1017 hcf issuu

HAMILTON COUNTY

FAll WINTER ISSUE

2017 the go to resource for local families

up your

13 THINGS TO DO with the

UNDER 5 CROWD

LOCAL SPOTS TO CHANNEL ALL THAT ENERGY

LUNCHBOX game SIMPLE IDEAS FOR HEALTHIER FOODS TO SEND TO SCHOOL

FUN AND FITNESS

for dads

+

PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

LOCAL OPTIONS TO MAKE WORKING OUT LESS LIKE WORK

CONTENTS

INSIDE

// FALL+WINTER

departments AGES & STAGES 08

BABIES Bucks for Babies

10

TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS 13 Things to Do with the Under 5 Crowd

12

SCHOOL AGERS Up Your Lunchbox Game

18

TWEENS & TEENS Growing Up Too Fast

FAMILY 20

MOMS Find a 5K!

21

DADS Fun and Fitness for Dads

in every issue 06 07 22 23

10 14

04 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

12 21

GREETINGS SNIPPETS RESOURCE GUIDE FUN & WACKY CALENDAR

columns + guides 14

Mark Your Calendar and Plan a Visit!

19

2017-2018 OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

HIDDEN GEMS The Best Finds Only the Locals Know!

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

05

GREETINGS

WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

meet the staff Publisher Mary Wynne Cox mary@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Associate Publisher & Advertising Sales Jennica Zalewski jennica@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Editor Susan Bryant susan@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Advertising Coordinator Karen Ring karen@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Creative Director

Hooray for Hamilton County!

How can you not love Hamilton County? Even after living here for the past twenty years, I still find new things to like about our area all the time. Just last week I came across a park (Cheeney Creek Natural Area) that I had never discovered before. Hidden gems like these are dotted all over our county and stumbling upon them is always like finding a new little treasure.

As anyone who has lived here for a while knows, we are booming with growth! It seems like new businesses, stores and neighborhoods are popping up everywhere you turn. And speaking of turns, how about those roundabouts? Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they are certainly becoming an iconic feature of our area. (The ones closest to me are beautifully landscaped, so that’s helping to win me over.)

I think what I most love about Hamilton County is how wonderful it has been to raise my children here. Not only do we have top notch schools, but there are opportunities for kids here to explore just about any interest they could have. Archery? Check. Ninja training? Yep. Sail boating? Got it. I certainly didn’t have this variety of options to choose from when I was growing up.

But most of all, what really makes a place feel like home are the people we come in contact with every day. And this is where Hamilton County truly shines. Though each of our towns and cities has its own feel, the common thread throughout is the palpable connection that exists between neighbors, families and friends.

Katie Clark katie@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Business Manager Roxanne Burns roxanne@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Public Relations and Events Wendy Hasser wendy@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Louise Schlesinger, Christie Borders, Megan Bohrer, Stephanie Lowe Burry and Whitney Riggs

Contact Us Hamilton County Family 6340 Westfield Blvd., Ste. 200 Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317) 417-3031 or (317) 710-6622

on the cover Evelyn, Emma & Eleanor Weisenberger at 4 years old Cover Photographer Lisa Hezlep – Hezlep Photography www.HezlepPhotography.com

So whether you live in Noblesville, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Cicero, Arcadia, Atlanta or Sheridan, be glad you can call this place home.

I’m glad I found it twenty years ago, and hope to be here twenty more.

Susan Bryant PHOTO CREDIT // Hamilton County Tourism

06 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

EDITOR susan@hamiltoncountyfamily.com

Hamilton County Family Magazine is published quarterly.

Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

SNIPPETS

// FALL+WINTER

Bits of info you might not know!

