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AUGUST 2015 // FREE

AN INTERVIEW WITH

TRISHA SHEPHERD The Indy's Child blogger discusses the work/life turning point that inspired her new book

FIVE FUN FIELD TRIP IDEAS UNIQUE DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR NEXT GROUP OUTING

PUMPED UP FOR

PRESCHOOL TIPS TO GET YOUR LITTLE STUDENT READY FOR THE BIG DAY

P LUS»

COOL AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

ENRICHMENT IDEAS TO SPARK A NEW INTEREST IN YOUR CHILD

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INDYSCHILD.COM // AUGUST 2015

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IN EVERY ISSUE

c o n t e n ts A U G U S T 2 0 1 5 // I N D Y S C H I L D . CO M

AROUND TOWN 14

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SACRED JOURNEYS

C H I L D R E N ' S H E A LT H 12

TEAM EFFORT: HENRY 'S STORY

C O M M E N TA R Y & PA R E N T I N G 07

A DAD INFLUENCE

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RESEARCH TO REAL WORLD

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FOOTNOTES

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ASK THE TEACHER

IN EVERY ISSUE 06 EDITOR'S NOTE 08 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

F E AT U R E S

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A N I N T E RV IE W W I T H T R ISHA SHE PHE RD

ONLINE BUZZ

RESOURCES & CALENDARS

The Indy's Child blogger discusses the work/life turning point that inspired her new book

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PUMPE D U P FOR PRE SCHO OL Five tips to get your little student ready for the big day

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E MP T Y NE ST SYNDROME: K I N DE RG ART E N V E R S ION

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SPECIAL NEEDS CALENDAR

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SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

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EDUCATION & CHILDCARE GUIDE

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DAILY EVENTS

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ONGOING EVENTS

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MARKETPLACE

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FUN & WACKY CALENDAR

Who knew it could be so tough?

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T HE BU LLY AT HOME

SPECIAL NEEDS

What to do when your child is the guilty party

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NAVIGATING COLLEGE FOR STUDENTS WITH AUTISM

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CO OL AF T E R SCHO OL AC T I V I T IE S

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TIPS FOR STARTING THE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROCESS

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F I V E F UN F IE LD T R IP IDE A S

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Enrichment ideas to spark a new interest in your child

Check out one of these unique destinations for your next group outing

A M ISS ION FOR MOM T I ME Pursuing an activity just for you

INDYSCHILD.COM // AUGUST 2015

[ON THE COVER] T R I S HA S H E PH E RD A N D FA M I LY Photographer: Hannah Hilliard www. HANNAHHI LLIARD.com

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M eet the S taff

EDITOR'S NOTE

FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne | barbara@indyschild.com

PUBLISHER Mary Wynne Cox | mary@indyschild.com

EDITOR Susan Bryant | susan@indyschild.com

SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jennica Zalewski | jennica@indyschild.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Karen Ring | karen@indyschild.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark | katie@indyschild.com

It's just around the corner...

T

he first day of school. What will this year bring? Maybe tricky math concepts will suddenly click and your son will find out he really does like math. Or your daughter will light up when she reads her first book all by herself.

This could be the year when a favorite sport is discovered, a shy student gains new confidence, a love of art or music is revealed… or if your child is really lucky, a best friend is made.

If you’re sending a preschooler off for their very first day, you’ll want to make sure the experience involves more smiles than tears. Try reading Pumped Up for Preschool for a few tips to make this big day a success. And if you have a kindergartener attending school all day for the first time, you might be having mixed feelings about this new phase of independence. It’s not unusual for parents to struggle a bit during this transition – take a look at Empty Nest Syndrome: Kindergarten Version for some advice on making this adjustment.

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR // EVENTS Wendy Cox | wendy@indyschild.com

WEB DEVELOPMENT // GRAPHICS Maria Tancredi | maria@indyschild.com

With the kids back in school, a new window of opportunity may open to spend time on something just for you. Is there an activity, class or creative endeavor you’ve been hoping to try?

Go for it! Check out A Mission for Mom Time for a list of local opportunities to look into.

Now is also the time to think about what your kids will be doing after the school day ends.

Our article on Cool After School Activities gives some great ideas for unique things to do you may not have thought of before.

There’s so much more in this special “Back to School” Issue, you’ll just have to turn the page to find out! As the new school year approaches, we wish all your families a great first day – here’s to outfits that everyone agrees on, school supplies not yet lost, lunches that actually get eaten and big happy hugs when your student hops off the bus!

EDITOR

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INDYSCHILD.COM // AUGUST 2015

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Jeanine Bobenmoyer | jeanine@indyschild.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns | roxanne@indyschild.com

INTERN Meg Wynne | meg@indyschild.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maggie Loiselle, Michelle Shirk, Karen Ring, Sarah Bricker-Hunt, Summer Daily, Lauren Lawson, Megan Noel, Jeanine Bobenmoyer, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Kelly Blewett, Tonya Bergeson-Dana of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

CONTACT US 6340 Westfield Blvd., Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46220 PHONE: 317.722.8500 | FAX: 317.722.8510 EMAIL: info@indyschild.com

COPYRIGHT Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2015

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 www.indyschild.com.

CO M M EN TA R Y & PA R EN T I N G

A Dad Influence Every kid gets a trophy... as it should be Earlier this summer, my son finished his baseball season. It was the first time he'd participated in an organized sport. When the coach sent out an email asking parents how they felt about getting trophies for the kids, it took me a minute to consider. My first thought was, "A participation trophy? Isn't that what everyone says is wrong with kids today? Win or lose everyone gets a trophy."

They didn't win a championship, heck, since no score was being kept, they didn't even win a game. Did they need trophies? Of course not. Did they deserve trophies? 100% yes!

The progress these kids made throughout the season was simply amazing. My son is five. He was in the youngest age group that offered baseball, which meant not one kid on his team had played any type of organized baseball before. Many of the kids had not yet been involved in any team sport.

At the beginning of the season the kids showed about as much potential as the Chicago Cubs; they couldn't run, catch, throw or hit. Practice looked like the monkey exhibit at the zoo. Kids were climbing the fence, throwing sand and balls where haphazardly tossed in every direction at once. Chaos. Total chaos.

Eight weeks after that first practice, on the day of their final game, everything was just the complete opposite. The kids did their warm-up stretches together as a team, they played catch with one another and actually caught the balls that were thrown to them. They understood where the positions were on the field and they knew how to make an out at first base. Over the course of the season, the kids also progressed from hitting off a tee to hitting a real pitch. After hitting the ball, they knew to run to first base.

And at the end of the game, they learned to line up and shake hands with the opposing team.

So, did they win a championship?

No. Did they deserve trophies for all they accomplished? Absolutely.

[For links to all my blog posts please stop by my Facebook page at Facebook.com/ adadinfluence and check out my all new page on the Indy’s Child web site (formerly True Confessions of a Stay at Home Dad).]

AUGUST 2015 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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IN EVERY ISSUE

COMMUNIT Y

spotlight T he "100 T hings To D o T his Summer In Indy " L ist It’s the last official month of summer. Don’t forget about our special “100 Things To Do This Summer In Indy” list, thanks to our friends at theCityMoms. Some of the activities are free, some on the weekends – all come with the promise of fun. For a challenge, download the printable version of this list and check off each activity your family completes. Make sure to share the fun by posting your photos to social media. Just use the hashtag #ICSummer and tag @indyschild! https://indyschild.com/100-things-to-do-this-summer-in-indy/

Indy ’s Child Back 2School Bash We’re trying something a little new: A special Back2School Bash! Thanks to the Monon Community Center, this fair will be a high-energy event where families can learn more about local organizations, enjoy hands-on activities, watch live entertainment, win prizes and enjoy the Monon Community Center Water Park – all for free! Come join us as we celebrate the back to school season in style.

I t ’s time for the Indiana State Fair 2015 marks the Year of the Farmer for the Indiana State Fair, showcasing the past, present and future of Hoosier agriculture. Returning are the Midway rides, Family Fun Park, Grandstand events, delicious eats, animals and free stage entertainment we’ve come to love. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Fishing Pond may be one of the best-kept secrets of the entire fair, offering free fishing opportunities for kids grade school ages and up. If you haven’t added this to your list of summer to-dos, don’t miss out. Free shuttles are available from Glendale Mall or hop a ride on the State Fair Train departing regularly from the Indiana Transportation Museum Fishers location.

August 7-23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds www.in.gov/statefair

Saturday, August 29 at the Monon Community Center https://indyschild.com/back2school-bash/

Students visit the Indiana State Museum… for free!

It’s the last month for students to enjoy free admission to the Indiana State Museum. A special downloadable pass can be printed from the ISM website that allows free admission with the purchase of an adult admission.

Don’t forget to snag a special goody bag at the ticket counter that will also help guide your family through the galleries and feature special information about our state.

Pass is good for multiple visits through August 2015.

To download and print your coupon, visit: www.doe.in.gov/sites/default/files/hoosierreaders/ museum-student-passcolor.pdf

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Star light, star bright: Let us see the Perseids tonight In August the Northern Hemisphere is blessed with the annual Perseid Meteor Shower and according to experts, you can often expect to see up to 50 meteors per hour.

Although young family members may not make it through the night to early dawn when viewing is best, this is definitely a fun family activity worthy of pitching a tent for in the backyard. Best date for viewing is believed to be August 13.

Peak viewing: August 11-14 Location: Your backyard or favorite night sky viewing location

Warm weather = outdoor movie season Take the popcorn and head outdoors to watch a family flick this summer. The “Summer Fun: Guide To Outdoor Movies In Indy” lists a variety of outdoor movie options around the greater Indianapolis area.

And many of them are free! Put them on your calendar for a family outing or a great date night.

For full lineup and other details, visit: https://indyschild com/ outdoor-movies-indianapolis/

Adventure is waiting .

L aunch into Scouting!

Scouts do stuff. They build things. Play with purpose. Make friends and work together.

These life changing experiences, and the confidence they provide, become bricks that eventually form a foundation; one a Scout can stand on to embrace opportunity and overcome obstacles. For the parents watching in awe, it’s not a question of where their Scout will go, but where won’t he go.

Make Scouting the foundation of your son’s future. Register for Scouting at your local elementary school Thursday, August 27, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, or at www.JoinScoutsIN.org. Each new member will receive a free model rocket to build and launch!

Y es those are monsters… as in monster trucks

K ids Day at the T raders P oint Charity Horse Show The Traders Point Charity Horse Show takes a break from their five day event to celebrate Kids Day on Saturday, August 8 with pony and horse rides, face painting, the Pacers Van and many other fun activities. Visit the special Kids Day Tent to round out the fun. Admission $15; kids 12 and under free (with free parking too.)

The Monster Truck Nationals return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds as part of their national 2015 tour and promise to bring loads of engine-roaring fun with them. There will be side-by-side drags, wheelie shootouts and plenty of freestyle action to watch. Bring noise-cancelling headphones for the kids (or yourself) as the volume can be quite loud. Admission is $5 but paid admission to the Indiana State Fair is required. Kids 5 and under are free.

Saturday, August 22 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds www.monstertrucknationals.com/monster-truck-nationals-indianapolis

Saturday, August 8, 10 am-3 pm at Wild Air Farms, Zionsville www.traderspoint.org AUGUST 2015 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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IN EVERY ISSUE

ONLINE

buzz // CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S

Indiana State Fair Tickets

facebook & weekly e-newsletter contests

// FACEBOOK TALK WE ASKED:

Are you ready for the kids to head back to school or wishing summer would last longer?

Giftcard to Puccini's Smiling Teeth

YOU SAID: Wishing it would last longer. We've had crummy weather this summer vacation break! – Angel M. Wishing the weather would get better and we would have a little more time. – Codi B. Longer Summer!!!!!!!!! – Kim W. Not ready to send her back !!! – Jessica H.

Symphony on the Prairie Tickets

Wishing it would never end!!! – Christine B. I wish summer started later and ended later and only lasted 8 weeks, not 10. It's too cool in June to swim and too hot in August to go back to school, but too long a break overall. I want longer fall, winter, and spring breaks instead. – Alison J. I wish it was longer now because the weather has been so nasty. – Sarah T.

“ L ike ” us on F acebook to J oin the C onversation . . .

Over 17,350 fans & counting

F I ND U S ON L I NE

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Sign up for your FREE Indy's Child Weekly E-newsletter, featuring upcoming news, weekend events & exciting contests!

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Penrod Art Fair Tickets

Indy’s Child and Hamilton County Family magazines are excited to present their

FIRST ANNUAL BACK2SCHOOL BASH August 29 | 11 AM -3 PM | at the Monon Community Center 1195 Central Park Drive West, Carmel, IN

FE AT U R I NG fun for t h e w hole fami ly! Ta k e part in h ands- on activities l i k e t h e Co lt s P l ay 6 0 Z one , t h e Coo l B u s and " T ouc h a T ruc k " e x perienc e . E njoy l ive entertainment at t h e performanc e s tage .

