1115 dp issuu

DAYTON

N O V E M B E R 2015 | F R E E

tiny tunes

TIPS FOR STARTING MUSIC LESSONS WITH YOUR CHILD

the science of

gratitude

THE FAR-REACHING EFFECTS OF RAISING GRATEFUL CHILDREN

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE VISIT WHAT TO ASK TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE EXPERIENCE

*

the

GIVING BACK

ISSUE

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DAYTON CHILDREN'S

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A&S PLAYZONE

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table of contents

pg.

13

pg.

Tiny Tunes

15

When Cancer Hits Home

pg.

19

pg.

21

Volunteer Opportunities for Kids

The Science of Gratitude

contents

NOVEMBER

2015

features

columns

directories

10

24

A DAD INFLUENCE

21

25

FOOTNOTES

28

33

ASK THE TEACHER

11

KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON DOWNTOWN

BRAIN BALANCE ACHIEVEMENT CENTER OPENS IN CENTERVILLE

13

TINY TUNES

15

WHEN CANCER HITS HOME

16

FIVE REASONS TO CONSIDER ADOPTING AN OLDER CHILD

19 27

VOLUNTEER GUIDE PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE

31

34 BALANCING A CHILD'S

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE GUIDE

35 MAKE A DATE TO SKATE!

in every issue

THANKSGIVING PLATE

6

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE

7

ONLINE BUZZ

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE VISIT

8

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

36

NOVEMBER EVENTS

39

WACKY CALENDAR

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PREMIER HEALTH

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editor's note

“T

the month of gratitude

DAYTON

PARENT PUBLISHER

Mary Wynne Cox | Mary@daytonparentmagazine.com

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

hanks Mom.”

EDITOR

Who doesn’t love to hear that phrase? Whether it’s said over a quick text or at the end of a heartfelt conversation, these are the words that let us know that yes, our kids really do appreciate us. In November, we’re reminded of the importance of recognizing who and what we should be thankful for. The challenge is to keep this attitude of gratitude a year-long goal and not just bring it out with the cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving Day. Did you know that cultivating gratitude in kids not only makes them happier, but more optimistic, less depressed and more satisfied with school as well? Plus, being thankful is actually a skill you can teach them. This month our article The Science of Gratitude details some research-based methods to encourage this behavior in your family. (And for ideas on how children can give back to others, take a look at our guide on Volunteer Opportunities for Kids!)

Susan Bryant | Susan@daytonparentmagazine.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Lori Robbins | Lori@daytonparentmagazine.com Kimberly Sievers | Kimberly@daytonparentmagazine.com Katie Clark | Katie@daytonparentmagazine.com

WEB DEVELOPER

Wendy Cox | Wendy@daytonparentmagazine.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR

Karen RIng | Karen@daytonparentmagazine.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Maria Tancredi | Maria@daytonparentmagazine.com

BUSINESS MANAGER

Roxanne Burns | Roxanne@daytonparentmagazine.com

INTERN

Meg Wynne | Meg@daytonparentmagazine.com

Speaking of being thankful, how many of us don’t appreciate our good health (or our children’s) until something goes wrong? Until that moment, it’s easy to forget just how much this blessing really means. Read the story of the Boohers in When Cancer Hits Home to see how this local family has coped with a cancer diagnosis for their young son, Caulin.

November is also National Adoption Month. While many families envision holding a newborn in their arms when they think of adoption, having a broader perspective of how to grow your family could open doors you never thought of. Check out Five Reasons to Consider Adopting an Older Child for some insight on why this could be the best decision for your family.

There’s lots more to flip through in this issue (children’s music lessons, school open house visits, upcoming holiday events, to name just a few topics) so I hope you’ll take a look and find something that speaks to you. It’s our privilege each issue to bring you the information and resources we hope will enhance your family’s experience. This November, and every month, we say a huge thank you for choosing Dayton Parent.

Susan Bryant Editor

susan@daytonparentmagazine.com

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Shirk, Lauren Lawson, Summer Daily, Sarah Bricker-Hunt, Sarah McCosham, Sara Konrath, Pete Gilbert, Deb Krupowicz, Kelly Blewett, Tracey Staley

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

calendar@daytonparentmagazine.com

CONTACT US

daytonparent@daytonparentmagazine.com

COPYRIGHT

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

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2015 Silver Award Winner Design Awards Competition

PARENTING MEDIA ASSOCIATION

2015 Bronze Award Winner Editorial Awards Competition

online buzz

online buzz & on the cover

f we asked: HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING?

you said: Our family enjoys playing games all day in front of a fire and a big turkey dinner with family in the evening. - MARY C. Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go! - JENNICA Z.

MEET THE COVER KID // kaleb (age: 5) FAVORITE SHOW:

Teens Titans Go

FAVORITE SPORT:

soccer and hockey

FAVORITE COLOR:

gray

FAVORITE SUBJECT: science WHAT I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP: a paramedic PHOTO BY: KRYSTAL CLEAR PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRYSTAL COVINGTON | STUDIO & PROPS PROVIDED BY: LOST & FOUND VINTAGE RENTALS | DRESSED BY: SUGAR & SPICE

My family comes over and we cook all of my grandmother's Thanksgiving recipes such as her famous cornbread dressing! I have been Black Friday Shopping since before I could walk and love shopping all through the night and next day with my mom, mother-in-law and sister-in-laws. - CHARITY K .

Macy's Day Parade in the morning, turkey and all the fixings in the afternoon and a slightly competitive round of board games in the evening. - KAREN R.

@ LIKE US ON FACEBOOK TO JOIN THE CONVERSATION AND TO ENTER FREEBIE FRIDAYS & SURPRISE CONTESTS.

daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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community spotlight

community spotlight

37th Annual Turkey Trot

Sugarplum Festival of Trees

This annual event on Thanksgiving morning, hosted by the Ohio River

The Sugarplum Festival of Trees is an annual holiday extravaganza that kicks

Road Runners Club and City of Miamisburg, has grown into one of the

off the holiday season for the Miami Valley. Please join the more than 350

largest races in the area. The 5 mile run also includes a 1 mile Fun Run/

TWIG volunteers that have worked year-round to make this spectacular

Walk. A Pre-Party Expo will take place on Wednesday, November 25 from

holiday event possible. All proceeds benefit Dayton Children's Hospital.

11am-7 pm featuring local vendors, door prizes, snacks and DJ entertain-

There will be a Tree Auction, Boutique, Ladies Luncheon, Prince and Princess

ment. Late registration will be available at Expo; there will be no race-

Ball and Breakfast with Santa. Date: November 13-15. Address: Presidential

day registration. Race fees are $25pp for ages 15+ or $20 for under 15. A

Banquet Center, 4548 Presidential Way, Kettering. Find out more at www.

t-shirt is included in the price. Date: November 26 at 8:30 am. Address:

childrensdayton.org

Riverfront Park, 3 N. Miami Avenue, Miamisburg

The Grande Illumination Tree Lighting & Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights

"A Feast of Giving" Thanksgiving in Dayton This is an event that reaches out to bring the entire community together.

It is a dinner, a celebration and a community event based on the following

Kick off Thanksgiving weekend with the Grande Illumination and the

principles: To provide a dinner for anyone that might be spending the holi-

Dayton Children’s Parade, with the fun continuing throughout

day alone, to provide a dinner for those that are homeless or less fortunate

the month of December with activities like the Tike’s Shoppe,

and to provide a dinner for anyone who wants to attend. A Feast of Giv-

a family movie series at The Neon, pizza with Santa and more!

ing is provided through Abc22/Fox45, Stratacache, Legrand, RTA, DSWO

Mark your calendar to kick off the Dayton Holiday Festival on

and many volunteers. The feast is free and RTA bussing is available. Date:

Friday, November 27. Watch the holidays light up during Day-

Thursday, November 26 11am-2 pm. Address: Dayton Convention Center, 22

ton's traditional tree lighting on Courthouse Square, followed

E. Fifth St. Go to www.fox45now.com for more info.

immediately by a nighttime parade for children, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights! Date: Friday, November 27. Time: Festival starts at 4 pm, Tree Lighting at 7:45 pm, Parade at 8 pm. Address: Courthouse Square, Downtown Dayton, Third and Main Streets. Visit www.downtowndayton.org for more information.

Epilepsy Awareness Month 50 million people around the world lose seconds, minutes or even hours of their lives to seizures – precious moments that can never be regained. The Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio reaches out every day to offer their help to people facing the challenges of seizures and epilepsy, offering first responder training to schools, art therapy to develop coping mechanisms and a Parent of Children with Epilepsy support group. Call EFWO at (937) 233-2500 or visit www.efwoflameofhope.org for more information.

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[branded content]

Kick off the Holiday Season Downtown

Families can enjoy free activities, tree lighting and parade, crafts, carriage rides and take pictures in a life-size snow globe at November 27th event

F

or more than 40 years, families have gathered downtown for the Dayton area’s largest holiday celebration, the Dayton Holiday Festival, presented by DP&L, on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

This year’s event will be held from 4 to 9 pm Friday, November 27.

