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In this issue: Health & Safety Guide
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February 2017
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Contents
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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February 2017
Dear Readers,
can’t imagine a topic more important to a parent than the Health and Safety of our children and so, with that in mind, we bring you our annual Health and Safety issue, filled with information to help you keep your children and family healthy and safe. If it has been awhile or, if you have never taken a CPR course, turn to page 18 to find out where you can register to take this course that could save the life of a loved one. After January’s threat of tornadoes and the devastation they caused our neighbors to the North, we thought it would be valuable to give you information so that you will know what to do in the event of a tornado. Please turn to page 19 and read these Tornado Safety Tips. And on page 18, what you need Jax4Kids.com has pulled them all together for to do to be Red Cross Ready in the event of an you in a comprehensive online guide to Spring emergency or disaster. Break camps with details about each camp and links taking you to online registration to make it New guidelines were issued in January by easy for you. We also have a sample of Spring the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Break camps on page 24. Mark your calendars to Disease to prevent the development of peanut allergy. Learn about the new guidelines on page join us on Saturday, March 4th from 10am – 3pm at RAM for our Summer Camp Expo to help you 14. Another new study just released addresses plan and get your kids registered for a summer of the global public health concern over Vitamin D great experiences and learning. We’ll also have deficiency and the need for Vitamin D supplementation for infants. Read more on page 8. It’s lots of family-friendly activities, entertainment and giveaways and, it’s all Free! It also happens Children’s Dental Health Month and Kids First Dentistry’s Dr. Jila Mahajan offers advice to help to be RAM’s 9th birthday and they have lots of activities planned to celebrate the occasion. prevent your children from getting cavities at every stage of development. If you’re visiting the Zoo to see the new Nature Connects exhibit - which makes a beautiful cover The application deadline for Duval County Public for this issue - be sure to cut out the $1.00 off School’s Magnet program is February 28th at admission coupon on page 5. Turn to page 6 for 4:30pm. A Choice Information Session will be a list of area Valentine’s Day events. You’ll find held on February 9th from 6:30 – 8:30pm in the more on Jax4Kids.com’s online events calendar. Cline Auditorium on the first floor of the DCPS Administration Building on Prudential Drive. Turn Also on page 6, find books you can read with your to page 25 for more details about Magnet school children about Love. application. Until next month, Spring Break is coming up between March 13 Alison Peters-Carlson and 24, depending on which school district you Editor are in, and if your kids will be attending a camp during the break, it’s time to register. As always,
LIVING WELL Community Profile: Art with a Heart in Healthcare ................................... 4 Pick a Word to Live By............................................................................ 4 Positive Balance in the Relationship Bank Account................................... 5 Valentine’s Day Events ........................................................................... 6 Books About Love................................................................................... 6
INFANT & TODDLER
Buckle Up Baby! Passenger Safety for Toddlers........................................ 7 Nursing Babies Need More Vitamin D...................................................... 7
SPECIAL NEEDS
Kids Who Need Help Making Friends.....................................................10
TEENS
Mini-Mobile Mysteries..........................................................................11
HEALTH & SAFETY
Creative Ways to Keep Kids Hydrated....................................................13 Children’s Dental Health: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure...13 What’s in Your Fridge?..........................................................................14 Guidelines to Prevent Peanut Allergy Issued...........................................14 Tips to Cut Kids’ Screen Time................................................................16 Teen Drug Use Dropping ......................................................................17 River Oak Center Offers a Sober Solution for Students ...........................17 Get “Red Cross Ready” for Emergencies ...............................................18 Upcoming Health and Safety Courses ...................................................18 Versatile Vinegar ..................................................................................18 Tornado Safety Tips..............................................................................18 Ride to Cure Diabetes at Amelia Island..................................................19
EDUCATION Best STEM Books for K-12....................................................................21 Simon Youth Scholarships.....................................................................21 PBS Kids Writer Contest .......................................................................22
SPRING BREAK CAMPS .................................................24 DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Magnet Application Deadline.................................................................25
Follow us... 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 Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Donna Paunetto Advertising Sales.............................. donna@jax4kids.com Doug Berle Advertising Sales......................................... doug@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2017. 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.