E x plore lo c a l educ ationa l opportunitie s at t h e Sc hool Zone . A nd c ap t h e day off at t h e Waterpar k F R E E of c h arge !

The first 100 families will receive a free SWAG BAG filled with tons of goodies and there will be Door Prize Drawings throughout the day, including:

* One Year Family Membership - Monon Community Center * Holiday Package to the Gaylord Opryland - Nashville, TN * Staple's Back Pack & Gif t Card * $50 Kroger Gif t Cards * Puccini's Smiling Teeth Gif t Cards * AND MUCH MORE!

Going back to school has never been so fun!

A special thanks to our supporting sponsors

AUGUST 2015 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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C H I LD REN ' S HEA LT H / / BR A N D ED CON TEN T

Team Effort: Henry’s Story Henry Wooten's parents expected their three-year-old’s ER visit to result in a routine prescription for an infection. Instead, they were told their son had leukemia – and an especially aggressive type known as AML.

Henry's condition quickly declined in a domino effect of bodily systems shutting down, including lungs, liver, kidneys and finally, his heart.

Fortunately for Henry, he was being treated at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent, one of the few medical centers in the state with access to ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), an advanced form

of life support technology that acts as a heart/lung bypass to let major organ systems rest while the body recovers.

“At the time we put him on ECMO, he had five different organ systems failing; that predicts a greater than 90 percent mortality rate,” states Dr. Kay Sichting, medical director of ECMO and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

“In Henry's case, it was absolutely life-saving for him. ECMO is only done in specialized centers because it does take a lot of training and a lot of special equipment.”

Kim Wooten is grateful Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent was there for her son.

“He was on life-support for five days,” she says. “He had cords coming out of him everywhere.

If we were to have to pick up and go somewhere else, who knows what could've happened.”

Dr. Doug Cipkala, pediatric hematologist and oncologist at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent, was impressed with his young patient's fortitude in the face of such drastic medical intervention. “Henry has the strength and courage that I don't see in most adults,” claims Dr. Cipkala. “He could go through any procedure, any chemotherapy drug, and the next day bounce back like nothing happened.”

After extensive recovery and physical therapy with the care team at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St.Vincent, Henry did indeed bounce back. “He's doing great. He's 100 percent recovered,” says Henry's mom. “Not only did his organs recover,” adds Dr. Cipkala, “he has been in remission now for 2 1/2 years, which is phenomenal.”

Life-saving technology such as ECMO and innovative therapies for pediatric cancer are expensive. But the generous support of donors to the St.Vincent Foundation gives stories like Henry Wooten's a happy ending.

“He is an example of truly what teamwork is all about because he touched almost every specialty we have here at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital,” says Dr. Sichting. “And you look at him today and it truly is a miracle that he’s here.” Dr. Cipkala agrees.

“Every contribution helps patients like Henry to survive their disease to grow up and be healthy adults.”

Show your support of kids in need and tune into the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital Telethon on Tuesday, September 1 on RTV6.

[LEFT] Henry Wooten with his mom, Kim Wooten, and some of the clinicians who helped save his life at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.

(Pictured Top Left to Right – Dr. Elizabeth Schaefer, Pediatric Gastroenterology; Dr. Kay Sichting, Pediatric Intensive Care; Dr. Christopher Miyamoto, Pediatric ENT; Dr. Mona Zawaideh, Pediatric Nephrology and Endocrinology, Dr. Doug Cipkala, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology; Bottom Left to Right – Henry Wooten, Patient; Kim Wooten, Henry’s Mom)

@PEYTONCHILDRENS

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AROUND TOWN

National Geographic Sacred Journeys Millions of people around the world engage in sacred journeys every year.

Those journeys may be personal, rooted in daily acts of faith. They may be collective explorations of religious beliefs undertaken by groups or congregations. Or, they may be pilgrimages to places that are significant to specific religions.

Sometimes those concepts and beliefs can be challenging to explain to children. But a new exhibit created by The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in collaboration with the National Geographic Society and made possible

by Lily Endowment Inc. can help open the door for families to discuss what may be most important to them.

Through immersive environments created with stunning photography from National Geographic, families will see images of pilgrimages to places such as the Western Wall and Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, the Golden Temple in Amritsar (Punjab region of India), the Great Mosque in Mecca, the Ganges River in India, Uluru in the Australian outback and many more.

The exhibit will feature personal stories of those who participate in a sacred journey or practice. “We live next door to people of various faiths and yet we know very little about their beliefs. This is a way in which we can appreciate various other religious traditions,” says Rabbi Sandy Sasso.

Families will discover what kind of religious objects former astronaut and Hoosier native David Wolf took into space and why. They will learn about a young boy from Malta who spent a summer at St. Peter’s Basilica in 14

INDYSCHILD.COM // AUGUST 2015

Vatican City. And, visitors will share the rich traditions of a local Avon, Indiana family whose relatives returned from Hajj with gifts that have remained in the family for years.

“The sharing of these personal journeys will offer families an opportunity to learn about the customs and beliefs of their neighbors and about religion in America,” says Professor Raymond Williams, Wabash College, who conducts academic research on Hinduism and on the religions of immigrants from India and Pakistan in the United States.

Artifacts from a variety of faith traditions across the world and in your local neighborhood will enrich the experience, including fragments of the Dead Sea scrolls, a stone from the Western Wall, Brigham Young’s trunk, a piece of the Kiswa (a goldembroidered fabric which drapes the Kaaba in Mecca), the Dalai Lama’s throne and a sand mandala created by Buddhist monks on site as well as a replica of the Shroud of Turin.

National Geographic Sacred Journeys opens August 29, 2015 at The Children’s Museum. The same weekend, families may choose to visit the Festival of Faiths at Veteran’s Memorial Plaza in downtown Indianapolis. It takes place Sunday, August 30 from 1-5 pm and will have choirs, dancing and other performances by various faith- based groups.

[Photo Credit]

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

AUGUST 2015 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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AN INTERVIE W W ITH

Trisha Shepherd The Indy’s Child blogger discusses the work/life turning point that inspired her new book

Karen Ring

i

n 2011, Trisha Shepherd left her fast-paced career as a television news anchor to spend her days as Marketing Communications Manager for Riley Children’s Foundation and her evenings with her family. Her new memoir, Know When to Run: Lessons from the Diary of a Gen X Mom, documents Trisha’s final year in the television industry and her quest for work-life balance. We sat down with Trisha to discuss her book and her post-TV life.

Indy’s Child: Your new book is actually an excerpt from a journal you kept during your final year in broadcasting. What initially inspired the journal?

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Shepherd:

Shepherd:

I had hit a real rock-bottom moment in my career. My youngest daughter was a newborn, and I hated the thought of leaving her and my two other children every day for a job that had become so consuming and unfulfilling. My husband encouraged me to start writing every day, because that is my therapy; that is how I process things. I wrote almost every night after I got off the air. It became a ritual. I would sit down and come up with something that happened that day – a good moment, a funny moment, a scary moment.

I think writing made me conscious of what was going on. Seeing my thoughts on paper made me realize how extreme my situation really was. I am proud when I look back at the things I did right. I did reach out to good people and ask for their guidance and their help, and I was looking in some of the right places for a new opportunity. The writing certainly helped clarify what was wrong with the situation and what I needed to do to make changes.

What I ended up documenting, almost accidentally, was the death of this career and my discovery that it wasn’t fitting my life anymore.

Indy’s Child: Know When to Run gives readers a very personal look into both your personal and professional life. What made you decide to go public with your story?

Indy’s Child: How much do you credit your journal with helping you find the courage to leave the anchor desk to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?

Shepherd:

I thought maybe if people see how painful my experience was they can ask themselves, “Am I at that point, too? Am I one of those people who needs to, at all cost, find a new situation?”

I then had to go back and decide what I was really comfortable sharing and what was appropriate to put out there, because some of it isn’t pretty. But I am a big fan of writers who are real, who share what is really going on and don’t sugar coat things. That is the kind of book I want to read.

Indy’s Child: Do you ever miss life in TV?

Shepherd:

No, I don’t miss it at all. I am so thankful I left when I did – I was so ready. It is amazing the change that has taken place in my life and how much better things are with my kids, with my mental health. I don’t need to be on TV and in front of people, I just like getting my hands on exciting stories and sharing them with others. Now I get to do that for the most amazing cause there is.

I do miss the people, though. I worked with some amazing people. It’s been fun to stay in touch and watch the good work they’re still doing on the air.

Indy’s Child: You mentioned that things are better with your kids, how so?

Shepherd:

Almost every day I have a gratitude moment thinking things like, “Here I am sitting at my son’s baseball game at 6 pm… on a Tuesday!” Just being at the park with my kids or taking my daughter to ballet on Wednesday nights and watching her dance, even sitting around the table doing homework – it is all those little things I felt like I was missing when I was racing home for “dinner breaks” doing everything I could to feel a tiny bit like an adequate mom.

Indy’s Child: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Shepherd:

I just hope people who feel they are in an impossible situation with their job can look at this and see that there is a way out, and maybe learn some of the steps they can take to get to a better place.

It is easy for people to talk themselves out of wanting more. People tend to think they need to hold on to what they have, but I want them to really examine their situation.

We can all ask for more flexibility. If more of us step up and try to negotiate schedules that work better for families that will become the new normal.

Know When to Run: Lessons from the Diary of a Gen X Mom will be available for purchase on Amazon.com August 1. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Riley Children’s Foundation.

Be sure to follow Trisha’s blog, Trisha’s Wishes on indyschild.com.

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Megan Noel, PhD

PUMPED UP

for preschool Five tips to get your little student ready for the big day

I

still remember it vividly. Anxiety, apprehension and lots of tears. The first day of preschool was an emotional one…and that was just for me! The beginning of a new school year, especially the very first one, can fill both parents and kids with many different emotions.

Having some strategies to help your child start the school year off right will not only make the transition easier, but also allow those first few days to be that much more enjoyable – and even exciting!

While there are many ways to help your child adjust to this new experience, following these five suggestions will aid your new student in having a smoother entry on that first day.

1. Become familiar with

the unfamiliar

Children (and adults) often become anxious when they don’t know what to expect. “It is very helpful for the child to visit the school with the parents prior to starting the first day of preschool,” says Vivian Cain, Director of Maria Montessori International Academy. During your visit take pictures of the classroom, personnel, the playgrounds, etc. and put the photos in an inexpensive photo album for your child to revisit leading up to the start of school.

*Continued on page 20

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2. Get something special Who doesn’t remember the excitement of going back-to-school shopping? There’s something about new supplies that gets kids pumped up for the upcoming year. Linda McGowan, teacher at Little Scholars Learning Academy, recommends that a parent and child shop for a backpack or folder together. “Letting your child pick this out will give them some control and help to build excitement for the first day.”

3. Develop a routine Many schools offer some kind of orientation prior to the beginning of school. If your child’s school doesn’t offer an orientation, ask if it’s possible to shadow in the classroom prior to the start of school. Request a classroom schedule or talk to the teacher or a returning parent about daily routines. Once you are familiar with the routine, practice it at home. Tracey Johns,

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preschool teacher at Northeast Cooperative Preschool & Kindergarten suggests that parents “start a school routine a week or so ahead – getting up, getting dressed, having breakfast so that everyone gets used to school day routines.”

4. Talk about it Asking your child questions, or posing possible scenarios, can help her work through many of the anxieties she might have about starting school. Johns says, “A parent could say something like, ‘I wonder what color of paint you'll have at school?’ and similar ques- tions to start a conversation about the activities your child will have available.”

Talking with her about what to expect will help her work through any potent- ial fears and get more excited about entering school.

5. Celebrate!

Attending preschool is a special time in your child’s life – celebrate it! Before the beginning of the year, have an outing, special dinner or event planned especially for your child. On the first day, remind your child that they are off on a grand adventure and assure them that you can’t wait to hear all about it when you pick them up.

When your child sees how excited you are, he’ll be excited, too!

Megan Noel, veteran educator with ten years of teaching experience and a PhD in Early Childhood Education, enjoys researching childhood through the eyes of her two young children, while writing about her family’s adventures on IndywithKids.com.

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empty nest syndrome:

Michelle Shirk

KINDERGARTEN VERSION Who knew it could be this tough?

"A

s I watched him head toward the doors of the school, with his backpack almost as big as he was, he was quickly lost in the sea of other children. I couldn’t find him again in the crowd… would he really be okay? I was so excited about having this day to myself – finally. But honestly, it was a long afternoon until he bounded off the bus to tell me all about his day.”

