January 2015 | Dayton Parent Magazine

DAYTON

PARENT january 2015 | free

EDUCATION

101

Researching the school option right for your child

+GOING

OVERBOARD When parents help their students too much

what’s cool at

PUBLIC

SCHOOL Igniting the spark of learning

the

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education ISSUE

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health & wellness guide

H E A LT H & WELL N E S S GUIDE

WATER OF LIFE NATUROPATHIC HEALTHCARE www.VEdwardsnd.com 937-275-9473

FIVE SEASONS SPORTS CLUB www.5sscday.com 937-848-9200

KETTERING HEALTH NETWORK ketteringhealth.org/maternity facebook.com/KetteringHealthNetwork

ACCESS MD CHILDRENS URGENT CARE www.accessmdurgentcasres.com 844-262-1010

PREMIER HEALTH premierhealth.com Miami Valley Hospital | Good Samaritan Hospital | Atrium Medical Center | Upper Valley Medical Center

FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS

DAYTON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

www.metroparks.org

www.childrensdayton.org facebook.com/daytonchildrens daytonparentmagazine.com / january 2015

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table of contents

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Education 101

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What’s Cool at Public School

Fast Friends

contents

january 2015

features

columns

in every issue

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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ONLINE BUZZ

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

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JANUARY EVENTS

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WACKY CALENDAR

EDUCATION 101

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AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITY GUIDE

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WHAT’S COOL AT PUBLIC SCHOOL

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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE GUIDE

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GOING OVERBOARD

20 FAST FRIENDS 22

PREPARING FOR AN IEP MEETING

ASK THE TEACHER TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A STAY-AT-HOME DAD FOOTNOTES: THOUGHTS FROM THE MARGINS OF A MOM’S LIFE WEIGHT GAIN, EXERCISE, AND NUTRITION FOR KIDS

35 THE MODERN MILITARY PARENT

on the cover Sophie Baumgardner (5) photo by: Living Joy Photography daytonparentmagazine.com / january 2015

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publisher’s note

welcome to our

education issue!

DAYTON

PARENT PUBLISHER

Mary Wynne Cox | Mary@daytonparentmagazine.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & SALES DIRECTOR Katy Mark | Katy@daytonparentmagazine.com

EDITOR

W

hat was your favorite part of school when you were growing up? A special teacher that encouraged you? Finding a club or sport where you connected with new friends? Discovering a class where you excelled?

(Or maybe the highlight of your day was lunch and recess!)

School plays such an important role in our kids’ lives – it’s no surprise we put so much effort into finding the right environment where they can thrive. With the wide variety of academic choices available in our area, determining the best fit can be a challenge however. This month our Education 101 article walks you through a range of options from charter and private schools to homeschool and virtual programs.

Also this month we highlight a few of the unique clubs and classes that are being offered in our local public schools. You will be amazed at what is available to elementary students today! Check out What’s Cool at Public School to learn what educators are doing to get kids excited about coming to school every day.

Do you have a child who has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in place at school? If you’re new to this process, it can seem confusing and overwhelming.

Preparing for an IEP Meeting can help you advocate for your child most effectively and make the most of these important conferences.

Sometimes the best intentions to help kids succeed in school actually become detrimental when parents assume too much responsibility for their child’s work.

(Red flag: How often have you thought “I wonder how much homework we have tonight.”?) It can be hard to know when we’ve crossed over into helicopter parenting – read Going Overboard for some suggestions to ensure that your student is taking ownership of his own work.

It’s a new year – and a new semester! We wish you the best of luck in both! With this issue we hope you find some helpful information to get your student off to a great start in 2015!

Susan Bryant | Susan@daytonparentmagazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Larry Ryan | Larry@daytonparentmagazine.com Jennifer Baum | Jennifer@daytonparentmagazine.com Katie Clark | Katie@daytonparentmagazine.com

WEB DEVELOPER

Wendy Cox | Wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Jennifer Beahrs | Jbeahrs@daytonparentmagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Maria Tancredi | Maria@daytonparentmagazine.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Roxanne Burns | Roxanne@daytonparentmagazine.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Wendy Schrepherman | S.Wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Bricker-Hunt, Sarah McCosham, Jennifer Garcia, Lauren Lawson, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Kelly Blewett, Molly Blake

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com

CONTACT US

daytonparent@daytonparentmagazine.com

COPYRIGHT

Dayton Parent Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2014 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary, or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more, visit daytonparentmagazine.com

Katy Mark Associate Publisher

katy@daytonparentmagazine.com

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online buzz

ONLINEBUZZ

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My five-year-old daughter has a husband named Bob. She introduced him to us over dinner one evening. His job is to pick flowers for her. He also grows corn in his back yard, but he’s not a farmer. He has God in his heart, so she was sure Daddy would approve. He joins us regularly for family get-togethers!

- bronwyn c .

Yes, my four year old has a whole army of superheroes who live with us. Nightwing is with us pretty much all the time, and Robin and Green Lantern are also frequent visitors.

- jennifer g .

Well I did. Her name was Emily. I was an only child for a while. Emily ran across the road one day and got hit by a car.

- lindsey e .

Yes. She showed up one day on the swings at the park. Her name was Chuta. From ages 3-5 Chuta would come and go.

- robin

« Like Dayton Parent on Facebook for Freebie Fridays & surprise contests.

m.

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we asked : HAVE ANY OF YOUR CHILDREN EVER HAD AN IMAGINARY FRIEND?

@ Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter for contests and all things Dayton Parent.

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community spotlight

community spotlight

Young’s 146th Birthday Celebration!

Get a waffle cone for only $1.46! Get a cheeseburger for only $1.46!

Get a Kid’s Meal for only $1.46! Do you see a theme here? Help Young’s Dairy celebrate their 146th birthday by getting big discounts on some of your family favorites from January 16 - 19. Be sure to stop by and take advantage of these yummy deals! 6880 Springfield-Xenia Rd., Yellow Springs, OH, 937-325-0629, www. youngsdairy.com.

Family Farm Chores at Carriage Hill Do you have someone at home who loves animals? Join a farm staff person at Carriage Hill to feed and brush animals, gather eggs and clean stalls. Get to know some of the farm animals up close and personal! Meet at the farmhouse. Registration is required. Saturday, January 17, 8:30 am -10 am, 7800 E. Shull Rd., Huber Heights, OH, 937-276-7062, www.metroparks.org.

Join the YMCA! Now is the perfect time to get your resolutions in order and get in shape! At the Y, you can take care of the whole family all under one roof! Learn CPR, participate in Move 2 Lose, watch the kids participate in ballet, art or hockey or enjoy a swimming or fitness class – all while taking advantage of up to two hours per day of free childcare with a membership! Your local YMCA has so much to offer for the whole family, including possible financial assistance.

