0817 ic issuu

Indy’s Child AUGUST 2017

BACK to SCHOOL DILEMNAS Get ting past a rock y start to the new year

–indy

KIDS EAT FREE GUIDE

free

the ABC’s of BACK TO SCHOOL

26 tips for a smooth transition

+ cool

After School

Programs Local cl asses and enrichment activities to check out

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IN EVERY ISSUE

contents AUGUST 2017

DEPARTMENTS AROUND TOWN 14 EMPOWER CHILDREN AT AMERICAN POP

HEALTH & WELLNESS 16 BABY? ReL A X. You' ve Got this.

COMMENTARY & PARENTING 36 ASK THE TEACHER

IN EVERY ISSUE

FEATURES

12

Indy Kids Eat Free Guide

18

LGBTQ Youth

Where to go to save some dough

Supporting kids in the classroom and beyond

20 20

22 12

32

22

The ABC's of Back to School

INDYSCHILD.COM // August

2017

10 OUR SOCIAL NETWORK

RESOURCES & CALENDARS 38 PRESCHOOL & EDUCATION GUIDE 41 AUGUST EVENTS 47 FUN & WACKY CALENDAR

SPECIAL NEEDS 26 NEW YEAR, NEW SCHOOL 28 IEP 101

Back to School Dilemnas

31 SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

Cool After School Programs

Local classes and enrichment activites to check out this year

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08 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

26 tips for a smooth transition

Getting past a rocky start to the new year

32

06 EDITOR ' S NOTE

30 SPECIAL NEEDS GUIDE

EDITOR'S NOTE

WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

meet the staff 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 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Brooke Litherland // brooke@indyschild.com

Looking Back on Back to School It doesn’t matter how many times we go through another “back to school” season, I’m always surprised by how quickly the summer has passed and in disbelief that my kids could really be this old already.

As they head out the door with their bulging back packs and an over the shoulder “see ya” casually thrown my way, I feel the first wave of nostalgia hit.

Could these really be the same kids who were in kindergarten not so long ago? So small and vulnerable that their names had to be pinned to the front of their shirts?

The concerns I had on that first day of kindergarten are largely the same ones I have at the beginning of every school year, even years later. Would they make friends? Would they make friends l liked?

Would they get a good teacher? Would they find their way among the masses? Despite my twins being in high school now, when I look in their faces I still see the eager six-year-olds trotting off to school with their cartoon lunch boxes.

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Even if I wanted to linger in the past though, back to school shopping yanks me forward. The closet of clothes that fit last season all need replaced. Cuffs on sleeves have surreptitiously crept up arms.

Ankles are exposed from jeans that are now floods.

Feet can’t be crammed into old tennis shoes anymore. This quick and constant physical metamorphosis can’t be denied.

And while I may wistfully remember a school supply list that included glitter glue and safety scissors instead of flash drives and five subject notebooks, I don’t really want to go back. What’s ahead is so exciting for them. So, with the beginning of each school year I have the same wish. I hope my kids get excited about learning something, find good friends to connect with and come a little further on the path of knowing themselves. It’s a big job, and my role in it changes. While I literally held their hand on the journey before, more and more they will need to find their own way. Sometimes the urge to grab on tighter is strong, but my job is to let go gracefully – again and again.

Advertising Coordinator Karen Ring // karen@indyschild.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Clark // katie@indyschild.com GRAPHICS ASSISTANT Maria Tancredi // maria@indyschild.com DIGITAL PUBLISHER + EVENTS Wendy Hasser // wendy@indyschild.com Business Manager Roxanne Burns // roxanne@indyschild.com INTERN Meg Wynne // meg@indyschild.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Maggie Loiselle, Deb Krupowicz, Kim Dinan, Karen Ring, Megan Bohrer and Natalie Weber CALENDAR OF EVENTS calendar@indyschild.com Contact Us

6340 Westfield Blvd., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46220 P: 317-722-8500 | F: 317-722-8510

Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2017 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.

our cover kid

MEET EDDIE Age: 6 years

[FavoriteS] Color Food SPORT ICE CREAM FL AVOR T V SHOW SCHOOL SUBJECT BOOK MOVIE SUPER HERO

Gold Broccoli Rugby Mint Oreo Teen Titans Go Math Dinosaurs Love Underpants Star Wars Iron Man

[FUN FACT] Eddie (Edmund) is the 7th Edmund named after his dad, grandpa, great grandpa and so on.

[WHEN I GROW UP]

I want to be a hospital doctor like Dr. Strange!

COVER PHOTO BY:

Amy Garro of Indy Family Photo

www.indyfamilyphoto.com

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 07

IN EVERY ISSUE

spotlight

[c o mmunit y ]

W H A T T O LOO K F OR I N A U G U S T

Adventure is Waiting.

Catapult into Scouting!

With fun and discovery at every turn, Cub Scouting makes the most of right now. From building his own Pinewood Derby ® car to learning how to roast the perfect marshmallow with his best friends at a family campout, your son will LOVE being a Cub Scout. Cub Scouts have the time of their lives making new friends and learning new things in an environment designed to help them succeed. Visit www.

JoinScoutsIN.org for your school’s Join Scouting Night. Each new member will receive a free catapult to build and launch!

Under the Sea The Belfry Theater presents everyone’s favorite Disney Movie, The Little Mermaid. And just like in the movie, you might find yourself singing along to the award-winning music from the original production.

Come see the love story between Ariel and Prince Eric in person as evil Ursula tries to come between the two. With the help of her trusty friends, Flounder and Sebastian, will she be able to overcome Ursula and her evil spell to live happily ever after above the sea? You have until August 6th to find out!

For more information on show times, visit www.thebelfrytheatre.com.

August 6 The Belfry Theatre 10690 Greenfield Ave., Noblesville

The “Mane” Event Come meet the Zoo’s lions Nyack and Zuri and their cubs for a special lion chat on August 5th to learn about these amazing cats and the importance of lion conservation. Zookeeper demonstrations will clue you in to the behaviors and unique personalities of the lions and kids can get a free lion face painting while they’re there! Special prizes are part of the fun too, so mark your calendar for this roarin’ good time!

August 5, 10 am – 2 pm Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis

Creekfest 2017 Come join the fun at this annual summer celebration of Eagle Creek and get ready to clean up the stream! Maintaining this important waterway is a vital task and takes many volunteers to complete (sign up at www.zionsville-in.gov/481/Creekfest.) Other events of the day will include rain barrel painting, kayak demos, a creek stomp at the Zion Nature Center, a backyard bass casting station plus music from the “Dumpster Drummers.”

August 19, 10 am – 1 pm, stream clean up begins at 9 am Elm Street Green, N. Elm Street, Zionsville www.zionsville-in.gov/481/Creekfest

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Keep on moving!

The importance of encouraging a healthy lifestyle and staying active can’t be overstated with young children – and the Children’s Museum is here to help! Come to PlayFit on August 19th for an indoor fitness extravaganza! This day of active play will feature special activities throughout the museum, so come join the fun and get moving!

2017 Indiana State Fair Celebrates The Wonderful World of Food The Indiana State Fair is back this month with 17 days of delicious food! This year’s theme celebrates how Indiana is helping to feed the world. Visitors can participate in cooking demonstrations and enjoy various eating contests. And although you may stick with classics like elephant ears, lemon shake-ups or deep fried anything, be sure to take advantage of the special foods that will be featured each day. The fun doesn’t stop there – this year’s fair is jam-packed with plenty of other family friendly activities from racing pigs to dog jumping contests. Be sure to check out the Subaru Skyride which will take guests high into the air for an aerial view of the fair. Spanning 1,400 feet, this attraction is one not to miss!

August 4-20 Indiana State Fairgrounds, 1202 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis www.indianastatefair.com/state-fair/

Come to the Carnival!

Fun fact: Did you know that the carousel at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis was originally located in an amusement park in Broad Ripple? Come celebrate the history of the area during the Broad Ripple Carnival, a four-day festival featuring carnival rides, delicious food and drinks, live music and other fun activities. Be sure to visit the history exhibit provided by the Broad Ripple Gazette while you’re there and check out the Vintage Market on Saturday.

August 10-13 Broad Ripple Park, 1550 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis www.broadripplepark.org

August 19, 10 am - 3 pm The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis www.childrensmuseum.org/visit/calendar

Fests and Feasts Indy Folk Fest Focused on farm to table food, enjoy local folk music and visit with many area businesses and artists.

Saturday, August 5 at the Indy Hostel Greek Fest Experience Greek culture and authentic food, music, dancing and, of course, children’s activities!

Friday, August 25 - Sunday, August 27 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church FREE! Amigos de Westfield Latin culture with live music, kids zone, authentic cuisine and fun activities for all ages.

Saturday, August 26 at Asa Bales Park Feast of Lanterns Celebrate the historic festival started in the 1800’s when porches on the near eastside of Indianapolis were illuminated by paper lanterns.

Saturday, August 26 at Spades Park

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 09

IN EVERY ISSUE

{BECOME PART OF THE INDY'S CHILD}

social network

We’re chatting up a storm over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Come find us for quick laughs throughout the day, parenting tips, must-sees-in-the-city, giveaways and more!

like us at

FACEBOOK.COM/ INDYSCHILDMAGZINE

The first day of school is just around the corner! We recently asked our Indy’s Child Facebook readers “What is your family's back to school tradition?" Here’s a few of our favorite responses.

We make "worry stones" (clay discs with small indentation). The kids keep them in their pockets the first week or so. If they get nervous or worry, they can rub their worries into the stones & when they get home, we wash the stones & their worries go down the drain. – Kim I.

A group of parents all go out to breakfast after we drop the kids off.

– Cheryl M.

Get to the bus in time..... lol.

– Michelle B.

be on the lookout for this month's online contests!

stay tuned to Indyschild.com our latest guides are packed with family-friendly fun. Here’s a peek at what is trending now: Beaches Near Indianapolis Who says a beach can’t be a car ride away? There are plenty of sandy beaches near Indianapolis. Check out our guide for your next family trip!

Birthday Freebies Everyone loves getting presents on their birthday – and free ones are even better!

Find out where to go for birthday freebies on your special day.

Free things to do This Summer Give your pocketbook a break and check out these 51 ideas for free things to do this summer.

Win Symphony on the Prairie Tickets, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari Tickets, Indianapolis Zoo Tickets and a Gift Card to Another Broke Egg Cafe!

follow us at @INDYSCHILD Come along with our IC Insiders as we check out sneak peeks around town and show off other behind-the-scenes fun.

we're @indyschild

We have our nose to the grindstone on Twitter, retweeting your favorite local hotspot announcements, parenting trends and more.

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GUIDES

WORDS BY // KAREN RING

Indy Kids Eat Free Guide Where to go to save some dough!

Eating out is great; footing the bill for the entire family is not. We’re here to help with a guide to area restaurants that offer free kids’ meals to make dining out more affordable. We’ve broken the deals down by day of the week, so you can find the deal you want, when you want it. The offers listed are for dine-in only. After all, the point is to enjoy a night out, right?

Flamme Burger

Detour American Grille & Bar

Quiznos

8594 E. 116th Street, Suite #60, Fishers 6850 Whitestown Parkway, Whitestown

10158 Brooks School Road Fishers

7305 E 96th St Ste 400, Indianapolis

Fazoli’s

Scotty’s Brewhouse

See website for list of participating locations.