Are you getting ready to send your youngest child off to kindergarten this school year? Although you might be feeling excited about this important milestone, you may also be experiencing some unexpected sadness about seeing your “baby” enter this new, more independent phase of childhood.

Whether you’re an at-home parent or work outside the home, having a child begin all day school will likely have a major impact on your family’s daily routine. If you’re used to having your son or daughter home with you, it may also lead

to mixed feelings as you adjust to an empty house during the day. Read on for expert advice on preparing for this new event and handling the emotions that come along with it in a healthy way.

What to e xpec t However you feel as the first day of school approaches, it’s probably normal. Parents may find themselves feeling nervous, sad, overwhelmed, anxious, excited or relieved about sending their youngest child to full-day school, says Danny Waddle, LMHC, LCAC, Manager for Outpatient Services at the St. Vincent Stress Center.

A variety of factors can affect how easily a parent handles this transition. Stephanie Behringer, Senior Kindergarten Teacher at Park Tudor School, believes parents who work outside the home often have an easier time adjusting. “They have usually already gone through the process when placing their child in daycare or preschool,” she says. Conversely, parents who have been with their children full-time may struggle with the loss of control that comes with placing them in a school setting, says Waddle.

Parents of only children face special challenges.

“It is not only their first child to transition, but also their last,” says Behringer. And, of course, a child’s particular temperament is a factor as well.

Drop-off is much easier with a child who is happy to go to school than one who is upset about it. “[There’s] nothing worse than leaving your child somewhere and feeling uneasy about that,” says Waddle.

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Finding your ne w normal If you’re struggling to let go of your last little one, it’s important to come up with a strategy for handling your emotions productively for your child’s benefit. “Parents’ reactions and emotional responses always impact their children,” says Waddle. Behringer agrees, noting that parents often pass on their anxieties to their kids. “The child will not necessarily know what to be anxious about, but they will be anxious anyway, because they will trust the modeling of their parents,” she says.

Looking for some concrete ways to make this tricky transition easier? Our experts offer the following suggestions. aware of your feelings and talk honestly * Be about them with friends, your partner and even your children, says Waddle. Avoid overwhelming young kids by using ageappropriate phrasing like: “I’m sad because I’ll miss you, but I’m excited because you’re going to try a new experience.”

some practice being apart by enrolling * Get your child in a camp experience or a parent’s day out program, says Behringer. This will give you and your child some practice saying goodbye. you are an at-home parent, Waddle advises * Ifcoming up with a plan for handling your newfound free time. Your schedule now may be able include things you didn’t have time for previously, so take advantage of this opportunity and engage in activities that are just for you. comfortable with your child’s teacher and * Get school by attending a “back-to-school” night or similar event, suggests Behringer. Once the year has begun, consider getting involved at the school. Potential volunteer opportunities include joining the PTA, acting as room parent, chaperoning field trips, volunteering in the school’s library and helping teachers prep materials for activities or bulletin boards.

support. Waddle recommends * Seek contacting a professional if you begin to isolate yourself, you feel out of touch with your emotions or your worries begin interfering with your work or home life.

While sending your youngest child off to school can prompt some difficult emotions for parents, how you handle this transition provides a valuable life lesson to kids.

“Remember this is an opportunity to model how to embrace change and welcome new experiences,” says Behringer. By thinking about your back-to-school game plan early in the process, you can lay the foundation for a successful school year for everyone in your family.

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Research to Real World: Entering Kindergarten

Setting kids up for the best possible start Tonya Bergeson-Dana, PhD

or iPad while playing with your child and playing games like “Simon Says” in which children must follow directions and wait their turn.

I remember my son’s first day of kindergarten. Wearing one of his many Star Wars shirts, he fearlessly entered his new classroom, running when he saw his buddies Trey and Caleb.

Trey’s mom, Caleb’s mom and I, however, were a bit more anxious. We talked about the big move from preschool to kindergarten. Even though our boys stayed in the same school for both, they made a physical transition to the kindergarten area, and we knew there would be a bigger academic transition ahead for these little guys. Our boys were growing up and we could only hope we’d done enough at home to prepare them for the upcoming year.

The kindergarten teachers of our children were wonderfully loving and nurturing, and communicated well with us about their expectations and suggestions for improvement. I often wondered, though, what are the most common kindergarten transition issues teachers run into and what parents can do to help prevent them?

In one national study, researchers from the University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina asked over 3,500 public school kindergarten teachers about the transition issues children faced. The classrooms ranged widely in terms of socioeconomic status, minority status and metropolitan status (rural, suburban, urban). The good news for parents is that, according to teachers’ experiences, 84% of children have 24

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successful or moderately successful entries into kindergarten. Many teachers, however, did report specific problems upon kindergarten entry, with difficulty following directions topping the list. Other problems included lack of academic skills, disorganized home environments and difficulty working independently.

Schools with higher poverty and minority composition experienced a higher rate of these problems.

Here’s the thing. These are not just numbers and data. These kinds of statistics have this little trick of snowballing into bigger effects down the line. That is, children’s performance in kindergarten is related to success in later school years, and even post-school life.

What can we do as parents to help our children transition to and succeed in kindergarten? Looking at the list of transition problems reported by kindergarten teachers, it comes down to the development of strong executive functioning skills prior to kindergarten entry. (For a review of executive functioning skills check out Dr. Jessica Beer’s article on the subject in the May issue of Indy’s Child.) Parents can help improve executive functioning skills at home by first providing a consistent, organized environment. (Easier said than done, right?!) You might do this by having a regular schedule every day and routines around daily occurrences such as bedtime. Other ways to improve executive functioning at home are to encourage age-appropriate turn-taking during conversations, limiting distractions like the television

Another fantastic way to prepare for kindergarten is to enroll your child in a preschool that focuses on boosting executive functioning skills. This is a great time for Indiana families who might not have been able to afford quality preschool before: there is a new pilot program called the “On My Way to Pre-K Waiver.” Although applications are no longer being accepted for 2015, you can find more information for the On My Way to Pre-K Waiver on the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Homepage.

And once your child enters kindergarten, you can trust you’ve done what you can to help your child with their transition. Now it’s time to focus on your own transition issues…

Cognitive psychologist Tonya Bergeson-Dana combines her real world experience as a mother with her professional training as a researcher to provide parents with a practical way to apply the most current findings in childhood development research to their everyday life. Tonya is also a co-founder of The Urban Chalkboard playcafe, and welcome questions and feedback from readers at experiencematters@ theurbanchalkboard.com.

THE BULLY AT HOME Sarah Bricker-Hunt

What to do when your child is the guilty party

i

magine this scenario: The principal calls to tell you that your son has been involved in an incident of bullying at school. You are shocked and immediately think of how you will comfort your child when he comes home. To your disbelief however, the principal informs you that your son is actually the perpetrator in this situation.

What do you do now?

Reasons a child may become a bully Although it may be difficult to accept, a child who is a bully may see this behavior modeled at home and could be the victim of a bully within his own family. According to Jennifer Layden, a mental health therapist at Community Hospital, “It is important to know that bullying behavior is often a learned behavior.” Taking an honest look at your home environment can provide important clues as to why a child may engage in bullying behavior.

Dr. Sandy Burkhardt, a psychologist with Children's Resource Group, says another reason kids bully is an attempt by a child to acquire a higher social status among peers or bystanders – and their bullying may actually have little to do with an issue involving the victim. “If your child is experimenting with bullying others as a way to gain the attention of peers or to raise his or her social status and 'prove’ himself or herself to others, then addressing the child’s social insecurity should be part of the response strategy,” says Burkhardt.

Layden agrees that bullying is often a response to feelings of insecurity or poor self-esteem.

“Parents need to be aware of how a child is feeling about himself or herself,” she explains.

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“This is especially important during major life transitions such as moving to junior high or high school.” She says the pressure of fitting in and following the crowd can be a significant factor that increases the likelihood of bullying behavior.

Risk factors Burkhardt says research in this field has led to some not-so-surprising findings. Children who become bullies are often dealing with the following issues:

• A household where domestic violence is present • A household where child abuse is present • Children who have been a victim of bullying in the past • Children with special needs, including ADHD • Children who have been bystanders of bullying and felt peer pressure to join in

Reacting to bullying behavior First and foremost, Layden says it is critical for parents to hold their children accountable for their actions and not “cover” for their bad behavior in any way. The bully should learn that just getting caught and corrected is not enough – they should also attempt to repair the damage they have done.

Layden suggests that helping adolescents develop a unique sense of self by having them discover what they are good at and helping them feel that they “fit in” at home can help prevent a desire to bully others. Enlisting the assistance of the school can be beneficial as well she says. “Several schools are offering mentor programs that help kids who are instigating bullying to learn to change their communication from aggressive to assertive.”

Burkhardt adds that when it comes to corrective feedback for a bully, adding a “prosocial consequence” to standard disciplinary techniques like time-outs and denial of privileges can be effective. “This can include an apology, an act of kindness or restitution, or even a good deed as a form of community service.” She recommends that parents ask open-ended questions of their child

that allow them to discuss any potential problems that may be brewing. Careful listening can help detect and prevent future episodes.

Both Layden and Burkhardt agree that it is important to monitor your child’s personal interactions with other kids as well as their online interactions. “It can be a daunting task to keep up with what your child is saying and who they are saying it to, but it has been my experience that the first thing a parent can do to help if their child is instigating a bullying situation is to be proactive by knowing the friends of their children as well as knowing their parents,” says Layden.

Seeking professional help Sometimes a child’s bullying behavior can indicate a serious problem that needs to be addressed with someone trained in this area. Burkhardt says, “If a child repeatedly bullies, seems to enjoy hurting others, becomes more covert in the bullying activity or reports a desire to carry out hurtful or vengeful acts, it is a good idea to check with a mental health care professional to determine if additional assessment and intervention methods might be needed.”

Layden adds that oftentimes, a child who is a bully is feeling wounded and needs to be treated with compassion. In this case, she suggests parents consider therapy and social skills groups where their child can work on developing appropriate responses to various social situations.

As hard as it may be to accept that your child may be a bully, taking firm action to address the situation not only prevents more potential victims, but it is an act of love on your part for your own child. A child who bullies others, for whatever reason, is not coping well with the stressors in their life. Reach out to your school, a mental health provider or organizations like the Bully Prevention Alliance, Girls Inc. or www.Stop Bullying.gov for more information and guidance.

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Navigating College for Stu dents With Auti s m Innovative programs helping to ease the transition Maggie Loiselle

The transition from high school to college is often fraught with uncertainty, and that’s especially true for the growing number of students with autism who are pursuing higher education.

“It’s a very personal connection, and it helps the student’s parents to know that their child is meeting with someone to talk through the ups and downs,” Miller says.

Keeping parents involved

Unfamiliar academic demands, the responsibility of managing one's own time and complex social cues present new challenges for students on the spectrum. “There’s no IEP (Individualized Education Program) in college and the parents aren’t as directly involved,” says Larry Markle, Director of Disability Services at Ball State University. “The same types of services are often available in college, but the critical thing is that the student must take the lead in the process.”

Academic challenges

While parents are directly involved in the creation of IEPs in high school, once a student turns 18, the responsibility for requesting appropriate accommodations rests with the student. “Parents of kids on the spectrum are such big advocates, so it’s a process to say, ‘Hey mom, take a step back and let them navigate this,’” Miller says. “We encourage the families [to know] that this is their program.”

Fortunately, Indiana colleges and universities are among those setting an example of how to help students with autism become comfortable on campus, both in and out of the classroom, with mentoring programs and specialized services.

A new social world Easter Seals Crossroads’ PeerXChange program spans five Indiana campuses – Ball State, Butler University, IUPUI, Ivy Tech and the University of Indianapolis – pairing students on the spectrum with a classmate who helps them acclimate to campus life and connect socially.

“For a lot of our students on the spectrum, the most difficult part of the transition to college is the ever-changing social cues, from group projects to dorm life and making friends,” says Amy Miller, who oversees the program.

The peer mentor serves as a sounding board, explaining the intricacies of college life and helping set goals with the student. For example, a goal for students on the spectrum might be to seek out a campus club and introduce themselves to at least one person during their first meeting.

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The mentorship model also involves faculty at Ball State, where 45 professors volunteer to provide support for students with disabilities as part of a first-of-its-kind program.

Students are connected with a faculty member in their major who serves as an informal mentor in the student’s first year, helping the student practice disclosing their disability and requesting accommodations.

“Research continually shows that students who have engagement with faculty do better,” Markle says. “The two most important ingredients for students with disabilities in college are that the student needs to be independent and they have to be a good self-advocate.”

Finding a safe space Fostering independence is also a key component of the BUILD program at the University of Indianapolis, which aims to engage students who require more extensive accommodations.