Multiple locations throughout Dayton include Fairborn, West Carrollton, Downtown, Kettering, Xenia, Huber Heights and Eaton. Go to www.ymcaonline.org for more information.

Juice Box Jams with Big Bang Boom!

Big Bang Boom is creative kid’s music that families can enjoy together. This high-energy live concert with real live musicians has tons of audience participation. From getting the kids on stage to joining the “SpongeBob Chorus” to a parents vs. kids hokey pokey challenge, there is no sitting down at a Big Bang Boom show! Recommended for ages 5 and up. Show duration is 60 minutes. Tickets are $15. Saturday, January 24 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St. Dayton, OH, 937-228-3630, www. victoriatheatre.com.

Monster Jam Come see the world’s greatest monster trucks at this year’s Monster Jam! Take the kids for some good dirty fun and cheer on your favorite truck. Fun for kids of all ages! Check web site for current pricing and show details. Friday, January 30, 7:30 pm, Saturday, January 31, 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, Ervin J. Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy. Dayton, OH, www.nuttercenter.com

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Application required?

Yes. Requirements vary widely.

Tuition?

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Researching the school option right for your child Sarah Bricker-Hunt

Greater Dayton is home to a wide variety of school alternatives. While parents are fortunate to have so many choices available, the sheer number of options can leave one wondering where to start. Here we explain some of the key differences among the various types of schooling available in our area.

Public and charter schools Each district is unique in how it designs its school system, but it is typical to see several elementary schools feeding into a few middle or junior high schools, culminating in one or two high schools. Some districts allow for “school of choice” designations, meaning parents can select a specific school within the district.

Charter schools receive public funding but are run independently.

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Application required?

Sometimes. Dayton Public Schools, for instance, requires applications to some of its schools, and a few have extensive waiting lists. Charter schools require applications.

Tuition?

Generally, no. Charter schools are tuition-free.

Find out more: Dayton Public School’s website (www. dps.k12.oh.us) includes details about every school in the district. Input your zip code to find charter schools near you at the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools website (www.oapcs. org/?q=find-a-school).

Private schools Private schools are not required to follow some of the federal and state laws that apply to public schools, especially in regards to curriculum.

Parochial (religion-centered) schools fall under the private category.

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Yes. Financial assistance is often available, and academic scholarships can be earned at some private schools in later years. Some schools will work with you to establish a payment plan, while others require full payment upfront. Check on these details early in the process if the cost is a major concern for your family.

Find out more: The Archdiocese of Cincinnati website (www.catholiccincinnati.org/ ministries-offices/catholic-schoolsoffice/) includes Dayton area schools, and provides a wealth of information for families interested in Catholic education. The School Digger website (www.schooldigger.com) offers an extensive database of private schools throughout the state.

Montessori schools “Montessori” is an educational approach designed by Maria Montessori. Classrooms are mixed age with an approach that includes a great deal of child-led choice, movement and hands-on discovery.

Application required?

Usually. Some Montessori schools are public schools and don’t require a formal application. Private Montessori schools always do.

Tuition?

Tuition is required at private Montessori schools.

Find out more: Check out the Ohio Montessori Alliance (http://ohiomontessorialliance. org) for a directory of Montessori schools across the state. For more general information about the Montessori method, try the American Montessori Society website. Locally, consider contacting the Montessori School of Dayton or Gloria Dei Montessori to get started.

Homeschool and virtual school Parents who opt to exercise the legal right to homeschool file a notice with their local district and follow other state laws to report back to the district about their child’s educational progress. Some families choose to purchase a pre-set curriculum, while others opt for a more relaxed or hands-on approach. Virtual, or eschools, are sometimes considered a subset of homeschool since most schoolwork is conducted at home, on a computer. However, students enrolled in these schools are actually classified as public students in a statewide district. They follow a curriculum provided by the virtual school and check in with state certified teachers on a regular basis.

Application required?

Virtual schools require an extensive application process to verify a student’s identity, school and medical history. Homeschool families follow state standards for notification to the local district.

Tuition?

Most virtual/e-schools are free to families, including all materials and a computer. Homeschooling is tuition-free, but curricula choices run the gamut from free to thousands of dollars a year.

Find out more: Go to the Ohio Department of Education website (www.education.ohio. gov) to read about homeschool requirements in Ohio and for a list and overview of state-level e-schools. A few online schools to consider include Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA), Virtual Community School of Ohio (VCS) and TRECA Digital Academy (TDA).

The right educational environment for your student is out there – with a little homework you can find the best fit to help your child have a happy and successful school experience!

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afterschool activity guide

afterschool

ACTIVITY GUIDE

ymca of greater dayton 111 W. First St., Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-610-9622 | www.ymcaonline.org The YMCA is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable care for children. With 49 Miami Valley child care locations, we serve families with infants up through the 6th grade. Our staff members partner with parents and caregivers, working together to help kids grow up healthy, happy and strong. Financial assistance is available call 937-610-9622 today.

town hall theatre 27 N. Main St., Centerville, Oh 45459 | 937-433-8957 ext. 2832 | www.townhalltheatre.org Registration for our winter session acting classes begins December 15th.

Classes start the week of January 5th and run 12 weeks. Choose from preschool introductory acting classes for ages 4-7 or our core Acting Levels 1-2 for children in grades 2-8. Private voice and acting lessons also available!

dayton metro libraries

Looking for fun, free after school activities? Visit your Library! Your child could read to a dog, build a Lego creation, work on craft projects, talk about good books, play video and board games, get homework help and so much more - all FREE at the Dayton Metro Library! Find the Library nearest you at DaytonMetroLibrary.org 937-463-2665

davis vocal studios 2007 Jessi Lane, Miamisburg, OH 45342 | 937-866-1746 | www. davisvocalstudio.com Voice and piano private lessons performance workshops and performance opportunities. Highly qualified experienced instructor. Pave the way for future music career or just for fun and growth!

paintbrush pottery

victoria theatre 138 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-228-7591 ext. 3039 | victoriatheatre.com Victoria Theatre Association offers a variety of affordable Family & Student performances throughout the year (PreK-12). VTA also offers educational workshops, free resource guides, and hands-on master classes with touring Broadway companies.

Keep your eye out for NEW afterschool programs in the spring! Visit our website, or call for information.

south metro sports 10561 Success Lane, Centerville, OH 45458 | 937-885-7590 | smetrosports.com

Hockey 1-4)classes offered on Tues & Wed at South Metro Sports 6 weeks session starts Jan 6 $72.00 register online. Ages 4-17 pre-k through 12.

music together of south dayton Various Locations | 614-499-4133 | www.musictogetherofsouthdayton.com Big Kids blends the Music Together program loved by families for over twenty-five years with new activities and skills that are developmentally appropriate for older children. To accompany the weekly classes, students receive take-home resources to continue the fun and learning and keep parents directly connected to their childs musical development.