See website for list of locations.

www.flammeburger.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal.

TUESDAY 317 Burger 915 E Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis

http://317burger.com/kids-menu.html Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

MONDAY

Bob Evans

Casler’s Kitchen & Bar 11501 Geist Pavillion Drive, Fishers

http://caslers.com/menu/ Kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

See website for list of locations.

www.bobevans.com/our-restaurants/ menu/kids-menu Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal.

C.R. Heroes Family Pub

MCL Visit website for a list of locations throughout the greater Indianapolis area.

http://mymclmeal.com/kids/ Kids 12 and under eat free with purchase of adult entree. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Mexico City Grill 8028 S. Emerson Ave, Indianapolis

www.mexicocitygrill.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

10570 E. 96th St., Fishers

3360 W 86th St., Indianapolis

www.chick-fil-a.com/#kidsmeals Kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

2017

8501 Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis

http://hellascafe.net/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree from 3 pm to close. Kids entertainment beginning at 6 pm.

Mackenzie River Pizza Co. 11596 Westfield Blvd., Carmel 4939 E. 82nd St., Suite 100, Indianapolis

Cheeseburger in Paradise

Max & Ermas

4670 Southport Crossings Dr., Indianapolis

12195 North Meridian St., Carmel

www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com/ kidsmenu/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

www.maxandermas.com/carmel/ Kids under 12 eat free with purchase of adult entree.

Chick-fil-A

Penn Station See website for list of locations.

www.chick-fil-a.com/#kidsmeals Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal from 4-8 pm.

www.penn-station.com/ Kids eat free for every sub, fries and drink purchased.

Chili’s

Perkins

www.chilis.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

INDYSCHILD.COM // August

Hellas Café

www.mackenzieriverpizza.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

Kids entertainment from 5:30-7:30 pm.

See website for list of locations.

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www.fazolis.com/kids Get up to three kids meals for 99 cents each with purchase of one adult entree.

From 5-8 pm.

www.crheroes.com/menus/ Kids eat free with an adult purchase of $8 or more.

6231 N Keystone Ave., Indianapolis

Chick-fil-A

www.detourgrille.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal.

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

13316 Tegler Dr., Noblesville

www.perkinsrestaurants.com/menu/kids/ Kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

www.quiznos.com/menu/kids-menu.aspx Kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

www.scottysbrewhouse.com/locations/ $2 kids meals. Tuesdays and Sundays.

Shelby Street Diner 3623 Shelby St., Indianapolis

www.facebook.com/Joes-Shelby-StreetDiner-149902508388537/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal from 4 pm to close.

Teddy’s Burger Joint 2222 W. Southport Rd., Indianapolis

http://teddysburgerjoint.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

Thr3e Wise Men 1021 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis

www.thr3ewisemen.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal.

Uno Pizzeria and Grill 4740 East Southport Rd., Southport

www.unos.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal.

WEDNESDAY Barley Island Brewing Company 639 Conner St., Noblesville

http://barleyisland.com Kids eat with free purchase of adult entree.

Wednesdays and Thursdays. Dinner only.

Books & Brews 9402 Uptown Dr., Suite 1400, Indianapolis

www.booksnbrews.com/ Free kids entree with purchase of adult entree. Wednesdays and Sundays.

Chick-fil-A 3802 E 82nd St., Indianapolis

www.chick-fil-a.com/#kidsmeals Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal from 4-8 pm.

Johnny Rockets 6020 E 82nd St. # 1411, Indianapolis

www.johnnyrockets.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree from 4-8 pm.

Michaelangelo’s Italian Bistro 550 Westfield Rd., Noblesville

http://michaelangelosbistro.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal.

Wednesdays and Sundays.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

SUNDAY Claddagh Irish Pub 3835 E. 96th St., Indianapolis 234 S Meridian St., Indianapolis

www.claddaghirishpubs.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

Dickey’s Barbeque Pit 8624 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis 9655 U.S. Hwy 36 #E, Avon 2551 East Main St., Suite 100, Plainfield

www.dickeys.com/ Kids 12 and under eat free with adult purchase of $10 or more.

Grand Junction Brewing Co. 110 S Union St., Westfield

www.grandjunctionbrewing.com/ Free kids meal with purchase of adult entree.

Granite City

See website for locations.

150 W. 96th St., Carmel 49 West Maryland St., Indianapolis

Qdoba

Grindstone Charley’s

5630 W 86th St. Suite 144, Indianapolis 2663 E Main St. Suite 400, Plainfield 10934 E US 36, Avon

5383 West Rockville Rd., Indianapolis

www.moes.com Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal from 4 pm to close.

www.qdoba.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

FRIDAY Illinois Street Food Emporium 5550 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis

www.eatincarryout.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal.

www.gcfb.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of an adult meal.

http://grindstonecharleys.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult entree.

EVERY DAY Chef Mike’s Charcoal Grill 7102 Woodland Dr., Indianapolis

www.chefmikescharcoalgrill.com/ Kids 6 and under eat for 99 cents with the purchase of an adult meal.

Tucanos Brazilian Grill 13225 Levinson Ln., Noblesville

SATURDAY Steak ‘n Shake See website for locations.

www.steaknshake.com/ Kids eat free with purchase of adult meal over $8. All day Saturday and Sunday.

www.tucanos.com/menu/264-noblesvillemenu.html Kids 6 and under eat free with paying adult.

Jim Dandy 80 W. McKenzie Rd., Greenfield 203 W. Jefferson St., Tipton 2301 E. Conner St., Noblesville

www.jdrest.com/ One free kid’s meal and drink per adult meal purchase of $5 or more.

Please note: This list only contains Kids Eat Free promotions we were able to confirm via website or by phone. As offers and participation are subject to change, we recommend calling the particular restaurant and location you plan on visiting before you go. Bon appétit!

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 13

AROUND TOWN

BROUGHT TO YOU BY // Natalie Weber OF The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

EmPOWer Children at American POP! Batman drives the bat mobile through Gotham. Superman soars over Metropolis.

Spiderman casts his web throughout New York City. But you can find all of them right here in Indianapolis! See classic superhero stories come to life in American POP! The Galleries for American Arts and Popular Culture. This brand new permanent exhibit at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis features everything pop culture – from fashion to toys and movies to, you guessed it, comics! In fact, the museum is home to Max Simon’s collection of over 14,000 comic books. In addition to seeing how these colorful stories have changed throughout the years, you can even put your family on the cover of one.

Comic books are not only a great source of entertainment, but superheroes and other characters can also be super helpful for encouraging kids to read. Do you have a child who usually speeds through the pages? Educators believe children often take their time when reading comic books – absorbing everything on the pages because of the combination of graphics and text. Graphics can also help with understanding the context of words, helping kids improve language skills and overall comprehension.

Reading comic books with children can also be a great way to instill your own love of reading. Kids will love to hear about mom and dad’s favorite superheroes from their own childhood.

Help your child create their own comic book with this at-home activity.

What you’ll need: 4 sheets of construction paper Markers or colored pencils Stapler Help your child invent a superhero based on their own personality. Have them compose a storyline of good versus evil and help them write dialogue in speech bubbles. When your child is done, staple the left side edges of the papers together to create their own personalized comic book!

PHOTO CREDIT // The Children’s Museum of INDIANAPOLIS

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HEALTH & WELLNESS – BRANDED CONTENT

Baby? Relax. You’ve Got This.

You may have seen that diaper commercial on TV — first baby, everything obsessively in perfect order. Second baby? Not so much.

But whether you’re a first-time, lasttime, or somewhere-in-between mom or dad, it helps to be prepared.

Get ready for a healthy delivery Tronya Hawkins, MD, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at St. Vincent Medical Group, highly recommends touring the hospital beforehand — so you’ll be able to find your way and know what to expect — and taking an infant CPR class. “You are the first provider the baby will be exposed to and you’ll want to get help as quickly as possible,” she says.

Months 1-3: schedule a checkup, which may include a cell-free fetal DNA test and an ultrasound, and start prenatal vitamins.

Months 4-5: schedule maternity leave, take birthing and breastfeeding classes and set up the nursery.

Months 6-7: get a diabetes test, tour the hospital, line up post-birth support, find a pediatrician, take infant care and CPR classes and buy a car seat.

Months 8-9: may include tests for group B strep and STDs.

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Get set with some common advice Dr. Hawkins advises that setting up a phone tree ahead of time to alert everyone when baby is coming means less stress for you.

• Learn about the process: take classes, know your pain management options, get familiar with equipment that might be used and ask questions — lots of questions.

• Find a pediatrician, check your insurance plan and pre-register at the hospital.

• Talk with your partner about expectations — including religion, circumcision, feeding choices — not just names.

• Decide who will be present during and after the birth.

• Connect with experienced moms or join a new moms’ group and discuss touchy subjects like post-partum depression, sex and urine leakage.

• Line up support at home for after baby arrives including childcare.

Don’t forget about siblings and pets!

Nice to have: rocker/glider, feeding pillow, changing table, breast pump, stroller and monitor.

Remember — Spend more time choosing the right healthcare provider for you and your baby, and less on the items in your maternity bag. Take extra care of yourself and your little one will benefit too.

Go get supplies and equipment Dr. Hawkins suggests having your “go bag” ready by week 35. “You’ll want to bring things that help you relax — some people like to read during labor, some like to watch movies. Hospitals have a lot available, but it may be smart to have personal items that matter to you.“ Essentials: installed car seat, diapers, wipes, some clothing and a safe place to sleep.

Don’t forget: bottles and formula or nursing bras and pads.

To learn more about how to best prepare for baby and the pregnancy timeline, visit stvincent.org/ MonogramMaternity.

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 17

LGBTQ Youth

WORDS BY // KIM DINAN

Supp orting kids in the cl a ssroom and be yond

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Classmates had bullied the boy relentlessly all year. He was pretty sure some of his teachers were aware of what was happening, but they seemed to turn their heads. The situation at home was not much better. His parents acted uncomfortable around him – appearing unsure of what he was going through and unable to support him. He felt different and alone, wondering if he would ever fit in and find acceptance with anyone.

As parents, we often develop a universal feeling of empathy for all kids and our hearts break for any child who is suffering. Many of us have seen our own children bear the brunt of cruel words or unfair treatment by others and know how painful that can be. But does our feeling of compassion for kids change depending on what they are struggling with? This scenario could describe a student coping with a physical disability, wrestling with depression or trying to manage an undiagnosed learning disability. But what if this situation described a student who was gay? Or transgender? How do we, as parents and role models, broaden our scope of understanding to support our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ ) youth?

Increasingly in the past 30 years young people have been coming out as LGBTQ. This coincides with greater social awareness and media representation of the many variations of sexual orientation and gender identity. According to the Institute of Medicine, sexual orientation is a person’s emotional, sexual and/or relational attraction to others. Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of being male, female or something else.

Sexual orientation and gender identity are not a choice. Both emerge early in life and do not depend on external factors such as home life.

We all know that the elementary, middle and high school years can be challenging for children as they begin to discover who they are while managing academic and social stresses. On top of the typical growing-up challenges, LGBTQ youth also regularly experience bias, discrimination and rejection. That’s why it is so important for parents and teachers to embrace and support youth struggling with their sexual or gender identity.