DID YOU KNOW? Last year, the Apple Store at Conner Prairie sold:

9,172 frozen apple

cider slushies 5,671 nutty caramel

apples 5,431 plain caramel apples

5,100 doughnuts

1,436 bags of

fresh

popcorn

PUMPKIN SPICE HUMMUS? Yes, and that’s not all you can get pumpkin-spiced this time of year. Here are a few other products to “look forward” to:

Pumpkin spice gum Pumpkin spice fettuccini Pumpkin spice vodka Pumpkin spice Pringles Pumpkin spice sparkling juice Pumpkin spice peanut butter Pumpkin spice tortilla chips Pumpkin spice dog treats Pumpkin spice body wash Source: http://offbeat.topix.com/slideshow/13905, www.brainjet.com/pop-culture/4547/15-completelyunneccessary-pumpkin-spice-products/

true or false?

If you visit Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, you can sample beer from all over the country.

when will the first snowflake fly?

In our area, the average first snowfall is November 23rd .

When was our earliest snow?

October 18th in 1989!

Source: https://weather.com/storms/winter/news/ first-snow-average-date

FALSE. Because Oktoberfest is a

celebration of Bavarian traditions, the only beer you’ll find during the festival is brewed within the city limits of Munich.

Where can you get a pint and a polka in Hamilton County?

Oktoberfest at Carmel City Center, September 22

Fishers Oktoberfest at Saxony, September 22 & 23 Source: www.edreams.com/blog/fun-factsoktoberfest/

GOBBLE GOBBLE!

Who was the first president to pardon a Thanksgiving turkey?

Harry Truman John F. Kennedy George H.W. Bush This bit of history isn’t exactly clear, but in 1963 The Washington Post cites President Kennedy as saying, “Let’s keep him going.”

Source: www.whitehousehistory.org/pardoning-thethanksgiving-turkey

2,624

pounds!

That is the weight of the largest pumpkin ever grown! A world record was set last year by a Belgian man at the Giant Pumpkin European Championship.

This pumpkin of preposterous proportions beat the previous record-holding squash by over 300 pounds.

Source: www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/ belgian-mans-pumpkin-sets-world-record-at-awhopping-2624-pounds/2016/10/17/2c37272e-947011e6-bc79-af1cd3d2984b_story.html?utm_term=. dc41b1211380

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

07

BABIES

WORDS BY // Louise Schlesinger

Bucks for Babies College savings strategies to start now Peek-a-boo! You may be surprised to know that the time to start planning for your baby’s college education is now.

Although it may be hard to imagine your little one sporting a high school cap and gown, the school years pass by much more quickly than many parents anticipate and they suddenly find themselves wishing they had started sooner saving for college.

Fortunately, there are many resources and strategies available to be ahead of the game.

College cost calculators are a good place to start for understanding what you can expect. For example, the Blackrock College Cost Calculator indicates that the sticker price for your baby to earn an undergraduate degree at Indiana University-Bloomington – including tuition, housing, books and other expenses – will potentially cost more than $$265,000.* Four years at a private college will be more expensive. Beyond that, your child may attend professional or graduate school.

As overwhelming as that total price tag may sound, the net price for college might end up being much lower if your child wins scholarships, receives grants, gets financial aid, builds savings with a job, earns course credits in high school or at a community college, or lives at home while attending school.

Nevertheless, if you want to help pay for their higher education, you can build a substantial nest egg for that purpose over the next eighteen years.

08 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

While your goal may be to eliminate the need for college debt or loans entirely, making this your financial priority is often not the best strategy. Chad Stevens, CFP® a Certified Financial Planner with Key Private Bank in Central Indiana, says that first you need to develop a personal comprehensive financial plan with a qualified specialist that takes into account short-term, mid-term and long-term goals. “I advise parents to prioritize retirement savings over college savings and to purchase life and disability insurance to fund educational expenses in case of a working parent’s premature death or disability,” says Stevens.

According to Sallie Mae’s How America Saves for College 2016, the most common way for parents to save for college is with a general savings account – but this is actually not the best method. Stevens tells parents it is more advantageous to establish a 529

account for each child because assets can grow tax-free and withdrawals for qualified expenses are also tax-free. And if you have sufficient income, you can contribute up to $14,000 in a single year, or even a larger lump sum within certain guidelines, to a 529 without incurring a gift tax.