Ages 5-7

Ice Skating Lessons offered: Learn to skate (Snowplow Sam, Basic 1-4 &

255 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH 45066 | 937-609-3300 | www. paintbrushpottery.com We have “AFTER SCHOOL ART CLUB� every other Wednesday from 4:30-6:00 where we do different artistic projects. Usually $25+tax. Includes a light snack. Perfect for ages 6-13. LOTS OF FUN!

(all Montgomery County) 215 E. 3rd St., Dayton, OH 45402 | 937463-2665 | DaytonMetroLibrary.org daytonparentmagazine.com / january 2015

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S

What's Cool at

Public School

Unique clubs, classes and programs that ignite the spark of learning Lauren Lawson

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tudent engagement is the spark that lights a flame of interest, which can ignite a fire that grows into a passion. In order to engage a curious student, an educational program must attract children on a real level – stimulating their interests and helping them grow into lifelong learners, not just yearlong students.

Our local public schools are doing just that, creating special activities that challenge kids to think in innovative ways and open up their world to new possibilities. Here are just a few of the unique programs offered in our area schools.

Medlar View Elementary School

Miamisburg City School District Medlar View Elementary offers its students a “Burg’s Eye View” with their media production club. Working either behind the camera or in front of a lens, students in Burg’s Eye View learn how to create a media production each month, focusing on an interesting activity or current event. Medlar View High School students help their elementary friends with the technology behind the production and fifth grade students serve as broadcast members. Productions are then taped and aired on a local cable channel.

Harman Elementary School Oakwood City School District

Harman Elementary School is keeping its students technologically savvy through their Coding Club. Established by a PTO parent, this extracurricular activity teaches kids to build their own computer games, animations and interactive stories. Using Scratch, a free online program developed by MIT, students perform computer-oriented tasks that help them explore computational thinking concepts and prac-

tices. Every week at Coding Club, the young web masters receive a few minutes of instruction and an open-ended activity, which may include debugging a computer program or creating their own electronic game.

Bethel Elementary School Bethel Local School District

The Math Pentathlon Club at Bethel Elementary, offered to students in grades 2-7, uses a fun game-style format to encourage growth in the areas of mathematical strategies and cognitive skills. The Math Pentathlon Club works to bolster students’ enthusiasm for math and change the preconceived negativity that often surrounds the subject. Bethel’s group of budding mathematicians hopes to host its own all-day math competition in the spring, as well as compete on a larger level in Indianapolis next year.

Kinder Elementary School

Miamisburg City School District Kinder Elementary School participates in the nutritional and physical activity program “Fuel Up to Play 60.”

Launched by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League, Fuel Up to Play 60 challenges students to make healthy food choices and exercise for at least 60 minutes per day. The program also works to ensure that students make these positive changes while maintaining their studies. Kinder Elementary kids learn the benefits of starting healthy habits while they’re young and support their peers in the same efforts as well.

What unique programs does your public school offer? Send a message to editor@daytonparentmagazine.com to share your stories!

SOUTH METRO

SKATE WORLD

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education and childcare guide

education & CHILDCARE GUIDE ascension school

dayton public schools

2001 Woodman Dr., Dayton, OH 45420 | 937-254-5411 | www.ascensionkettering.org/ school/

115 South Ludlow Street, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-542-5555 | www.dps.k12.oh.us

Ascension Catholic School is a K-8 elementary school that fosters academic achievement, spiritual growth, and differentiated instruction. Ascension’s Staff includes intervention specialists, a reading specialist, speech pathologist, and an extensive parent volunteer program called the Ascension Academic Team which offers individualized instruction for students.

dayton christian schools 9391 Washington Church Rd., Miamisburg, OH 45342 | 937-2911712 | www.daytonchristian.com Dayton Christian is passionate about providing a biblically integrated, academically rigorous educational experience to preschool through 12th grade students from around the Miami Valley. We make it easy for you to discover the Dayton Christian difference! Check out www.educatingforeternity.com/ whatwedo for a schedule of Admissions Events and to see how we are Educating for Eternity!

Dayton Public Schools offers free full/ half-day preschool for children ages 3-5. Classes meet Monday through Thursday. We provide a balanced schedule to meet the developmental needs of all children. Staff are licensed by the Ohio Department of Education. Families of all income levels are eligible to apply.

the miami valley school 5151 Denise Dr., Dayton, OH 45429 | 937-434-4444 | www.mvschool.com At The Miami Valley School, we adhere to a demanding scholarship built up by a foundation of integrity and grit. Our teachers empower students to live life to fullest, to discover their true passion, and then to responsibly pursue their dreams with emotional and intellectual rigor. Students don’t just come to MVS. Here, they become.

For early childhood - 12th grade.

st. charles school

ymca of greater dayton

4600 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429 | 937-434-4933 | www.stcharles-kettering.org

111 W. First St., Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-610-9622 | www.ymcaonline.org

Working as individuals and a community, we help build a strong foundation of FAITH, foster an unending appetite for KNOWLEDGE, work to achieving BALANCE, in our day-today lives and instill HONOR by doing what is right.

The YMCA is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable care for children. With 49 Miami Valley child care locations, we serve families with infants up through the 6th grade. Our staff members partner with parents and caregivers, working together to help kids grow up healthy, happy and strong. Financial assistance is available. Call 937-610-9622 today.

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quickly, fighting this urge ultimately leads to empowered, confident kids.

Recently, the “No Rescue” approach to parenting has been talked about in the media – a premise that kids should experience the natural consequences of their actions instead of relying on parents to “fix” everything for them.

For example, when a child forgets his homework at home, a parent doesn’t “rescue” him by bringing it to school, but lets him suffer the consequences of a poor grade or discipline by the teacher. This experience teaches a more valuable lesson to kids in the long run about being responsible for their work and for themselves.

When it comes to providing a healthy amount of help, Wilson and Krupowicz offer these tips:

Going Overboard What kids lose with parents who help too much |

From elementary school science projects to college applications, kids look to their parents for guidance. But at what point is our help no longer helpful? The boundary isn’t always clear and a parent’s good intentions to provide assistance can backfire when kids don’t learn to take ownership of their own work.

Determining just how involved we should be can be difficult. As teachers know, parents are essential to their children’s academic success.

