November 2011
[ indyschild.com ]
[ FREE]
INDy on a Budget
Affording the Arts Boarding School
Benefits Is it right for your child—and you?
Family friendly events, exhibits & more
The Adoption Option Exploring the process
2 INDYSCHILD.COM
November 2011 [ indy’s child ] 3
contents 12
19
27
November 2011 40
visit us online at indyschild.com
features
around town
health
resources
22 Indoor Fun Around Indy
08 Community Spotlight
14 Pediatric Health
11 Indy Parks
16 Pediatric Health
38 45 57 58
Family Friendly Events, Exhibits and More
27 The Adoption Option Exploring the Process
40 Recognizing Anxiety and Depression in Kids What to Look for, and What Parents can do
42 Boarding School Benefits
Is it Right for Your Child—and you?
Local News, Events and More Holiday Happiness at Indy Parks
Living with Diabetes
Understanding Bullying
18 Museum Note
Holiday Shopping Made Easy
19 Profile: The Circus
special needs
20 Profile: Mason’s Cause
32 Parents of Kids with Autism Speak Out
Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth Infant Loss Support: One Place. Endless Hope.
50 Indy on a Budget Affording the Arts
in every issue
parenting
06 Publisher’s Note 10 Online Buzz
12 Mommy Magic
What They Want you to Know
Special Needs Guide Education + Childcare Guide Marketplace Birthday Party Guide
calendars 36 52 56 59
Special Needs Daily Events Ongoing Events Fun + Wacky
Learning Lessons from Our Children
15 Dear Teacher
Your Questions of Teachers—Answered
ON THE COVER Cover Model: Campbell Craciunoiu, age 6 Cover Location: Indianapolis Art Center Photographer: Hannah Hilliard Photography Clothing Provided by: Jack & Jill Children’s Shoppe in Zionsville
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NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 5
in every issue
[ publisher’s note ]
This Grandmother Has Plenty of Thanksgivings Being thankful and counting blessings I know that Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday! It is a true time of family values and sharing. One of the truly beautiful parts of Thanksgiving dinner is that everyone wants to bring their favorite traditional dish. At our home, that might be sauerkraut, more than just pumpkin pie and a spirit of rejoicing in every morsel and every prayer and toast. As a grandmother I am thankful for my family, for the opportunity to be a wife and mother, share the lives of our 17 grandchildren, and mentor many children, both past and present. My family also includes my brother and sister and their families and how fortunate I am to see them both each and every month. We make it a priority to share this togetherness. I am thankful to grow spiritually through my church and enjoy the fellowship of the “Joy of Living” Bible study each week. Nourishing my well-being is through more than exercise, it is through my faith, family and friends! I am thankful to be an American and to vote for my choice of candidates without fear. I believe in our democratic system and rejoice in being part of the solution! I am happy that the families can choose between public, private, charter schools or do their own homeschooling. That is true freedom…the ability to choose what is best for your family. I am thankful for the public sector of our community who serve us so well. I am thankful for all the volunteers who serve on civic and charitable boards for giving of themselves to others. Time is a treasure and a resource that we must all appreciate! I am thankful that I recognized the need for Indy’s Child and for the years of devoted staff members who have developed its concept. Special thanks to advertisers and the community for supporting it for 27 years!
Indy’s Child [ ask the staff ] what food do you look forward to most at thanksgiving?
FOUNDING PUBLISHER Barbara Wynne | barbara@indyschild.com | my homemade dressing
PUBLISHER & PRESIDENT Mary Wynne Cox | publisher@indyschild.com | a delicious sauerkraut recipe!
MANAGING EDITOR Megan Kirschner | megan@indyschild.com | my grandma’s homemade chicken & noodles!
SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Jennica Zalewski | jennica@indyschild.com | homemade rolls
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Heather Lipe | heather@indyschild.com | my mom’s homemade stuffing. yum!!!
I am thankful for all the not-for-profit organizations Indy has to help serve the needs of others and the blessings they provide for all of us by nurturing the arts and cultural side of Indianapolis. When I was at the Jordan YMCA recently, I stopped and read some things people were thankful for learning, I kept saying Amen!
EVENTS DIRECTOR / PUBLIC RELATIONS Wendy Cox | Wendy@indyschild.com | mashed potatoes and gravy!
Here are a few: •
I’ve learned you shouldn’t do anything that wouldn’t make your mother proud.
•
I’ve learned that it is best not to wait for a crisis to discover what is important in your life.
•
I’ve learned that you treasure your grandchildren for what they are, not for what you want them to be.
•
I’ve learned that it’s just as important to forget a wrong as it is to remember a kindness.
•
I’ve learned that you shouldn’t expect life’s very best if you’re not giving it your very best.
•
I’ve learned I can’t expect others to solve my problems.
I said Amen to ALL of the above. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be sure to count your blessings!
BUSINESS MANAGER Roxanne Burns | roxanne@indyschild.com | corn casserole
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Karen Ring | karen@indyschild.com | my super fattening mashed potatoes! CONTACT US Indy’s Child ADDRESS: 921 E. 86th Street, Suite 130 | Indianapolis, IN 46240 PHONE: 317.722.8500 | FAX: 317.722.8510 EMAIL: indyschild@indyschild.com Copyright
Indy’s Child Parenting Magazine is published monthly. Copyright 2011-2011 by Midwest Parenting Publications, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of products, commentary or services herein. For information on subscriptions, editorial guidelines, advertising rates and more visit www.indyschild.com.
Barbara Wynne Founding Publisher 6 INDYSCHILD.COM
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 7
around town
[ community spotlight ]
The JCC’s 13th Annual Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts
Community Spotlight
Now Through November 19
GetOutMom.com, online casual employment community, now partnering with businesses
The JCC has announced that a second “A” has been added to the 13th annual Ann Katz Festival of Books! What was once a festival featuring authors and their publications has become a celebration of all the arts, including literary, visual, performance and musical genres.
Making it easier than ever for business owners to connect with moms! GetOutMom.com, the premier online casual employment community for stay at home and working moms, has announced several NEW business friendly features to the website. Businesses are now able to reach the growing number of members of GetOutMom.com through website advertising, job postings, discount offerings to moms, and written reviews - most for only $1 per day.
Check out one of the many featured programs at this year’s event! A beautiful, and heart-warming true story.
Another improvement to the site is for the Moms themselves. The membership structure has been redone and now the site has both a regular (FREE) membership and a premium membership (~$3/month), encouraging more moms to use and join the site. Moms simply need to create a FREE, simple profile at www.getoutmom.com and they can take full advantage of site offerings. To find out more or to browse the current postings, please visit www.getoutmom.com or e-mail 2moms@getoutmom.com.
Wed, November 16, 7 pm Tom Fields-Meyer: Following Ezra: What One Father Learned About Gumby, Otters, Autism and Love from his Extraordinary Son. Writer and journalist Tom Fields-Meyer had a breakthrough moment when a therapist suggested that he “grieve” for the child he had expected Ezra, his autistic son, to be. Once Fields-Meyer recognized that he had not harbored any expectations for his unborn child, the author was able to step back from pushing Ezra to learn and to connect with his environment, and simply wait patiently and see where his little boy would lead him. This is a story of one father’s remarkable relationship with his son. Filled with laughter, heartwarming memoirs, and moments of truth, this book is as much about parenting in general as it is about raising an autistic child.
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School on Wheels
Tutoring Homeless Children Since 1993 School on Wheels serves homeless children in Indianapolis homeless shelters and believes that all children, regardless of socio-economic status or housing situation, deserve a proper learning environment and educational support. By providing volunteer tutors, school supplies and uniforms to homeless children, School on Wheels inspires learning and empowers kids with the goal of ending the cycle of homelessness through education. To learn more, visit www.indyschoolonwheels.org, follow them on Twitter @IndySOW and ‘Like us’ them on Facebook! School on Wheels Partner-Site Tutoring Locations: •
The Barton Center
• Coburn
Place Safe Haven
• Dayspring
Center
• Holy
Family Shelter
• Holy
Family Transitional Housing
• Interfaith • Project
Hospitality Network
HOME
• Salvation
Army Social Service
Center • Wellspring
Cottage
• Wheeler
Mission Center for Women and Children
• The
Blue and Gold Academies, Decatur Township
• IPS
No. 14 (Washington Irvin)
Box Tops for Education
Celebrates 15th Anniversay
Schools across the country are feeling the pinch of budget cuts and are looking for alternative ways of raising revenue. General Mills’ Box Tops for Education program is one way families are able to earn cash for their schools by simply clipping box tops off hundreds of household brands including Cheerios, Kleenex, Ziploc, Avery and Pillsbury. Box Tops for Education, which started in 1996, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. In total, more than 90,000 schools have earned more than $400 Million, including over $59 Million last year. Schools in your community are funding field trips, playground equipment, art and science lab supplies and more.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 9
online buzz
Exclusive Contests at
IndysChild.com
Do you think TV shows are teaching girls to hate each other? Yes! Absolutely! —Lori F.
TV Shows Teach Personal Violence I think that a LOT of TV shows are teaching personal violence (both physical and mental)...and that it’s not just girl to girl. And violence and hate are evil twins! — Brandy B.
Ice Skating Tickets at the Pepsi Coliseum
Tickets to Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey “The Greatest Show on Earth”
Tickets to Pinocchio at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
Tickets to the Jingle Rails exhibit at The Eiteljorg Museum
Tickets to Christmas at The Zoo
Stay Tuned in December for Our “12 Days of Holiday Giveaway!”
TV is Terrible Today I think TV in general is terrible these days. You can watch prisoners beat each other up. You can see real life crime scenes. Oversexed music videos, you name it. —Karey M.
It’s Not Just “Teen Mom” and “Jersey Shore” Yes. But “Jersey Shore” and “Teen Mom” are not the only culprits. Younger “kids” shows also play a part. —Sarah A..
Monitor Your Children Monitor what your children watch on TV! Know what your children are doing on the Internet! Don’t let your 10-year-old have a Facebook (or 11- or 12-year-old at that). Be a responsible parent at home. Most of us aren’t with our children 24 hours a day, but what they do at home, we should know! —Kara H.
Be a Responsible Parent Not the shows I actually allow her to watch. The key is always to be a responsible parent. —Angel W.
TV Teaches Girls to Hate Themselves I think most TV shows teach girls to hate themselves. The plots, dialogues, and actresses are so overdramatized that it pushes kids to live that in real life. —Cavalyn D.
It’s Not the TV I think girls will hate each other no matter what. I’m guessing they did even before TV. —Laura C.
Don’t Let TV Affect You If people let TV shows affect them, then that’s a shame. I let no TV shows affect me. —Jessica G.
Follow us on Facebook to Join in the Conversations. Over 4,400 Fans and Counting... 10 INDYSCHILD.COM
Now, THIS is What ” the “Buzzt!!! is all abou
The “Christmassy Dreamworks Experience” package (valued at $1,100) includes:
Two-night room accommodations (Sun-Thurs) at Gaylord Opryland Resort for up to a family of four; four tickets to ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar™; ShrekFeast™ Character Meal; “Character Passport” Meet & Greets; DreamWorks Themed Scavenger Hunt; DreamWorks Welcome Amenity with Package Check-In; souvenir photo; Special Wake-Up Calls by DreamWorks Characters; two tickets for a ride on the Delta Riverboats inside Gaylord Opryland; a VIP Coupon Book valued at more than $250, as well as applicable taxes, daily self parking and daily resort fee.
[ indy parks ]
around town
Holiday Happiness at Indy Parks Indulge in the enchantment of the season As another holiday season swoops into our lives, it’s important to make time with the people we love. Let Indy Parks bring you the magic of the holidays through a lineup of exciting, family-friendly events that will provide you and your loved one with memories that will last a lifetime.
Autumn Art Fair at Garfield Park Arts Center – More than 40 award-winning local artists set up shop at our Arts Center showcasing handcrafted, family-friendly, affordable art. It’s the perfect place to find a holiday gift and mark it off your list. November 19-20
Youth Holiday Pottery Workshop at Broad Ripple Park – Give your children a chance to get a little messy and express their creativity at the same time. This class gives kids the tools to mold clay into festive holiday decorations. Dates vary
Christmas at Garfield Park – Oh what fun it is to visit the Conservatory to meet Santa and see the holiday train and poinsettia show. Jingle all the way to the Arts Center to make toys with Santa’s elves. Then dash through the snow to the Burrello Family Center where Mrs. Claus will have some tasty treats. You’ll be laughing all the way! December 10, FREE Santa’s Switchboard – Santa might be busy making lists and checking them twice, but he will take a break to give your child a call direct from the North Pole. Give your children a chance to tell Santa what’s on their wish list. Santa is in demand so reserve your call from Santa early. Call 862-6876 for more information, $2 Holiday Crafts at Garfield Park Conservatory – Give your holiday cards and ornaments a more personal touch by letting your child
create them out of material you would find in nature like wood, leaves and pine cones. December 4, $4
Gingerbread Houses at Raymond Park – Start a beloved family tradition and make from scratch a spectacular gingerbread house to display as an impressive holiday centerpiece. See if you can stay away from nibbling on this delicious treat to make it last throughout the holidays! December 10, $8 Conservatory Crossing – The Conservatory is transformed into a winter wonderland with brilliant displays of poinsettias, running model trains and a miniature village of twinkling lights. November 25 – January 3, $8 per family For more information about these activities, check out www.indy.gov/parks or call 327-PARK.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 11
parenting
[ mommy magic ]
YOU TOLD US ON FACEBOOK...
What are the most valuable lessons your children have taught you?