The 50-some students who participate have at least two hours of tutoring a week and can receive time management help as well. The program’s offices serve as a home base of sorts for students to ask questions, request accommodations and socialize. “Sometimes students just come to see me to tell me about their day,” says BUILD Director Dana Goldman. “One of our students doesn’t have an appointment with me really ever, but he comes in twice a week at the same time, and that became our time! It’s nice that students have that safe space.”

These programs also serve as a bridge between college students and their often-anxious parents who may still be adjusting to having less involvement in guiding their child’s education.

For more information: *PeerXChange: www.eastersealscross roads.org/peer-xchange-program *Ball State’s faculty mentor program: http://cms.bsu.edu/about/ administrativeoffices/disability-services/ programs/fmp *UIndy’s BUILD program: www.uindy.edu/ssd/build/ *The Autism Resource Network of Indiana: Info on local programs serving college students on the spectrum www. arnionline.org/index.php?option=com_con tent&view=article&id=10055:collegeselection-for-students-on-the-spectrum

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T i p s f o r Startin g the Assistive Technology Process Taking advantage of all that’s available to students with special needs Maggie Loiselle

From digital pens to speech-recognition apps and talking calculators, the world of assistive technology for students with special needs is ever-growing, and can be overwhelming for parents just starting their search.

Assistive technology, or AT, covers any technology or device that helps a student overcome obstacles at school involving mobility, communication, interacting with classmates and more.

“The first thing parents should know is that they are not alone,” stresses Keith Butler, Staff Attorney at Indiana Protection & Advocacy Services, or IPAS, which oversees AT in Indiana. “The Internet is a wonderful, but sometimes overwhelming, resource so we encourage people to start by talking to a real person who will listen, ask questions and help families determine their child’s developmental goals.”

Two good local resources are the PATINS Project, which works directly with schools to provide an array of AT devices, and the INDATA Project, a partnership between Easter Seals Crossroads, the state and the federal government, which offers a device lending library of more than 2,000 items, free training and low-interest loans.

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about technology options, along with parents of children who have similar special needs. “The most important thing when you’re just learning about assistive technology is to learn where to get access to information,” he says. “Ask a lot of questions. Gathering information can never start too soon.”

Parents can request an AT evaluation at any time through their child’s school, either during an IEP (Individualized Education Program) case conference or under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The evaluation typically takes 50 days.

Darla Ashton, Assistive Technology Coordinator at Carmel Clay Schools, recommends creating an AT implementation plan to clarify how the technology will be used and who should be assisting the student when needed, especially for those with multiple teachers and therapists.

“It’s easy to hand over a tech tool to a student and say, ‘This will solve the problem!’” she says. “It’s harder to coordinate who will train the student on how to use the technology, who will explain to teachers when and why the tech should be used, how the parents will know how to support their student’s use with the tool and how and when to know that it’s actually helping.”

Ashton also encourages parents to learn the technology that their child will be using so they can help troubleshoot issues at home and better advocate for their child in case conference meetings when it comes to what tools still need to be added.

Nanci Sears Perry, the founder of grassroots education group Decoding Dyslexia-IN and mom of twin high school sophomores who are dyslexic, has a lot of experience navigating the world of AT. She says the process is getting easier. “Parents need to be proactive, follow up quickly and ask a lot of questions,” she stresses. “We have so many great resources in Indiana, and it’s my dream that when a parent in my shoes, like I was two years ago, asks about an assistive technology evaluation, it happens quickly.”

Sears Perry advises parents to regularly review their child’s AT plan, updating it from year to year just as they would their IEP.

While assistive technology may be a daunting field for parents, it can truly make a difference for students. “I’ve seen some amazing things happen when the right piece of technology is put into the mix for a student,” says Ashton.

“AT can make a student more independent, maybe faster, maybe clearer, maybe more thorough in their task at hand. Depending on what your goal is for the student, AT can definitely open doors.”

More information about the AT evaluation process in Indiana can be found on the IPAS website at http://www.in.gov/ipas/2376.htm.

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A U G U S T S P EC I A L NEE D S E V EN T S

S P EC I A L NEE D S C A L EN D A R S AT 01 Lights Up, Sound Down “Minions” Location: Hamilton 16 IMAX, Noblesville, Time: 10am, http://www.goodrichqualitytheaters.com/programs/ lights-up-sound-down/ Goodrich Quality Theaters is proud to present Lights Up, Sound Down (LUSD), a monthly program open to everyone, but specifically giving families & children with Autism and sensory issues the opportunity to enjoy their favorite movies in a comfortable, sensory – friendly setting with the lights turned up and volume turned down in the auditorium. RSVP for FREE tickets to attend.

T U E S 05 Down Syndrome Indiana Cuenta Conimgo Location: 708 E. Michigan St, Indianapolis, Time: 6-8pm, http://www.dsindiana.org/CuentaConmigo.php The Cuenta Conmigo Meeting is a Spanish-speaking group for parents who have a child with Down syndrome. The meeting topics focus on a wide range of pertinent information. Childcare and food are provided. For more information, contact Alyssa Ludlow at alyssa@dsindiana. org or call 317-931-9843.

Parents Night Out Location: Arthur M. Glick Jewish Community Center, Indianapolis, Time: 6-10pm, http://jccindy.org/?post_ type=ajde_events&p=5401?ri=0& An evening for children with special needs and their siblings (ages 2–11). 3:1 ratio. $5 per child. Space is limited. No walk-ins accepted. Register with Julie Sondhelm at 317-259-6822, Ext. 6 or jsondhelm@JFGI.org.

T U E S 11 Location: George’s Neighborhood Grill, Indianapolis, Time: 6:45pm, http://www.dsindiana.org/DADS.php This is the first meeting of 2015 for the group that aims to assist and support, through fellowship and action, the fathers and families of individuals with Down syndrome.

Any dad – or grandfather, uncle, brother, teacher, physician – who cares for someone who has Down syndrome, is invited.

F R I 14 Teen Karaoke Night Location: Monon Community Center, Carmel, Time: 6-8 p.m., Price: Free This is a respite event for teens with disabilities. Teens, ages 13-17 are invited to come rock the night away as they sing their favorite songs solo or with a group of friends!

Dinner will be provided. RSVP by emailing Sarah Cox at SCox@thebaca.com or call 317-436-8961.

Foster Parent Info Night

1st Annual 5K Run/Walk For Project Lifesaver Hendricks County Location: Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, Avon, Time: 8-10am, http://bit.ly/1H7BlM7 The event is being organized as a fundraiser for Project Lifesaver Hendricks County and is organized by the Hendricks County Fire Chiefs Association and Bierman ABA Autism Center. There will also be a family fun event with refreshments and activities for kids outdoors, including games, sensory activities, inflatables, adaptive bikes, community sponsored booths and the fire department will be on hand for entertainment.

Down Syndrome Indiana Madison Hancock Playgroup Location: Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church, Greenfield, Time: 6-8pm, http://www.dsindiana.org/ Madison-Hancock-PlayGroup.php This is a playgroup aimed at getting children with Down syndrome and their families together with other families to play and grow together. They’ll have dinner and a big gymnasium for the kids to play! For more information, contact Stacy Yocum. Call or text 317-557-4574 or email stacyyocum@yahoo.com.

Down Syndrome Indiana Dads Meeting

T U E S 18 S AT 08

T H U R S 20

Location: Villages Of Indiana, Indianapolis, Time: 6-8pm, https://www.villages.org/info-nights/ The Villages, Indiana’s largest nonprofit child and family services provider, offers informational meetings for people who would like to learn more about becoming foster or adoptive parents. These meetings are offered free of charge.

Please RSVP so they are able to plan accordingly.

W E DS 19 Autism Family Resource Center Parent Support Group Location: Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis, Time: 5:30-7pm, http://www.eastersealscrossroads.org/ parents-support-group The Parents’ Support Group for parents of children with autism meets monthly at the Autism Family Resource Center at Easter Seals Crossroads. Their goal is to provide support and information to families living with autism. If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, you are invited to join and share your thoughts and ideas, and learn from others.

S AT 2 2 2nd Annual Katie’s Run For Autism Location: Billericay Park, Fishers, Time: 8;30am, https:// secure.getmeregistered.com/get_information. php?event_id=121865 Invite your friends, families and coworkers to join us and enjoy a Saturday morning of fun, laughter and exercise.

Katie’s Run for Autism is dedicated to raising funds to support individuals living with AUTISM and their families, with a focus of research, education and programming.

Register online

T U E S 25 Swing For A Cause Charity Golf Outing To Benefit Autism Society Of Indiana Location: Eagle Creek Golf Club, Indianapolis, Time: 11am, http://bit.ly/1KMXyED The cost to participate is $125 per person or $500 a team.

Entry fee includes green fees, cart rental, lunch, dinner and all beverages. Shotgun start begins at 11am. Registration is open beginning at 9:30am. Contact jadeabel@gmail.com with any questions.

S AT 29 Special Olympics Indiana Plane Pull Challenge Location: Indianapolis Airport Terminal (Postal Hub), Time: 8:15am, http://soindiana.org/special-events/2015plane-pull-challenge/ The FedEx Plane Pull Challenge raises funds and awareness for more than 11,000 Special Olympics athletes in Indiana. Don’t miss the fun as teams of up to 20 people compete to pull a jumbo jet a distance of 12 feet across the tarmac in the least amount of time! Register online to participate.

[FOR MORE EV E N TS OR TO BE INCLUDED IN OUR MON T HLY SPECI AL NEEDS C ALE NDAR] G O TO W W W. I N DY S CH I LD.CO M!

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S P EC I A L NEE D S R E S O U R CE S

S P EC I A L NEE D S GUIDE ABA Autism Services by Damar ABA provides proven research-based treatments and interventions for children with Autism and their families, ensuring that children learn, gain confidence and purpose, and engage in meaningful interactions in their everyday lives. 9905 Fall Creek Road, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Kristin Dovenmuehle, Director, Phone: 317-813-4690, Email: info@damar.org, www.DamarABA.org

Applied Behavior Center for Autism Carmel CENTER ABC for Autism is proud to be Indiana's largest and longest running ABA therapy provider. With 7 locations throughout the state, we offer high quality one-on-one ABA and verbal behavior consulting and therapy. Our new Carmel center is also home to our state-of-the-art indoor, therapeutic pool. This is home to our special needs swim lessons and free open swim days. 1341 Old Merdian St, Carmel, IN 46032 , Contact: Sheiletha Quinn, Phone: 317-573-KIDS, Email: Sheiletha@appliedbehaviorcenter. org, www.applied behaviorcenter.org, www. facebook.com/autismhope

Applied Behavior Center for Autism Early Childhood Center ABC for Autism is proud to be Indiana's largest and longest running ABA therapy provider. With 7 locations throughout the state, we offer high quality one-on-one ABA and verbal behavior consulting and therapy. Our Early Childhood Center (ECC) is a highly specialized center in which clients ages 2-6 grow and develop through individualized programming, typical peer interaction, and early intervention ABA therapy. 7857 E. 88th St, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Sheiletha Quinn, Phone: 317-849-KIDS, Email: Sheiletha@ appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.appliedb ehaviorcenter.org, www.facebook.com/autismhope

Applied Behavior Center for Autism Greenwood CENTER ABC for Autism is proud to be Indiana's largest and longest running ABA therapy provider. With 7 locations throughout the state, we offer high quality one-on-one ABA and verbal behavior consulting and therapy. Our beautiful Greenwood facility offers individualized one-on-one therapy programs for children and teens ages 2 and older. 374 Meridian Parke Lane, Greenwood, IN 46142, Contact: Sheiletha Quinn, Phone: 317-889-KIDS, Email: Sheiletha@applied behaviorcenter.org, www. applied behaviorcenter.org, www.facebook.com/ autismhope

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Applied Behavior Center for Autism IndIANAPOLIS North CENTER ABC for Autism is proud to be Indiana's largest and longest running ABA therapy provider. With 7 locations throughout the state, we offer high quality one-on-one ABA and verbal behavior consulting and therapy. Indy North is our corporate office which also offers individualized one-on-one therapy programs for children and teens ages 2 and older. 7901 E. 88th St, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Sheiletha Quinn, Phone: 317-849KIDS, Email: Sheiletha@applied behaviorcenter.org, www.appliedbehavior center.org, www.facebook. com/autismhope

Easter Seals Crossroads

Offering comprehensive disability services for people of all ages. Early Intervention, Autism Services, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, Feeding/Swallowing issues, Augmentative Communication, Assistive Technology, Multi-sensory Therapy Rooms, Summer Camps, Life/Social Skills Groups, Deaf Community Services, Autism Family Resource Center, 4740 Kingsway Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Phone: 317-466-1000, Email: info@ eastersealscrossroads.org, http://www. eastersealscrossroads.org

Maria Montessori International Academy Applied Behavior Center for Autism IndIANAPOLIS West CENTER ABC for Autism is proud to be Indiana's largest and longest running ABA therapy provider. With 7 locations throughout the state, we offer high quality one-on-one ABA and verbal behavior consulting and therapy. Our Indy West center is proud to offer individualized one-onone therapy programs for children and teens ages 2 and older. 6865 Parkdale Place, Indianapolis, IN 46254, Contact: Sheiletha Quinn, Phone: 317-849-KIDS, Email: Sheiletha@appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.applied behaviorcenter.org, www.facebook.com/autismhope

BEHAVIORWORKS ABA We work with you! BehaviorWorks provides Early Intervention for Autism and Indiana Medicaid Waiver Behavior Support Services. BehaviorWorks is a team you can grow with. We use the evidence-based strategies of ABA to create effective behavioral solutions. Are you looking for a fresh perspective? Take action for positive change with BehaviorWorks. 8206 Rockville Road No. 146, Indianapolis, IN 46234, Contact: Ann Baloski, Executive Director, Phone: 317-436-0037, Email: info@ behaviorworksaba.com, www.behaviorworksaba.com

Children's Therapy Connection Children’s Therapy Connection is offering It Takes Two to Talk® — The Hanen Program® for Parents of Children with Language Delays is designed specifically for parents of young children (birth to 5 years) who have been identified as having a language delay. In a small, personalized group setting, parents discover simple things you can do during everyday activities like meal time, story time and bath time to create enjoyable learning opportunities for your child. If you’d like to enroll in our Hanen class, please call (317) 288-7606 or info@childrenstherapyconnection.com. 7424 Shadeland Station Way, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Phone: 317-2887606, Email: info childrenstherapy connection.com, www.childrenstherapyconnection.com

Want a unique way to educate your child? Try MEBA! Montessori Education with Behavioral Analysis (MEBA) all in One! Half days or full time for working families.