Kids who have little or no support at home tend to struggle more in school than those with parents who are actively involved. “Parents who are keyed in to school provide built-in tutoring, and the emotional support

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and encouragement many children need,” says Deb Krupowicz, sixth grade teacher and Dayton Parent “Ask the Teacher” columnist. “Striking a balance is a challenge for all parents. When a parent finds himself thinking, ‘I wonder how much homework we will have tonight?’ he has a skewed sense of helpfulness.”

A child with a “helicopter parent” who routinely steps in to take ownership of an assignment or project robs their son or daughter of the chance to feel confident in their own abilities.

“The natural cycle of not knowing, of working through the murkiness of confusion, of trying and failing, and of finally trying and succeeding is circumvented,” says Krupowicz.

School counselor Jennifer Wilson agrees. “It’s difficult to see your child in trouble. [But] if a child is constantly getting the message that his parent has to step in, they can feel helpless and incompetent. They never get the

january 2015 \ daytonparentmagazine.com

•

Make sure your expectations of your child’s responsibility and academic abilities are realistic based upon the child’s age and emotional maturity.

•

Set them up for success by creating a homework routine, including a homework zone stocked with basic supplies and free of distractions.

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Go over directions and check for understanding. Offer overall feedback, but not specific right or wrong answers.

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Check on progress periodically to encourage your child to focus, and check over work once it’s completed.

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If you see evidence that your child is struggling with concepts, and simple explanations don’t help, let the teacher know so he or she can work to improve the situation.

•

Remember that the goal of homework is not perfection, but for the child to develop skills needed for academic success.

Jennifer Garcia

opportunity to be successful on their own.”

Unfortunately, setting up this dynamic in childhood can carry over to adulthood, with young adults never developing important skills like self-motivation and resiliency. Molli Stephens, a human resources professional, says it’s not uncommon to see young job applicants bring parents to interviews. “It’s wonderful for parents to be involved, to encourage and prep their children on their job search. However, there is a point where they need to step away and let the child own the job search himself.

When a candidate brings his parent to an interview it shows me that he is not independent, cannot think on his own, and is too reliant on a parental figure.”

Although it’s hard for parents to watch their child struggle – especially when it would be so easy to step in and help them resolve a problem

And then step back. Let your children learn from their mistakes and take pride in their successes – knowing that both belong to them.

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FAST FRIENDS Tips for helping kids make healthy friendships Sarah Bricker-Hunt

Navigating the waters of childhood friendships can be surprisingly difficult for parents. How do you help your kids learn how to make friends? What if your child has a friend you don’t like? Should you intervene when a friend mistreats your child or let him resolve the situation on his own?

PRESCHOOL AND EARLY ELEMENTARY YEARS Cobin Trout, therapist at Compass Point Counseling Services, says that for preschoolers, the concept of friendship is brand new. “Often, up until this point, they have interacted mostly with parents, siblings and extended family members.”

Trout says social experiences in the classroom can lead to anxiousness, frustration or confusion.

In turn, parents may be tempted to advise their child to stay away from certain peers. It is more effective to equip your child with relational skills to deal with these situations. “You could respond by giving the child directions on how to respectfully express how the other child’s actions are making him or her feel and set limits around how they want to be treated,” she suggests.

Trout says at this age, children tend to see things as black or white, so a misbehaving peer could be unfairly labeled “bad” by them. “Help children

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see that people are not one dimensional. Each child has strengths and weaknesses, and snap judgments interfere with the opportunity for new friendships.”

MID-ELEMENTARY YEARS By the mid-elementary years, children become more self-aware and peer-influenced, which affects friend choices. This is a crucial time for parental guidance, especially when it comes to harmful relationships. “Red flags to be mindful of are changes in the overall mood of your child, overly focused on their outward looks, and only interacting with one or two individuals,” she says.

Trout suggests giving your child some guidelines to help them determine if they are involved in an unhealthy friendship. For example, being pressured to bully or alienate peers, or finding themselves changing in order to fit in. She also advises parents not to allow social media and smart phone use. “At this age children are not developmentally able to manage this aspect of social communication.”

TWEENS AND TEENS The transition into the social world at this stage will be less dramatic if parents spend time setting a foundation for “social and relational intelligence,” Trout says. “Children that enter this phase with more social confidence and acceptance of

others will be less likely to get caught up in the social drama that can be all-consuming for some adolescents.”

Trout suggests parents allow teens to resolve their own conflicts in ways that hopefully preserve otherwise healthy friendships. “If your child is open to it, be a sounding board for them, but don’t make the decisions for them.”

Parents do need to be mindful of potentially dangerous relationships. Beyond more obvious issues like illegal activities and safety concerns, Trout says parents should intervene “if you sense your child is rallying others to get involved in a conflict and gang up on another peer.”

Trout says it is prudent for parents to set limits on technology, and to talk to teens about social media. “Information that is not communicated directly face-to-face can often be hard to interpret,” she says. “Individuals will often communicate information over technology that they otherwise wouldn’t say face-to-face.”

Friendships play an important role in the lives of our kids – and in our lives as parents as well. By being aware of how you model what it means to be a good friend to the important people in your life, your children will see the benefit of investing in these relationships even when they can be challenging.

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PREPARING FOR AN IEP MEETING Getting the most out of this important conference Sarah McCosham

W

hen her daughter was in second grade, Dayton mom Melissa S. knew that something wasn’t quite right. “She was inconsistent with her grades and wasn’t keeping up,” she recalls. Suspecting a learning disability, Melissa took her daughter to a psychologist to be tested, where she was diagnosed with ADHD. Following this, Melissa and her daughter met with the school to develop an Individualized Education Program, or IEP.

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“She’s allowed a longer time period to finish testing, and breaks during class if necessary [under her IEP]” says Melissa. Her daughter is also assigned an intervention specialist to assist her in the classroom as needed.

While she’s now very familiar with all things IEP-related, Melissa says she wishes she’d known more when her daughter was first diagnosed. Between the meetings, acronyms and

testing, the IEP process can seem overwhelming for many parents.

What is an IEP? The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that guides how states, school districts and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to children with disabilities.

Under IDEA, when a child is suspect-

ed of having a learning disability, schools must follow a process called Response to Intervention, or RTI. This is the evaluation process that determines whether or not a student has a learning disability as defined by the school.

If the evaluation determines that there is a disability that adversely affects the child’s education, an IEP is developed for the student. The IEP outlines specific goals teachers will work on with the student, what instruction will need to take place to help the child meet the IEP’s goals, and how much time/services the child needs.

Who is in the IEP meeting?

The student’s IEP is developed during a meeting with a team of professionals from the school. Frank Eaton, Special Education Supervisor at Oakwood City Schools, says that in addition to the parents and a general education teacher, this team includes an intervention specialist and a district representative (usually a principal or

special education administrator). If the student is 13 or older, Eaton says he or she can attend the meeting as well.