Learning Lessons from our Children Stop and listen
Patience. -Christi A. Promises by children are strictly non-binding. -Dan S. I’m extremely selfish. -Heidi S. That being a parent doesn’t come with a handbook and even when they’re toddlers, they appreciate and love everything you do and the value of life. -Shampagne R. That making memories doesn’t have to cost money, it just costs time. -Plum District Indianapolis That she is way smarter than me. -Marilyn T. To not underestimate her just because she has down syndrome. She is so much more LIKE her brother and sisters than she’s not. -Jen A. Love, patience, kindness, hope, trust, faith and perseverence. My daughter taught me how to fight and stand up for her and other children’s with disabilities rights when she and others could not do it for themselves. She taught me to give her a voice. I miss you eternally, sweetheart!!! -Christina M. To treat them nicely beacause they may decide where I live someday. -Dick I. Pure joy. Racism is learned. Parenting is a humbling experience. -Julie W. Just smile! Even when you think the world couldn’t get any worse, just smile. It totally makes my day when he smiles at me. He has cerebral palsy and can’t talk, so he speaks thru facial expressions. He has also taught me to just take one day at a time. -Kathy W. Laugh when I get peed on. -Diane M.
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Mary Susan Buhner marysusan@mommy-magic.com
Isn’t it funny when our children teach us a lesson? I was recently organizing pictures that had managed to stack up on my desk. This particular stack of pictures were of my middle daughter. As I flipped through several of them I smiled to myself remembering many of the moments captured on film. I got to the very last picture in the stack and it made me stop in my tracks. It was a picture of the two of us on the night she first learned how to ride her bike without training wheels. I remember it clearly, she was almost 5-years-old at the time when she came up to my husband and I as we were putting away all the bikes, balls, sidewalk chalk and other summer toys that happily filled up our yard and driveway that day. I will never forget it…it was dusk…close to 9 p.m. on a clear summer night. Caroline came up to us as we were getting everything put away for the night. She said, “Mommy, Daddy…I want to take the training wheels off my bike tonight.” We chuckled and I am sure patted her on the head and said, “That is great, Caroline…but NOT tonight.”
After all, we were just wrapping up the night and headed inside. Persistent, Caroline tugged on my shirt and said, “Please Mommy…let me try tonight.” By this time I had thoughts of me running up and down the street in the dark beside her bike as to make sure she will not fall or tip over without her training wheels on. It was an easy dismiss…not only was it almost dark out, but I was just flat out not up for it. After all, I think I chased her older sister for two weeks beside her bike when we took her training wheels off for the first time. With a nod to my husband to confirm our decision – we were in agreement. NOT tonight. It is what happened next that gave me clarity. My sweet daughter did not say anything more because she knew she would not win. With a turn of her head I saw her face as she headed into the house. It wasn’t sad or upset – it was powerless. It dawned on me at that very moment that I was responsible for taking away her power about something she was so very sure of and determined to try. Catching myself, I asked my husband to take off her training wheels. I swore I would do the running beside her in the dark. I told Caroline to come out and we
would give it a try until the sun went all the way down. Her helmet was on, her training wheels were off and before I could tie my untied tennis shoe to start my sprint next to her on the bike – she was down the driveway riding her bike on her own – confident 100 percent that she was NOT going to fall, NOT going to swerve side to side and did NOT need me beside her to catch her. She believed she could do it and knew she had the skills to do it. She told me she could do it. She was RIGHT. I learned a big lesson by watching her that summer night – watching her ride her two wheeler bike smiling from ear to ear – pink handlebar streamers flying and knowing in her heart that she could do it. I learned that summer night of the importance of stopping and listening to my kids. As a mom, there is a thousand things going on at once that sometimes it is hard to just stop and listen. Most times I hear myself talking - telling them to clean up their rooms, pick up their shoes, turn down the television. In those instances, those small moments, sometimes our children have something important to say and it is equally important for us to stop and listen. After all, it can be that one small moment that can turn into one big moment that you just might never forget.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 13
health
[ pediatric health ]
Living with Diabetes Understanding the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Dr. Andrew Riggs Pediatric endocrinologist and medical director of the Pediatric Endocrinology Center at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent.
Diabetes Awareness Day at The Children’s Museum In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Day on November 20, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent is hosting a special diabetes event at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Sponsored in conjunction with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ( www.jdrf.org), the event will provide free education tools for parents, caregivers and children living with diabetes. Register by November 4th: 317-469-9604.
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Type 1 and type 2 diabetes cannot be grouped together and should be approached as two separate diseases altogether.
There’s a lot of misunderstanding about diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes. And these false perceptions end up harming patients at a time where they need our support and advocacy.
For starters, type 1 diabetes – most often diagnosed in children, adolescents or young adults – occurs when the body stops making insulin, which the body needs so glucose can enter the cells and be used for energy.
“Kids with type 1 diabetes are still normal kids who can do normal things,” says Andrew Riggs, M.D., director of pediatric endocrinology with Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent. “But they still encounter people who are afraid of them, or think they – or their parents – caused the diabetes. There is still a huge lack of understanding about the disease.”
Why the body stops making insulin is still a great mystery. But what researchers do know is that type 1 diabetes appears to be random—and definitely not caused by any lifestyle behaviors. While the cause still eludes researchers, they are certain how to treat it: insulin—four times a day.
Dr. Riggs says this happens, to some degree, because people don’t understand the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. “When most people talk or refer to diabetes, they’re usually talking about type 2—which is managed in part by a healthy lifestyle,” he says. “Yet people with type 2 face some unfair assumptions as well.”
“It’s life changing. Patients have to check their blood sugar at least four times a day by pricking their finger. At those same times, they inject or pump insulin into the body,” Dr. Riggs explains.
those with type 1 diabetes cannot live normal, healthy lives. In fact, I advocate for it,” he says. Dr. Riggs encourages his patients to be physically active. “Kids with diabetes can do all the sports and activities that ‘normal’ kids can do,” he says. He tries to inspire his young patients by telling them of famous people who successfully live with type 1 diabetes, including Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears quarterback), Gary Hall, Jr. (Olympic champion swimmer), Nick Jonas (musical performer) and Charlie Kimball (race car driver). He also encourages patients to participate in the camps offered through the Diabetes Youth Foundation (www.dyfofindiana.org). “It’s important for these kids to be around others with type 1 diabetes. It helps them feel less different from their peers.”
While not easy, Dr. Riggs says kids are resilient and learn how to adapt. “It just becomes part of their daily routine. Most can check their own blood sugar and administer their own insulin by the age 10 or 12,” he says.
He’s optimistic that won’t be an issue at all one day. “I tell my young patients that I believe we could see a cure developed in their lifetime. I sure hope so.”
“Type 1 diabetes is clearly an adjustment, but there is no reason why
To learn more, you can visit, www.peytonmanning.stvincent.org.
[ dear teacher ]
parenting
Dear Teacher Your Questions of Teachers—Answered Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts dearteacher@dearteacher.com
A Home Test for Giftedness Is there a test that I can give my child at home to see if he is gifted? —Want to Know First of all, you didn’t tell us your child’s age. It is best not to test a child before he or she is at least 4 1/2 years of age, and it is also best to let a professional who is used to working with gifted children do the testing to ensure that you have accurate results. However, by comparing your child to other children of the same age you should have a good idea if your child is showing signs of giftedness. Have you noticed that your young child: • is interested in computers • enjoys puzzles
• has advanced language development • is extremely curious • asks an excessive number of questions • is interested in books • demonstrated an ability to read at an early age • is very alert • has high levels of energy • requires less sleep • demonstrates a good memory • is especially talented in art or music • has good written skills • is very independent • is highly mathematical
What makes identification of gifted children so difficult is that not all gifted children act the same way. Keep in mind that there are many ways that children can be gifted. If you decide not to have your child privately tested and wait until the child reaches school, your school district will typically test for giftedness using either an IQ test or an achievement test.
Disorganization May Work for a Child It is beyond belief how messy my middle-schooler’s backpack is. I have tried to give him organizing hints, but he just keeps shoving all his schoolwork in the bag – even his neatly done homework. How can I help him get organized? —For Organization Everyone has different standards of neatness. Some students have perfectly organized notebooks with every paper in the right place. Others like your son just jam paper after paper in their backpacks. Most students are probably somewhere in the middle. If your son is doing well in school and seems to be able to find papers and other school materials without too much trouble, give up on trying to organize him. Disorganization is
working for him, so he is not going to be committed to changing. There is one thing that you can do to minimize the problem of the overstuffed backpack. Before he starts his homework each day, insist that he find the papers and books that he needs in the backpack and dump the rest into a specific bin or box in the house. In this way, he’ll start each day with an empty backpack except for materials being returned to school. This should satisfy your desire for him to have a neater backpack as well as make it much easier for him to find important papers. When the box or bin is full, he can either sort through the papers and find those he wants to keep or simply throw everything out. You may wish to date a few and put them in a folder or album, as they will be a good record of how he is progressing in school.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 15
health
[ pediatric health ]
Understanding Bullying How parents can help Dr. Emily Scott Pediatric hospitalist, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
Today, bullying can involve hitting, name-calling and some new forms of harassment through technology, called cyberbullying. Research shows that young people rate bullying as a bigger problem than racism, pressure to have sex, or use of alcohol or drugs. Here’s what you can do to help your child deal with bullying— whether he or she is the instigator or the victim.
What is bullying? Bullying involves inflicting harm on people who aren’t able to defend themselves. It can happen anywhere, to boys or girls, in-person, through the Internet or by phone. Bullying can cause long-term harm to both the instigator and the victim, including depression, low self-esteem, poor grades, and increased risk for substance abuse, suicide and murder. It often goes unreported for many reasons, including embarrassment and fear of retaliation.
Types of bullying: • Physical • Verbal
16 INDYSCHILD.COM
– hitting, punching, shoving
– name-calling, teasing
• Relational
– spreading rumors, breaking up friendships, excluding people
• If
• Cyberbullying
• Talk
– bullying that involves the use of technology, such as e-mail, instant messaging, text messaging and social networking sites
How you can help When children are involved in bullying, it is important for you to take action. Here are some steps from www.stopbullying.gov you should consider if your child is being bullied: • Talk
with your child and express your concern; assure your child that you want to help.
• Reinforce
that bullying is wrong and not their fault; recognize their courage to come forward.
• Ask
what they think can be done to help stop the bullying and reassure them that the situation can probably be handled privately.
needed, get help for your child from healthcare professionals. regularly with your child and school staff.
If you think your child may be bullying others, here are some things you can do: • Find
out your child’s version of the situation.
• Reinforce
that bullying is serious and won’t be
tolerated. • Remind
them of your rules and expectations of behavior.
• Carefully
monitor your child’s activities, including when they are online or texting.
• Make
sure you know your child’s friends and how they spend time together.
• Encourage
him or her to get involved in social
activities. • Document
ongoing bullying. • Work
• Help
your child develop ways for handling future situations.
with your child’s school to ensure the bullying does not happen again.
• Talk • Be
persistent and patient, the situation may not be resolved immediately. for other problems that could result from bullying.
with a school counselor or health professional to provide your child with additional help.
• Watch
More resources are available at www.stopbullying.gov.
• Discuss
For more information, visit www.RileyHospital.org.
the situation with your child’s teacher or school counselor.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 17
around town
[ museum note ]
Holiday Shopping Made Easy At The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Maggie Johnson Public Relations Intern at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
“All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth…then I could wish you ‘Merry Christmas’.” When Don Gardner wrote those words, it probably was not a shopping suggestion for parents. But no matter what the people in your life desire, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis has the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season. Maybe not front teeth, but dinosaur teeth are a possibility.
Scan to access more info. about shopping at the Children’s Museum!
18 INDYSCHILD.COM
pick out just the right thing for any age. The gift wrapping is also free. The store carries merchandise sure to please kids from ages 1 to 100. And of course a visit to the museum is always a hit.
Your Family Tickets for the summer excursion in South Dakota to dig up dinosaur bones would be an exciting family vacation! If that doesn’t sound right for your family, maybe a trip to the American Girl Place in Chicago or any of our family programs at the museum and around the country would be a perfect fit.
Your Kids
Your Parents & In-Laws
Anything from The Museum Store would be a perfect gift! Our store has an excellent selection of safe, fun toys along with a free personal shopper to help you
A membership to the museum is perfect so they can bring all their grandkids to explore all the exciting exhibits any time! A grandparent membership allows
up to two grandparents and ALL unmarried grandchildren younger than 21 to visit for a year.
Your Niece & Nephew If you have a difficult time shopping for the kids in your family, then using Kid-Tested, Kid-Approved is for you! Check out the list of museum toys that have been thoroughly played with and approved by kid testers of all ages. The updated list is online at www.childrensmuseum.org. For those who enjoy shopping the day after Thanksgiving, the museum has a special Black Friday deal where everything in The Museum Store is 30 percent off from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.! Get your shopping done early this year at the world’s largest and best children’s museum. Happy Holidays!
[ profile: the circus ]
Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Presents The Greatest Show on Earth A sneak peek of their newest show “Fully Charged”
around town
Behind the Makeup Todd gave us a great look into this year’s show, but we also got to find out a little bit about Todd the Clown, too... Todd Zimmerman has had a love for the circus since his early childhood. “My father loved the circus. He used to trade his services to set up seats to get tickets to the show. Since I was 9-months-old, I have gone to the circus every year.” After high school, Todd attended Clown College in Wisconsin, home of the Ringling Bros. “A lot of my classmates went to Harvard and Yale, and I went to Clown College,” he said. But don’t be fooled, as Clown College isn’t all a “joke”.
