Jax4Kids August/September 2016

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In this issue: Your Guide to Back To School

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August/September 2016

Fall 2016 FREE courses inside, pages 13-20.

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Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Contents

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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Dear Readers,

LIVING WELL

t’s time to shift gears to Back to School! Mark your calendars for these dates in August.

August 5 – 7 is the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday. During this 3-day sales tax holiday, no Florida sales tax will be collected on the sale of clothing, footwear and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item and on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item. For a list of exempt items, visit the Florida Department of Revenue’s website at dor.myflorida.com.

We’ll also include links online on our Deals and Discounts page, in our weekly eLetter the week of the holiday and post to our Facebook page. If you haven’t signed up to receive these eNewsletters or become a fan of our Facebook page, we encourage you to do that to get updates and reminders on this and other valuable information you’ll want to know about throughout the year.

August 6, 12noon – 4pm. While you’re doing your tax free back to school shopping, stop

by Center Court at The Avenues Mall between 12noon and 4pm. Enjoy fun activities that will get you ready for school, face painting, and more between 12 and 2 and a fashion show, sampling, live music, and prizes between 2 and 4.

August 13, 10am – 4pm. Join Jax4Kids at RAM for a Back to School Bash. The Market will be filled with back to school fun and entertainment!

Visit our online events calendar at www.jax4kids.com from any device to see where all of the back to school events will be.

On the cover is the Parent Academy, an initiative of Duval County Public Schools. These FREE enrichment classes in personal growth, parenting & advocacy and student achievement are available to ANYONE in the community, not just parents and students of a Duval County Public School. You’ll find the course offerings for the Fall on pages 13 through 20.

There are two important national health designations in the month of August – Baby Safety Month and National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Northeast Florida has a higher infant mortality rate than the state or national rate. Safe Kids Northeast Florida, a local coalition of Safe Kids Worldwide, and led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, is working to do something about this heart-breaking statistic. Please turn to page 6 to learn more about

August/September 2016 Spanking: Research Says It’s Ineffective.................................................. 4

HEALTH & SAFETY Pass the Protein Please!......................................................................... 5 20 Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom and Baby.......................................... 5

INFANT & TODDLER September is Baby Safety Month ............................................................ 6

EDUCATION keeping babies safe. The benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented. For example, breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of sudden infant death syndrome by about half. Read 20 Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom and Baby on page 5.

If you have a 6 week to 5 year old and are looking for a preschool and childcare, T’s Learning Center has included a $200 off new enrollment discount in this issue. They have five locations including a new location, opening August 15th, off Nocatee Parkway. See page 6 for locations and details.

The Library of Congress has a new exhibit called America Reads. Featured in the exhibit are 65 books

by American authors that had a profound effect on American life. 40 of the books were chosen directly by the public and the other 25 were chosen by the public from a list created for the 2012 exhibit “Books That Shaped America”. You don’t have to go to the Library of Congress to find out what the books are. We have the full list on page 9. If you do choose to visit the Library of Congress, the exhibit also features volumes from the Rare Book and Special Collections Division that are seldom on public view and video featuring six Pulitzer Prize winners who discuss the books that they think shaped America.

You’ll find many articles on Back to School and Education throughout this issue. Welcome back…to school!

Until next month,

Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

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Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com Tim Chavez Graphic Designer........................................... tim@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................................judi@jax4kids.com Doug Berle Advertising Sales......................................... doug@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Teresa Meenen Advertising Sales................................ teresa@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2016.

Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.

Get Involved in Your Child’s Education...................................................... 8 View the Perseid Meteor Shower............................................................. 8 America Reads....................................................................................... 9

BACK TO SCHOOL

Pass the School Lunch Please! .............................................................10 Find the Balance With After-School Activities .........................................11 Backpack Safety...................................................................................12

PARENT ACADEMY

Fall Course Catalog .........................................................................13-20

DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Bus Information ...................................................................................22 Grades K-8 General School Supply List .................................................22 Important Dates....................................................................................22 New Technological Tools and Other Reminders ......................................23 School Health Entry Requirements ........................................................24 State of Florida Immunization Requirement Guidelines ...........................24

ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL NEWS County Students Win Forestry Competition............................................25 Disctrict Continues Top Performance.....................................................25 Orientation Day Set ..............................................................................25 Technical College Control Falls to District ..............................................25 2016-2017 Important Dates ................................................................25

CLAY COUNTY SCHOOL NEWS

And the Winners Are ............................................................................26 Register Now for Kindergarten ..............................................................26 2016-2017 Important Dates.................................................................26

SPECIAL NEEDS

Jacksonville Miracle League Season Opens ..........................................27

TEENS

How Pokémon Go Actually Works .........................................................28

PETS

How Smart is Your Dog? ......................................................................29

EVENTS

Things To Do .......................................................................................30 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 3

LIVING WELL

CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE BOAT RIDE!

Spanking: Research Says It’s Ineffective

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t’s legal in the state of Florida to spank, but what are the effects? A recent analysis in the Journal of Family Psychology (Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor, 2016) looked across five decades of research involving over 160,000 children. In this very extensive review, the findings showed that most of the outcomes are unintended and negative.

Spanking was defined as an open hand hit to the buttocks or extremities. One of their sources showed an estimate saying that over 70% of kids are spanked at some point worldwide, although the extent of the spanking varies for each child. A top reason for spanking was if the child was being noncompliant, or not listening. However, “the more children are spanked, the more likely they are to defy their parents and to experience increased anti-social behavior, aggression, mental health problems and cognitive difficulties.” Hence, kids who are spanked (especially if they are spanked as a primary means of discipline or who are spanked more often) are more aggressive to others, tend to have overall worse compliance levels, engage in deviant or delinquent behavior, and/or to have emotional control issues with anger, anxiety, and/or depression. Mind-blowing, right?

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ooking at behavioral science, it makes sense, for a number of reasons. First of all, every experience we have pairs emotions with experiences. That’s how we come to learn about things we should approach or avoid. Parents intend to pair the child’s own inappropriate behavior with the negative emotions caused by spanking, but it very well may have the effect of just pairing those negative emotions with the parent as they spank. Hence, kids may just want to escape or avoid their parents (at least for a while) as a result, rather than the desired effect of making kids want to avoid misbehaving. This effect would be stronger if spanking is used more often or is harsh, because either causes more negative pairings between pain and the parent. A different mechanism is also at play. Sometimes parents are tricked by seeing an immediate effect – the child stopping whatever behavior they were doing, assuming the child really did respond that time – and parents can completely misread the effect that it will have on the relationship down the line. That relief feels good and it can make parents want to do it again if they’re frustrated.

The problem is that spanking, yelling, arguing or other forms of force just fuels on the Coercive

Family Cycle, which has been noted to cause kids to avoid, get even, resent, and/or escape from their parents. That may look like not seeking out parent interaction or actively walking away from the parent. The Coercive Family Cycle can lead to Oppositional Defiant Disorder too, which has a locked-in pattern of noncompliance and disregard for others. Besides that, any form of punishment only teaches what NOT to do – it isn’t instructing them what should have been done differently.

Kids don’t learn better behavior by spanking, they can only learn it by seeing good behavior and emotional control from parents and/or by learning to do it with instructions and reinforcement.

Bottom line, compliance (good listening) is something that happens when there’s a positive relationship and clear expectations, and spanking sabotages parent-child relations.

Another risk with spanking is that it can go too far. Although there is no law against spanking here, state laws do say that “inappropriate or excessively harsh disciplinary action” is physical abuse – this includes significant bruises or welts (raised red wound) or other injuries that require medical attention. Spanking with objects such as a belt or a switch are more likely to cause injuries. Either way, both spanking and physical abuse were associated with the same negative child outcomes, at nearly the same strength. Per Dr. Gershoff, “We as a society think of spanking and physical abuse as distinct behaviors. Yet, our research shows that spanking is linked with the same negative child outcomes as abuse, just to a slightly lesser degree.”

As a behavioral clinic, we certainly agree that parents need to be able to give consequences – both positive and negative consequences – based on a child’s behavior. However, choosing to spank is also choosing to risk getting the unintended or negative consequences from spanking, as shown across 50 years of research. If you’re having difficulty with finding effective and consistent consequences, then let us know – we’d love to help! j Andrew Scherbarth, Ph.D., BCBA-D Licensed Psychologist/ Board Certified Behavior Analyst Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 106 Jacksonville, FL 32258 904.619.6071

Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Pass the Protein Please!

That’s what little boys (and girls!) are made of.

K

ids grow fast. One year, my tween son grew 4 ½ inches. I woke up one morning and there he was looking down at me - literally! Whether you have a baby, toddler, or are in the middle of those teenage years when you can’t seem to fill them up, one thing is for sure, kids grow fast.

proteins. Some examples of complementary proteins are:

because they provide quick energy that is needed for playing, learning and growth. This article is designed to help you as a caregiver understand the protein requirements for children of different ages and what a serving of protein looks like.

For children 1 to 3 years of age, the Recommended Daily Intake of protein is 16 grams per day. For children 4 to 6 years, its 24 grams per day and older children 7 to 10 years the protein recommendation is slightly higher at 28 grams per day. Boys and girls 11 to 14 years of age need about 45 grams of protein per day. The big jump in protein hits boys ages 15 to 18 years when the recommendation is for 59 grams of protein per day while girls only require 44 grams per day. So what does that mean in terms of servings of protein foods for your growing child? Let’s look at this way - one large chicken egg contains 6 grams of protein which is almost 40% of a 1 to 3 year old’s protein needs. One egg is equal to ½ cup cooked beans, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter (or alternative nut butter), or one ounce of meat, poultry or fish. A small, 3-ounce hamburger patty contains approximately 20 grams of protein, which is already 83% of a preschooler’s protein needs and 1/3 of a teenage boy’s protein needs.

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Rice and beans

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Spinach salad with almonds

• Hummus and whole-grain pitas Protein is necessary for growth and tissue repair. • Whole-grain noodles with peanut sauce Here in the United States, we usually don’t have a So how much protein do children need? problem getting enough protein in our diets. But as children grow, their tastes change too, and When we look at “picky eaters” challenge parents of various ages My Plate as a with their preferences. reference for meal planning, How do you know if your child is getting enough we can see that protein? Maybe you are concerned because you ¼ of the plate is see your children loving carbohydrates and designated for wonder if they’re getting enough protein. Nature protein foods. designs our children to like carbohydrates

Proteins come from both plant and animal sources. Eggs are considered “complete” proteins because they contain all the 9 essential amino acids in sufficient quantity. Meats are also considered complete proteins as well as fish, dairy products (milk, yogurt, whey protein). There are a few plant sources that are also considered complete that are listed below: •

Quinoa

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Buckwheat

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Hemp and chia seed

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Spirulina

“Incomplete” proteins are those proteins that don’t contain all 9 essential amino acids, or don’t have sufficient quantities of them to meet the body’s needs and therefore, need to be supplemented with other proteins to be considered complete. Incomplete proteins include foods like: •

Nuts & seeds

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Legumes

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Grains

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Vegetables

Incomplete proteins don’t mean inferior, or lesser, proteins. Once paired with other amino acids they can help the body repair tissue and support growth. The combination of certain incomplete proteins together makes a complete amino acid profile and this is called “complementary”

The bottom line? Follow My Plate and encourage a protein food with every meal, and as you can see, the grams of protein can add up quickly. If you follow a vegetarian lifestyle, make sure to complement your proteins for the full benefits of complete amino acids.

Eat healthy and stay healthy! j Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition Wolfson Children’s Hospital

20 Breastfeeding Benefits for Mom and Baby

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ugust is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

The breastfeeding campaign, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hopes to empower women to commit to breastfeeding by highlighting new research showing that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, and may be less likely to develop childhood obesity The folks at fitpregnancy.com have compiled a list of 20 breastfeeding benefits for Mom and Baby.

When your full milk comes in (usually three to four days after delivery), it is higher in both sugar and volume than colostrum—again, just what your baby requires. “He needs a lot of calories and frequent feedings to fuel his rapid growth,” Kelly explains. “Your mature milk is designed to be digested quickly so he’ll eat often.”

12. More effective vaccines Research shows that breastfed babies have a better antibody response to vaccines than formula-fed babies.

13. A menstruation vacation Breastfeeding your baby 1. A healthier baby “The incidences of pneumonia, colds around the clock—no bottles or formula— will delay and viruses are reduced among breastfed babies,” says ovulation, which means delayed menstruation. “Breastinfant-nutrition expert Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D., a feeding causes the release of prolactin, which keeps professor of pediatrics and OB-GYN at the University of estrogen and progesterone at bay so ovulation isn’t Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in Rochester, triggered,” Kelly explains.

N.Y., and the author of Breastfeeding: A Guide for the “When your prolactin levels drop, those two hormones Medical Profession (Elsevier-Mosby). Gastrointestinal can kick back in, which means ovulation—and, hence, infections like diarrhea—which can be devastating, menstruation—occurs.” especially in developing countries—are also less common.

Even if you do breastfeed exclusively, your prolactin levels will eventually drop over the course of several months.

2. Long-term protection, too Breastfeed your baby and moms who solely nurse will see their periods you reduce his risk of developing chronic conditions, such Many return between six and eight months after delivery, Kelly as type I diabetes, celiac disease and Crohn’s disease. adds; others don’t for a full year.

3. Stronger bones According to Lawrence, women who 14. Less time off work Your baby will be ill less often, so breastfeed have a lower risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis. “When a woman is pregnant and lactating, that means fewer sick days for you. her body absorbs calcium much more efficiently,” she 15. It’s cheap! According to La Leche League Internaexplains. “So while some bones, particularly those in the tional, the cost of formula can range anywhere from $134 spine and hips, may be a bit less dense at weaning, six to $491 per month. That’s $1,608 to $5,892 in one year! months later, they are more dense than before preg16. A great way to learn about your baby “You have to nancy.” read your baby’s ‘satiety cues’ a little better, because 4. Lower SIDS risk Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk unlike with a bottle, you can’t see how much he’s eaten,” of sudden infant death syndrome by about half.

Kelly says. “You have to rely on your own instincts and your baby’s behavior to know when your baby is full.”

5. Fewer problems with weight It’s more likely that neither of you will become obese if you breastfeed him.

17. You can stash the condoms—for now Breastfeeding can be 98 percent to 99 percent effective as a 6. A calorie incinerator You may have heard that birth control option if a few guidelines are nursing burns up to 500 calories a day. And that’s almost post-baby followed: Your period must not have resumed; you must right. “Breast milk contains 20 calories per ounce,” breastfeed at least every four hours around the clock; you Lawrence explains. “If you feed your baby 20 ounces a must not give your baby any pacifiers, bottles or formula; day, that’s 400 calories you’ve swept out of your body.” and you must be less than six months postpartum.

7. It’s good for the earth Dairy cows, which are raised in According to Kelly, nighttime feedings are the most part to make infant formula, are a significant contributor to the “lactation amenorrhea method,” so do to global warming: Their belching, manure and flatulence important not let your baby (or yourself ) sleep through a feeding. (really!) spew enormous amounts of methane, a harmful “Going long stretches at night without nursing seems to greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. be directly responsible for the return of ovulation,” she 8. Better healing post delivery The oxytocin released says. Prematurely sleep training your baby can also when your baby nurses helps your uterus contract, hasten ovulation. reducing postdelivery blood loss. Plus, breastfeeding will 18. There’s nothing easier Simply pull up your shirt and help your uterus return to its normal size more quickly— nurse. Breast milk is always available and always at the at about six weeks postpartum, compared with 10 weeks right temperature. if you don’t breastfeed.