Plan on meeting for 30 minutes to two hours, says Eaton. Once the IEP is in place, the team will reconvene if changes need to be made. “An IEP is a ‘living’ document,” explains Eaton, “there can be amendments made to its goals, services and accommodations.” If no amendments are made, Eaton says the IEP will be applicable for one calendar year minus one day, or 364 days.

What should parents ask?

Nancy Tolley, a former school psychologist, says that parents should come into an IEP meeting ready to talk. “By the time they get to the IEP meeting, parents hopefully have talked with teachers, intervention specialists or speech/language pathologists. The IEP process should be a continuation [of this discussion] versus a totally unfamiliar process.”

PAINTBRUSH POTTERY

Tolley suggests parents ask the following questions during their meeting: •

How will things change for my child?

•

Who will he/she be working with and for how long/how often?

•

How will we [parents and the IEP team] be in touch?

•

What will change in grading, in homework assignments or in classroom work?

•

How often will we reconvene?

Laurie Rodgers, a Step Up Teacher at Trumpet Behavioral Health, says it is helpful for parents to come wellprepared for this meeting. “The Ohio Department of Education has some great resources that parents can utilize to learn about an IEP,” she says.

“Parents should educate themselves of their rights and what their child legally has access to.”

Finally, when developing your child’s IEP, be sure to clarify anything that doesn’t make sense. “Educators often forget that they can speak a special ‘educationalese’ so parents should ask for explanations if there’s anything they don’t understand,” advises Tolley.

How can I help my child?

As a parent, you have a special understanding of your child, so if you have concerns don’t hesitate to share them. “Although the school staff has the pedagogical knowledge, no one knows your child better than you,” says Eaton, “and that expertise is vital to the IEP team.”

Melissa adds these thoughts: “Parents are the most important advocates for their children and are vital to the intervention process. The younger the issue is caught, the better. My daughter had the best intervention team in elementary school – and is flourishing now at her grade level.”

SHAMROCKS LANES

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ask the teacher

Ask the Teacher

Recommended reading, reading comprehension, school technology programs

By Deb Krupowicz

Q

How do I know what to suggest to my third grade son to read?

When I go to the bookstore or to the library, I am so overwhelmed.

A

Begin by noting your son’s interests. Convincing him to read will be less of a challenge if you focus on what he enjoys doing. Then get an idea about his reading level. If you are unsure about this, check with his teacher. It is not necessary to know exactly where he is in terms of level, but knowing whether he is at grade level or significantly above or below will help you select appropriate books. With his interests and ability level in mind, you can get more specific information about options from a number of places.

Many classroom teachers have book suggestions based on years of experience, so asking your son’s teacher is a good starting point.

Then check with the school librarian, who is a handy expert on this topic. Most school librarians are eager to offer suggestions for students (or for parents!) based on what they see other students reading and on their own awareness of reading trends. Two resources that provide lists organized by topic and age appropriateness are The Children’s Literature Lover’s Book of Lists (J. Sullivan) and The Big Book of Children’s Reading Lists (N. Keane). The American Library Association also offers lists of award winning books as well as those that librarians across the country recommend.

Q

My daughter loves to read and goes through books rapidly, sometimes reading several chapter books in one week. I am glad she enjoys this, but how can I tell if she understands what she is reading?

A

hends to tell ing to you a

The quickest way to get an idea of how well your daughter comprewhat she reads is to ask her you about her book. Listenher summarization can give good indication of how she

understands what she reads. Does she provide a great deal of detail, or is she sharing only the barest skeleton of a story line? If she provides a basic answer, probe further by asking about her favorite character or the most important thing that happened in the story. If she includes many details and can tell about why things happened when they did, she has strong comprehension skills.

Consider doing a book study with her. Have her choose a book that the two of you will read together.

Decide ahead of time what you will discuss when you finish the book.

She can create a short list of discussion questions based on the book jacket and the first chapter. As the two of you talk about the book, you will get a clear idea of how strong her comprehension is.

Q

Our school recently expanded its one-to-one technology program to include sixth graders.

My son will be in sixth grade next year, and he is thrilled. I am quite apprehensive. How can I best prepare for this?

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Discuss social media at length. Emphasize the public and usually lasting nature of anything posted. Stressing kindness and consideration of others is a must. Explain that the simplest thing, intended as a joke, can explode into a major misunderstanding without the benefit of facial expression and tone of voice to make meaning clear.

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Become familiar with how to check your son’s usage history and commit to checking it at random times.

Even kids who are very responsible with exemplary behavior can happen upon inappropriate sites very innocently and become a victim of someone’s bad intentions. Your follow-up is critical to your son’s well-being.

Practically speaking, helping your son become familiar with his computer will save lots of headaches later on. Show him how to save documents, as well as how to back them up on a flash drive. These practices will be taught at school, but learning this early on will help proper saving of documents become a habit.

For your son to make the most efficient use of his computer, having some basic keyboarding skills will prove to be a great asset. There are many free practice sites with kidfriendly tips and games to familiarize your son with typing, a skill currently given very little school time.

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{

Ask the Teacher is written by Deb Krupowicz, a mother of four and current teacher. Deb holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students. Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@daytonparentmagazine.com.

{

A

As a family, read over the school rules for technology use at school. Emphasize your support of technology as a resource and a tool for skill application, and your support of the school’s restrictions. Together establish rules for your household. You may want to limit your son’s computer usage to an area of the house where you are present, or at least where you pass through frequently. Knowing that you have a watchful eye will help keep him from being distracted by games or social media.

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true confessions of a stay-at-home dad

The Breakfast Filibuster True confessions of a stay-at-home dad

By Pete Gilbert

M

ost weekdays I eat breakfast with my kids. But during the week, I’m rushed at breakfast time. This block of time is not only reserved for eating, but also for putting the finishing touches on school lunches, reminding kids to brush their teeth, rounding up books, coats, shoes, signing assignment notebooks and helping to finish the last few “forgotten” math homework problems. It is a rushed experience. We don’t speak much. Our weekday breakfasts are, for lack of a better term, “utilitarian.”

The weekends are a different story. Weekend breakfast is a whole family ordeal that involves eggs, homemade waffles or pancakes and lots of bacon. We sit around and talk for a while, usually about what we want to do that day. But what starts off as a whole family discussion quickly turns into a monologue by First Born. Maybe it goes back to the birth order chart, but our oldest cannot be part of a conversation without taking over entirely. My

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wife and I have lovingly started to call it “The Breakfast Filibuster.”