Opening a 529 plan can be done in any state, but if you are a Hoosier, Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 program offers a distinct advantage. Residents are eligible for a state income tax credit of 20% of your annual contribution to your child’s 529 account up to a $1,000 credit per year. Grandparents, other family members and friends who are Indiana taxpayers also enjoy this tax benefit when they contribute to your CollegeChoice 529.

to Minor’s Act) custodial accounts also have several disadvantages, most particularly that you lose control of how its assets are spent when your child reaches Indiana’s age of majority (18- 21).

Flexibility is another benefit of a 529. For one thing, money can be transferred to another beneficiary if your child doesn’t use all of the accumulated assets. Moreover, CollegeChoice funds may be used for expenses at either in-state or out-of-state colleges that meet certain criteria. Best of all, 529 assets owned in your name have a minimal impact on how colleges calculate your child’s financial aid eligibility.

Like all 529 programs, Indiana’s CollegeChoice offers several investment options, from a managed age-based portfolio to a savings account, and you can change your investment strategy at any time to fit your individual preferences. “I suggest an initial growth investment strategy, which you can change to a more conservative strategy to protect assets as your baby nears college age,” says Stevens, adding that “as you shift toward bonds, though, watch interest rates, which will devalue bonds.” Over time, the power of compound growth can have a significant impact on achieving your goal.

The Coverdell Education Savings Account, another type of tax-advantaged savings account, is different from a 529 in that it allows you to use the funds for K-12 private school tuition. However, as a savings vehicle for higher education, the Coverdell loses out to the 529 because of its lower annual contribution limit and other restrictions. Oldfashioned UGMA (Uniform Gift to Minor’s Act) and UTMA (Uniform Transfer

Stevens advises against using your own Roth IRA for educational expenses. Instead, he recommends introducing your child over time to increasingly sophisticated concepts of money and the cost of living, and encouraging him or her to appreciate the value of a dollar by having a summer job of their own. But that’s a whole other subject that can wait for now! Enjoy your baby and this special time – but start planning now to help give your little bundle of joy the brightest future possible. *Assumes historical 5% annual education inflation rate

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

09

TODDLERS& PRESCHOOLERS

WORDS BY // Megan Bohrer

13 Things to Do with the Under 5 Crowd Local spots to channel all that energy!

As cooler weather arrives, what to do with the boundless pep of young children can be present a quandary.

Fortunately, Hamilton County offers up plenty of options perfect for a day of fun. Here are a few ideas to have at the ready.

1.NinjaZone Academy at Grand Park,Westfield https://academy.theninjazone.com/ grandpark/ Children ages 3 and up can live out a fantasy of becoming the next American Ninja Warrior at this state of the art facility. Memberships are on a monthly basis and include open gym time and a parent’s night out.

2. BounceU, Fishers www.bounceu.com/fishers-in/ During the bleakest of cold days, this indoor bounce house extravaganza will provide a

10 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

much-needed release of energy for your little ones. Look for the “Preschool Playdate” bounce hours which specifically accommodate younger children.

3. GYMBOREE, Carmel www.gymboreeclasses.com/en/ booker/28837/calendar/ Play and learn classes keep little ones busy, plus music, art and play lab classes are available that can include the family as well. Be sure to take advantage of open gym time, too!

4. Hamilton County Area Libraries, locations in Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Carmel and Cicero

The library is the place to be for fun and free educational entertainment all year long.

Offerings include Baby Time, Movin’ and Groovin’ and Tot Tunes. Check out local branches for a full list of current schedules.

5. Monon Community Center, Carmel http://carmelclayparks.com/monon- community-center/ Keeping your kids busy should be no problem at all at this family fitness center.

Courses are offered year-round in swimming, group fitness and athletics.

