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and then there was one.
Getting ready for the new school year looks a bit different in our house this year. With only one kiddo headed into their junior year of high school, and the other two in college now, the prep and planning has been dialed back big time. And while some of you may begin to rejoice in the calm of “less to do” to get ready for the school year, my heart is having a hard time coming to terms with this new season.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I am glad the calendars have freed up a bit. There is now only one child to ask if they have and did their homework (ok, in all honesty, I will still ask all three), only one to make lunches for, one set of athletic clearances to get for school sports (have you seen the size of that packet?) and only one to fight with now when it is time to get a decent haircut for class photos. And alas, the battle to get up and get going for school and out the door will definitely be easier being one-on-one instead of one-on-three — so, maybe there is something to this new season after all!?
But, I miss the old seasons. I do, there, I admit it!
I miss the “Meet the Teachers” events, the back-to-school shopping sprees and the smell of new crayons, pencils and paper. I miss the little kid giggles and volunteering in the classroom. I miss the Valentine’s Day cards and crafting holiday snack trays. I miss their odd and colorful ceramic paintings and art. I even miss the “stay at home because you have the sniffles sick day” snuggles!
As I forage through my boys teen and college years, I have to admit, it’s times like this that I miss their freckled faces and often chaotic and frantic youth. Parenting is hard. When we are in the thick of it, we can’t wait to get over the next hump. Then, when we make it, we shed tears to do anything to get back to that hump, because was it really so bad racing to Target ten minutes before their school music concert to buy pants, in the rain, because you forgot to buy pants the weekend before for one of the three and while on the way, one of them lost a belt? Was it really that bad?
So, if you see me, or any mom or dad in Target this summer, aimlessly walking through the back to school section picking up random pencils, note cards, packs of erasers and
composition books with misty eyes and a weak smile, know that they are a few seasons ahead of you. Chances are, if you asked any one of us, we would do anything to turn back the hands of time to be in your shoes just one more time. One more “Meet the Teacher” and one more back-to-school shopping bonanza with kids in tow. Trust me, I would do it all over again! This school year, I hope you are able to embrace the chaos and take moments to cherish the fun and wonder of their youth and childhood. It goes by in a flash!
aug ● sept 2024
or Gains?
We all know that the hardest job you can have is being a parent! The days are definitely long and the years are astonishingly short. Some days you might feel like you’re going through the struggles alone. But, we are here to share some tips and tricks from local parents that can make being a mom or dad a little less stressful!
Try to do a “slow” wake up, meaning you start to wake them up a good 30 minutes earlier and let them decompress so they’re ready to go. Also build in an additional 30-45 minutes into your schedule because traffic is a nightmare!
What are your first week of school survival tips? # parenthacks
TRACY WRIGHT
I wake up an hour earlier so I can make breakfast to go for the whole family. The night before, my daughter gets her clothes, water bottle and the rest of her stuff ready.
ANALIZ BURROWS
We start our morning routine the week before school actually starts. Waking up early, eating breakfast without the TV on, etc. We use a “chore” chart but instead of chores, it’s their morning routine. They get to check off each task as they do it. Keeps them motivated to brush teeth, hair, etc.
CAITY PASALODOS
I start setting a routine a week or so before school actually starts, so my children get into the groove of things: going to bed early, waking up early, whatever breakfast expectation there may be, and so on.
LARA JONES
I do “first day of school” pics the day before! Saves time in the morning and no one feels additional rush!
HEATHER MEARS
You definitely start their school routine at least one week in advance. Depending on the child (some need two weeks). Make sure their clothes, accessories and backpacks are ready the night before. Make sure you are up ahead of time dressed with breakfast ready. The more your child sees that you are organized and excited about the new school year, the calmer and more successful they will be (even if you're running yourself ragged, make sure it's behind the scenes).
CHRISTINA ROCK
Ziplock bag breakfast in the car... and not only the first week!
TANYA CONSAUL
Family Fun Served on a Board
BY NICOLE IRVING
The charcuterie board has become synonymous with dinner parties, but, why leave all the fun for the grown ups? The charcuterie board can be a delicious and creative meal that gives you a break from cooking and kids of all ages a healthy and entertaining meal with lots of yummy choices!
How to Create the Family Friendly Charcuterie Board
For simplicity and ease, think of a fun theme to focus on. BBQ night, deli sub’s night, taco night.
Add a mix of proteins, dairy, veggies, fruits, crackers/breads, sauces, nuts and berries, dips.
Include a big veggie salad or fruit salad on the side for them to also add to their plate.
Think of foods that can be made or bought in “mini” sizes like mini hot dogs, mini burgers, mini tacos.
Add a mix of their favorite go-to foods and some new and exciting options for them to try.
Be in tune with choking hazards and food sensitivities.
Cut food in kid size bites. Extras can be put in kids lunchboxes.
spoons |
Items for the Perfect Charcuterie Board
Meats
• Low sodium deli meats
• Mini hot dogs
• Mini hamburgers
• Turkey bacon
• Turkey taco meat
• Mini meatballs
• Chicken nuggets
Nuts/Seeds
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Pistachios
• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pine nuts
• Cashews
Fruits
• Berries
• Apple slices
• Orange slices
• Peach slices
• Watermelon cubes
• Grapes
• Pear slices
Sweet Treats
• Chocolate covered pretzels
• Mini chocolate chip cookies
• Teddy Grahams
• Graham crackers
• Mini marshmallows
• Chocolate hummus
Crackers/Bread
• Goldfish
• Triscuits
• Wheat Thins
• Bread sticks
• Garlic bread cut in cubes
• Grilled cheese cut in cubes
• Melba toast
• Tortilla chips
• Peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches cut in cubes
• Sweet potato fries
Extras
• Olives
• Pickles
• Dates
Sauces/Dips
• Honey
• Jelly
• BBQ
• Ranch
• Yogurt
• Hummus
• Salsa
Veggies
• Peppers
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Cherry tomatoes
• Avocado
• Zucchini
• Celery
forks and spoons | in
Jazz Up Your Boring Grilled Cheese!
BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN
Instead of indulging with your basic, go-to grilled cheese, try one of these recipes for a twist on a classic!
Apple and Cheddar Grilled Cheese
SERVINGS: 4
• 8 slices white cheddar cheese
• 8 slices bread
• 2 green apples, sliced thin
• Butter
• Honey mustard
Heat a pan over medium heat and add enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. While the pan heats, butter the outside of two slices of bread. Place cheese on the inside of both slices of bread, top with 1/4 of the apple slices, and put the two sides of the sandwich together.
Guacamole Grilled Cheese
SERVINGS: 4
For the guacamole:
• 3 avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 lime, juiced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 small tomatoes, diced
• 2/3 cup diced yellow onion
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
For the grilled cheese:
• 8 slices Italian sandwich bread
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• Butter
Mash the avocados together with salt, lime juice and garlic. Then mix in the tomatoes, onion, cilantro and cayenne pepper. Store in the refrigerator for about a half hour for the flavors to mix well.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. While the pan heats, butter the outside of two slices of bread. Place cheese on the inside of both slices of bread, spread a heaping spoonful of guacamole on one side and put the two sides of the sandwich together.
Grill the sandwich on one side until the bread is golden brown, for about 4 minutes. Flip the sandwich over and grill for about 4 more minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat for remaining three sandwiches.
Pizza Grilled Cheese
SERVINGS: 4
• 8 tablespoons marinara sauce
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni
• 8 slices Italian sandwich bread
• Butter
Heat a pan over medium heat and add enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. While the pan heats, butter the outside of two slices of bread. Spread 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce on the inside of each slice of bread. Place cheese and pepperoni on the inside of both slices of bread and put the two sides of the sandwich together.
Grill the sandwich on one side until the bread is golden brown, for about 4 minutes. Flip the sandwich over and grill for about 4 more minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat for remaining three sandwiches.
Serve with a side of honey mustard for dipping!
Looking
for a quick
Grill the sandwich on one side until the bread is golden brown, for about 4 minutes. Flip the sandwich over and grill for about 4 more minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat for remaining three sandwiches.
add-in for a plain grilled cheese?
Try adding one (or more!) of these ingredients to tickle your taste buds!
It’s time to get your back to school shopping done, and I am not talking about pencils and pens! Back to school is a great time to refresh those makeup bags and introduce some new must haves. Say goodbye to those shimmering summer shades and say hello to fabulous new beauty finds for the fall!
1
Garnier SkinActive Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balms
$14.99 | Amazon
2
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Frizz Tamer Slicking Serum Wand for Frizzy Hair and Flyaways
$8.97 | Walmart
3
Bliss Eye Got This Holographic Foil Eye Masks $4 each | blissworld.com
4
L’Oréal Paris Panorama Mascara $12.99 | Target
5
L’Oréal Paris Lumi Le Liquid Blush $16.99 | Target
6
Sud Scrub Body Scrubber $29 | Amazon
7
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick $46 | charlottetilbury.com
8
Morphe Hot Shot Blush Drops $14 | morphe.com
9
Miharo Signature Clip $29 | shopmiharo.com 10
L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist $10.99 | Target
*Photos
The Upside of Saying "NO"
One of the keys to good time management is the ability to say no when necessary. All of us know the feeling of overload. Reducing or eliminating that feeling isn’t a matter of figuring out how to do more in an already busy schedule. The solution comes from self-editing, which reduces your workload. Eliminating distracting activities at work or home enables you to honor your priorities, but that can be difficult if you can’t say no and mean it.
We get overloaded by wanting to please or serve others, by living up to unrealistic
expectations or perhaps because of an underlying perfectionism in thinking that we’re the only one who can do a task properly. We succumb to flattery, persistent cajoling or direct pressure that we’re too embarrassed to resist. Sound familiar? If so, it’s time to learn and practice a few polite but effective strategies that create better control over your energy and time.