What may start off as a conversation about family bike rides and trips to the park soon turns into what she wants for Christmas, a list of her best friends, her favorite school lunches or all of us being reminded for the tenthousandth time that she once stayed up until 2 am, but her brother and sister DIDN”T GET TO DO THAT! Unlike the government, no supermajority can defeat a filibuster. In our house, there’s no way to block it, we just sit there and wait it out!

Stop by Facebook and “Like” my “True Confessions of a Stay at Home Dad” page for daily updates and links to all my blogs and columns.

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footnotes

Footnotes: Thoughts from the margins of a mom’s life On Hats

By Kelly Blewett

I

have two toddlers, which means I have two heads, two necks and four little hands to keep covered in winter gear – not to mention the four feet, which seem to require so many socks and boots! I don’t know about other moms out there, but I think that keeping those appendages cloaked in the proper winter garb should be worth big money. Because, let’s be real, it’s practically a full time job.

The moment I exit my house, where I have collected approximately half a dozen of each item for each child, the pulling begins. Little hands pull off little gloves. A hat is left in the snow. A scarf unwinds from the neck and is strewn on the floor of the car, alongside muddy muck that instantly renders it unwearable. I arrive, at last, at some destination only to notice that my children’s feet are bare. They’ve worked the zippers down, kicked out of the boots and peeled off the socks. Need I say that finding these items in my car is a losing game?

team. I’m not sure to whom it originally belonged, an uncle perhaps? A hat decorated with pig eyes and a snout from last Halloween, a bright purple hat with an unusual weave whose origins are unknown. Gloves missing their mate are tucked in a box, for the inevitable next glove that will also be missing its mate.

In addition to all this, there is a large suitcase in my basement with miscellaneous winter gear dating back to my college days. Scarves a mile long from friends who were just learning to knit. Fancy wool hats with coy buttons on the side. I can’t get rid of the suitcase, though I feel I should, in the interest of streamlining my life. I need the suitcase as a backup to my backups, because I know when I look in the rearview mirror, I will see my children’s hair, sticking straight up, messy from the hat they somehow managed to discard when I wasn’t looking. I count down the days until April. Until then, I hoard my hats – all my hats, every last hat in the house – and remind myself, “This too shall pass.”

Oh, sure, I’ve worked out some strategies. I keep the strangest hats around in case of emergency. An old hat from my extended family’s favorite football

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weight gain, exercise and nutrition for kids

Weight Gain, Exercise and Nutrition for Kids Starting healthy habits now to last a lifetime

By Dayton Children’s and Kohl’s Cares A Minute for Kids

A

number of factors contribute to becoming overweight or obese.

Genetics, lifestyle habits, or a combination of both may be involved. In some instances, endocrine problems, genetic syndromes and medications can be associated with excessive weight gain. However, regardless of genetics or health conditions, lifestyle choices play a significant role in determining someone’s weight.

Much of what we eat is quick and easy – from fat-laden fast food to microwave, heavily-processed and prepackaged meals. Daily schedules are so busy leaving little time to prepare healthier meals or to squeeze in some exercise. In addition, portion sizes, in the home and at restaurants, have grown substantially.

Plus, now more than ever life is sedentary – kids spend fewer hours actively playing opting for computers, video games and television entertainment.

“The key to keeping kids of all ages at a healthy weight is taking a whole-family approach,” says Becky Gonter-Dray, RD, CSP, LD, pediatric dietitian at Dayton Children’s. “It’s important that parents ‘practice what you preach’ and be good role models for kids. In addition, get your kids involved by letting them help you plan and prepare healthy meals or choosing active family activities.”

Avoid falling into three common food/eating behavior traps:

1.

Don’t reward kids for good behavior or try to stop bad behavior with sweets or treats. Come up with other solutions to modify their behavior.

2.

Don’t maintain a clean-plate policy. Be aware of kids’ hunger cues. Even babies who turn away

from the bottle or breast send signals that they’re full. If kids are satisfied, don’t force them to continue eating. Reinforce the idea that they should only eat when they’re hungry.

3.

Don’t talk about “bad foods” or completely eliminate all sweets and favorite snacks from kids’ diets. Kids may rebel and overeat these forbidden foods outside the home or sneak them in on their own. Teach children the importance of moderation and saving special treats for special events.

Additional recommendations for kids of all ages: Birth to age 1:

In addition to its many health benefits, breastfeeding may help prevent excessive weight gain. Though the exact mechanism is not known, breastfed babies may be more able to control their own intake and follow their own internal hunger cues.

Ages 2 to 6:

Start good habits early. Help shape food preferences by offering a variety of healthy foods. Encourage kids’ natural tendency to be active and help them build on developing skills instead of spending too much time watching television or playing computer or video games.

Ages 7 to 12:

Encourage kids to be physically active every day, whether through an organized sports team or a game during recess. Keep your kids active at home, too, through everyday activities like walking and playing outside. Limit screen time to less than 2 hours each day – this includes television, computers and video games. Let kids be more involved in making good food choices, such as packing lunch or picking out their own healthy foods at the grocery store.

Ages 13 to 17:

Teens like fast food, but try to steer them toward healthier choices like grilled chicken sandwiches, salads and smaller sizes. Teach them how to prepare healthy meals and snacks at home.

Encourage teens to be active every day to develop lifelong habits.

All ages:

Cut down on TV, computer, and video game time and discourage eating while watching the tube. Also remove electronic devices from your child’s room creating a space dedicated to rest and sleep.

Serve a variety of healthy foods and eat meals together as often as possible. Encourage kids to have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, limit sugar-sweetened beverages, drink plenty of water and eat breakfast every day.

If you eat well, exercise regularly and incorporate healthy habits into your family’s daily life, you’re modeling a healthy lifestyle for your kids that will last. Talk to them about the importance of eating well and being active. Making it a family affair will allow these habits to be second nature for everyone.

“It’s also important to involve all of your child’s caregivers in these new habits – whether it’s a babysitter’s house after school or grandma’s house on the weekends,” says Gonter-Dray. “Kids who are developing lifelong habits need consistency and a support system that lets them know they are loved – no matter what their weight.”

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ANTIOCH CIRCUS

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the modern military parent

The Modern Military Parent Social media posts and the threat to our military

By Molly Blake

I

n a rather frightening bulletin issued jointly by the FBI and The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. military members were urged to rid their social media profiles and online presence of personal information or anything that might pique the attention of violent extremists.

Why this advice and why now? The good folks at the FBI are concerned that ISIS, the Islamic militant group seizing control of land in Iraq and Syria, are tracking U.S. soldiers and possibly their families based on their social media posts. Then once a target is identified, ISIS operatives contact U.S. based violent extremists to carry out attacks on unsuspecting soldiers. This is not a joke.