“Supporting a LGBTQ child looks different depending on the age of the child,” says Laura Ingram, Youth Program Director for Bloomington Pride Prism Youth Community. “If the child is very young, read an inclusive book and go by the name and pronouns they prefer.

There’s this idea that we can’t talk to young children about gender but there are a wealth of children’s books that celebrate identity. Kids get it. They’re the most accepting group of people.”

In middle school and high school oftentimes kids come out to their friends first, then the Gay-Straight Alliance at their school if one exists, then supportive teachers. “Youth-serving professionals forget that a lot of students have great ideas about how they want to talk to their peers and teachers,” says Ingram. “You’re a collaborator in that process. Ask the student, ‘What kind of support do you think you need?’ Ask them how, when and if they want to talk to other people about it.”

As allies, it is also our personal responsibility to educate ourselves about LGBTQ issues without relying on the LGBTQ kids in our lives to do it for us.

“The best way other students and adults can be supportive is to educate themselves,” says Ingram. “If you’re not sure what someone is talking about you can ask respectfully, but also understand that that person may not want to answer your questions. Self-study is important.”

(Read on for a list of local and national resources on the subject.)

Every person is unique, so there isn’t one standard way to support someone who is LGBTQ. If you’re unsure of what to do to be supportive, it’s okay to ask the young person what they need. “There’s no one way to come out and talk about it.

There’s just the right way for that child,” says Ingram.

It’s also important to remember that learning is a lifelong process and that no child, no matter how they identify, should feel pressured to find a term and stick with it. “We have a lot of youth that as their vocabulary and terminology expand they might identify differently.

That doesn’t mean it was just a phase, it just means that their understanding of themselves has deepened,” says Ingram.

“We never stop learning about ourselves and our world.”

Sexual orientation and gender identity are not a choice.

Both emerge early in life and do not depend on external factors such as home life.

Local Resources Indiana Youth Group: www.indianayouthgroup.org/ Human Rights Campaign, Indiana: www.hrc.org/local-issues/indiana Parents, Families, Friends and Allies United with LGBT People (PFLAG), Indianapolis Chapter: www.indypflag.org/

National Resources Trans Student Educational Resources: www.transstudent.org/ The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/ Safe Schools Coalition: www.safeschoolscoalition.org/

Definitions Sexual Orientation - a person’s emotional, sexual, and/or relational attraction to others.

Sexual orientation is usually classified as heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual (lesbian and gay), and includes components of attraction, behavior and identity (Laumann et al., 1994). Sexual orientation is expressed in relationship to others to meet basic human needs for love, attachment and intimacy (Institute of Medicine, 2011). Thus, young people can be aware of their sexual orientation as feelings of attachment and connection to others before they become sexually active.

Gender Identity - a person’s internal sense of being male, female or something else.

Gender identity is internal, so it is not necessarily visible to others. Gender identity is also very personal, so some people may not identify as male or female while others may identify as both male and female.

Gender Expression - the way a person expresses their sense of gender identity (e.g., through dress, clothing, body movement, etc.)

Young children express their sense of gender through choices for personal items such as toys and clothes, as well as hairstyle, colors, etc.

Gender Non-conforming or Gender Variant - a person whose gender expression differs from how their family, culture or society expects them to behave, dress and act.

Transgender - a person who feels that their gender identity does not match their physical body and differs from the gender that others observed and gave them at birth (assigned or birth gender).

Source: Institute of Medicine, 2011; SAMHSA, 2012

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 19

the

ABC 's

of B A C K T O S C H OO L WORDS BY // KAREN RING

A rrange

play dates with some of your child’s classmates prior to the start of the year.

B

I

week before school starts.

C reate

J

a central calendar to calm the school-year chaos.

D esignate

a landing zone near the front door where backpacks and lunchboxes are stored.

K

E ase

into the transition by practicing the morning routine before school begins.

yourself with the school staff (office personnel, principal, school nurse).

G ather

ads for back-toschool sales to save time and money.

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U nderstand

nventory the clothes in

Organize

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abel everything from

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an emergency plan in place. Enlist friends and family who can help if need be.

egin a bedtime routine one

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L

your child’s closet and then create a shopping list.

There are only so many back-to-school days in your child’s life.

Children can easily pick up on parental fears.

backpacks to school supplies to facilitate recovery of lost items.

M eet

the teachers. Breaking the ice helps ease first-day jitters.

the teacher of any specific concerns regarding your child.

a study space in your child’s room to help establish a homework routine.

lunches and pick out clothes the night before to avoid the morning rush.

your child on the rules of the road and other safety strategies.

stories with a back-toschool theme to get your child excited for the first day.

up on extra supplies while they are in stock and on sale.

Take

a first-day photo. You’ll be amazed how much your child will change over the year.

that set backs happen, no matter how much you prepare.

the classroom to familiarize your child with his new environment.

notes of encouragement and hide them in your child’s lunch box or backpack.

shot records and other important paperwork and store in a central location.

physicals ensure shot records are up-to-date.

in on your child’s first-day concerns and discuss them openly.

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 21

WORDS BY // Maggie Loiselle

From the anticipation of entering a new classroom with a different teacher to the return of worrying about grades and fitting in with other kids, a new school year brings a flurry of emotions for kids and their parents. Here we’ve asked local experts for their suggestions on how to handle a few common back to school dilemmas families often face.

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Our family just moved to the area and my 10-year-old will be starting 5th grade at a new school. She is quite introverted, and as we get closer and closer to the first day of school, she is becoming more and more anxious.

What can I do to help her get the new year off to a good start and have a positive experience?

Kids are unique in so many ways. It will be important to start with accepting, recognizing and celebrating who she is as a person. Sometimes just hearing, “I hear you are anxious. Lots of kids feel this way,” can validate her feelings and make her feel supported. Be her biggest cheerleader! Reassure her about all the amazing things about her. In order to reduce her anxiety, start with what she might be anxious about. Is she anxious about a new route? Take her on the route a few days beforehand. Is she nervous about making friends? Talk to her about how she can make friends.

About a week prior, start making a plan and routine for school. Start driving by the school every few days, go shopping and pick out items only 5th graders can have, or schedule her a haircut. Most of all, support her and allow her to talk to you whenever she is feeling anxious.

Lastly, if you feel she needs to talk to a professional, reach out to a therapist in your area that specializes in this area.

Jennifer Vincent, Licensed Mental Health Therapist in private practice

My 3-year-old really struggled with separation anxiety during his Mother’s Day Out program last year.

He will be starting preschool this fall, and I’m worried it will be an issue again. Is there something I can do so he won’t miss me so much?

Transitions for children, whether they be into a new preschool program, a new classroom or a new routine, can be a struggle. While it may be difficult initially to drop your child off in a new environment, this perceived separation

anxiety does not typically last long. By initiating a drop-off routine with your child, you appropriately set expectations and instill a sense of comfort. I like to suggest to parents having a three-step drop-off routine. For example, talk to your child about what happens when you drop them off at school: “When we get to school we are going to wash hands, mommy/daddy is going to give you a big hug and then mommy/daddy is going to leave for work.” Remind your child of the three steps so they feel comfortable and confident in knowing the routine. Lastly, please never sneak out of your child’s classroom; this creates confusion and fear for your child. Your child is very perceptive, and he or she notices your emotions. If you are hesitant to leave, your child may begin to feel unsafe and uncomfortable in the environment. Know that your child is going to have fun at school and that you have made a wonderful choice in exposing them to a preschool environment where they will be surrounded by peers and can socialize, learn and play all at the same time!

Kelly Emmert, Director, IUPUI Center for Young Children

Seventh grade was a rough one academically for my son. He struggled in several classes, and his grades really suffered. We’ve gotten him a tutor, which I hope will help turn things around, but his ego has taken a beating. He doesn’t think he’s smart, and I’m worried that this belief will influence what he feels like he’s capable of this year. How can I help him?

A new school year is a fresh start, and your son’s own resolve to do well is his greatest asset. Get the year off in a positive way by focusing on his past successes, whether academic or not, and by discussing what led to those successes. Identify the strengths that he has already demonstrated as the foundation upon which to develop the areas that challenge him. Do not ignore the problems of the past. An open,

honest discussion about what caused the trouble in seventh grade is necessary to have a reasonable plan for improvement. Encourage your son to identify two specific areas upon which to focus, for example, test preparation, time management, proofreading assignments or consistent homework completion are some possibilities. As his habits change, add a different goal.

Discuss with him now how you will monitor his progress each week and stick to the plan. Resist the urge to hover over his work every day; give him the opportunity to show that he has taken the personal responsibility needed to meet his goal. You are there as support, but your son must take ownership of this challenge. Be realistic. If last year’s fall in grades indicates that your son has some skill gaps that are essential building blocks to his current curriculum, it will take more study time and more work with a tutor to recover. And don’t wait until the end of the grading period to celebrate his improvements; acknowledge small successes along the way to help build his confidence.

Deb Krupowicz, Indy’s Child “Ask the Teacher” columnist

I know this makes me sound like an overly sentimental mom, but back to school time is a little hard on me.

The start of each new school year reminds me of how quickly my kids are growing up and will eventually leave the nest. I know I can’t make time stand still, so what can I do to work out of this slump and have a better frame of mind?

slowly, while familiar information and experiences are processed more quickly, so it can feel like time passes more quickly. Time may seem to move more slowly with very young children because our learning curve and their care needs are so great, but time “speeds up” as we become more competent and children follow a more consistent routine with less frequent developmental milestones.

It might help to slow things down by noticing how well we pay attention to the details of the present moment – the wonderful, difficult and sad. Feelings of grief and nostalgia are not so much “a slump” but part of the human experience and evidence that you are loving deeply. It is possible that time may go more slowly the more we are “in the moment” with our children, paying attention to how they are growing and changing and also finding ways to grow and change as well.

Rebecca Willis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Indy Counseling and Wellness Group

A new school year always presents new challenges – but also offers new opportunities for growth. Take comfort in knowing that whatever issue you may be dealing with is familiar territory for others who have tackled it before. If you’re facing a back to school dilemma this year, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, school counselors, other parents and mental health experts for their guidance.

First of all, this is so normal whenever and wherever it shows up. For me, it usually happens at the end of the school year, and I find myself getting suddenly choked up at some random end-ofschool event. Also, this is a real thing, the feeling that time moves more quickly as we get older. Neuroscientist David Eagleman explains that new information demands more attention and focus from our brains, which can make it seem like time passes more August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 23

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July 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 25

SPECIAL NEEDS

WORDS BY // MAGGIE LOISELLE

New Year, New School Easing the transition from elementary to middle school for kids with autism A new building to navigate. Different teachers to get to know. Learning to switch classes and memorize a locker combination. The transition from elementary school to middle school can be tough for any child, and especially difficult for kids on the autism spectrum.

It’s a struggle Marisa Gill sees frequently as director of The Independence Academy, a nonprofit private school on Indianapolis’ north side serving 5th through 12th grade students with highfunctioning autism or Asperger syndrome.

“Typically, what you find is that in elementary school, these students are surrounded by people who have known them for a long time, especially the same special education teacher,” she says. “Moving up to middle school means leaving that safe, secure environment, in addition to facing the social pressures that children normally feel during that time in their lives.”

Start preparing early The key to a smooth transition is advance preparation for the student, parents and staff. The Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University offers a list of suggestions that parents and special education staff can do during a child’s last year in elementary school to make the change easier, including: • Write a social story about starting middle school.

