman and his talented team are committed to providing you and your family with exceptional orthodontic care in a welcoming, attentive and professional environment.

953 7500

2050 Proctor Road, Suite A, Sarasota, FL 34231 www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com

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EGG FREE cookies Minimal Ingredients with Delicious Impact

DIRECTIONS - ONLY 10 STEPS! 1) Preheat oven to 350. 2) Cream together butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract and milk. 3) In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. 4) Mix in dry ingredients slowly. 5) Make sure the dough is fully mixed together. 6) Using a spoon, make 1” round dough balls. INGREDIENTS

7) Roll dough balls in brown sugar.

• 1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour

8) Place evenly apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.

• 1/2 cup Brown Sugar • 2 Tbsp Milk

9) Lightly flatten into circles. 10) Bake for 8-10 minutes for soft cookies.

• 1/4 tsp Salt

TIPS

• 1/2 cup Butter

• Add on 2 more minutes if you want them crunchy!

• 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder • 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

• If you plan on using holiday themed cookie cutters chill the dough in the fridge for 30 min to an hour. • Decorate with icing or sprinkles for added fun!

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Now Filing & Accepting Insurance As Payment

Your Child’s Dental H me

Si McAninch, DDS, PA Pediatric Dentist

2711 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-953-3535 www.drmcaninch.com

Accepting New Patients

Pumpkin Fest nnual

32nd A

Fruitville Grove

FREE Admission $5 Parking FREE Circus Shows

Fun for All Ages!

Unicorn Encounter, Hug-A-Goat, Hay Rides, Pony Rides, Mini Train Ride, Wildflower Maze, Globe of Death with Torres Extreme Riders, Kids Fun Zone, Butterfly Experience, Petting Zoo, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Torres Family Circus, Craft Show, and Food Truck Rally Amazing selection for all your Fall decorating needs, including Scarecrows, Hay Bales, Corn Stalks, Gourds, & Indian Corn. Pumpkins in all colors, shapes and sizes:

Jack B Littles, Pie, Heirloom and Giant!

Everyd in en Weektober Oc

Festival Hours 10am-5pm

October 3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th, 24th & 25th, & 31st | Costume Contest Saturdays • 2pm Local Produce • Birthday Parties Shop Our Farmers Market 7 Days a Week; Mon-Sat 9-6 Sun 10-4

@ fruitville.grove

www.fruitvillegrove.com • (941) 377-0896

7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota (1 mile east of I-75, off exit 210) www.FloridaFamilyLiving.com

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