Benefits for all According to a study published in the 9. Less risk of cancer Breastfeeding can decrease your 19. journal Pediatrics, the United States would save about baby’s risk of some childhood cancers. And you’ll have a $13 billion per year in medical costs if 90 percent of U.S. lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer and ovarian families breastfed their newborns for at least six months. cancer, an often deadly disease that’s on the rise.

20. Better friendships “Breastfeeding helps cultivate 10. An unmatched feeling of power “It’s empowering relationships with other moms,” Kelly says. Whether it’s as a new mother to see your baby grow and thrive on talking about parenting styles, nighttime feedings or your breast milk alone,” Lawrence says. engorgement, nursing allows women to forge positive 11. A custom-made supply Formula isn’t able to postpartum relationships. Adds Kelly, “Women are change its constitution, but your breast milk morphs to supposed to be sitting together, nursing and taking care meet your baby’s changing needs. Colostrum—the of babies.” j “premilk” that comes in after you deliver—is chock-full of antibodies to protect your newborn baby. “It’s also higher in protein and lower in sugar than ‘full’ milk, so fitpregnancy.com even a small amount can hold off your baby’s hunger,” says Heather Kelly, an international board-certified lactation consultant in New York City and a member of the Bravado Breastfeeding Information Council’s advisory board.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

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INFANT & TODDLER

Things to Do Infant & Toddler

Dads To Be Class August 10, 6:30pm • September 21, 6:30pm This unique and interactive dad’s only class is designed to cover the concerns and questions of the soon to be father.

The open forum encourages expectant dads to bring up any topic from newborn care to intimacy and the potential stress of change. He will receive practical tips from what to expect during the hospital stay, how to support the postpartum mother, bonding with your newborn, newborn care and how to balance your time between work, family and personal needs.

You do not have to be a Baptist Health patient to attend.

Please register dads to be between the 32nd-37th weeks of pregnancy. Register early as space is limited. Cost is $35.

Y Healthy Living Center Mandarin / 10415 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.baptistjax.com Becoming Parents • August 13, 9:30am This class will teach you the practical and essential skills needed for your newborn during the first three months after birth. These skills include all the basics of infant care from diapering and bathing (using demonstration dolls), safe swaddling/sleeping, infant massage, comfort cues, feeding tips and when to call the doctor. What to buy for baby will be discussed as well. You do not have to be a Baptist Health patient to attend. Expectant parents are encouraged to complete classes between the 32nd-37th weeks so register early as space is limited. Registration and pre-payment is required to reserve your spot. Cost of this class includes 2 participants. Cost is $55.

Baptist Medical Center South / 904-202-2229 / 14550 St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.baptistjax.com

Happiest Baby on the Block Class • August 18, 6:30pm Developed by renowned pediatrician Harvey Karp MD this nationally acclaimed program teaches expectant and new parents how to incorporate five simple techniques to promote the calming reflex in your newborn. You’ll also practice swaddling and learn some basic infant massage techniques to help baby transition during the first three months after birth. Parents will take home a set of a ‘Happiest Baby on the Block’ DVD and music CD. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Cost is $40.

Baptist Clay Medical Campus / 1771 Baptist Clay Drive, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.baptistjax.com Infant Safety Class • August 29, 7pm to 9pm You may attend this class before your baby is born or after.

The class covers basic safety concerns, how to prepare your home for a baby and the basics of infant CPR, along with demonstrations. Registration covers 2 attendees. Fee is $20.

Classes are held in the lobby Conference Room, 1st floor, main lobby. Call 904-308-7325 or email Jennifer.Wellman@ jaxhealth.com for questions and info.

St. Vincent’s Medical Center Riverside / 904-308-7300 / 1 Shircliff Way, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.jaxhealth.com Baby/Spanish Storytimes Fridays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:15am to 11am Join library staff every Friday for a fun Spanish/English storytime in the Children’s Department. There will be lapsits for babies, rhymes, stories, music, and more. This storytime is conducted in both English and Spanish and is geared toward children and parents learning Spanish, but all are welcome.

Bienveniedos a todos!

Anastasia Island Branch / 124 Seagrove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org

Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Infant and Toddler Events guide, online at www.jax4kids.com

….a program to help parents, grandparents, and other caregivers keep infants safe and secure during their first months.

Northeast Florida has an infant mortality rate higher than the state or national rate. Kohl’s Ready, Set, Sleep is designed to address this concern because there is a lot you can do to help get your baby off to a healthy start!

Pediatricians recommend infants sleep on their backs, close to their moms, but in their own separate, safe sleep environment. Other recommendations include breastfeeding, getting baby’s immunizations, and knowing infant CPR.

September is Baby Safety Month

A

ccording to Safe Kids Worldwide, babies less than one have a higher rate of death from preventable injuries than older children, almost 8 times that of 7-year-olds. One of the risks parents worry about is choking, since babies and even toddlers tend to put almost everything in their mouths, whether it’s supposed to go there or not!

Babies and toddlers also have small airways that can easily become blocked with food, toys or small objects. Procedures for relieving an obstructed airway are easy to learn and usually effective, but it’s best to prevent choking by being careful to offer appropriate foods to a baby in sizes they can manage; by buying age-appropriate toys and inspecting them frequently; and by childproofing your baby’s environment to be sure small objects are not within reach.

Tips for preventing choking: •

Follow your pediatrician’s advice for introducing solid foods.

•

After your baby has begun to eat solid foods, be sure to cut up food in small, angular pieces.

•

Supervise your baby at all times while he is eating.

•

Avoid foods known to be risky for babies and young children: • hot dogs, grapes, and carrots — round, soft foods can form an airway plug • peanuts, popcorn and raisins • hard candy • chunks of meat

Make sure any toy a baby or small child is playing with will not fit into a toilet paper roll or small parts tester. If it does, it’s a choking hazard for them at this time.

Any objects small enough to fit in your baby’s mouth can be choked on and must be kept away. Most commonly, babies and small children (three and under) choke on coins, marbles, buttons, beads, pen caps and button (lithium disk) batteries.

If you need information about keeping your baby safe while sleeping or about other safety concerns for the first year, please visit our website, wolfsonchildrens.org/readysetsleep

Rubber balloons cause more choking deaths in children than any other toy, especially in children eight and under. Children choke on broken pieces of the balloon or when inflating a balloon. Mylar balloons are a safer choice.

Put purses and suitcases up and out of the reach of children and babies.

For more information on keeping babies safe, visit wolfsonchildrens.org/readysetsleep.

To find a class to learn special CPR and choking techniques for infants and children, visit baptistjax. com/classes. j

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EDUCATION

Get Involved in Your Child’s Education

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esearch studies consistently reveal that high student achievement and self-esteem are closely related to positive parental participation in education.

Parents and schools need to work together so all children can succeed in school.

Almost everyone agrees that parents are, after all, their children’s first and most important teachers. You, as a parent, have important knowledge about your child’s likes, dislikes, needs, and problems that the school may not be aware of. You may also have ideas for improving your child’s school. But even though studies show that most parents want to be involved in their children’s education, they may not be exactly sure how to go about it, especially if, like most parents, they work during the school day.

Some schools value parent involvement by providing numerous opportunities for parents to interact with each other, with teachers, and with students. Your child’s school can provide ideas on how to participate. One important way you can become involved in your child’s schooling is to exercise any choices available in the selection of course work, programs, or even schools.

Many schools are moving toward “school-based management,” in which administrators share the responsibility for operating schools with teachers, students, parents, and community members. You can become involved in committees that govern your child’s school or join the local parent-teacher association.

The National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education says that schools should regularly communicate with parents about their child’s progress and the educational objectives of the school. This communication should also include non- custodial parents, stepparents, and any other adults, such as grandparents, who are responsible for the child. If you aren’t receiving such information, ask for it. Work with other parents and guardians to be sure that the school understands how best to keep you informed.

Here are some ideas: Visit your child’s classroom; a visit will give you an idea of what your child does at school and how he or she interacts with other children.

Volunteer to help in the classroom as an assistant (listening to children read, for example, or serving as an aide during computer work).

Ask your child’s teacher if he or she has materials that you can use to help your child at home and to supplement homework.

Be part of decision-making committees about school issues and problems, such as a Parent Advisory Committee.

How Can I Help with Homework?

Most teachers assign homework on a regular basis because practice is needed before children fully understand new skills or concepts. Homework also increases the amount of learning time available and allows students to do more in-depth learning.

Here are some general guidelines for helping with homework: Reward progress; use lots of praise; display good work.

Find out how much and what type of homework is assigned in each class, how students are expected to prepare it and turn it in, and what students can do when they don’t understand something; help your child manage the workload by dividing it into small doses.

Help your child develop a homework schedule that he or she can stick to.

Talk to your child each day about homework assignments; go over work; see if it’s complete; ask questions about it. But don’t do your child’s homework yourself.

Provide a suitable place for study (if possible, make it quiet and away from the distractions of TV, phone, and loud music).

Avoid making homework a punishment.

How Can I Make Our Home a Good Place for My Child To Learn?

Have high expectations for your child’s learning and behavior, both at home and at school.

Praise and encourage your child.

Emphasize effort and achievement, and be a role model for getting work done before play.

Establish rules and routines in the home.

Support student events and performances by helping with them (such as sewing costumes or painting scenery for a school play) and by attending them.

Monitor television viewing.

If your school has a Parents’ Room/Lounge or Parent Center, drop in to meet other parents and teachers there, or to pick up information and materials.

Encourage your child to share information about school and respond with empathy.

Limit after-school jobs and activities.

Participate in workshops that are offered, such as those on child development or concerns that parents have (or help plan such workshops).

If you don’t do anything else, read to your young child or have him or her read to you every night. Encourage older children to read by reading yourself and by having interesting and appropriate materials available.j

Take advantage of parent-teacher contracts (perhaps agreeing to read with your child for a certain amount of time each night).

kidsource.com

Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

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View the Perseid Meteor Shower The Perseid meteor shower, one of the brighter meteor showers of the year, occurs every year between July 17 and August 24. This year, the Perseid meteor shower will peak between the night of August 12 to the morning of August 13.

Made of tiny space debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, the Perseids are named after the constellation Perseus. This is because the direction, or radiant, from which the shower seems to come in the sky lies in the same direction as the constellation Perseus, which can be found in the northeastern part of the sky.

While the skies light up several time a year by other meteor showers , the Perseids are widely sought after by astronomers and stargazers. This is because at its peak, one can see 60 to 100 meteors in an hour from a dark place.

How to Watch Meteor Showers:

•

Check the weather. Meteors, or shooting stars, are easy to spot, all you need is clear skies and a pair of eyes.

•

Find a place as far away as possible from artificial lights

•

Allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for optimal viewing. It can take your eyes anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to adjust to the darkness.

•

Be prepared to wait. Stargazing is a waiting game, so pack comfortable chairs, bug spray, food and drinks, blankets, plus a red-filtered flashlight for reading maps and charts without ruining your night vision. j

timeanddate.com | stardate.org

EDUCATION

America Reads

H

Kate Chopin, “The Awakening” Shel Silverstein, “The Giving Tree”

ere are the 65 books by American authors Milton Friedman, “Capitalism and Freedom” that had a profound effect on American life from the new Library of Congress exhibit, “America Milton Friedman and Rose Friedman, “Free to Reads”.

Choose: A Personal Statement” Ayn Rand, “The Fountainhead” Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Nature” Kurt Vonnegut, “Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children’s Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death” Laura Ingalls Wilder, “Little House in the Big Woods” Joseph Smith, “The Book of Mormon” Willa Cather, “My Ántonia” Alex Haley, “Roots: The Saga of an American Family”

Napoleon Hill, “Think and Grow Rich” John Kennedy Toole, “A Confederacy of Dunces”

Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird” Thomas Paine, “Common Sense”

John Steinbeck, “Of Mice and Men”

Harriet Beecher Stowe, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly”

Sylvia Plath, “The Bell Jar”

The Federalist: “A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution”

Tim O’Brien, “The Things They Carried”

Upton Sinclair, “The Jungle”

Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, “All the President’s Men”

J. D. Salinger, “The Catcher in the Rye”

Ernest Hemingway, “The Old Man and the Sea” Ken Kesey, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” Hunter S. Thompson, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream”

John Steinbeck, “The Grapes of Wrath” Alcoholics Anonymous: “The Story of How More Than One Hundred Men Have Recovered from Alcoholism” F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby” Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women, or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy” Margaret Mitchell, “Gone With the Wind”

John F. Kennedy, “Profiles in Courage”

Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss), “The Cat in the Hat”

Stephen King, “The Stand”

Rachel Carson, “Silent Spring”

Larry McMurtry, “Lonesome Dove”

Henry David Thoreau, “Walden; or, Life in the Woods”

Howard Zinn, “A People’s History of the United States” James Fenimore Cooper, “The Last of the Mohicans: A Narrative of 1757” Robert A. Heinlein, “The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress” Wilson Rawls, “Where the Red Fern Grows” Madeleine L’Engle, “A Wrinkle in Time” Frank Herbert, “Dune” Thomas Pynchon, “Gravity’s Rainbow” Simone Beck, Louisette Bertholle and Julia Child, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”

ADD/ADHD without MEDICATIONS

Ray Bradbury, “Fahrenheit 451”

Ernest Hemingway, “The Sun Also Rises”

Judy Blume, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret”

Now enrolling for 2016-2017 school year. Call today for a campus tour.

Ayn Rand, “Atlas Shrugged”

Alice Walker, “The Color Purple”

Arthur Miller, “The Crucible”

www.greenwoodjax.org 904-726-5000

Robert M. Pirsig, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values”

Mark Twain, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”

Arthur Miller, “Death of a Salesman”

To learn more visit our website or call

Robert Penn Warren, “All the King’s Men”

Ayn Rand, “Anthem”

John Steinbeck, “East of Eden”

Grades middle through high school Low student to teacher ratio Standard high school diploma Multi-sensory instruction Outdoor science laboratory McKay & Gardiner Scholarship participant Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools

Jack Kerouac, “On the Road” Betty Friedan, “The Feminine Mystique” L. Frank Baum, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Herman Melville, “Moby-Dick; or, the Whale” Dale Carnegie, “How to Win Friends and Influence People” Joseph Heller, “Catch-22” Walt Whitman, “Leaves of Grass” Benjamin Spock, “Baby and Child Care” www.loc.gov

j

The American Academy of Pediatricians has given neurofeedback the highest grading of effectiveness for ADD/ADHD. Provides a non-drug approach for diagnosing and treating ADD/ADHD, Learning disabilities, Autism and Aspergers and it is based on research that has been widely replicated all over the world.

Other benefits include: • Overcoming academic difficulties • Progress is maintained once program is completed • Better social skills • Improvement of the emotional climate at home

BIOFEEDBACK ASSOCIATES

904.646.0054

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 9

BACK TO SCHOOL

Pass The School Lunch Please!

N

eed some fresh ideas for fun and healthy school lunches? Choose from the recipes below for some old and new favorites!

LUNCHBOX PIZZA This is a simple recipe that has numerous variations – suggestions are made for ingredients, but use your imagination and make your own creation!

Ingredients: • 2 -8 inches flour tortillas • 3 tablespoons spaghetti sauce or 3 tablespoons pizza sauce • 1⁄4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (or your child’s favorite) • 8 slices pepperoni (can use turkey pepperoni) • Sliced mushrooms, green pepper or onion Directions : • Spray the bottom of a non-stick skillet with cooking spray and preheat.