Unfortunately, we often roll our eyes at OPSEC or operational security. As a senior officer spouse, I would remind our squadron family members to take caution when posting on social media, especially in the weeks and months leading up to a deployment. And then, like clockwork, Facebook pages lit up with teary goodbyes when our service members left. And to be honest, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that there’s a lovely military spouse home – alone. But while the threats then were more about burglaries and scams, this notice is far more serious.

Here are some tips that will help keep you and your family safe.

1.

Check your privacy settings on your social media accounts and make sure they are set to the highest, most secure setting. Even if you just checked, check again as companies change their codes and algorithms often and it may affect your security settings. For example, if you are tagged in an inappropriate photo that violates OPSEC, go back and

check the box that requires approval for tagged photos to appear online.

2.

3.

Don’t post on social media about work-related information.

Keep any and all of your opinions about any military-related activity or your views of extremism off social media, chat rooms, blogs or any Internet sites!

4.

Steer clear of posting about deployment departure and homecoming dates. Our service members are very vulnerable when traveling en masse so keep that in mind. And cryptic posts like “I’ll be the happiest Marine wife around in just 36 hours” are really not as ambiguous as you think.

5.

Change your passwords regularly. We hear it all the time and I bet most of your passwords are some variation of the same thing. Research password manager software, like LastPass and Dashlane. Then spend an hour or two installing it on all your devices.

6.

Do you accept all LinkedIn and friend requests? I don’t and you shouldn’t either.

Amassing hundreds of casual contacts isn’t safe especially if you’re a serial over-sharer. And wasting time plowing through an endless Facebook feed is just not a good use of time.

7.

And while you are at it, clean up your online profile and get rid of any racy posts and pictures. Keep in mind that 94 percent of recruiters are already or plan to utilize social networks to

find employees so if you are going to start looking for a job anytime soon, it’s best to be spic and span.

If you wouldn’t want your mother to see it, it probably shouldn’t be online.

It’s hard not to share those precious military moments, like deployments and homecoming. We should be proud of what we are doing as spouses and family members. But putting yourself at risk or your family isn’t worth it. Definitely snap a picture at the homecoming but instead of posting it online, hang it where all important photos should reside. On the refrigerator.

Molly Blake is a freelance writer. Her husband recently retired after serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps.

She attended the University of Dayton and writes about issues affecting military families and other parenting issues. Follow her on twitter @mblakewrites.

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y r a s t u n n ve

ja THURSDAY | 01 New Year’s Day Skate

Price: $7. Phone (937) 278-2607. Location: RiverScape MetroPark: MetroParks Ice Rink. 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. www.metroparks. org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest.aspx

Start the New Year right and be the first to skate in 2015!

Pancakes & Resolutions 5K, 10K, 1-Mile Run/Walk Price: Register early to save; see website for details. Phone: 937-572-5018. Location: Great Miami River Recreational Trail. N. Main Street, Miamisburg | www.zoomracingusa.com/running-races/pancakes-resolutions-5k-10k

This New Year’s Day, resolve to run, eat pancakes and have a blast with family and friends at the Pancakes and Resolutions 5k, 10k, and 1-mile Run/Walk!

FRIDAY | 02

School Pride Night Price: $3.50. Phone: (937) 278-2607. Location: RiverScape MetroPark: MetroParks Ice Rink. 111

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E. Monument Ave., Dayton. www.metroparks. org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest.aspx

Represent your school at MetroParks Ice Rink! Bring your student ID and get halfpriced admission, wear your school colors and skate as a DJ plays Top 40 hits!

THURSDAY | 08 Backpacking Babies: Frosty Adventures

e

Price: $7. Phone: (937) 278-2607. Location: RiverScape MetroPark: MetroParks Ice Rink. 111 E. Monument Ave., Dayton. www.metroparks. org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest.aspx

Do you love the King of Pop? Then come to MetroParks Ice Rink and moonwalk in ice skates as a DJ plays a variety of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits. Groove to Thriller, Black or White, I’ll Be There, and even some hits from Jackson Five!

Dayton Philharmonic Epic Journeys

Join the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and violinist Jessica Hung.

TUESDAY | 13

The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible Price: $35-$95 Phone: (937) 228-7591. Location: The Schuster Center. 1 W. 2nd St., Dayton. http://www.victoriatheatre.com/shows/theillusionists/

During the colonial days before gas furnaces, babies endured the chilly temperatures just as their traveling parents did.

Join other parents and their babies as we stroll through the park and see what’s happening in winter. A baby backpack or carrier is required.

Join the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and violinist Jessica Hung.

Direct from Broadway, the world’s best selling magic show is coming to Dayton! This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

SATURDAY | 10

WEDNESDAY | 14

FRIDAY | 09

Price: Tickets range from $11-$61. Phone: (937) 228-7591. Location: The Schuster Center. 1 W. 2nd St., Dayton. www.daytonlocal.com/concerts/dayton-philharmonic-epic-journeys.asp

Price: $35-$95 Phone: (937) 228-7591. Location: The Schuster Center. 1 W. 2nd St., Dayton. http://www.victoriatheatre.com/shows/theillusionists/

Price: free. Phone: (937) 275-7275. Location: Sugarcreek MetroPark: Trailhead Parking Lot. 4178 Conference Rd., Bellbrook. www. metroparks.org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest. aspx

Michael Jackson Skate

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Price: Tickets range from $11-$61. Phone: (937) 228-7591. Location: The Schuster Center. 1 W. 2nd St., Dayton. www.daytonlocal.com/concerts/dayton-philharmonic-epic-journeys.asp

Dayton Philharmonic Epic Journeys

The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible

Direct from Broadway, the world’s best selling magic show is coming to Dayton!

This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

SATURDAY | 17 Family Day: Robots Among Us

Price: free. Phone: (937) 255-3286. Location: National Museum of the United States Air Force. 1100 Spaatz St. Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton. http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/ education/family/index.asp

Commemorate the anniversary of the landing of the Mars Rovers (Spirit and Opportunity) by learning about the exciting field of robotics through fun demos and hands-on activities. Participants will be able to make their own styrofoam robotic “hands.”

Family Farm Chores Price: free; registration required. Phone: (937) 276-7062. Location: Carriage Hill MetroPark.

7800 E. Shull Road, Huber Heights. http:// www.daytonlocal.com/things-to-do/familyfarm-chores-at-carriage-hill-metropark.asp

Join a farm staff person to feed and brush animals, gather eggs, and clean stalls. Get to know some of the farm animals up close and personal.