CLAY COUNTY SCHOOL NEWS
Lights, Camera, Action!.........................................................................26 County Graduation Rate Climbs.............................................................26 Culinary Competition Sharpens Skills.....................................................26
ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL NEWS Montessori Applications Being Accepted ...............................................27 Video Presentation Deadline Nears........................................................27 Jim Harbin STUDENT Media Festival .....................................................27 Champion Speller Triumphs Again.........................................................27
PETS
Get a Smart Collar for Your Overweight Pet............................................29 FIGO Pet Cloud app..............................................................................29 Mug It Up!............................................................................................29
THINGS TO DO
February Events....................................................................................30 FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
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LIVING WELL
Community Profile: Art with a Heart in Healthcare
“My Mom said that when I was painting today it was the first time I smiled since I was in the hospital. I could have painted all day and did not want the artists to leave. When I paint, I don’t think about the hospital.” -Kylie, Age 10
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rt with a Heart in Healthcare’s goal is to provide a personalized fine art experience that enhance the healing process for patients and their families. Since the organization’s founding in 2001 by cousins Lori Guadagno and Lisa Landwirth Ullmann, the artists, volunteers and UNF interns of Art with a Heart have served tens of thousands of patients and their families at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Nemours Children’s Clinic, and Brookes Rehabilitation in Jacksonville. “Lisa and Lori saw there was a need for some type of art experience to help enhance the children’s stay in the hospital,” says Director of Operations Lori Presto. “They both were very passionate about art and starting a non-profit organization and they truly helped pave the way to what is now becoming more and more common in our pediatric healthcare settings.”
Also, recognized visiting artists from the community share their talents and volunteer their time by conducting hands-on workshops, which provides the children with the opportunity to work in various artistic media.
Pick a Word to Live By
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ach year around this time I pick a word that will inspire me to be my best. I started this practice five years ago after my friends Dan Britton and Jimmy Page told me that for almost two decades they and their wives and children came up with a word each year that gave meaning and focus to their lives. Then they made paintings of their words that hung in their houses to remind them to live their word for the year. I was inspired and did it with my family. It was catalytic and powerful. My wife’s first word was INTENTIONAL. My daughter’s word was MOTIVATION. A great word for her. She needed it back then. My son chose FOCUS to the delight of his teachers. I chose PURPOSE because I knew my purpose had to be greater than my challenges. It wasn’t at the time and I was struggling. But once I remembered my purpose everything changed.
Art with a Heart in Healthcare has created a partnership with the University of North Florida Fine Arts Department to establish an Independent study program. This educational experience exposes college students to the “art” of healing in Each year since I have chosen a new word. a health care facility. SURRENDER. SERVE. PRAY. RISE. Each word has molded and shaped me to become a better person, As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization its relies father, husband, writer and communicator. strongly upon a bank of volunteers who provide selfless service, artistic talent and compassion to the patients and families served. The primary role You may not have any idea what your word is going of a volunteer is to have direct contact with patients and families while providing an art experience that supports the resident artist. Volunteers also create art to be distributed to patients as door signs and room décor and assist visiting artists, as well as perform office duties and organize supply drives.
to be. That’s okay. I still don’t have my word for 2017 yet. Give it some time. Dan and Jimmy say that instead of randomly picking a word they allow the word to choose them after reflection, prayer and listening to their heart. Your word will come. I’ve had people email me saying, “I waited and waited and waited and one day, bam, the word hit me. I knew it was my word for the year.” If you are open the word always comes. There is a word that is meant for you to help you be all that you are meant to be and if you believe it you will receive it. Imagine if everyone reading this chose a positive word and lived it for the year. Imagine how much more powerful and impactful we would be. Imagine the difference we would make. The positive change inside us would help us create positive change outside us. So, what’s your word? j Jon Gordon www.jongordon.com www.positiveschool.com
To get involved or to donate see the website artwithaheart.info or call (904) 306-0390 or visit at 841 Prudential Drive Suite 150, Jacksonville.