Megan Kirschner Ladies and gentleman, children of all ages…the circus is coming to Indianapolis! Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey will bring an all-new surge of circus entertainment seen only at The Greatest Show on Earth! December 1 – 4, The Greatest Show on Earth will be at Conseco Fieldhouse to perform their newest show “Fully Charged” to you and your families. Todd the Clown took time to chat with Indy’s Child about the excitement and inside scoop of this year’s show, and even painted the faces of some of our youngest fans. “[This show] makes a connection because everyone lives by their cell phones, and their PSPs, and their DSIs, and the only way you can play them is when they are fully charged,” Todd said. “We want to take the electricity that everyone is infusing in their lives and bring it to The Greatest Show on Earth.” “The Greatest Show on Earth is a
combination of the classic and the updated, taking something that in this country, has been around longer than baseball, longer than Coca-Cola, and giving everybody a chance to introduce their kids to a bit of living history,” said Todd.
What You Can Expect Twin Turbines of Steel Excitement takes an extraordinary turn to new heights as the Fernandez brothers show off their stunts on the Twin Turbines of Steel. This high-speed, turbo charged spectacle is sure to make your hair rise. “It’s based on the Wheel of Death Act, but is amped up by putting two wheels of death together,” Todd said. “It can look pretty dangerous!”
Taba and the Tigers The world’s most charismatic animal trainer and crowd favorite will illustrate his remarkable bond with the tigers at this year’s show. Watch the tigers complete beautiful leaps and playful swats, and watch as Taba gets a little too close for comfort.
“Taba has an incredible relationship with the tigers, and he keeps the excitement with the crowd,” said Todd. “This guy has energy in spades.”
Stas and Vas This power duo of clowns have been clowning around together for over 14 years, having both attended Circus School in Russia. These comic geniuses will keep the laughter flowing. “They are both so incredibly talented, but also really, really funny, so I’m excited to have them on the show,” said Todd.
Power-Up Party When you arrive an hour before each show time, you are invited to join in the fun on the arena floor to meet the performers, animals, get autographs, circus tattoos and more.
Pre-Circus Event at Circle Centre Mall Get the excitement started early on Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Circle Centre Mall. Come enjoy the circus performers, and learn how to juggle. Also, the first 1,000 guests will receive a free clown nose!
“They only take 30 out of about 3,000 [people] who audition.” You learn things such as pie throwing, stilt jumping, and learning how to make things funny in every day life. When asked what he loved most about his clown profession, he replied, “There is nothing like the feeling of having 15,000 people laugh at something you do.” “Clown character comes from who you are.”
Fun Facts About the Circus The circus performers live on a mile-long train. A full-time school teacher travels on board with the circus to teach all the kids. There are many family acts in the show. Many families on board are 8-10 generation circus performers. The circus name is always the same, but each year it is a different show. Clown make-up is designed to enhance a person’s natural features. The entire family can get something out of coming to the circus.
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around town
[ profile: mason’s cause ]
Mason’s Cause Infant Loss Support: One Place. Endless Hope.
Kari Bundy Founder and President of Mason’s Cause
The idea for Mason’s Cause Inc came shortly before my son’s funeral. My son, Mason, died in his sleep with no warning just after midnight on March 5, 2011. He was 4-months-old. Before going to bed I leaned over to kiss my son goodnight and found that his lips were blue and he was unresponsive. Suddenly my husband and I found ourselves entrenched in the pain of such a sudden loss with no idea how to plan a funeral, or how to move on. With over 50 web browsers running at once, my husband, Bryce, and I were frustrated with how difficult it was to find helpful information. Every Web site seemed to contain one piece of the “Infant Loss Support” puzzle, but no site contained everything we needed in one place. 20 INDYSCHILD.COM
We chose to have Mason cremated, and as we sat to plan the funeral service, we were told that if we could not afford an urn then we would be given a “polyurethane bag” containing his remains. At that moment, the overwhelming build up of emotions that I had been holding back was released, and with my frustration and desperate need for resources came what is now known to most as Mason’s Cause Inc. Little did I know that in the months to come, I would be catapulted into a world where infant loss was a subject avoided like the plague, people expected me to be “over it” a mere month after the funeral, and no one ever considered the horror of enduring such a tragic loss and it’s effects on daily life. Mason’s Cause is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing
families and friends with the information and resources they need immediately if they find themselves suffering the ultimate tragedy- infant loss. The Mason’s Cause Web site, www.masonscause.org, is divided into two major sections. “Surviving Tragedy” is our short compilation of resources for families needing assistance for the immediate aftermath of losing their child. This section includes resources to aid with funeral planning, autopsies, milk production, and how to say goodbye. “Hope and Healing” is divided into subcategories including “For Parents”, “For Siblings” and “For Friends”. It is here that we provide resources for healing, ways to help, and ways to continue living. We provide remembrance ideas, as well as links to
Web sites providing keepsakes to honor lives lost. The cornerstone of our organization is our Bereavement Grant Program. This program allows families to give their infant a funeral service to honor their life. Without our help, some families would not be able to have a funeral service for their infant simply because they couldn’t afford it. Our grant program is funded through the generous donations of our supporters, in addition to proceeds of Mason’s Cause merchandise, online auctions on our Facebook page, local car washes, and the proceeds from select online boutiques. The difference between Mason’s Cause and other organizations is that most focus on research efforts or prevention efforts. We put the focus where it needs to be, on the families enduring the most unimaginable tragedy and how to help them cope with the “now”. We offer support to families who have endured any loss from a miscarriage to the loss of an infant 12 months of age, regardless of cause. My hope is that you will never need our services. However, current data shows that Infant Mortality takes approximately 78 infant lives per day in the United States alone. With statistics like that, chances are you will need services like ours at some point; whether for yourself, a family member or a friend. And now you have a place to go if you ever need us. Visit Mason’s Cause on Facebook or at www.masonscause.org.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 21
INDOOR FUN
aroundindy Family friendly events, exhibits & more
Written by Angie Barnes
The weather may be getting cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you and the kids have to stay inside all winter long. Whether you’re looking for family outings, or fitness fun, there is plenty to do around town that will keep you busy and help you shake off those winter blues. Exhibits
Winter Fitness
Beginning this month, treat yourself and the kids to a history lesson at The Eiteljorg Museum. The Jingle Rails exhibit takes you on a journey to the Great American West, which begins in our own backyard. Watch and explore as you walk through the exhibit, winding past the local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, seeing some of the Circle City’s famous landmarks such as Monument Circle and Union Station.
On Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., join The Children’s Museum for an indoor fitness extravaganza at PlayFit: Indoor Fitness . Celebrate healthy choices and active play with special performances and activities.
From there you’ll travel out West to explore other national landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, Yosemite Falls and more. “What makes this trip unique is that all of these wonderful landmarks are made of natural materials like bark, nuts and moss,” said Anthony Scott, communication director at The Eiteljorg Museum. At the Indiana State Museum, take a journey through the centuries and get a history lesson about one of the Hoosier state’s cash crops – corn – at the museum’s exhibit Amazing Maize: The Science, History and Culture of Corn . This exhibit has been in development for over five years and is ongoing through Jan. 20, 2013. For those who like to burn off your winter boredom with exercise, there is plenty to do for you as well. 22 INDYSCHILD.COM
Lace up your skates and hit the ice for ice skating at the Indiana State Fairgrounds at the Pepsi Coliseum. Public skate hours vary. Admission: $5 adults ages 13 and older; $4 ages 12 and under. Non-skating parents are FREE. Skate rental: $3 for figure skates; $4 for hockey skates. Your kids can also get fit at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Indianapolis. The center is teamed up with the Indiana Pacers and is offering co-ed youth basketball leagues all winter long. Kids in grades K-3 are welcome to hit the hardwood for the 12-week season. If your princess isn’t into shooting hoops, the JCC also offers various dance classes that will be sure to get her toes tapping and will have her doing her best pirouette in no time. Visit www.jccindy.org for more information. Also at the JCC this winter, you can get a leg up on the competition and start your training for the JCC’s Annual Indoor Triathlon on Jan. 29, 2012. Competitive and non-competitive runners, swimmers and bikers ages 13 and up are welcome. Not a member of the center? Don’t worry the event is open to non-members as well.
Santa Sightings Santa himself will arrive at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis on Nov. 25, the same day their annual Jolly Days Winter Wonderland exhibit begins through Jan. 8, 2012. Don’t forget to let your good little boys and girls tell Santa what is topping their lists this year, at the YMCA’s Annual Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by RJE Business interiors. For information on dates/times, check with the YMCA nearest you, www.indymca.org.
Events and Activities
The most famous purple dinosaur is Circle City bound for Barney Live: Birthday Bash. Barney and his friends, Baby Bob, BJ and Riff will take center stage at the
Murat Theatre at Old National Centre on Nov. 17. Showtimes begin at both 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $15 to 30, prior to fees. Even the animals are getting into the holiday season. Take a visit to Christmas at the Zoo as you enjoy the animals that love cooler weather. Walk the Zoo grounds covered in lights, and enjoy holiday activities from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each night. Christmas at the Indianapolis Zoo begins Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 23. Open Wednesday thru Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesdays, Christmas Eve and Day. Are your children looking to let their creative juices flow? Check out the Indianapolis Art Center, as they offer lots of classes and special programs during the winter months for kids. Visit www.indplsartcenter.org for more information.
You told us on Facebook:
What do you do for indoor fun in the winter? We love Monkey Joes. A day there makes for an easy bedtime. —Ayreka K. Castleton mall to play in the play area... it’s free! —Denise L. Roller Skating. —Marilyn T.
We take Gymboree classes, which also include free open gym times. WONDERFUL in the winter. We also go to Incredible Pizza Company, The Children's Museum, and to the library for reading, story time, and play. —Stefanie N.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 23
Hamilton County Sports Complex for Open Gym and the Play Room. Great fun for only $5 a piece! —Jen K.
Bring the Jump for Joy! Adventure Tumblebus over! —Mik H.
We always go ice skating at the Pepsi Coliseum. It's a great time! —Jezlia M.
Wrights gymnastics open gym every Saturday. —Kristin R.
24 INDYSCHILD.COM
Jump-n-Play —Alice D. Monkey Joe's and The Children's Museum are fun when the weather is cold outside! —Adisalem C.
Daytime Playtime at Gymnastics Unlimited on Friday mornings is the best! We also love Monkey Joe’s and the Children’s Museum. Hosting playdates at different friend’s homes is another way we like to change up our scenery. —Heather L.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 25
26 INDYSCHILD.COM
the adoption
option
exploring
the process Written by Rebecca Todd
very child has the right to a loving, secure, permanent home. However, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are an estimated 423,773 children in foster care in the United States, and 114,556 of these children are legally and permanently separated from their birth family and waiting to be adopted. Becoming an adoptive or foster parent is a huge decision. Although bringing a needy child into your home can be rewarding for the parents, the most important issue is what is right for the child. Fortunately, there are many places locally and on the national level to provide prospective parents with the information, knowledge, tools, and education they need to build a happy family. For many, becoming a foster parent is the first step in adoption. In Indiana in 2008 there were 13,400 children in need of foster care. Of that, 2,750 were in Marion County. The goal of foster care is to provide a safe, protective and therapeutic atmosphere for children who have been traumatized in some way until which time they can either be reunited with their family or become ready to find a new permanent home. Foster families must go through extensive training, education and background checks. According to state guidelines, potential foster parents must complete 20 NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 27
hours of core training and 10 additional hours for special needs children, such as children with medical or behavioral problems. They must be at least 21 years of age and pass a criminal history and background check. They must demonstrate financial stability and rent or own a home that meets physical safety standards. All family members must be in good medical condition and must provide statements from a physician. They must also successfully complete First Aid, CPR, and Universal Precautions training. Lastly, a licensed social worker will conduct a Home Study with the family. This consists of a personal assessment of each member of the family to determine the sturdiness of relationships, upbringing and philosophies. The Home Study is updated each year the family stays in the fostering program. Ongoing educational programs and training for both children and parents are also expected for foster families and the license must be renewed every four years. Weekly or bi-weekly social worker visits and 24 hour support services are offered by most agencies. Damar Foster Care Services is a new division of Damar Services, Inc., which has been serving children with special needs for many years. Damar is licensed through the Department of Child Services as a child placement agency for both temporary and pre-adoptive foster care. Guenevere Kalal is the director of Damar Foster Care which is dedicated to finding safe, permanent homes for children with mild to severe therapeutic needs; children who often have the most trouble finding a family willing to give them the home they need. “Our specialty is working as a therapeutic agency,” she said. “We specialize in
working with children who are deemed to have special medical, emotional, social, behavioral, or educational needs.” When potential families of special needs children go through their training, they often must learn additional parenting skills. “They learn about different diagnosis and how to handle different situations,” said Kalal. “Every family has different strengths and weaknesses and bring different things to the table. The most important things [an adoptive parent] should have is patience and the willingness to learn and grow. Even if they have been a parent before, they need to be willing to adapt and learn new and innovative ways of parenting in order to give these children what they need.” Visit www.damar.org or call Guenevere Kalal at 317-8565201 to learn more about Damar Foster Care. The adoption process includes selecting an adoption agency, searching for a child, filing a petition to adopt and finalizing the adoption. Most agencies require the adoptive parents to attend training. This training helps the potential parents learn about issues that arise during and after adoption. Parents learn about any disabilities or cultural differences their child may have. Much like the foster system, the state of Indiana also requires a Family Preparation Assessment, also called a Home Study. A social worker will meet with the adoptive family to learn more about them and their home. They will write a home study report based on their meeting with the adoptive family and various required documents such as birth certificates, divorce decrees, finalization of previous adoption decrees, and child abuse and criminal record clearances. Adoptive families also will need to verify their income, get a statement of health from their doctor, get fingerprinted and provide references.