• When the pan is fairly hot place 1 flour tortilla in the pan and quickly spread a few tablespoons of sauce.

• Next, add a layer of Pepperoni and vegetable of choice.

• Top with shredded cheese of choice and then top with the second flour tortilla.

• Let it brown then flip it over. If all of the cooking spray was absorbed you can spray on a little more, but you usually don’t need to.

• After both sides are browned and the insides are hot and melted take the “pizzas” out to cool.

• Once cooled, you can slice the “pie” in 1/4 sections and wrap snugly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

TRAIL MIX Ingredients: • 1 cup Cheerios (can use any type - honey nut, plain or apple cinnamon) • 1 cup Goldfish crackers or 1 cup Annie’s Cheddar Bunny crackers • 1 cup dried cranberries (or other favorite dried fruit) • 1 cup cashews or 1 cup other favorite nuts • 1 cup miniature M&M’s chocolate candies or carob chips • 1 cup peanut butter chips or 1 cup butterscotch chips • 1 cup miniature pretzel twists or 1 cup pretzel sticks Directions: • Throw everything together in a sealed container.

• Store in cool, dry area (to prevent melting of chocolate candies/chips and other soft ingredients).

ANTS ON A LOG Ingredients: • 8 celery ribs cut into 3 pieces, about 3 to 4 inches long each • 8 ounces of Neufchâtel cheese • ½ cup raisins or Craisins Directions: • Fill celery with Neufchatel cheese and smooth with knife.

• Add a row of raisins for the “ants.”

Happy. Secure. Inspired.

• • •

Grades 4-12 ADHD/LD Scholarships

• • •

Since 1968 Summer Program SACS Accredited

www.CenterAcademy.com Mandarin 448-1956

Kids really do say the funniest things! Please share your favorites with us by e-mailing your story directly to editor@jax4kids.com. One entry each month will be turned into a cartoon to be published in the next issue of Jax4Kids. We’ll send you the original cartoon as a keepsake.

Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Orange Park 276-3552

St. Johns Bluff 645-5366

BACK TO SCHOOL

Find the Balance With After-School Activities

T

he vast array of extracurricular activities offered to school-age children can be a headache for kids and parents both. They can help kids develop talents and passions and learn how to push themselves. And, of course, we want them to look like well-rounded, accomplished kids to college admissions committees. But we don’t want to run them ragged or turn them into stressed-out automatons. After school activities have also stepped in to supplant the unsupervised “free time” we’re no longer comfortable allowing our children to have, says Rachel Cortese, a former New York City schoolteacher and speech-language pathologist at the Child Mind Institute. And there is a consensus that children should have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of activities in well-delineated blocks—”structured free time,” as it is called.

But how much should parents push their kids to engage—and how much is too much?

In general, says Cortese, “kids tend to do really well when they have structure, and part of that structure is having an afterschool schedule.”

Educational and learning specialist Ruth Lee also extols some well-known benefits of getting kids together outside of the classroom for more activities—especially the physical kind. “It gives kids social interactions,” she says, at the same time helping them “get out some of their energy so they can settle and go back to their work” after school. This is particularly important, she notes, as schools are cutting back on recess more and more.

For older kids, after-school activities can be very important as protection against more dangerous activities, says clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Rooney—particularly if parents are busy at work or with other children. “Once kids get into middle school and high school,” she says, “the hour or two after school is the highest risk time for dangerous behaviors like substance abuse, because it’s the largest chunk of time when kids are unmonitored.”

And of course, more recreational activities outside of school, whether its sports, dance, theater, science, give kids another arena to demonstrate competence and mastery, which is important for their self-esteem and identity development—especially for kids who might be struggling in school.

But what about overscheduling? It is not to be taken lightly, says Dr. Susan Newman, a social psychologist and author of, among many others, “The Case for the Only Child.”

For one thing, Newman warns that mastery might suffer. “If you are spreading yourself too thin you’re not going to be able to focus and get really good at one thing.”

join us august

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH fun activities for children of all ages! presented by

An overload of extracurricular activities also doesn’t bring the perceived benefit a lot of parents and kids are looking for: a good-looking college application. “What they’re really looking for is applicants who are well rounded and have focus.

You can see they are pursuing a goal and they really like what they are doing,” Newman says.

“And not just dipping their hand in this and that and the next thing so they can fill out more lines on the application.”

How many activities are too many? “Seven,” jokes Dr. Jerry Bubrick, director of the Anxiety and Mood Disorders Center at the Child Mind Institute. But really, it’s too much when afterschool activities start interfering with a child’s life. Bubrick notes that in the case of intensive commitments like sports or theater, even one activity can be too much.

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Bubrick has a pretty simple calculus for how much is too much. “Can you still do your homework? Can you still get 8+ hours of sleep each night? Can you still be a part of your family? Can you still hang out with your friends? If the answer is ‘no’ to one or more of these, then it’s too much.”

Know your child: “Kids come to us with different predispositions,” Cortese says, and the best activity “depends on the individual child.” And when it comes to scheduling, kids respond better to different kinds of structure. “One kid who is highly scheduled might do very well and another might need to dial it back,” says Cortese.

Consider other types of activities: Parents shouldn’t forget that children can also benefit from selfdirected activities, albeit in structured blocks of time. “Sometimes there’s not enough emphasis put on the importance of independent work time,” Cortese says, “and giving kids the time and the place to think for themselves, be creative, and access their own internal resources.”

Step back: “Most children find their level and their interest if they have the time to do it,” Newman says. “My advice to parents is always to understand your child and see what limits he or she has or doesn’t have.” j

Harry Kimball, childmind.org

Why ANGEL KIDS Pediatrics?

• SIX LOCATIONS

We know that selecting the right pediatrician is a very important and personal decision. We have many providers on staff to accommodate not only access to appointments when you need them, but also to find the provider “style” that will fit your family’s specific needs.

This is how we are working to build a healthier, more convenient pediatric experience in the Jacksonville area.

• EVENING HOURS • OPEN WEEKENDS • KID-APPROVED EXAM ROOMS • ALLERGY TESTING • NUMBING SPRAY FOR SHOTS • LACTATION COUNSELING • ON-SITE PHARMACY & STORE • NEW BABY SEMINARS

13241 Bartram Park Blvd, Unit 209 Jacksonville, FL 32258

12220 Atlantic Blvd, Suite 112 Jacksonville, FL 32225

1233 Lane Ave. South, Suite 21 Jacksonville, FL 32205

4123 South University Blvd., Suite E Jacksonville, FL 32225

13770 Beach Blvd, Unit 6 Jacksonville, FL 32224

774 State Road 13, Suite 6 St. Johns, FL 32259

To learn more, please visit us at www.myangelkids.com

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 11

BACK TO SCHOOL

Backpack Safety

B

ackpacks come in all sizes, colors, fabrics, and shapes and help kids of all ages express their own personal sense of style. And when used properly, they’re incredibly handy.

Many packs feature multiple compartments that help students stay organized while they tote their books and papers from home to school and back again. Compared with shoulder bags, messenger bags, or purses, backpacks are better because the strongest muscles in the body — the back and the abdominal muscles — support the weight of the packs. When worn correctly, the weight in a backpack is evenly distributed across the body, and shoulder and neck injuries are less common than if someone carried a briefcase or purse.

Problems Backpacks Can Pose Although many factors can lead to back pain — increased participation in sports or exercise, poor posture while sitting, and long periods of inactivity — some kids have backaches because they’re lugging around their entire locker’s worth of books, school supplies, and assorted personal items all day long. But most doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry no more than 10% to 15% of their body weight in their packs.

To know how heavy backpacks can affect a kid’s body, it helps to understand how the back works.

The spine is made of 33 bones called vertebrae, and between the vertebrae are discs that act as natural shock absorbers. When a heavy weight, such as a backpack filled with books, is incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight’s force can pull a child backward. To compensate, a child may bend forward at the hips or arch the back, which can cause the spine to compress unnaturally and develop shoulder, neck, and back pain.

•

Purchasing a Safe Pack

a lightweight pack that doesn’t add a lot of weight to your child’s load (for example, even though leather packs look cool, they weigh more than traditional canvas backpacks)

•

two wide, padded shoulder straps; straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders;

•

a padded back, which not only provides increased comfort, but also protects kids from being poked by sharp edges on objects (pencils, rulers, notebooks, etc.) inside the pack;

•

a waist belt, which helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body;

•

multiple compartments, which can help distribute the weight more evenly

Although packs on wheels (which look like small, overhead luggage bags) may be good options for students who have to lug around really heavy loads, they’re extremely difficult to pull up stairs and roll over some surfaces. Check with the school before buying a rolling pack; many schools don’t allow them because they can pose a tripping hazard in the hallways.

Join us any or everyday as your primary preschool or complement to other programs.

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What Kids Can Do A lot of the responsibility for packing lightly — and safely — rests with kids: •

Kids who wear their backpacks over just one shoulder — as many do, because they think it • looks better or just feels easier — may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight. They might develop lower and upper back pain and • strain their shoulders and neck.

Improper backpack use can also lead to poor posture. Girls and younger kids may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they’re smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight. Also, backpacks with tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can interfere with circulation and nerves. These types of straps can contribute to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands. And bulky or heavy backpacks don’t just cause back injuries.

BECOME A PART OF OUR GU FAMILY!

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents look for the following when choosing the right backpack:

•

Encourage them to use their locker or desk frequently throughout the day instead of carrying the entire day’s worth of books in the backpack.

Make sure they don’t tote unnecessary items — laptops, cell phones, and video games can add extra pounds to a pack.

Encourage them to bring home only the books needed for homework or studying each night.

Ask about homework planning. A heavier pack on Fridays might mean that a child is procrastinating on homework until the weekend, making for an unnecessarily heavy backpack.

Picking up the backpack the right way can also help kids avoid back injuries. As with any heavy weight, they should bend at the knees and grab the pack with both hands when lifting a backpack to the shoulders. Use all of the backpack’s compartments, putting heavier items, such as textbooks, closest to the center of the back. j

Despite their potential problems, backpacks are an excellent tool for kids when used properly. But before you buy that trendy new backpack, consider kidshealth.org the backpack’s construction.

Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Robotics and God Workshop

September 28 & 29

Kernan Blvd. Baptist Church

JUNIOR WORKSHOP GRADES 3-6 Wed, Sept 28 • 1:00-3:30 or Thurs, Sept 29 • 9:30-12:00

TEEN WORKSHOPS GRADES 7-12 Wed, Sept 28 • 9:30-12:00 or Thurs, Sept 29 • 1:00-3:30

Where Science & Technology Meet Truth Fun, hands-on workshop explores the complexities of creation and engages kids with the LEGO MINDSTORM EV3. Small groups will experience programming and building a robot to respond and execute programmed commands. Kids will get excellent exposure to STEM from a biblical worldview.

Register online today at: campinfinity.com/jax

2016 Fall Course Catalog

Student Achievement Parenting & Advocacy Personal & Individual Growth Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; courses listed in this guide are subject to change.

Visit www.duvalschools.org/ParentAcademy or call 904.390.2960 to verify and register.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 13

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members.

2016 Fall Schedule All Parent Academy courses are free of charge. Refreshments and childcare are provided at select courses.

Student Achievement

EARLY CHILDHOOD - LEARNING LUGGAGE

ACHIEVE 3000

Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will provide parents, caregivers and community members with the tools needed to best utilize the Achieve 3000 online program (used by students grades 3-12) at home.

Date

Location

Time

09/22/16

Hyde Park Elementary, 5300 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

10/13/16

The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Inc., 1824 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

12/08/16

DuPont Middle School 2710 DuPont Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32217

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Date

Location

Time

09/22/16

Merrill Road Elementary 8239 Merrill Road, Jacksonville, FL 32277

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

10/20/16

Ruth N. Upson Elementary 1090 Dancy Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

11/15/16

Hogan-Spring Glen Elementary 6736 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

EARLY CHILDHOOD- PLANTING THE STEM IN VPK

ALL ABOUT STEM

Presented by: DCPS Staff This experience will allow parents the opportunity to expose students to science, technology, engineering and math, while learning strategies to use at home and careers in the field.

Date

Location

Time

10/29/16

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church 215 Bethel Baptist St. Jacksonville, FL 32202

9:15 11:45 a.m.

ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMICS: A PERFECT RELATIONSHIP

Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will review data associated with student attendance rates and its impact on student achievement.

It will also cover state statutes that govern attendance policies and strategies that can be helpful in improving school attendance rates for students.

Date

Location

Time

09/22/16

Saint Clair Evans Elementary School 5443 Moncrief Road., Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

11/29/16

Lake Shore Middle School 2519 Bayview Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

12/08/16

First Coast High School 590 Duval Station Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS: PARENT PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUCCESS

Presented by: DCPS Staff Come explore how mathematics instruction has changed and how students are being prepared to: understand how mathematics works, be able to work fluently with numbers, and become lifelong mathematicians. This course will expose you to math content your child will experience, and provide tips on how to help them be successful.

Date

Location

Time

09/13/16

Abess Park Elementary 12731 Abess Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

10/11/16

New Berlin Elementary 3613 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32226

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

11/15/16

Venetia Elementary 4300 Timuquana Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

12/13/16

Martin Luther King Elementary 8801 Lake Placid Drive East, Jacksonville, FL 32208

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn about the public library resources that can be used to enhance the understanding of basic comprehension skills in young children.

Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn the importance of encouraging activities related to science, engineering, math, and technology to improve critical thinking and analysis in young children.

Date

Location

Time

09/14/16

S.P. Livingston Elementary 1128 Barber Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

11/29/16

Alimancani Elementary 2051 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

12/15/16

Sabal Palm Elementary 1201 Kernan Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32225

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

EARLY CHILDHOOD - STORY IN A BOX

Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn the importance of using manipulatives during reading to enhance the understanding of basic comprehension skills in young children.

Date

Location

Time

08/31/16

Woodland Acres Elementary 328 Bowlan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32211

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

10/06/16

Mandarin Oaks Elementary 10600 Hornets Nest Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

12/06/16

Biscayne Elementary 12230 Biscayne Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32218

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will be an in-depth presentation regarding the athletic eligibility for high school students to participate in sports at their school.

Date

Location

Time

08/31/16

Wolfson High School, 7000 Powers Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32217

5:30 p.m.

INVOLVED PARENTS: SAT RESULTS, EXPLORING SCHOOL OPTIONS, AND TECHNOLOGY

Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn how to prepare for the new SAT test and interpret the results, explore the many public school programs and options for your child, and discover the new technology advancements at Duval County Public Schools and how they can benefit your child.

Date

Location

Time

09/24/16

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church 215 Bethel Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL 32202

9:00 11:00 a.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY

Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will be an in-depth presentation regarding the athletic eligibility for middle school students to participate in sports at their school.

Date

Location

Time

08/17/16

Kerman Middle School 2271 Kernan Blvd S, Jacksonville, FL 32246

5:30 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATHEMATICS: PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS

Presented by: DCPS Staff Explore Digits and Eureka Math curriculum along with i-Ready resources for the year. Get the latest information on curriculum updates and the impact the adjustments will have on the students along with the opportunity to experience the life of a student in a 6-8 mathematics course.

Date

Location

Time

09/12/16

Arlington Middle School 8141 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

10/10/16

Highlands Middle School 10913 Pine Estates Road East, Jacksonville, FL 32218

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

11/14/16

Southside Middle School 2948 Knights Lane East, Jacksonville, FL 32216

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

PRIORITIZING MILESTONES IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Presented by: Parent Academy Staff/DCPS Learn how to set goals to be successful through Elementary School and upon entrance into Middle School.