Practical Life skills, OT, PT and Speech Therapy.

Zionsville, Carmel and Indianapolis locations, Contact: Vivian Cain, Phone: 317-769-2220, mariamontessori-intl.org

St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf (SJI) is Indiana's only full-time school dedicated to helping young children (birth to age 8) who are deaf or hard of hearing develop spoken language and literacy skills with the focus of transitioning into their local, community school.

Dramatic advances in technology, including sophisticated hearing aids and cochlear implants, give children with significant hearing loss access to sound. With appropriate speech therapy, auditory rehabilitation and language training, children are able to develop spoken language skills. St. Joseph Institute offers a variety of Listening and Spoken Language programs including: early intervention services, internet therapy, full-time preschool program, mainstream support, ongoing consultation, and comprehensive educational training opportunities for families and professionals. With over 175 years of experience, we are professional leaders in the field of Listening and Spoken Language education.

Visit our website for more information. 9192 Waldemar Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, Phone: 317-471-8560, www.sjid.org

[CON TAC T] JENN IC A@IN DYS CH ILD.COM TO HAV E YOU R L IS T ING INCLU DED!

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CO M M EN TA R Y & PA R EN T I N G

Footnotes: Thoughts from the margins of a mom’s life Questions, questions...

Kelly Blewett

When I was a kid, I used to watch movies with my cousin Ross. One evening, circa 1990, while sitting on the floor watching the old Batman movie starring Michael Keaton, he decided he’d had enough of me.

“Quit asking questions!” he cried. “We’re watching the same movie! I don’t know why all these things are happening!” I can newly appreciate Ross’s position. I’ve recently had my comeuppance, sitting with my son watching Frozen. He’d just gotten a nasty gash in his head from a playground tumble. It was bloody and scary enough to send us to urgent care, where he eventually was patched back together with a staple. But, as anyone who has been to urgent care knows, even the simplest procedure can take hours. So we passed the time snuggling, him in a stained t-shirt with a bandage around his head, watching Frozen on the iPad.

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“Why is Princess Anna not allowed to know about Princess Elsa’s powers?” he asked me. I paused the movie to discuss. But this was only the beginning.

Question followed question in mind-numbing succession. When we’d been watching the film for over an hour but hadn’t yet gotten beyond the first 20 minutes, I knew he was even worse than I’d been as a child. Simple questions were easily fielded. But then he started in on the stumpers.

“Whose fault is it that the castle froze?” he queried.

“Is it Anna’s fault, because she made Elsa mad – or is it Elsa’s fault, because she couldn’t control her power?” I looked at him, laughing in spite of myself.

“Maybe,” I said, “it’s actually the parents’ fault, since they told Elsa to keep it a secret.” He considered this, and then said, “Is that the right answer?” I shrugged. “It’s an interpretive question, William. It depends on what kind of approach you

take to the movie.” Suddenly I realized what I was saying and backtracked. We weren’t in English class, I reminded myself, but instead the urgent care. “Well, what I’m really saying is, you could argue it either way.”

And so we did, looking at the issue from multiple perspectives and discussing the evidence for each.

I was amused, to a point. On the one hand, here is someone to debate with! On the other hand, can’t we just get to the part where Elsa sings “Let it Go”?

I found myself echoing my cousin from so many years before. “William, can’t we just watch the movie?” Secretly, though, I hope this is only the beginning, a memorable first in a lifetime of movie discussions. We’ll just be two English majors, hanging out and passing the time.

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Cool

After School

Activities

Enrichment ideas to spark a new interest in your child Summer Daily

G

one are the days when t-ball and piano lessons were the only options for after school activities.

Now it’s easier than ever to find fun and unique opportunities that will pique your child’s interest and keep them busy after classes let out. Check out these Indianapolis area places for a new experience your kids might like to try!

For your budding chef Looking for a fresh and interesting creative outlet for your child? Try out cooking classes at Healthy Hands Cooking. These two Indianapolis-based instructors specialize in introducing kids to the kitchen and offer a variety of classes for ages 2-13.

Classes encourage creativity and freedom and teach kids the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. Start off with a “Just a Taste” class or host a party. If cooking is definitely your child’s thing, consider putting him in an 8 hour core class (2 hour classes once a week) or the advanced class.

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For your sports enthusiast Do you have a kid climbing the walls at home? Take them to a rock climbing gym where they can test their mental and physical skills on a variety of routes. Both Climb Time Indy in Castleton and Hoosier Heights on the west side of Carmel offer kids’ climbing clubs where they will receive coaching from a trained staff member while playing games and attempting challenges with other kids their age. There is no need to register for these clubs. Simply show up 15 minutes prior to each session. Climb Time’s club meets every Wednesday from 5:15 – 6:30 pm, and Hoosier Heights offers club meetings Monday – Thursday from 4:30 – 6:30 pm.

For your talented artist Some kids just have to create! For those with an artistic flair, check out MyArt in Zionsville, Carmel, Noblesville or Fishers. This art school focuses on realistic drawing and offers instruction for kids ages four and up. Class offerings range from basic drawing and painting instruction to studio time for teens. Check out the website for the location nearest you for more detailed class descriptions.

Perhaps your child has expressed an interest in painting or jewelry making and you are looking to broaden her artistic horizons. Starting in late August, the Indianapolis Art Center offers classes for kids ages 2-18 in a variety of mediums. From sculpting and glass-blowing to woodwork and drawing, the center offers instruction in almost any area you could dream of. Classes range from $60-$300 for 6-week courses, or $15 one time pop-up classes if you’d rather experiment with a medium before diving in headfirst. (Look for Lil’ Pops and Teen Pops on their Pop-Up calendar.)

For your outdoor adventurer If your kid loves learning about the outdoors, consider stopping at Eagle Creek for one of their many events and programs. Every Saturday the Earth Discovery Center hosts a Nature Discovery Class that is free with park admission and geared towards families. Or you can visit the Ornithology Center for their weekly Feathered Fun session. Eagle Creek also host events for the family like campouts and the Perseid Meteor Shower viewing.

For your energetic musician Rhythm!

Discovery Center downtown is a percussion museum that offers educational exhibits, historical and cultural lessons, and hands-on experiences for kids of all ages.

Every Saturday from 11:00-2:00 and 2:00-3:00, the museum provides special programs that help kids find their rhythm. Classes feature demonstrations, special performances and build-your-owninstrument lessons and are free with the cost of admission. $10 for adults, $6 for children and kids 5 and under are free.

For your STEM learner If your child just can’t get enough during science class, try out some of the after school STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs at The Orchard School just west of Broad Ripple.

Anyone can sign up for their 1-hour/ week, 8-week classes regardless of where they attend school. Classes start August 31 and come in a wide variety of choices like coding, electricity, biology, magnetism and much more. Check out their website for a full list of class offerings.

With so many after school activities in our area, who wouldn’t want to be a kid again? Have fun exploring these and other interesting opportunities with your child this school year.

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CO M M EN TA R Y & PA R EN T I N G

Ask the Teacher Problem-based learning, no more letter grades, school screen time Deb Krupowicz

Q:

Can you explain what “PBL” means? My daughter’s new teacher has this term listed on her classroom webpage but I’m not sure what it refers to.

A:

“PBL” is an acronym for Problem Based Learning.

It is an approach to education that is hands-on and student-centered. Typically, students work in groups to solve real world problems. Children are actively involved in selecting the problems, so they have a high level of interest and enthusiasm for their work. The teacher acts as a facilitator, helping students to develop strategies that result in actual solutions. Kids learn and apply the necessary content knowledge and curriculum standards are incorporated naturally.

With PBL, students are developing reasoning, cooperation and communication skills in addition to learning academic content. An emphasis is placed on students thinking about their own progress and learning to identify possible next steps, recognizing when outcomes have a low likelihood of success and altering their direction.

In short, students are developing skills and strategies that are employed in the work force.

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Q:

My son’s school is changing their report cards to be “standards based” instead of using grades. How will I know how well he is doing and if he is learning what he should be?

A:

Many school corporations have moved from using the letter grades of A,B,C,D,F to standards based reporting so that students and parents have a clearer understanding of what kids are actually learning.

For example, consider the traditional grading system in which one overall reading grade would include assessments on how fluidly a child reads, how well he comprehends both fiction and nonfiction material, how effectively he can write about the material and how well he can speak about the reading in front of the class.

Because such a wide variety of skills is averaged to get a grade, a weakness in a specific skill can be masked. It may appear that the student has mastered all skills when, in actuality, there are areas that require more attention and practice.

In standards based report cards, teachers and administrators develop a list of very specific learning skills based upon those the state and the school corporation have identified as appropriate and necessary for each grade level. They select levels of mastery which are clearly explained to communicate how effectively the student has learned the content.

Rather than point to a general grade that a student received on tests or assignments, the teacher should be able to provide specific evidence to show where gaps in understanding are occurring so those deficits can be filled.

Q:

When my son starts school this year, he will be doing most of his work on a computer. Are all those hours of screen time really good for him?

A:

Education experts debate how much technology should be used by children and at what age it should play a dominant role in academic life. We cannot deny that we live in a technology saturated world and that being tech savvy is expected in personal as well as professional pursuits. Your son’s school corporation has obviously determined to emphasize the educational benefits of using computers. You are right to be sensitive to how beneficial the hours in front of a computer screen are for your son’s overall well-being.

One concern of having a great deal of screen time is the lack of physical movement this often means for a student. You can easily compensate for this potential problem by encouraging your son to play outside and restricting the time he spends watching TV and playing video games. Whether that outside play comes in the form of organized sports, playground play or

a bike ride, the more opportunities for physical activity your son has, the healthier he will be.

Technology can also infringe upon time when children should be sleeping. It is easy to get caught up in research, reading, gaming or social media and lose track of time.

Be sure that your son’s computer and phone are off and inaccessible for 30 minutes or more prior to bedtime.

This will help your son “disconnect” and prepare to rest. Monitoring this behavior is critical to ensure that your son is actually sleeping when you believe he is. Having portable equipment that is left in another room is the easiest way to accomplish this.

Another area of concern is how technology affects children’s abilities to develop appropriate social behavior. Encourage your son to spend time with friends in a way that doesn’t involve screens. Learning to read facial expressions, pick up on non-verbal body language and understand inflection and tone of voice are skills necessary to building good human relationships that can only be developed by spending quality time with people.

[ A sk the T eacher ] is written by Deb Krupowicz, a mother of four who holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Deb has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students. Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@ indyschild.com.

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E D U C AT I ON R E S O U R CE S

E D U C A T I ON A N D CHILDCARE GUIDE [SCHOOLS & EDUCATION] carmel Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc. Carmel Montessori School is located on the beautiful campus at St. Christopher’s Church on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 16 years head-teaching experience. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available.