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Dedicated to enhancing the healing process of sick children, the talented team develops sessions individualized to meet the needs of patients and families at bedside or in groups. Art expression helps humanize the high-tech atmosphere of the clinical settings while diminishing fear, pain, boredom and depression associated with hospitalization – Art can empower a child in an otherwise powerless situation. The resident artists, interns and volunteers transform the hospital rooms into an interactive art studio. Art sessions are conducted with patients in dialysis, oncology, medical/surgical units and the behavioral health unit.
“In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” – Anne Frank Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
OPENS FEBRUARY 17TH
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LIVING WELL
Positive Balance in the Relationship Bank Account
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e’ve all been to a bank and we work to make sure our money accounts are growing, if possible—or at least that it stays balanced. Relationships don’t work to build money BUT they are still a bit like a bank account. Everyone’s happiest when the relationship is built up, and everything is stressful and strained if the relationship gets overspent. Kids don’t want to work, and parents or caregivers are frustrated. The balance in the relationship bank account is created by the number and amount of deposits that we make with positive interactions, minus the withdrawals made by daily demands and negative interactions. This article will talk more about how this works and what we can do as parents and caregivers to make sure that there’s a positive balance and have good relationships with kids and teens.
thing that was never discussed before leads to a sense that the consequence “isn’t fair” or that their caregiver is “being mean.” For example, if a child is surprised with a week’s worth of grounding for forgetting to turn in one assignment at school, and it was never talked about before, then it’s both unpredictable and harsh. Perhaps another way to deal with it would be to ask what happened to the assignment and problem solve how to finish it, to say “No fun time tonight until you finish the work,” then possibly talk about what the consequence will be if homework is not completed in the future. Parents are more likely to have negative interactions if they are stressed out over something or if they’re physically uncomfortable for some reason. It’s understandable when that happens, but stress or internal discomfort are adult issues to deal with. It’s not fair for kids when these issues influence parents Deposits are made every time there’s positive and to see child behavior as being more severe than it neutral interactions. Positive interactions include is, or for that adult reaction to create negative praise statements to recognize good behavior, parent-child relations. such as “Great listening!” or “I like how you’re playing nicely with your brother!” Rewards for The whole thing makes sense if you think about meeting goals also build up deposits. For supervisors or teachers we’ve had over the years. example, earning a small toy for a week of good We want to be respectful and work hard for behavior, an allowance for completing chores, people that we like and respect. We don’t work access to a tablet for completing homework or for hard or act respectful towards people that we having a day without tantrums, etc. Other forms don’t like or respect. Disrespectful child behavior of daily positive attention can be given by playing may have several influences that are not a part of with younger kids 5-10 minutes without instruc- the parenting relationship at all, but the parenttions, or spending 5-10 minutes time with older ing/teaching relationship can make a strong kids just doing something they enjoy, without difference. It models respectful behavior and talking about any expectations or re-hashing provides incentive for the child to do the right mistakes made. There’s definitely a time and thing. A good balance suggested by therapists is place for corrective feedback, but there’s also a to aim for 3 positive or neutral interactions for time and place for just spending quality time every 1 instruction, to deliver instructions calmly, together too. Neutral interactions include and to have predictable consequences for discussing something from the world in general, inappropriate behavior, with little or no negative or talking with them about a topic of their interactions. This balance may take time to interest—“Skates are shoes with wheels. They’re create, but if we don’t have this balance, then it’s faster than just walking!” more stressful and daily life takes just as much time and effort (if not even more time and effort) Withdrawals are made every time there’s an to deal with inappropriate child behavior instruction (generally a small withdrawal, unless afterwards when the balance isn’t there. It’s a the instruction is difficult), or any time there’s a win-win to have an overall positive caregivernegative interaction (larger withdrawals). child relationship. Consider family therapy if your Instructions are inevitable—they have to