• Allow the student to have as many visits to the new school as he or she needs.

• Allow the student to practice walking the route to his or her classes while the building is empty. Make a video, if needed.

• Identify important areas, such as a safe haven, bus stop, homeroom, bathrooms, cafeteria, gym, etc.

• Provide the student opportunities to practice opening and closing his or her locker.

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• Give the student a yearbook so he or she can become familiar with the faculty and school activities.

• Practice scripts so the student knows where to go to get help and how to ask for assistance.

• Practice the routine of requesting to go to a quiet place to calm down and practice the route to get to the place.

Become allies with your new team Gill also stresses the importance of starting to build a relationship with special education team members at the middle school level as soon as possible. Not only do you want to get to know them and set up clear lines of communication early, you also want them to start learning about your child. Consider creating a student portfolio and/or a video that showcases your child’s personality and strengths to the new staff.

“It’s important you know who the special education team is, get to know them as individuals and make sure they get to know your child,” Gill says. “Understand

that before we can do pre-calculus, there has to be that foundation of a strong relationship. It really comes down to a good team and everyone being on the same page, where the parents feel like the teacher is an ally, and the teacher feels like the parent is an ally.”

Focus on opportunities Of course, moving to middle school doesn’t have to be all about the potential problems that may occur. Talk with your child about what he or she has to look forward to, such as signing up for a unique club or extracurricular activity, or even taking advantage of an expanded lunch menu.

If there’s an opportunity to do more than just visit your child’s new school, whether that’s signing up for summer classes or taking part in a sport hosted there, this can also help your child feel more comfortable in his or her new surroundings.

“There are a lot of variables when it comes to the transition to middle school,” Gill says. “It’s important to see the small things, like helping the student understand how and when to ask for help, along with the big picture, which is how to build relationships that will be best for the child.”

For more on the transition to middle school, check out the IRCA’s tips here: www.iidc.indiana. edu/pages/Transition-to-Middle-School.

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 27

SPECIAL NEEDS

WORDS BY // MAGGIE LOISELLE

IEP 101 Understanding the basics of this important document The start of a school year means new teachers, new classmates and, for many parents of children with special needs, a new version of their child’s Individualized Education Program. Whether you’re an IEP newbie, or a veteran looking for better results, here’s the scoop on this crucial document.

What is an IEP?

Who creates an IEP?

The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, requires public schools to create Individualized Education Programs for every child who receives special education services.

IEPs lay out your child’s learning needs, what services the school will provide and how and when your child’s progress will be measured.

Members of your child’s IEP Team create the document together. The law requires the team include:

- At least one special education teacher

“I always recommend parents have someone else go with them to IEP meetings, just to be another set of ears,” says Marsha Cheesman, senior parent liaison with local parent-toparent organization About Special Kids and the mother of a son with cerebral palsy. “There’s often a lot of information coming at you; I’ve been there. It’s nice to have another person to take all that in.”

- A school district representative knowledgeable about general and special education

What’s covered in an IEP?

- You, the parent(s)/guardian(s) - At least one of your child’s general education teachers

- A school psychologist or other specialist - Your child, if he or she is 16 or older, or when it’s deemed appropriate by the IEP Team

“It really does come down to the team of people – the general education teacher, the special education teacher, the resource person, the school counselor – this amazing group of people who make up the team to support the child,” says Jane Grimes, a local pioneer in special needs advocacy and current director of enrollment for the Applied Behavior Center for Autism. “I can’t stress to parents how much it is a team approach, with the family included.”

You also have a right to invite individuals outside the school to attend your child’s IEP meetings, such as a professional who regularly works with your child, a trained parent advocate or even just a friend.

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By law, your child’s IEP must include certain information, such as his or her present level of educational performance, the results of evaluations and tests, and a list accommodations, modifications, supplementary aids and services to be provided.

The IEP Team will also set educational goals, which should be achievable and measurable academic and functional skills that the child can achieve by the end of the school year. Often, the acronym SMART is used to help ensure IEP goals are Specific, Measurable, use Action words such as ‘be able to,’ are Realistic and Time specific.

The IEP must spell out how the school will track your child’s progress toward these goals and how and when the school will share the results with you.

“You have to be very specific with the goals, and you want to be able to see measurable progress,” Grimes stresses.

“It’s very common for the school to say, ‘Here’s your IEP. We’ll give you a report in nine weeks.’ But that’s half a quarter of the school year, and a lot can happen in that time. I advise parents to ask for monthly reports so they can stay on top of things.”

When should an IEP be updated?

As your child makes progress on his or her goals, or when feedback from the school shows your child is not progressing as expected, it may be time to reevaluate the goals and accommodations. At a minimum, IEPs should be reevaluated at the beginning of every school year and adjusted to account for growth.

“As a child gets older, we often find that the school, understandably, expects more of that child and assumes the child will need less support. That is sometimes the case, but depending on the diagnosis, maybe not,” Cheesman says. “Over time, you learn more about what supports are available, and you can advocate to make sure the appropriate support is in place, whether your child is a secondgrader or a senior in high school.”

Understanding how to create an effective IEP is a learning curve, and one that continues to evolve as your child grows. Getting to know your child’s team, staying involved and asking for regular updates can help ensure your child gets the most from his or her IEP.

Local IEP Resources About Special Kids www.aboutspecialkids.org IN*SOURCE Special Education Parent Support http://insource.org/ Indiana IEP Resource Center www.indianaieprc.org Wrightslaw Special Education Law & Advocacy www.wrightslaw.com

Upcoming IEP training for parents of children with hearing loss: Hear Indiana Parent INcouragment Night: IEP Goal Writing Aug. 18, 6-8:30 pm Easterseals Crossroads Building 4740 Kingsway Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46205 Event is free. Dinner and childcare provided. For more information, call 317-828-0211 or visit www.hearindiana.org

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 29

SPECIAL NEEDS

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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 The Applied Behavior Center for Autism is Indiana's longest running ABA provider. With over 20 years of service, ABC is building brighter futures every day. Each of our center offers unique attributes that allows us to provide high quality treatment to children and teens with autism spectrum disorder. With locations in Greenwood, Carmel, Castleton, Terre Haute, Richmond, and West Indianapolis we offer ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, diagnostic testing, special needs swim lessons, and so much more! We are now enrolling for part-time and full-time schedules. Find us on social @ABCforAutism to learn more.

7901 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Jane Grimes, Phone: 317-849-5437 Ext. 104, Email: Jane@AppliedBehavior Center.org, www.AppliedBehaviorCenter.org

BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS CENTER FOR AUTISM BACA uses the principles and procedures of ABA to teach language, social, self-help, academic, daily living and life skills to individuals with autism and related disorders.

BACA was established in 2009 by Carl Sundberg, Ph.D., BCBA-D, and a group of highly trained BCBAs. Located in Fishers, Zionsville and Elkhart, IN. 9929 East 126th Street, Fishers, IN, United States, Phone: 317-436-8961, Contact: Colin Clayton, Email: cclayton@thebaca.com, http://thebaca.com/

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.

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618 N. High School Road Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46214-3684​, Contact: Ann Baloski, Executive Director, Phone: 317-731-7777, Email: info@behaviorworksaba.com, www.behaviorworksaba.com

Bierman ABA Autism Center We work with children with autism spectrum disorders up to the age of 13. We specialize in providing early intervention, personalized and intensive Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Speech & OT programs. Our early intensive intervention programs (EIBI) are designed to help children learn skills across many different developmental domains in order to be happy and successful in any environment, whether that be in the home, community or the classroom.

Whether your child was just recently diagnosed or has been in a traditional school setting but unable to make adequate progress, we deeply believe every child is capable of learning with the right programming in place. We are positive our dedicated and talented team can make a difference. Locations in Broad Ripple, Westfield and Avon.

1025 E 54th Street, Indianapolis, Phone: (317) 815-5501, Email: info@biermanaba.com; www.biermanaba.com

The Children's TherAplay Foundation One of the few clinics in the country providing physical and occupational therapies on horseback (hippotherapy) for children with special needs. Serving kiddos, ages 18 months to 13 years, with diagnoses including cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and developmental delay. In-network with most major health insurance carriers and Indiana Medicaid.

9919 Towne Road, Carmel, Indiana. Phone: (317) 872-4166; Email: info@childrenstheraplay.org; www.childrens theraplay.org/

Children's Therapy Connection CTC’s Speech Therapy, Social Skills and Gross Motor Playgroups focus on improving communication skills, peer interactions and gross motor development in structured small group settings. Our comprehensive approach uses a variety of techniques to best meet your child’s needs. The CTC Playgroups are an excellent supplement to your child’s current therapy program! Children will be enrolled on a first come, first served basis. Ratios are kept low to allow each child individual attention and instruction, so space is limited! Please contact our office at kberty@childrenstherapy connection.com or visit our website or follow us on Facebook for additional details.

7478 Shadeland Station Way, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Phone: 317-288-7606, Email: info@ childrenstherapyconnection.com, http://childrenstherapyconnection.com

Disability & Autism Services of Indiana Disability and Autism Services of Indiana (DASI) has proudly supported Indiana families since 2008. Our mission is to provide the highest quality ABA therapy and supporting speech therapy to children on the Autism spectrum. DASI understands the importance of learning in the natural setting, and we come to you to meet your needs.

With over 75 years of combined experience, our families choose DASI because of the care and customized services we provide.

Our passionate and professional team will tailor fit your child's ABA therapy to target individual learning and behavior change. We utilize the most effective research-based 1:1 behavioral interventions and specialize in maximizing learning opportunities and outcomes. With Fishers & Greensburg, Indiana locations; we offer in home, school, clinic and community based ABA therapy.

HANDS training model.The HANDS in Autism® Center also focuses on identifying and meeting specific community needs as well as fostering: collaboration and networking across medical, school, family, and community settings; reciprocal sharing of information within and across communities; increased dissemination and awareness of resources and information; and increased training opportunities within, relevant to, and informed by the specific community.

1130 W Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 (Fesler Hall 302l), Phone: 317-2742675, Email: hands@iupui.edu, www.HANDS inAutism.iupui.edu

LITTLE STAR CENTER

732 N Broadway St, Greensburg, IN, Phone: (812) 663-2273; Email: info@dasikids.com; www.dasikids.com

Little Star Center is Indiana’s first centerbased, therapeutic applied behavior analysis (ABA) service provider serving children, teens and young adults with autism. Since 2002, this professional team has impacted the lives of hundreds of learners affected by autism by building skills and helping them achieve milestones once believed impossible.

Little Star's statewide centers are located in Carmel, Lafayette and Bloomington, with the newest center now open in West Lafayette. Little Star Center also provide in-home ABA services.

Easter Seals Crossroads

12650 Hamilton Crossing Blvd, Carmel, IN, 46032, Phone: 317-249-2242, info@ littlestarcenter.org, www.littlestarcenter.org

Offering comprehensive disability services for people of all ages. Early Intervention, Autism Services, PT, OT, Speech Therapy, Feeding/ Swallowing issues, Augmentative Communication, Assistive Technology, Multisensory 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@ easterseals crossroads.org, http://www. eastersealscrossroads.org

Hands in Autism HANDS in Autism® works to provide unique learning opportunities designed to improve understanding of the process and ability to work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a range of other developmental and behavioral challenges through hands-on and coaching experiences and building bridges of information, resources and collaboration across family, educational, medical and community systems. The Center provides innovative, research-based, and practical training and technical support to school staff, medical and service providers, primary caregivers, and individuals with ASD within Indiana and globally based on the

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

SPECIAL NEEDS

August Special Needs Events TUES 08 Sensory Friendly Films: "The Emoji Movie"

AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where the lights are turned up and the sound is turned down so individuals can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! The Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Tuesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month.