Date

Location

Time

09/08/16

Reynolds Lane Elementary 840 Reynolds Lane, Jacksonville, FL 32254

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

10/25/16

Central Riverside Elementary 2555 Gilmore Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

11/03/16

George Washington Carver Elementary 2854 West 45th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS ON THE HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS FSA AND EOCs

Presented by: DCPS Staff Explore strategies for student success on the Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 FSA End of Course Exams.

Date

Location

Time

10/04/16

Andrew Jackson High School 3816 Main Street North, Jacksonville, FL 32206

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

10/11/16

Mandarin High School 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

11/07/16

Atlantic Coast High School 9735 R. G. Skinner Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

11/14/16

A. Phillip Randolph Academies 1157 Golfair Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32209

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES THAT WORK

Presented by: Parent Academy Staff/DCPS This course will include ways to master reading skills that can be used to reach proficiency on classroom and standardized tests.

Date

Location

Time

09/07/16

Julia Landon Middle School 1819 Thacker Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

10/06/16

Richard L. Brown Elementary School 1535 Milnor Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

11/17/16

Robert E. Lee High School 1200 McDuff Avenue South, Jacksonville, FL 32205

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

THE ONE STOP SHOP TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS (HOMEWORK HELP)

Presented by: DCPS Staff Parents, caregivers, and students can expect to learn how to navigate needana.com to get free academic resources.

Date

Location

Time

09/20/16

Kirby-Smith Middle School 2034 Hubbard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

11/08/16

John E. Ford K-8, 1137 Cleveland Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

PRIORITIZING MILESTONES IN HIGH SCHOOL

Presented by: Parent Academy Staff/DCPS Learn how to set goals to be successful throughout High School and beyond.

Date

Location

Time

08/24/16

Terry Parker High School 7301 Parker School Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

10/19/16

First Coast High School 590 Duval Station Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

11/30/16

Jean Ribault High School 3701 Winton Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINORITY STUDENTS

Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will introduce parents to UNCF scholarship opportunities and application requirements.

Date

Location

Time

10/25/16

Jean Ribault High School 3701 Winton Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:00 - 7:30 pm

STORY TIME

Presented by: The Jacksonville Public Library and the Center for Language and Culture (ESOL) Read with your Baby!

Date

Location

Time

09/29/16, 10/28/16, 11/17/16, 12/15/16

The Center for Language and Culture (CLC) on the campus of Kings Trail Elementary 7401 Old Kings Road S.., Jacksonville, FL 32217

11:00 a.m 12:00 p.m.

THE WORLD OF DUAL ENROLLMENT

Presented by: FSCJ Staff This course provides the qualifications for Dual Enrollment.

Date

Location

Time

10/11/16

William M. Raines High School 3663 Raines Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32209

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

11/10/16

Sandalwood High School 2750 John Prom Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

12/13/16

Edward White High School 1700 Old Middleburg Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

UNDERSTANDING LAVILLA’S MAGNET MYSTERY

Presented by: DCPS Staff Parents/caregivers will receive information needed for auditions and magnet deadlines for entry into LaVilla School of the Arts.

Date

Location

Time

10/11/16 (Feeder Schools)

LaVilla School of the Arts 501 North Davis Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

10/18/16 (Non-Feeder Schools)

LaVilla School of the Arts 501 North Davis Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 15

Parenting & Advocacy

UNDERSTANDING THE FLORIDA STANDARDS ASSESSMENT: ELEMENTARY READING AND WRITING

Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn how to assist Elementary School Students in the areas of Math and Science on the Florida Standards Assessment.

Date

Location

Time

09/15/16

Richard L. Brown Elementary School 1535 Milnor Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

10/11/16

Beauclerc Elementary School 4555 Craven Road West, Jacksonville, FL 32257

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

12/08/16

Oceanway Elementary School 12555 Gillespie Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

UNDERSTANDING THE FLORIDA STANDARDS ASSESSMENT: HIGH SCHOOL READING AND WRITING

Presented by: Parent Academy Staff/ DCPS This course will assist in obtaining knowledge on how past learning can influence present behavior.

It also will discuss current trends and how they impact potential future societal issues.

Date

Location

Time

11/03/16

The Bridge of Northeast Florida 1824 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

11/22/16

WellCare, Inc. 5115 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

12/01/16

Florida Baptist Children’s Home 2300 Bartram Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

BREAKFAST LEARNING SERIES

Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn how to assist High School Students in the areas of Reading and Writing on the Florida Standards Assessment.

Date

Location

Time

10/03/16

Samuel W. Wolfson, 7000 Powers Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32217

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

11/09/16

Andrew Jackson High School 3816 Main Street North, Jacksonville, FL 32206

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

12/06/16

Robert E. Lee High School 1200 McDuff Avenue South, Jacksonville, FL 32205

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

UNDERSTANDING THE FLORIDA STANDARDS ASSESSMENT: MIDDLE SCHOOL READING AND WRITING

Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn how to assist Middle School Students in the areas of Reading and Writing on the Florida Standards Assessment.

Date

Location

Time

09/06/16

Northwestern Middle School 2100 West 45th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

11/08/16

Lake Shore Middle School 2519 Bayview Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

12/05/16

Landon Middle School 1819 Thacker Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

WHAT IS I-READY TELLING ME ABOUT MY CHILD’S PERFORMANCE?

Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn the best utilization of the i-Ready online learning program to boost student achievement at home.

Date

Location

Time

09/22/16

The Bridge of Northeast Florida, Inc. 1824 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

11/01/16

Jacksonville Beach Elementary 315 10th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

12/06/16

Brentwood Elementary 3750 Springfield Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32206

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

WORLD LANGUAGES AND CULTURES

Presented by: DCPS Staff Come get exposure to world language instructional strategies, cultural information, and the value of second language acquisition.

Date

Location

Time

11/15/16

Englewood High School 4412 Barnes Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

12/15/16

West Riverside Elementary 2801 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205

6:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

ANGER MANAGEMENT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Presented by: Family Support Services This course will share helpful information while providing a networking opportunity to individuals raising children and professionals who help parents. Each session covers a different topic.

Date

Location

Time

08/17/16

Edward Waters College Schell Sweet Community Resource Center 1697 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209

9:00 10:30 a.m.

09/21/16

Edward Waters College Schell Sweet Community Resource Center 1697 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209

9:00 10:30 a.m.

10/19/16

Edward Waters College, (Gymnasium) 1697 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209

9:00 10:30 a.m.

11/16/16

Edward Waters College Schell Sweet Community Resource Center 1697 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209

9:00 10:30 a.m.

BULLYING IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will review the warning signs and descriptions of behavior associated with bullying for both the victim and the bully, the laws associated with bullying, and DCPS policies and procedures. This course will also provide a description of a safe and supportive environment, while offering resources for both students and their parents.

Date

Location

Time

09/08/16

Terry Parker High School 7301 Parker School Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

10/18/16

Highlands Middle School 10913 Pine Estates Road East, Jacksonville, FL 32218

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

11/03/16

The Bridge of Northeast Florida 1824 N. Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

COMMUNITY BASED ADAPTIVE SPORTS AND RECREATION FOR THE PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED CHILD

Presented by: DCPS/FDLRS, Child Find Learn about community based adaptive sports and recreation activities that are available for your physically impaired child.

Date

Location

Time

10/27/16

DCPS Exceptional Education and Parent Services, and FDLRS/ Child Find, 4124 Boulevard Center Drive, Building 4600 Jacksonville, FL 32207

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

GRIEF AND LOSS IN CHILDREN

Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will give an overview of how grief & loss impacts children and will provide community resources for support.

Date

Location

Time

10/13/16

St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church 3738 Winton Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHY KIDS

Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will provide parents with understanding the importance of school and community based resources to serve the WHOLE child.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORTS: CREATING SCHOOL-WIDE CHAMPions

Presented by: DCPS Staff Describes the framework that all DCPS schools will utilize as its foundation for supporting positive behavioral outcomes.

Date

Location

Time

Date

Location

Time

08/30/16

Christian Family Fellowship 7216 Old Middleburg Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32222

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

10/11/16

Sallye B. Mathis, 3501 Winton Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208., Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

10/04/16

Jacksonville Beach Elementary 315 10th Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

11/09/16

George Washington Carver Elementary 2854 West 45th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

10/18/16

Jeff Davis Middle School 7050 Melvin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

11/29/16

Jefferson Davis Middle School 7050 Melvin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

11/15/16

J.E.B. Stuart Middle School 4815 Wesconnett Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

12/06/16

Ed White High School 1700 Old Middleburg Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

HOW TO BECOME A DCPS PARENT LEADER

Presented by: Parent Academy Staff/DCPS The Parent Academy is always looking for great Parent Leaders! Parent Leaders are those who will support other parents, empower them, and advocate for the Parent Academy overall. February is National Leadership month and we will celebrate by providing information about the duties and requirements to participate in the Parent Leader programs. Come and learn about being a Parent Leader.

RECLAIMING OUR YOUTH: JOIN THE BOOK CLUB!

Presented by: DCPS Staff Join other parents and community members in the book Reclaiming our Youth; books are provided for registered participants.

Date

Location

Time

10/15/16

Bethel Baptist Institutional Church 215 Bethel Baptist St. Jacksonville, FL 32202

9:15 11:45 a.m.

REDUCING THE RISK AND DRAW THE LINE/RESPECT THE LINE – PARENTS CAN TOO! Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will provide an overview of the Health Education ancillary curriculums for secondary students.

These lessons are for secondary grades 6-12.

Date

Location

Time

11/03/16

Duval County School Board Building 1701 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207

12:00 1:00 p.m.

Date

Location

Time

11/15/16

Duval County School Board Building 1701 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

10/13/16

Baldwin Middle/High School 291 Mill Street, Baldwin, FL 32234

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

11/15/16

LaVilla School of the Arts 501 Davis Street North, Jacksonville, FL 32202

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY

Presented by: Parent Academy Staff/ DCPS Knowing we all can improve, this course emphasizes self-inventory on the status of family and provides tools to ensure success, not perfection.

Date

Location

Time

09/29/16

Matthew Gilbert Middle School 1424 Franklin Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

10/06/16

Love Grove Elementary 2446 University Blvd. South, Jacksonville, FL 32216

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

10/25/16

Florida Baptist Children’s Home 2300 Bartram Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

RESOLVING CONFLICT: HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR CHILD LIKE A CHAMP

Presented by: Parent Academy Staff/DCPS Gives a proactive approach in communication and developing positive decision-making skills and outcomes.

Date

Location

Time

09/15/16

Oceanway Elementary School 12555 Gillespie Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

11/10/16

Florida Baptist Children’s Home 2300 Bartram Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

SEEING OUR ATHLETES TO HIGH SCHOOL AND THROUGH COLLEGE COMPLETION

MANAGING YOUR CHILD’S BEHAVIOR

Presented by: DCPS/FDLRS, Child Find Learn the cycle of misbehavior, what to do during each stage and how to prevent acting out behaviors.

Presented by: Brenda Priestly Jackson, Dynamic Education Foundation, Inc. (DEF) This course will teach parents how to fully support student-athletes both on and off the team.

Learn about the Dynamic Education Foundation, Inc., NCAA requirements, SAT/ACT prep, and more.

Date

Location

Time

Date

Location

Time

08/30/16, 09/15/16

DCPS Exceptional Education and Parent Services, and FDLRS/ Child Find, 4124 Boulevard Center Drive, Building 4600 Jacksonville, FL 32207

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

10/17/16

Baldwin Middle/High School 291 Mill Street, Baldwin, FL 32234

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

11/07/16

LaVilla School of the Arts 501 Davis Street North, Jacksonville, FL 32202

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

OPENING DOORS TO SELF-DETERMINATION SKILLS

Presented by: DCPS/FDLRS, Child Find Explore the major components of self-determination and assess your child’s strengths using a rating scale.

Date

Location

Time

11/08/16

DCPS Exceptional Education and Parent Services, and FDLRS/ Child Find, 4124 Boulevard Center Drive, Building 4600 Jacksonville, FL 32207

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

To learn more or register online go to: www.duvalschools.org/ParentAcademy

Personal & Individual Growth BEING A BETTER YOU: ESTABLISHING AND ATTAINING LONG AND SHORT TERM GOALS Presented by: Parent Academy/ DCPS Explore ways to enhance your life using motivational, coping and healthy techniques in reaching personal or professional milestones.

Date

Location

Time

09/22/16

MaliVai Washington, 1096 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.

For additional registration options: E-mail ParentAcademy@duvalschools.org or call the Department of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) at 904.390.2960 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 17

BUILDING AND REBUILDING YOUR CREDIT

Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity This course will provide techniques on how to build your credit or increase your credit score.

Date

Location

Time

09/08/16

Highlands Regional Library 1826 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

09/25/16

Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

CAREGIVER STRESS & BURNOUT: TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

Presented by: DCPS- Center for Language and Culture (ESOL) These monthly informational sessions allow course-participants to speak with and ask questions of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Date

Location

Time

09/01/16, 10/06/16, 11/03/16, 12/01/16

The Center for Language and Culture (CLC); on the campus of Kings Trail Elementary 7401 Old Kings Road, South, Jacksonville, FL 32217

12:00 1:00 p.m.

MICROSOFT OFFICE 2010: EXCEL

Presented by: DCPS/FDLRS, Child Find Learn how to manage the stress levels in your life.

Date

Location

Time

10/04/16

DCPS Exceptional Education and Parent Services, and FDLRS/ Child Find, 4124 Boulevard Center Drive, Building 4600 Jacksonville, FL 32207

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Presented by: The Jacksonville Public Library/DCPS Microsoft Excel 2010 1, 2, 3 and 4 provides instruction on Microsoft Excel at the beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert levels.

Date

Location

Time MS Excel 1: Beginners

COUPONING

Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity An introduction to the world of couponing and best practices.

Date

Location

Time

12/12/16

Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

DAD ALL DAY (DAD)

Presented by: Family Support Services Support group for formerly incarcerated dads.

Date

Location

Time

09/10/16, 10/01/16, 11/05/16, 12/03/16

Edward Waters College Schell Sweet Community Resource Center 1697 Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

09/01/16

University Park Branch Library 3435 University Blvd N., Jacksonville, FL 32277

11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.

09/08/16

Mandarin Branch Library 3330 Kori Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257

10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.

09/13/16

Beaches Branch Library 600 3rd Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

09/18/16

Main Library (e-classroom 124) 303 Laura Street N., Jacksonville, FL 32202

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

09/23/16

Regency Square Branch Library 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.

09/27/16

Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.

09/28/16

Highlands Regional Library 1826 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

MS Excel 2: Intermediate

DEALING WITH DEMENTIA: A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE

Presented by: Brookdale/Mayo Clinic This mini-series will discuss Alzheimer’s and related dementia issues. Participants will receive resources and support, no matter what stage they’re in or who is being affected.

Date

Location

08/11/16

Common Patterns: Stages and Symptoms of Progressive Dementias 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

Brookdale Crown Point 10050 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257

Time

09/08/16

Lewy Body and Parkinson’s Related Dementias Brookdale Crown Point 10050 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

10/13/16

Alzheimer Association: Resources, info, and Supportive Research Brookdale Crown Point 10050 Old St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

MANAGING YOUR MONEY IN TOUGH TIMES

Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity Learn how to make tough decisions for spending and get tips for reducing expenses.