happen. family or friends have difficulty creating this Kids would not be able to function well without balance with their kids—we’re here to help! j rules, limits, or instructions. It’s totally fine to Andrew Scherbarth, Ph.D., BCBA-D have rules and instructions, but if it’s “all work Licensed Psychologist / Board Certified Behavior and no play” or “all instructions, all the time,” then we run the risk of overdrawing the relation- Analyst Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics ship bank account. On the other hand, negative 6867 Southpoint Drive North interactions do not have to be a normal part of Jacksonville, Florida 32216 daily life. Voice raising, instructions in an angry 904-619-6071 tone, name calling, or harsh consequences like throwing their toys away lead to large withdrawals—they quickly lower the amount in the relationship account. Similarly, unpredictable consequences like loss of privileges for someFEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
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LIVING WELL
Valentine’s Day Events Build-A-Bear Valentine’s Day Specials Thru February 14 Build-A-Bear Workshop offers many special animals, outfits and accessories just for Valentine’s Day. Also, for a limited time, make your own personalized gift with special candy-scented furry friends. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Avenues Mall / 904538-0760 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Space 158A, Jacksonville, FL 32256/ www.buildabear.com Daddy Daughter Valentine Dance February 11, 6:00pm to 10pm Daddy Daughter Valentine’s Dance at the Town Hall Event Center in Fleming Island. Tickets are $80 per couple (2 people admitted per ticket purchased), and includes Refreshments, Dinner, DJ, and Dancing from 6pm-10pm. For additonal daughters, tickets are $25 each for ages 17 and under. All tickets are also subject to a $3 fee. The menu for the evening includes House Salad with assorted dressings, Herb Roasted Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Mixed Veggies, Rolls & Butter, Chicken Fingers, Tater Tots, Mac & Cheese, Banana Pudding, and Sweet/Unsweet Ice Tea. Town Hall Event Center / 2245 Plantation Center Drive, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / just2livepromotions.ticketspice.com
Families are invited to create their “Heartful” quote. For age 7 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Be sure to arrive 1520 minutes early to get set up and ready to paint. Cost is $35/painter. Painting With a Twist, Fruit Cove / 904-321-9826 / 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste 105, Fruit Cove, FL 32259 / /www.paintingwithatwist.com Toddler Time at Rebounderz: Valentine’s Day February 13 - 14, 9:30am to 11:30am Rebounderz offers a special Valentine’s Day themed Toddler Time for ages 5 and under. One adult is admitted for free with each child’s $8 paid admission. A valid waiver & Rebounderz jump socks are required for all participants. This week’s Toddler Time is an Extra Fun Themed Toddler Time Event to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Rebounderz / 904-300-0070 / 14985 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / rebounderzjacksonville.com Valentine’s Bounce at Pump It Up February 14, 10am to 11:30am Celebrate love with a Valentine’s bounce. Kids can bounce, slide and jump while moms enjoy free cookie and coffee. End the bounce decorating cookie treats to eat. $12/child. Pump It Up / 904-646-1441 / 11840 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.pumpitupparty. com
Simply Sweet Valentine’s Day Cupcakes February 14, 3:30pm to 4:30pm Valentine’s Day Storytime Southeast Regional Library celebrates Valentine’s February 11, 11am Join Barnes and Noble for Storytime and activities Day by decorating cupcakes. Share the sweet treat with someone you love, or enjoy eating your in celebration of Valentin’s Day. Featured titles are The Secret Life of Squirrels: A Love Story and own sweet creation. This program is for children and their families, registration is required. Valentine’s Day Is Cool. Southeast Regional Library / 904-996-0325 / Barnes and Noble, Mandarin / 904-886- 9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8, Jacksonville, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jpl.coj.net FL 32223 / stores.barnesandnoble.com Valentine’s Day Cards February 11, 11am to 12noon All ages are invited to the Beaches Branch Library to create your own one of a kind Valentine’s Day card for the ones you love. Beaches Branch Library / 904-241-1141 / 600 3rd Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 / jpl.coj.net Family Create Your “Heartful” Quote February 12, 2pm to 4pm
Valentine’s Day Parent’s Night Out February 14, 5:30pm to 8:30pm Pump It Up hosts a special Valentine’s Day Parents Night Out. Drop off the kids and enjoy some time out while they play. Cost is $25 first child, $20 siblings. Pump It Up / 904-646-1441 / 11840 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.pumpitupparty. com
Books About Love Love Matters Most by Mij Kelly and Gerry Turley
“Love Matters Most” is a touching animal story that explores the power of a mother’s love. What would make a polar bear leave her snug cave? Only the most precious thing: Her little lost cub.