The Gentle No
“How nice of you to think of me” is a courteous prelude while you review your priorities. Think fast. Then remember that you want to say no to the request, not to the
person who needs your help. “I know this is a great program,” expresses your admiration for what your colleague or friend is doing. Now you need to give whatever explanation suits you: “I’m at my limit for volunteering right now.” “I’m simply too busy to take on another responsibility.” “I have never enjoyed doing this kind of task.” Be honest but firm about your feelings.
The No That Stalls for Time
In this scenario, a friend or colleague sees his priorities as more important than yours. An effective answer to strong pressure is, “If you need an answer right now, the answer has to be no. Otherwise, I will think about your request and get back to you.” Delay takes you off the spot, gives you time to think about the proposal and lets you rehearse your answer.
The Creative No
You can be helpful by suggesting resources or the names of people who might be able to deal with the request you have just refused. “Have you thought about contacting ______; I’m told she’s got a professional interest or contact that might lead you to a good solution.” Constructive responses are appreciated and redirect the conversation to a positive outcome.
The Direct No
With enough practice, you can give a quick, direct answer that sounds like you really mean it and won’t entertain any further discussion. After all, you don’t have to explain your motives. The more you say, the more the other person will try to talk you out of your arguments. “It was good of you to think of me, but this is not an opportunity I want right now,” should do the trick.
If you are programmed to say yes automatically, you will need to practice these strategies until your mindset changes. The point is not to say no to everything but to say yes to the life you want.
Diets rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables are associated with better cognitive function and school readiness in early childhood.
Can a Poor Diet Impact Educational Outcomes?
BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L1
It is well known that good nutrition is important for building strong bones and muscles and functioning at peak performance. However, not all children get optimal nutrition in their daily diets, whether it be from not having access to healthy options or being picky and refusing to eat their vegetables. As kids grow and develop, what are the impacts of poor nutrition not just on physical health but on learning and school performance?
School Readiness
Many toddlers are picky eaters and are happier to conduct a hunger strike rather than eat what’s offered. While your 3-year-old may not devour salmon and broccoli, keep trying! According to Central Michigan University, “Poor dietary patterns in the first five years of life can impair a child’s learning ability and school readiness. Luckily, the opposite is also true – that diets rich in whole fruits, grains and vegetables are associated with better cognitive function and school readiness in early childhood.”
University of Utah Health also states that children with poor nutrition are less likely to be ready to start kindergarten than their nourished peers.
Academic Performance
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne states that poor childhood nutrition can lead to interrupted sleep, poor concentration, altered emotional and psychological development, behavior problems and – not surprisingly –difficulties at school.
“There is pretty solid evidence that children who are hungry are not able to focus, so they have a low attention span, behavioral issues, discipline issues in the school,” said Sibylle Kranz, an associate professor of kinesiology and a registered dietitian nutritionist at the University of Virginia. “Having children who are wellfed and not hungry makes a difference in their individual performance, and also how much they are contributing to or disrupting the classroom situation.” Makes sense, doesn’t it? Children who aren’t properly fueled can be irritable, lethargic, unable to focus and disruptive to the entire classroom. Not only does it affect their own academic performance, but they may be negatively impacting other students’ learning experiences.
Central Michigan University shows that the inverse is also true: “Increased access to nutritious food is associated with better education outcomes (attendance, behavior, grades, test performance, graduation rates). Education, and especially high school graduation, benefits individuals’ long-term health. It has been associated with reducing the risk of later life chronic health conditions and increasing life expectancy. Further, these long-term health benefits may be particularly strong among individuals belonging to minoritized groups.” It’s a trickle effect. Solid nutrition in childhood allows children to be prepared to take on academic challenges. As they grow and develop, their educational wins also set them up for adult success as well as better overall health in their later years.
Prepare your child for academic and life success by providing nutritious foods at every meal. Offer a variety of meats, seafoods, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains and dairy, taking care to not be too dominant in one area (as in, not eating only yogurt and cheese!). They may not like everything that is offered (spoiler alert - they won’t!) but keep offering it. Limit processed foods and added sugars. Their diet isn’t likely to be “perfect,” but fueling those brains and bodies with nutrient-dense foods and adequate hydration will help them be a super star in the classroom and beyond!
— CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Mental Health Issues in Children: How to Understand, Identify and Help
BY AMELIA BOWLES
Mental health issues affect people of all ages, and children might be impacted more than you might think. According to Johns Hopkins University, a study completed between 2016 and 2019 showed that “21.8% of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 have one or more of the common mental, emotional and behavioral health conditions assessed.” According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “ADHD, anxiety, behavioral problems and depression are the most commonly diagnosed." Even more concerning is that these disorders are compounding, and children often experience two or more disorders together. Knowing the prevention methods, signs and ways of treating mental health issues should they arise are extremely important tools that you can have as a parent to help your kids succeed and conquer the complicated realm of mental health.
It Can Begin Early
Children ages 0 to 3 are experiencing their emotional formative years, learning and regulating their emotions based on the actions and emotions of their primary caregivers, according to Mayo Clinic. When infants’ needs are met by their caregivers, they “learn that they can rely on that person, and the social bond builds.” Mayo Clinic notes that there are certain issues that can inhibit this vital social bond, including “mental illnesses in the caregiver, such as depression and anxiety, a caregiver's own history of neglect and abuse, single parenthood without social support, temperament mismatches between infant and caregiver, financial stress, relationship conflict between caregivers and alcohol or drug abuse in the caregiver.” Babies mimic their caregiver’s behavior and won’t learn to smile or laugh if they don’t see their caregivers exhibiting these types of emotions. Without these crucial moments of growth, there may be little to no foundation for future social and emotional well-being. Recognizing their needs and working to provide a nurturing environment for your child is extremely important. If you are struggling, professional assistance is available. Newborn behavior observation can help you understand how best to understand and respond to your child’s needs, according to Mayo Clinic.
But It Doesn't Stop There
In children and teens, mental health can be affected by a myriad of influences. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), social isolation, school or family issues and problems within their communities can be detrimental to a child’s mental health. These factors, if they are not addressed, can lead to mental health disorders, which only
worsen if they too are not addressed. By the time they are in their teens and young adulthood, mental disorders that arose in childhood can have a serious impact on not only the individual’s well-being, but also the well-being of our “health, education, labor and criminal justice systems,” according to APA. Communicating with your child about their mental health, struggles and daily life can help you identify when your child needs additional assistance, which could prevent mental disorders or keep them from getting worse. If you believe your child might be suffering from a mental disorder, speak with your child’s pediatrician.
How to Help Your Children Cope with Mental Health Issues
According to Harvard Health, there are several methods to help children and teens deal with mental health issues and stressors. Healthy and safe communication, downtime, healthy use of devices, enough sleep and exercise and maintaining communication with teachers, coaches and other adults can help your child to regulate their social and emotional needs. It’s also important to remember that your children aren’t perfect. While healthy expectations for your children are good, it’s important for your kids to know that you love them even if they don’t succeed. Creating a “judgement-free safe haven” in your home allows your children to know that despite any expectations or consequences for not meeting them, they are not defined by their mistakes and can always communicate with you how they are feeling, no matter the circumstances.
Signs of Mental Health Issues
Infants (Mayo Clinic)
• Poor sleep patterns
• Difficulties with feeding
• Persistent or unremitting crying
• Restlessness
• Gastric disturbance
• Anxiety and tension
• Distress and fear
• Lack of weight gain or failure to thrive
• Failure to meet expected developmental milestones
Children and Teens
(Mental Health America)
• Problems with concentration, memory, or ability to think clearly
• Changes in appetite
• Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or worthless
• Loss of interest in things that they used to enjoy
• Excessive worry
• Irritability or restlessness
• Changes in sleep
• Angry outbursts
• Not wanting to be around people or take part in activities
• Hearing or seeing things that other people don’t
• Extreme panic
• Onset of new behaviors or rituals that are repeated
• Mood swings or frequent shifts in energy
• Changes in how they dress – if your child is wearing long pants and sleeves in hot weather, or hats all of a sudden, they could be hiding signs of self-injury like cutting or hair pulling
Safety First!
BY NICOLE IRVING
A new school year brings a fluttering of new emotions, new friends, new experiences, and of course, a plethora of new germs, illnesses and a need for mom to be the best bedside nurse she can be.
And, as any seasoned mom knows, it always seems like illnesses flare up in the middle of the night or right before a three-day weekend. This year, as you are getting those backpacks and lunchboxes ready for first day duty, prepare to stock up on all the first aid supplies you think you may need to ease those boo-boos and back-to-school ailments.
Tips
• Always reach out to the doctor if you have medical concerns.
• Did you know that if your kiddo can’t swallow a pill, some over the counter medications, like Motrin, have a powder version, which is easy to travel with!
• Keep all things in one spot if possible, and share with all adults in the house where items are so they are easily accessible even when you're not home.
Supplies
• Tweezers
• Moldable ice packs
• Heating pad
• Fever reducer (Tylenol, Motrin)
• Digital thermometer
• Gatorade
• Ginger Ale
• Alcohol wipes
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Different size Band-Aids
• Nail clippers
• Adhesive tape
• Antibiotic cream (Neosporin)
• Q-tips
• Tissues
• Anti-bite cream
• Eye drops (Visine)
• Aquaphor
• Blistex
• Cough drops
• Aloe
• Elastic bandage
• Cool-mist humidifier
• Burn ointment
• Small flashlight
• Small eyeglass repair kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Wash cloths
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Safety pins
• Antacid (Tums)
• Antidiarrheal (Pepto-Bismol)
• Saline nasal spray
• Keep medications away from heat and out of reach of children! Best place to keep them is in the kitchen, away from bathroom humidity.
• Make sure to keep all items stocked and replace when used or getting low.