Prehistoric Architecture of the Ohio River Valley Price: free. Phone: 937-268-8199. Location: SunWatch Indian Village. 2301 West River Road, Dayton. www.daytonlocal.com/events/ prehistoric-architecture-of-the-ohio-rivervalley.asp

This lecture will include an introduction to the study of prehistoric architecture and examples of full-scale rebuilt structures from the Late Prehistoric period.

SATURDAY | 24 Big Bang Boom

Price: $15. Phone (937) 228-3630. Location: Victoria Theatre. 138 N. Main St., Dayton. http://www.victoriatheatre.com/shows/bigbang-boom/

Had enough of “Barney,” “Bubble Guppies,” “The Wiggles,” and Kidz Bop? BIG BANG BOOM is creative kid’s music that families can enjoy together. This high-energy live concert with real live musicians has tons of audience participation. Ages 5 and up. Run time: 60 minutes.

Bowling for Babies Price: $20.00 per person by January 21. After January 21, cost is $25.00 for ages 13 and up,

while kids 12 and younger are $15.00. Phone: 937-374-5669. Location: Beaver-Vu Bowl. 1238 N. Fairfield Rd., Dayton. www.gcchd.org

Now in its fifth year, Bowling for Babies is a fundraiser for Greene Community Health Foundation that provides health and wellness assistance to families in need throughout Greene County. This year, the focus is on bringing attention to the issue of Infant Mortality and public education about safe sleep practices for newborns and infants. A family-friendly event featuring glow bowling, prizes, pizza, drinks, and loads of fun.

Nutter Center Sports Card Show Price: free admission and parking. Phone: 937602-3278. Location: Wright State University Nutter Center. 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton. www.daytonlocal.com/things-to-do/ nutter-center-sports-card-show.asp

Monthly sports card show at Wright State University’s Nutter Center.

SATURDAY | 31 Complexions

Price: All seats $20, with group discounts available. Phone: 937-328-3874. Location: Clark State Performing Arts Center. 300 South Fountain Avenue, Springfield. www.clarkstate. edu/about-clark-state/performing-artscenter/

Let the dancers of Complexions Contemporary Ballet take your breath away as they reinvent their art like you’ve never seen before. Winners of the New York Times Critics Choice award, Complexions proves to be anything but ordinary.

A mix of classical, modern, and contemporary dance, these performers move to music in a way that reflects the movement of our world.

Dayton Philharmonic - The Music of Elton John Price: Tickets start at $29. Phone: (937) 2287591. Location: The Schuster Center. 1 W. 2nd St., Dayton. www.daytonperformingarts.org/ philharmonic-performance/madman-acrossthe-water-music-of-elton-john

Come celebrate the music of Sir Elton John, who is not only a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, but also the Madman performer of the some of the most excellent music ever to come from Across the Water.

RECURRING EVENTS Star-Line Skate

(Open Fridays and Saturdays December 5, 2014 - January 31, 2015) Price: $7. Phone: (937) 278-2607. Location: RiverScape MetroPark: MetroParks Ice Rink. 111 E. Monument

Ave., Dayton. www.metroparks.org/GetOutside/SearchByInterest.aspx

nati, OH 45220. cincinnatizoo.org/events/ penguin-days/

Spend your Friday or Saturday night skating near the river, under a beautifully lit canopy! Take in the sights and sounds of downtown while sipping hot chocolate. Bring your family, coworkers, sweetheart or friends to skate at MetroParks Ice Rink!

March to the Cincinnati Zoo and save a waddle of cash! Experience cooler prices and even cooler animals during Penguin Days, with half-price Zoo admission every day and special animal encounters every Saturday and Sunday, January 4 through February 28. Plus, enjoy heated indoor animal exhibits throughout the park.

The Beach Mountain (Open daily beginning Friday, November 21, 2014 through Sunday, March 1, 2015) Price: $17-$22. Phone: 513-398-4356. Location: The Beach Waterpark. 2690 Waterpark Dr., Mason. www.thebeachmountain.com

Slide down the snowy 400 foot long run and then conveniently ride the magical moving carpet back to the top. The Beach Mountain will have 10 lanes for tubing with sessions starting at 2 hours each. Visit the park’s winter chalet to warm up and enjoy hot food and beverages. There’s even a play area for small children 3 and under to make snowmen or snow angels, and enjoy a tube ride on a mini slope.

Martha: A Story of Extinction (Daily December 6, 2014 - March 1, 2015) Price: Free with admission. Phone: (513) 2877000.Location: Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati. www.cincymuseum.org/exhibits/marthaa-story-of-extinction

The passenger pigeon thrived in North America until the early 1900s, when the last surviving passenger pigeon, Martha, died. Martha: A Story of Extinction shares the story of Martha and her species, one of the best-known examples of modern day extinction. Visit the Cincinnati History Museum to learn more about Martha and her species and check out these hands-on activities for all ages, including how to make your very own origami version!

Penguin Days (Saturdays and Sundays January 4 – February 28) Price: free with admission. Phone: 513-281-4700. Location: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. 3400 Vine Street, Cincin-

Pump Boys and Dinettes (Shows daily January 15-March 1) Price: Tickets range from $55-$71 for adults; children under 13 are $30. Phone: (937) 746-4554.

Location: La Comedia Dinner Theatre. 7 65 W. Central Ave, Springboro, OH 45066. www. lacomedia.com/

Somewhere between Frog Level and Smyrna, North Carolina, way down on Highway 57, the ‘Pump Boys’ sell high octane and the ‘Dinettes’ serve up plenty of pie and sass at the Double Cupp Diner next door. Together, they perform a rousing down-home mix of country western, rock ‘n’ roll, and blues, in this charming tale of friendship, romance, and heartbreak.

2nd Street Market (Occurring Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) Price: free. Phone: (937) 228-2088. Location: 600 E 2nd Street, Dayton, OH 45402 www.metroparks.org/Parks/SecondStreetMarket/Home.aspx

Local growers, bakers, culinary specialists, and artisans fill this charming historic freight house. Reminiscent of European markets, it’s alive with vendors, people and activity during market hours.

Family Dinner Night at Earth Fare (Every Thursday from 4-8 pm) Phone: 937436-3556. Location: Earth Fare. 101 E. Alex Bell Road, Centerville, OH 45459. www.earthfare. com/

Earth Fare is dedicated to providing families with affordable healthy alternatives to their conventional staples. That’s why every Thursday kids eat free at Earth Fare with the purchase of an adult meal, valued at $5 or more.

FOR MORE FUN IDEAS, VISIT DAYTONPARENTMAGAZINE.COM At Dayton Parent, we work hard to ensure our calendar and guide information is accurate. Occasionally event specifics change after we go to press. Therefore, we encourage our readers to call locations or visit them on the web to verify information. daytonparentmagazine.com / january 2015

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