More info: www.amctheatres.com/programs/ sensory-friendly-films Location: AMC Castleton Square 14, Time: 7:00 pm

THURS 10 – SUN 13

2017 Indianapolis Juvenile Arthritis Conference

This four-day educational event focuses on health, wellness and fun for families and children affected by juvenile arthritis (JA)

and all the childhood pediatric rheumatic diseases. More info and tickets: www. kidsgetarthritistoo.org/juvenile-arthritisconference/2017/indianapolis/ Location: Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Time: All day, Phone: 317-370-9007

FRI 11 Ask & Learn

The family-specific ASK & Learn sessions are an opportunity for parents or caregivers of children with special needs to ask questions and learn about resources, programs and services that may benefit their child, with the added benefit of a small group, communitybased setting and face-to-face interaction with highly trained and experienced ASK Parent Liaisons. More info: www. aboutspecialkids.org/training/trainingcalendar/ask-learn-aug-11th/ Location: About Special Kids, Time: 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm

SAT 19 Kammy's Ride 2017

This 140-mile escorted motorcycle ride benefits Kammy's Kause, which raises money for the 4p- Support Group. 4p-, also known as Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (WHS), is an extremely rare chromosome disorder which causes mild to severe mental and physical handicaps, organ failure, oral defensiveness and developmental delays. More info: kammyskause.org/ Location: Harley Davidson Indianapolis, Time: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm, Phone: 317-370-9007

THURS 24 Workshop for Survivors of Suicide Loss

As a survivor of suicide loss, have you ever wanted to talk to a leader in the field of suicide bereavement? This is your chance to hear from Jack Jordan, a nationally recognized expert in suicide bereavement research and clinical practice. This workshop is free to attend but

pre-registration required. If you have questions about this event, please contact Lisa Brattain, lbrattain@afsp.org Location: Marriott Indianapolis Downtown, Time: 6:30- 8:30 pm, Phone: 317-517-5973

TUES 29 A Life with Stress, Balance and a Plan

Parents of children with special needs live with added emotional, medical, social and financial challenges. These extenuating circumstances can often lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, marital and family problems and health issues.

This FREE training will focus on identifying types of stressors, identify coping mechanisms and providing ways to incorporate them into everyday life, and the importance of good communication.

This training is limited to family members of children with special needs.

Location: BACA, Time: 6:00-8:00 pm, Phone: 800-964-4746, www.aboutspecialkids.org/ training/training-calendar/a-life-with-stressbalance-and-a-plan-fishers/

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Cool After School

Programs Local classes and enrichment activities to check out this year WORDS BY // Megan S. Bohrer

Even after a full day of learning about fractions and parts of speech and playing with friends at recess and working on homework, many kids are still raring to go with something fun to do after school. Enrichment activities are not only enjoyable, they also give children an opportunity to continue their academic progress and personal development in dynamic and engaging ways.

After school enrichment activities can range from the arts to sports to clubs to academic exploration. The possibilities are endless, but there is one thing all good programs have in common: child development experts agree that effective afterschool programs help kids strengthen social relationships, build confidence, encourage school success and provide exposure to new interests, ideas and people.

Ready to sign up? Indianapolis and its surrounding areas have plenty of possibilities to offer. Here are a few to look into.

THE ARTS Whether your child dreams of dancing across the stage, painting a masterpiece or performing with the orchestra, an education in the arts has numerous benefits including the chance to fine-tune motor skills, give a boost to math comprehension and provide opportunities to gain selfconfidence in front of others on stage.

En Pointe www.enpointeindiana.com Offering classes in ballet, modern dance, jazz, hip hop and even a class designed for athletes, this dance studio has classes for children age 4 through adults.

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MyART www.myartindy.com Have a child who loves to create?

Encourage their interest with art classes.

MyART teaches students ages 4 and up drawing and fine art instruction in a supportive environment.

Indianapolis Art Center www.indplsartcenter.org Located in Broad Ripple, the Indianapolis Art Center offers art courses for youth and teens in a variety of mediums. The center prides itself on its state-of-the-art studios and nurturing atmosphere.

LINE + Form Atelier www.linenandformatelier.com This exploratory art studio located in Irvington provide a “Reggio-inspired, process-focused� experience to children of all ages. The studio offers many different types of classes and workshops, such as an Afterschool Nature Studio.

Wishes Dance Studio www.wishesdance.com Returning from summer break in mid-August, Wishes Dance Studio has a full lineup of classes in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe and more, and offers performance companies.

Indiana Ballet Conservatory www.indianaballetconservatorycom This pre-professional ballet school fuses classical ballet instruction with modern and contemporary training. Students have the opportunity to learn about music, theater history, ballet history and ballet theory as well.

LET’S PLAY Find a physical outlet for all that energy!

After school sports promote fitness, healthy competition, teamwork and the development of motor skills and coordination.

Glendale Soccer Association www.glendalesoccer.org Glendale Soccer Association offers a spirited but friendly environment for young soccer lovers. Practices are one night a week with games on the weekends. Locations are available throughout Indianapolis.

NinjaZone Academy www.academy.theninjazone.com Little ninjas are challenged physically and mentally in this innovative sports enrichment program. Classes are weekly, with additional challenge sessions.

YMCA of Greater Indianapolis www.indyymca.org The largest provider of afterschool care in the area, the YMCA offers a variety of sports at a variety of locations. Basketball, tumbling, swimming, soccer, track and field and Tae Kwon Do are just some of the programs available.

Goldfish Swim School https://fishers.goldfishswim school.com/ https://carmel.goldfishswim school.com/ With locations in Fishers and Carmel, Goldfish Swim School offers a proven, confidence-building curriculum that promotes a love of swimming and teaches kids to be safer in and around the water.

Dana Mannix Gymnastics www.danamannixgymnastics.com

IU Natatorium www.iunat.iupui.edu

Gymnastics, tumbling and ninja classes are sure to keep the children in your life moving. Classes are offered frequently throughout the week in this family-focused, friendly gym.

Offering swim lessons for kids of all ages, starting as early as six months, the curriculum at the IU Natatorium is designed by Swim America, a national learn-to-swim program. Private instruction is available as well.

First Baptist Athletics www.firstbaptistathletics.com This youth sports program emphasizes education and respect in athletics.

Students can participate in soccer in the fall at a 40-acre property with 11 soccer fields in the Nora area of Indianapolis.

Fishers Elite Martial Arts www.fisherselitemartialarts.com In business for over 20 years, Fishers Elite Martial Arts offers classes at multiple times on every weekday in a variety of martial arts styles.

Climb Time Indy www.climbtimeindy.com This indoor climbing gym offers a “Kids Climbing Club” that provides instruction and coaching on a weekly basis.

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Fencing at The Orchard School www.orchard.org/page/school-life/ classes Open to students of the school and the community at large, this eight-week program teaches students in 1st through 8th grades the basics of fencing and includes conditioning, games and practice bouting.

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: these courses are the wave of the future in education and are capturing the attention and imagination of students.

Lego Explorer Adventures at The Orchard School www.orchard.org/page/school-life/ classes Students with a penchant for building

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and design will enjoy this eight-week course creating various projects with Legos.

Codelicious www.codelicious.com Seeking to fill the gap between coding jobs and qualified coders in this growing industry, Codelicious is educating the next generation with coding instruction for kids ages 8-18.

Sylvan www.sylvanlearning.com With programs in robotics, coding and engineering, this is a perfect fit for your math and science oriented student.

SCOUTING This classic after school activity has been around for generations, and there’s a reason why: kids love it.

Boy Scouts of America , Crossroads of America Council www.crossroadsbsa.org Starting in Kindergarten (or age 6), boys can participate in scouting, which focuses on adventure, leadership, service and learning. Packs are located throughout the Indianapolis area, and often conveniently meet in schools.

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana www.girlscoutsindiana.org The Girls Scouts seek to build girls with “courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.” Girls of all ages can participate, starting in Kindergarten.

Want to ramp up the fun even more? New activities are great for grown-ups too! Do a little research and find an activity that both you and your child can enjoy together.

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COMMENTARY & PARENTING WORDS BY // DEB KRUPOWICZ

Ask the Teacher Back to school transitions, test-taking help and goal-setting

Q:

The first few weeks of school are always a nightmare for my fourth-grade daughter. She is just a bear.

What can I do to make this a better time for all of us?

A:

The most important thing you can do to help your daughter make this shift more easily is to ensure that she is getting a good night’s sleep. Falling asleep at an earlier bedtime might not be easy after lots of late nights, but even resting quietly with a book will help. Without a good night’s sleep, the challenges of the day are tougher. It is harder to concentrate and nerves are a bit on edge. Without adequate rest, it is impossible to absorb all the information in a new classroom and navigate the different peer groups that come with the new school year.

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Simplify your daughter’s schedule and encourage some unstructured, active play.

Put as much on hold as possible. Those extra-curricular activities can be added back to her schedule at a later date. Put yourself in her place – imagine starting a new job and having several meetings to attend each evening when you are simply exhausted. Even things you normally enjoy can be too much after a taxing day. In place of sports practice or other scheduled activities, take a bike ride with your daughter or go for a walk after dinner. It is important that she get some exercise without an expectation of performance or significant concentration.

Talk with your daughter about why this change is hard and what she can do to make it easier. Have a frank discussion with her about how she can recognize when she is feeling overwhelmed or stressed and possible strategies to help her through these times.

Q:

Our sixth-grade daughter has always been a straight A student, but when tests started carrying more weight, her grades dropped. She is so frustrated. How can she become a better test taker?

A:

Is she allowing enough time to prepare? Time is the key element in test preparation.

Sometimes it will take a few failures to help a student see that waiting until the night before a test to study is simply not enough time. The most effective studying happens regularly as the content is presented. Taking a little bit of time each day to review notes and texts, to recognize the essential concepts and to identify problem areas will go a very long way in ensuring that your daughter has truly understood the material. The sooner the

problem areas are identified and clarification sought, the better her retention will be.

The most overlooked part of doing well on a test is doing a thorough review of previous tests. Your daughter should look very carefully at what questions she missed, determining if a particular type of question or an area of content posed the greatest difficulty for her. This will help her see if she overlooked important ideas or if she needs to develop strategies in answering certain types of questions. If she thinks that she studied very hard and felt confident that she knew the material but still did not do well on the test, then she must change the way she is studying.

Studying longer will not likely produce a different result. Talk with your daughter’s teacher for her input and any strategies she recommends – she will likely have some tips for how she can improve her study habits and test-taking skills.

Q:

I think setting goals is such an important skill for children to develop in order to be successful in life. How can I get my eleven-year-old son to start setting some goals for himself?

A:

Helping your child set goals at the start of the school year is a great idea. Your job is to coach him into selecting a few reasonable goals that are short-term, measurable and attainable.