If You’ll Be My Valentine by Cynthia Rylant Illustrated by Fumi Kosaka A little boy creates Valentines for all the loved ones in his life – his pets, family, and even his teddy bear – describing how they could spend time together “if you’ll be my valentine.” What a sweet book!
Love, Splat by Rob Scotton Splat has a crush on a fluffy white cat, but so does Spike, who informs Splat this his Valentine for her is much better than Splat’s. Discouraged, Splat tosses his Valentine into the trash, but the kitten finds it and surprises Splat with an extra special pink Valentine just for him.
The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond Little Cornelia is caught in quite an unusual downpour and she knows just what to do! Delighted to see that it’s raining hearts, she eagerly catches them as they fall, rushes home, and turns each unique heart into a special Valentine for someone she loves.
Fancy Nancy Heart to Heart by Jane O’Conner Illustrated by Robin Glasser
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It’s Valentine’s Day and Fancy Nancy has a mystery on her hands: Who sent her the extra special Valentine? Join Nancy as she follows the clues and solves the mystery. Includes stickers.
Queen of Hearts by Mary Engelbreit
Anne and her classmates are making Valentine’s Day boxes to hold the cards they receive. Determined to make her box the most special, Anne completely forgets to make cards for her friends! When she realizes her mistake, she ends up giving away pieces of her beloved box to her friends as gifts.
Somebody Loves You, Mr Hatch by Eileen Spinelli Illustrated by Paul Yalowitz
This touching book tells the story of an ordinary man who leads a boring life until a candy-filled heart arrives at his house saying “Somebody loves you.” This greatly improves his outlook, but he learns the heart was a mistake and he’s sad. Then his new friends rally around to show him he’s cared for.
Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane de Groat Gilbert writes unkind Valentine poems for two fellow students and signs their names to the poems. When his actions are discovered, he’s ostracized until he musters the courage to apologize and make amends with new poems and homemade cookies.
Olive, My Love by Vivian Walsh Illustrated by J. Otto Seibold
Little Olive is off on another holiday-themed mission, this time to return a large heart she believes was accidentally left behind by its owner. With the help of a spider and a squirrel, she tracks down the ‘owner’, only to find out that the heart was meant for her after all!
Henry In Love by Peter McCarty Poor Henry. He’s in love with his fellow Kindergarten student Chloe, but he’s too shy to do anything about it. How can he ever break the ice? This slight book is short on plot twists but HUGE on charm!
INFANT & TODDLER
Buckle Up Baby! Passenger Safety for Toddlers
Nursing Babies Need More Vitamin D
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itamin D deficiency has become a global public health concern. Nutritional rickets is the most established consequence, and an increasing incidence of rickets has been hether you live in Nocatee or the North“The best practice is to keep them in a harnessed observed in developed countries. In one study up side, Ortega or Oakleaf, if you’re a resident seat as long as possible before moving them into to 18% of U.S. children were vitamin D deficient, of the First Coast, you know it takes a ride in the a belt-positioning booster seat. Weight limits on and 1% had severe deficiency. car to get most places. In fact, Jacksonville is the those can be from 40-65 pounds, so parents Pediatricians recommend that mothers exclulargest city in the continental United States at should shop carefully and purchase a seat with sively breastfeed infants until at least six months more than 840 square miles, making the many higher limits to provide the safest ride longer,” of age because it can reduce babies’ risk of ear communities within it as spread out as they are said Winberry. and respiratory infections, sudden infant death diverse. syndrome, allergies, childhood obesity and As of January 1, 2015, the state of Florida diabetes. But infants are vulnerable to vitamin D Because families are always on the go and have requires every motor vehicle operator to use a deficiency because of the low concentration of a lot of miles to cover, passenger safety plays a crash-tested, federally approved child restraint the vitamin in breast milk. vital role in for children getting your under age Severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, or precious cargo 6. According soft bones, seizures due to low calcium or heart safely to your to the law, failure in infants. While adults may get some destination. children vitamin D from sunlight, direct sun exposure isn’t Did you know must be in a recommended for babies. that vehicle seat with an The American Academy of Pediatrics recomcrashes internal mends vitamin supplementation for breastfed, remain the harness leading killer until age 4. partially breastfed, and bottle-fed infants beginning in the first few days of life. It advises of children in For nursing mothers to give their babies daily our country? 