The Grande Illumination, a treelighting ceremony, will take place at 7:45 pm on Courthouse Square, immediately followed by the Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights, presented by Miami Valley Hospital, featuring a variety of festive floats, entertainers, live music and horse units. CareSource will provide special “magic glasses” you can wear to see the tree lighting and parade in a unique way.

During

the

Grande

Illumination,

DP&L will sponsor a Life-Size Snow Globe on Courthouse Square. Jump inside the enormous snow globe and take photos of yourself and your family and friends among a whimsical winter scene as a fun way to capture the memories of the Dayton Holiday Festival kick-off.

The Junior League of Dayton’s Holiday Hunt will take place from 4 to 7 pm. Check in at the booth on Courthouse Square to receive a map of participating locations and a goody bag for collecting treasures. Finish the hunt to receive a free book and enter to win prizes! More fun with reading and tips on preparing healthy snacks will also be offered.

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides will pick passengers up near the corner of Second and Main streets from 4 to 7:30 pm.

Children can enjoy free carnival rides at the Street Fair on Third Street, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank. In the Holiday Village, presented by

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Time Warner Cable Media, kids can play games and make holiday crafts in the lobby of the Kettering Tower.

Volunteers from YES! for Youth will help kids shop for their loved ones at The Tike’s Shoppe in the Schuster Center, where they can also visit with Santa. Visitors can enjoy the magical Rike’s department store animated holiday windows, presented by the Victoria Theatre Association, in the Schuster Center’s Wintergarden. Entries from the Gingerbread Homes for the Holidays contest, sponsored by the Downtown Priority Board and B94.5 Hot Country, will be on display in The Old Courthouse.

Live entertainment will be presented on the Courthouse Square Main Stage, sponsored by Kroger, beginning at 4 pm and continuing until the tree lighting.

The Dayton Holiday Festival continues throughout the month of December with DP&L Family Weekends and other activities. Pick up a full calendar during the event or visit www.daytonholidayfestival.org or call 937-224-1518 for more information.

The Dayton Holiday Festival is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership with special thanks to media sponsor Big 106.5 FM, the City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Mrs. Virginia W. Kettering Dayton Holiday Festival Fund.

[branded content]

Brain Balance Achievement Center Opens in Centerville

New facility offers help for kids coping with learning or behavior issues Lauren Lawson

Dayton Parent: What makes the Brain Balance Program unique?

Dr. Melillo: The Brain Balance Pro-

DR. ROBERT MELILLO

A

s parents, we want our children to be able to take advantage of every opportunity available to them – so watching them struggle to keep up with their peers academically or socially can be heartbreaking. In the Dayton area, a new facility designed to help students overcome these obstacles recently opened in April. Brain Balance Achievement Center, founded by respected specialist in childhood neurology Dr. Robert Melillo, operates from the philosophy of treating the whole child, not just his or her symptoms. Dayton Parent recently talked with Dr. Melillo about what his approach can offer local families.

gram is unique because it doesn’t just address one problem for children with development disorders.

This program asks the question: what exactly is happening in the brain of a child with a learning disability or behavioral issue, such as ADHD? Early on in my research, I found that children with these disorders usually have more than one label. The primary disorder and the co-occurring disorder have the same underlying problems. Our model really looks at what is happening in the brain. Rather than just addressing symptoms or individual issues, we work with the whole child.

DP: What issues is the program designed to address?

DM: The Brain Balance Program is designed to work with children who struggle with developmental disabilities such learning or processing disorders, behavioral issues, Asperger’s and PDD-NOS. The program is based on the theory “Functional Disconnection” which is when a developmental issue presents itself in the brain. The cross talk between the hemispheres is underdeveloped and under-connected.

Because the brain can change, and struggles can be corrected, children who suffer from Functional Disconnection can be helped.

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DP: What originally spurred your interest in this field?

DM: Being a clinician for 30 years, I always had an interest in neurology, rehabilitation, and nutrition. My interest peaked when a friend, whose children were being diagnosed with ADHD, approached me for help. At the time, in the early 90’s, I did not really know what ADHD was because my work mainly involved older children and adults. However, the problem became both professional and personal when my own son was diagnosed with attention problems.

This growing epidemic spurred me to want to understand what was happening in the brain with ADHD, especially with a 250% increase in the drug Ritalin between 1990 and 1995. However, I found a disparity when I searched for answers from physicians, psychologists and even neuropsychologists and no one

could explain why this problem with ADHD was actually happening. This sparked my desire to find an answer. Another catalyst for me was my work with Daniel, a patient with autism who was not communicating at 3 years old. After working with Daniel for three weeks, Daniel started speaking. This experience got me hooked; I was seeing something no one else was seeing and it worked. After working on this model for 15 to 20 years, Brain Balance was born.

DP: What can parents expect in the first phases of the program?

DM: Brain Balance looks for the strengths and weaknesses of a child to see if those strengths and weaknesses are really far apart, which would indicate a developmental imbalance. A battery of

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assessment tests helps to identify where the child stands with motor, sensory processing and cognitive skills, as well as behavior, diet and nutrition, and overall health. Once the child is enrolled, he or she visits the center three times a week for an hour. The first half hour is geared toward sensory-motor based activities to improve motor, sensory and processing skills. Then, the student will work with a special education teacher for more academic training that utilizes the cognitive skills that are underdeveloped. The program specifically targets the student’s weaker skills in order to create balance in all areas of the brain. We also work with parents to develop home activities to support the center’s work. An understanding of nutrition, food sensitivities, and an elimination diet help parents learn healthy lifestyle changes for their child.

DP: What are your success rates?

DM: Success rates are very high at the Brain Balance Centers. Two published studies in scientific and medical journals about children with ADHD in the program show that after 3 months 81% no longer had the disability; after 6 months, over 90% no longer had ADHD. These percentages are similar with learning disabilities and dyslexia too. Many people who own and operate Brain Balance Centers in their own communities had their own children go through the center and were impressed and moved by their results. I believe that all families have a great story.

WHEN TO BEGIN

TINY

TUNES TIPS FOR STARTING MUSIC LESSONS WITH YOUR CHILD LAUREN LAWSON

It’s never too soon and it’s never too late – a love of music is built upon exposure and experience. Barb Tucker, an instructor at Hauer Music Co. in Centerville says, “The best time to introduce a child to music lessons is as soon as possible.” Early on, even at birth, parents can present music in an engaging way through singing or clapping beats with their hands.

Alekzandria Peugh, Studio Manager and Clarinet and Saxophone Instructor at Bella Musica in Dayton, is a proponent of beginning lessons at a young age. “There has been a lot of research done that suggests that children are especially influenced up to seven years of age, so these findings would encourage starting as early as possible.”

A child’s level of interest in learning to play an instrument should be considered as well as the parent’s assessment of when he or she is ready for this type of activity. Dr. Willie Morris, Associate Professor of Saxophone at the University of Dayton, says that parents should evaluate how well a child can focus, study and pay attention – all essential skills for being successful when learning to play an instrument.

FINDING AN INSTRUCTOR

I

NTRODUCING CHILDREN TO THE PLEASURE OF MAKING MUSIC GIVES THEM A GIFT THEY CAN ENJOY FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. PARENTS SEEKING TO BEGIN THIS PROCESS OFTEN HAVE MANY QUESTIONS. IS THERE A RIGHT TIME TO BEGIN MUSIC LESSONS? WHAT INSTRUMENT SHOULD A CHILD START WITH? HOW DO WE FIND A GOOD INSTRUCTOR? BEFORE YOU TICKLE THOSE IVORIES INTO A TWIST, READ THE ADVICE OF LOCAL EXPERTS ON HOW TO HIT A HIGH NOTE WHEN STARTING YOUR CHILD OFF ON THEIR PATH TO CREATING MUSIC.

Look for an instructor who is certified and has experience teaching your child’s age group, says Peugh. “You will know a specialist because they will have sought out additional certifications,” she says.

Some buzzwords to look for when researching instructors or schools include: “Orff” which is a method of teaching that uses a lot of instruments, especially percussion and xylophones, and is very active, “Kodaly” which uses teaching

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methods that focus on singing folk songs and “Dalcroze” or “Eurythmics” which utilize methods that focus on movement.

Peugh also recommends researching curriculums that are available to preschool age students as well.

According to Jim McCutcheon, Owner of McCutcheon Music, parents should choose an instructor or school that is committed to serious music teaching. He says, “Indicators of this would be regularly scheduled recitals at least twice a year so students can show off what they’ve learned.”

In addition, being able to socialize in a common setting is a dynamic aspect of any musical instruction. Dr. Morris advocates the benefits of young people getting together and chatting during group sessions or recitals.

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CHOOSING AN INSTRUMENT With so many potential instruments to try, is there a “right” one to begin with?

Opinions vary. McCutcheon advises parents to allow their budding musician to choose his or her own instrument. He says, “They know the sound they like; they know what they want to play, so why not let them as long as the instrument comes in a size that can fit their bodies.”

Tucker says that in our culture, piano is the most widely used instrument for teaching music on an individual basis.