1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, Phone: 317-580-0699, Email: info@carmelmontessori. com, carmelmontessori.com

Clay Montessori A Montessori school offering morning, afternoon, and full-day programs. Available for ages 3-6 years old. Call for more information. (Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori) 463 East Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850

Maria Montessori International Academy (Carmel) “Can your 4 year old read this?” OURS CAN! Come discover why our programs are so successful that our kindergartens are in advance reading and math in first grade at both Zionsville and Carmel Public Schools! The program offers education for infants, toddlers, Pre-K, kindergarten, and elementary across subjects, even for very young children, including math, science, Spanish, art and music, as well as reading and writing. 3500 106th St. & Shelborne (Holy Trinity Orthodox Greek Church), Carmel, IN 46032, Phone: 317-769-2220, Cost/Tuition: please call, www.maria montessori-intl.org

Minds-in-Motion, Inc. Minds-in-Motion is a brain-training program based on NASA technology. It utilizes a unique blend of balance exercises, gymnastics and applied technology, all focused on strengthening the brains ability to process and organize information. Minds-in-Motion builds stronger bodies and smarter minds! 879 West Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN 46032,

Contact: Candace Meyer, Phone: 317-571-8752, Hours: 10-week Fall, Winter & Spring sessions + 4-week Intensive Summer, Email: info@mimlearning.com, www.mimLearning. com, Hours/Dates: 10-week Fall, Winter & Spring sessions + 4-week Intensive Summer Sessions, Ages/Grades: 3-18

fishers Fall Creek Montessori Academy Fall Creek Montessori Academy is a culturally diverse environment where children grow and develop their unique talents and gifts. Through child-centered learning, children excel physically, academically and emotionally.

Conveniently located one mile east of I-69 on 96th St. FCMA serves children at all levels. Programs are available two to five days per week. 8888 Fitness Ln, Fishers, IN 46037, Contact: Diana Brugh, Phone: (317) 436-8606, Email: diana@ fallcreekmontessori.com, www.fallcreekmontessori.com

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Fishers Montessori A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary. Certification through American Montessori Society. 12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850

indianapolis // DOWNTOWN PARAMOUNT SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Paramount School of Excellence is a tuition-free K-8 charter school that educates students in an innovative environment that instills high expectations for success. Paramount accomplishes its mission and teaches the mastery of Indiana State Standards through an emphasis on rigorous academics, technology and the environment.

Integral to the school’s approach to education is school-wide use of computer technology, a green initiative, project-based investigations, community partnerships and three on-site Discovery Centers – an indoor Eco Center, Time and Space Center with a planetarium, and an urban farm. 3020 Nowland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201 Contact: Peggy Purvis, 317.775.6660, school@ paramountindy.org, www.paramountindy.org

indianapolis // north Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Full Academic Curriculum and Innovative ArtsEnrichment. Our Program recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and more important, lots of love!

Type of School: Early Childhood Cost/Tuition: Please call or email for full brochure Hours/Dates: Flexible Hours. Full Time/ Part-Time available. Ages/Grades: 12 months old+, 18 months old+, 2s+, 3s+, 4s+, Pre-Kindergarten (Kindergarten Readiness Class)(3 day or 5 day option) Before/After School Care: Before and After School Care always available as needed. Early drop off as early as 7:30 am and late pick up anytime up until 6:00pm/5:30 pm on Fridays. 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Joanie Waldman, Phone: 317-259-6854, Fax: 317-259-6849, Email: jwaldman@bez613.org, www.bez613.org

Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School You are invited to visit the only Catholic Jesuit school in the state of Indiana that has been educating students in the Jesuit tradition for more than 50 years. Brebeuf Jesuit’s Mission Statement: Brebeuf Jesuit, a Catholic and Jesuit school, provides an excellent college preparatory education for a lifetime of service by forming leaders who are intellectually competent, open to growth, loving, religious and committed to promoting justice. Fostering a culture of understanding and dialogue, Brebeuf Jesuit seeks and welcomes students from diverse religious, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Students at Brebeuf Jesuit are called to discover and cultivate the fullness of their God-given talents as a responsibility and as an act of worship. CORE VALUES: Education of the Whole Person, A Caring and Diverse Community, The Greater Glory of God. 2801 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Contact: Liz Otteson, Director of Admissions. Phone: 317-524-7090. Email: admissions@brebeuf. org, www.brebeuf.org

Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church Children’s Circle Preschool is a developmentally appropriate, activity based, Christian preschool. We offer classes for children ages 9 months to 5 years old. We meet the needs of the whole child in a creative and loving environment. Our experienced staff embraces excellence in education by nurturing the whole child- physically, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. Please call for more information or to set up a tour. 7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Cara Paul, Director, 317-252-5517, cpaul@secondchurch.org, www.childrenscircle.org

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool

The Children's Day In Nursery School is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 3 years a positive and developmentally appropriate experience in the care of experienced caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. The Children's Day In Traditional Preschool program provides a quality developmentally appropriate education for 3, 4 and 5 year olds.

Our program includes weekly Christian Life Skills, First Steps in Music (ICC) and Book Club. Summer Camp CDI is our 4-week summer program for children ages 9 months to age 5 years.

Classes are offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Summer Camp CDI runs the month of June.

Please call, E-mail or visit for further information and registration forms. 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, Phone: 317-253-0472, cwhaley@meridianstreet. org, www.meridianstreet.org

A Children’s Habitat Montessori School For over 40 years, A Children's Habitat Montessori School has been providing a place where children thrive and discover their love of learning. Habitat provides a traditional Montessori school experience for families seeking a half-day preschool and kindergarten, or full-day elementary program.

We are a not-for-profit school based on the principles of Maria Montessori, and we are fully accredited by the American Montessori Society. For more information, visit our website: www.childrens-habitat.org. Hours/Dates: Monday - Friday Regular Day 8:30-11:30 Extended Day 11:30-1:30 Kindergarten 11:30-1:30. Ages/Grades: 18 months - 6 years. 801 W. 73 Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Carmen Nieves, Phone: (317)726-5584, Email: info@ childrens-habitat.org, http://www.childrens-habitat.org

The Children's House, INC The Children's House was founded in 1971 to provide a classical education through individual instruction. In an atmosphere free of competition, the child can discover her or his own unique talents on the way to becoming a selfactualized person. 2404 W. 62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Mary Sexson, Phone: 317-253-3033, Email: childrenshouse08@gmail.com, www.thechildrens houseindianapolis.com, Hours/Dates: 9 am to 3 pm (Extended care available), School Year: September through May, Summer Camp: June 15th through August 21st, Ages/Grades: Preschool through 8th Grade

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Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing Our Mothers Day Out (12-35 mos) and Preschool (3 yrs-PreK’s) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure environments that nurture creativity and encourage the exploration of God’s world, with a wide variety of learning materials & readiness skills woven through each unit. Need longer hours? Try our child care ministry, The Neighborhood, designed for 16 mos-PreK. 9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake or Kelly Belt, Phone: 317-575-6508, Fax: 317-575-6509, Email: jdrake@golove.org or kbelt@golove.org

Heritage Christian School Established in 1965, accredited through ACSI and NCA, HCS is the choice in college preparatory discipleship Christian education for 1,400 students each year grades Preschool-12. Advanced, Honors and AP classes. Full Fine Arts and 2A IHSAA ATHLETICS. HCS is training up the next generation of Christian leaders through challenging, Biblically taught curriculum including internships and service to others. Bus transportation available. Schedule a tour today! 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

Contact: Admissions Department, 317-849-3441, Admissions@heritagechristian.net, www.heritagechristian.net

Maria Montessori International Academy (INDIANAPOLIS) “Can your 4 year old read this?” OURS CAN! Come discover why our programs are so successful that our kindergartens are in advance reading and math in first grade at both Zionsville and Carmel Public Schools! The program offers education for infants, toddlers, Pre-K, kindergarten, and elementary across subjects, even for very young children, including math, science, Spanish, art and music, as well as reading and writing. 7507 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, Phone: 317-291-5557, Cost/Tuition: please call, www.mariamontessori-intl.org

Montessori Centres Peace and respect for all is our main goal. Montessori Centres has worked with children to develop critical-thinking and time-management skills since 1966. Montessori-certified lead teachers serve children aged 3-3rd grade. Classroom structure and materials allow children to be self-directed and self-paced.

Our well-rounded curriculum includes French and Spanish, art, science, computer skills, grace and courtesy, social studies, nature and outdoor gardening. 563 West Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Lynn Boone, Director, Phone: 317-257-2224, Fax: 317-257-3034, Email: montessoricentres@ sbcglobal.net, www.montessoricentres.com/

The Orchard School The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasizing experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited. 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-713-5705, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: khein@orchard.org, www.orchard.org

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St. Richard’s Episcopal School

Friendship Kids Preschool & Childcare

SRES strives for academic excellence through its classic curriculum with innovative teaching methods; it also provides preparation and knowledge in areas such as faith, leadership, civic responsibility, and global readiness. St. Richard’s offers a rigorous academic curriculum, three world languages, public speaking and leadership opportunities, a strong fine arts program and organized athletics for continued lifetime success. Our newly redesigned Early Childhood Program uses brain-based research and proven instructional practices that lay the foundation in math and literacy skills. The program features unique field experiences, community partnerships, year-round offerings, and a full-day curriculum along with part-time options. 33 E. 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Contact: Abby Williams, Director of Admission and Communications, 317-926-0425 x134, Fax: 317-921-3367, awilliams@strichardsschool.org, www.strichardsschool.org

Friendship Kids Preschool & Childcare is all about preparing your child for their academic futures by providing fun, interactive activities that engage your child's 5 senses, while also learning about God! Learning should be fun, so we incorporate play in all of our activities! Check us out at friendshipkids.com! 963 E Worthsville Road, Greenwood, IN 46143, Contact: Jessica Seelye, Phone: 317-535-2544, Email: jessica@experiencefriendship.com

Sycamore School At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners.

Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels.

Extensive field trips, athletics, child care, financial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered. 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions. 317-202-2500, Fax: 317-202-2501, skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org, www.sycamoreschool.org

westfield Montessori School of Westfield, Inc. Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the academic traditions of Montessori while serving the present day child. The Montessori School of Westfield serves children from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero and Tipton. We serve children ages 18 months to 15 years.

800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN 46074, Contact: Mary Lyman, Directress, Phone: 317-867-0158, Fax: 317-896-5945, Email: montessori westfield@gmail.com, www.montessori schoolofwestfield.com

zionsville indianapolis // northeast Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township An “A” District, Lawrence Township offers a superior and diverse education pre-school through grade 12. Early Learning Centers appeal to the curiosity of the young child. Elementary schools provide strong academic foundations and progressive magnet foci. Secondary schools implement 1:1 technology and a growing list of rigorous courses and extracurricular activities. 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, 46236, Contact: Welcome Center, Phone: 317-423-8200, Email: magnet@ msdlt.k12.in.us, www.ltschools.org

Polly Panda Preschool & Bridgford Kindergarten

Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range of experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our well-qualified and loving staff. 2944 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Gail Hacker and Tammy Clark, Phone: 317-257-9127, Email: pollypandaindy@sbcglobal.net, www.pollypanda.com

Advent Lutheran Preschool Advent offers a Christian learning environment for children ages 2 through 5, including a half-day kindergarten. Our well-balanced program supports emotional, social, cognitive, physical and spiritual development. All children, regardless of faith or church affiliation, are welcome. Call to schedule a tour. 11250 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077, Contact: Deb Trewartha, Phone: 317-873-6318, Email: dtrewartha@adventlutheran.org, www.adventlutheran.org/298544.ihtml

Maria Montessori International Academy (Zionsville) “Can your 4 year old read this?” OURS CAN! Come discover why our programs are so successful that our kindergartens are in advance reading and math in first grade at both Zionsville and Carmel Public Schools! The program offers education for infants, toddlers, Pre-K, kindergarten, and elementary across subjects, even for very young children, including math, science, Spanish, art and music, as well as reading and writing. 4370 Weston Pointe Dr., Zionsville/ Carmel, IN 46077, Phone: 317-769-2220, Cost/Tuition: please call, www.mariamontessori-intl.org

[childcare] Peanut Butter and Jelly 24/7 Childcare

indianapolis // SOUTH Center Grove Montessori Center Grove Montessori Program offers: Hands-on learning, multi-aged students learning together, a key element to the Montessori philosophy, a focus on the intrinsic motivation of children, carefully prepared classrooms balancing children's choice with structure, large blocks of uninterrupted time for learning and building concentration, peace education through global awareness, structured, self-directed learning. Ages/ Grades: 2 1/2 - 12 years. 1674 West Smith Valley Rd., Greenwood, IN 46142, Contact: Michelle Foster, Phone: 317-833-0335, Email: info@centergrovemontessori.com, http://www.centergrovemontessori.com

PB&J is a childcare that is a safe, nurturing environment where your child will get the attention and care that he or she needs. We are licensed and always working to meet and exceed all health and safety guidelines. You can rest assured that your child will be cared for with the utmost kindness, love and respect . Open late for lots of flexiblity. Stop in for more info. Follow us on twitter @pbj247childcare. 5501 E. 71st Street, Suite 4, Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Anita Beck.