In 2010, 4,500 children were adopted and supporters hosted over 350 events to celebrate the spirit of the day. National Adoption Day is held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and this year falls on Nov. 19. Visit www.nationaladoptionday.org to learn more and find events being held in your area.
28 INDYSCHILD.COM
In an international adoption, the new parents adopt a child who is a citizen of a foreign country. In addition to satisfying the adoption requirements of both the foreign country and the parents’ home state in the U.S., the parents must obtain an immigrant visa for the child through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The child will be granted U.S. citizenship upon entering the United States; however the foreign adoption must be domesticated and approved. Attorney Michelle Jackson works with both domestic and international adoptions. She is an advocate for international adoption and has adopted two sons from the Congo. “You
often hear people ask, ‘Why would anyone adopt internationally when there are so many needy kids here?’” she said. “I think the question is just what is best for your family. The numbers for children domestically are significantly lower when you look at the whole world crisis. There are over 100 million orphans in our world and in the United States we have less than 1 percent of those, so we see that there is a huge need outside of the United States as well.” In 1990, owner of the Wendy’s restaurant chain Dave Thomas was asked by President George H. W. Bush to be the spokesperson for a campaign for national adoption awareness. Today, the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption spearheads National Adoption Day an annual event when judges across the country make it a priority to finalize pending foster care adoptions.
Regardless of whether you are considering adoption or fostering, it’s an extraordinary way to build a family that requires patience, perseverance and dedication.
In 2010, 4,500 children were adopted and supporters hosted over 350 events to celebrate the spirit of the day. National Adoption Day is held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and this year falls on Nov. 19. Visit www.nationaladoptionday.org to learn more and to find events being held in your area. Regardless of whether you are considering adoption or fostering, it’s an extraordinary way to build a family that requires patience, perseverance and dedication. Most importantly, you can make the difference in the life of a child in need. And that’s what matters most.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 29
30 INDYSCHILD.COM
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 31
Parents of Kids with Autism
SPEAK OUT
What they want you to know It’s hard to see autism. The disorder is invisible until symptoms like social awkwardness, stemming, tantrums and the like occur. This invisibility makes it hard for the average person to recognize and even harder to understand. Then consider the fact that autism presents itself differently in every individual who has it. Parents with Written by Carrie Bishop
children who have autism can find the invisibility and individuality of the disorder hard to cope with as they try to raise a happy child. Area parents and autism experts weigh in on what they’d like the general population to know about autism.
32 INDYSCHILD.COM
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 33
so r r y f We a re or us. no t ba M d pa r e a k i ng f r ie l oo k b n t s . Do e y o nd nd s i s n’t fee ha r d . au t i s m l H . S low el p k id au t i s m i t do w s a r e no n . K id t d ea f s with . C h i ld ho w t o r e n l ea t r ea t p rn eop l e with a d i sa b i l ity f ro m t he i r pa r e n t s . Aw a r e ne ss i s i m po r t a n t ...
We are not bad parents. Mary Rosswurm, mother to a young adult with autism, said, “Some people don’t understand. Maybe they think [our child’s behavior] is due to bad parenting or that some of our kids just need discipline. If it were only so simple.”
autism to have friends. “Really have a heart to realize that it is a challenge. For my child to just have one or two really good friends and maintain the friendships, it would probably be as important as education in her quality of life,” she said.
Help kids look beyond the autism. Don’t feel sorry for us. Though Rosswurm admits feeling her life was over when she received her son’s diagnosis, she now says she wouldn’t change her son even if she could. “This is the hand life dealt me and I’m going to do the best for him that I can and hope that people understand that this is my journey. So do not feel sorry for me. This lady is just trying to get through life the best she can,” she said.
Making friends is hard. It’s hard for kids with autism to initiate relationships, make friends, and maintain those friendships. As children progress into middle school and beyond, relationships grow more and more challenging. Jane Grimes, parent to a 12-year-old daughter with autism, said she hopes for parents to genuinely care that it’s a challenge for kids with 34 INDYSCHILD.COM
Grimes said that for kids with autism to make friends their typically developing peers have to look beyond the disability and try to connect with the child knowing that it’s going to be harder than having a friend without autism. Part of this tolerance comes from parents helping to educate their children about autism.
Slow it down. The ebb and flow of conversations in typical settings involve multiple topics that are discussed simultaneously. Grimes said individuals with autism can’t keep up. Break down the conversation or take time to explain the conversation to the child with autism so he or she can participate.
Kids with autism are not deaf. Mary Roth, lead ally with the Autism Society of Indiana, said even though it may appear a child with
autism is not listening to you, he or she is hearing you. Kids with autism, like their typical peers, are sensitive and smart; they just cannot express their thoughts in conventional ways.
Children learn how to treat people with a disability from their parents. “If you ignore people in wheelchairs or look away from someone with a disability or pretend they don’t exist, your kids will too,” said Roth. She has seen kids be incredibly tolerant of peers with autism and she has seen kids who are not tolerant. “It’s hard to watch. I think children pick up on the messages they get. I ask parents to talk with their kids about the disabilities of kids in their school,” she said.
Awareness is important. “I think awareness is the key,” said Beth Schweigel, mom to a 10-year-old son with autism. She believes the more autism is in the newspaper, on TV and on the radio, the more general awareness the community at large will have about autism, and the more understanding people will be toward those directly affected by it. To that end, learn more by visiting www.inautism.org.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 35
november CALENDAR special needs resources
[ childcare ]
tues 01
Price: First 100 tickets sponsored by Cornerstone Autism Center
Price: $40
Brain Balance Indianapolis Free Parent Lecture
Contact: Visit www.cornerstoneautismcenter.com
Times: 7 p.m.
Location: Eastside 9 movie theater, Lafayette
Location: The Monon Community Center, Carmel
Price: Free Contact: 317-843-9200 or indy@brainbalancecenters.com Location: Brain Balance Achievement Centers, Indianapolis
fri 04
Transition to Adult Life Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Price: Free Contact: Amanda Cooper at amanda@jcasg.org Location: Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church, Greenwood
Karaoke Night When: Nov. 4, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Price: $6 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245 Location: The Monon Community Center, Carmel
weds 09 Autism Family Resource Center Grandparents’ Support Group When: Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Price: Free Contact: Diane Quillico at 317-882-1914 or Linda Knoderer at 765-438-4792 Location: Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis
fri 11 Fantastic Fridays Time: 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Price: $10 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245 Location: The Monon Community Center, Carmel
sat 12 Brain Balance Indianapolis Open House
fri 18 Teen Night Out Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Price: Free Contact: Joelle Ogle at 317-466-2001 x2420 Location: The Monon Community Center, Carmel
sat 19 Timmy Takedown Time: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Price: $10 per ticket, $25 for families of three or more Contact: Anna Butterbaugh at anna@ timmyglobalhealth.org or 317-920-1822 x4 Location: Park Tudor, Indianapolis
Joint Services Exceptional Family Member Forum and Resource Fair Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Contact: Visit www.inautism.org Location: St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Indianapolis
Price: Free
ongoing events
Contact: Erica O’Neil or Katy Messuri at 317-466-1000
Social Etiquette
Location: Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis
Occuring on Tuesdays, Nov. 1 - 22, 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Price: $20
Time: 10 a.m. 36 INDYSCHILD.COM
Gym Games Occuring on Mondays, Nov. 7 - 28, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Price: $20 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245 Location: The Monon Community Center, Carmel
Holiday Card Making Occuring on Thursdays, Nov. 10 - Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Price: $26 Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245 Location: The Monon Community Center, Carmel
Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out (East) Price: Free Contact: Anna Marie at 317-466-2006 Location: Easter Seals Crossroads, Indianapolis
Price: Free
Price: $30 per person / $100 for family of four or more
Lights Up Sound Down sensory friendly movie “Puss N’ Boots”
Location: The Monon Community Center, Carmel
Location: Indiana National Guard, Lawrence Readiness Training Center, Indianapolis
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
thurs 17
Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245
Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out (South)
Location: Brain Balance Achievement Centers, Indianapolis
Times: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Price: $25
Contact: Visit www.jointservicessupport. org or call 800-237-2850 x85458
Contact: 317-843-9200 or indy@brainbalancecenters.com
Autism Family Resource Center Parents’ Support Group
Occuring on Saturdays, Nov. 5 - Dec. 10, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Price: Free
Indiana Safety Conference for First Responders and Special Needs Families
weds 16
TRY-A-THON
Occuring on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Friday of every month
Time: Noon - 2 p.m. Price: Free
Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245
Contact: Brooke Taflinger at 317-573-5245 Location: The Monon Community Center, Carmel
Muscle-Up Occuring on Mondays and Wednesdays, Nov. 2 - 21, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Occuring on the 1st Friday of every month Contact: Anna Marie at 317-466-2006 Location: Indian Creek Christian Church, Indianapolis
Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out (North) Occuring on the 3rd Friday of every month Price: Free Contact: Anna Marie at 317-466-2006 Location: Trinity Wesleyan Church (Kids Kastle), Fishers
Easter Seals Crossroads Parents’ Night Out (West) Occuring on the 4th Friday of every month Price: Free Contact: Anna Marie at 317-466-2006 Location: Speedway United Methodist Church, Speedway Know of an upcoming event benefitting kids with special needs? Email Carrie Bishop at freelancewritercarrie@gmail.com
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 37
special needs resources
[ childcare ]
Agape’ Therapeutic Riding Resources, Inc.
Agape offers children with special needs, their friends and family a safe environment to celebrate birthdays or any life accomplishment. Celebrate events by riding horses under certified instructor supervision in a heated, indoor arena or on wooded trails. Children also create horse related crafts to take home. Various packages are available. 24950 Mt. Pleasant Road, Cicero, IN 46034, Contact: Debbie Laird, Executive Director, Phone: 317-773-RIDE (7433), Email: dlaird@agaperiding.org,
www.agaperiding.org
Applied Behavior Center for Autism To provide the highest quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and Down Syndrome. We do this by providing proven researched based ABA methodologies delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals. Our programs focus on increasing language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reducing problematic behavior. 450 S. State Road 135, Greenwood, IN 46142, Contact: Jane Grimes, Phone: 317-889-KIDS, Email: jane@ appliedbehaviorcenter.org, www.
appliedbehaviorcenter.org
Applied Behavior Center for Autism The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, social skills, academic skills, and reduce problematic behavior. 7901 E. 88th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Jane Grimes, Phone: 317-849-5437, ext 112, Email: jane@ appliedbehaviorcenter.org,
www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org
Applied Behavior Center for Autism The mission of the Applied Behavior Center for Autism is to provide high quality ABA and Verbal Behavior therapy and consulting services to children and their families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders by using researched based ABA methodology delivered by highly qualified and certified professionals to increase language skills, 38 INDYSCHILD.COM
appliedbehaviorcenter.org,
approach designed specifically to address the various difficulties exhibited or experienced by each child. 9510 N. Meridian St. Suite D, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Julie Peterson, Phone: 317-8439200, Email: jpeterson@brainbalancecenters.com,
www.appliedbehaviorcenter.org
www.BrainBalanceIndy.com
social skills, academic skills, and reduce
problematic behavior. 6865 Parkdale Place, Indianapolis, IN 46254, Contact: Jane Grimes, Phone: 317-849-5437, ext 112, Email: jane@
Autism Consultation Individually designed behavior and academic support and intervention strategies for families and children dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorders. With 35+ years experience in special education in public schools I am comfortable attending IEP meetings to advocate for the family and child. Introductory meeting at no charge. Providing service to central Indiana, Contact: Mika Adams, Phone: 866-968-3698, Email: mikaadams@sbcglobal.net,
www.autismconsultation.net
Autism Society of Indiana We strive to improve the lives of everyone affected by autism in Indiana. We provide information and support, referral to resources, policy and educational advocacy, training, awareness, family programs, Spanish-speaking support group, summer camp programs, and oversight on the Indiana Comprehensive Plan of Lifetime Supports for Individuals with Autism 13295 Illinois Street, Suite 110, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Dana Renay, Phone: 800-609-8449, Email: info@inautism.org,
www.inautism.org.