Yet, she recommends introducing younger children to rhythm and timing using percussion instruments.

Peugh agrees that the piano is a common choice for novice students, but adds: “The violin is also a great instrument to start on because it comes in different siz-

es to accommodate young learners.” Her youngest student is just two years old and plays on a 1/16th size violin!

Still, the piano may be a practical choice for beginning students. Dr. Morris states that when a child is small, a large wind instrument may not be appropriate because hands aren’t big enough and air production isn’t large enough. The piano, on the other hand, is a great preliminary instrument because it teaches the basics of sound and melody. Piano experience also makes it easier for students to comprehend and appreciate other instruments.

However you decide to begin music lessons with your child, know that the benefits he or she gains will go well beyond just learning an instrument. Studies consistently show that kids who participate in musical education often enhance their academic and social skills as well as their creativity and discipline – and that’s music to any parent’s ears.

[branded content]

A cancer diagnosis is often a parent’s absolute worst nightmare.

How do families cope with such a grave situation and manage the care of their sick child along with the ongoing responsibilities of home life?

“Some days the only thing I would look forward to was my cup of coffee,” says Suzanne. “I always tried to find one thing to look forward to or reward myself with, otherwise you can end up in a really dark place.”

Laura Middleton, pediatric psychologist on the hematology oncology team at Dayton Children’s Hospital, sees families struggle with this situation and says “The one thing I would never want anyone to feel like is that they always have to be positive and optimistic. It’s okay and actually healthy and normal to have days and moments that are really hard emotionally.”

Caulin Booher photo credit: Dayton Children's Hospital

When Cancer Hits Home

A local family shares their experience with childhood cancer Summer Daily

S

uzanne Booher was standing in Toys R Us on February 9, 2012 with her seemingly healthy 9 year-old son when she got the news. Caulin recently had his swollen tonsils and adenoids removed; the doctor was calling to tell her the pathology lab had found some malignancies on the tissue. “Pack a bag,” he said. “You need to go to the hospital right now. They’ll be waiting for you at the ER.” Caulin had a particularly aggressive version of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. After learning that regular chemotherapy treatments weren’t

likely to eradicate the cancer, Caulin’s parents and doctors opted for a bone marrow transplant, one of the most difficult procedures anyone can go through. Caulin was put into complete isolation with only a select few visitors allowed and given two days of intense chemotherapy to completely wipe out his immune system. During the months-long recovery process, Caulin developed another cancer, this time B-cell lymphoma. After yet more radiation, and doctors preparing Caulin and his family for potentially bad news, a scan came back showing that Caulin was completely cancer free. In March 2013, Caulin finished his last chemotherapy treatment.

For Suzanne, she tried to keep daily life as normal as possible for Caulin. They would talk about things to look forward to like a trip to IHOP and King’s Island. She decorated his room for the holidays and let him choose pictures of his friends to hang up. “We also tried to keep everything fun. When he was in isolation in the hospital, I brought his NERF basketball hoop – anything active that he could do within the room.”

When the situation felt overwhelming, she would read something encouraging that was not about leukemia or cancer. “I also very seldom looked things up on the internet,” says Suzanne. “That was a piece of advice that someone gave me. You will find worse case scenarios of everything there, and it’s not always accurate.”

Suzanne also found that well-meaning people often had unintentionally hurtful questions or comments, for example: What’s the prognosis? “It is just such an insensitive question.

I know they don’t mean it that way, but when you ask what the prognosis is, do you want me to say, ‘Well, my child could die.’ We hated that one.” Also, the comment “Don’t worry, it will be okay” was not comforting to her. “It may be okay eventually, but right now my life is falling

apart,” says Suzanne. When talking with a parent going through this situation, the most helpful thing to do may be just to ask how you can best support them.

Another challenge that came with the deluge of treatments and appointments was finding time to give to 12 year-old sibling, Madison. Taking care of Caulin and making sure Madison wasn’t getting slighted was a hard balance to strike says Suzanne. Middleton says this is not uncommon. “Siblings can feel forgotten or jealous of the attention and the gifts their sibling is receiving, and following that they often feel bad. Parents should be mindful of the sibling’s reaction and to listen to their other children. Validate their feelings and experiences. Don’t just brush them off.”

Suzanne encourages others in this situation to think about the siblings of the cancer patient when they are visiting. She advises against asking them if they are helping take care of their brother or sister. Instead ask them how they’re feeling, and maybe bring them a gift too.

People don’t often realize that when a child receives a cancer diagnosis, it has a ripple effect on every member of the family. As Middleton says, “Cancer doesn’t happen just to the child. It happens to the entire family.”

For support in the Dayton & Cincinnati area: CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY www.cancersupportcincinnati.org

SUPER SIBS

www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/ supersibs

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY www.cancer.org

KETTERING HEALTH NETWORK www.ketteringhealth.org/cancercare/ resources/support.cfm

DAYTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL www.childrensdayton.org

daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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five reasons to consider adopting an older child

EMBRACING A DIFFERENT PATH TO PARENTING Michelle Shirk

M

any people associate adoption with bringing a brand new baby home from the hospital. But what if the right child for you is actually a grade schooler or teenager? In honor of National Adoption Month this November, read on to find out why welcoming an older child into your life could be the best decision for your family.

1. There’s an immediate need The Dave Thomas Foundation for adoption reports that over 100,000 children in the United States foster care system are currently available for adoption. The average age for these children is 7 years old. Per the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, more than 3,200 waiting children live right here in Ohio. Many Ohio residents have also successfully adopted older children from other countries.

Local parents Kristen and Jeff Martin are wellversed on the subject of adopting older children.

In 2010, the couple adopted then 9-year-old Jesus and 14-year old Victor from Colombia. In 2014, they adopted then 7-year-old Amier and 8-yearold JD from Ohio foster care. The couple also has three biological daughters, 2-year-old Emma, 7-year-old Grace and 9-year-old Ava. They also care for three additional children. We asked the family to share their insights on adopting older children.

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2. Older kids offer unique advantages “When the child [you adopt] is older, you can do so many things together,” says Kristen. As an avid runner, she was able to invite her sons to enjoy her hobby with her. “Jesus used to love riding his bike with me while I ran. We would talk and bond,” she recalls. Victor even completed the Flying Pig Half-Marathon with Kristen and her husband. In turn, Kristen was able to get involved in her new sons’ passion for soccer.

Adopting an older child allows you the opportunity to have conversations about what’s going in their lives and have the ability to share activities together right away.

3. Not everyone is prepared to care for a newborn For some, the thought of being responsible for the daily care of a baby can be overwhelming.

Parents adopting an older child can skip the diapers and bottles, says Jessica Parks, MSW, LSW, Program Director at Necco. Even better? “They sleep through the night,” she says.

Kristen explains that having an older child requires a different mindset, which can be appealing to many parents: “When you adopt a teen, you are ushering them into adulthood.”

4. You won’t go it alone As a prospective adoptive parent, you’ll have many questions about the process. Necco offers

weekly foster parent training classes at its Cincinnati office, says Parks. The agency can also access information about children who are available for adoption and review profiles with potential families. Post-adoption, parents can take advantage of therapy and case management services as their child adjusts to his or her new environment.

Looking for helpful reading material? Martin recommends the books The Connected Child by Karyn Purvis, Adopting the Hurt Child by Gregory Keck, and When a Stranger Calls You Mom by Katherine Leslie. She also urges adoptive families to seek support locally.

5. You can choose each other While adopting older children brings its own challenges, Martin believes older kids have a better understanding of the adoption process than younger ones. In her family’s case, Jesus and Victor were able to spend several days with the Martins before being given the choice whether to go forward with the adoption. “This gave them, I believe, a great deal of control and ownership over the process,” she says. “They chose us just like we chose them.”

Do one or more of the reasons listed here resonate with you? Consider contacting an agency to learn more about the adoption process and how you might be able to make an older child’s dream of having a family come true.

are you a good fit for an older child?

Wondering what it takes to become an adoptive parent to an older child?

Here you’ll find some personal traits and characteristics that can make someone a strong candidate.

* YOU’RE PATIENT AND UNDERSTANDING. * YOU’RE FLEXIBLE AND HAVE A GOOD

SENSE OF HUMOR.

* YOU HAVE A SOLID FAMILY SUPPORT SYSTEM. * YOU ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH OLDER KIDS. * YOU HAVE PAST PARENTING EXPERIENCE

(HELPFUL, BUT NOT REQUIRED).

* YOU KNOW HOW TO USE SMART PHONES,

COMPUTERS AND OTHER TECH DEVICES.

* YOU WILL BE COMMITTED TO THE EXPERIENCE AND WILL ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD AND SEEK OUT SUPPORT WHEN NECESSARY.

ACTION, INC.