Date

Location

Time

11/14/16

Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

To learn more or register online go to: www.duvalschools.org/ParentAcademy For additional registration options: E-mail ParentAcademy@duvalschools.org or call the Department of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) at 904.390.2960 Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

MEETING WITH JSO

08/20/16

Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

09/20/16

Beaches Branch Library 600 3rd Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

08/19/16

South Mandarin Branch Library 12125 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223

10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.

09/03/16

Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

09/15/16

University Park Branch Library 3435 University Blvd N., Jacksonville, FL 32277

11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.

MS Excel 3: Advanced

MS Excel 4: Expert 08/25/16

West Branch Library 1425 Chaffee Road S., Jacksonville, FL 32221

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

08/26/16

South Mandarin Branch Library 12125 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223

10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.

09/22/16

University Park Branch Library 3435 University Blvd N., Jacksonville, FL 32277

11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.

MICROSOFT OFFICE: EXCEL 2016

Presented by: DCPS Parent Leader Microsoft Excel 2016 provides instruction on the latest version of Microsoft Excel at all levels.

Date

Location

Time

10/14/16, 11/12/16, 12/04/16

The Microsoft Store, St. Johns Town Center 4791 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246

11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.

MICROSOFT OFFICE 2010: POWERPOINT

MICROSOFT OFFICE 2010: WORD (CONTINUED)

Presented by: The Jacksonville Public Library/DCPS Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 1 instruction on Microsoft PowerPoint at the beginner level.

Presented by: The Jacksonville Public Library/DCPS Microsoft Word 2010 1, 2, and 3 provides instruction on Microsoft Word at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Date

Location

Time

08/20/16

Pablo Creek Regional Library 13295 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246

10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.

09/09/16

Regency Square Branch Library 9900 Regency Square Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225

10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.

08/30/16

Highlands Regional Library 1826 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

09/13/16

Main Library (e-classroom 124) 303 Laura Street N., Jacksonville, FL 32202

5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

09/15/16

Pablo Creek Regional Library 13295 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

09/22/16

Pablo Creek Regional Library 13295 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

09/20/16

Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.

09/29/16

Mandarin Branch Library 3330 Kori Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257

10:30 a.m.12:00 p.m.

09/21/16

Highlands Regional Library 1826 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Date

Location

Time MS Word 2: Intermediate

MS Word 3: Advanced

MICROSOFT OFFICE: POWERPOINT 2016

Presented by: DCPS Parent Leader Microsoft PowerPoint provides instruction on the latest version of Microsoft PowerPoint at all levels.

Date

Location

Time

10/21/16, 11/19/16, 12/11/16

The Microsoft Store, St. Johns Town Center 4791 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246

11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.

MICROSOFT OFFICE 2010: WORD

Presented by: The Jacksonville Public Library/DCPS Microsoft Word 2010 1, 2, and 3 provides instruction on Microsoft Word at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.

Date

Location

Time

08/17/16

Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue W., Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

08/17/16

West Branch Library 1425 Chaffee Road S., Jacksonville, FL 32221

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

08/23/16

Highlands Regional Library 1826 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

08/25/16

Pablo Creek Regional Library 13295 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

08/28/16

Main Library (e-classroom 124) 303 Laura Street N., Jacksonville, FL 32202

09/08/16

MS Word 1: Beginners

08/18/16

South Mandarin Branch Library 12125 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

MICROSOFT OFFICE: WORD 2016

Presented by: DCPS Parent Leader Microsoft Word provides instruction on the latest version of Microsoft Word at all levels.

Date

Location

Time

09/16/16, 09/24/16, 10/23/16

The Microsoft Store, St. Johns Town Center 4791 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246

11:00 a.m.12:00 p.m.

MOMS: EXPLORING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Presented by: Mygani Are you a stay at home mom wanting to start your own business but not sure where to start? This class will give you the resources you need to get started in gaining financial stability while still keeping your family first.

Date

Location

Time

10/18/16

MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation 1096 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

11:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

MONEY SMART FOR SMALL BUSINESS

Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity This course will provide information on the fundamentals of owning/starting a small business. (6-Part Series)

Date

Location

Time

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

08/11/16

(Part 1- Recordkeeping) Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Main Library (e-classroom 124) 303 Laura Street N., Jacksonville, FL 32202

4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

08/18/16

(Part 2 - Financial Management) Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

09/08/16

Pablo Creek Regional Library 13295 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

08/25/16

(Part 3 - Credit Reporting) Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

09/13/16

Webb Wesconnett Regional Library, 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

11:00 a.m.12:30 p.m.

09/01/16

(Part 4 - Banking Services) Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

09/14/16

Highlands Regional Library 1826 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

09/08/16

(Part 5 - Risk Management) Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

09/28/16

Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue W., Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

09/15/16

(Part 6 - Insurance) Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

09/30/16

West Branch Library 1425 Chaffee Road S., Jacksonville, FL 32221

10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

To learn more or register online go to: www.duvalschools.org/ParentAcademy For additional registration options: E-mail ParentAcademy@duvalschools.org or call the Department of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) at 904.390.2960

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity Helps you estimate the amount you will need in retirement and explores potential sources, including social security, pensions, and personal investments.

Date

Location

Time

10/24/16

Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library 6887 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 19

Duval County Public Schools

ROSETTA STONE: LEARN ENGLISH/SPANISH

Presented by: DCPS- Center for Language and Culture (ESOL) At your own pace, learn English or Spanish using the individualized Rosetta Stone software.

(Courses will run September 2, 2016 –December 20, 2016)

2016-2017

District Calendar

Date

Location

Time

Tuesdays, (excluding holidays)

The Center for Language and Culture (CLC); on the campus of Kings Trail Elementary 7401 Old Kings Road, South, Jacksonville, FL 32217

10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m., and/or 4:00-5:30 p.m., and/or 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Tuesdays, (excluding holidays)

West Riverside Elementary School 2801 Herschel Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205

5:00-7:00 p.m.

Thursdays, (excluding holidays)

The Center for Language and Culture (CLC); on the campus of Kings Trail Elementary 7401 Old Kings Road, South, Jacksonville, FL 32217

10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS

Presented by: Parent Academy Staff/ DCPS This course will provide participants with the basic information on starting a small business. Participants will receive information on how to obtain a business license, how to get resources to start a business and begin writing your business plan within this course.

Date

Location

Time

10/13/16

A. Phillip Randolph Academies 1157 Golfair Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00-7:00 p.m.

11/08/16

Jean Ribault High School 3701 Winton Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208

5:00-6:00 p.m.

THE IMMIGRANT GUIDE: WHAT EVERY IMMIGRANT NEEDS TO KNOW Presented by: DCPS - Center for Language and Culture (ESOL) Information for Immigrants. (Courses run September 4, 2016- December 19, 2016)

Date

Location

Time

Mondays (excluding holidays)

The Center for Language and Culture (CLC); on the campus of Kings Trail Elementary 7401 Old Kings Road, South, Jacksonville, FL 32217

10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.

WOMEN’S CIRCLE

Presented by: DCPS- Center for Language and Culture (ESOL) A networking meeting to empower moms and women! Share with us your services, abilities, skills, and empower other ladies in a relaxing and a safe environment.

Date

Location

Time

09/16/16, 10/28/16, 11/18/16, 12/16/16

The Center for Language and Culture (CLC); on the campus of Kings Trail Elementary 7401 Old Kings Road, South, Jacksonville, FL 32217

10:00 11:30 p.m.

Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

M

JULY T W T

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

M

OCTOBER T W T

3 10 17 24 31

M

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

F

1 8 15 22 29

F

4 5 6 7 11 12* 13 14~ 18 19 20 21 25 26* 27 28

JANUARY T W T

F

2 9 16 23 30

3 4 5 6 10 11* 12 13 17 18 19 20 24 25* 26 27 31

M

APRIL T W T

3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

M

1 8 15 22 29

F

7 14 21 28

AUGUST T W T

F

2 3 4 5 9 10 11 12 16 17 18 19 23 24 25 26 30 31*

SEPTEMBER M T W T F 1 6 7 8 13 14* 15 20 21 22 27 28* 29

2 9 16 23 30

NOVEMBER M T W T F

DECEMBER M T W T

F

7 14 21 28

5 12 19 26

1 2 6 7 8 9 13 14* 15 16 20 21 22~ 23 27 28 29 30

M

MARCH T W T

F

6 13 20 27

1 2 3 7 8* 9 10 14 15 16~ 17 21 22 23 24 28 29* 30 31

M

JUNE T W T

F

1 2* 3 8 9 10 15 16* 17 22 23 24 29 30*

FEBRUARY M T W T 6 13 20 27

1 2 7 8* 9 14 15 16 21 22* 23 28

M

MAY T W T

1 8 15 22 29

2 3 4 9 10 11 16 17 18 23 24 25 30 31*

4 11 18 25

F

3 10 17 24

F

5 12 19 26

5 12 19 26

5 6 7 12 13 14 19 20 21 26 27 28

1 8 15 22 29

2 9 16 23 30

Board Approved 7/7/15

Weather

25*

Early Dismissal

7

First & Last Day of School

17

Schools Closed

15~

End of Grading Period

1

Employee Planning/Inservice

25

Schools/Admin Offices Closed

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 21

Bu s Informa tion

p inf or ma tio n ac t DC PS fo r bu s sto nt co to ed ne o wh s Pa re nt PS Tr an sp or ta tio n ns , ple as e ca ll ou r DC er nc co ed lat re s bu or ys pa re nt s ca n ca ll 62 00 . On sc ho ol da rly re lea se da ys .

De pa rtm en t at 85 8un til 4: 30 p.m . on ea d an e nc ta sis as r fo p.m . bu s or es tim at ed fro m 6 a.m . to 6:3 0 nt ac te d to loc at e a co be o als n ca s itie me r Se rvi ce Fa cil Th e Co nt ra ct or Cu sto as fo llo ws : ar riv al to a bu s sto p s 68 3- 34 32 W es tsi de - Bir nie Bu 73 1-4 15 0 am Sc ho ol Se rvi ce s rh Du – in ar nd Ma & 77 So uth sid e n of Am er ica 72 0- 21 St ud en t Tr an sp or ta tio – on gt lin Ar & s he Be ac – 75 1-9 82 8 Cit y – Fir st St ud en t re Co d an e sid rth No ud en t – 59 8- 28 80 No rth we st – Fir st St st 2- 26 )* ** ful l da ys .** 38 1-R IDE (on ly Au gu nu te s ea rlie r th an on mi 75 ** *D CP S Ho tlin e – ely at im ox pr l run ap da ys all bu s ro ute s wil ** On ea rly re lea se fro m th e sc ho ol th ey mo re th an 1.5 mi les live o wh s nt de stu tio n is pr ov ide d to fo r stu de nt s wh o ar e Sc ho ol bu s tra ns po rta ta nc e to a bu s sto p dis g lkin wa le ab on as nt ifie d as a re at te nd . On e mi le is ide ol bu s. eli gib le to rid e a sc ho ion al ed uc at ion pr og ra ms , an d ex ce pt ial ec sp e, oic ch in de nt s pa rti cip at ing ma gn et ro ute s an d Tr an sp or ta tio n fo r stu ar y (m idd le an d hig h) nd co Se . es lin ide gu ne ar sc ho ols , un de r sp ec ific pr im ar ily at sc ho ols , de ma pr og ra ms is pr ov ide d ps sto h wit s" Ro ute ap ply to stu de nt s ute s wil l be "Ex pr es s a bu s sto p do es no t to Alt er na tiv e sc ho ol ro e nc ta dis g lkin wa at ion s. Th e on e- mi le or ap pr ov ed pu bli c loc us ing Ex pr es s ro ute s. als ch oo ls.o rg s ro ute s, vis it ww w.d uv To vie w th is ye ar ’s bu

/b us ro ute s.

Grades K- 8 General School Supply List

Back pack Penc ils Colo red Penc ils Eras ers & Penc il Eras er Tops Ink Pens : Blue , Blac k and Red ** Cray ons * Colo r Safe Mark ers * High light ers Child Safe Sciss ors * Glue Stick s

Tissu e Liquid Hand Soap * Note book Pape r Index Card s Stick y Note s Duo- tang Folde rs: Pock ets and Prong s 3 Ring Binde rs and Divide rs ** Ear Buds/ Head Phon es ** Comp ositio n Book s Comp ositio n Book s – Grap hing **

Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Cop y Pap er Gra ph Pap er ** Flas h/T hum b Driv e Scie ntif ic Calc ulat or ** * Gra des K - 5 ** Gra des 6 - 8 For High Sch ool Sup ply List , plea se visit spe cific sch ool and /or tea che r web site s.

Important Dates: August 15, 2016 – First Day of School September 5, 2016 – Labor Day October 21, 2016 – Planning Day November 11, 2016 – Veteran’s Day November 23-25, 2016 – Thanksgiving /Weather Days December 23, 2016 – January 6, 2017 – Winter Break/Weather Days January 13, 2017 – Planning Day January 16, 2017 – Martin Luther King Day February 20, 2017 – Presidents Day March 17, 2017 – Planning Day March 20-24, 2017 – Spring Break April 13, 201 – Schools Closed April 14, 2017 – Spring Holiday April 28, 2017 – Schools Closed May 29, 2017 – Memorial Day June 2, 2017 – Last Day of School

Early Dismissal Dates: August – 31 September – 14, 28 October – 12, 26 November – 2, 16, 30 December – 14 January – 11, 25 February – 8, 22 March – 8 April – 5 May – 31 *Students are dismissed 75 minutes earlier than their normal dismissal time on early release days.

End of Grading Period Dates: October 14, 2016 December 22, 2016 March 16, 2017 June 2, 2017

New Technological Tools and Other Reminders As the 2016-2017 school year begins, Duval County Public Schools is proud to offer several new technological options for parents, guardians and caregivers to use in order to keep track of their student’s progress and school events.

view the flyer. However, if the flyer accidentally gets deleted from your inbox, simply visit your school’s webpage and click on the Peachjar button to view the flyer. Contact your school for more information.

OneView

In a major step to provide education stakeholders with easy access to student information, DCPS has introduced a new education portal named “OneView.”

Funded by a generous grant from the Quality Education for All (QEA) and developed in partnership by Microsoft, OneView is a communication, collaboration and content management tool that provided students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members with personalized access to important data, resources and services with one login, through one centralized tool. Each stakeholder’s OneView environment will be based upon their role and responsibilities with the district. OneView will also help students and their families to easily engage in academic and administrative requirements.

Among the items users will find in OneView are FOCUS, blended learning applications like iReady and Achieve 3000, Office 365, course information, calendar/planner and an academic status/progress tracker.

Parents, guardians, and caregivers must create an account to access OneView. If a parent account was already created for FOCUS, that account may be used to access OneView. Visit www.duvalschools.org/oneview for more information and to create an account.

Peachjar

Keep track of special events and occurrences from DCPS and your child’s school through Peachjar – an electronic method of delivering flyers directly to your email inbox. Although an email address is required to sign up to receive the email, no login is necessary to

Stay connected with the

Mobile App!

DCPS Mobile App

There is now a DCPS app for your mobile device! This personalized window will allow you to stay informed on what is happening at the district and within schools, as well as provide you with the latest news and information at your fingertips. The app is FREE and can be downloaded from your mobile device’s store.

And As a Reminder…

Don’t forget to make sure your contact information is correct and up-to-date. An active email address as well as a good phone number is how we will send out important updates, including any alerts and critical information pertaining to your child’s school. Reach out to your school’s front office to double-check and update any information that we have on file.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 23

State of Florida Immunization Requirement Guidelines for the 2016-2017 School Year.