Behavior Analysis Center for Autism The Behavior Analysis Center (BACA) was established by Dr. Carl Sundberg and a group of highly trained Behavior Analysts who have worked with Dr. Sundberg for years. BACA uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to teach language, social, academic, and life skills to children with autism and other related disabilities. 11902 Lakeside Dr., Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Devon Sundberg, Phone: 317-288-5232, Email: dsundberg@thebaca.com,
www.thebaca.com
Brain Balance Achievement Center Indianapolis Brain Balance Achievement Centers work with children who suffer from Developmental Disorders such as Autism Spectrum , Asperger’s, ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, Tourette’s and other neurological disorders. The Brain Balance Program is unique in that it utilizes a comprehensive, multi-faceted
Cornerstone Autism Center Cornerstone Autism Center is an intensive day treatment clinic dedicated to maximizing the potential of children with autism. Utilizing the science-based approach of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), trained therapists work 1:1 with the children to improve language skills, address their academic and social needs and reduce any maladaptive behavior. 360 Polk Street, Greenwood, IN 46143, Contact: David Ide, Executive Director, Phone: (317) 888-1557,
www.cornerstoneautismcenter.com
Hopebridge-Pediatric Specialists Hopebridge-Pediatric Specialists is an Occupational, Speech, Physical and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy provider servicing Indianapolis and the surrounding areas. Hopebridge-Pediatric Specialists offers both in-clinic and in-home therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other special needs. Locations in Kokomo, Lafayette, Marion and Fort Wayne, Contact: Kim Strunk, Phone: 855-3240885, Email: kstrunk@hopebridge.com,
www.hopebridge.com
Little Star Center Little Star is a structured, sensory-friendly place where children with autism receive intense, individualized one-on-one therapeutic intervention based on the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Little Star has a “family first” philosophy and offers a supportive community of parents and professionals. Indiana’s original ABA center – providing services since 2002, 12726 Hamilton Crossing Blvd, Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Mary Rosswurm, Executive Director, Phone: 317-249-2242, Email: maryr@littlestarcenter.org,
www.littlestarcenter.org
Special Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Dr. Satterfield-Siegel is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist specializing in providing dental care for infants, children and patients that have special needs. We provide routine dental care, fillings, in office sedations and hospital dentistry for all of
GUIDE our patients. We build long-lasting relationships with our families through active listening and understanding. New patients are welcomed! 10801 N Michigan Rd Suite 210, Carmel, IN 46077, Contact: Jennifer Satterfield-Siegel, D.D.S., Phone: (317) 873 3448, Email: info@specialsmilesdentistry. com, www.specialsmilesdentistry.com
The Arc of Indiana The Arc of Indiana, established in 1956 by parents of children with developmental disabilities, works every day to empower families with information and resources, empower people with disabilities to be as independent as possible, and inspire positive change in public policy and public attitudes. Contact us. We’re here to help! 107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Phone: 317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100, Email: thearc@ arcind.org
The Arc of Indiana Master Trust The Arc of Indiana Master Trust helps families who have a child with a disability provide for their child’s financial future through a Special Needs Trust; and helps people with disabilities create their own trust. Regardless of your age, or your child’s age or disability, planning for the future is important. Contact us. We’re here to help! 107 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 800, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Contact: Melissa Justice, Trust Director, Phone: 317-977-2375 or 800-382-9100, Email: mjustice@ arcind.org, www.thearctrust.org
Toddlers Choice Inc Celebrating 14 years, Toddler’s Choice is a First Steps pediatric therapy agency dedicated to serving the developmental needs of children with special needs. Our therapists range in experience from 2-35 years and offer the newest treatment strategies in addition to the advantage of many years of knowledge in pediatric therapy. 8117 Center Run Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46250, Contact: Heidi Miller, Phone: 317-570-9205, Fax: 317-5709206, Email: TODDLERSCHOICE@EARTHLINK.NET.,
www.toddlers-choice.com
Your Listing Here!!! Contact Jennica at Jennica@indyschild.com
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 39
Recognizing
Anxiety Depression
IN KIDS
Written by Carrie Bishop
What to look for, and what parents can do ids are going to feel sad. They’re going to feel anxious. These emotions are a normal part of life. Most of the time kids bounce back. It’s when they don’t that sounds an alarm. Because anxiety and depression can affect kids of all ages, it’s important parents are familiar with the symptoms of each. The very young may not have the verbal skills to express their feelings. Older children may not want to share them with their parents. Plus, anxiety and depression don’t always look the way parents may expect.
What anxiety looks like According to Susan Oxfurth, licensed social worker with North Meridian Psychiatric Associates, all kids have anxiety. They worry about school or a friend and that’s normal. The difference is when it starts to interfere with their life. She notes that anxiety disorders can come in many forms including separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobias, panic attacks, and social anxiety. Most parents are familiar with separation anxiety because it affects so many young healthy children. Some kids, however, experience it more acutely. Their symptoms may include a mirage of physical pains that appear to have no basis. Your child may check out healthy during a pediatric examination, yet his physical symptoms persist. A child may also have intense fears about the safety of his parents, refuse to go to school, throw tantrums when it comes time to separate from parents, or be overly clingy. It’s normal for young kids to have some separation anxiety, it’s when 40 INDYSCHILD.COM
their anxiety interferes with their ability to function that it causes concern. Social anxiety also affects many kids and is said to be on the rise. In general, social anxiety is a fear of meeting or talking to people to a point where the child avoids social interactions and has few friends outside his or her family. Kids with social anxiety are often anxious about speaking in front of class or being called on by the teacher or even calling people on the phone. Perhaps unsurprisingly it’s become more comfortable for many kids to text than to speak.
Jessie Fogle, licensed clinical social worker at Meridian Youth Psychiatric Center, said with depression parents may see a lot of sadness, tearfulness, crying, or irritability and anger. Children with depression often show a lack of interest in the things they used to do to have fun. Like anxiety, Fogle said kids suffering from depression may identify they feel bad physically before they are able to identify they feel bad emotionally. They may say their tummy hurts or they have a headache.
Other symptoms of an anxious child may include frequent nightmares or general trouble with sleeping, being easily distressed, asking repetitive reassurance questions such as “What would happen if...,” saying for days on end that he or she is worried, experiencing a change of appetite, fearing that they will make a mistake, and having low self-esteem.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), other symptoms of depression include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, appearing to be physically sped up or slowed down, heightened tiredness or fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, thoughts or expressions of suicide, self destructive behavior, difficulty with relationships, and even boredom.
What depression looks like
What parents can do
While some anxiety is normal for everyone, Oxfurth said children really shouldn’t be depressed unless there’s been a loss such as a death, divorce or other normal situation. If parents feel their child is depressed, then it’s a red flag that something clinical could be going on and the child should get help quickly.
The bottom line if a parent suspects their child is suffering from anxiety or depression, is to ask for support. “It’s important for parents to know they are not a bad parent if their child is suffering from emotional distress,” said Elizabeth C. White, licensed mental health counselor and
Because anxiety and depression can affect kids of all ages, it’s important parents are familiar with the symptoms of each...For more information about anxiety or depression, parents may consider speaking with their child’s school counselor or visiting the AACAP website, aacap.org. licensed school counselor with the Well Counseling and Consulting Group. White encourages parents to talk to teachers and counselors at the child’s school, talk with his or her primary care physician, or seek the help of a private practice therapist. Fogle believes some parents are scared to pursue outpatient counseling fearing their child will automatically be put on medication. She said that’s not the case. Therapy allows the child to talk about their feelings, discuss what’s stressful, and gain necessary coping skills. Many therapists use cognitive behavior therapy to treat children with anxiety and depression. This treatment helps kids begin to learn they have the power to change their thinking. They relearn how to manage their worries, fears or sadness.
Aside from formal therapies, Oxfurth said, “The best advice for parents is to set a calm example. Don’t freak out yourself. Model how to manage stress and use it as a teaching moment.” She also advises parents to never dismiss a child’s feelings even if the parent feels the issue has been dealt with. Other strategies for good mental health include making sure the child is physically active, has good sleeping patterns, eats a well-balanced diet, and has a regular routine they can count on. Also, limit the child’s ability to watch repetitive news and hear adults talking about news repetitively because children don’t know how to process this information. For more information about anxiety or depression, parents may consider speaking with their child’s school counselor or visiting the AACAP website, www.aacap.org.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 41
Written by Amy Seng Holtzman
Boarding School
BENEFITS
Is it right for your child-and you? 42 INDYSCHILD.COM
rad Davis is a proud dad from the north side of Indianapolis. His son, Nick, is a star football player and leader at his high school, but this family’s story is a little different from most. When Davis wants to cheer on his son’s team, he has to drive nearly three hours to do so, because Nick is one of the more than 75,000 students nationwide in boarding school. Nick is a senior at The Howe School in Howe, Ind. Davis said he, Nick’s mom and step dad felt Nick could benefit from the military school’s emphasis on discipline and character building. So, three years ago, they signed him up. “His grade point average has increased significantly. He’s the co-captain of the football team and second in command in his barracks. We’re all very proud that his motivation and effort are so high,” Davis said. Nick enjoys Howe, and when asked his favorite part about boarding school, he replied, “Being responsible for myself and having a head start on leading my life.” Although he dislikes the separation from life at home in Indianapolis, Nick’s dad tries to help by attending Nick’s football games, track events and family weekends. “It’s well worth it for me to stay close to Nick.”
you’d see in movies. “No one goes out of their way here to be hard on the students. Howe is set up to allow the students to succeed and to provide the motivation to do so,” he said.
Rachel Logan-Wood is a boarding school student, too. She’s a sophomore at Olney Friends Academy in Barnesville, Ohio. “Everyone gets along so well here. I’ve gotten to know everyone, and I like that they treat us as adults,” she said. Olney Friends began as a school for Quaker farm families nearly 175 years ago. Kirsten Bohl, the school’s director of communications, said its mission is still tied to those roots with many of its college-prep studies linked to the school’s farm. Students help raise vegetables and livestock, and they work in the surrounding forest to protect a local watershed. point average has
“His grade increased significantly. He’s the co-captain of the football team and second in command in his barracks. We’re all very proud that his motivation and effort are so high,”
—Brad Davis, father of Nick Davis, a senior at The Howe School in
Howe, Ind.
James Rosebush is the chief operating officer at Howe. He said students – or cadets as they’re called – don’t have a lot of time to be homesick. Each cadet is involved in sports and they’re involved in governing life on campus. Nick is quick to challenge the notion that Howe is like the military reform school
Lucy Hartsock is a junior at Olney Friends. Although she said it is hard being 200 miles away from her family, Hartsock talks to them often. She said she likes school despite the separation, “I get a chance to be independent, but there’s still structure. My mom can trust me 100 percent.” Hartsock loves the diversity of the school, too. Of the 53 students at Olney, 10 of them are from other countries. In fact, most boarding schools have diverse student populations. At Andrews Osborne Academy near Cleveland, 25 percent of the students are international students. Boarding school students also come from many economic backgrounds.
According to The Association of Boarding Schools, 26 percent of students receive some financial aid to help cover tuition costs. In fact, many of the schools we talked to said cost should not keep you from considering boarding school.
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 43
The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tenn. awards $1.2M in financial aid to its students. Marketing director, Matt Anderson, said the school is open to students in grades 6-12 and added that the kids there think it’s cool to be smart. The 141-year-old co-ed school encourages students to find their academic passions and helps boost each student’s self-confidence by requiring an annual public performance. Culver Academies in Culver, Ind. is located just 2.5 hours north of Indianapolis. Culver has 800 students enrolled from 41 states and 32 countries. Mike Turnbull, director of admissions, said the size of the school’s enrollment places it in the Top 5 largest boarding schools in the country. “Culver provides an experience unlike any other in private secondary school education,” Turnbull said. Grand River Academy in Austinburg, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland, is dedicated to helping boys who are academically underachieving. Christina Townsend Hartz said their students receive individualized attention and learning plans and added that the rural-setting helps students avoid outside distractions. Eagle Hill School in Hardwick, Mass. is a school for students with learning differences. Teachers here customize instruction for each student. Marketing and communications director, Ian Callahan said, “Eagle Hill’s scheduling system reflects an emphasis on individuality. With the opportunity to shake things up approximately every month, students find it easier to stay interested in their daily schedule.” Ninety-six percent of Eagle Hill’s graduates go on to college. These are just a few of the many boarding school options available. Chances are you can find a school that matches your child’s talents, ambitions or needs. If you’d like to learn more, a good place to start your research is The Association of Boarding Schools at www.boardingschools.com.
44 INDYSCHILD.COM
education +childcare resources
[ childcare ]
Schools & Education Carmel Carmel Montessori Schools, Inc. Carmel Montessori School is located on the beautiful campus at St. Christopher’s Church on the NE corner of Main St. and Meridian in Carmel. Our directress is American Montessori Certified with 13 years head-teaching experience. We offer a beautiful, peaceful and positive Montessori learning environment. Extended days available. 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Emily & Scott Rudicel, 317-580-0699, info@ carmelmontessori.com, www.carmelmontessori.com
Clay Montessori A Montessori school offering morning, afternoon, and full-day programs. Available for ages 3-6 years old. Call for more information. (Affiliated with Fisher’s Montessori) 463 East Main St., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850
GUIDE
program allowing children to learn at their own pace and
State Standards. 1402 W. Main St., Carmel, IN 46032,
Giving your child a Montessori education is a gift your child will embrace in the classroom and for years to come. The Montessori classroom, following your child’s lead, naturally allows him the unique opportunity to develop and achieve many life skills: concentration, logical thinking, a love of learning, social, academic and emotional development. Through his experience and education, the child is creating our future. The Village of West Clay, 12760 Horseferry Road, Suite 100, Carmel, IN 46032 Contact: Kris Spence, Founder/Directress 317-840-8610 info@IndianaMontessoriAcademy.org www.
are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and inspire
Contact: Elizabeth Williams, 317-846-8182, elizabeth@
children to do not only the minimum, but also their best,
themontessorilearningcenter.com, ,www.
where learning should be a happy, joyous experience!