SONIC DRIVE IN FROANA daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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JUNIOR LEAGUE

DAYTON ART INSTITUTE

HUMANE SOCIETY

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THE SCIENCE OF GRATITUDE THE FAR-REACHING EFFECTS OF RAISING GRATEFUL CHILDREN Sara Konrath, PhD

S

ocial relationships are filled with moments of giving and receiv-

If you know several children, you won’t be surprised to learn that research

ing. Gratitude is an important way that these relationships stay

finds that gratitude is a personality trait. Some people are naturally more

smooth. As parents, we are continually giving to our children.

grateful, while others struggle to notice the good in their lives. But it is pos-

Think about a time when you slaved

over the stove for an hour, cooking a delicious, healthy meal, only to have your child give you that “ew” face. Now try this same scenario, but in the end your child’s face lights up, with an exclamation of “Mmmm, thank you, this looks yummy!” Here’s a reality check: research finds that children ages six and younger only say thank you about 20% of the time when receiving things. So don’t take it too personally. But by the time they hit age ten, this dramatically rises

"

WHEN PEOPLE TRY TO BE MORE GRATEFUL, NOT ONLY DOES IT WORK (THEY BECOME MORE GRATEFUL), BUT THE BENEFITS START TO SPILL OVER INTO OTHER AREAS OF THEIR LIVES.

to about 80% of the time, thankfully. What hap-

sible for people to become more grateful through daily practices or direct teaching about gratitude. In fact, the research shows that these exercises work even better for those who struggle the most to be grateful.

Gratitude-building studies have been done on both children and adults, finding similar results. When people try to be more grateful, not only does it work (they become more grateful), but the benefits start to spill over into other areas of their lives. They

pens? Children start to develop cognitive empathy skills, which helps them

start to feel happier, more optimistic, less depressed, and for children, more

to notice when other people are intentionally doing kind things for them.

satisfied with school. Children who are more satisfied with school end up

Gratitude is intimately linked with empathy.

doing better academically, so gratitude could potentially boost students’ daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

19

motivation to study. Adults start to sleep better, exercise more, and feel physically healthier. Not surprisingly, since gratitude is so intimately embedded within social relationships, people start to feel closer and more connected to others, and their relationships begin to improve. These experiments also find that people are even more willing to help strangers after spending time reflecting on the things that they are grateful for.

All of these outcomes can happen in as little as two weeks of practice, and the research finds that they can last up to six months. Who knows how much longer they can last, since there is limited research looking beyond six months.

But pulling out gratitude as a once-a-year platter to go with the Thanksgiving turkey is probably not going to cut it.

Here are some research-based practices to help increase gratitude. These work for both children and adults.

1.

COUNTING BLESSINGS

Keep a daily gratitude journal for two to three weeks. At the end of each day, write down five things that you are grateful for that day. Pay special attention to the ways that other people gave to you. Yes, there are apps for that, if you would prefer to jot things down on your phone throughout the day.

2.

an excellent Thanksgiving tradition – to pick a name of a family member out a hat and then read these letters around the table. It might seem ridiculous for those of us who struggle to pass the potatoes without conflict, but in those cases, it might be especially worth a try.

3.

GRATITUDE LESSONS

Research finds that this direct teaching method, which was developed by Jeffrey Froh at Hoffstra University, works well in elementary school children. It involves teaching children that when others are nice to us, they do it on purpose (good intentions), using their time, treasure, or talent (cost to others), and that it helps us (benefit to us). You can find free lesson plans on his website, or check out his book Making Grateful Kids.

Gratitude is about shifting your perception. No one has a perfect life, even though it might look that way through the distant filtered lenses of social media. But everyone has something to be grateful for. One of the most powerful ways to raise grateful children is likely to be a grateful adult. Raising grateful children means raising our own gratitude levels as well.

Sara Konrath, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Her research has found that empathy is declining among young Ameri-

GRATITUDE LETTER

Write a letter to someone whom you have never properly thanked.

Then read the letter to that person, preferably in person. This could be

cans since the late 1970s. In her current work, she is testing whether an empathy-building smartphone app can help increase teens’ (ages 12-17) empathy and prosocial behavior.

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volunteer opportunities for kids

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS A guide to Dayton area organizations that allow kids to give back Sarah McCosham

W

ith the holiday season approaching, it’s important to cultivate a sense of community, compassion and empathy in our kids. Volunteering is not only a great way to teach these values, but a wonderful way to bond as a family as well. In our area, many organizations welcome the help of kids as volunteers.

Here’s our guide to some of the many family friendly opportunities available in the Dayton area.

BOONSHOFT MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY

CARILLON HISTORICAL PARK

THE DAYTON ART INSTITUTE

2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton (937) 275-7431, ext. 111 www.boonshoftmuseum.org/about-us/communityinvolvement/68-volunteer

1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton (937) 293-2841 www.daytonhistory.org/volunteer/

456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton (937) 512-0151 www.daytonartinstitute.org/about-dai/volunteer

Kids ages 11-15 who are interested in history can train to be Junior Volunteers with Dayton History. This program is designed to be a fun, rewarding and interesting experience.

With less than 100 employees and nearly 500 volunteers, DAI volunteers are an essential resource to this organization. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available; the minimum age to volunteer is 15.

The mission of the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is to be the premier regional provider of interactive science learning experiences. Youth ages 14-17 are needed as volunteers in many areas, and can gain valuable experience participating in a work environment and developing teamwork skills.

daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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DAYTON METRO LIBRARY 215 E. Third Street, Dayton (937) 463-2665 www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/about-us/volunteer

Volunteers are needed to help with an assortment of tasks, including light cleaning, straightening, shelving, gardening, events and book sales. Volunteers must be at least 14.

THE FOODBANK DAYTON 56 Armor Place, Dayton (937) 461-0265 http://thefoodbankdayton.org/take-action/

The mission of The Foodbank is to relieve hunger through the acquisition and distribution of food to hungry people throughout the Miami Valley. This nonprofit needs volunteers on Monday through Friday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Because the Foodbank is a warehouse, volunteers must be at least 14, and all teens under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult.

GLEN HELEN 405 Corry Street, Yellow Springs, OH (937) 769-1902 www.glenhelen.org/#!volunteer/ctdn

Glen Helen is a nearly 1,000-acre nature preserve and education center in Yellow Springs. Last year, volunteers at Glen Helen logged over 5,000 hours, doing everything from greeting visitors at the front desk to leading hikes deep into the Glen.

Contact Ann Simonson (asimonson@glenhelen.org) for family friendly opportunities.

GRACE HOSPICE 3033 Kettering Blvd, Moraine, OH (937) 293-1381 https://ghospice.com/volunteer-donate/

Hospice is designed to provide comfort care as well as spiritual and emotional support in the final phase of a terminal illness. Grace Hospice focuses on enhancing quality of life and

volunteers pay a key role in that mission. Youth volunteers (ages 14-17) receive two hours of training prior to serving.

GREENSTONE STABLES 7280 Dayton Germantown Pike, Germantown, OH lori@greenstonestables.com www.friendsofferdinand.com/volunteer/volunteering-atgreenstone/

Love horses? Greenstone Stables needs year-round help around the farm, so volunteers should come prepared to go to work! Children as young as six are welcome, but will need to be accompanied by an adult.

HOUSE OF BREAD 9 Orth Ave., Dayton (937) 239-8859 www.houseofbread.org/get-involved

The House of Bread was founded with the belief that no one deserves to go hungry. Staff and volunteers work together, primarily using donated food, to prepare meals 7 days a week. The minimum age for volunteering is 12 years old, and teens 17 and under must have an adult with them or be part of a youth group.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER DAYTON 1661 Nicholas Rd., Dayton (937) 268-7387 www.hsdayton.org/get-involved/volunteer/become-avolunteer.html

On average, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton (HSGD) cares for 4,500 animals each year. The HSGD also help rabbits, ferrets and other pets move from homelessness to becoming a loved member of the family.

Volunteers must be at least 10 years old; any volunteer under the age of 16 must train and have a parent or guardian present during service.

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FIVE RIVERS METROPARKS Locations around Dayton (937) 275-7275 www.metroparks.org/GetInvolved/ GetInvolved.aspx

Express your care and concern for the environment, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests as a volunteer for Five Rivers MetroParks. As a volunteer, you will provide a valuable contribution to the preservation and enjoyment of Dayton’s natural areas. Family friendly opportunities are available; check website for specific events.

LEARNING TREE FARM 3376 S Union Rd., Dayton (937) 866-8650 www.learningtreefarm.org/support/volunteer.html

Learning Tree Farm's mission is to provide hands on learning experiences in a traditional farm setting. As such, Learning Tree Farm is a great location for groups to volunteer their time.

There are always lots of volunteer opportunities that are great for families with kids of all ages!