6. Urban Chalkboard, Carmel www.theurbanchalkboard.com/ Sit back and enjoy unlimited refills on your coffee while your children are entertained in this play cafe. The Urban Chalkboard is a great space for socializing with other moms, and young children have ample opportunities for fun – from the play kitchen to the swivel chair in the reading nook to the learning studio where a variety of classes are included in admission.

7. Conner Prairie Interactive History Park, Fishers

your mind. Weekend show times at 10 am are free for kids and family-friendly.

www.connerprairie.org/ Even when it gets too cold to wander the sprawling grounds, there is plenty of fun inside this interactive history park. Be sure to explore the Holidays on the Prairie event during November and December.

8. Sky Zone, Fishers www.skyzone.com/fishers What kid doesn’t love a park made out of trampolines? The Foam Zone is especially good for younger kids as is the Toddler Time event.

9. Goodrich Hamilton 16 IMAX, Noblesville

10. Russell Farms Pumpkin Patch, Noblesville http://russell-farms.com/ This pumpkin patch has a whole lot of fun for the entire family. Wander the corn maze.

Pet the animals. And eat lots of yummy snacks.

12. Boniccis Family Fun Place, McCordsville www.boniccifun.com/ Little kids will get a kick out of the exploration wall, pretend playhouses, inflatable cars and parents will appreciate the free Wi-Fi. Discounts are offered for children under age three.

13. Goldfish Swim School, Fishers and Carmel

https://goldfishswimschool.com/

11. Carter’s Play Place, Westfield

http://cartersplayplace.com/ This indoor play space provides truly inclusive play options for children with and without special needs. Young children will enjoy the many fun activities available, and parents will appreciate the safe space.

When it’s cold outside, a warm pool sure sounds good. With multiple locations throughout Hamilton county, this swim school has classes for kids four months old and up.

www.goodrichqualitytheaters.com/

indiana/hamilton-16-imax-gdx/events Not convinced that a movie theater is the place for kids? Morning Movies will change

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

11

SCHOOL AGERS

WORDS BY // Christie Borders, MS, Clinical Nutritionist

Up Your Lunchbox Game!

Simple ideas for healthier foods to send to school As a Nutritionist, I’m frequently asked what I pack in my own son’s lunchbox. It can be tough to prioritize packing a lunch when life is so busy. It may be impossible to see past the Lunchables® or the same old PB&J you throw together while guzzling your cup of coffee before getting everyone out the door in the morning! But making your child’s lunch should really be a priority. Why? Unfortunately, data reports that over 50% of U.S. children are eating less than the recommended amount of fruits, vegetables and fiber while typically consuming excess sodium and sugar. And, besides the obvious reason that children need nutrients for physical growth, research suggests a number of benefits to maintaining a healthy diet.

*Children who eat healthier and are physically active perform better academically and have fewer reported school absences. *Nutrient def iciencies or diets high in saturated and trans fats have negative impacts on cognition and mood. Behavioral and attention problems are sometimes worsened by vitamin or mineral def iciencies or exposure to artif icial additives. *Around 1 in 3 American children are overweight or obese putting them at risk for chronic illnesses such as hypertension, type II diabetes and depression.

So, enough with the guilt trip! How do you make healthy lunches without the constant stress? A little planning and the right tools will have you rocking out nutritious lunches in no time.

Make a “master list”

It’s easier to plan a lunch menu if you have a list to choose from. Sit down with your kids and make a list according to food categories (protein, veggie, fruit, sides) that can be included in their lunches. Try swapping out processed grains with whole grain products, always include fruit and veggies and avoid foods with excess sugar and fats. Choose whole foods like fruit instead of juice and focus on low-sodium proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates for balanced lunches.

12 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

Write a menu plan

Use the master list to make a weekly or monthly menu. This helps with making grocery lists and eliminates impulse buying or poor last-minute decisions during the week. Love technology? Try a handy phone app for planning or let kids browse at pictures online for new ideas. (Try 100daysofrealfood.com or Pinterest.)

Get the right containers

Choose a lunchbox and containers that work together and fit your needs. If a child likes to have foods separated, choose something compartmentalized.