4-to-5-year- supplements of 400 IU (international units) of Following olds, it can vitamin D. As an alternative, women can take passenger either be vitamin D supplements themselves – typically safety car seat either a car 4,000 to 6,000 IU daily – to give babies enough in guidelines is or booster not only an seat. important factor in keeping your child safe while you’re Safe Kids Northeast Florida provides a standing traveling in the car, but it is Florida law, so know Safe Kids Buckle Up ® inspection program. This the latest rules and recommendations! program is a 20-year collaboration between the General Motors Foundation, General Motors and “When it comes to toddlers between the ages of Safe Kids Worldwide to help parents all over the 1 to 2 years old, the American Academy of world stay up to date with the rapid evolution of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a rear-facing car auto safety technology. Through the program, seat placed in the back seat because it provides certified child passenger safety technicians check the maximum protection in the event of a crash,” seats to verify that they meet guidelines, and said Jessica Winberry, BSH, certified child teach parents and caregivers how to properly passenger safety technician with Safe Kids North- install them. These inspections are by appointeast Florida, led by THE PLAYERS Center for Child ment only, which can be made by calling Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “Rear-faced 904.202.4302. In addition to these, Safe Kids positioning provides 75 percent more protection Northeast Florida offers periodic Booster Seat because the seat supports the head, neck and Saturdays and community child passenger seat spine by distributing the force of the crash checks at three Jacksonville locations. To view throughout the entire body.” the current schedule and for more information, FEATURING THE CLASSIC SONGS you can visit Safe Kids Northeast Florida online. “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl”! Even when their legs get long, she said, children Also, for a full list of American Academy of can cross them, plant their feet and bend their Pediatrics-approved car seats, visit www. MARCH 21-26, 2017 knees or let their legs hang over the sides of the healthychildren.org. j JACKSONVILLE’S TIMES-UNION CENTER seat for comfort. When toddlers do meet the Join us Opening Night for the 15th Annual maximum height and weight for their rear-facing Carol Chaffin Family Night on Broadway! Enjoy the Wolfson Children’s Hospital seat, it’s time to turn them around and put them preshow and intermission activities. www.wolfsonchildrens.org in a forward-facing seat with an internal 5-point Special Offer – Buy an adult ticket and get a child’s ticket for free* with the code Mermaid. harness. Mark & Tracy Photography
©Disney
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“Love is putting someone else’s needs before yours. ” – Olaf, Frozen
breast milk so that drops aren’t needed. Adherence to these recommendations, however, is poor. Researchers have found that many breastfeeding mothers are not aware of the need for additional vitamin D supplementation and others erroneously believe breast milk has all the nutrition infants need. The findings highlight the need to educate new parents about vitamin D and make sure breastfeeding mothers take supplements themselves or give babies drops. Several studies have explored alternative methods of supplementation. Breast milk can be enriched with vitamin D through daily or intermittent high-dose maternal supplementation to meet infants’ requirements. Alternatively, oral vitamin D can be given to healthy infants with routine vaccinations to prevent a deficiency. Researchers have found that a majority of mothers are more apt to take medications and vitamin supplements themselves than to give anything to their infants. Infant drops can be hard to remember and it’s hard to get babies to swallow, they say. j annfammed.org
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*Offer is for one half price adult ticket and one half price children’s ticket plus facility fee and service charges on all price levels for Tuesday, March 21 performance only. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Offer valid until 3 p.m. March 21 only through the FSCJ Artist Series, or may be withdrawn at any time.