When goals are set that can only be realized very far into the future, they get lost. A significant long-term goal is admirable, but breaking that large goal into smaller, short-term goals will help your child feel successful along the way.

Your child needs your assistance (but not your insistence) not only to set a reasonable goal, but to identify the steps that will be needed to reach that goal.

When defined steps are established, it will be clear to your child that working on each step will help him get closer to his goal.

Determine with your child what the measurement of success will be. Focus on progress toward the goal rather than perfection at every turn. Have him evaluate how he’s doing along the way to see if the approach he selected is having the effect he seeks or if adjustments need to be made. Again, put your child in the driver’s seat. Allowing him to see himself as the one responsible for attaining the goal is the most important part of setting it.

Ask the Teacher 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

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EDUCATION RESOURCES [sponsored listings]

PRESCHOOL &

EDUCATION GUIDE carmel Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc. Carmel Montessori School is located on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 18 years head-teaching experience and we a a full member of the American Montessori Society. 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

Starting Line Preschool The Right Start for A Lifelong Love of Learning! Our strong academicbased curriculum prepares and encourages your child to succeed in school while discovering learning is fun! All of our classes focus on an introduction to colors, number and letters with exciting art and science projects. Math, social studies and sight words are taught in the older classes.Develop Social Awareness & Friendships, Build Confidence and Master Academic Skills for Kindergarten.

110 Third Ave NE, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Diane Atkins, Phone: 317-753-9397, Email: dkatkins22@msn.com, http://www.starting linepreschool.com

DOWNTOWN

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 socio-economic 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

the care of experienced and loving caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. For the older kids, our program includes weekly Christian Life Skills, Music class taught by Indianapolis Children’s Choir instructors and Book Club. Please call, E-mail or visit for further information and registration forms. Tours are individually set up at your convenience!

5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Christy Whaley, Phone: 317-253-0472, cwhaley@meridianstreet.org, www.meridianstreet.org/cdi

Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing Our Parents Day Out (16-35 mos) and Part Day Preschool (3 yrs-PreK5) provide relaxed, secure, playful environments that nurture creativity and the exploration of God’s world. A variety of learning materials & readiness skills are woven into each unit. Various days, 9am-2pm. Some extended days. Need longer hours? Try our Neighborhood Child Care ministry designed for 16 mos – Pre K5 with class times 6:30am-6pm.

9111 N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John Drake, Phone: 317-575-6508, Email: jdrake@golove.org or wcarriger@golove.org

Fall Creek Montessori 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, emotionally, and academically. Conveniently located at Hague Rd. and 88th St., FCMA serves children at all levels, from infancy through kindergarten. Programs are available two to five days per week, with before and after care available.

7770 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256; info@fallcreekmontessori. com; www.fallcreekmontessori.com/

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.

Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church

3020 Nowland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201 Contact: Peggy Purvis, 317.775.6660, school@paramountindy.org, www.paramountindy.org

7700 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Cara Paul, Director, 317-252-5517, cpaul@secondchurch.org, www.childrenscircle.org

fishers 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

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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.

Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool

Children's Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool is a fully inclusive early childhood program with an emphasis on Christian values and learning through play. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate first school experience in

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

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

St. Mary’s Child Center at the IMA Through a partnership with St. Mary’s Child Center, the Indianapolis Museum of Art offers a preschool for children ages 3-5. Anchored in Reggio Emilia inspired teaching, every day the children experience original works of art at the IMA, explore the gardens and grounds, and work on projects inspired by their environment. St. Mary’s Child Center at IMA is a half-day preschool running five days a week from 9 – 11:30 am for the IPS school year. With a low child to adult ratio (6:1), St. Mary’s Child Center at IMA provides personal attention to ensure optimal social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of the child. - See more at: https://indyschild.com/places/childcare-1/st-marys-childcenter-at-the-ima/#sthash.M7BHuPbB.dpuf 4000 N Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, Phone: 317-9231331 ext. 283, www.imamuseum.org/events-programs/child-center-ima/

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

indianapolis – northeast FORTUNE ACADEMY Fortune Academy serves children in 1st-12th grade with learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, processing difficulties, and ADHD. Students struggling to reach grade level in reading and/or math often have learning differences and lack strengths in organization and time management. Fortune Academy helps close the gap for these students through 6:1 student to teacher ratios and specialized teaching from AOGPE trained educators. Fortune offers two academic paths: College Preparatory & General Diploma. Fortune Academy is the ONLY school in Indiana with AOGPE Orton-Gillingham certification and 15 years of success specifically serving students with learning differences!

Polly Panda Preschool 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. Now enrolling for summer.

2944 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Gail Hacker and Tammy Clark, Phone: 317-257-9127, Email: thepanda@pollypanda.com, www.pollypanda.com

CHILDCARE Peanut Butter and Jelly 24/7 Childcar​e ​ B&J is a childcare that is safe, nurturing environment where your P child will get the attention and care that he or she eeds. We are licensed and always working to meet anexceed 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

indianapolis – SOUTH Center Grove Montessori and Indiana Montessori Community School 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.

BE PART OF OUR MONTHLY GUIDE CONTACT JENNICA@INDYSCHILD.com

1674 West Smith Valley Rd., Greenwood, IN 46142 and 531 US 31 S, White land, IN 46184, Contact: Brenda Enderle, Phone: 317-833-0335, Email: office@centergrovemontessori.com;info@centergrove montessori. com, http://www.centergrovemontessori.com

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: montessoriwestfield@gmail.com, www.montessorischoolof westfield.com

5626 Lawton Loop E. Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46216. 317-377-0544. www.thefortuneacademy.org

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 39

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ALL ABOUT BEES

SUN 06

calendar

FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHT CAMPFIRE

FRI 11

AUGUST 2017 TUES 01

Community Tuesday

The Eiteljorg Museum, IMAX 3-D Theatre, Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Indians, and the NCAA Hall of Champions all offer discounted admission on the first Tuesday of each month.

BROAD RIPPLE CARNIVAL

THURS 10 – FRI 11

Location: White River State Park, Time: All-day, Phone: 317-233-2434

Build a Car Challenge

Use problem solving and collaboration to build, test, and modify a racecar! Discover the science behind what makes a car fast.

Use Mega Bloks to design a race car. Test your car on a one-of-a-kind track then adjust the car for speed. FREE ticket required. Free tickets will be available 10 minutes before start time Location: Children’s Museum, Time: 10:30 & 1:30 pm, Phone: 317-334-4000

WED 02 Hawk Talk

Learn all about the hawks living at the park! Please note to meet by the Hawk enclosure.

Location: Eagle Creek Park, Time: 4:00- 5:00 pm, Phone: 317-327-7110

Wacky Wednesday Storytime

Join Barnes & Noble for a fun, engaging storytime! They will feature a new children's book and a simple activity to follow. Meet in the Barnes & Noble, Jr. Department.

Location: Barnes & Noble- Stonycreek Noblesville, Time: 11:00 am, Phone: 317-773-7952

THURS 03 $5 First Thursday

BARK IN THE PARK

TUES 22

It’s fun for everyone! The first Thursday of each month The Children’s Museum has extended hours until 8 pm and admission

for nonmembers is just $5 per person.

Location: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 4:00- 8:00 pm, Phone: .317-3344007

Animals and All That Jazz

The smooth sounds of Animals and All That Jazz will keep visitors cool as the summer heats up. One of the Zoo’s longest-running events, this series will showcase a range of distinctive artists, acts and musical stylings. Now in its 30th season. With plenty of exhibits nearby, visitors can enjoy the full Zoo experience without missing a beat. Each concert will also feature a different menu of specialty food items and a full bar.

Location: Indianapolis Zoo, Time: 5:308:30, Phone: 317-630-2001

Napoleon DynamiteSummer Movie Series

It's summer time, which means warm nights, cold drinks and good company.

Chairs & tables often fill up quickly, but you are encouraged to bring your own lawn chairs and picnic blankets for prime

August 2017 // INDYSCHILD.COM 41

seating during the projector screen feature.

Location: Hotel Broad Ripple, Time: 9:0011:00 pm, Phone: 317-787-2665

FRI 04 2017 First Friday Food Truck Festival

For its 7th annual season, the First Friday Food Truck Festival (FFFTF) will once again feature the savory selections of Indy’s best food trucks, along with live music and entertainment on the first Friday of every month. With a fleet of over 50 food trucks, this year’s FFFTF will showcase alternating lineups of 25 to 30 food trucks each month.

There will also be games and activities during each event again this year.

Location: Old National Center, Time: Lunch time, $5 at the gate, Free for children under 5

FRI 04 – SUN 20 Indiana State Fair

The Indiana State Fair is held for 17 days each summer, yet it lives for generations in the memories of families who experience it together. Over 750,000 people visit the Indiana State Fair each year for family fun, rides and games, barnyard animals and fabulous fair food. This year, experience the fair from 35 feet above Main Street on the new Subaru Skyride! This amusement attraction is similar to a ski chairlift. Spanning 1,400 feet, the 90-chair aerial lift will travel east and west in a continuous loop between the Swine Barn and the Midway. You'll pay $5 for a one-way ride down Main Street.

Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds, Time: All day

SAT 05 Art Fair on the Square

FRI 04 – SUN 06 The Belfry Theatre Presents: Disney’s Little Mermaid

Based on a Hans Christian Andersen’s story and the classic animated film, “The Little Mermaid,” this love story is hauntingly beautiful. With award-winning music and lyrics, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human, Prince Eric, in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, as Ariel needs the help of friends to restore order under the sea.

Location: The Belfry Theatre, Time: Friday & Saturday 8:00 pm, Sunday, 2:00 pm, Phone: 317-773-1085

Enjoy charming historic downtown with juried artists, all painting mediums, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, more. Art experience for kids. Food available. Admission is always free.

Donations are always welcome. Brought to you by the Noblesville Cultural Arts Commission and the Hamilton County Artists Association. FREE. Location: Historic Noblesville Square, Time: 9:00 am- 5:00 pm, Phone: 317-289-5235

African Lion Awareness Day

Guests will have a roarin' good time heading into Plains! They will offer two lion chats to introduce Nyack, Zuri and the cubs. Plus, keeper demonstrations will showcase incredible dynamics, vocalizations and behaviors that these big cats have learned for vet checks. It's easy to see the cubs' playful personalities! The "mane" event will include complimentary lion face painting and special prizes, all while guests hear about the importance of lion conservation.

Location: Indianapolis Zoo, Time: 10:00 am2:00 pm, Phone: 317-630-2001

Mass Ave Criterium

The Mass Ave Criterium is one of Indy's most exciting sporting events held in the beautiful and hip downtown Cultural District of Mass Avenue. With 400+ racers and 5,000 cycling fans on Indy's premier entertainment district, this is an event not to miss. Children who sign up to participate will receive a medal, goodie bag and FREE HELMET! Location: Massachusetts Ave, Time 9:00 am- 9:30 pm, https://www.massavecrit.com/

Tea Party with Moana

Moana will be here to greet the children, sing songs, and have a fun photo opportunity.

Each child will enjoy a magical tea party complete with snacks, tea sandwiches and a gift to take home. There will be a 10:30 am sitting and a 12:30 am sitting. Tickets are only $25 per child so get them while they last!

Location: Little Bloomer’s Boutique, Time: 10:30 am & 12:30 pm, Phone: 317-774-5393

11th Annual Fly-In Open House A day of flying, food, fun and family!