Prep ahead on weekends

Take an hour to slice or steam veggies to store in the fridge, bake and slice chicken or make hummus or egg salad to have on hand. Pre-portion snacks into baggies or reusable containers.

Get creative

Lunch does not have to be sandwiches. Pack dinner leftovers. Make little kabobs on toothpicks with cherry tomatoes, meat and cheese.

Make whole wheat pasta salad or quesadillas with veggies and beans.

Try making a rainbow of colors one day or send breakfast for lunch with a whole grain waffle, Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. Swap air popped popcorn or apple chips for potato chips. Cut fruits into fun shapes or send a dip for fruits/veggies. Bake banana or carrot muffins and freeze some for later.

Remember to involve your children as much as possible! Not only does it empower them to be part of the decision-making process but it helps them gain valuable life skills in meal planning and preparation setting them up for a lifetime of good health.

Happy lunching!

Want more healthy lunch ideas or need help with your family’s nutrition? Christie Borders, MS, of Food Foremost Nutrition LLC is a functional integrative nutritionist working with Dr. Aaron Mobley at Indiana Chiropractic & Rehab LLC. Contact her at christiebordersnutrition@gmail.com or at 812-3367246.

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2014/p0805fruits-vegetables.html, http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/toddlers-salt-sugar-diet-cdc-article-1.2100218, https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/pdf/health-academic-achievement.pdf, https://online. campbellsville.edu/education/healthy-body-healthy-mindthe-impact-of-school-lunch-on-student-performance/, http:// www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutrition-and-adhd,http:// www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyKids/ ChildhoodObesity/Overweight-in-Children_UCM_304054_ Article.jsp#.WbAKn8iGNPY

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

13

18] [2017-2C0 HOOL

PRIVATE S

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

Considering a private school for your student?

Our area has plenty to choose from!

Find the right match by visiting an upcoming open house to get all your questions answered.

Colonial Christian School

Highlands Latin School

8140 Union Chapel Road, Indianapolis, IN 46240

P.O. Box 4462, Carmel, IN 46082

(317) 253-0649 | www.ccsindy.org Grades K4-12

(317) 519-5501 | indylatinschool.org/ Grades K-12

Kindergarten Round-up and Parent Preview: Thursday, February 16, 2018, 7:00 p.m.

Covenant Christian High School 7525 West 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46214

(317) 390-0202 | www.covenant christian.org Grades 9 – 12

Open Houses*: November 2, 2017; January 23, 2018; February 20, 2018; March 13, 2018. All open house events begin at 7pm. *register online

Open House: Thursday, November 2, 2017, 5:30- 8:00pm Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School 2801 West 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268

(317) 524-7050 | www.brebeuf.org Grades 9 – 12

Open House*: Sunday, November 5, 2017, 11:00am– 2:00pm

1300 Academy Road, Culver, IN 46511

(574) 842-7000 | www.culver.org Grades 9 – 12

Guerin Catholic High School 15300 North Gray Road, Noblesville,IN 46062

(317) 582-0120 | www.guerincatholic.org Grades 9 – 12

Open House: Sunday, October 29, 2017, 1:00-3:30pm Hasten Hebrew Academy 6602 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260

(317) 251-1261 | www.hhai.org Pre-K – Grade 8

Call to schedule a tour.

*online registration required

Cathedral High School 5225 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226

(317) 542-1481 | gocathedral.com Grades 9 – 12

Open House*: Thursday, November 9, 2017, 5:30-8:00pm *pre-registration optional

14 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

7702 Indian Lake Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236

(317) 823-4538 | www.horizonindy.org Pre-K – 12

Thursday, October 26, 2017, 6-8:00pm Howe Military Academy 5755 North State Road 9, Howe, IN 46746

(​260) 562-2131 | www.howe military.org Grades 7-12

Culver Academies

Bishop Chatard High School (317) 251-1451 | www.bishopchatard.org Grades 9 – 12

Horizon Christian SCHOOL

Open House: Friday, September 8, 2017, 9 am-Noon

Open Houses: Saturday, October 14, 2017, 10:30am, Saturday, November 4, 2017, 10:30am 5885 Crittenden Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220

Call or email admissions@indylatinschool.org to schedule a tour.