• Carry a mini kit in your car, in your diaper bag and when you go on vacations.
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Back to School Essentials
BY NICOLE IRVING
Who said back to school shopping had to be just paper, pencils and folders? It's time to get creative and hit the stores for the latest and greatest in back-to-school items! This year, we have got you covered with amazing and fun products that the kids, and even you parents and teachers, are sure to love. Happy shopping!
Novelty Fish Style Pencil Case
$10.99 | Amazon
Alarmee Self-Defense Keychain
$23.99 | 3DActive.com
| Amazon
| verabradley.com
| Amazon
Vera Bradley Lunch Bag $40
Vera Bradley Large Bancroft Backpack $120 | verabradley.com
Vera Bradley Bag Charm for AirPods $30 | verabradley.com
Vera Bradley Chancery Backpack
$135 | verabradley.com
COLNK Highlighters
$7.99
Bentgo® Kids Chill
Wrapables®
Keep Going First Aid Kit
| verabradley.com
romaboots.com Vera Bradley Cord Organizer
| riflepaperco.com
Infant
Cot
Mat
Urban Infant Toddler Backpack $44.95
Offer valid until 9/30/24
COUNTDOWN
A new school year is upon us, and with it comes first day jitters, new schedules and new friends. Each day is an opportunity for your children to grow and be immersed in a world of learning and exploring with their peers. With a little preplanning, organization and a whole lot of milk and cookies, an A+ school year is just ahead!
What Your Kindergartener Should Know Before the First Day
BY BROOKE NEWELL
Starting kindergarten is a huge step in a child’s developmental growth. As a parent, you want to be there every step of the way. Let's explore the different developmental skills often used to assess the kindergarten-readiness of a child.
Concept Development
Concept development refers to children understanding concepts as they interact and work with materials, people, events and ideas. At home, you can make sure your child is playing with developmentally and age-appropriate toys. Puzzles that focus on colors, shapes and critical thinking are great activities to do with your child. Also, always allow your child ample opportunities to talk and play.
Number Concept Development
Many preschool parents worry about their child’s readiness for kindergarten. Is my child academically, socially and emotionally ready? What if my child isn’t prepared?
It has been proven that the development of number concepts –classifying, ordering, counting and time and space relationships – is directly related to children’s ability to perform mathematical tasks throughout their school years. When spending time with your child, play games where you count aloud. You can count apples at the grocery store, shop with pretend money in your playroom kitchen, or bake brownies together. Teach your child how to count at least to 10 and recognize numbers as well.
Language and Writing Development
Listening, speaking, reading and writing are tied to everything in school. As a parent, it is vital that every day you spend time talking with your child. It is easy to talk to your child, but focus on talking with your child. Listen to their ideas and thoughts. Ask questions that require your child to answer in complete sentences, describing what you are discussing. Have your child write the letters of the alphabet and their name. Children look up to adults and watch every move, so write in front of your child. When you are drawing pictures together, label what you are drawing. Another fun activity is to have magnetic letters on the refrigerator so your child can practice making words. If your refrigerator isn’t magnetic, use a cookie sheet as an easy alternative.
As a parent, you can help your child develop a love of reading. Make sure your child has access to books around the house. The local library is a wonderful resource to use here in Alachua County as well. When reading with your child, talk about the parts of the book, discuss the characters and setting, allow your child to ask questions as you are reading and answer their questions. After you are finished reading with your child, discuss the book further. Ask them if they liked the book, what would have made the story better and which part of the story was their favorite. By reading with your child and interacting during the book, reading will become an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Social and Emotional Development/Physical Development
Your child will be around 15-20 other students in the classroom. Your child needs to understand how to take turns, share, ask for help, follow directions and play well with others. Take your child to play at the park with different objects, and when at home set up art projects using scissors, crayons, pencils and pens.
Setting Up a Homework Routine
BY TAYLOR DIXON
Back to school means back to homework – and this can come with conflict for both children and parents. After a few months of summer vacation, it can be difficult to get back into the swing of things. But there are ways to make homework less of a struggle and just a small part of the day.
Peg Dawson, EdD, NCSP, believes incentives drive children to be successful in school. There are both simple and elaborate incentives that
Thesimplestincentivesystemisreminding yourchildofanenjoyableactivityto do when homework is done. Whether it’s hangingoutwithfriends,playingavideo somethinggameorwatchingaTVshow,havingtolookforwardtoservesasa powerfulincentive.
According to Margaret Spellings, former secretary of education, parents can help children develop a homework routine with a few different methods. In “Helping Your Child With Homework,” Spellings suggests certain steps for successful homework habits.
1. It is important to set a regular time for homework. Setting a predictable schedule will get your child on a routine that should eventually eliminate much of the fuss. Find a time that is good for your child and stick to it.
2. Pick a specific place. Set up a special spot in the house that is comfortable for your child and stock it with school supplies. After a while, your student will begin to associate that room or area with work and become much more efficient.
3. Eliminate distractions. Even if the space you choose is the living room or kitchen, be sure to turn off the TV and put away the phones and iPads for that time frame.
4. Lead by example. While your child is doing homework, take that time to do some work of your own. Try using that time for reading the newspaper or responding to emails. If your child sees you working, he or she will be more excited to do work as well.
5. Be interested. Take the time to get to know your child’s teacher and become familiar with what the class is learning. Your child will take notice and be more likely to succeed. Getting involved can be as simple as reviewing the latest assignment or attending parent-teacher conferences.
6. Use incentives. The fact is, everyone loves being rewarded – especially children. If good grades alone are not motivation enough for your little one, develop some small incentives of your own to make your child excited about homework.
On the other hand, elaborate incentive systems are more complex and may require some planning. This might include a system of earning points in order to “purchase” privileges and might provide greater rewards. This system is most used with significant homework problems and should be developed by parents and children together.
Setting up a regular homework routine is the key to starting off the school year right. Whatever you find works best for your child, stick to it, and you will find a much more favorable after-school atmosphere.
Notes
Teenagers under 18 multitask more often and more extensively than previous generations. On average, 13- to 18-year-olds use more than six types of media simultaneously while they’re not in school, says Larry D. Rosen, the author of, “iDisorder: Understanding Our Obsession With Technology and Overcoming Its Hold On Us.”
Study Strategies For Every Grade Level
BY LISA KATZ
Whether they are studying for a chapter test, midterm exam or even the SAT or ACT, there are a few important tips to keep in mind. Of course it helps to be as prepared as possible. Cramming in all of the information the night before typically is not the best course of action. So, here are several helpful tips and study strategies to share with your children that will reduce their anxiety and increase success.
Get creative! Don’tjustreadthematerial;actit out,createarapordrawapicturethat answersthequestion.
FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS:
• Set up your study area in a quiet space with few distractions.
• Plan a study schedule.
• Break studying into manageable chunks of time and information.
• Be flexible with ways of learning different material.
• Read together with parents or siblings.
FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS:
• Outline a study plan. Divide information into digestible amounts.
• Have memory refreshers. Go back to the beginning of your notes or textbook and review carefully.
• Use flash cards. This will help in memorizing the basic test information.
• Rewrite notes from class.
• Partner up. Peers can offer different perspectives or interpretations of the lesson or have different notes.
• Reread. Study in stages. Divide the material into three categories: what you’re confident with, what needs more review and what you’re not comfortable with yet.
• Hold a rapid-fire study session with a friend.
FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
• Get creative. Don’t just read the material; act it out, create a rap or draw a picture that answers the question.
• Develop a study schedule. This will reduce the likelihood of latenight cramming.
• Use visual clues to boost memorization skills.
• Study in short spurts.
• Use your senses. Read it, write it and say it.
• “Teach” the information to a friend and have him “teach” you the next chapter/section.
Test Day Tips to Share with Your Child
Start the day well-rested.
Eat a healthy breakfast (no PopTarts, please).
Make sure to bring along any supplies you will need.
Dress comfortably and use the bathroom beforehand.
Take deep breaths and try to relax your mind.
Take note of the time and pace yourself throughout the test. Avoid spending too much time on any one question.
Look over all multiple-choice answers before picking one. Read the instructions and questions carefully. This prevents careless mistakes.
Stay as focused as possible on each question and test section. Don’t think about what is next.
Underline, circle or highlight key words and concepts as you read.
Don't spend time rewriting your answers or worrying about neatness.
If there is time, read over each of your answers before turning in your test.
Regardless of the child’s age, parents can cultivate their child’s study habits as well as their test-taking strategies. Developing a sound routine to tackle both daily homework assignments as well as tests is one of the key ways that your child can excel in school. Being consistent will also improve your child’s confidence. Encourage a good night’s sleep, using a quiet study area (without cellphones, tablets and televisions) and having a positive attitude. That goes for parents too! Even if you are nervous about your child’s upcoming test, try to keep it to yourself. It’s beneficial to provide as much support and encouragement as possible.
Guide to the Hidden Costs of School
It’s that time of year again, friends. School is back in session and soon what seems like a never ending request marathon for must-haves and financial obligations for those kiddos will start flooding in. If you are a seasoned parent, you already know the drill, but, as a newbie sending those bright-eyed kindergartners off, you may not know what is in store. We wanted to ease you in slowly, so we cultivated this list of the most common and potential financial obligations with generalized costs for you to get a handle on. Good Luck!
We’d love to see your pencil crafts! Share with us and tag creative_household or post #creativehouseholdfl to show off your fun!