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Things to Do Infant & Toddler
Toddler Storytime at Bartram Trail Branch February 1, 8, 15, 22, 10:15am to 10:40am This program is for children 16 months to 3 years and their caregivers but all ages welcome. Free. Bartram Trail Branch Library / 904-8276960 / 60 Davis Pond Blvd, Fruit Cove, FL 32259 / www.sjcpls.org Moms Morning Out at TNT Gymnastics February 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 9:30am to 12:30pm Parents are invited to drop off their 3-5 year olds for Moms Morning Out. Kids will enjoy gymnastics, sensory play, crafts, snack, music, and more. Kids must be potty trained. Cost is $95/ month for one day a week; $130/month for two days a week; or a drop in price of $25/day per child. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30am to 12:30pm. TNT Gymnastics / 904-998-8681 / 2683 Saint Johns Bluff Road S. Unit #107, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.tntgymfit.com Free Preschool Music Classes February 4, 9:15am to 11:15am February 6 – 9, 9:15am to 11:15am Each child, with their parents, will experience singing, creative movement, simple instruments, finger plays and more with the help of a rich collection of traditional songs and rhymes. The program is for children ages 18 months to four-years old. Experience a fun music program for young children to learn and share with their parents or caregivers! Saturday, February 4 Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 (San Marco) Classes will be as follows: 9:15am: 18 months to 2-1/2 years 10:15am: 18 months to 2-1/2 years 11:15am: 2-1/2 to 4 years Monday through Thursday, February 6-9 First United Methodist Church, 225 E. Duval Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 (Downtown) Times/Classes are as follows on all days: 9:15am: 18 months to 2-1/2 years 10:15am: 18 months to 2-1/2 years 11:15am: 2-1/2 years to 4 years Space is limited and first come, first serve. Preregistration is required and space is limited. Jacksonville Children’s Chorus / 904-353-1636 / www.jaxchildrenschorus.org Disney Reads Day February 4, 11am Celebrate the Magic of Storytelling on Disney Reads Day. Join Barnes and Noble staff for a reading of popular Disney stories. Particpants will also get to do fun activities to inspire kids’ imaginations. There will also be giveaways including stickers, bookmarks and mini-posters (while supplies last). Barnes and Noble, Mandarin / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8, Jacksonville,
FL 32223 / stores.barnesandnoble.com Mother Goose On The Loose February 6, 10:30am to 11am Mother Goose On the Loose is a 30 minute story time program for newborn babies through age 2. This story time may include books, songs, interactive rhymes, or finger-plays and is followed by social time. For more information please contact Debbie or Brandy in the children’s department at 904-278-4751. Orange Park Library / 904278-4751 / 2054 Plainfield Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.claycountygov.com Little Learners: Spinning Sky February 8, 9:30am Bring your little ones to MOSH the second Wednesday of every month for exclusive programming for preschool-aged children and their caregivers. This month, learn about a few objects in our amazing solar system. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for Museum exploration, followed by Little Learners circle time and sing-along, programming and community learning activities through 11:30. Admission is only $5 per person (ages 3 and up). This program is extremely popular, please pre-register online. MOSH / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org St. Johns Reads - “Wild West” Pre-K Storytime February 16, 11am All Cowgirls and Cowboys ages 3 and up are invited for a special Pre-K Storytime Class celebrating the 2017 St. Johns Reads selection, “True Grit,”. Kids will learn about this exciting time in American History with fun, western-themed books, singing and dancing, and culminating in a craft. Wear your favorite western-themed attire, if you wish. Due to Emergency Maintenance of the FOL Community Room, this program is rescheduled for 2/16/17 from 1/26/17. Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library/ 904-827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org Transition to Kindergarten February 16, 4pm This session will review kindergarten standards and discuss activities that families can do at home to ensure kindergarten readiness. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. George W. Carver Elementary School / 904-3902960 / 2854 W. 45th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 / www.duvalschools.org Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss! Storytime February 25, 11am In celebration of the beloved author’s birthday on March 2nd, Barnes and Noble will host a special Storytime featuring coloring, activities and more. Barnes and Noble, Mandarin / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / stores.barnesandnoble. com
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.