Heritage Christian School

Indiana Montessori Academy 12760 Horseferry Road, Carmel IN 46032

(317) 569-1290 | http://indiana montessoriacademy.org/ Ages 3-12

Call to schedule a tour.

International School of Indiana [Upper School] 4330 North Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208

(317) 923-1951 | www.isind.org Grades 9 – 12

Upper School Open House: Sunday, November 12, 2017, 2:00-4:00pm [Lower School] 200 West 49th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208

(317) 923-1951 | www.isind.org Pre-K – Grade 8

Tuesday, October 24 & November 28, 2017; Thursday October 26 & November 30, 2017, 8:30-11:30am

6401 East 75th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46250

(317) 849-3441 | www.heritage christian.net Pre-K – Grade 12

Open House: Thursday, November 9, 2017, 5-7:30pm

Legacy Christian School 470 Lakeview Drive, Noblesville, IN 46060

(317) 776-4186 | www.legacy christianonline.org Pre-K – Grade 12

Open House: Tuesday, November 14, 2017, 6:30pm-8pm

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

15

Midwest Academy

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

1420 Chase Court, Carmel, IN 46032

14596 Oak Ridge Rd Carmel, IN 46032

17104 Spring Mill Road, Westfield, IN 46074

(317) 843-9500 | www.mymidwest academy.org Grades 4 – 12

(317) 846-1118 | www.olmc1.org Grades K – 8

(317) 896-5582 | www.smgonline.org Grades K-8

Park Tudor

St. Richard’s Episcopal School

Call or email kfoster@ mymidwestacademy.org to schedule a tour.

Montessori School of Westfield 800 E Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN 46074

(317) 867-0158 | www.montessori schoolofwestfield.com/ Preschool – 8th grade

Call or email montessoriwestfield@ gmail.com to schedule a tour or stop by any Friday from 9:00-11:00 am for a tour during the regular school year.

Our Lady of Grace Catholic School 9900 East 191st Street, Noblesville, IN 46060

(317) 770-5660 | www.ologs.org Pre-K – Grade 8

Contact Terra Olson at TLOlson@ ologn.org to schedule a visit today.

16 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

Call to schedule a tour.

7200 N. College Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46240

(317) 415-2700 | www.parktudor.org Junior K – Grade 12

Open House for Grades 9-12: Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 6:00pm. Visit website for dates and times of “See Us in Action” Days throughout the year.

St. Maria Goretti

Call to schedule a tour.

33 East 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205

(317) 926-0425 | www.strichards school.org Pre K3 – Grade 6

Schedule a tour online at https:// sres.seniormbp.com/SeniorApps/ admissions/inquiry.faces

St. Louis de Montfort

Sycamore School

11441 Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46038

1750 West 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

(317) 842-1125 | sldmcatholic school.org/about

(317) 202-2500 | www.sycamore school.org Pre K – Grade 8

Open House: Thursday, November 2, 2017, 8-11:00am

Open House: Sunday, October 29, Noon-2:00pm *Weekly tours offered most Wednesdays at 9:00-11:00am

The Orchard School 615 West 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260

(317) 251-9253 | www.orchard.org Pre-K – Grade 8

Open Houses: Tuesday, October, 2017, 8:30-10:30am; Sunday, November 5, 2017, 1-3pm; Thursday, December 7, 2017, 8:30-10:30am; Thursday, January 25, 2018, 8:30-10:30am Traders Point Christian Academy 6600 South Indianapolis Road, Whitestown, IN 46075

(317) 769-2450 | www.tpcs.org Pre K – Grade 12

Open House: October 24, 2017, 6:308pm & February 6, 2018, 6:30-8pm *RSVP requested at admissions@tpcs.org

University High School 2825 West 116th Street, Carmel, IN 46032

(317) 733-4475 | www.university highschool.org Grades 9 – 12

Open Houses: Sunday, September 25, 2016, 2-4 p.m., Sunday, November 6, 2016, 2-4 p.m., Sunday, March 5, 2017, 2-4 p.m.