Photos courtesy of Katie Osterhout
Jesse Caedington, Esq. LL.M. in Taxation
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It’s Not Me, It’s You: Time To Break Up With Some Common Household Items
BY KELLY GOEDE
Germs are inevitable, and try as we might, we cannot avoid them. We know that exposure to different germs can either strengthen our immune systems or make us sick, and we do our best to invite in the good ones and fight off the bad ones. Unfortunately, many of us have items in our homes that do us no favors in the germ department, as they harbor bacteria and other yucky things, and we are unwilling to part with them. I’m talking about things like your pillow, your mascara, your toothbrush — things that become like a warm petri dish for bacteria. And much like a bad boyfriend, viruses like the flu and norovirus can stick around for weeks on objects and surfaces, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Kitchen
Kitchen items are especially vulnerable to store bacteria, like E.coli, staph and salmonella, as they come into contact with food like raw meat and our mouths. The No.1 offender in the kitchen is the very sponge you use to wash your dishes — commonly reported to be dirtier than a toilet seat. YUCK! Sponges need to be replaced at least every other week, and they need to be washed in the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle, or be washed at 150 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bacteria. Have non-stick cookware with scratches in the finish? Then it’s time to toss it. Harmful chemicals, such as BPA and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), can leech into your food while you’re cooking.
Bedroom
This next item is near and dear to my heart (and head), and as much as I love it, I love living without bacteria even more. According to a study from Barts and the London NHS Trust, “up to a third of the weight of your pillow could be made of bugs, dead skin, dust mites and their feces.” My pillow is one of my favorite objects on earth, but just like yours, it should be replaced every 18–24 months to avoid cozying up to nastiness for years at a time. Bed sheets should also
be washed on hot at least weekly, especially if you eat in bed, sweat a lot, or let your beloved animals share the bed with you.
Bathroom
Less endearing than my pillow, but infinitely more important — and dirty — is the toothbrush. This object needs to hit the trash after three to four months, and definitely after you’ve been sick. Don't wait until the bristles resemble a porcupine — according to Registered Dental Hygienist Magazine, there are 20 billion microbes in our mouths at any given time, which means there’s plenty of bacteria on your toothbrush.
And now to hit me where it hurts. My makeup would find me guilty in germ court and lock me away forever. Even though we all know that bacteria gets transferred to our face from our makeup brushes, sponges and mascara every time we use them, we seem to cling to our favorite beauty items long past their healthfulness. You do not want to artfully apply Aeromonas (a main cause of gastroenteritis) when sponging on foundation. Mascara needs to go after three months and eyeliner can last up to six months — after that they become a breeding ground for bacteria. Makeup brushes and sponges also need a thorough cleaning at least once a week.
Some other items you may not have realized need to be changed regularly:
Running shoes —Replace every 300–500 miles. After that the bend in the sole will increase your risk of injury.
Sunscreen — Replace at least once a year. If it becomes separated or clumpy it is no longer effective.
Hairbrush — If the bristles have started to separate or more than 10% of them are missing, it’s time to replace it.
Pacifier — Replace every two months or at the first sign of any damage.
Out with the Old, In with the New Local Sites to Donate Gently Used Items
BY MORGAN HILL
August brings growth spurts for your little ones and the start of a new school year. New clothes, new teachers, new school supplies... the list is endless. Instead of throwing away the clothing and toys your children outgrew, donate them to local charities or thrift shops. Donating your gently used items clears up space in your house and gives back to the community.
2nd & Charles
2601 NW 13th Street #2601 Gainesville, FL 32609
352-376-6623
2nd & Charles buys books, comics, CDs and vinyls, DVDs, games, musical instruments, video games and more. They do not accept advanced reading copy books, PC games, VHS tapes, phones or damaged or broken items.
Humane Society of North Central Florida
Donations Accepted: Tue - Sat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 4205 NW 6th Street Gainesville, FL 32609 352-373-9522
The Alachua County Humane Society accepts donations of pet supplies, furniture, antiques, clothing and household items. They cannot accept any type of bedding, computer related electronics, car seats or hazardous materials.
430-B N Main Street Gainesville, FL 32601 (352) 375-1676
The Friends of the Library accepts donations of printed material, art work, CDs/DVDs, audio tapes, records, puzzles, games and computer software.
Boys
and Girls Club of Alachua County
2661 NW 51st Street Gainesville, FL 32606
352-372-5342
The Boys and Girls Club is currently looking for school and art supplies, books, backpacks, shoes, toys, board games and sports equipment. Donation drop off can be arranged through Darby Stubberfield at 904-396-4435 or darbs@bcgnf.org.
Family Promise of Gainesville
352-378-2030
Family Promise accepts Walmart, Publix and gas station gift cards as well as toiletries, dish soap and new bath towels and washcloths. Contact Family Promise to confirm what items they are currently accepting.
Child Advocacy Center of Gainesville
500 E University Ave., Suite A Gainesville, FL 32604
352-376-9161
The Child Advocacy Center creates a wishlist of donations for each semester. For more information on their current wishlist, email info@cacgainesville.org.
Tools for Schools
Donations Accepted: Wed and Thu 1 - 5 p.m. during the school year 1147 SE 7th Ave.
Gainesville, FL 32641
352-374-5213
Tools for Schools accepts office products, paper supplies, science and math materials and arts and crafts supplies.
Vetspace, Inc.
1220 NE 8th Ave.,Suite A Gainesville, FL 32601
Donation Drop off: Contact the office to arrange pick-up for your donations
352-222-2256
Vetspace accepts some nonperishable food products, hygiene supplies and household items. For more questions, contact Cheryl Wedgwood by phone or at c_wedgwood@ yahoo.com.
Haven Gainesville Attic Resale accepts new or gently used, houseware, furniture, clothing and children’s toys. They do not accept computer hard drives, flammable items, personal hygiene appliances or baby items like cribs and car seats.
Peaceful Paths accepts new or gently used clothing, nonperishable pantry items, unopened personal hygiene items, school supplies and cleaning supplies.
The Repurpose Project
Donations Accepted: Tues. - Sat 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sun Noon - 5 p.m.
Location: 1920 NE 23rd Ave. Gainesville, FL 32609 352-363-8902
Arts and craft supplies, building materials, office supplies, tiles or anything else that has creative reuse is an acceptable donation to The Repurpose Project. If you have questions concerning donations, email donations@ repurposeproject.org.
Salvation Army
Donations Accepted: Tue - Sat 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Salvation Army accepts gently used clothing for all ages. It cannot accept appliances that are older than five years or not in working condition, baby items such as car seats and high chairs, paint and chemicals and furniture with rips or stains.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming modern life, and it holds immense potential for supporting children with disabilities. From personalized learning tools to assistive technologies, AI can support children at home and at school.
AI at Home
Most of us already use AI at home. We talk to our phones, Alexa, Siri and Google. They can turn on our lights, lock our doors and even vacuum our homes. Voice-controlled devices like these help children with disabilities operate household appliances, control smart home features and access information and entertainment, supporting independence, autonomy and confidence. AI-driven software supports children’s learning needs at home too. Just think about how educational apps already adjust to a child’s unique learning pace, strengths and challenges. It has the power to help children who struggle with reading or writing as they benefit from text-to-speech and speech-totext technologies. AI tools like ChatGPT and others can summarize information at
different reading levels to make it more accessible and easier to comprehend.
AI at School
At school, your child’s teachers may be using AI to help them create inclusive learning environments tailored to each student’s learning needs. They may use automated captioning in PowerPoint presentations for children with hearing impairments or tools that describe visual content on computers. They may also be using AI to create visual aids to help children understand a concept.
Many of the same tools used at home may also be used at school. For example, students may use AI to help them write emails. Teachers may use it to help them create social stories to help children understand how to respond in different situations. It may be used to help students brainstorm writing topics, explain how to solve math problems and create illustrations to help them understand a new concept in science. It can even help students with physical challenges
to create their own music in music class. AI is already helping teachers implement accommodations included in a child’s IEP.
Challenges of AI
AI is not without its challenges. Some parents and teachers may be concerned that AI is being used to cheat, while others may worry that AI is limiting what their children are actually learning. It’s important for parents and teachers to be clear with children about when and how AI is to be used. Help them to remember that, like a calculator, AI is a tool to help them learn, grow and function independently.
Where Do We Go from Here?
The truth is that nobody knows. While AI in the form of calculators, spell checks and Alexa has been around for a while now, we’re still in the early stages of using AI for everyday tasks and learning. Each day, new technologies are announced, and existing ones now have AI integrated into them. More and more AI tools are on the horizon that will further support children with disabilities at home, at school and in our community.
Teaching Your Children with AI
BY CRYSTAL LADWIG, PH.D..
As artificial intelligence (AI) took the world by storm nearly a year ago, home educators took notice and began to wonder what this would mean. While many traditional schoolteachers initially expressed fear that their students would use this emerging technology to cheat, homeschooling parents often took a different approach, considering how AI could be used to support their child’s learning.
AI as an Educational Tool
If you think about it, we’ve been using AI as an educational tool for years. Calculators, spelling/grammar check tools and devices like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa have become regular fixtures in homeschooling. Newer AI tools, like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and countless others, are simply the newest version. With these “generative AI” tools, our children can receive personalized assistance when they need tutoring, practice problems in math and outlines to help them organize a paper. AI can even help parents provide feedback on assignments and recommendations for the next instructional steps.
Benefits of AI in Homeschooling
Modern AI tools can’t replace your current curricula or provide all the instruction your children may need, but they can help tailor learning experiences. Imagine teaching multiple children using the novel, “Johnny Tremaine,” by Esther Forbes. While some children can read the actual book, AI can summarize it at a lower reading level for your younger children. Then, the entire family can discuss the book together!
Considerations and Challenges
The biggest concern educators in all settings have expressed about AI is that it will be used for cheating. (That’s what they said about the calculator, too, when it was first introduced!) Yes, AI can be used to cheat. However, by setting boundaries and supervising your child’s education as homeschoolers do, the risk of that is diminished. Instead, children can use AI as a tool to help them learn problemsolving, self-directed learning and critical thinking skills as they read, reflect on and use the information they receive from the AI.