themontessorilearningcenter.com
IndianaMontessoriAcademy.org
317-852-3900, Email: mariamontessori-intl.org,
Indiana Montessori Academy
Maria Montessori - Spanish Immersion Academy Maria Montessori Spanish Emmersion Academy offers a 2 day halfdays or 3 day half days price at $250 to $295 per month for Toddlers to Kindergarten program. The program is located inside of Holy Trinity Greek Chruch from 9 to noon. This program is a child centered Montessori
Children learn how to think for themselves and how to solve problems in original and creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children participate in math, language, music, art, practical life, science, geography, and foreign language (Spanish all day). Discover the Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting applications for all ages toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten. 3500 106th intersecting Shelborne, Carmel, 46032, Phone:
www.mariamontessori-intl.org
The Montessori Learning Center The Montessori Learning Center offers a Montessori
Starting Line Preschool The Right Start for A Lifelong Love of Learning! Our strong academic-based curriculum prepares and encourages your child to succeed in school while discoving learning is fun! * Develop Social Awareness & Friendships, Build Confidence and Master Academic Skills for Kindergarten. Address: 575 W. Carmel Dr., Carmel, IN 46032, Contact: Diane Atkins, Phone: 317-753-9397, Email: dkatkins22@ msn.com, Type of School: Early Childhood, Ages/Grades: Ages 2 - PreK, www.startinglinepreschool.com
elementary program for grades 1-5. We focus on
FISHERS
developing the whole child through interaction with an
Fall Creek Montessori Academy
interdisciplinary curriculum. Our program specifically
Fall Creek Montessori Academy is a culturally diverse
meets the needs of each child and is aligned with Indiana
environment where children grow and develop their unique
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 45
talents and gifts. Through child-centered learning, children excel physically, academically and emotionally. Conveniently located one mile east of I-69 on 96th St. FCMA serves children at all levels. Programs are available two to five days per week. 8888 Fitness Ln, Fishers, IN 46037, Contact: Diana Brugh, (317) 436-8606, diana@ fallcreekmontessori.com,
www.fallcreekmontessori.com
Fishers Montessori A quality learning environment offering preschool, kindergarten and elementary. Certification through American Montessori Society. 12806 Ford Rd and 131st and Allisonville Rd., Fishers, IN 46038, Contact: Peggy White, 317-849-9519 or 317-580-1850
INDIANAPOLIS - CENTRAL Todd Academy, Inc. Todd Academy serves gifted middle and high school students who are seeking a learning challenge. Classes are designed to be fun while motivating the student to stretch academically. Working with the IUPUI SPAN program allows students to take college classes when they are ready for more challenging educational opportunities. 855 N. East
INDIANAPOLIS - NORTH
based setting. It is designed to offer children ages 9 months
materials, & friendships, with readiness activities woven
Arthur M. Glick JCC
to 5 years a positive and developmentally appropriate
through each study unit. Need longer hours? Try our child
experience in the care of experienced teachers and
care ministry, The Neighborhood designed for 2-PreK. 9111
caregivers. We play and learn! Classes are offered
and encourage children to behave according to these values
N. Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: John
weekdays from 9 am to 2:30 pm. Children may attend up to
as the children are learning, playing and socializing with one
Drake or Kelly Belt, 317-575-6508, Fax: 317-575-6509,
3 days a week. 5500 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208,
another. The JCC embraces a learning-through-play
jdrake@golove.org or kbelt@golove.or
Contact: Christy Whaley, 317-253-0472, cwhaley@
teaching method to engage children in activities that
meridianstreet.org, www.meridianstreet.org
Our loving caregivers and teachers demonstrate by example
promote creativity, accelerate learning and stimulate social interaction, all at each child’s individual pace. 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, 317-251-9467, emills@ JCCindy.org, www.JCCindy.org
Beth-El Zedeck Early Childhood Center
Children’s Circle Preschool at Second Presbyterian Church Children’s Circle Preschool is a developmentally appropriate, activity based, Christian preschool. We offer classes for children ages 9 months to 5 years old. We meet the needs of
Fairview Early Childhood Program Fairview ECP has a developmental, expereinced based curriculum in a warm and inclusive environment. Curriculum is designed to promote positive social behavior, respect for diversity, positive self-concept, independence, creativity and critical thinking skills. Fairview is Accredited by NECPA. Come and visit us! 4609 N. Capital Ave., Indianapolis, IN
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Ages 12 months old+ through full day
the whole child in a creative and loving environment. Our
Kindergarten! Choice of days/hours! Full Academic
experienced staff embraces excellence in education by
Curriculum and Innovative Arts’ Enrichment. Our Program
nurturing the whole child- physically, emotionally,
mpeterson@fairviewpresbyterian.org
recognizes that intellectual, social, emotional and physical
spiritually, and intellectually. Please call for more
development are interwoven. Our children will thrive on
information or to set up a tour. 7700 N. Meridian St.,
exploration, creativity, curiosity, discovery, spontaneity and
Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Cara Paul, Director, 317-252-
Meridian Hills Cooperative Nursery School
more important, lots of love! 600 W. 70th St., Indianapolis,
5517, cpaul@secondchurch.org, www.childrenscircle.
IN 46260, Contact: Joanie Waldman, 317-259-6854,
org
jwaldman@bez613.org
Children’s Day In Nursery School and Traditional Preschool
Early Childhood Center, The Church at the Crossing
46208, Contact: Melissa Peterson, 317-253-4990,
Share your love of learning with your children. Founded in 1960 by involved parents like you, Meridian Hills Cooperative provides a positive, nurturing environment wherein children explore and learn by doing. Spacious classrooms. Beautiful, wooded playground. Caring, experienced staff. Adult/child
Our Mothers Day Out (12-35 mos) and Preschool (3
ratios 1:4 - 1:6. Find us on Facebook. Address: 7171 N. Pennsylvania, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: See
Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, Contact: Sharon Todd,
The Children’s Day In traditional preschool and nursery
yrs-PreK’s) programs provide relaxed, playful, secure
317-636-3100,Fax: 317-636-3103, admissions@toddacademy.
school program provides a fully inclusive early childhood
environments that nurture creativity and encourage the
�Admissions/Tours� webpage, Phone: 317-255-0831, www.
com, www.toddacademy.com
program with an emphasis on Christian values in a play
exploration of God’s world, a wide variety of learning
meridianhillscoop.org
46 INDYSCHILD.COM
Montessori Centres Stressing peace and respect for all, we’ve worked with children to develop critical-thinking and time-management skills since 1966. Montessori-certified lead teachers serve children aged 3-3rd grade. Our classroom structure and materials allow children to be self-directed and self-paced. Our well-rounded curriculum includes French and Spanish, art, and computer labs.563 Westfield Blvd. W. Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Lynn Boone, Director, Phone: 317-257-2224, Fax: 317-254-3034, Email: montessoricentres@sbcglobal.net
The Orchard School The Orchard School, an independent, non-sectarian, progressive school, emphasized experiential learning. Orchard teachers engage the natural curiosity of children, develop academic excellence, and provide leadership experience through well-rounded education. Orchard’s diverse community and commitment to multicultural education inspires responsible, global citizenship. Founded in 1922. NAIS, ISACS, NAEYS accredited. 615 W. 64th St., Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Kristen Hein, Director of Admissions, Phone: 317-713-5705, Fax: 317-254-8454, Email: khein@orchard.org, www.orchard.org
Park Tudor School Park Tudor School’s exceptional educators and extraordinary opportunities prepare students to become confident and resourceful lifelong learners. The school community creates
an inspiring college-preparatory learning environment for highly motivated young people. Two-year Global Scholars program for juniors and seniors; 19 AP classes; full-day kindergarten; Spanish beginning at age 3. 7200 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: David Amstutz, 317-415-2777, info@parktudor.org, www.parktudor.org
St. Richard’s School Independent Episcopal day school offering a diverse community filled with academic rigor, faith based ecumenism and long-standing traditions. Its mission is to instill knowledge and values for a lifetime through the implementation of five Pillars for Success: Faith, Classic Curriculum, Leadership, Civic Responsibility, and Global Readiness. Pre-Kindergarten (3) through Grade 8. 33 E. 33rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205, Contact: Melinda W. Fisher, 317-926-0425 x134, Fax: 317-921-3367, mfisher@ strichardsschool.org, www.strichardsschool.org
Sycamore School At Sycamore, teachers trained in gifted education deliver a curriculum designed to challenge and engage gifted learners. Art, music, Spanish, PE and technology are taught at all levels. Extensive field trips, athletics, child care, financial aid, and a wide variety of after school activities are offered. 1750 W. 64th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Dr. Susan Karpicke, Director of Admissions. 317-202-2500, Fax: 317-202-2501,. skarpicke@sycamoreschool.org,
sycamoreschool.org
INDIANAPOLIS - NORTHEAST Compassionate Angels Child Care Ministry We are a family ran business. We have over 30 years of experience. We accept children ages 6 weeks to 12 years and provide before and after school care. We are a Christian based ministry, using the bible and God’s word to teach morals and values. We teach through play and creativity so the children learn, and have fun doing it. We have a very strong educational program that prepares your little one for first grade. From infancy through Kindergarten we have proper age appropriate curriculum and teaching. We are dedicated to the love, education and safety of your child or children. 2626 Ruth Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46240, Contact: Jody Teipen-Holbrook, Phone: 317-205-9264, Fax: 317-205-9263, Email: compassionateangelsministry@gmail. com, www.compassionate-angels.com
Heritage Christian School Established in 1965, accredited through ACSI and NCA. HCS is the choice in college preparatory discipleship Christian education for 1,400 students each year grades Prep K – 12. Advanced, Honors and AP classes. Full Fine Arts and 2A IHSAA Athletics. HCS is training up the next generation of Christian leaders through challenging, Biblically taught curriculum including internships and service to others. Bus transportation available. Schedule a tour today! 6401 E. 75th Street, Indianapolis, In 46250, Contact: Emily Iglendza,
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 47
Director of Enrollment Management, 317-849-3441, Admissions@heritagechristian.net,
www.heritagechristian.net
Polly Panda Preschool and Bridgford Kindergarten
INDIANAPOLIS NORTHWEST Funshine Children’s Center
well-qualified and loving staff. 2944 E. 56th Street,
Funshine Children’s Center provides individualized care and educational programs to meet the needs of each child. Our Creative Curriculum helps foster each child’s social, physical, cognitive and language development. Our certified teachers engage children in daily age-appropriate activities. Please schedule a tour for more information. Paths to QUALITY Level 3 Provider. 3535 West 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Bree Loughman, (317) 872-7755, Fax: 317-872-6511, funshineforkids@sbcglobal.net, www.
Indianapolis, IN 46220, Contact: Gail Hacker and Tammy
funshineforkids.com
Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem solving in all areas. A child’s sense of self-worth, independence and growth in social skills are developed through positive interaction with peers and our
Clark, Phone: 317-257-9127, Email: pollypandaindy@ sbcglobal.net, www.pollypanda.com
International School of Indiana
school. From infants to Kindergarten, your child can grow
At the International School of Indiana, we share your wish to prepare your children for the future we cannot imagine, and to give them the foundation and attitude to thrive in a changing world. An education that combines internationally respected academic standards with a truly international outlook. 4330 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46208, Contact: Sarah Harrison or Kate Lock, 923-1951 Ext. 369, admissions@isind.org,,
up with us! Check us out! You won’t be disappointed.
www.isind.org
Tomorrows Child Daycare Ministry We offer an excellent program for the academic as well as spiritual development of each child. For over 25 yrs we have given the children in our care a “home away from home” atmosphere. We use the Abeka Christian Curriculum, giving kids a great head start when they enter
Great references, low ratios, great rates. 7920 E. 82nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46256, Contact: Mary Copeland, Phone: 317-491-5000, Email: m7509t@aol.com
48 INDYSCHILD.COM
Maria Montessori International Academy Maria Montessori International Academy offers a child
centered Montessori program allowing children to learn at
Traders Point Christian Academy
their own pace and are treated with respect. Teachers
Fully accredited by ACSI and AdvancEd, Traders Point is
encourage and inspire children to do not only the
a nondenominational Christian college prep school
minimum, but also their best, where learning should be a
serving 600 students age 18 months to 12th grade.
happy, joyous experience! Children learn how to think for
Offering Fine Arts, Spanish, Technology, Honors, AP and
themselves and how to solve problems in original and
dual-credit options within a Biblical viewpoint.
creative ways and have a positive self-image. Children
Interscholastic athletics in grade 2 - HS varsity.
participate in math, language, music, art, practical life,
Preparing students for high school and college, for a
science, geography, and foreign language. The lead
world without borders, and for a life of significance.
teachers possess bachelor degree and certification in
Located at I-65 North/SR 334, Zionsville exit. Visit us -
Montessori Education. Discover the Difference at the
for more information contact Mrs. Toni Kanzler, tkanzler@
Maria Montessori! 7507 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis,
tpcs.org, at 317-769-2450., www.tpcs.org
IN 46268, Phone: 317-291-5557, Email: mariamontessoriintl.org, www.mariamontessori-intl.org
St. Luke’s Early Childhood Programs
INDIANAPOLIS - SOUTH Montessori Garden Academy
St Luke’s Community Preschool is a weekday,
Serving children ages one through twelve, MGA builds
developmentally appropriate and experience based
children’s self confidence and nurtures their natural
program. Two well-trained, degreed teachers are in each
curiosity. Children “learn by doing” to achieve a sense
classroom. Parents’ Day Out is a structured play
of pride and independence, along with learning to
experience that provides parents some time for
cooperate with each other and resolve their own
themselves on a regular basis on M, Th, F. We provide a
conflicts respectfully. Rather than a “cookie cutter”
warm and loving Christian environment in which
approach, MGA’s caring teachers and individualized
children can learn and grow. Tours available upon
attention enable each child to reach his or her highest
request. Visitors welcome. 100 West 86th Street,
potential. 4141 S. East Street, Indianapolis, In 46227,
Indianapolis, IN 46260, Contact: Bobbi Main-Jackson,
Contact: Kelly Sikora, Executive Director, 317-782-9990,
Dir., 317-844-3399, mainb@stlukesumc.com, www.
kelly@montessorigardenacademy.org,
stlukesumc.com
www.montessorigardenacademy.org
MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Indiana Council of Preschool Cooperatives: ICPC Indianapolis Area Preschool and Kindergarten Cooperatives Preschools: great for your child, great for you! Children and parents learn and grow together in the classroom with caring, experienced teachers. Multiple Locations in Indianapolis Area, ICPC Line: 317-767-7596
Kindermusik by Musical Beginnings
solving in all areas. A child’s sense of self-worth,
Tipton. We serve children ages 18 months to 15 years,
Dr., Zionsville/Carmel, IN 46077, Phone: 317-769-2220,,
independence and growth in social skills are developed
and we are adding a new Toddler room for the
Email: mariamontessori-intl.org,
through positive interaction with peers and our
2011-2012 year. 800 E. Sycamore Street, Westfield, IN
www.mariamontessori-intl.org
well-qualified and loving staff. 17645 Oakmont Dr.,
46074, Contact: Mary Lyman, Directress, 317-867-0158,
Noblesville, IN 46062, Contact: Heather Hilbert, Phone:
montessoriwestfield@gmail.com,
317-773-0387, Email: pollypandaindy@sbcglobal.net,
www.montessorischoolofwestfield.com
www.pollypanda.com
Primrose School of Noblesville Primrose School of Noblesville distinguishes itself by
ZIONSVILLE
Maria Montessori International Academy
Kindermusik is a music and movement program for
creating a safe and nurturing environment where
Maria Montessori International Academy offers the only
children, ages 0-7. You’ll play, listen and dance to
children will take their first steps toward a lifetime of
infant and toddler program in addition to elementary
music that will impact your child in profound ways.
achievement. You will find certified, professional staff
(1st to 6th grade) in the Greater Carmel/Zionsville area.