Activities include a pancake breakfast, airplane rides, candy drop, bounce houses, music, magic and more! FREE.

Location: Indianapolis Executive Airport, Time: 7:30 am- 2:00 pm, http://montgomeryaviation. net/

Indy Folk Fest

The Indy Folk Fest is a family-friendly event that offers the community a chance to eat, drink and shop locally and of course listen to amazing folk music. This year the Folk Fest is focusing on farm to table foods and all proceeds will go to the Felegne Hiywot Center, which serve urban youth of Indianapolis, second generation Ethiopians in Indianapolis, and orphans in Ethiopia. Cost: $12-$15; $45, family pack; Children 10 & Under are Free.

Location: Indy Hostel, Time: 11:00 am, Phone: 317-727-1696

SUN 06 Indiana Fever vs. Minnesota Lynx Catch the Indiana fever as they take on the Minnesota Lynx! Tickets start at $13.

Location: Banker’s Life Fieldhouse, Time: 6:00 pm, Phone: 317-917-2727

11TH ANNUAL FLY-IN OPEN HOUSE

SAT 05

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All About Bees

Meet the beekeeper and learn about bee biology and why they are important to the gardens and our world. Experience first-hand how honey is harvested and taste a sample.

Ages: 16+Registration encouraged.

Location: Garfield Conservatory, Time; 10:00 am- Noon

MON 07 Baby Storytime at Irvington

Babies 8 - 24 months and an adult are invited for stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays in the informal setting of the Library's Story Theatre. It's a great way to introduce little ones to a lifelong love of reading.

Location: Irvington Branch Library, Time: 10:30 am, Phone: 317-275-4450

Jungle Tales

Bring your preschooler to this program with a focus on the natural world. Join them for a different nature-related story, activity and craft each month. Registration required.

Location: Garfield Conservatory, Time; 10:00 am- Noon

TUES 08 Fishers Tuesday Night Concert Series

Bring your blanket and a bite to eat, and you’ll be set to enjoy the extended concert season running from June 6 through August 8.

Concerts are free and open to the public.

Presented by IU Health. FREE. Location: Nickle Plate District, Time: 7:009:00 pm

WED 09 Celebrations of Creativity and Craftsmanship

Create Your Own Mini Art. All ages are welcome to come and create a visualization of something in the museum that inspires them.

Materials and instruction will be provided.

Works will be posted on the museum’s Facebook page with permission. FREE. Location: Museum of Miniature Houses, Time: Noon

Beastly Brunch

The animals at the nature center eat rather interesting food. Watch staff feed the animals crickets, worms, and even mice, and learn about their diets! Meets in the lobby. FREE. Location: Holiday Park, Time: 10:30 am- 11:00 am, Phone 317-327-7180

THURS 10

FRI 11

Life in the Pond

Friday Family Night Campfires

Explore the life and habitat in the living, working pond! See the live animals that live in the pond, and learn how they support each other in their ecosystem. Witness a live animal feeding. Complete your very own field guide to take home. Have fun, and get your science on!

Location: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 12:00- 12:20 pm & 3:00- 3:20 pm, Phone: 317-334-4000

THURS 10 – FRI 11 Broad Ripple Carnival

An amusement park was built on the site of Broad Ripple Park (1500 Broad Ripple Avenue) in 1906 and the carousel that once was in the park is now at the Children's Museum. Broad Ripple will celebrate the history of the area with a four-day festival complete with 20 carnival rides and games, food and drink, a craft beer garden, live entertainment and programs, and community booths. A history exhibit provided by the Broad Ripple Gazette will be on display.

Saturday will feature a Vintage Market.

Location: Broad Ripple, Time: 4:00 pm, Phone: 317-251-2782

Join them for a fun family Friday night around the campfire. Discover campfire cooking recipes and techniques, or listen to famous campfire stories and legends. Roasting sticks and s’mores provided, bring your own hot dogs and make a meal of it! $5/per person Register here https://apm.activecommunities. com/indyparks/Activity_Search/8049 Location: Holiday Park, Time: 7:00- 8:30 pm, Phone 317-327-7180

Gabby Goats

Join them at Animal Encounters to meet the kids (young goats) and their mothers. Hear the story “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” and make a special craft. Prairie Tykes is custom made for preschoolers (ages 3-6) and parents or grandparents! Connect one-on-one while you make crafts, dance, sing and take part in the special activity of the day. $11/youth member, $12 youth non-member Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 9:30 am- 11:00 am, Phone: 317-776-6000

Saxony Concert in the ParkToy Factory

This family-friendly outdoor event will be held in Witten Park in Saxony and will feature live music by Toy Factory, food trucks and more!

Outside food and beverages are always welcome. FREE.

The 1.5 mile walk begins from Celebration Plaza. FREE.

Location: Witten Park, Time: 6:30- 9:30, Phone: 317-770-1818

Location: White River State Park, Time: 9:00- 11:00 am

SAT 12

Make Your Own Flower Fairy

The SoundSport International Music & Food Festival returns to Downtown Indy this summer with an expanded line up of local, national, and international performance ensembles and some of the best food Indy has to offer.

Fairies are beings that protect the earth: its plants, its animals, and its people. Join them for an afternoon of imagination as you explore the history and lives of fairies. You’ll be inspired to make your own flower fairy. Then end the program on a fairy friendly nature hike! Registration is required as space is limited. $5/fairy. Ages 3+ with an adult.

Location: Georgia Street, Time: 11:00 am- 4:00 pm

Location: Zion Nature Center, Time: 1:003:00 pm Phone: 317-873-8245

Hamilton County SPORTS COMPLEX Family Fun Fair

SUN 13

Sound Sport International Music & Food Festival

Fun for all ages with everything from airbrush tattoos, bounce houses, fire trucks, and so much more including vendor booths and fair food. FREE. Location: Hamilton County Sports Complex, Time: 11:00 am- 3:00 pm, Phone: 317-7734150

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

Wild World Back-to-School Carnival

This free carnival hosted by People’s Church on August 13 celebrates the start of another school year with gigantic inflatables, an extreme petting zoo, pony rides and FREE cotton candy for kids. Food trucks will be on hand, offering food the whole family will enjoy.

Location: Fall Creek Valley Middle School, Time: 9:30-11 am, www.peopleschurchtv/wildworld

Join the American Diabetes Association for the 2017 Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes.

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Bike Carmel: Sack Lunch Ride

This event will be geared towards healthy eating. Primarily focused for children, their parents can also learn the best way to prepare their kids for the school day. Riders will visit numerous stops along the route and receive a healthy item that will help show them how to complete a healthy sack lunch. A nutritionist will also be on hand for a short presentation and available for a Q&A session Location: Village of West Clay, Carmel, Time: 12:30 pm, Phone: 317-571-2474

TUES 15 Presidential Pets

This is political yapping, catty behavior, and back scratching we all can get behind!

Whether it's Mr. Whiskers the goat or Checkers the dog, you'll enjoy a rollicking romp through 200 years of amazing and adorable executive companions!

Location: Indiana Historical Society, Time 10:00 am- 3:30 pm, Phone: 317-631-1888

WED 16

MON 14 Mindful Learning for Toddlers

Designed for walkers ages 18 months to two-years-old, this 14-week, in-home program provides a safe, loving and fun space to nurture your child specifically at this stage of development. Your child will enjoy plenty of free play, art, outdoor play, movement and dance, stories and sensory activities all with the intention of instilling mindfulness - the practice of connection with oneself and others!

GEN CON

Gen Con is the original, longest-running gaming convention in the world! With 500+ exhibiting companies from the game industry, awardwinning authors and artists, costumed attendees, more than 16,000 events, a Family Fun Pavilion, and the debut of exciting new games, Gen Con truly is The Best Four Days in Gaming™! This year's convention will feature an exclusive concert from Grammy winning recording artists They Might Be Giants, expansion onto the field of Lucas Oil Stadium, and a tribute to the first Gen Con, held in 1967.

The 13th annual St. Thomas Aquinas SausageFest features ice cold beer from Sun King brewery and delicious sausage from L.E. Kincaid and Sons meat market, plus various local vendors providing delicious food and dessert choices. Wine garden and raffle for the over-21 crowd. Activities for young guests include inflatables, games, cake walk, and face painting. The music lineup includes returning favorites as well as emerging local talent.

Location: Georgia Street, Time: times vary by day, http://www.gencon.com/

Location: St. Thomas Aquinas, Time: Friday (6:00 pm- Midnight), Saturday (5:30-Midnight)

THURS 17 – 27

SAT 19

IndyFringe Theatre Festival

Bring Your Doll Day at the Museum

Preschool Splash Bash

Splash and play the morning away at The Waterpark! While the big kids are back in school and The Waterpark begins post-season hours, it will open it back up for one more morning where you and your kiddos can take over. Swim in the kiddie pool, activity pool, and lazy river, and participate in fun games and crafts all morning. Don't miss out on the fun! $6/child; Adults free.

Location: Monon Community Center Waterpark, Time: 11:00 am- 2:00 pm, Phone: 317-845-7275

Location: Irvington Branch Library, Time: 9:00- 11:30 am

THURS 17

Join them at eight venues, with more than 350 performances over ten days. Featuring comedy, cabaret, dance, drama, improv, magic, opera, puppets, storytelling, vaudeville and every other form of provocative pageantry, all shows last 45-60 minutes. The festival is unjuried and uncensored. Anyone can perform and contributors are 50% local and 50% national/international.

Location: Mass Ave, Time: Varies daily, Phone: 317-522-8099

West Side Story

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to New York City, as two young idealistic lovers struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice. One of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas.

Location: Beed & Boards, Time: See website for show times, Phone: 317-872-9644, http:// www.beefandboards.com/2017/06-westside/ index.html

PRESCHOOL SPLASH BASH

St. Thomas Aquinas SausageFest

WEDS 16

FRI 18 Teddy Bear Picnic

Bring your teddy bear and head outside to enjoy the sun and play historical games.

Decorate a frame and they will take a picture of you and your teddy bear to take home. This is a 45-minute program for 2-year-olds and their parents or grandparents. Perfect for a toddler's attention span! You'll have fun making crafts, singing songs, dancing and participating in different activities. $5/youth member, $6/ youth non- member Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 9:30 am- 10:15 am, Phone: 317-776-6000

FRI 18 – SAT 19

Visitors of any age are invited to bring their doll(s) and share stories about them. Enjoy they collection of dolls, which at any time may include Gene Marshall 14" fashion dolls, kachinas, riders on Breyer horses, handcrocheted Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs the size of a thumbnail, and others. Admission charged. $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children.

Location: Museum of Miniature Houses, Time: 11:00 am- 4:00 pm, Phone: 317-575-9466

PlayFit

Join them for an indoor fitness extravaganza!

Celebrate healthy choices and active play with special activities.

Location: Children’s Museum, Time: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, Phone: 317-334-3322

Zionsville Creekfest

Join them for their annual celebration of Eagle Creek through recreation, stewardship and education. Creekstop Kid Zone, Kayak demos, rain barrel painting, music from Dumpster Drummers and more!