It’s also important to note that writing assignments completed by AI are actually pretty easy to detect. There are free tools online that will do that for you, or you may simply begin to notice words, phrases and sentence structures that repeat themselves when they’re used. One way to use this to your child’s advantage is to allow them to ask AI to write something, copy it into a Microsoft Word document, and then use track changes to edit and revise it.
Will You, or Won’t You?
As with most homeschooling curricular options, it will ultimately be up to you, the homeschooling parent, to choose to use or ban AI from your instruction. If you choose to use it, take time to play around with it, learn to use it and identify what it can and can’t do for you and your family. Then, discuss the ethical and responsible use of AI with your children, setting boundaries along the way.
ONE SOURCE ACCOUNTING
Sharenting: Why Posting Kid Pics Could Actually Be Hurting Them
BY LINDSEY JOHNSON, MS, MCHES, CF-L2
As parents, there are times you may feel intense pride in your children’s accomplishments. There are other days that you will face a parenting challenge and wonder if other families have experienced the same thing. Sometimes these highs and lows (and even everyday activities like going for ice cream) end up on social media. What if the relentless sharing of our kids’ triumphs and pitfalls was actually hurting them?
According to Cleveland Clinic, “sharenting” is defined as “the act of digital oversharing, of excessively posting information, pictures, stories or updates about your child’s life.” More often than not, this is done as a benign way of sharing what’s going on in your life with friends and family. However, experts warn that there could be unintended negative consequences.
Your Child’s Mental Health and Your Relationship with Them
Sharenting expert Stacey Steinberg points out that children as well as adults like their autonomy. They like to have control over their image, whether that be what they’re doing, what they’re wearing or the funny face they’re making. “When we share things about our children online without involving them in that decision making process, we’re missing out on a valuable opportunity to teach our children and model for our children the idea of consent,” Steinberg said.
Sometimes children feel the pressure to live up to the perceived standard their parent has set for them by the information they share online. This can be stressful for children. Psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD also states that, “Sometimes, parents unknowingly create pressure on their kids by crafting an idealized image online of who their child is. That can lead to dips in self-esteem and self-worth.”
What about when the parent posts embarrassing stories or photos? Or for the teenager who doesn’t want to be seen doing something “uncool”? This can cause undue stress on children and may have negative consequences for the parent-child relationship as they feel they can’t trust you.
Safety Concerns
Another thing to consider is what type of personal information you are putting out there and who has access to it. If you are posting on public accounts, pages or chat rooms, anyone could be watching. Giving away the location of your child, their name, age, birthday, what school they go to or what teams they play on could give would-be perpetrators enough information to know where to find your child and when. This information also creates an opportunity for others to perform identity theft, opening up your child to a vulnerable position. Mind Family, a resource for parents and families, also warns of another potential danger: photos you post of your children can be manipulated and used for sexual exploitation. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has made this photo manipulation even easier. This type of victimization could be terribly traumatic for the entire family.
Before you panic and rush off to delete every kid pic you’ve ever posted, take a deep breath and consider the reasons behind the posts and use this as your guidepost. Consider where you’re posting – is it only on a private account that is followed by friends and family or on open forums that anyone could stumble upon? While you’ve likely posted content with the best intentions, consider going forward how you want to approach this topic. Consider asking permission from your children before posting information about them. Consider the audience and the information being shared. Maybe you post a verbal description of their accolades and stop using photos to connect the face with the name. Whatever you decide to do, go forth with knowledge and understanding about the risks and benefits of sharing your child’s life online.
learn | featured teacher
WHERE DO YOU TEACH?
Newberry Elementary
WHAT GRADE/AGE DO YOU TEACH?
Pre-K ESE
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A TEACHER?
10 years in New York and 13 years in Florida
WHAT SUBJECT DO YOU TEACH?
Special Education
Jennifer Szczepanski
My name is Jennifer Szczepanski, and I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. I moved to Alachua county in 2011 and I started working as a Headstart instructor in 2011 at Newberry Elementary. In 2015, I took a job as a Pre K ESE teacher at Newberry Elementary, where I currently am. I have a 9-year-old son and have been married for 10 years. I am fostering a puppy as well with hopes of adoption.
Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for his students? An administrator who is truly devoted to making her school a better place? Giggle Magazine wants to know!
Visit gigglemagazine.com to submit your favorite educator for a chance for him or her to be featured in one of our upcoming issues.
Why were you inspired to teach?
I always wanted to help children learn, especially those children that learn differently.
What is your favorite part of the school day?
Learning time with my students.
Do you have a favorite assignment/ project that you typically assign your students?
I enjoy sending home “All About Me” so I can get to know my students and their families more.
How do you wind down from a long day of teaching?
I sit at home with my husband and my 9-year-old son and drink coffee. On other days I am watching my son play baseball.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy listening to music and building LEGOs with my son.
Share a funny teaching moment/day I am always being silly and funny with my students, so every day is silly.
If you were a superhero, who would you be?
Wonder Woman
What is your favorite book?
I really enjoy the Harry Potter books or “Wings of Fire.”
What are you looking forward to on the first day of school?
Meeting my new students and learning the best way that I can help them be successful in school and in life.
If you could share 3 pieces of advice to parents about how to keep kids engaged with learning, what would you tell them?
1) Make it fun for them.
2) Teach them using things that they enjoy.
3) While having fun, make sure that there are rules and boundaries so it does not get too out of hand.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Szczepanski
learn | your schools
Here's What's New in Alachua County Public Schools
BY AMELIA BOWLES
Changes to Early Release Wednesday
On July 16, Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) announced that starting with the 2024-2025 school year, early release Wednesdays will be just once a month, instead of every week as in previous years. This change will affect all district elementary schools, High Springs Community School, A.Quinn Jones School, Sidney Lanier School and Duval Early Learning Academy per the ACPS press release. “We appreciate ACEA’s willingness to work with us on this change,” said Superintendent Shane Andrew, according to the press release. “It will give our students much more direct instructional time, which is critical to raising their academic achievement.
A New Name for the District Office
The ACPS Board’s headquarters, the District Office, was previously the Gainesville Graded and High School when it first opened in the early 1900s and became Kirby Smith Elementary School a few decades later. It closed as a school in 1977, reopening as an administrative building in 1981. The School Board is seeking a new name for the “District Office,” and invited the public to suggest names for the building. The names should be “descriptive of the geographical area in which the building is located” or “the name of a deceased person who has made a significant contribution to education locally or in general or to the well-being of the local, national or international community,” according to Board policy. As of print time, the window for selections has closed, and there is no official time limit on the selection process, according to the School Board.
Year-Round School to Start This Year
For the 2024-2025 school year, Rawlings Elementary School will be changing to a year-round schedule. The school year began July 16 and will continue until May 23. This year-round calendar is designed to combat the “‘summer slide,’ the learning loss that comes with an extended period with no school,” says Jackie Johnson. In the 10-month schedule, most off-days are consolidated into the Thanksgiving, winter, spring, and summer breaks, with a few more days peppered in for national holidays and teacher workdays. However, in the year-round schedule, there will be a higher quantity of shorter breaks. The summer holiday will still be the longest amount of time off, but it will be around one month in the year-round calendar rather than the traditional two months. While Metcalf Elementary School was also meant to change to a year-round schedule, it will remain on the 10-month schedule at the request of the district. P.K. Younge may consider implementing the year-round schedule for the 2025-2026 school year.
Conversations Ongoing about Newberry Charter Initiative
The Newberry Charter Initiative has been a point of division for Newberry Elementary School Parents and Teachers. According to The Gainesville Sun, “final voting numbers for Newberry Elementary showed 149 student households voted in favor of the conversion with 125 against, and 22 out of a possible 44 teachers voted to approve the initiative.” The Florida Department of Education states that 50% of teachers’ votes must be in favor for a charter conversion to pass. As of May 6, the School Board stated that “the district had not received any official notification from the Florida Department of Education about changing the results of the Newberry Elementary School conversion vote,” making the possibility of a Newberry Charter unknown.
Principal Changes
• Santa Fe High School
Kelly Armstrong was previously the principal for six years at Oak View Middle School. He began teaching in 2002 at a Taylor County Middle School.
• Newberry Elementary School
Emery Bishop has served as assistant principal for curriculum at High Springs Community School since 2009. He started his career as a behavioral resource teacher in 1995 at Williams Elementary School.
High Springs Community School
Heather Harbour was the principal at Terwilliger Elementary for the past two years and began teaching at Norton Elementary in 2004.
Idylwild Elementary School
Casey Karas started as Oak View Middle School’s assistant principal in 2021. She began teaching in 2008 at Talbot Elementary.
Terwilliger Elementary School
Vicki McAlhany previously served as the principal, for the past five years, at Newberry Elementary. She began in 2004 as an Alachua Elementary School teacher. .
Fort Clarke Middle School
Melissa Pratto has been at Buchholz High since 2021 as the assistant principal for curriculum. She began teaching in 2008 in Marion County.
Chiles Elementary School
Christiana Robbins has been the principal at Metcalf Elementary for three years, where she began teaching in 2008.
Oak View Middle School
Jared Taber previously served as the principal of Fort Clarke Middle School since 2019 and began as an EDEP activity leader at Littlewood Elementary 25 years ago.
Metcalfe Elementary School
Cory Tomlinson was the principal at Chiles Elementary School for the past seven years and began teaching in Tennessee in 2001.
conception2college™
EXPECTING
Ready, Set, Grow: Why Your Feet May Grow During Pregnancy
INFANT | 0-1
Birthmarks: What’s Normal and What’s Not
TODDLER | 2-3
The Biggest Way to Celebrate the Little Things in Life
EARLY YEARS | 4-5
Building Their Balance
KIDS | 6-9
Pains or Gains? Navigating the World of Growth Spurts
TWEENS | 10-13
Step Aside Stage Fright
TEENS | 14-18
Be Home by Midnight!