MIAMI COUNTY PARK DISTRICT 2645 E. St. Rt. 41, Troy, OH (937) 335-6273 www.miamicountyparks.com/pages/Volunteernew.htm

Anyone who wants to help make a difference in Dayton can be a volunteer. The Park District offers training and a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit various interests and skill sets. Children under the age of 11 require a parent or guardian’s supervision.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL RESOURCE CENTER 6790 Webster St., Dayton (937) 264-3327 www.mcohio.org/services/arc/volunteer.html

Each month, volunteers provide approximately 500 hours of service caring for the cats and dogs in the shelter. Children must be 12 years old to volunteer, and must be accompanied and supervised by a parent until the age of 15. Children from age 16-18 may volunteer without a parent after attending the orientation, training and trial period.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DAYTON 555 Valley Street, Dayton (937) 224-0047 https://rmhcdayton.org/service-opportunities/volunteer/

Guest Services Volunteers are critical to helping support guest families while they attend to their critically ill or injured, hospitalized children. By completing various tasks such as cleaning and sanitizing our House, organizational or special House projects, volunteers can help guest families focus their attention on their children. Must be at least 16 to volunteer.

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION 138 N. Main St., Dayton (937) 228-7591, x3032 www.victoriatheatre.com/education-engagement/teenushers

Each season, nearly 700 volunteers donate more than 60,000 hours of their time to this organization.

Teens ages 14-19 can apply to become a Teen Usher or Ambassador. Not only will your child have a unique volunteer experience, they’ll also have access to top-notch performances.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, CONSIDER HAVING YOUR KIDS GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BY DONATING THEIR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE – THEIR TIME. HAPPY VOLUNTEERING!

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION

daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

23

a dad influence

A Dad Influence

PAINT POTT

Screened Out

By Pete Gilbert

"No screens on school nights."

It wasn't working out.

It's the newest rule around our house. Before you think I turned into the sinister dad that banned dancing in Footloose, hear me out.

Screen time isn't evil; it just needs to be used in moderation.

Limiting screen time didn’t really help and eliminating screens altogether seemed a little unnecessary. My wife and I came up with a new plan, "No Screens on School Nights."

Our family started out allowing two 15 minute sessions of screen time per day. All was well. It became a problem when those 15 minutes turned into 30 minutes, then 45 minutes or longer. Our kids were coming home from school, arguing who was getting what screen, and spending far too much time playing Minecraft or watching kids play with toys on You Tube. (Why kids would prefer to watch someone play with a toy rather than actually play with a toy themselves is beyond me).

In the two months since we started this new approach, it's worked really well for our family. The kids play together more, they are more creative, less whiny and go to bed easier at night, likely because they've exhausted themselves with physical play and they haven't been staring at the blue light of a screen for an hour right before bed. On the weekends, we go back to using tokens for screen time. Since our kids aren't on screens during the week, we don't feel bad if we let them stay on their devices a little longer on these days.

Our kids weren’t interacting with each other or with me or my wife.

They weren't burning off any extra physical energy that didn't get out of their system during their fifteen minute recess (yes, fifteen minute recess.) They were restless at bedtime, whined when we told them to get off their screens and whined again asking when they could get back on their screens.

This system may not be for everyone, but if you're frustrated with your own kids’ relationship with whatever screen they choose, a “No Screens on School Nights” policy may be something to consider for your family too.

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MOTO PHOTO

footnotes

Footnotes: Thoughts

from the margins of a mom’s life Tenderhearted resolutions

By Kelly Blewett

I

THE HOBBY SHOP

had taken two children swimming by myself, an ambitious move, especially as dinnertime was approaching. After giving rides on my back, blowing water through the noodle and floating around the whirl pool, it was time to go. But they did not want to leave. This was the beginning of a downward spiral that climaxed eight minutes later, when I found myself in a locker room with a boy who was alternately threatening to return to the pool to resume swimming and refusing to get in the shower. I had a feeling familiar to moms of young children on the verge of a tantrum: I’ve got to get out of here! Without showering the kids or even stripping off their swimsuits, I packed up the bags and hustled us toward the lobby.

When we reached the front, my daughter reached down to get a few stickers from a basket by the door. My son began to do the same.

“Oh no, sir,” I said firmly. “No stickers for you after that behavior in the locker room.” “Noooo!” he cried as hot tears began to stream down his face. “Don’t take my stickers!”

It was the quintessential meltdown moment. I picked him up, jostling the bags awkwardly and making apologetic faces to those around me as I hurried to the car. Appropriately enough, it was raining.

Once moving toward home, my daughter piped up. “You were very rude, William!” she cried. “You were very mean to Mommy and to me!”

He shot back, “I was not!” and cried louder. I was keeping quiet, plan-

ning on a talk when we got home.

I’d already issued a punishment back in the locker room (“No swimming on Friday”) and didn’t want to escalate things now. But I felt that my daughter was saying the things I wanted to say to my son. I was glad she was working him up, but then suddenly I realized that I shouldn’t be.

“Stop Caroline,” I said. “It’s not up to you to talk about William’s behavior.” And then to my complete surprise, William responded, “Thank you Mommy.” The anger had drained from his voice. A more peaceful feeling came into the car.

What a tender little reversal! What did it mean? Upon more consideration, I think William’s feelings of isolation and shame diminished when I, having already punished him and removed him from the situation, came alongside him.

By not letting his sister tear him down, I communicated to William that I was with him and for him. Being passive in this situation would have been easy, and maybe even satisfying – but ultimately it wouldn’t have helped my boy. Staying attentive and in an alliance with our kids, even when it’s tough to do so, may lead to more sensitivity in conflict and more tenderhearted resolutions. As a mother who wants the affectionate bonds with my kids to stay strong even in the midst of a YMCA meltdown, I certainly hope so!

daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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FOX45

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the private school open house visit

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE VISIT What to ask to get the most out of the experience Sarah Bricker-Hunt

V

isiting multiple school open houses in a short time frame can become a dizzying blur.

What key areas should parents hone in on during this brief window into a school’s environment? We reached out to several private schools in the Dayton area for some “insider tips” on navigating this sometimes overwhelming process.

MISSION/PHILOSOPHY

SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

What is your school’s primary philosophy or mission?

Note whether students seem active and happy in their work.

What kind of service learning do you offer and how does it relate to the school’s philosophy or mission?

Ask about the school’s facilities for the arts.

How would you describe the atmosphere of the school? (Ask current students if possible.)

How are students encouraged to take ownership of their academic journey?

Inquire about the availability of outdoor space offered to children Observe student-teacher interaction after class and note whether students engage with teachers.

Look for student projects or artwork and where it is displayed throughout the school.

WHAT TO EXPECT Each school will handle their open house experience in a different way. For example, The Overfield School opens up classrooms during school hours so parents can observe classes in session. Jeni Beck, Communications Lead at Overfield, says tours are focused on the areas most relevant to each child’s experience, with a goal of giving a complete picture of a day at Overfield.

At the Miami Valley School, the open house experience is part presentation/part tour. “It’s lively, with music and video presentation and compelling talks from faculty, students and parents,” says Susan Strong, Director of Enrollment. Strong says experienced student ambassadors are on hand to provide campus tours.

The “Knights to Meet You” program at Alter High School allows attendees get an immersive tour experience. Lourdes Lambert, Principal, says the school also offers an extensive shadowing program, where potential students can spend the day attending classes and extra-curricular activities with an upper-class student.

What questions and suggestions do these school representatives have when visiting an

ACADEMICS What is the student: teacher ratio?

How are learning differences addressed?

How do you integrate technology into the classroom?

What academic clubs, sports and electives are available?

What kind of standardized testing do you do?

Be sure to jot down notes during your visit and take some time to write down your impressions soon after you leave as well. This will keep all the information you’ve received organized and help you and your student make a final decision.After your visit, make sure to contact the school representative with any questions you may have forgotten to ask or get clarification on any issues important to you. Being prepared in advance of your open house visit will help ensure that you’ve made the best choice possible for your student.

Good luck!

What AP classes do you offer?

What kind of STEM-centered programs are available?

How do you support students who are struggling?

Do you offer any unique academic programs?

Is a social or emotional learning aspect incorporated into the curriculum?

What type of before or after school care do you offer?

Is there a booster program in place?

open house? Here’s a brief list: daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

27

THE PRIVATE SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE GUIDE ALEXANDRIA MONTESSORI

CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL

EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

175 E Franklin St, Washington, OH 45459 (937) 435-5392 www.alexandriamontessori.org Ages 3-12 Call to schedule a tour

4524 Linden Ave, Dayton, OH 45432 (937) 253-8188 www.carrollhs.org Grades 9-12 Open House: Sunday, November 1, 2015, 1pm-4pm

2177 Emmanuel Way, Springfield, OH 45502 (937) 390-3777 www.ecaoh.com Grades TK-12 Call to schedule a tour

CHAMINADE JULIENNE

FIRST SCHOOL

ALTER HIGH SCHOOL 940 E David Rd, Dayton, OH 45429 (937) 434-4434 | www.alterhs.org Grades 9-12 Open House: Sunday, November 15, 2015, 1pm-4pm

BISHOP FENWICK SCHOOL 4855 State Route 122, Franklin, Ohio 45005 (513) 423-0723 www.fenwickfalconsorg Grades 9-12 Open House: Sunday, November 8, 2015, 1pm-3pm

BISHOP LEIBOLD SCHOOL West Campus: 24 South Third Street, Miamisburg, OH 45342 East Campus: 6666 Springboro Pike, Dayton, OH 45449 West Campus: (937) 866-3021 East Campus: (937) 434-9343 www.bishopleiboldschool.com Grades PreK-8 Open House: Spring dates TBD.