P re -K in d e rg a rt e n

ire me nt s Sc ho ol He alt h En try Re qu e school year, it Prior to the start of th nts meet school is critical that all stude ents. Per Florida health entry requirem 05, 402.313, Statutes 1003.22, 402.3 Code Rule Florida Administrative 46, every 64D-3.011 and 64D-3.0 hool health student must have a sc ve received all exam/physical and ha ns in order to required immunizatio enter school. ns, contact If you have any questio t of Health either the Departmen Office at School Health Services District (904) 253-1580 or DCPS 99.

Wellness (904) 390-24

4 DTaPs/DTPs (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) 3 Polio 4 Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B) 1 MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) 3 Hepatitis B 1 Varicella (chicken pox)

K in d e rg a rt e n -6 4 or 5 DTaPs/DTPs (final dose must be given on or after 4th birthday) 3, 4 or 5 Polio (final dose must be given on or after 4th birthday) 2 MMRs 3 Hepatitis B 2 Varicella

G ra d e s 7 -1 2 4 or 5 DTPs (final dose must be given on or after 4th birthday) 3, 4 or 5 Polio (final dose must be given on or after 4th birthday) 2 MMRs 3 Hepatitis B 1 Tdap 2 Varicella (Chicken Pox) for grades 7 - 8 1 Varicella (Chicken Pox) for grades 9 – 12

PLEASE BRING YOUR SHOT RECORDS WHEN YOU GO TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN DUVAL COUNTY. If you need a copy of your child’s shot record, it can be obtained from his/her health care provider or school.

No appointment is necessary for immunizations at the health department and a parent or guardian must be present to receive services. However, school physicals are available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

St. Johns County School District News

County Students Win Forestry Competition Orientation Day Set The team started six years ago when Wendy Smith, Cayla and Jeremy’s mother, was searching for a 4-H activity that would get her children outdoors and help them appreciate the natural world. She thought trekking through stands of pine and learning about forest ecology would be a fun way to get some fresh air and learn something along the way.

Wendy’s two older children went to the national competition in 2012 and came in sixth place. Now Cayla and Jeremy are looking to match or surpass their older siblings’ accomplishments.

Jeremy Smith (left), Cayla Smith and Henry Keating holding ribbons won at the Florida 4-H state forestry competition this summer.

Henry Keating, 15, and Cayla and Jeremy Smith, 15 and 17, can tell a fir tree from a spruce — no small feat for three kids who grew up in St. Johns County, where firs and spruces don’t grow without help.

As part of the UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County 4-H forestry team, it’s been several years since these three could walk into a forest and simply see “trees.”

Instead, they see features such as leaf shape and branching pattern, clues to the trees’ species. For example, “spruces have rounder needles, while firs have flatter ones,” said Jeremy.

Keating and the Smiths won this year’s Florida 4-H state forestry competition and are now headed to the National 4-H Forestry Invitational in Jackson’s Mill, W.Va., this month.

The St. Johns team will compete with other 4-H teams from across the country, demonstrating mastery of various skills, such as estimating the amount of timber in a tree and planning the development of forested land. They will also need to identify 81 tree species, including fir and spruce, nearly twice the number of trees they had to know at the state level.

Keating has been on the team for the last four years, and he enjoys competing against other teams just as much as getting outside. “The thought of winning a national contest is really exciting,” he said. Keating was the highest scoring contestant at the state competition, which earned him a scholarship to attend UF and study forestry.

Wendy said the team wouldn’t have gotten this far without community’s support. Geralyn Sachs, 4-H agent with UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County, Greg Dunn, county forester, the University of Florida school of forest resources and conservation, and locals in the industry have all contributed to the team’s success, she said.

“4-H is all about developing life skills,” said Sachs, “and gaining mastery in the area of forestry has helped Cayla, Jeremy and Henry practice problem solving, team work, leadership and independence.”

All three team members agreed that one of the most challenging parts of the national competition will be identifying trees that aren’t native to the southeastern U.S. But if asked about anything tropical, they have the advantage. “If we get to identify a cabbage palm, that would make us very excited,” said Jeremy.

Samantha Grenrock/ grenrosa@ufl.edu

District Continues Top Performance St. Johns County School District continues to be the top performing district in the state for the eighth year in a row and is one of only three “A” rated districts in Florida, according to school grades released this summer by the Florida Department of Education.

St. Johns County had 22 “A” schools, six “B” schools, four “C” schools and one “D” school.

Eleven elementary schools, four middle schools, all three of the district’s K-8 academies and four high schools received a grade of “A” this year. Durbin Creek Elementary School’s grade is pending and is expected to be an “A.” The elementary schools receiving an “A” are Cunningham Creek Elementary, W.D. Hartley Elementary, Hickory Creek Elementary, R.B. Hunt Elementary, Julington Creek Elementary, Mill Creek Elementary, Ocean Palms Elementary, Palencia Elementary, PVPV/ Rawlings Elementary, Timberlin Creek Elementary and Wards Creek Elementary.

The middle schools with an “A” are Fruit Cove Middle, Alice B. Landrum Middle, Pacetti Bay Middle and

Switzerland Point Middle. Liberty Pines, Patriot Oaks and Valley Ridge academies received an “A” as did Bartram Trail, Creekside, Allen D. Nease and Ponte Vedra high schools.

Ketterlinus Elementary, South Woods Elementary, R.J. Murray Middle, Gamble Rogers Middle, Pedro Menendez High and St. Augustine High schools received a “B” this year. John A. Crookshank Elementary, Otis A. Mason Elementary, Osceola Elementary and Sebastian Middle schools received a “C” this year. The Webster School received a “D.” This is the first year the new, more difficult school grading system is in place under the Florida Standards Assessment which includes a change in the metrics used to calculate learning gains. Additional details and information can be found at http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org.

The school district is hosting a districtwide orientation on Tuesday, Aug. 9. from 8 a.m. to noon. Orientation is an opportunity for students and parents to get supply lists, receive class schedules, and meet teachers.

While many schools have scheduled orientations on other dates and times, staff will be available at all schools on Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 8 a.m. to noon.

Parents are encouraged to call or visit the school website to verify any changes in orientation and open house dates.

It is also recommended that parents register their children for school as soon as possible. Parents may access information regarding registration requirements and their child’s attendance zone by visiting the school district website at www.stjohns.k12.

The purpose of early registration is to help reduce the number of students who need to be enrolled at the beginning of school and to help the district prepare for the appropriate number of teachers.

The first day of class for the school year is Wednesday, Aug, 10.

Technical College Control Falls to District The St. Johns County School District has assumed administrative and operational control of First Coast Technical College. The charter status of the school was terminated on June 15.

The district will continue operation of the school as a technical center with a focus on career education.

The district intends to maintain all sustainable educational programs and further develop and/or expand offerings to meet the needs of both adult and high school students in the tri-county area.

Cathy Mittelstadt, associate superintendent for student support services, will serve as the interim principal, Chris Force, director of career and technical programs will lead the instructional programs, and Patrick Snodgrass, director of purchasing, will oversee the operations and facilities departments.

Enrollment information can be found on the FCTC website at http://fctc.edu/.

2016-2017 Important Dates Wednesday through Tuesday, Aug 3-9 Wednesday, Aug 10 Monday, Sept. 5 Friday, Oct. 14

Teacher Planning Days Students Report To Class (Full Day) Labor Day – Student/Teacher Holiday First Quarter Ends

Monday, Oct. 17

Student Holiday/Teacher Planning Day

Friday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 23-25

Thanksgiving, Student/Teacher Holiday

Wednesday, Dec. 21

2Nd Quarter, First Semester Ends

Thursday through Wednesday. Dec. 22-Jan.3

Winter Break, Student/Teacher Holiday

Wednesday, Jan. 4

Teacher Planning Day, Student Holiday

Tuesday, Jan. 5 Monday, Jan. 16 Friday, Feb. 17

Classes Resume/Second Semester Begins Martin Luther King Day, Student/Teacher Holiday Teacher Inservice Day, Student Holiday

Monday, Feb. 20

President’s Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

Friday, March 10

Third Quarter Ends

Monday through Friday, March 13-17

Spring Break, Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday, March 20

Teacher Planning Day, Student Holiday

Tuesday, March 21

Classes Resume

Friday, April 14 Wednesday, May 24 Thursday, May 25

Follow us on Twitter

fl.us and clicking on the “Families” tab. Additional information on registration and school attendance zones may be obtained from the Student Services Office at 547-7797.

Student/Teacher Holiday 4Th Quarter Ends, Last Day For Students Teacher Planning Day, Last Day For Teachers

All schools participate in a weekly early release on Wednesday: Elementary @1:50, Middle @1:00, High @ 2:45 All schools will be dismissed 1 hour early on Dec 21 and May 24

Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 25

Clay County School News And The Winners Are...

The top speakers in this year’s 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking contest for elementary students held at the University of Florida, Institute of Flood and Agricultural

6th grade, school and topic: First place — Isaac Padgett, Orange Park Elementary School, “Hitler’s Rejection.”

Sciences at Green Cove Springs included: 4th and 5th grade, school and topic: First place — Mikah Martin, Shadowlawn Elementary School, “4th Grade Drama.”

Second place — Jonathan Chick, Tynes Elementary School, “What is Your Goliath?”

Third place — Clarissa Toney, Fleming Island Elementary School, “Chicken Drama.”

Fourth place — Aidan Papke, Argyle Elementary School, “Kid for President.”

Second place — Rylee Martin, Shadowlawn Elementary School, “Beware of the Smother.”

Third place — Ariel Anderson, Montclair Elementary School, “Bullying.”

Fourth place — Camson Alvey, Fleming Island Elementary School, “Space is Out of this World.”

The annual competition gives thousands of students the opportunity to learn how to research, write and deliver a speech. Students in fourth, fifth and six grades from 20 Clay County schools competed this year.

The first place winners received a 4-H camp scholarship sponsored by the Tropicana Corporation. Tropicana has funded and supported the Florida 4-H Tropicana Public Speaking Contest for more than 20 years.

Register Now for Kindergarten All elementary schools in Clay County are registering kindergarten students for the 2016-2017 school year.

To enter kindergarten, a child must be 5 years of age on or before September 1. This needs to be verified by a registered birth certificate.

Florida’s Compulsory Immunization Law requires that, prior to entry, attendance or transfer; all children comply with the state adopted immunization schedule (Florida Statute 1003.22). For the 2016-2017 school year, DH Form 680 (or Religious Exemption DH Form 681) is the only acceptable immunization certificate for admittance to a public or non-public school, grades Pre-K through 12. The Form 680 can be obtained from your doctor or the Clay County Health Department. The Form 681 can be obtained from the Clay County Health Department.

A child may be certified as fully immunized if he/ she has completed, prior to entry, the following vaccinations:

•

2016-2017 Important Dates Tuesday, Aug 9

Teacher First Day

Thursday, Aug 11

District Inservice

Tuesday, Aug 16

First Day For Students

Monday, Sept. 5

Labor Day – Student/Teacher Holiday

Thursday, Oct. 6

First Grading Period Ends

Friday, Oct. 7

Student Holiday/Teacher Planning Day

Friday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday through Friday, Nov. 21-25

Thanksgiving, Student/Teacher Holiday

Friday, Dec. 16

2Nd Grading Period Ends

Monday, Dec.19 through Monday, Jan.2

Winter Break, Student/Teacher Holiday

Tuesday, Jan. 3

Teacher Planning Day, Student Holiday

Wednesday, Jan. 4

Inservice Day, Student Holiday Classes

Thursday, Jan. 5

Students Return

Monday, Jan. 16

Martin Luther King Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday, Feb. 20

President’s Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

Friday, March 17

End Third Grading Period

Monday through Friday, March 20-24

Spring Break, Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday, March 27

Planning Day, Student Holiday

Tuesday, March 28

Students Return

Friday, April 7 Friday, April 14 Monday, May 29 Wednesday, June 7 Thursday, June 8

Fair Day, Student/Teacher Holiday Good Friday, Student/Teacher Holiday Memorial Day, Student/Teacher Holiday Last Day For Students, End 4Th Grading Period Teacher Planning Day, Last Day For Teachers

2 doses of varicella vaccine **

* If fourth dose of vaccine is administered prior to fourth birthday, a fifth dose of polio vaccine is required for kindergarten entry only. ** Varicella vaccine is not required if varicella disease is documented by health care provider.

A school physical examination performed within one year prior to the first day of enrollment is also a required requirement.

In addition to health documentation and proof of date of birth, you will need multiple proofs of residency. Some items required for proof of residency (3 - 4 required) are driver’s license/Florida ID with current address, current utility bills, mortgage or rental agreement, and insurance, credit card or bank statements. A complete list of registration requirements is available on the Parent page of our District website at: oneclay.net.

•

4 or 5 doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DtaP) vaccine

Registration is not considered complete without all required documents.

•

2 or 3 doses of Hepatitis B (Hep B) vaccine— requires 6 months to complete

•

3, 4 or 5 doses of Polio vaccine *

Parents may register their children at any time Monday through Thursday from 7:30-4:30 at their neighborhood school. The first day of school for students is Tuesday, August 16th.

•

2 doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine

Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

Connect with us!

SPECIAL NEEDS

Jacksonville Miracle League Season Opens

T

he Jacksonville Miracle League, a group that provides opportunities for children and adults with disabilities (ages 4 and up with no age limit) to experience the magic of playing baseball, regardless of their abilities, opens its 19th season on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m.

“We cannot change or cure the medical issues life has dealt them. What we can do is provide them with an opportunity to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing baseball …

There’s something about the game that lights up a child’s eyes. It’s an experience that every child deserves. And through the Miracle League, it’s an experience that every child can enjoy.”

The rules are simple: • • • • • •

Every player bats once each inning; All base runners are safe; Every player scores a run before the inning is over; Last batter up hits a home run each inning; Community volunteers serve as “buddies” to assist the players; Each team and each player wins every game.

Opening Day begins at 10 a.m. at Brantly Park (Lew Brantly Field), 8435 118th Street, on the Westside, according to Cary Hanson, president.

The Alden Road Exceptional Student Center Color Guard will present the flag. Following the national anthem, league staff will be introduced and partner/sponsors recognized. Beth Meyer (Jacksonville’s ADA Coordinator and Manager of Disabled Services), City Councilman Doyle Carter and your favorite baseball loving K9, SouthPaw, are special guests.

Following a special presentation of the Legend Award to players that have reached Legend Hall of Fame status, teams will be grouped together on the field in formation for introductions of the coaches and players. A ceremonial throwing out the first pitch will open a one inning practice game from 10:45 a.m. to noon with all teams participating. Teams will be evenly divided and each player given one turn at bat.

The popular Skills Competition is back from last season. From noon to 1 p.m. players compete in 4 categories: Throwing Accuracy, Hitting Accuracy, Catching and Home Run Derby. Competitors can earn 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in each category.

As always Buddy registrations are OPEN. See jacksonvillemiracleleague.org.

To help our athletes, the Miracle League uses a “buddy” system, pairing players with an ablebodied peer.

“We are always in need of Buddies – adults or teenagers – to help our players with batting, rounding the bases, and fielding. Buddies need to be physically able to protect the players from harm and assist the players as needed. Safety is our primary goal; the fun comes naturally!

Things to Do Special Needs

9th Annual Youth Summit • August 5 – 6 The Annual Youth Summit is a two-day event, created by and for youth with disabilities, where The Florida Youth Council brings together their peers between the ages of 15 and 30 for two days of education, inspiration, conversation and learning. The Annual Youth Summit is a place for young people with disabilities from communities across the State of Florida to come together to learn, share, and network.