PREGNANCY }
Ready, Set, Grow: Why Your Feet May Grow During Pregnancy
BY TRACY WRIGHT
When you get pregnant, you definitely expect to grow in all sorts of places like your tummy, hips, breasts etc. But many women may not an increase in size in an unexpected place — your feet! Pregnancy can actually cause a permanent growth in your foot size.
When I was pregnant with my first child, my feet grew, and I am now a full half size bigger in my permanent shoe size than I was before. According to a study published in the American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, researchers found that the foot length of pregnant women in the study increased by 2 to 10 millimeters (about 0.1 to 0.4 inches) during pregnancy and after childbirth. Many of the women’s shoe sizes also increased.
But why does this happen?
“The weight gained during pregnancy and looseness of ligaments cause the arch of the foot to flatten out,” according to Genesis Healthcare System. “Pregnancy hormones [like Relaxin] loosen the ligaments around your pelvis to prepare your body to give birth. They also relax the ligaments in your feet, causing the bones to spread and widen, creating a need to wear a half or full-size bigger shoe.”
In some cases, your feet may go back to your normal size, but often, women have to switch sizes permanently. Your feet may begin to grow during the second trimester.
Women may experience bad swelling during pregnancy, which can also alter the shape of your feet. Although swelling is normal, you should always consult your OB/GYN to report your symptoms as it could be a symptom of more serious conditions like preeclampsia or high blood pressure.
Brittany Gallman, local mom of three, had bad swelling during her first pregnancy, but even after childbirth, her feet were permanently a half size bigger. Like Gallman, many women find that their first pregnancy causes their feet to increase, according to the research study.
How to Cope
If you do start to notice your feet begin to grow, the most important thing to do is find the right-sized shoe that supports you during this time of profound change for your body.
“Whatever you do, don't try to squeeze into your old shoes,” according to BabyCenter. “Wearing too-tight shoes can aggravate bunions and cause a host of other painful foot problems, from ingrown toenails to corns and calluses.”
There may be some things you can do to try and prevent an increase in foot size, according to TheBump.com. These include:
• Wearing supportive shoes that are kind to your arches and have plenty of room.
• Using compression socks to help with swelling.
• Wearing supportive insoles may help, but you should check with your doctor or a physical therapist to see if they will work for you.
• Avoiding too much weight gain to take pressure off your feet.
• Elevating your feet when you can and stay hydrated.
• Trying foot-muscle exercises. “These moves can help strengthen the muscles that help support the foot: Stand on one leg, pick up marbles with your toes, scrunch a towel with your toes, stand or sit and raise up onto your tiptoes and then back on your heels.”
“It’s important to wear a shoe that fits you well (even after pregnancy) to prevent foot problems,” said TheBump.com. “There are a few pre-pregnancy shoes you may be able to get away with, like a soft leather moccasin that has some stretch, but sorry, nothing stiff. Use this as a great excuse to [go] shoe shopping.” {
Even with these strategies, your feet growing for good may be inevitable. Still, wearing supportive shoes is important for many reasons. For example, Perform Podiatry warns that weaker feet due to ligament stretching may make you more susceptible to ankle sprains. Researchers also suggest that “changes in the feet during pregnancy may explain why women are at increased risk for pain or arthritis in their feet, knees, hips and spine than men.”
{ 0-1 YEARS }
Birthmarks: What’s Normal and What’s Not
BY TRACY WRIGHT
Angel’s kisses, stork bites, strawberries, port wine or café au lait… they are known by a number of nicknames, but they all describe the birthmarks that affect more than 10% of babies born.
“Birthmarks are areas of discolored or raised skin that are present at birth or within a few weeks of birth,” according to John Hopkins Health. “Birthmarks are made up of abnormal pigment cells or blood vessels. Although the cause of birthmarks isn't known, most of them are harmless and don't need treatment.”
There are two types of birthmarks: vascular (when blood vessels don’t form correctly) and pigmented (caused by too many cells that cause pigment in skin), according to Nemours KidsHealth.
“For the most part, birthmarks are harmless, and some may fade or disappear over time even without treatment,” according to New York University-Langone Health. “Rarely, some types of birthmarks may be signs of a more serious medical condition. This is more likely if birthmarks develop in large numbers or in clusters.”
Nemours KidsHealth lists the most common vascular birthmarks as macular stains, hemangiomas and port-wine stains.
Vascular birthmarks:
• Macular stains: According to Nemours KidsHealth, these faint red birthmarks are also called “salmon patches, angel kisses, or stork bites” and “are the most common type of vascular birthmark.” They can typically be found “on the forehead or eyelids; the back of the neck; or on the nose, upper lip, or back of the head. Most often they fade on their own by the time a child is one to two years old, although some last into adulthood.”
• Hemangiomas: Hemangiomas are often described as "strawberry marks," and they “can be slightly raised and bright red, and usually won't be visible until a few days or weeks after a baby is born,” according to Nemours KidsHealth. “Hemangiomas grow quickly during the first 6 months or so of life, then usually shrink and disappear by the time a child is 5 to 10 years old.” Although most are found on the head and neck, there may need to be medical interventions if “they interfere with sight, feeding, breathing, or other body functions.”
• Port-wine stains: Port-wine stains “look like wine was spilled on an area of the body, most often on the face, neck, arms, or legs,” according to Nemours KidsHealth. These birthmarks “tend to darken over time, and do not go away on their own. Doctors will watch ones near the eye to make sure they don't cause problems. When portwine stains involve certain parts of the face, other tests (such as an MRI) might be needed.”
Pigmented birthmarks:
• Café-au-Lait spots: According to New York UniversityLangone Health, “Most café-au-lait spots appear well after a child is born.” They “vary in size and are often round or oval in shape.” These birthmarks are mostly harmless, and they “generally don’t fade and may get bigger or darker over time. The presence of 6 or more… may be linked to a genetic medical condition called neurofibromatosis type 1.” They recommend consulting your pediatrician if your child has this condition.
• Mongolian spots: “These flat, bluish-gray patches are often found on the lower back or buttocks,” according to Nemours KidsHealth. “They are most common on darker skin and usually fade… by school age without treatment.”
• Congenital Nevi: These are moles present at birth which will last throughout their lives. “Although the risk is still low, large or giant congenital nevi are more likely to develop into skin cancer… later in life,” according to Nemours KidsHealth. “Smaller congenital nevi may have a slight increase in risk. Moles can be tan, brown, or black; flat or raised; and may have hair growing out of them.”
For birthmarks that interfere with any of your child’s normal functioning, impose a risk to future health or create a severe cosmetic issue, it’s always advised that parents consult with pediatricians to guide them to specialists who can advise on the best course of action.
Visit the American Academy of Dermatology Association or the Vascular Birthmarks Foundation for more resources or information.
The Biggest Way to Celebrate the Little Things in Life
BY AMELIA BOWLES
Birthdays, first words, first steps, first days of school — these and others like them are the milestones that often define our children, in their sense of accomplishment and their progression in development. But recently, parents have been embracing a different way to celebrate their children — inchstones. Rather than celebrating only larger moments in their child’s life, they are choosing to celebrate smaller moments, which might just be the best parenting style of the future.
Where Did Inchstones Start?
According to HuffPost, the concept of inchstones may have originated in the special needs community. Children with special needs may take longer to reach milestones set by typical developmental timelines, and often with much more effort. Celebrating inchstones helps parents feel joy in the accomplishments of their children. It also gives their children a sense of self-empowerment and motivation to succeed.
Benefits of Celebrating Inchstones
In both the special needs community and the typically developing community, inchstones are meant to feel joy in the small moments with your children and foster a deeper connection with them. According to the BBC, inchstones are about “mindfulness and how important it is to be present and enjoy each little step.” For parents and children alike, developmental setbacks can often be frustrating. Inchstones give families a way to feel like their efforts matter. This way, if setbacks should occur, feelings of disappointment or frustration are lessened by the joy gained from sharing in the little things.
Why You Should Be Cautious
While celebrating inchstones can be a great bonding experience for parents and children, it needs to be done carefully to prevent negative effects, according to HuffPost. In a HuffPost interview, parent educator Kristene Geering said, “There’s a reason celebrations feel special — it’s because they don’t happen every day.” Going overboard with celebrating inchstones can cause your children to feel less motivated to try new or difficult things since everything they do is celebrated no matter the size of the event. Julie Romanowski, a parenting coach and consultant, says, “We want to acknowledge — not necessarily celebrate and throw a party,” according to CBC News. When your child reaches an inchstone, having a large-scale event with cake and balloons isn’t the goal. Instead, take time to enjoy the moment, hug your child and let them know how proud or happy the moment makes you feel. Inchstones are opportunities to communicate to your child that you see, understand, appreciate and love them, no matter their accomplishments.
Inchstones to Celebrate
• Braving the slide or swings at the playground
• Pointing and recognizing the names of animals, objects, people, etc.
• Being interested in other children playing or doing other activities
• Asking questions
• Asking for specific items or people by name
• Following two-step directions
• Potty training
• Learning to share
• Feeling, understanding and responding to complex emotions
• Expressing empathy for others
Whatever the moment, an inchstone or a milestone, the most important thing to remember is that your children are experiencing things for the first time. They won’t always succeed or get things right. But what matters is that they keep trying. Recognizing your child’s inchstones helps them to know their efforts matter and gives you a chance to appreciate the fleeting moments that disappear much too soon. Celebrating inchstones helps keep the memories of the long days close to your heart for when the years seem much too short.
4-6 YEARS }
Building Their Balance
BY COLE PURVIS
Balance and coordination is essential in every facet of our everyday lives as well as the lives of our children. Proper balance is paramount to the growth and wellbeing of our little ones. However, many children across the country experience problems with balance, and many of these problems go unnoticed or undiagnosed. Let’s take a deeper dive into the importance of balance in children and learn what we can do to best support them as they hone their abilities.