[Questions to ask at an Open House] — What is the average class size?

— How do teachers engage students in the learning process?

— What is a typical day or week like in your classroom?

— What kind of hands-on or projectbased learning do you do?

— What do you see as the goal of homework and how much support are parents expected to provide?

— Can I see some samples of students’ work?

— How do you promote a student’s independence and ownership of his or her education in the classroom and beyond?

— How do teachers differentiate instruction for students working at various levels?

— How do you integrate technology into the classroom? www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

17

TWEENS & TEENS

WORDS BY // Stephanie Lowe BURRY, LCSW

The Counselor’s Corner Growing up too fast I have a wonderful, smart, funny 14-year-old daughter who entered high school this fall. She’s always had a good head on her shoulders, but lately I’m worried about the influence that some of the older girls at school seem to be having on her. They spend a lot of time on their make-up and hair, and their clothes are more provocative than I’m comfortable with. They also talk about the parties they attend and the amount of drinking and hooking up that happens there. My daughter is starting to emulate their “look” and finds their stories pretty exciting. What can I do to help her see that growing up too fast is something she’ll regret?

While it might be tempting to try and protect your daughter from every danger lurking throughout her high school experience, she will need you to play a different role. By necessity, parents control most of the events in their child’s life when they are young. However, by the time they reach high school, a parent’s role must shift as the adolescent moves into a new stage of development – or the parent and child will be set up for years of power struggles. This delicate balance of offering your child guidance without fully controlling their behavior can create anxiety for parents, but allows the teen to grow and develop under their parent’s watchful eye. Controlling your daughter’s friends will likely send her straight to them. But, that is not your only option.

One of your daughter’s most important jobs at this point in her development is to “try on” thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to help her learn more about who she is. Teens will try on make-up, clothing, different moods, different language, etc. Help your daughter recognize what you see without telling her what to do. Using the phrase “I notice” and “I wonder” can guide your conversation without your teen becoming defensive.

Talk about what you notice with her friends without naming them. You might say that you’ve noticed that there are some kids in her generation or grade who really dress provocatively and wonder what she thinks about that. Help her understand that presentation says a lot about who you are. Notice other girls you see in public and invite your daughter to share her opinions about how they look and the messages they are trying to send. You might wonder with her why she believes they are dressing in a certain way. Express how you feel on the subject.

18 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

Parent worst-case fears almost always come down to our worry that our kids are going to make a temporary decision that has a permanent consequence. We worry that our kids will get pregnant, get a disease, hurt themselves or someone else. Kid worst-case fears are very different. Most of our children worry that they will be the “only one” who doesn’t go to the party, doesn’t have a phone, cannot drive, etc. Tell her what concerns you have without trash talking her friends. Help her learn how to plan exit strategies and safety plans to get her out of sticky situations should she choose to continue to hang out with these new friends. Ask her how she intends to handle drinking, substance use and “hooking up.”

Ultimately, you are her parent. If you feel she is out of balance with her friend choices and losing her grounding, set limits for her so she can refocus on family, school and extra-curricular activities she enjoys.

Help her find other areas of interest in which to invest her time and energy. It sounds like she has a good foundation from which to draw from. Build on that so she can rely on a solid sense of who she is as she progresses through school.

Stephanie D. Lowe Burry is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Centerpoint Counseling and Baume Psychological Services. She has nearly twenty years of experience helping adults, teens and children develop healthy skills to manage life’s challenges.

hidden gems

of hamilton countY

WORDS BY // Whitney Riggs, Communications Coordinator, Hamilton County Tourism

The best finds only the locals know!