The Florida Youth Council is a group of youth and emerging leaders with disabilities who have a passion for encouraging leadership and advocacy among their peers. The FYC is all about youth empowerment and youth involvement, and the entire Annual Youth Summit is planned by youth, for youth!

Though we call them Buddies, many refer them as Angels in the Outfield.”

Buddies will be assigned to teams and need to be at the ballpark when that team is playing. Each team plays one game per week for about 1 ½ hours, unless they have a bye week. Games are played on Fridays at 7pm, and on Saturdays at 9am, 10:30am and noon. You don’t have to help out with every game; you can alternate games with other buddies, or whatever your schedule will allow. You’ll get a free Miracle League t-shirt, and all volunteer hours are tracked and count toward service hours for college scholarships. Not all Buddies need to have their volunteer hours tracked, so if you do need written confirmation of your hours, please contact the Buddy Director as soon as the season has ended.

“Being a Buddy is a wonderful, rewarding experience. So dust off your glove and come join us!”

The goals for the Buddies: Protect the Miracle League player at all times.

Always allow the Miracle League player as much freedom as possible to play his /her own game.

Assist Miracle League player according to their needs.

When a hard hitter is up to bat, Buddies are to step in front of Miracle League player for protection.

Be of good spirit with enthusiasm, love, good attitude and concern in motivating the players and their families.

Become their friend; get to know the players and their families.

Arrive at field 15 minutes prior to game time.

Be properly dressed and clean dressed in Buddies shirt.

Demonstrates high morals and integrity on and off the field.

See jacksonvillemiracleleague.org for more information and too signup to be on the Angels In The Outfield team. j

The 9th Annual Youth Summit will bring together over 200 youth and emerging leaders to attend engaging youth-only sessions on a wide variety of topics, including transition, workplace preparedness and post-secondary schooling. We also have a great, youth-friendly keynote and fun social activities planned for The Summit, including a dance party to cap off the festivities. There will be plenty of opportunities for attendees to network, and share their thoughts, experiences, and aspirations.

Limited financial assistance is available! Simply note your request by checking the Financial Assistance box on the registration form. If you are not requesting financial assistance, please contact The Florida Hotel and Conference Center directly at 407-859-1500 to make reservations.

The room rate is $104 per night.

Florida Hotel and Conference Center / 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809 / www.familycafe.net American Sign Language Class Begins August 9, 4pm FSDB is offering a beginners’ level I course in Sign Language. This is a 10-week course from August 9th – October 11th. The class will meet on Tuesdays, 4:00pm – 5:30pm, at the FSDB campus in Moore Hall. The class fee is $75.00, and the book used is “A Basic Course in American Sign Language.” The book may be purchased from FSDB for a cost of $38.95. Please complete the registration form and return it along with your payment. Check should be made payable to FSDB. For more information, contact Cindy Day, FSDB Parent Services, dayc@fsdb.k12.fl.us via email or call 904-827-2221.

Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind / 904-827-2221 / 207 N. San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.fsdb.k12.fl.us Surfers for Autism Registration • August 10 Registration opens for 7th Annual North Coast Beach Festival in Jacksonville Beach. SFA will spend a day teaching individuals with Autism to surf and have fun in the water on September 24. This great event fills up fast so register your child or young adult to participate now, or sign up to volunteer for this fun day.

Hampton Inn / 1515 First Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.surfersforautism.org

high school (ages 14-19). Students will explore personal styles, careers, and prepare for future employment.

Students will develop an individualized notebook as an outcome of attending the workshop. Space is limited.

Students are expected to attend all sessions. To register, contact: Audrey Bringman 904-633-4330 or email Audrey.Bringman@jax.ufl.edu Sessions are: August 11, 18, 25, September 1, 8, 16 CARD / 904-633-4330 / 6271 St. Augustine Rd, Suite 1, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.hscj.ufl.edu<http://www. hscj.ufl.edu Angelwood Fashion Show & Luncheon August 12 The annual Angelwood Fashion Show & Luncheon will be held at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in the Champions Ballroom. The theme of this year’s event is “Summer in the City”.

Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa / 904-288-7259 / 1000 Pga Tour Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / angelwoodjax.org AMC Sensory Friendly Films: Pete’s Dragon August 27, 10am AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to bring you unique movie showings where you can feel free to be you. The theater will turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. The Sensory Friendly Film program now offers four showings per month. Tickets are available to purchase in advance.

Films are shown at 10am.

AMC Regency 24 / 9451 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.amctheatres.com The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Benefiting HEAL September 5, 7:30am The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle Benefiting HEAL is a series of 3 Stand Up Paddle Board races and a fun Great Sand & Sea Challenge for kids held on Labor Day. Now in its 5th year, The Great Ponte Vedra Paddle is one of the largest Stand Up Paddle Events of its kind on Florida’s East Coast. Last year’s competition drew a fun crowd of 500 including 225 competitors, all for a great cause that helps individuals with Autism in Northeast Florida. All Proceeds benefit the HEAL Foundation - Healing Every Autistic Life - whose mission is to assist individuals and families living with Autism living in Northeast Florida. HEAL funds educational programs, schools, summer camps and assistance tailored to the needs of those with Autism and their families. Races include 5 Mile Distance Race, 3 Mile Open Race & 1 Mile Fun Race. Register online in advance. The Great Land & Sea Challenge is for kids 12 and under, with prizes for best costumes.

Mickler’s Landing / 1109 1/2 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.healautismnow.org Surf Quest • September 17, 1pm to 3pm This program is a free monthly event with trained volunteers who introduce adaptive aquatic recreation using specialized surfboards and flotation devices for anyone with a disability. All ages and abilities are welcome.

This program allows family and friends to participate in outdoor recreation as ohana (family).

Crescent Beach Ramp / 904-824-7249 / Mary Street, Crescent Beach, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.arcsj.org

Discovering Capabilities 2 August 11, 4pm to 5:30pm

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Discovering Capabilities 2 is a 6-week person centered planning workshop for students who are currently in

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 27

TEENS

Things to Do

How Pokémon Go Actually Works

A

ugmented Reality (AR) is not new, but thanks to Pokémon Go it is newly relevant.

The game has broken every record for adoption, users, and time spent, and it has given Nintendo a much-needed boost in both buzz and market cap – oh, and it’s super-fun to play. Even if you never download the game or even look at a screenshot, here are a few things about Pokémon Go’s epic launch that may move you from “I couldn’t care less” to “Hmm … that’s interesting.”

Pokémon Go Is Not Technically AR You won’t get in trouble for calling Pokémon Go “AR,” but be prepared for some pushback from tech-savvy buddies. Pokémon Go is as much like AR as Facebook 360 videos are like VR (virtual reality). At best it is pseudo-AR, but this distinction will matter only when you ask your developers to build “Fill-in-your-brand-name-here Go” and you find out how Pokémon Go actually works.

AR, VR and MR AR superimposes computer-generated images (text, graphics, other images, etc.) over your field of vision to “augment” your experience. So far, the most common ways to experience AR are by using smartphones or by wearing purpose-built goggles or glasses that mimic a heads-up display. Because it combines your actual location with data and images that enhance your experience, AR has thousands of practical uses.

VR immerses you in a simulated or virtual environment. It is excellent for game play, vocational training and several other kinds of entertainment. At present, the technology requires the user to wear a headset and headphones that isolate the user from the outside world. Most VR experiences require the user to be seated in a safe space or to wear a safety harness on a 360 treadmill or to be in the equivalent of a padded room. Some people believe that this limitation will prevent VR from going mainstream. I think it’s too early for that kind of declarative statement because pure VR experiences are magical and will ultimately provide human experiences that are like being in the “Matrix.”

MR (mixed reality) is a term that Magic Leap and others have been using to describe a technology that mixes VR with the real world. If Magic Leap or HoloLens or Tango did Pokémon Go, gamers would lose their minds! The characters would have a sense of space, react to their environments, hide behind things, and much more. MR allows photorealistic enhancements that will alter your perceptions in significant, visceral ways. You

might see an ancient ruin as a thriving city or a see a room with different furniture in it or with different colored walls and draperies – the creative possibilities for MR are infinite. Importantly, MR is not here yet. It requires sensors that can map your environment, powerful local processing, copious amounts of wireless bandwidth, furiously fast computation in the cloud and practically instant access to vast amounts of data.

1st-Party Data Is Key One of the most important things about Pokémon Go is its backstory. The game was not purpose built; it was a modification and re-skinning of Ingress, an existing data-driven massive multiplayer game. Niantic, the company that built Pokémon Go, was founded by John Hanke, who also founded Keyhole (the start-up that Google acquired to accelerate the creation of Google Earth). The database of Pokéstops and Gym coordinates was substantially taken from a database created by Ingress gamers.

What’s Next?

Pokémon Go is a good start. It has everyone talking about AR, which immediately leads to a discussion about VR, which ultimately concludes with a renewed sense of purpose to achieve MR. While you might not be able to create “Fill-inyour-brand-name-here Go,” you can start thinking about great uses of AR from your supply chain all the way through to your consumer touchpoints (products, marketing, advertising, branded entertainment, customer service, etc.).

One Last Thing Everyone has a theory about why Pokémon Go has been so successful, so quickly. There is no one reason. But consider these elements before making your decision to jump into AR: (1) Niantic had over five years of experience with Ingress, a game that is almost identical to Pokémon Go. (2) There was a massive 1st-party database that enabled the user experience. (3) They leveraged Pokémon, one of the most popular game brands in the world. (4) Everyone in the target market has and knows how to use a network-connected smartphone capable of providing an emotionally satisfying user experience.

We could go on listing elements of this “perfect storm,” but there is no need. The overarching reason that Pokémon Go is on your radar is that it is super-fun to play. j shellypalmer.com

Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Teens

Introduction to the Redesigned SAT Test August 9, 6pm The SAT has recently been redesigned and everything you thought you knew about the SAT is now different. Come to this free presentation to get all the information you need. Instructor Brett Hancock has been a teacher for 21 years and an instructor of SATs for 20+ years. For more information, call the library at 904-827-6940.

Main Branch, SJCPLS / 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.sjcpls.org ACT/SAT Classes For Teens August 11, 5pm The Friends of the Bartram Trail Library will be offering ACT and SAT Prep Classes on Thursday evenings beginning August 11. The ACT five class series will meet at 5pm and the SAT five class series will meet at 6:30pm. The practice exam for both classes is September 8 at 5pm. Please contact the Friends of the Library at folbtl@gmail. com for registration information.

Bartram Trail Branch / 60 Davis Pond Blvd, Fruit Cove, FL 32259 / www.sjcpls.org Drivers Training Class – Learner Permit Preparation August 15, 8am This program is conducted at each public high school from 8am till 9am for a 12-day cycle. Free to attend and open to private school and homeschool students. Requirements: Students must be at least 14½ years old at the beginning of the class. Prospective students will be required to submit their information via email to driversed@ sjctax.us. Visit website for complete list of required information. A confirmation email will be sent to all registrants. If the class you have chosen is no longer available, we will notify you so that you will have the opportunity to sign up for another date. For questions or technical assistance please contact the Driver Education Program at driversed@sjctax.us or 904-209-2250 x4682. Held at Bartram Trail High School and St. Augustine High School. Program runs August 15 - August 30.

St. Johns County Tax Collector / 904-209-2250 x4682 / ftp.bocc.co.st-johns.fl.us Learn to Dance with Dance Alday August 15, 6:30pm to 7:30pm Ages 14 and up are invited to learn how to dancefor free! Each monthly session, taught by Ponte Vedra’s Dance Alday, will feature a new kind of dancing with no registration needed and it’s free to attend. Participants are encouraged to dress to

the theme if you wish. Held Mondays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Tonight’s theme is Disco Dancing.

Ponte Vedra Beach Branch / 904-827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www. sjcpls.org Ice Cream Social August 18, 3pm Make and eat ice cream and celebrate the new school year. Get re-acquainted with friends you may not have seen all summer and make a few new friends. For teens and tweens.

Regency Square Branch Library / 904-726-5142 / 9900 Regency Square Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32225 / jpl.coj.net Youth Quake Live Season Premiere September 2, 8pm to 10pm YouthQuake Live exists to partner with the community to inspire young people to fulfill their God-given destiny through life-changing entertainment.

YouthQuake Live kicks off their 22nd season with a night full of skits, impactful dance, and worship.

Southpoint Community Church / 904-281-1188 / 7556 Salisbury Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www. youthquakelive.com Salsa/Ballroom Dancing Workshop With Mr. Kevin September 14, 4pm to 5:30pm Teens 11 and up are invited to learn some new dance steps. No advance registration is required. Free.

Palm Coast Library / 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast, FL 32167 / flaglercounty.org This Is Not Your Mother’s Book Club September 16, 4:30pm to 5:30pm A monthly book club for teens ages 12-18. Are you just dying to talk to someone about the awesome book you just read? This is a read & share style group, so come prepared to talk up your favorite recent reads. Held in Room D. Southeast Regional Library / 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jpl.coj.net Recommended Websites: Careers & Jobs September 27, 5pm to 6:30pm Tired of stumbling through endless Google job searches & career websites that take you nowhere? Let library staff show you valid, timely & reliable sources to lead you to your new career path. Teens and adults are invited for this introduction to Recommended Websites: Careers & Jobs.

Held in Room 124 E-classroom.

Main Library / 904-630-2665 / 303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jpl.coj.net

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Things to Do

PETS

How Smart is Your Dog?

I

t is a common tendency to take pride in our dogs. We’ve all had a dog in our time that may not have been firing on all of its mental cylinders.

Despite being a good dog and trying to please, perhaps things just didn’t click as well as they could. On the flipside, you may have had an exceptionally smart dog who caught on fast and seemed to do everything right. While the extremes of intelligence are usually pretty clear, the dogs that fall in between can be a little harder to read.

If you’re curious as to the intelligence level of your dog, there are some quick and easy ways to find out how well equipped they are mentally. All it takes is a little bit of your time and a few items from around the house to perform some basic tests. The goal is to try things that are not a part of their normal routine in order to challenge and ultimately assess their problem solving skills. In the end you may conclude that Rover is rather astute or that perhaps he is a lover and not a thinker.

Here are some basic IQ tests to try: 1. If you’ve ever talked to your dog and watched their heads tilt to one side or the other, you may have wondered just how well they understand what we are saying. Dogs are usually wellacquainted with their names but lots of times we use a ‘doggie voice’ that has a bit of a sing-song quality when calling them. This happy tone is appealing to dogs and thus frequently gets a response, but a true test of smarts is to say their voice in another room in a normal tone to see if you get a response. Award points as follows: • Immediately approaches: 4 points • Rises but hesitates to come: 3 points • Rises but does not come: 2 points • Perks up but does not approach: 1 points • No reaction: 0 points 2. With a light towel or blanket, cover your dog’s head. You want to see what his response to this will be, whether he will quickly free himself on his own accord or if he instead waits helplessly to be freed by you. Do not communicate with the dog in any way during this process; do not whistle or call his name. Simply drape the towel and calculate the amount of time he takes to free himself. Award points as follows: • 20 second or less: 4 points • 21 to 40 seconds: 3 points • 41 to 60 seconds: 2 points • More than 1 minute: 1 point

• If your dog never makes any effort to get free and instead takes a nap: 0 points 3. To test response time to subtle cues, grab something related to your dog’s favorite activity.