Why is Balance Important?
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), our sense of balance is a complex process managed by signals between the brain, ears, eyes and sensors in the joints and other body parts. This intricate system helps our bodies monitor and maintain their position as we move throughout the day, without us even having to think about it. Balance is a fundamental component of physical fitness. It involves the ability to maintain a controlled body position during a task, whether in static positions (such as standing) or
dynamic movements (such as walking or running). Developing good balance is key to ensuring that children can navigate their environment safely and effectively. Moreover, balance is directly linked to the development of other motor skills, including coordination, strength and agility.
Children begin to learn the basics of balance at a very early age when maintaining head control, crawling, bending down to the floor to pick up objects and eventually being able to walk and run on different surfaces. These activities can help engage their core muscles, improve their spatial awareness and enhance their proprioception (the sense of the relative position of one’s own body parts). These skills are crucial for everyday activities such as playing outdoors, riding a bike and even sitting at a desk.
Concerns with Poor Balance
Poor balance in children can be a cause for concern. It can manifest in various ways, such as frequent falls, difficulty in performing simple tasks or a reluctance to engage in physical activities. These issues can stem from several factors, including developmental delays, muscle weakness or underlying health conditions. Moreover, it is difficult to recognize and diagnose, especially because children may not know the right words to describe their symptoms. Affected children may talk about a “spinning feeling,” say that their stomach hurts or simply walk unsteadily and seem clumsy. These side effects can ultimately be inhibitors during their everyday lives.
According to research conducted by the NIH, most balance problems are temporary and easy to treat but they may also signal a more serious condition that could have a lasting impact. The researchers found that common causes of balance problems in children can range from ear infections, severe headaches and certain medications to more serious neurological disorders, head or neck injuries and genetic conditions.
If you notice dizziness and balance problems in your child, you should consult a healthcare provider to rule out a serious underlying condition and take the next best steps to help restore some balance to your little one’s life.
The Role of Balancing Tools
Balance boards and balance bikes have emerged as popular tools to help children develop these critical skills. Balance boards — typically a flat surface atop a rolling or wobbling base — challenge children to maintain their equilibrium while performing various movements. This promotes strength, coordination and agility. Similarly, balance bikes — which are essentially pedal-less bicycles — encourage children to use their feet to propel and steer, focusing on maintaining their balance rather than pedaling. These activities are not only fun for them, but they also significantly contribute to the development of essential motor skills. Fun and engaging activities like these can also boost a child’s confidence. As they master these tools, they'll have a sense of achievement and confidence, which can benefit them tremendously in their willingness to tackle new challenges.
Pains or Gains?
Navigating the World of Growth Spurts
BY AMELIA BOWLES
With appetite fluctuations, heightened emotions and voluntary naps, you might think your child has turned alien. But there might be a simpler explanation: growth spurts. A common occurrence in younger children, growth spurts “occur when your child reaches new physical growth milestones (height and weight) within a short period of time,” according to Cleveland Clinic. Generally, growth spurts aren’t a cause for concern, but knowing their signs and the ways to help remedy them can make your child’s growing pains just a bit smoother.
What are the signs of growth spurts?
According to Cleveland Clinic, signs of growth spurts may include a “decrease or increase in appetite,” “fussiness or emotional outbursts” and “adult (permanent) teeth replacing baby teeth.” Abbot Nutrition News also mentions that parents notice the following in their children: clothes suddenly not fitting as they used to, sleeping longer than usual, clumsy behavior (sudden growth may affect the child’s center of gravity) and an increase in weight.
Growth spurts may last a few days up to a week, according to Mayo Clinic. When they first experience growth spurts or growing pains, children may feel a sense of worry or self-consciousness. Knowing the signs can help you put their mind at ease and reassure them in their self-image.
According to Mayo Clinic, growing pains generally manifests as an aching sensation in “legs — often in the front of the thighs, the calves or behind the knees” or as abdominal pain or headaches. These pains are not lasting and will come and go throughout the days as your child grows. They also generally occur in the evening or at night. Some growing pains may cause your child to wake up in the night, but this is generally considered normal, according to Mayo Clinic.
How to help
your child through growing pains
Growing pains can be eased through massages, stretching, heating pads or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, according to Nemours Children's Health. Mayo Clinic also suggests supporting your child by “providing additional meals to satisfy their appetite, encouraging regular bedtimes and positive sleeping habits and being patient with their changing emotions.” When dealing with growth spurts, one of the best things you can do as a parent is being understanding of your child’s symptoms and responding with patience and emotional support.
When to speak to your child’s
pediatrician
While Mayo Clinic notes that growing pains are to be expected, if your child experiences pain that is “persistent, still present in the morning, severe enough to interfere with your child's usual activities, located in the joints, associated with an injury or accompanied by other signs or symptoms, such as swelling, redness, tenderness, fever, limping, rash, loss of appetite, weakness or fatigue,” speak with a health care provider. These are not normal symptoms of growth spurts or growing pains and may be indicative of a more serious issue with your child’s health.
Though growing pains are inevitable, understanding how to help alleviate them can make your child’s growth spurt easier and help them view it as a normal part of their development. Growth spurts can also be celebrated by using them as an opportunity to track their progress. Measuring and marking their height on a door frame, poster, measuring tape or other surface helps take their mind off the growing pains and on to the growing gains!
Step Aside Stage Fright
BY COLE PURVIS
Stage fright, also referred to as performance anxiety, is a prevalent issue that can affect anyone, from young children to seasoned adults. This form of anxiety manifests as a nervous or fearful feeling before or during a performance. While it is a natural response, it can hinder one's ability to perform to the best of their abilities. Helping our children tackle stage fright early, particularly at a young age, can significantly improve their personal and professional development.
Understanding Stage Fright
1. Building Confidence: Learning to manage stage fright at a young age helps build self-confidence. This newfound confidence is not only useful for performances but also positively influences other areas of life, such as academics, social interactions and future career prospects.
2. Developing Resilience: Overcoming stage fright fosters resilience and coping mechanisms that are valuable in various situations. Children learn to face challenges head-on and develop strategies to handle stress and anxiety effectively.
3. Enhancing Communication Skills: Performance experiences often require clear and confident communication. By working through stage fright, young people enhance their public speaking and interpersonal communication skills, which are essential for future personal and professional success.
4. Encouraging Personal Growth: Conquering fears and anxieties promotes personal growth and selfawareness. It encourages young individuals to step out of their comfort zones, try new things and discover their untapped potential.
Tips to Overcome Stage Fright
1. Preparation and Practice: Thorough preparation is crucial. The more familiar you are with your material, the more confident you will feel. Rehearse repeatedly until you feel comfortable with your performance. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or perform in front of friends and family to gain feedback.
2. Visualization: Use visualization techniques to imagine a successful performance. Picture yourself on stage, feeling calm and confident, and visualize the audience responding positively. This mental rehearsal can help reduce anxiety and build confidence.
3. Breathing Exercises: Deep breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system. Practice inhaling deeply through your nose, holding your breath for a few seconds and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This technique helps reduce physical symptoms of anxiety and promotes relaxation.
4. Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your strengths and past successes. Encourage yourself with statements like, "I am prepared and capable," or "I can do this." Positive self-talk can shift your mindset and boost your confidence.
5. Focus on the Message: Shift your focus from yourself to the message you want to convey. Concentrate on the content of your performance and the impact you want to have on your audience. This can help distract you from anxious thoughts and keep you grounded.
6. Gradual Exposure: Gradually expose yourself to performance situations. Start with smaller, less intimidating audiences and gradually work your way up to larger groups. This incremental exposure helps desensitize you to the fear and builds confidence over time.
{ 14-18 YEARS }
Be Home by Midnight!
BY APRIL TISHER
When I was a teenager, I was certain I was the ONLY one who had a curfew. This wasn’t true of course, but my parents were stricter than others. I tried to get around this by spending the night with friends who had a later one than I did and yes, on occasion, I got caught. Back then I didn’t understand the point of a curfew. Who cared what time we came home? My dad, however, always insisted that nothing good happened after midnight, a sentiment that I, now as a parent, tend to agree with. Are curfews still something regularly enforced, or have they become a thing of the past?
I surveyed some local parents to see what the real world answer to this was. Out of the 32 responses I received, 28 of the parents said they do have curfews imposed on their teens, but that they were set on a case-by-case basis. Four parents said they imposed a strict no-exceptions curfew on their teens. My mom claims when she was a teen, her father was so strict on her curfew that even a flat tire did not qualify as an excuse. He told her that they should leave early enough to anticipate car trouble or traffic concerns. I’m not sure if that’s another one of those, “walked 10 miles in the snow uphill both ways to school every day” type of tales or not, but it did make me appreciate her leniency.
From those surveyed, I found that most aren’t too concerned about curfews until their children start driving on their own. Until then, you can easily control when they are dropped off and picked up. Anne D., a mom of two teens, said she was only willing to bend the time if they were at the home of a friend that she knew the parents of; otherwise, she was strict. Several respondents said that their own parents did not enforce curfews on them and that it was not a good thing, so they were less lenient on their own teens. Most said they have earlier weekday curfews for school purposes (10 p.m.), but that too was determined by the activity. If students are in band or athletics, away games might constitute a later time.
Once they start driving themselves around though, it’s a whole new game. A lot of parents use the Florida DMV’s restrictions on teenagers driving as a standard. Depending on how old you are, you may not be aware of these restrictions, but children are no longer free and clear when they turn 16 and get a license. DMV rules state that a 16-year-old who has received their operator’s
license can only drive between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Once they turn 17 years old, they can drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. After they turn 18, there are no further restrictions.