That’s because every song, story and two-step has a
and many programs such as spanish, technology, music
The Academy offers a child centered Montessori
carefully chosen purpose in this creative curriculum -
and physical fitness that will consistently challenge your
program allowing children to learn at their own pace and
one that’s designed to stimulate and strengthen the
child. 15707 North Point Blvd., Noblesville, IN 46060,
are treated with respect. Teachers encourage and
vital neural wiring taking place in your child’s mind
Contact: Jackie Bell, 317-773-4900, Fax: 317-773-4433,
inspire children to do not only the minimum, but also
right now. 606 S. Union Street, Westfield, IN 46074,
jbell@primrosenoblesville.com
their best, where learning should be a happy, joyous
Childcare
A Little Angel’s Child Care The best kept secret on the North side. A Christian learning environment designed for today’s family. We have a very diverse student population and we strive to satisfy all children’s needs. We offer a well rounded program stressing learning through directed play. We emphasize the traditional core values of ‘Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Respect.’ Conveniently located in New Novembera 7434 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, Contact: Alice Glenn-Artis, 317-872-8080, Fax: 317-291-6880, Alice@alittleangelschild.comcast.biz
Wee Folk Childcare
experience! Children learn how to think for themselves
Quality in-home child care serving caring families for 20
WESTFIELD
and how to solve problems in original and creative ways
years. (CPR, 1st aid certified, and state licensed). Two
Montessori School of Westfield, Inc.
and have a positive self-image. Children participate in
meals and one snack provided daily along with baby
chess, math, language, music, art, practical life,
Located on 3 wooded acres in Central Indiana, the
food and regular formula. We provide quality learning
science, geography, and foreign language Spanish and
Montessori School of Westfield adheres to the
through play in a non-smoking Christian environment.
Manderin). The lead teachers possess bachelor degree
Polly Panda provides a safe and healthy environment which
academic traditions of Montessori while serving the
Preschool program providing Kindergarten prep is
and certification in Montessori Education. Discover the
enhances each child’s total growth. Our theme-based
present day child. The Montessori School of Westfield
Difference at the Maria Montessori! Now accepting
available. Meridian Kessler Neighborhood, 317-926-3640
hands-on preschool program provides a wide-range
serves children from Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel,
applications for all ages starting 3 months to 6 years
experiences that foster learning, creativity and problem
Zionsville, Westfield, Sheridan, Noblesville, Cicero and
located in Stonegate, Zionsville, IN. 4370 Weston Pointe
Contact: Kim Bemis, Phone: 317-867-3077, Email: kimusik@musicalbeginnings.com,
www.musicalbeginnings.com
NOBLESVILLE
Polly Panda Preschool
Your Listing Here! Contact Jennica at Jennica@IndysChild.com
NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 49
around town
[ indy on a budget ]
10 Facts About Arts in Education 1. Students who participate in arts programs are at least three times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, elected to class office within their schools, participate in a math and science fair, win an award for school attendance and win an award for writing an essay or poem.
Affording the Arts Theatre programs, performances and education that won’t break your wallet
2. Third grade art students who participated in the Guggenheim Learning Through Art Program performed better in six categories of literacy and critical thinking skills including thorough description, hypothesizing and reasoning - than did students who were not in the program. 3. Studies show that students of the arts in all disciplines outperformed their non-arts peers on the SAT by 91 points in 2009. 4. Numerous studies affirm that students who receive music education in school improve their SAT and ACT scores in math, foreign language and creative writing. 5. Nine out of ten parents surveyed opposed cuts to the arts in our schools. 6. Employment in arts-related jobs are set to rise 16% through 2016, which is faster than the national average in most fields. 7. In a report released by the National Endowment of the Arts in 2008, the amount of people who attended at least one arts event was 34.6%, down about 5% from six years prior. 8. Nationally, the not-for-profit arts and culture industry generates $166.2 billion in economic activity every year. 9. The not-for-profit arts and culture industry generates 5.7 million jobs every year. 10. About 86% of artists vote in comparison with about 60% of all Americans. Source: www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-arts-education
50 INDYSCHILD.COM
Brooke Reynolds “Studies have shown that participation in the arts is directly related to better in-school performance, such as accelerated cognitive development, higher GPAs, a greater ability to work within a group setting and advanced creativity,” Holly Stults, associate director of education at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre’s Jr. Civic, said. But with performing arts education funds being cut from our public schools, it’s becoming more imperative that parents build arts education for children into their family budgets.
“More and more arts programs are being cut at schools; therefore, guardians need to look other places for that important exposure,” Catherine Wade, associate artistic director at Young Actors Theatre, said. “Youth becomes engaged in a different way when watching the arts. They are participating in critical thinking, comprehension, self reflection and more – all in one moment.” The greater Indianapolis area has many neighborhood community arts
centers, museums, theatres and concert halls. These organizations offer many affordable and sometimes free options for performances and arts education. With a little preplanning, families can enjoy live theatre without all the burdening costs. Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel produces shows specifically for children, and their annual Jr. Civic mainstage musical features a cast of all children. Ticket costs are reduced for children 12 and under, running at $20 for a musical and $15 for a play. The
theatre also offers group discounts as well as subscriber perks.
The Asante Children’s Theatre (ACT) is a professional theatre organization committed to preserving the tradition The Children’s Museum offers a wide of African and African-American variety of performing arts performing arts. “We offer an opportunities for families, including incredible opportunity for children to museum theater within galleries, see young actors, oftentimes close to participatory creative drama and the their age, confidently performing on formal Lilly Theater. Lilly Theater stage,” Keesha Dixon, executive tickets are free with museum director at Asante Children’s Theatre, admission or a museum membership. said. For their annual performances in “In one day, for the price of museum March and June, this admission, you theatre hosts a have access to “community No matter the theatre, families can the Lilly night” special, Theater and 10 find discounts by purchasing tickets selling all seats galleries full of for $5. They also on the day of the performance as different types offer bring-aof museum child discounts soon as the box office opens. theater!” where children Theatres may offer educator/ Jennifer Pace under 12 get in at Robinson, the a discounted rate military discounts and coupons in Children’s when Museum’s vice entertainment books. Check for accompanied by president of a paying adult. occasional listings on daily deal experience development, No matter the sites such as Groupon.com, said. theatre, families LivingSocial.com and GoldStar.com, can find “Young Actors discounts by a daily deal site specifically for arts Theatre shows purchasing are unique and entertainment. And avoid the tickets on the day because they are of the refreshment stands at the casts of only performance as youth,” Wade soon as the box performances – those snacks can said. “We have office opens. youth add up quickly! Theatres may performing for offer educator/ youth - there is military discounts nothing like children seeing other kids and coupons in entertainment books. their own age performing.” Young Check for occasional listings on daily Actors Theatre offers student deal sites such as Groupon.com, discounts as well as discounted rates LivingSocial.com and GoldStar.com, a for groups of more than four kids. daily deal site specifically for arts and entertainment. And avoid the The Children’s Theatre Institute refreshment stands at the performances (CTI) targets different children’s age – those snacks can add up quickly! groups with their lineup of shows. “Our attitude is that we don’t want Perhaps one of the most reliable ways anyone not to be able to come due to to save money is to buy theatre tickets finances,” James Leagre, executive in bulk. Many theatres offer discounts director/founder of Children’s for group bookings, and most don’t Theatre Institute, said. The best require an “official” group to get that bargain for CTI is to purchase one discount. “Get a group together!” of their two types of season passes: Wade said. “Find other children in your one is a flex pass which admits you neighborhood, school or church, and to three of the five shows, while get a group rate to save some the other pass admits you to all money!” five shows. NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 51
calendar 05 16
01
31 tues 01
02-06
Skippyjon Jones
weds 02
06
“Know” Bones About It 1
Times: 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM
Times: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Price: $8.00
Price: Resident $4; Non-resident $6
Phone: 317-940-9697
Phone: 317-595-3150
Location: Clowes Hall. 4602 Sunset Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Location: Ritchey Woods. 10410 Hague Road, Fishers, IN 46037
www.cloweshall.org
www.fishers.in.us/parks
Students are sure to enjoy this new musical based on the best-selling book by Judy Schachner. Grades PreK-3.
No need to bone up on anatomy - the games, crafts, and songs only make up the skeleton of
52 INDYSCHILD.COM
09
the program. Please remember all activities are outside, so dress for the weather. Parents are required to stay. For ages 3-5. Pre-registration is required and ends one week prior to program.
17
Junior League 2011 Holiday Mart Shopper’s Eve Preview Party Wednesday, November 2nd: 6:30pm10:00pm.... Holiday Mart occuring daily: Thursday, November 3rd: 10:00am8:00pm, Friday, November 4th: 10:00am-8:00pm, Saturday, November 5th: 9:00am-6:00pm, Sunday, November 6th: 11:00am-5:00pm Price: $10 advance; $12 at door; 12 and under free
November 2011 [ indy’s child ] 52
November 2011
26
18 20 31 Phone: (317) 925-4600 Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.jlindy.org/
A favorite tradition in the Indianapolis area, the 2011 Holiday Mart brings nearly 100 unique merchants from across the country to the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This event continues through Nov. 6. See Website for complete schedule of events.
19
fri 04
Charm Bracelets Times: 3:00 – 6:00PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-839-6602 Location: Plainfield Library. 1120 Stafford Rd., Plainfield, IN 46168 www.plainfieldlibrary.net/
Stop by after school to make your own charm bracelet. All supplies will be provided. For Grades 6 - 12.
thurs 03
sat 05
Times: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Target Free Family Night
Children’s Tea and Etiquette Lesson
Price: Free
Price: Members $22, Nonmembers $26
Phone: 317-334-3322
Phone: 317-636-5409
Location: The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208
Location: Morris-Butler House. 1204 N. Park Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202
www.childrensmuseum.org
www.indianalandmarks.org
Explore the lives of extraordinary children Ruby Bridges, Ryan White, and Anne Frank and discover ways to give back to your community. Sponsored generously by Target.
Practice your manners with afternoon tea, which will include scones with jam, cake, finger sandwiches, and cookies, served in our beautifully restored dining room and library.
24
Chemistry Day Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Price: Free with museum admission Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org
Find out what makes chemistry so cool with demonstrations, hands-on activities and displays. Programs will intrigue young minds while emphasizing basic chemistry principles and safety.
sun 06
Feeding the Community Body: A Day of Wellness Times: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: (317) 251-9467 Location: JCC. 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.jccindy.org
This Day of Wellness brings people of all ages, faiths and backgrounds together to participate, observe, learn and share
25
27
in a wide range of workshops and activities. Guests are welcome to come for one or as many of the day’s offerings as they’d like. The schedule for the day of wellness is chock-full of activities.
Phineas and Ferb Live! Price: $15 - $75 Phone: 317-917-2500 Location: Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.ticketmaster.com/
Phineas, Ferb, and the whole tri-state area gang embark on a bold escape jumping out from behind your TV and onto the stage in a live action adventure - right in your hometown! Musical madness abounds in an escapade so awesome that even Candace can’t help but join the hilarious hijinks. 1PM, 4PM, and 7PM shows.
Stories with Santa Times: 1:00 PM Price: $30 per family Phone: (317) 925-4600 NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 53
Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.jlindy.org/
Kids can enjoy a snack, hear a story & have their first photo with Santa this year at the Junior League Holiday Mart. Family ticket is good for all children under 12 plus one (1) accompanying adult.
mon 07
Tales for 2s & 3s Times: 9:30-10:00 AM; 10:30-11:00 AM and 11:30 a.m.-12:00 PM Price: FREE Location: Carmel Clay Public Library. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us
Storytime for children ages 2-3 & their caregivers.
tues 08
Election Day: live from Delaware Street Times: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Price: $9.00 member adult; $4.00 member student (ages 5 to 17) - $10.00 adults; $5 Phone: Email volunteer@pbhhorg or call 317-631-1888 Location: Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site. 1230 North Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.pbhh.org/visit/Events.php#lost
Visit the President Benjamin Harrison Home and be transported to the year 1888 as household staff and family members, recreated by exceptional actors, discuss their preparations for their move to Washington.
weds 09
62nd annual Christmas Gift & Hobby Show
More than 60,000 visitors attend one of the Midwest’s largest shows to shop for holiday and home décor, specialty foods, crafts, jewelry and other gift items that 350 exhibitors sell. This event continues through Nov. 13. See website for complete schedule of events.
thurs 10
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage: Silly Songs & Serenades Times: 1:15 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4380 Location: Franklin Road Library. 5550 S. Franklin Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46239 www.imcpl.org
Children and families are invited to learn about the rich music and culture of Mexico at this interactive bilingual program. Presented by Yurtfolk, this program will feature music, stories and dance.
fri 11
Indianapolis Ice vs. Green Bay Times: 7:00 PM Price: $8 - $20 Phone: 317-925-4423 Location: Pepsi Coliseum. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.indianaice.com/
Come cheer on the Ice as they take on Green Bay.
sat 12
Super Spirit Craft Program Times: 2:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4540 Location: West Indianapolis Library. 1216 S. Kappes St, Indianapolis, IN 46221 www.imcpl.org
Children ages 6 and up are invited to make a headband for their favorite sports team using recycled materials and clever attachments. Local artist Sofiya Inger will lead this fun program. Call 275-4540 to register.