BRUNNER CATHOLIC 4870 Denlinger Rd. Dayton, OH 45426 (937) 277-2291 www.brunnercatholicschool.org Grades K-8 Open House: Thursday, February 4, 2015, 5pm-7pm

7659 McEwen Rd, Washington, OH 45459 (937) 433-3455 www.firstschooldayton.com Ages 30mos-6y Private tours only. Available by appointment.

DAYTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

9391 Washington Church Rd, Miamisburg, OH 45342 (937) 291-7201 www.daytonchristian.com Grades PreK-12 Open House: Second Semester

2268 S Smithville Rd, Dayton, OH 45420 (937) 253-8831 www.icschooldayton.org Grades 3PreK-8 Call to schedule a tour

DAYTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

INCARNATION CATHOLIC

DAYTON SMART SCHOOL 601 S Keowee St, Dayton, OH 45410 (937) 222-2812 www.daytonsmart.org Grades K-4 Call to schedule a tour

EMERSON ACADEMY 501 Hickory St, Dayton, OH 45410 (937) 223-2889 | nhaschools.org/ schools/emerson Grades K-8 Call to schedule a tour

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172 S Ridge Ave, Troy, OH 45373 (937) 339-5111 | www.overfield.org Grades 18mos-6years Open House: No finalized date. Call to schedule tour.

SPRING VALLEY ACADEMY 1461 E Spring Valley Rd, Centerville, OH 45458 (937) 433-0790 www.springvalleyacademy.org Grades PreK-12 Call to schedule a tour

ST. CHARLES SCHOOL

505 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402 (937) 461-3740 www.cjeagles.org Grades 9-12 Open House: Sunday, November 1, 2015, 2pm-4pm

7811 Mad River Rd, Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 433-1120 www.daytonis.org Ages 18 mos - adults Call to schedule a tour

OVERFIELD SCHOOL

45 Williamsburg Ln, Dayton, OH 45459 (937) 433-1051 www.incarnation-school.com Grades PreK-8 Open House: Sunday, March 1, 2015

MIAMI VALLEY SCHOOL 5151 Denise Dr, Dayton, OH 45429 (937) 434-4444 www.mvschool.com Grades PreK3-12 Open House: Sunday, November 15, 2015 1:30pm- 2:30pm

MIDDLETON CHRISTIAN 3011 North Union Road, Franklin, Ohio 45005 (513) 423-4542 www.mcseagles.net Grades K-12 Open House: Sunday, November 15, 2015 2pm-4pm

4600 Ackerman Blvd, Kettering, OH 45429 (937) 434-4933 www.stcharles-kettering.org/school/ Grades PreK3-8 Open House: Second Semester

ST. CHRISTOPHER SCHOOL 405 E National Rd, Vandalia, OH 45377 (937) 898-5104 | www.school.stchristopheronline.com Grades K-8 Open House: Sunday, January 31, 2016, after 9am and 11am masses

ST. HELEN SCHOOL 5086 Burkhart Road Riverside, OH 45431 (937) 256-1761 Ext. 111 www.sthelenschl.org Grades PS-8 Open House: February 18th, 2016, 6pm-8pm

ST. LUKE SCHOOL 1442 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432 (937) 426-1733 | www.stlukeparish.org/ school/ Grades K-8 Call to schedule a tour

TROY CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 700 S Dorset Rd, Troy, OH 45373 (937) 339-5692 | www.troychristianschools.org Grades 18mos-12 Call to schedule a Friday visitation

THE FAM NETWORK

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education and childcare guide

education &

CHILDCARE GUIDE

Antioch School

Dominion Academy

1160 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387 | 937-767 7642 | info@ antiochschool.org | www.antiochschool.org

925 N. Main St., Dayton, OH 45405 | (937)224-8555 | amanda. mcgill@dominionacademy.org | dominionacademy.org | Ages/Grades: Grades 1- 12

Antioch School was founded in 1921 and is considered among the oldest democratic schools in the United States. Children are encouraged to take the next step, to risk, to make mistakes and to try again as they find their own unique ways of learning. The Antioch School is a place where childhood is respected and children are enjoyed. Nursery - Sixth Grade.

Dayton Public Schools 115 South Ludlow Street, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-542-5555 | www. dps.k12.oh.us Dayton Public Schools offers free full/half-day preschool for children ages 3-5. Classes meet Monday through Thursday. We provide a balanced schedule to meet the developmental needs of all children. Staff are licensed by the Ohio Department of Education. Families of all income levels are eligible to apply.

As a classical Christian school, Dominion Academy of Dayton is committed to learning well to love well. Our collegiate-model structure for grades 1-12 means flexibility to complement your family's needs (schedules range from one class to full-time). Our unique academic community cultivates a joyful love for truth, goodness, and beauty.

Love is a Hug 201 West Market St. Germantown, OH 45327 | 937-855-2150 | Liah@ woh.rr.com | www.loveisahug.org We are a quality Preschool for children 2 1/2 to pre-kindergarten. Our goal is to make sure every child is ready for Kindergarten, We are open 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Preshool is from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. We offer day camps and school days out for Kindergarten to 5th grade when school is not in session.

The Miami Valley School

St. Matthew Lutheran Preschool

5151 Denise Dr., Dayton, OH 45429 | 937-434-4444 | susan. strong@mvschool.com | www. mvschool.com

5566 Chambersburg Rd., Huber Heights, OH 45424 | 937-8367294 | tpetrock@msn.com | http:// stmatthewlutheranpreschool.webs. com | Ages/Grades: 2.5-5 years of age

At The Miami Valley School, we adhere to a demanding scholarship built up a foundation of integrity and grit. Our teachers empower students to live life to fullest, to discover their true passion, and then to responsibly pursue their dreams with emotional and intellectual rigor. Students don’t just come to MVS. Here, they become. For early childhood-12th grade.

The Overfield School 172 S. Ridge Ave., Troy | 937-3395111 | office@overfield.org | www. overfield.org At Overfield, young children and teachers explore, problemsolve and build an exceptional educational foundation using indoor and outdoor classrooms on 83 acres. Serving ages 18 months-Kindergarten, with fullday options for ages 3-6. Established in 1960. Voted Best Preschool in 2014 in Dayton Magazine's Best of Dayton.

We are a small program that accommodates for 12 children in a classroom setting. Our Christian teachers are highly dedicated and qualified in Early Childhood Education.

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

Financial assistance is available-call 937-610-9622 today.

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ask the teacher

Ask the Teacher

Reading requirements, writing feedback and advanced readers

By Deb Krupowicz

Q

My son’s teacher requires him to read for twenty minutes five nights a week. We spend twice that amount of time trying to get him to complete the reading. I am sure these battles will result in him hating to read. How can I make this a positive experience?

A

Significant factors in creating a good reading experience are the level of the material and the subject matter. Help your son select a book about something he enjoys with a reading level that is easy for him. This should help pique his interest and keep him from feeling frustrated. Types and levels of books can be adjusted later.

Create a positive environment for reading that is relatively free from distractions. Engage your son by reading alongside him. If that does not work, read together. Read a paragraph or a page and have him read the next one. Periodically stop to talk about what you have read.

Involve other readers in the house if they are available to help keep the atmosphere light. Another option is to check out audio books from your local library along with their hard copies. Have your son listen to the book for a few minutes and then read some of it on his own. Consider reading the first 25-30 pages aloud so that your son becomes hooked on the particular story.

You can also try turning the assignment into a challenge. Make a chart and graph how long your son is reading without becoming distracted or without complaining. When he meets the 20 minute challenge, offer a small reward like doing his chores the next day. Perhaps seeing his own progress will be the encouragement he needs to persevere.

Q

I am really disappointed in my fifth grader’s writing experience at school.

His teacher encourages the students to write, but he does not provide feedback about what he sees – positive or negative. How can I help?

A

There are many theories about how writing skills develop best in children. Some suggest that by reading good writing, good writers are born. Others think that by writing a great deal, skills improve. Both reading and writing practice are important to developing writers, but instruction and feedback are necessary to help children become effective writers.

tion or word usage if he reads the buildings, making it very difficult for piece out loud. fourth, fifth or sixth grade students to find challenging books.

When his piece is clearly and correctly written, circle a few words for The classics are the answer. The vohim to “spice up” with more interest- cabulary is much richer and the sening vocabulary choices. Finally, un- tence structure much more complex derline a sentence or two for him to than contemporary literature. The write in a variety of ways to help him problems that are explored in the understand how to vary the structure books are presented in a way that is of his sentences. appropriate for middle grade readers. Consult the librarian at your These steps should result in improved community library or conduct an onwriting without adding significantly line search for a good list of titles. to your son’s work load.

Michael Clay Thompson’s Classics in the Classroom is a great resource.

Thompson articulates well the case How do I find books to for reading classic literature and help my daughter grow provides a thorough categorized list as a reader? She is read- indicating appropriate ages for reading well above her peers, ing particular books. but her school library does not seem Ask the Teacher is written by Deb Krupoto have books at her level.