Location: Elm Street Green, Time: 10:00 am1:00 pm, Phone: 317-873-8245

Next Indiana Campfires

Back by popular demand, Indiana Humanities presents “Next Indiana Campfires,” which was created for Indiana’s bicentennial. The event pairs literature with nature to help Hoosiers explore Indiana’s wild places and spark conversations about conservation and stewardship. A humanities scholar will serve as facilitator and lead attendees on a hike or paddle and pause periodically to read aloud the words of important Hoosier authors.

Participants will then gather for food and drink around a campfire to discuss connections between nature, literature and place.

Location: Eagle Creek Park, Time: 6:30- 10:30 Phone: 317-638-1500

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WAMM Fest

WAMMfest is an annual summer festival celebrating Wine, Art, Music & Microbrew.

Savor fragrant varieties from Indiana wineries, shop the juried art fair of 75+ artists, enjoy live music and entertainment on three stages, and taste award-winning craft beer from Indiana microbreweries!

Location: Craig Park, Time: 11:00 am, Phone: 3147-289-7575

Day of Flight

Join them or a day celebrating the wonders of flight in nature. From butterfly and bee talks to a live flight demonstration featuring fearsome birds of prey, there will be lots to see all across the campus. They will also be doing live hummingbird and song bird banding to discuss the importance of conservation and research. Don’t miss the annual native tree and pollinator plant sale will also be going on all day long. Included with general admission.

THURS 24 Naturally Inspired Paint Out- Silent Auction

Each spring, guests can experience the Zoo through the eyes of artists — both human and animal — at Naturally Inspired Paint Out Day! During this annual event, artists transform a blank canvas or a hunk of clay into a truly extraordinary work of art inspired by the natural world, right here at the Indianapolis Zoo and White River Gardens.

Location: Indianapolis Museum of Art, Time: 8:30 am- 4:00 pm

Location: Indianapolis Zoo, Time: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

SUN 20

FRI 25

Meet a Raptor

Beyond the Exhibit: Beyond the Paleo Window

Discover the world of raptors! Meet one or more of their special birds of prey and learn about what makes them “raptors.”

Location: Eagle Creek Park, Time: 2:30- 3:30 pm, Phone: 317-327-7110

Beautiful Butterflies

They love butterflies and have planted their favorite flowers all over the gardens. Explore with them as they discover butterflies and caterpillars and make a cool craft!

Registration required. Program will take place in the Children’s Garden. Ages, 6-14, $5.00 per child.

Location: Garfield Conservatory, Time; 2:00- 3:00 pm Phone: 317-327-7220

MON 21 Homeschool: The Great American Solar Eclipse

Witness this beautiful spectacle and learn what makes it so special. Watch how the moon completely blocks the sun. Take part in NASA-themed activities all about eclipses.

Create an eclipse viewer to use when watching the eclipse.

Location: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 12:30 pm, Phone: 317-334-3322

Explore the Cretaceous world and learn about the tools used in the lab, create a cast using a mold from a dinosaur fossil, examine the Triceratops skull, and tour the Natural Science Collections area!

Location: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 5:30- 7:00 pm, Phone: 317-334-3322

Teen Night Out

Teens who attend get to enjoy a fun night of socialization with friends, swimming, games, arts & crafts, and dinner! While your family member is at Teen Night Out, parents/ caregivers are encouraged to enjoy time to themselves from Easterseals Crossroads.

FREE.

Location: Monon Community Center West, Time: 5:00- 9:30 pm, Phone: 317-848-7275

FRI 25 – SUN 27 Greek Fest

Now in its 44th year, the three-day festival offers a taste of Greek life and culture with authentic foods, pastries, music, traditional dancing, church tours, a bazaar and children's activities. Service dogs are welcome. FREE. Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Times: Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

TUES 22 Bark in the Park

Bark in the Park is back at Victory Field.

Don't miss this unique and fun experience, where dogs and their owners get the chance to enjoy the game from the right field lawn.

Dog packages (one human ticket and one dog ticket) are only $22 including a special giveaway for your pup! Additional human tickets are only $9 when purchased in advance. Buy your tickets now to share the excitement of America's favorite pastime with man's best friend.

Location: Victory Field, Phone: 317-269-3545

SAT 26 Motorcycles on Meridian

Motorcyclists will gather on Meridian all the way from Monument Circle to South St. to share interests. The streets of downtown Indianapolis were an ocean of bikes and people, moving in waves. The event is for people with and without bikes. Interested parties with no steel horse of their own are welcome to walk around at this free event and marvel at the impressive choppers and sport bikes. The motorcycle culture of Indianapolis is open for everyone to enjoy.

Location: Soldiers & Sailors Monument, Time: 3:00 pm

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Feast of Lanterns

The Feast of Lanterns is a festival with a long history and personal connections for many Near Eastside neighbors and neighborhoods.

It is also a marketing opportunity both to and for the area, its residents, and organizations.

FREE.

WED 30 Wacky Wednesday Storytime

They will feature a new children's book and a simple activity to follow. Meet them in the Barnes & Noble, Jr. Department.

Location: Spades Park, Time: 4:00- 11:00 pm, https://indyfol.org/#home-festival

Location: Barnes & Noble- Stonycreek Noblesville, Time: 11:00 am, Phone: 317-7737952

Back to Football 5k

Little Green Thumbs

Start your 5K run/walk outside of Lucas Oil Stadium, and then experience the thrill of NFL football when you finish at the 50-Yard-Line! All participants will receive an exclusive Colts 5K t-shirt. Kids also have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of the 50-yard-line and receive an exclusive Colts 5K t-shirt by participating in the Kid’s PLAY 60 Fun Run. Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Time: 8:0010:00 am, Phone: 317-262-86004

Summer Bug Hunt

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

Location: Elm Street Green, Time: 1:00- 2:00 pm, Phone: 317-873-8245

SUN 27 Meet a Critter: Snake

Get a close-up experience with the nature center Black Rat Snake. You will learn about its unique adaptations and how naturalists keep it happy and healthy. Proceeds from the program support the care of the animals! $5/ per person.

Location: Holliday Park, Time: 1:30- 2:30 pm, Phone: 317-327-7180

Opera Premiere: Songs of Clay and Stone

Join them for the premiere performance by mezzo soprano Kathryn Findlen and pianist Robert Brewer of Kenneth Frazell's Songs of Clay and Stone. Lyrics and music honor Nampeyo, matriarch of Hopi pottery, and the landscape of New Mexico and Chaco Canyon.

Location: Eiteljorg Museum, Time: 3:00-5:00 pm, Phone: 317-636-9378

TUES 29 Homework Lounge: Get Caught Reading!

School-age children and teens are invited to use the Library to work on their assignments or spend 15 minutes reading. Those who participate can get a prize from the treasure chest for completing their homework.

Location: Fountain Square Branch Library, Time: 4:00 -5:30 pm, Phone: 317-275-4390

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Bring your little gardener to get their hands dirty in the Children’s Garden. Participants will have the opportunity to plant, care for, and harvest crops in the Garden. Come to one, or come to all. Registration required.

American POP: The Galleries for American Arts and Popular Culture

Reminisce about fads or pop culture events that affected your life and learn what shaped those things into becoming hot or hip.

American POP: The Galleries for American Arts and Popular Culture will showcase American TV shows, movies, music, and fashion that can bring everyone together across generations. American POP is a new permanent exhibit that will explore how popular culture has influenced daily lives in the past and the present, and imagine how it may shape the future.

Location: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: See museum hours, Phone: 317 317-334-3322

Location: Garfield Conservatory, Time: 2:003:00 pm, Phone: 317-327-7220

Magnificent Macaws

ongoing events Gruff

Now through August 6 A new family musical…with goats! All the goats in the junkyard know the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff- or do they? In this interactive, puppet-filled musical, a young goat leaves the junkyard for the first time and stumbles into the fantastical land of the trolls.

There she learns about the wonder of the natural world, and a new adventure begins in which trolls and goats learn to live and play together. Adults will love it too! Free with general admission.

Location: Children’s Museum, Time: TuesdaySunday 1:00 & 3:00 pm

Museum INvasion

Every Saturday Don’t just visit the museum, invade it. Wear practical shoes – they’re the only practical thing on the tour. From the odd to the shocking to the just plain eye-opening, a Museum INvasion tour turns the traditional museum experience on its head. Museum INvasion tours are intended for adults, but suitable for children ages 10 and up.

Admission: $10 for members; $20 for non-members (price includes museum admission.) To reserve your spot on this INvasion tour, please call 317.232.1637.

Walk-ins are welcome when space is available.

Scheduled group tours are also available.

Tours are $150 with a maximum of 10 people per group. To book a group tour, contact 317.232.1637.

Time: 1:30 pm, or by appointment (Saturdays), Location: Indiana State Museum, Phone: 317-232-1637, http://www.indianamuseum.org/ group-visits

Occurring Daily through September 9 Zoo guests will have an uplifting experience as magnificent macaws create a cascade of color overhead. Zoo guests will witness multiple daily flights as the macaw flock creates an aerial ballet across the Zoo and then lands in the new Bicentennial Pavilion. In the Pavilion, visitors will experience Macaws up close to see these beautiful birds and learn about them. The Macaws will then take flight again and return to other areas of the Zoo and an outdoor aviary.

Location: Indianapolis Zoo, Time: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, Phone: 317-630-2001

Butterfly Kaleidoscope presented by Citizens Energy Group

Now through September 10th Immerse yourself in the beauty of butterflies as these wonderful winged insects are 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!

Location: Indianapolis Zoo, Time: See website for conservatory times. http://www.inwhiteriver. com/events/butterfly-kaleidoscope/

Circus: Starring YOU!

Through November 26th Enter the Big Top! As you come inside, you’ll hear the calliope and meet circus performers.

Inside, the artifacts and surroundings will capture your imagination as you visualize the spectacular stunts and awe-inspiring acrobatics. Now is your chance to step through time, learn the history of the circus and be awed by skilled performers. Then “get into the act” and become a performer yourself - try juggling, walking a virtual tightrope and more. FREE with general

admission.

Location: The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Time: 10:00 am -5:00 pm, Phone: 317-334-4000, https://www. childrensmuseum.org

Ice Age Graveyards

Occurring Daily through September 4 During the last Ice Age, ancient elephants roamed Indiana. Come discover the mastodons and mammoths that were Indiana’s last native giants. See how the remains of these pre-historic beasts are uncovered, and visit Fred, the museum’s iconic mastodon skeleton. Ice Age Graveyards is an exciting look at Indiana’s chilly past, presented in a cool new way. Perfect for children of all ages.

FREE with general admission.

Location: Indiana State Museum, Time: Monday-Saturday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Phone: 317-2321637, www.indianamuseum.org

Chemistry of Color

Now through December 31 Through the ages, discoveries in chemistry have expanded the artist’s palette with new colorants, while the demands of fashion and the arts have pushed scientists to search for new ways to create color. Chemistry of Color charts the relationship between chemistry and art over a period of more than 4,500 years by exploring a selection of natural and synthetic colorants used to create pigments and dyes that color our world.

Location: Indianapolis Museum Art, Time: see museum hours, Phone: 317-923-1331

Symphony on the Prairie

Occurring through September 3 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. Bring your own food and drinks or purchase concessions on site. Buy a table by the stage or bring your blanket for the lawn. Symphony on the Prairie allows you to enjoy the music the way you want.

Location: Conner Prairie, Time: 8:00 pm, Phone: 317-776-6000

P L E A S E N OT 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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