Ginger S., a mom of two teens, says her teenage son must be in by 10 p.m on the weekdays and 11 p.m. on the weekends, unless he asks her for a later time. She says even then, no later than the DMV hours are allowed. Another mom, Sheila J., says she uses an app that shows her where her children are. She highly recommends it, saying, “Being able to check on my kids’ whereabouts has reduced a lot of worry.” Some apps are very detailed and can tell you if they have traveled outside of an area they allowed to be in, how fast they are driving, etc. You can customize these to your level of comfort, and letting your children know they are being monitored is also advised.
In the end you must do what is right for you and your family. As one commenter stated, “Their curfews were pretty much determined by how late I was willing to stay up… it had to do with the fact that I could not go to sleep until they were safely in the house.”
In a recent survey, 28 out of 32 parents said they do have curfews imposed on their teens.
IMAGINE INNOVATE INSPIRE
Trilogy believes in the strength of students, the importance of community, and changing the world for good. Our Bold Learning Objectives and rigorous competency-based assessment create meaningful academic study and empower students to take the lead. From K-12, Trilogy students chase their passions, build a vocabulary of self, and live by principles which make the world a better place.
august/september
Recurring Events
Mill Creek Farm Retirement Home for Horses
11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Mill Creek Farm millcreekfarm.org
Bring 2 carrots to pay for your admission to feed retired horses! This event repeats every Saturday.
Free Fridays Concert Series
7 - 9 p.m. | Bo Diddley Plaza | gainesvillefl.gov
Every Friday through September, go see amazing free music at Bo Diddley Plaza. This event repeats every Friday through September.
Head out to Haile to enjoy fresh, local produce, meats, honey, oils and more! This event repeats every Saturday.
Gainesville Cars & Coffee at Tioga
9 - 11 a.m. | Tioga Town Center facebook.com/events
Local automotive enthusiasts can get together and enjoy a cup of coffee while looking at everyone’s vehicles! All cars are welcome, regardless of whether they are imports, exotics or classics. This event repeats the first Saturday of every month through September.
Story Time at the Zoo
10:30 - 11 a.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo sfcollege.edu/zoo
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo and the Alachua County Library host a free story time in front of the zoo on the lawn. Feel free to visit the zoo afterward! This event repeats the third Wednesday every month.
Cade Museum Maker Workshop Series
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Cade Museum cademuseum.org
This is an innovative program for kids ages 9 and up to participate in hands-on activities using different materials, electronics and coding platforms. This event repeats every Saturday.
NOW THROUGH MAY
Barnyard Buddies
3 - 4 p.m.
Morningside Nature Center Living History Farm visitgainesville.com
At the Living History Farm, visitors can interact with farm animals and help staff feed them apples, sweet potatoes and melons, all of which can be donated. This event repeats every Wednesday.
NOW THROUGH MAY Frogs and Friends Fridays
2 - 3 p.m.
Morningside Nature Center Education Building visitgainesville.com
At the outdoor screened pavilion at Morningside Nature Center, you and your child can learn about amphibians and reptiles! This event repeats the first Friday of each month.
Stay and Play 2.0 is a safe and fun environment for kids 5 and under and their parents. Kids will enjoy open play and obstacle courses. This preschool gym offers equipment especially designed for your little ones. This event repeats every Friday and Saturday.
Sun Country Sports Center
Kids Night Out
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com/kidsnightout/
Take your kids to a night out at Sun CountrySports. Here, your children will get to play group games and enjoy a ninja zone and outdoor playground. Pizza is included, and pre-registration is recommended. This event repeats the third Friday of each month.
Splash Jam
11:30 a.m. - Noon | Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com
Come for some extra time in the pool to improve your skills! Available for children ages 3 and up. (West location only).
This event repeats every Saturday.
Ninja Jam
Noon - 12:55 p.m. | Sun Country Sports Center suncountrysports.com
Learn the ways of the Ninja. Available for children ages 3 and up. (West location only).
This event repeats every Saturday.
THROUGH AUGUST 11
2024 Back To School
Sales Tax Holiday
NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
Wednesday - Saturday | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Matheson History Museum | mathesonmuseum.org
This Smithsonian-affiliated exhibit showcases artifacts from the almost 250-year U.S. government history exploring the struggle for voting rights and more.
Explore the wildlife and beauty of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens on a guided tour.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7
Studio Ghibli Fest 2024: Ponyo
3 and 7 p.m. | Select local theaters gkids.com/ghiblifest
Watch “Ponyo” in theaters! The movie comes from Studio Ghibli, which produced movies like Academy Award winning “Spirited Away.”
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Tioga Movie Night: Little Giants
7:30 - 9:15 p.m. | Tioga Town Center facebook.com/events
Get outside with your friends and family and enjoy “Little Giants” outdoors in Tioga. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
ACPS Student-Athlete Mental Health Summit
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Champions Club at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium sbac.edu/studentathletesummit
At this free event, ACPS is teaming up with community agencies and coaches to teach students how to take care of their mental health as an athlete. There will be special guest keynote speakers, break out sessions, food, and giveaways with prizes.
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
First day of school: Alachua County Public Schools
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
First day of school: Saint Francis Catholic Academy
Saint Patrick's Interparish School
Queen of Peace Catholic Academy
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
First day of school: Oak Hall School Students
rmhcncf.org/event/red-shoe-affair
The 12th annual Red Shoe Affair will support the Ronald McDonald House families and celebrate the organization’s new house. There will be silent and live auctions, family stories, food, open bars, dancing and more!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17
UF/IFAS Family Fishing Day: Back to School Bonanza
Enjoy some quality time together and celebrate the start of the school year at this month’s UF/ IFAS Family Fishing Day!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
Back to School Book and Art Faire
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | The Auk Market facebook.com/events
Celebrate the beginning of the school year by enjoying beignets and other treats, browsing a selection of local books and shopping for vendor-made back-to-school goods. There will also be local author book signings, back-toschool swag and more!
Do you have a dancer or two in the family? Your child can audition for the Dance Alive National Ballet performance of “The Nutcracker” and their youth group, Next Generation.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
2024 Cupcakes & Conversations: College Discoveries
2 - 5 p.m. | Santa Fe College Charles L. Blount Center eventbrite.com
Middle and high school students and parents/ guardians are invited to this all-things-college workshop! Attendees can connect with local college resources, walk a day-in-the-life of a college student and enter college prep giveaways. There will also be free resource kits, snacks and, of course, cupcakes! Register in advance at dreamonpurpose.org/events.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Brew at the Zoo
4 - 7 p.m. | Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo sfcollege.edu/zoo
This is Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo’s third annual Brew at the Zoo! Guests 21+ can enjoy an evening of live music, craft beer, animal encounters, food and more. All funds raised will support the zoo.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
Healthy Afternoons with Gainesville Fire Rescue
3 - 5 p.m. | Locations vary gainesvillefl.gov
Join the Gainesville Fire Rescue every month for family-friendly fun while learning important health and safety information and connecting with the community. Check their Facebook for updated meeting information!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 30
Throwback 90’s-2000’s Tioga Concert Night
7 - 10 p.m. | Tioga Town Center facebook.com/events
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy live throwback music by Chillula!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
Gators Football vs. Miami
3:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium facebook.com/events
Watch the Gators and the Hurricanes play their 57th game to kick off football season! This is their first time meeting in the Swamp since the Gators beat them 26-3 in 2008.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Labor Day
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Tioga Concert Night featuring Jamie Davis
7 - 10 p.m.
Tioga Town Center facebook.com/events
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy live music by Jamie Davis!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Halloween Costume Release
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Weecycle facebook.com/Weecycle
Weecycle of Gainesville will release thousands of gently used and new Halloween costumes! Stop by and find your next Halloween costume.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Guided Walk at Kanapaha
Botanical Gardens
10 a.m. - Noon
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens visitgainesville.com
Explore the wildlife and beauty of Kanapaha Botanical Gardens on a guided tour.
Enjoy some quality time together at this month’s UF/IFAS Family Fishing Day!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
UF vs. Texas A&M
3:30 p.m. | Ben Hill Griffin Stadium
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Williston’s 2024 Festive Fall Outdoor Market
10 a.m. | Williston Horseman’s Park facebook.com/events
Get into the fall spirit and enjoy the fresh air at Williston’s Festive Fall Outdoor Market! There will be over 85 vendors, food trucks and more.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Tioga Movie Night: Uncle Buck
7:30 - 9:30 p.m. | Tioga Town Center facebook.com/events
Get outside with your friends and family and enjoy “Uncle Buck” outdoors in Tioga. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Healthy Afternoons with Gainesville Fire Rescue
3 - 5 p.m. | Locations vary gainesvillefl.gov
Join the Gainesville Fire Rescue every month for family-friendly fun while learning important health and safety information and connecting with the community. Check their Facebook for updated meeting information!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Cancer Chomp 2024
8 - 11 a.m. | UF Cancer & Genetics Research Complex donate.giving.ufhealth.org
The 3rd annual Cancer Chomp will support patients and their families undergoing brain tumor treatment at UF Health. This event includes a 5K run/walk, mini therapy horses, a kid zone, charitable organizations, community vendors, UF Gator mascots, the Gator Marching Band and more. All proceeds will go toward the patients.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Tioga Car Show
4 - 8 p.m. | Tioga Town Center facebook.com/events
Come see a lineup of cars and trucks with everything from vintage classics to modern styles! There will also be live music, food, entertainment, activities, prizes and more. This event is free.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Thornebrook Fall Arts Festival
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Shoppes At Thornebrook facebook.com/events
Celebrate the arts and the talent of local artists at the 39th annual Thornebrook Fall Arts Festival! There will be diverse artistic creations, including sculptures, paintings, woodwork, jewelry and more. You can also stroll through the shops and enjoy bites from food trucks and restaurants.
Looking for even more local fun?
Visit gigglemagazine.com to browse our online calendar and find your next family adventure!