Big Dog’s Smokehouse BBQ 29 E. Jackson St., Cicero

(317) 800-5430 www.bdsmokehouse.com This family-owned BBQ joint in northern Hamilton County will have you licking your fingers and maybe even your plate! Baby back ribs, smoked pulled pork and St. Louis gooey butter are just a few of the menu options. If you haven’t visited, you’ll love the old-time atmosphere with a mechanical horse, a barber chair and a jukebox. When the weather’s cool, stop in for make your own tabletop campfire s’mores.

Potter’s Bridge Park 19401 Allisonville Road, Noblesville

www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/Facilities/Facility/ Details/Potters-Bridge-Park-7 Put on your jacket and take a stroll along Potter’s Bridge in Noblesville, the county's only remaining covered bridge. Constructed in 1870 by Josiah Durfee and later restored in 1999, the bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a centerpiece for the 66-acre park surrounding the historic icon. It’s a picturesque scene with the changing leaves and a peaceful view of the White River from the bridge.

Sunrise Café at Uptown 809 Conner St., Noblesville

(317) 214-7553 www.scuptown.com

Located right on the downtown corner of Noblesville square, Sunrise Café is a quaint breakfast and brunch spot where you can find a great cup of joe. Try the eggs benedict, corned beef hash bowl or the traditional eggs and toast. Or if you’re in the mood for lunch, order the strawberry spinach salad, quesadillas and wraps. You can also find the café at the Noblesville Farmer’s Market selling menu items like cinnamon rolls and biscuits and gravy.

PHOTO CREDIT // Hamilton County Tourism

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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MOMS

WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

Find a 5K! Grab the family (and your tennis shoes) and hit the streets!

20 HAMILTON COUNTY FAMILY // fall + winter

DADS

WORDS BY // SUSAN BRYANT

Fun and Fitness for Dads Local options to make working out less like work

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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RESOURCES

FITNESS & ENR ICHMENT

RESOURCE DIRECTORY THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR FAMILIES IN HAMILTON COUNTY AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES 路 CAMPS 路 CHILDCARE EARLY EDUCATION 路 ENTERTAINMENT 路 and more!

PRESCHOOL

PEDI ATR IC DENTISTRY

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TOY STORE

FUN &

WACKY

CALE N DA R

Did you know that there is an official holiday for just about anything you can think of? Here are a few fun days worth celebrating!

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

10/2

11/10

12/1

Maybe Otto?

Who is your favorite character?

Not yellow, not green…just red!

10/11

11/12

12/4

And maybe they’ll spring for dessert!

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Or else!

10/16

11/13

BATHTUB PARTY DAY

What’s the biggest word you know?

Go spread some goodness!

NAME YOUR CAR DAY

TAKE YOUR PARENTS TO LUNCH DAY

DICTIONARY DAY

10/17

WEAR SOMETHING GAUDY DAY

The flashier the better.

10/18

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKE DAY

Better get a dozen.

10/26

HOWL AT THE MOON DAY

SESAME STREET DAY

TONGUE TWISTER DAY

WORLD KINDNESS DAY

11/14

PICKLE DAY

Make sure there are lots of bubbles.

12/8

PRETEND TO BE A TIME TRAVELER DAY

11/17

12/14

Bundle up and get outside!

Have a primate party!

11/18

12/16

TAKE A HIKE DAY

MICKEY MOUSE DAY

Put on your ears and celebrate.

10/28

Greet everyone you pass today!

SOURCE: www.daysoftheyear.com

12/5

Where will you go?

11/21

What will you do?

WEAR BROWN SHOES DAY

Gherkin or dill?

Act like a wolf and let ‘er rip!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY

EAT A RED APPLE DAY

WORLD HELLO DAY

MONKEY DAY

CHOCOLATE COVERED ANYTHING DAY

And that means anything!

12/27

MAKE CUT-OUT SNOW- FLAKES DAY

Grab the paper and scissors!

www.hamiltoncountyfamily.com

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