Phone: 317-205-9211, Email: peanutbutter_jelly18@yahoo. com, www.peanutbutterjelly.info

[CON TACT] JENN IC A@IN DYS CH ILD.COM TO HAV E YOU R L IS T I NG INCLU DED!

Five Fun Field Trips IN INDY

Check out one of these unique destinations for your next group outing Jeanine Bobenmoyer, theCityMoms

great stories about the vehicles on site. Guided tours are available and customizable based on group size.

Location : 8660 East 21st Street, Indianapolis

More info : www.in.gov/isp/ museum.htm

Somehow, we blinked and it’s already August! Back-to-school season is upon us, which means new backpacks, new friends and new places for class field trips.

Whether you’re a teacher, homeschooler, scout troop leader or part of a play group, here are a few ideas for field trips that offer something off the beaten path.

Every kid loves a field trip, so liven up your kids’ learning and schedule an adventure at one of these local spots today!

Indiana State Police Museum What is it ? This museum has preserved the memorabilia of the Indiana State Police since its establishment in 1933. It includes multiple police cars such as a double-sided cruiser and 1950 Chevrolet, motorcycles, boats and a fascinating section on infamous criminal John Dillinger.

Why visit ? The museum staff is extremely knowledgeable and have

Walking tours with Indiana Landmarks What is it ? The Indiana Landmarks group is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Indiana’s historic buildings and sites. They offer a number of different informational tours including excursions to the City Market Catacombs, Monument Circle or a general downtown walking tour to identify some of the city’s most significant buildings pedestrians walk by on a regular basis.

Traders Point Creamery What is it ? This working farm in Zionsville features over 400 acres of pastureland, a herd of 100 Brown Swiss cows, pigs, chickens, a “green” farmers market on select days of the week, a small country store and a delicious restaurant.

psychiatric medical research interesting. Plus, the building is now registered on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places.

Location : 3045 Vermont Street, Indianapolis

More info : www.imhm.org/ page-412446

Why visit ? Visitors can watch the daily cow milking, take the Farm and Nature Walks, talk with on-site cheesemakers and learn about the farm’s pasture-based 100% grassfed and rotational grazing systems.

Private, guided tours are available and customizable based on your group.

Location : 9101 Moore Rd, Zionsville

More info : www.tpforganics. com

Indianapolis Executive Airport What is it ? Originally a strip of farmland, this airport now accommodates not only corporate travelers but the general public as well who are interested in aviation.

Why visit ? Tours are available for groups. Kids can sit in a small plane for photos and watch planes take off in route to their destination. Fun for kids of all ages.

Why visit ? These guides know

Location : 11329 E State Rd,

their stuff. Most of them are budding historians and will provide fascinating background on your questions.

Zionsville

Location : Varies based on selection

More info : www.indiana landmarks.org/tours/Pages/ default.aspx

Indiana Medical History Museum What is it ? Located on the grounds of the former Central State Hospital, the IMHM is an eerily fascinating glimpse into health and medical care from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum contains old clinical labs, a former autopsy room and past medical equipment and specimens.

Why visit ? Older kids and adults will find the history and evolution of

More info : www.montgomery aviation.net

This list provides just a few of the many interesting spots for field trips in our area. What are your favorites? Tweet us at @indyschild and let us know! Or if you’re out enjoying the fun, tag us on Instagram at @indyschild and we may repost your pics.

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A MISSION FOR

Mom TIME Pursuing an activity just for you Lauren Lawson

Notebooks are packed, lunches are made and backpacks are ready. The beginning of a new school year quietly closes the door on summer. As the kids venture back to academia, the end of one season may suddenly open a new window of opportunity for you. Why not use this precious time to focus on something for yourself?

From creative ventures to educational classes, we have a list of some of the best activities in the Indianapolis area to help you pursue an interest of your own.

paints. Classes in August are scheduled for the 10th, 17th and 24th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. To learn more, visit www.Artlabindy.com.

Become a thespian Caught the acting bug? Then the Actors Workshop is just the place to enhance those skills. Conducted by professional actor Bob Berry, these workshops focus on preparing actors for auditions with monologue exercises and improvisations. The next workshop will take place at the Carmel Community Playhouse, Saturday mornings from October 3 to November 7. To register, visit www.

Indyactorswkshp.com. Break a leg!

CREATIVE ENDEAVORS Join a knitting club

EDUCATIONAL PURSUITS Read with a book club

Spend a few hours with the Irvington Fiberistas at the Irvington Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library. This club invites members to work on existing or new knitting and stitching projects together, which is sew cool!

The Fiberistas meet bi-monthly from August to December. To get a copy of their schedule, visit www.Imcpl.org.

Indulge those bookworm tendencies at the Wayne Branch Library’s First Monday Book Club. Bibliophiles are invited to this monthly book discussion program, which focuses on a different book every month. To reserve a copy of the September book choice or to learn more about this club, visit www.Imcpl.org.

Take an art class The Art Lab is a great place for inexperienced art lovers to learn more about art and experiment with different mediums. Classes are small and customized for individual students. The next class focuses on Mixed Media, where students can explore a variety of textures and 48

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Garden with the birds and the bees The Indianapolis Museum of Art is offering a Talk & Walk class for green thumbs hoping to utilize pollinators in their own backyards. Sue Nord Peiffer, IMA greenhouse supervisor, will teach visitors how to attract bees,

butterflies and hummingbirds. The Talk & Walk takes place on Thursday, August 6 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

Admission is required to attend this event. To learn more visit, www.imamuseum.org.

Understand the nonprofit world Interested in starting a nonprofit? The Central Library is hosting a two-hour seminar focused on learning the ins and outs of building a nonprofit organization. The workshop will also provide an introduction to the main components of fundraising. This event will take place Saturday, September 19 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. To register or find out more, go to www.Imcpl.org.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITES Attend a yoga class Monday evenings just got a little more relaxing with the Central Library’s summer series program “Sunset Yoga in the Garden.” Grab a mat and join fellow yogis for outdoor sessions located in the East Garden.

Classes take place Monday, August 24 and Monday, September 28 at 7:00 pm. Gather more information at www.Imcpl.org. Namaste!

Become a ballerina Want to perfect your plié? The Indianapolis School of Ballet offers adult classes designed for dancers both at a beginning or intermediate level. Students will receive technical

training and build endurance over the course of their ballet lessons.

Schedules can be found at www.Indyballet.org.

VOLUNTEER UNDERTAKINGS Share a passion Have a desire to teach others? Check out the Trade School for a great opportunity to share your skills and learn something new in return. This fun cooperative invites individuals to teach classes in exchange for barter items rather than money. To learn more, visit www.Tradeschool.coop.

Find your perfect (volunteer) match With so many worthwhile causes out there, choosing an organization that best suits your interests and abilities can be a challenge. Try visiting www.volunteermatch.org to help you narrow down a list of opportunities right here in Indy that may be right for you.

A new school year can be a new beginning for you too.

Show the kids that learning is a lifelong pursuit by expanding your horizons with a new activity that piques your curiosity!

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D A I LY E V EN T S / / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

AUGUST c ale ndar S AT 01

Family Game Day

First Saturday Member Morning

Location: Southport Library, Indianapolis, Time: 12-4pm, http://www.imcpl.org/

Location: Children’s Museum, Indianapolis, Time: 9-10am, https://www.

childrensmusuem.org Get your hands on all the fun an hour before everyone else! Enjoy all of your favorite exhibits at the Children’s Museum Of Indianapolis on the first Saturday of the month as the museum opens an hour early just for members. Ride the Carousel, scale the Rock Wall (a limited number of tickets available at 9am), and beat the crowds. No need to register ahead of time… just show up and start having a ball!

Family Day at the IMA Location: Indianapolis Museum Of Art, Indianapolis, Time: 10am-3pm, http://www.

imamuseum.org/familyactivities/familyday-field-day Every Family Day event is tailored to a specific topic, so for August it's an old-fashioned Field Day on Saturday, August 1st: Test your athletic and artistic prowess by participating in field day events such as Toss the Sculpture, Pass the Ancient Scroll and Hang a Painting Blindfolded.

West Fest Location: Eiteljorg Museum, downtown Indianapolis, Time: 10am-5pm, https://www.

eiteljorg.org/explore/festivals-andevents/2015/08/01/default-calendar/ westfest Campfire smoke. Horses. Leather. Music.

Cowboys. The sights and sounds of the West will surround visitors at this family festival, featuring a stick horse rodeo, western swing and folk musical performances, western characters like Hopalong Cassidy, chuckwagon food, panning for gold, wanted posters, horses, mustaches and more! WestFest, an annual festival hosted by the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, was created to provide opportunities for visitors to explore, be entertained, and learn about the realities and myths of the West.

Drop-In Storytime Location: Hamilton East Public Library Fishers Branch, Fishers, Time: 10am-12pm, http://

hepl.lib.in.us/evanced/ This is a drop-in storytime for all ages and their families. We will read stories at 10:00 followed by an open craft time until noon. No registration is required.

events/detail/?event_id=2810&schedule_ id=45866 Families and children of all ages are invited to drop in any time to make new friends while playing board games or solving puzzles.

Games and puzzles will be provided. This event is also offered the first Saturday of each month through the end of the year.

Free Admission At The IMA Location: Indianapolis Museum Of Art, Time: 4-9pm, http://www.imamuseum.org/visit/

admission Following suit with some of our local museums and hotspots, the Indianapolis Museum Of Art also offers free admission on the first Thursdays of every month from 4-9pm. Perfect for a date night, evening out with the family or a little ‘me’ time.

Rock-a-Bye Baby Lessons

MON 03 Minecraft Mondays at Noblesville Library Location: Hamilton East Public Library Noblesville Branch, Noblesville, Time: 4-6pm,

http://hepl.lib.in.us/evanced/ Monday is the day for Minecraft Open Play. All ages are welcome to play the educational version of Minecraft from 4-6 p.m. in the computer classroom on the second floor of the Noblesville Library. Children under the age of 11 should have an adult with them since this is not a supervised program. No registration required.

Location: The Urban Chalkboard, Carmel, Time: 10-10:30am, http://www.

theurbanchalkboard.com/ A not-at-all-traditional music lesson, you will share different genres of music with your baby at Rock-a-Bye Baby Lessons then learn the science behind how different aspects of music like pitch, timing, rhythm, and repetition contribute to your baby’s emotional, perceptual, language and cognitive development. Be prepared to have tons of fun while introducing your baby to some great new music. Space limited to 12 children.

F R I 07 W E D 05 Animal Tales Location: Brownsburg Library, Brownsburg, Time: 4-5pm, http://brownsburg.evanced.

info/signup/EventCalendar.aspx?df=list Children ages 3-12 are invited to take part in exciting animal adventures with a Hendricks County Park and Recreation Naturalist! Each month this program will feature an animal found right here in Indiana while reading a story that helps us discover our wild neighbors.

THURS 06 Punt, Pass & Kick NFL Program with Fishers Parks & Recreation Location: Mudstock Field, Fishers, Time: 4-5pm, http://www.nflppk.com/

Put your skills to the test with some help from Fishers Parks & Recreation! NFL Punt, Pass and Kick is a national competition for children ages 6 through 15. Register ahead of time to secure your spot in the competition and drop in any time during this hour-long program.

During NFL Punt, Pass and Kick, participants will compete with others based on age and gender. Categories include the top scorer on punts, passes and kicks! Top scorers will advance from the local to sectional competitions for additional chances to win.

Westfield Movies In The Park: Cinderella Location: Asa Bales Park, Westfield, Time: Sunset, http://cityspring.org/

moviesinthepark/ Westfield Parks & Recreation and CitySpring Church have offered a special Movies In The Park series since 2013. Bring chairs, blankets, snacks and flashlights for comfort. Parking available at Westfield High School and movies begin at sunset. FREE.

Carmel Clay Parks Movie In The Park: Hunger Games Location: West Park, Carmel, Time: Dusk,

http://carmelclayparks.com/ccpr-events/ movies-in-the-park/ West Park of Carmel comes alive once a month in the summer with fun movies for the family.

Films begin at sundown, picnic blankets are encouraged and Kona Ice rolls out with shaved ice for purchase.

S AT 08 Breyer Fun Day Location: Museum Of Miniature Houses and Other Collections, Carmel, Time: 11am-4pm,

http://www.museumofminiatures.org Everyone is invited to enjoy the substantial collection of Breyer horses at the Museum Of Miniature Houses and Other Collections.

Children can paint their own “Stablemate” or have their picture taken with Breyer’s mascot Pal O’Mine.