Start by using the pieces that your son has already written for school.

Use those pieces to determine if he is writing clearly. To help him understand where clarification is needed, look at the thesis or topic sentence first. Discuss whether everything in the piece contributes to the topic. If the body of the writing needs clariIf focusing is a challenge, set a timer fication, jot down a question that for ten minutes and encourage him the writing creates in your mind on a to do something physical like jump- sticky note. Limit yourself to a couple ing jacks for just a minute or two, of questions per selection. Have your Matching high level then return to ten minutes of read- son incorporate the answers into his readers with aping. Gradually increase the amount writing. propriate reading of time spent reading by small inmaterial is cercrements. Decrease the duration of As you see that his writing has bethe breaks. In no time, your son will come clearer, give some attention to tainly a challenge. Most elementary be reading for the full allotment re- the mechanics of the piece. Typically, schools do not house books beyond quired. a student will hear errors in punctua- the highest level of students in their

Q

A

wicz, a mother of four who holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Deb has over twenty years of experience teaching preschool, elementary and middle school students. Please send your questions to her at asktheteacher@daytonparentmagazine.com

daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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balancing a child's thanksgiving plate

Balancing a child's Thanksgiving plate Enjoy the day with good foods from the table!

By Dayton Children’s Hospital

G

obble until you wobble may be a common philosophy on Thanksgiving, but for children, it’s important that parents fill those tiny bellies with the right foods. A child’s stomach is the size of his or her fist, so each bite needs to count.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends half a child’s plate be filled with fruits and vegetables. “Before you add anything else to your child’s plate, choose the fruits and veggies,” says Becky Gonter-Dray, RD, CSP, LD, pediatric dietitian at Dayton Children’s. “Choose low-calorie options, such as green beans, carrots, broccoli, even a side salad.

Strawberries and red grapes add wonderful color to the plate, as well.

For the starchy vegetables, like corn or potatoes, keep servings to a quarter of a cup.”

Children only need two to three ounces of meat a day, depending on their age. Three ounces is the size of a deck of cards or a computer mouse so keep the portion of turkey to no bigger than that size.

For carbohydrate-heavy items, like rolls and stuffing, go lightly. “A half a

roll should be enough for a child’s appetite,” says Gonter-Dray. “For stuffing, keep it to a quarter of a cup.”

Side items and condiments can add a lot of unnecessary fat to a child’s diet.

Keep gravy, butter and dip to a minimum. “No more than a tablespoon each,” says Gonter-Dray. “Look for alternatives, such as substituting hummus for dip or using the plain turkey drippings without adding all the flour to make gravy.”

To wash it all down, parents can provide a glass of low-fat milk. Water is also always a good choice. If parents want to provide a more festive atmosphere, low-calorie flavored sodas can be fun.

You don’t have to deny dessert, either. It is a holiday, after all! Let your child choose the one dessert they really want, and provide them with a child-sized portion.

Getting moving will also help kids stay away from the dessert table.

Bring an active game, put on the music and dance or go for a walk. Any activity that gets them up and moving is going to help their growing bodies.

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make a date to skate! [branded content]

Make a Date to Skate!

Grab the family for some fun on the ice this season

By Tracy Staley

A

dd this to your must-do winter list: ice skating at RiverScape MetroPark! It’s a perfect way to burn energy when the kids are bouncing off the walls.

“It’s a great time for kids to be out with their families,” said James Carter, business operations coordinator for Five Rivers MetroParks. “It’s also a way to stay connected to nature during winter, with beautiful views of the Great Miami River and the downtown skyline.”

Rent skates at the rink for $2 or bring your own. Warm up with hot chocolate from the RiverScape Cafe. It costs $5 to skate, and season passes are available at $75 for a family and

$40 for an individual. Season pass holders can skip the lines and head straight for the skate rental.

Wobbly on the ice? Take a lesson.

Five Rivers MetroParks offers lessons for kids and families. The lessons are designed to get everyone comfortable on the ice, Carter said.

“We want to make the experience enjoyable so people don’t feel they have to hug the wall or just feel like they are walking on ice,” he said.

“These are introductory lessons to keep parents from having a heart attack.”

The MetroParks Ice Rink, presented

by Buckeye Health Plan, is also a nice spot for winter birthday parties and work or social outings.

Visit metroparks. org/icerink for the schedule, lesson dates and times, and special theme nights and other events.

The rink opens November 27, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and is open through the last weekend in February. In addition, the rink is open special extended hours during the holiday season and on holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Presidents Day. For families with younger children, hitting the ice right after the rink opens at 2:30 pm weekdays is often a good time

to avoid crowds, Carter says. Sunday afternoons are also quieter times, and mascot Parker the Penguin can sometimes be spotted on the ice.

“It’s a nice winter activity to get outside and enjoy together,” says Carter. “Everybody has a great time when they come down.”

daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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november events

THURSDAY | 5

Alive After 5 Gives Back Downtown Hamilton, OH | www.facebook. com/HamiltonAliveAfter5/info?tab=page_info

Alive After 5 is a monthly event in Downtown Hamilton. Come join us on the First Thursday of every month for delicious food, unique shopping & live music!

FRIDAY | 6

Hearth Warming Holidays 97 S. Main Street, Waynesville, OH 45068 | www.waynesvilleshops.com

Discover that unique gift, shop for fabulous decorating ideas and join us for the festivities in over 60 shops, galleries and restaurants. Each year our shops pass out to their shoppers their personal favorite recipe in that category.

SATURDAY | 7

Diabetes Dayton's 43rd Annual Diabetes Expo Sinclair Community College, 444 W 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402 | (937)220-6611 |www. diabetesdayton.org

FREE health screenings including a limited amount of A1C screenings, a class for

babysitters/ caregivers of children with type 1 diabetes class, samples, presentations on diabetes management, vendors from both local and national companies and agencies.

Meet the Reptiles Glen Helen Nature Preserve, 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387 | http://www.glenhelen.org

Learn about our resident reptiles with a Glen Helen Naturalist. Ask questions and experience a close encounter.

Curious George Goes to Mars Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 Deweese Pkwy, Dayton, OH 45414 | (937) 275-7431 |www.facebook.com/ events/1058498070848706/

Early learners and their families enjoy an out-of-this world Planetarium Show featuring everyone's favorite funny monkey; Curious George! This event is FREE to the public, however seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis.

NMRA 40th Annual Dayton Train Show Hara Arena, 1001 Shiloh Springs Rd., Dayton, OH 45414 | 937-278-4776 | www.daytontrainshow.com

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This is the largest exhibition of operating layouts in Ohio! There is over 84,000 square feet including 20+ operating layouts, over 500 dealer tables, hourly door prizes (including 2 Thomas Train sets per day), over 35 exhibitors, and much more! Admission: $6

SUNDAY | 8

book with a humane theme and complete a craft or activity, and visit with our adoptable pets.

TUESDAY | 10

Veterans Exhibit and Open House

Veterans Day Run, Walk, Roll! 5K Run

Centerville Library, 111 W. Spring Valley Rd., Centerville, OH 45458 | 937-433-8091 |www. wclibrary.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails. aspx?EventId=7270&lib=

Dayton VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third Street , Dayton, OH 45428 | (937) 836.7346 | www.veteransday5krunwalkroll.itsyourrace. com/event.aspx?id=3184

Uniforms, artifacts and historical items will be on display. Bring in donations for the Marines' Toys For Tots campaign! Donation barrel will be in the exhibit area.

The 5K will be happening on November 8th, 2015 at the VA Medical Center, 4100 W. Third Street, Dayton, Ohio 45428. Check-in and registration will be from 1:00pm-2:00pm. The race begins at 2:30pm. Pre-registration is $20 and includes a nifty short sleeve t-shirt. Deadline for early registration is November 1st, 2015.

THURSDAY | 12 SISCA Preschool Tails

SISCA Pet Adoption Center, 2600 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45419 |www.sicsa.org/ preschool-tails

SICSA staff read a fun children's picture

FRIDAY | 13

Mad Lions Club Fish Fry Mad River Lions Club, 1675 Woodman Drive, Riverside, OH 45431 | 937-818-5227 |www.eclubhouse.org/sites/madriveroh/index.php

The Lions Club Fish Fry is fun for the whole family! You can find a little bit of everything at this Fish fry. Fish, deserts, Door prizes, and raffles! Cost: 12.00 in Advance and 15.00 at the Door.

november events

Furry Film Night

Yuletide Winters Gathering

SISCA Pet Adoption Center, 2600 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45419 |www.sicsa.org/ furry-film-night

Main Street, Tipp City, OH 45371 | https://www. facebook.com/YuletideWintersGathering

What better way to end the week than with cuddle time with kittens or puppies, enjoying a great G-rated movie, making friends, and eating yummy pizza and snacks? This is a fun-filled night for children in grades 1-6 and an opportunity for parents to enjoy a night out by themselves. Cost: $15 register online.

Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177

Featuring bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music, combined with family fun and educational opportunities in an entertaining, smoke and alcohol-free environment.

Dayton Philharmonic- A Hero's Journey The Schuster Center, 1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402 | (937) 228-7591 |www.daytonperformingarts.org/philharmonic-performance/herosjourney

The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra honors the sacrifices of our country’s military with A Hero’s Journey, meshing the somber and the visceral. Cost: $14-$61.

SATURDAY | 14 Rapunzel

Town Hall Theatre, 27 N. Main Street, Centerville, OH 45459 | 937-433-8957 |www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/ theatre After stealing a vegetable from Witch Izwitch, Walt Shwartzbuckle promises her their firstborn child in exchange for his freedom. He has a child named Rapunzel and on her 18th birthday the witch takes Rapunzel to a tower in the forest. Find out the rest at the show!

SUNDAY | 15 Fall Fling Craft Fair

Parkview Community Center,4100 Glenheath Drive, Kettering, OH 45440 | (937) 823-6401 |www.facebook.com/FallFling

The Family Network of Dayton, a nonprofit, moms organization, will be holding their annual Fall Fling sale on Sunday! This year's event will include handmade items such as children's clothing, jewelry, hair and other fashion accessories, bath and body items, home and holiday decor.

The historic district offers more than 35 locally owned unique boutiques and restaurants with specialties including toys, games, vintage finds and antiques, collectibles, fashions & accessories, handmade soaps, and more! Santa will also make appearances.

TUESDAY | 17

86th Annual Waffle Shop at Christ Episcopal Church Christ Episcopal Church, 20 West First Street, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937-223-2239 |www. daytonchristepiscopal.com/calendar/waffleshop-annual-event/

For more than 80 years, Christ Church has provided a grand celebration of community in downtown Dayton while raising money for programs that serve the greater Dayton area as well as our church. In addition to eat-in and carryout dining, Waffle Shop includes a craft bazaar, bake sale, Elsie’s Attic, and a raffle.

THURSDAY | 19

Madeline and the Bad Hat Victoria Theatre, 138 North Main St., Dayton, OH 45402 | (937) 228-7591 | www.victoriatheatre.com/discovery

Part of the Frank M. Tait Discovery Series. The story describes the events occurring when Madeline is none too pleased when Pepito, the son of the Spanish ambassador, moves in next door.

SATURDAY | 21

Fairmont Presbyterian Church Fine Arts, Antiques, and Craft Show Fairmont Presbyterian Church, 3705 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering, OH 45429 | 937.299.3539 |www.fairmontchurch.org

You will find beautiful items for Christmas gifts (and something to reward yourself for being so good this year!). There are vendors, raffles, and a café with goodies straight from some of the best cooks around.

Fairmont Athletic Boosters Craft Show James S. Trent Arena, 3301 Shroyer Road, Kettering, OH 45429 |www.facebook.com/ FairmontAthleticBoosters

With 200 booths, show-goers will have an extensive selection of unique handcrafted and manufactured products to choose from. Items offered include the best in holiday decorations, handmade

crafts, stylish jewelry, clothing, specialty food items and much more.

Family Day: Destination Space Station National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433 | 937-255-3286 |www.nationalmuseum.af.mil

Commemorate the anniversary of the greatest engineering feat in modern history: the International Space Station.

Learn about the station and spaceflight through fun demos and hands-on activities. Build your own space station from recycling materials!

Trebein Holiday Bazaar Trebein Elementary, 1728 Dayton Xenia Rd, Xenia, OH 45385 | 937-458-2300

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Featuring quality local crafters, vendors, and a kids holiday shop. For infomation on being a vendor please visit the facebook page or pto section of the Trebein elementary school website.

Ringing in the Holidays at Carillon Park Carillon Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-293-2841 | http://www.daytonhistory.org

Kick off the holiday season as you mingle with family and friends at this festive celebration! Sample gourmet hors d'oeuvres, listen to classic holiday tunes, and warm your spirits with a delicious martini from the open bar or a steaming cup of premium coffee.

SUNDAY | 22 Top Gun 3D

Air Force Museum Theatre, 1100 Spaatz Street, Dayton, OH 45324 | 937-253-4629 |www.afmuseum.com/attractions/theatre/upcomingevents

Experience your favorite films on the largest screen in the region! Cost: $5

Dayton Opera - Madame Butterfly The Schuster Center, 1 W 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402 | (937) 228-7591 |www.daytonperformingarts.org/opera-performance/madamebutterfly

The tragic story of Madame Butterfly has deeply moved countless audiences since its 1904 premiere, with some of Puccini’s richest scoring and most beloved music.

The Specialty Shops of West Milton Annual Holiday Open House Enjoy refreshments and snacks as you walk the downtown shops. Each shop has their own drawings along with the grand prize basket. Get in the holiday mood as we will be decked out for the season.

MONDAY | 23 Trailside Kid’s Club

Trailside Museum at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387 | 937-769-1902 | www.glenhelen.org

Join our naturalist in feeding resident reptiles, hiking in the forest, reading stories, and playing games. Open to youth ages 6-12. Walk-in registration is also available at the Trailside Museum. $2 per session.

THURSDAY | 26 Feast of Giving, Thanksgiving in Dayton

Dayton Convention Center, 22 East Fifth Street, Dayton, OH 45402 | 937.333.4700 |www.daytonlocal.com/redirect. asp?id=5619&content=11164

It is a dinner, a celebration, a community event based on the following principles: To provide a dinner for anyone that might be spending the holiday alone, to provide a dinner for those that are homeless or less fortunate, and to provide a dinner for anyone who wants to attend.

Gobble Wobble: Full Moon Hike Glen Helen Nature Preserve, 405 Corry St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387 | 937-769-1902 |www.glenhelen.org

Burn some calories with your family and friends while taking a memorable hike under the full moon with naturalist, Paul Sampson. $5 for non-members.

FRIDAY | 27

Dayton Holiday Festival Grande Illumination Tree Lighting and Children’s Parade Courthouse Square, Third and Main Streets, Dayton, OH 45402 |www.downtowndayton.org/index.php?option=com_ content&task=view&id=112

The Dayton Holiday Festival is your source for family-friendly holiday fun in downtown Dayton. Started by Mrs. Virginia Kettering more than 40 years ago so that all children could enjoy the holidaytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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november events day season regardless of their economic means, the Festival continues today with free attractions for the community.

City of Lebanon Holiday Illumination Downtown Lebanon

The City's annual tree lighting ceremony.

Free horse carriage rides are offered in front of City Hall, and be sure to visit Santa inside the City lobby.

SATURDAY | 28 Train Rides @ Carillon Park Railroad

Carillon Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409 | 937-293-2841 |www.railfestival.com

Family Fun at the Carillon Historical Park Museum - take the kids for a train ride on their 1/8th scale railroad! Weather permitting at all passenger operations. Park admission required.

Hometown HoliDazzle Illuminated Parade & Festival City of Wilmington, 69 N. South Street, Wilmington, OH 45177

Santa Claus, indoor carnival games, delicious food and strolling musicians help bring in the holiday season. Merry TubaChristmas will be performed at the Murphy Theatre at 5 pm. Parade begins at 7 pm.

ONGOING

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2015

(November 6-15)

Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316 | 937-767-5501 | www.cliftonmill.com

Our light display is one of the country's finest with over 3.5 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges. There is even a 100 foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights. $10 for people 7 and older.

SUNDAY | 29

SISCA Sunday Funday SISCA Pet Adoption Center, 2600 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, OH 45419 | 937-294-6505 | www.sicsa.org/sunday-fundays

Sunday Fundays are fun-filled afternoons that encourage youth to make a difference for animals in our community. Sunday Fundays are $10 per participant. Preregistration and payment are required.

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The Diary of Anne Frank The Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH 45414 | 937-424-8477 |www. wordpress.thedaytonplayhouse.com

Come to the theatre! This 1997 Broadway revival revised the script, adding revealing truths about Anne’s budding sexuality and the household’s tensions, plus harrowing details about the occupants’ ultimate fates. Nominated for a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

All is Calm, The Christmas Truce of 1914 (Nov 20 - Dec 6) Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave, Dayton, OH 45410 |www.daytontheatreguild.org

The Western Front, Christmas, 1914. Out of the violence a silence, then a song. A German soldier steps into No Man’s Land, singing “Stille Nacht.” Thus begins an extraordinary night of camaraderie, music, peace. A remarkable true story, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.

A Christmas Story - The Musical (Nov 4- Dec 30) La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH 45066 | (937) 746-4554 | www.lacomedia.com

The hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. Filled with nostalgia and quirky childhood innocence, this Ordway holiday production is a heartwarming event for the entire family.

At Dayton Parent, we work hard to ensure our calendar and guide information is accurate. Occasionally event specifics change after we go to press. Therefore, we encourage our readers to call locations or visit them on the web to verify information.

wackycalendar dayton parent // november 2015

daytonparentmagazine.com / november 2015

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KETTERING

40 n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 5 \ d a y t o n p a r e n t m a g a z i n e . c o m