The easiest item for most of us would be a leash or a ball. Do not indicate to your dog that anything is about to happen but instead nonchalantly handle the item you’ve chosen and wait for a response. Award points as follows: • Immediate response: 4 points • Gradual excitement: 3 points • Response that only occurs if you step up your behavior: 2 points • Watching but not becoming active: 1 point • No reaction: 0 points 4. Next is to determine your dog’s perception of body language and what it means. For this test, start with a straight face while looking at your dog, then let a smile spread across your face as he is focused on you. Award points as follows: • Cheerful approach with tail wagging: 4 points • Timid approach without tail wagging: 3 points • Dog appears to notice the change but does not come: 2 points • Dog leaves the area: 1 point • No reaction: 0 points 5. All dogs have a favorite treat. For this test, take a preferred item and hide it out of sight but in an easily accessible location, such as underneath a cup. Let your dog watch as you do this and observe if he can figure out how to retrieve it.

Based on his reaction, award points as follows: • If the item is retrieved in 20 seconds: 4 points • If it takes 21 to 40 seconds: 3 points • If it 41 seconds or more: 2 points • If your dog knows where the item is but can’t grasp how to access it: 1 point • If your dog makes no effort: 0 points Upon completion of testing, take a look at the points your dog scored. If you see mostly 4’s, you have a dog with a high IQ. Dogs that score mostly 3’s are pretty smart. If mainly 2’s are achieved, those should be considered average with 1’s and 0’s below average. j Outdoorhub.com

Meet Your Soul Mutt • August 6, 10am to 2pm Earth Pets Natural Market hosts an adoption with plenty of adoptable dogs who will be looking for their forever homes.

Earth Pets Natural Market / 904-677-4429 / 117401 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 / earthpetsflorida.com/earth-pets-of-jacksonville Canine Leadership Class • August 10, 6:30pm to 8pm Kamp K-9 Jax Bch will present the acclaimed Canine Leadership class for 5 weeks starting 8/10 and running until 9/7. Just $200 takes you from beginning to advanced handling of any dog. Skills include leash walking, socialization, distractions, confined spaces handling, and pack walking. Alumni can always return to any future class for free. Contact Greg (Pack Leader) at winfirst1@gmail.com to reserve your spot today; classes are capped at 10 families and fill up quickly (all dogs welcome).

Salty Paws Healthy Pet Market / 677 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32233 / www.SaltyPawsMarket.com Paint Your Pet • August 11, 6pm The Flagler Humane Society hosts a Paint Your Pet event. Arrive at 5:30pm for a pre-painting party. Participants will be able to create a cartoon likeness of their favorite four legged friend, using acrylic paint on a 12x12 canvas. Bring a copy of the photo of your pet that you will be painting. No artistic experience required. Cost is $40. Be sure to register in advance.

Flagler Humane Society / 386-216-6375 / 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.flaglerhumanesociety.org

Pet Events Earth Pets Natural Market Free Nutritional Seminal • August 20, 12noon to 1pm Join Earth Pets Natural Market, within DogTown USA, for a free nutritional seminar with Weruva, “People Food for Pets”. Learn all about their human grade ingredients for both dogs and cats, made in a stateof-the-art human grade facility. Enjoy complimentary food, drinks and special offers.

Earth Pets Natural Market / 904- 677-4429 / 11740-1 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223 / earthpetsflorida.com/earth-pets-of-jacksonville St. Marys Aquatic Center Pooch Plunge September 11, 3pm Bring your pooch to play and paddle in the pools at St. Marys Aquatic Center.

St. Marys Aquatic Center / 912-673-8118 / 301 Herb Bauer Drive, St. Marys, GA 31558 / www.stmarysga.gov Strut Your Mutt Jacksonville • September 24, 8am This fundraising festival includes interactive games and activities for you, your dog and your whole family. Registration opens at 8am, and the walk starts at 9am. Participants can join an existing team, create a new team, or walk as an individual. Youth registration is available for a discounted rate.

Metropolitan Park / 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / support.bestfriends.org Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Pets Events guide, online at www.jax4kids.com

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AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

Page 29

THINGS TO DO Jaguars Open Practices Tuesday, August 2 Wednesday, August 3 Thursday, August 4 Friday, August 5 (Family Night Scrimmage) Monday, August 8 Tuesday, August 9 Wednesday, August 17 (Scrimmage vs. Buccaneers) Thursday, August 18 (Scrimmage vs. Buccaneers) 10am to 12:20pm The Jaguars will open training camp practices to fans on this offseason. Fan access to practice will be frequent and include the annual Family Night Scrimmage (Aug. 5) and two scrimmages against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Practices will start at 10am and will run until 12:20pm. Parking will be made available at 9:30am in Lots M and N, which must be accessed by going through Lot J. Free, but fans must register in advance.

Everbank Field / 904-398-8800 / One EverBank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com Jacksonville Suns July 31 – August 4 vs. Biloxi Shuckers August 11 – 15 vs. Mississippi Braves August 22 – 26 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts September 1 – 5 vs. Mobile BayBears Sundays are Family FUNdays at the ballgrounds. Kids, enjoy pre-game catch on the field, reading with the Suns and post-game, kids can run the bases. Look for these special family-friendly nights throughout August and September. August 12, 26 and September 2 is Family Fireworks and Red Shirt Friday-Wear red to support the military and save $1 at the box office or donate it to a military charity August 13 is Superhero Night with a Superhero Giveaway for the first 1,000 fans. August 14, Kids Olympics.

September 3 is Military Appreciation Night and Fan Appreciation Night with Fan Appreciation Fireworks.

Single game tickets start at $5.

Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville / 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.milb.com Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville / 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.milb.com STAND Against Bullying Magic Show with Magician Mark Alan August 4, 3:30pm Magician Mark Alan returns just before school starts with a fun, interactive, and timely magic show that will show you how to stand up for yourself and others.

Ponte Vedra Beach Branch / 904-827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www. sjcpls.org 2016 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday August 5 – 7 Legislation was passed to create a 3-day sales tax holiday that will begin at 12:01am, Friday, August 5, 2016, and end at 11:59pm, Sunday, August 7, 2016.

During this period, no Florida sales tax or local option tax will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $60 or less per item and on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item. dor.myflorida.com O2B Kids Back to School Bash August 6, 9:30am O2B Kids hosts a free Back to School Bash. Activities include a bounce house, obstacle course, rock wall fun, and more. You can also enter to win a backpack and school supplies.

O2B Kids / 904-264-4202 / 1821 Town Center Blvd, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.o2bkids.com Touch-A-Truck August 6, 10am to 2pm Horn Free Hour, 10am to 11am Unique vehicles will be on-site for kids to sit in, climb on and take photos with including Big Rigs, Fire and Rescue Trucks, Police Vehicles, Construction Equip-

ment, and others, plus Sky Action News Jax, news helicopter. There will also be bounce houses, a free photo booth, games, and prizes. Admission is free.

Guests are requested to bring school supply items to be donated to Police Athletic League. Items needed include notebooks to paper, pencils and markers and other school supplies. Families of children with special needs and sensitive ears are invited to avoid the noise to attend the “Horn-Free Hour” from 10am-11am. All the fun of “Touch-A-Truck,” without loud music, horns and sirens.

Jacksonville Automotive and Motorcycle Museum / 9501 Arlington Expressway, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.jaxtouchatruck.com

and open to the public. For more information call 904580-7376 go to www.1stchoiceest.org.

Main Branch – SJCPLS / 904-580-7376 / 1960 N. Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.1stchoiceest.org

WJCT Kids Movie Premiere Event August 6, 2pm Kids of all ages and their families are invited to attend WJCT’s Back to School Bash. You’ll watch the new Odd Squad movie on the big screen, enjoy complimentary movie snacks, participate in fun Odd Squad activities and have the chance to win prize packs. Please bring a book to donate to the Police Athletic League. Tickets are free, but space is limited. Register online in advance.

WJCT Studios / 100 Festival Park Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.wjct.org

Girls on the Run Fall 2016 Registration August 22 – September 6 Girls on the Run and Heart and Sole sessions are held over a 10 week period in the Fall and Spring. The program meets two days a week for one hour and 15 minutes after school. All girls ages 8-12 and 12-14 are encouraged to join the program regardless of previous running experience and level of physical fitness. The Fall Season will run from the week of September 17th through December 2nd 2016. The End of Season 5K will be held on Saturday, December 3rd at the University of North Florida campus. Fall registration will run August 22nd, 2016-September 6th 2016.

Girls on the Run of NE Florida / www.gotrnefl.org

Jacksonville Armada August 6, 7pm vs. Carolina RailHawks August 17, 6:30pm vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers August 20, 7pm vs. Minnesota United FC September 24, 7pm vs. Rayo OKC September 28, 6:30pm vs. FC Edmonton Single game tickets start at $10.

Community First Park at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville / 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.armadafc.com Friends of the Library Back to School Bash August 12, 3pm The Jacksonville Public Library Brentwood Branch and the Brentwood Friends of the Library celebrate the beginning of 2016-2017 school year with a Back to School Bash. Library staff will be presenting arts, crafts, games, and story times. The Brentwood Friends of the Library will host a block party and will be giving away school supplies. Refreshments will be provided.

Brentwood Branch Library / 904-630-0924 / 3725 Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 / jpl.coj.net Auditions With Mrs. Kate August 13 (Applications are due by August 6) The next audition for Mrs. Kate’s new CD is August 13, 2016. Mrs. Kate will be choosing 4-6 young vocalists to be on her team. The new CD is called I Think I Can. It is a motivational CD for children.

Friendship Alliance Church / 904-879-9155 / 44491 Mary Sauls Circle, Callahan, FL 32011 / www.mrskate. com Riverside Arts Market: Back to School Bash August 13, 10am to 4pm Jax4Kids.com proudly sponsors the Back to School Bash at the Riverside Arts Market. Enjoy kid friendly activities, as well as local produce, live music, vendors, and more.

Riverside Arts Market / 715 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / riversideartsmarket.com Friends and Family CPR August 17, 10:30am Come to a free informational session about health awareness. Learn how to give hands-only CPR and operate an AED machine. This is important information for the entire community where you can learn how to save a loved one. Theinstructor, Rodneisha McMillan, has been with American Heart Association for four years and is herself a stroke survivor. Come and learn from someone with firsthand experience about what you need to know if you find yourself in an emergency situation. No registration required; this program is free

Page 30 • Jax4Kids.com • AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016

Jacksonville Jaguars August 20, 7:30pm vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers August 28, 8pm vs. Cincinnati Bengals September 11, 1pm vs. Green Bay Packers (season opener) Single game tickets are available for purchase online.

Everbank Field / 904-398-8800 / One Everbank Field Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaguars.com

Back to School All Night Bash August 26, 7:30pm – August 27, 7am Skate Station hosts a Back to School All Night Bash.

Activities include Beach Bottom Volleyball, Bump the Fruit, Relay Races, and more. Pre-paid admission is $22 plus tax; or $27 plus tax at the door. After midnight, only ages 15 and under allowed.

Skate Station / funworks.com Mandarin / 904-880-7703 / 3461 Kori Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 Orange Park / 904-272-5600 / 230 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park , FL 32073 River Ruckus August 27, 10am St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) are hosting the fourth annual River Ruckus, a family festival. The day’s events will include water based activities, kids crafts and educational programming, and live local music, plus all the unique art, produce and food vendors that the Riverside Arts Market offers every Saturday.

Riverside Arts Market / 904-256-7613 / 715 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.stjohnsriverkeeper. org Prehistoric Pottery Class For Kids August 31, 2:30pm Students learn about the advent of pottery in Florida, and do hands-on experimentation using play-doh to explore pottery-making and -decorating technology.

The lesson also teaches about how pottery can help archaeologists understand a site and its prehistoric people. Students will be able to make a mini pottery sample to take home.

Anastasia Island Branch / 124 Seagrove Main St, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Turtle Trot 2016 September 5, 7:30pm The race starts and ends on the beach just south of

Main Beach at 7:30am with an out-and-back course, going south at the start during low-tide. Water will be available at the 1 & 2 mile mark (same location).

Walkers are welcome. Please don’t run/walk on the sand dunes; enjoy viewing the sea turtle nests along the route, but please don’t disturb them. Age group awards will be given for the first three finishers in each age group, including: Under 9, 10-14, 15-19, and adult age categories. Also, Fantastic Fudge will be providing Fudge Turtles for 1st Place in each age division. Entry fees start at $25 for the 5K. The kids 1 mile turtle trot starts at $8, and parents can run free with their child. Proceeds Benefit A.I. Sea Turtle Watch and Amelia Island Runners Youth Running Program.

Amelia Island Main Beach Park / 32 N Fletcher Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / www.ameliarunners. com Subway Kids Run Jax September 10, 8:30am Following the Run Diva 5K at 7:30am, the kids will have a fun run beginning at 8:30am. The Subway Kids Run Jax Fun Run is free until September 8th, then registration is $10. Registration includes custom die cast finishers medal.

World Golf Village / 500 S Legacy Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.ultimateracinginc.com Pollution Solution September 10, 10am to 4pm Join MOSH and the City of Jacksonville’s Environmental Protection Board for Pollution Solution. This free admission day is geared toward educating visitors about the environment impact and the ways to reduce air, water and noise pollution. Guests will enjoy different activities and presentations throughout the day.

Pollution Solution will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Friendship Fountain as well as inside the museum.

The Museum will close early at 4 p.m. This event is presented in collaboration with Cultural Fusion’s 2016 Lift Every Voice.

MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle / Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org PCFF Color Me Gold 5k and Fun Run September 17, 8am The Second Annual PCFF Color Me Gold 5k and Fun Run to raise awareness for children battling pediatric cancer is Saturday, September 17, 2016. The race will take place at World Golf Village. There will be a 5K and a 1 mile fun run. Honored guests (pediatric cancer patients, survivors, siblings, families and families of those whom we’ve lost) will be stationed along the route to encourage you, and the day will conclude with a special ceremony at the end. Entry fees range from $15 to $20 for the fun run, and $25 to $35 for the 5K. Adults can also do the Fun Run, with entry fees ranging from $25 to $35.

World Golf Village / 455 S. Legacy Trail #E106 , St. Augustine, FL 32092 / www.eventbrite.com 28th Annual Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Show September 23 – 24, 10am to 6pm September 25, 10am to 5pm See NASA Moon rocks, a Space Shuttle tire plus fossils, rocks, gems, minerals, beads and jewelry, as well as Lapidary and Jewelry making demonstrations. Admission is $4 a day or $6 for all three days. Boy & Girl Scouts and children under 12 free with guardian.

Morocco Shrine Temple / 3800 St Johns Bluff Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.jaxgemandmineral.org

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 • Jax4Kids.com •

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100

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AS LOW AS PER WEEK

AAer School Karate F u n , S t r u c t u r e d , S u p e r v i s e d P r o g r a m f o r Yo u r C h i l d r e n T h a t Te a c h e s T h e m C o n f i d e n c e , P r i d e & R e s p e c t .

transportation covered

Every day of the week, we provide transportation for your children. They'll get picked up from school, and brought to our martial arts studio. Call us to see what local areas we cover.

Improve fitness & health

Our program will get your kid in great shape, and they'll love every second of it. That way they can develop healthy exercise habits that stick with them for life. But most importantly... they'll have a ton of fun, make friends, and enrich their lives.

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Discipline, Confidence & pride

Your child will learn about setting goals and achieving them. They'll learn to appreciate respect and show it to others.

904-724-7544

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