Create A Masterplate Location: Earth Explorer Toys, Zionsville, Time: 10am and 1pm, http://www.

earthexplorertoys.com/read/27/monthlyspecial-events Imagine seeing your artwork everyday at dinner. Or give this as a special present to your grandparents. Using a paper template, everyone will draw their own picture (it helps to think ahead on this one). The templates are sent away to be transformed into a dishwasher safe keepsake. Perfect for Grandparents Day on Sept 13, 2015!

SUN 09 National S’mores Day Celebration with Fishers Parks Location: Ritchey Woods, Fishers, Time: 4-7pm, http://www.fishers.in.us/Index.

aspx?NID=157 National S’mores Day offers families an opportunity to enjoy a delicious snack at one of Fishers’ most unique facilities. Parents, supervision is required as children roast their own marshmallows and create the perfect afternoon snack! Preserve staff will light the campfire and provide roasting sticks, graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate so you can create the perfect s’more combination.

This rain or shine program welcomes residents of all ages.

T U E S 11 Jungle Tales at Garfield Conservatory Location: Garfield Conservatory and Sunken Gardens, Indianapolis, Time: 10-11am, http://

garfieldgardensconservatory.org/ Bring your preschooler to this monthly program with a focus on the natural world at Garfield Park Conservatory. “Jungle Tales” touches on a different topic each month {for example last September was “All About Sunflowers!”}, and uses nature-related stories, activities and crafts AUGUST 2015 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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to emphasize the focus. Not only does the staff at Garfield Park Conservatory do a wonderful job with their curriculum and style, but the setting along sets itself apart from the typical classroom environment.

F R I 14 Family Friday Night Campfire at Holliday Park Location: Holliday Park, Indianapolis, Time: 7-8:30pm, http://www.hollidaypark.org/

calendars/2015/august2015.html Join for a fun family Friday night adventure around the campfire at Holliday Park. Each night focuses on a different topic and starts around the campfire. Holliday will provide the roasting sticks and s’mores, families are welcome to bring hot dogs and make a meal of it! Registration is required - $5/person.

Family-Friendly Bicycle Clinic Location: East Washington Branch Library, Indianapolis, Time: 4pm, http://www.imcpl.

org/events/detail/?event_ id=4045&schedule_id=44713 Individuals of all ages are invited for a hands-on opportunity to learn about bicycle maintenance, riding safety tips and how to find an affordable bike to meet one's needs.

Youth can learn how to Earn-a-Bike through a unique program focusing on bicycling maintenance at Freewheelin' Community Bikes. Those of all skill and ability levels are encouraged to attend.

MON 17 Little Lab Preschool Science Workshop Location: Hamilton East Public Library Fishers Branch, Fishers, Time: 10-11am, http://hepl.

S AT 15 World Of Families: Bilingual Storytimes Location: Eagle Branch Library, Indianapolis, Time: 2pm, http://www.imcpl.org/events/

detail/?event_id=3640

Families with small children are invited for a fun and interactive bilingual storytime that encourages literacy to all people in all languages. Each child will receive a free book at the end of the storytime, while supplies last.

lib.in.us/evanced/ Kids are invited to join Professors Molly & Suann in exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math. Each month we will READ, TALK, EXPLORE basic science concepts. Registration is required for this hands-on program designed for 3-6 year-olds and their caregivers. Perfect for inspiring budding scientists!

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Carmel Clay Parks Preschool Splash Bash

Prairie Tykes Chickens In Charge

Location: Monon Community Center, Carmel, Time: 11am-2pm, http://carmelclayparks.

Location: Conner Prairie, Fishers, Time: 9:30-11am; 12:30-2pm, http://www.

com/ccpr-events/pre-school-splash-bash/ Preschool-aged children are invited to splash and play the morning away at The Monon Community Center Waterpark, during the annual Preschool Splash Bash! While the big kids are back in school and The Waterpark begins post-season hours, Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation will open it back up for one more morning where parents and preschool kiddos can take over. Swim in the kiddie pool, activity pool, and lazy river, along with fun games and crafts all morning. This event is open to preschool aged children only. $10/child.

connerprairie.org/Things-To-Do/ Events/2015/Prairie-Tykes-/Prairie-Tykes-/ Chickens-in-Charge-1 Prairie Tykes is a custom made program for little ones and parents or grandparents.

Connect one-on-one while you make crafts, dance, sing, and take part in a special activity of the day. This week explore the world of chickens. Make a chicken craft and meet a Conner Prairie chicken.

S AT 29 Creekfest of Zionsville

Sausage Fest Location: St. Thomas Aquinas Church & School, Indianapolis, Time: 6pm, http://

www.staindy.org/church/sausagefest/ We know: The name sounds strange. But this unique summer church festival features local selections of gourmet foods, craft beer, and music. A selection of various local vendors including sausage from Kincaid and Sons Meat Market and Taste of Philly Pretzels will provide plenty of delicious food and dessert choices. Activities for younger guests include inflatables, games, cake walk, face painting, nickel pitch and much more! Also open Saturday, August 22nd.

S AT 2 2 END OF SUMMER BUG HUNT Location: Elm Street Green Park, Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm, http://www.zionsville-in.gov/

community/calendar It’s an old fashioned summer bug hunt. Bring your insect net or borrow one of ours. We’ll meet in Elm Street Green to see what crawls, flies and buzzes among the meadow wildflowers. Long pants are recommended.

Location: Elm Street Green Park, Zionsville, Time: 9am, http://www.zionsville-in.gov/

community/calendar/ The Town of Zionsville and its residents are dedicated to keeping Eagle Creek clean and beautiful. Zionsville Creekfest is a coordinated effort between residents, businesses and other community partners.

Some of the planned activities and features include: stream cleanup, kayak demonstration, backyard bass casting station, creek stomping, educational booths and more.

Back2School Bash Location: Monon Community Center, Time: 11am-3pm, https://indyschild.com/

back2school-bash/ The Back2School Bash will unite families, businesses and service providers for a lively event. The fair will be a high-energy expo atmosphere with lots of booth vendors, handson-activities, entertainment, water park experience, prizes, swag bags, food and fun.

All attendees are invited to enjoy the many attractions at The Water Park located right outside of the fair!

SUN 30 MON 2 4 Lego Land Location: Lawrence Library, Indianapolis, Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm, http://hepl.lib.in.us/

Children ages kindergarten to grade 5 are invited to complete a LEGO challenge each month or free-build. Their creations may be displayed in the Library.

C AR ME L CL AY PARK S PRE S CHOOL SPL A SH B A SH at MONON COM MUN I T Y CEN T E R , F R I DAY, AUGUS T 21 st

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DigIN Location: White River State Park, downtown Indianapolis, Time: 12-5pm, http://

digindiana.org/event/taste-ofindiana-2015/ On Sunday, August 30th, Dig-IN brings together Indiana farmers, the best chefs in the state, and YOU for a one of a kind experience in Indiana agriculture and culinary arts. They source premium Hoosier ingredients from all over the state, and ask chefs to come up with a culinary creation to delight your taste buds.

Nowhere else will you find this unique collection of restaurants-from Evansville to Valparaiso, Terre Haute to Roanoke-all in one place at one time, and all dedicated to buying local ingredients in their businesses. Perfect for families or a little afternoon out. Tickets begin at $35; children 4 and under free.

ON G O I N G E V EN T S / / A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

ONGOING C ALEN DAR Indiana State Fair Occurring Daily August 7th Through 23rd Indiana State Fairgrounds, http://www. in.gov/statefair/fair/ It’s one of our favorite times of year: The return of the Indiana State Fair. And there’s plenty to celebrate in “The Year Of The Farmer” from special events to the grandstand performances to the Family Fun Park, the animals and of course, the delicious State Fair eats. There’s too much to name in one paragraph so check out the schedule yourself on their website and mark your calendar.

Greenwood Summer Concert Series Occurring Daily through August 22nd Location: Greenwood Amphitheater, downtown Greenwood

The popular Greenwood Summer Concert Series returns with a lineup that will delight the whole family including local favorite Living Proof, Toy Factory, Karma and more.

Bring your own chairs and your dancing shoes.

Symphony On The Prairie Occurring Daily Through September 6 Location: Conner Prairie, Fishers, https:// www.indianapolissymphony.org The Marsh Symphony On The Prairie returns: Experience the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and many other musical guests each weekend at the Conner Prairie Amphitheatre.

It’s the perfect place to meet friends, family, and even large groups for a fun night out and enjoy music like the Star Spangled Symphony, Journey, Vivaldi, John Williams and more.

Bring your own food and drinks or purchase concessions on site. Visit https://www. indianapolissymphony.org/season/ marsh-symphony-on-the-prairie#lineup for more details.

IMA Summer Nights Film Series Occurring every Friday through August 28th Location: Indianapolis Museum Of Art, Time: Dusk, imamuseum.org

From June to August, the popular The National Bank of Indianapolis Summer Nights Film Series features movies every Friday evening on the IMA’s amphitheater.

Pack a lawn chair and picnic, and go hang out in the IMA’s backyard for some old classics as well as new favorites. This year’s lineup includes Heathers, Casablanca, The Big Lebowski, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and more.

Tickets required and are available for purchase through the IMA website or by calling (317) 955-2339.

Butterfly Kaleidoscope Occurring Daily Through September 7th Times: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Price: Zoo Admission, Location: White River Gardens at White River State Park, www.indianapolis

zoo.com/plan-your-visit/white-rivergardens Presented by Citizens Energy Group. Immerse yourself in the beauty of 40 species of butterflies as these wonderful winged insects are coming back in the Hilbert Conservatory.

We've transformed the indoor gardens into a tropical paradise to bring you butterflies in a way that you've never experienced them before! As you walk through the warm, aromatic indoor garden, 40 species of butterflies will flit nearby — and one might even land on you!

Kids Bowl Free Occurring Daily through late August The popular Kids Bowl Free program returns again, and has partnered with 8 local bowling centers to offer free bowling to kids all summer long. Registered participants receive 2 free

bowling games daily through the end of August. See https://indyschild.com/ kids-bowling-indianapolis/ for all the details!

KoalaS EXHIBIT Occurring Daily Through September 7th Location: Indianapolis Zoo, Time: 9:00 AMto 5:00 PM, www.indianapoliszoo.com/

plan-your-visit Experience a bit of the Outback when koalas return to the Indianapolis Zoo for a limited time this summer From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Koala presented

by Citizens Energy Group will offer you up-close views of these fuzzy forest dwellers.

Journeying from the San Diego Zoo, two adult koalas will make their home away from home in the Zoo’s Forests exhibit, where renovations are currently under way to transform the previous Bat exhibit into a comfy eucalyptus-filled habitat.

Hot Wheels - Race to Win Occurring Daily Through August 16th Location: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Phone: 317-334-3322,

www.childrensmuseum.org Speed, power, performance.. buckle up and race with the most famous toy vehicles on the planet—Hot Wheels! Be part of a dynamic race team working together to build and test the world’s fastest (and safest) speed machines, using Hot Wheels® diecast cars to experiment and play. This behind-the-scenes look at the thrilling world of racing investigates the scientific process for designing super-fast cars.

Hands-on experiences, authentic race gear, and captivating memorabilia will engage families in the process of experimenting with speed, power, and performance using Hot Wheels cars and track as the their tools.

Summer Fridays On The Farm Occurring Every Friday Through August 28th Location: Traders Point Creamery, Zionsville,

www.traderspointcreamery.com Nothing says a Hoosier Friday night like open-air dining & drinks under the big Indiana sky, so come celebrate summer at the Trader’s Point Creamery parties on the garden lawn, all season long… Each Summer Friday includes: Dinner on the Garden Deck {5-9pm}, Green Market {5-8pm}, Live Music, Bar Lounge on the Lawn, Dairy Bar and more!

Visit http://traderspointcreamery.com/ the-loft-restaurant/fridays-on-the-farm/ for details.

Shakespeare In The Park Occurring August 21-23rd, 28-29th and September 4-5th Garfield Park Arts Center, Indianapolis,

http://www.gpacarts.org/#!garfieldshakespeare-company/c18q6 Join the Garfield Shakespeare Company as they present William Shakespeare’s drama, "The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice" for the annual Shakespeare In The Park performances at Garfield Park Arts Center. The play centers around the title character who is married to Desdemona. A Shakespearian love triangle is created between Othello, his wife, and Othello’s right-hand man Cassio. Love, deception, and envy are central theme in this summer’s outdoor production at the MacAllister Amphitheater that is sure to thrill audiences.

[ P L E A S E NO T E ] At Indy's Child, 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.

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M A R K E T P L A CE

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IN DY ' S CH ILD M ARK E T PL ACE E N T E R TA I N M E N T + S E R V I C E S + C HI L D C A R E + S T U D I E S + C L A S S E S . . .

A ND M O R E DANCE CL ASSES

MUSIC CLASSES

CHILDCARE

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[SOURCES] familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, zanyholidays.com & thenibble.com AUGUST 2015 // INDYSCHILD.COM

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