Times: Wed-Thurs, 10am-8pm; FriSat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 10am-5pm Price: $10 per person; children 12 and under are free; $7 seniors Phone: (800) 215-1700 Location: Indiana State Fairgrounds. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.christmasgiftandhobbyshow.com 54 INDYSCHILD.COM
www.colts.com
Come cheer on the Colts as they take on Jacksonville.
mon 14
Teen Craft: Day of the Dead Times: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Phone: 317-885-5036 Location: Greenwood Library. 310 S. Meridian St., Greenwood, IN 46143 www.greenwoodlibrary.us
Phone: (317) 297-7000 Location: Lucas Oil Stadium. 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225
Seasonal Celebrations: Gobbles and Giggles
tues 15
Family Game Night at Fountain Square Times: 6:00 PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-275-4390 Location: Fountain Square Library. 1066 Virginia Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46203 www.imcpl.org
Families are invited to play a variety of fun and educational board games with their children.
weds 16
Fishers Parks and Recreation “Pirate Party” Times: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Price: R:$12/NR:$18 Phone: (317) 595-3150 Location: Billericay Park Building. 12690 Promise Road, Fishers, IN www.fishers.in.us
Times: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Price: $8 per child Phone: 317-327-7375 Location: Krannert Park . 605 s High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46241 www.indy.gov/parks
Spend the morning celebrating Thanksgiving with games, stories, crafts, and more. Ages 18 months to 5 years, times will vary for the age. Call for more details.
fri 18
Indiana Pacers vs. Portland Trailblazers
Arr Matey! Come have fun at our Pirate Party! Dress in your favorite pirate gear and enjoy stories, games, crafts, and a snack. For ages 3-7. DropOff Class. Registration required.
thurs 17
Barney Live In Concert - Birthday Bash!
Times: 7:00 PM Price: See website for pricing details Phone: (800) 4-NBA-TIX Location: Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.consecofieldhouse.com
Come cheer on the Pacers as they take on Portland!
Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Price: $48 and up
Celebrate with Barney on his birthday at this BRAND NEW, interactive, live stage concert, featuring more than 25 fun and upbeat sing-along tunes including your children’s favorites.
Learn about the history and traditions connected with this holiday and make some traditional crafts. Snacks provided.
sun 13
Times: 1:00 PM
New Jersey St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.livenation.com/murat
Pike High School Fall Musical Times: 3PM and 6PM shows. Price: See website for pricing details Phone: 317-632-7469 Location: Old National Center. 502 N.
Occurring Daily Beginning Friday, November 18, 2011 Through Saturday, November 19, 2011. Times: 7:00 PM Price: $8 - 10 Phone: 317-216-5455 Location: Pike Performing Arts Center. 6701
Zionsville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.pike.k12.in.us
Enjoy a night at the theatre with Pike High School’s Fall performance, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
sat 19
Autumn Art Fair Occurring Daily Beginning Saturday, November 19 through Sunday, November 20 Times: Sat. 10AM-5PM; Sun. 11AM – 4PM Price: FREE Phone: 317-327-7135 Location: The Garfield Park Arts Center. 2432 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203 www.gpacarts.org
Come to the Garfield Park Arts Center to browse and shop for family-friendly, handcrafted and affordable art. Over forty artists from Indianapolis and surrounding areas will be selling their wares- just in time for the holidays.
Dance For a Cause Times: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Price: $10 donation, canned goods Phone: 317-218-3694 Location: Indy Dance Academy. 9401 N. Meridian St., indianapolis, IN 46260 www.indydanceacademy.com
IDA is having a dance party/workshop to raise funds and help feed those in our community who are in need during this holiday season. Proceeds from this event will benefit Foodlink and St. Vincent Childrens Hospital. Visit website for registration information.
Location: Carmel Clay Library. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us
For children in grades 3-5. Shiver our timbers and hearties beware: We’re sailing into pirate waters - join us if ye dare.
tues 22
Indiana Pacers vs. Detroit Pistons Times: 7:00 PM Price: See website for pricing details Phone: (800) 4-NBA-TIX Location: Conseco Fieldhouse. 125 S. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.consecofieldhouse.com
Phone: 317-327-7180
Library Kids Adventures: Pirates Times: 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Price: FREE
Times: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Price: Included with museum admission
Root for your Colts as they take
Indianapolis Colts vs. Carolina Panthers Times: 1:00 PM Price: $48 and up Phone: (317) 297-7000 Location: Lucas Oil Stadium. 500 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46225
on the Carolina Panthers!
Times: 6:30 PM
Times: 10:00-10:30 a.m. and 11:00-11:30 a.m. Price: FREE Location: Carmel Clay Library. 55 4th Avenue S.E., Carmel, IN 46032 www.carmel.lib.in.us
Phone: 317-738-2833
Family Program Price: FREE
Gobblin’ Good Tales
For young children & their caregivers. Join us for simple Thanksgiving stories, songs, and a craft. Registration is not required.
thurs 24
Happy Thanksgiving!
Location: JCPL Franklin Branch. 401 State St., Franklin, IN 46131 Phone: 317-334-3322 Location: The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org
Help us celebrate Santa’s arrival at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis The Jolly Days exhibit and the Museum Store open early on the day Santa makes his annual appearance, entering with a “ho, ho, ho” and jolly trip down the Yule Slide at 10 a.m.
Santa Arrives by Helicopter
fri 25
Circle of Lights
www.hollidaypark.org
mon 21
www.colts.com
sun 27
weds 23
Location: Holliday Park. 6363 Spring Mill Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Calling all scouts! Discover the wild world of incredible Indiana nature during our monthly programs designed just for scouts. Individual scouts or whole dens/troops are welcome; children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Registration required.
Santa’s Big Arrival
they take on Fargo!
mon 28
Holliday Park Scout Sundays: Birds Price: $4/scout
Come cheer on the Ice as
Come cheer on the Pacers as they take on Detroit.
sun 20
Times: cub scouts 1:30-2:30PM; girl scouts 3:00-4:00PM
beloved holiday traditions is here again - for its 49th year. More than 100,000 spectators are expected for the FREE Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 ceremonial lighting and holiday kickoff. The show stage features a Santa’s Workshop theme complete with toy soldiers and sailors, peppermint sticks, ornaments, elves in the workshop and an abundance of toys.
Times: 6:00 PM Price: FREE Location: Monument Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202 www.qc-indy.com
One of Downtown Indianapolis’ most
Times: 11:00 AM Price: Included with museum admission Phone: 317-232-1637 Location: Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.in.gov/ism
www.jcplin.org
Join us for stories, songs and a craft for families.
tues 29
Fishers Parks and Recreation “Thanksgiving Leftovers” Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Price: FREE Phone: (317)595-3150 Location: Roy G. Holland Park. 1 Park Drive, Fishers, IN 46038 www.fishers.in.us
We have leftovers, too: leftover crafts, T-shirts and giveaway toys that is! Over the years we’ve accumulated crafts from our different
Be first in line when the Santa Claus Express begins its journey through the village of Celebration Crossing. The North Pole duo, this year accompanied by Raggedy Ann, make their entrance via helicopter on the front lawn of the museum at noon and will remain in their house on Level 3 of the museum through Dec. 24.
special events and summer camps
sat 26
Price: FREE
Indianapolis Ice vs. Fargo Times: 7:00 PM Price: $8 - $20 Phone: 317-925-4423 Location: Pepsi Coliseum. 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 www.indianaice.com
and we need your help to clear up some space in our storage closet! For ages 2-6 and a parent.
weds 30
Teen Gaming Night - Wii Times: 6:00 PM Phone: 317-579-0300 Location: Hamilton East Library. Five Municipal Dr., Fishers, IN 46038 www.hepl.lib.in.us
We’re bringing out the Wii, bring your friends and come game. We’ve got Guitar Hero, Sports and more! NOVEMBER 2011 [ indy’s child ] 55
ongoing calendar November 2011
Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts Through Saturday, November 19 Price: Indv. tickets $5 general public / $3 JCC members Phone: (317) 251-9467 Location: JCC. 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260 www.jccindy.org
Featuring twelve distinct events, the Ann Katz Festival of Books and Arts partners with other not-for-profit and community organizations to entertain, educate and engage audiences of all ages from diverse backgrounds. The Festival is a true celebration of the arts and our community. See website for complete schedule.
Amazing Maize: The Science, History and Culture of Corn Daily Through Friday, January 20, 2012.
Price: $30 for nonmembers/$20 for members Phone: 317-232-1637 Location: Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.in.gov/ism
Visitors will be amazed at the scientific, economic and cultural significance and impact of corn on daily life, past and present.
Pinocchio
not understand. Fridays at 10am and Saturdays at 10am & 1pm.
It’s a Wonderful Life Select days through Sunday, November 20 Phone: 317-872-9664 Location: Beef and Boards. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.beefandboards.com
Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with this heartwarming story and celebrate as George Bailey realizes the tremendous impact his life has had on the world around him. See website for pricing and complete show schedule.
Watch as the loveable and mischievous puppet searches for a way to become a real boy in a world of rules he does 56 INDYSCHILD.COM
Celebration Crossing
Select Days November 25 through December 30. Price: Included with Zoo admission Phone: 317-630-2001 Location: Indianapolis Zoo. 1200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 www.indyzoo.com
November 25 through December 31
Join us to make memories too big to fit in a box while you visit animals that love cooler weather, walk the Zoo grounds covered in lights, and enjoy holiday cheer. See website for dates and hours.
Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome visits from children of all ages while just outside their house the popular train is open for business throughout the exhibit.
November 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 Times: 7:30 PM Price: $20/person ($17/member) Phone: 317-776-6006 Location: Conner Prairie. 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, IN 46038 www.connerprairie.org
In this award-winning immersive history program, you and your family and friends play the parts of runaway slaves on the Underground Railroad. Will you find freedom? Will anyone help you? You’ll be changed forever as you explore the fears and challenges faced by fugitive slaves making their way through 1836 Indiana in this dramatic and immersive history experience. Reservations required
November 05, 2011 through January 08, 2012. Times: See website for hours Price: Included with museum admission Phone: 317-636-WEST Location: 500 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.eiteljorg.org/
The Eiteljorg’s Clowes Sculpture Court will be transformed, this holiday season, into a locomotive wonderland with a network of trestles, bridges, tunnels and chugging trains. Travel west on the Great Western Adventure and witness detailed replicas of national treasures while making unforgettable holiday memories.
Price: Included with museum admission Phone: 317-232-1637 Location: Indiana State Museum. 650 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204 www.in.gov/ism
Conservatory Crossing
Jolly Days Winter Wonderland
November 25 through January 08 Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (opens at 1 p.m. on Sundays).
Follow the North Star presented by Fifth Third Bank
Jingle Rails: Great Western Adventure
Select days through Saturday, November 19 Times: Fridays at 10AM; Saturdays at 10:00AM & 1:00PM. Price: All seats just $12.50 Phone: 317-872-9664 Location: Beef and Boards. 9301 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46268 www.beefandboards.com
Christmas at the Zoo
Price: $3 per person, $8 per family, free for 3 and under Phone: 317-327-7184 Location: Garfield Park Conservatory. 2505 Conservatory Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46203 www.garfieldgardensconservatory.org
Daily (except Mondays) November 25 through January 08 Times: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Price: Included with museum admission Phone: (317) 334-3322 Location: The Children’s Museum. 3000 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208 www.childrensmuseum.org/
Enjoy traditional holiday favorites such as the Yule Slide, Jingles the Jolly Bear, and visits with Santa.
Come enjoy our winter wonderland See the Conservatory decked out in its holiday best with a brilliant display of poinsettias and enjoy running model trains, a train village and thousands of twinkling lights. Show will be open extended hours until 8 p.m. December 17-23.
FIND MORE ON THE WEB Need even more ideas on fun things to do? Visit our Web site and sign up for our weekly e-newsletter!
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CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
national give up your “shoulds” day
sandwich day cookie monster day
Become a member and receive 143,640 minutes of fun and adventure!
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fall back! on this day in 1895, the x-ray daylight was discovered. savings time ends magazine day
world kindness day
pickle day
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FREE Diabetes Education Event
world hello day
at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
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pack your mom or dad lunch day
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eat a cranberry day
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Register at 317-308-4934
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vanilla cupcake day 17
homemade bread day
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chicken soup
in 1969, Sesame Street for the soul day premiered. 18
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use less stuff day
family volunteer day
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take your pick: national cake day black friday OR buy HAPPY THANKSGIVING nothing day!
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pins and needles day
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candy day on this day
parade day
national doughnut day
stay home national because you’re well day chocolates day
Sources: familycrafts.about.com, brownielocks.com, holidayinsights.com, & thenibble.com
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