….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. 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
Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Infant and Toddler Events guide, online at www.jax4kids.com
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Kids Who Need Help Making Friends
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very parent knows schoolyard friendships are important. Friends enrich our lives, boost our self-esteem, and provide the moral support we need when we’re memorizing multiplication tables. Developmentally speaking, making a friend in school is every bit as important as getting an A. Learning how to form successful peer relationships is a critical skill for kids, and one that they will be using—and refining—all their lives. But some kids have a harder time fitting in. Cornerstones of childhood interaction, like sharing a toy or engaging in make-believe, might elude them. While parents can’t make friends for their children, they can help them develop and practice key social skills. If you see your child struggling to make friends or getting rejected by other kids, here are some steps you can take to help. BUILDING SOCIAL SKILLS Social skills don’t come naturally to all kids. Impulsive and hyperactive children often act in ways that stymie their strong desire for friendship, notes Mary Rooney, PhD, a psychologist who specializes in ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders. They often have trouble taking turns and controlling their anger when they don’t get their way. More inattentive kids may act flighty or hover at the margins of playgroups, unsure of how to assert themselves. If you notice that your child is struggling to interact with his peers, try some coaching at home. Emphasize taking turns and sharing during family playtime and explain that friends expect the same good behavior. Impulsive children will also benefit from practicing different strategies for settling peer conflict. Role playing can be very helpful here. Of course, as a parent you should also be careful to demonstrate good social behavior yourself when talking to family members and your own friends.
‘everyone hates me,’ but they may not be able to describe what’s going on.” Teachers can give a better sense of your child’s peer interactions and suggest more positive classmates for after-school playdates. PRACTICE DURING PLAYDATES Supervised playdates are a great way for children to build their social muscles. Dr. Rooney suggests that parents spend some time before playdates reviewing social cues with their children. Some activities for playdate-prep include: Talk with your child about what it means to be a good host. What will your child do to make her guests feel comfortable? Have your child pick out a few games in advance. How will your child know when it’s time to move on to the next game? Ask your child how she will know if her guests are having a good time. Are they smiling? Laughing? As long as the children don’t veer into play that’s outright dangerous, let the playdate unfold as it may, recommends Jamie Howard, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. Children learn from the natural consequences of their actions, which is why it’s so important to let them practice socializing in a warm, supportive setting. And when you review how it went, focus on the good behaviors you want to reinforce. “Kids are more motivated by praise than by avoiding criticism,” says Dr. Howard. “Specific, labeled praise is most helpful. Instead of ‘good job,’ say, ‘you shared very well with your friend.’” HELPING SHY KIDS
Some kids are natural social butterflies while others need more time to warm up to new situations. Don’t worry if your child is a little For kids who need more intensive guidance, more hesitant in social situations. Expecting experts suggest using “social scripts,” or simple every child to jump in and be the leader of the everyday conversations that kids can practice with their parents. You can work with your child’s group isn’t realistic, so avoid pushing too hard. doctor or behavioral therapist to select appropri- However, parents shouldn’t make the mistake of ate scripts and develop a strategy for rehearsing keeping more tentative kids at home, either. Rachel Busman, PsyD, a psychologist who works and implementing them. Social scripts are especially helpful for children on the autism spec- with anxious kids, explains, “There’s a difference between accommodating and enabling. For shyer trum who need to deliberately learn key social kids we want to give them opportunities to meet skills, such as establishing eye contact and new kids, but we want to help bridge the responding to the moods of others. transition so they aren’t too uncomfortable.” j Finally, if your child has been having a hard time making friends, Dr. Rooney suggests setting up a childmind.org meeting with his teacher. “Often kids will say
Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
Things to Do Special Needs
Jumpstreet Special Needs Event February 4, 9am to 11am Jumpstreet hosts a special event for children with special needs and their siblings. The semi-private event will be held the first Saturday of the month. From 9am to 10am, the event is private; from 10am to 11am, the event is open to the public. Cost is $8 for children 4 and up; $4 for children 3 and under. Parents/guardians are free. Jumpstreet / 904-853-5721 / 1214 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.gotjump.com Ninth Annual Stomp the Swamp For Autism February 4, 10am Stomp the Swamp for Autism is a fitness event held annually at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium benefiting the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). This year, the Ninth Annual Stomp the Swamp for Autism will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10am. The event will feature live entertainment and various UF organizations and community groups, student athletes, as well as free breakfast, the chance to win many raffle and race prizes including gym memberships, gift cards and more. There will also be an event t-shirt for everyone who pre-registers by January 28th. Participants will either run or walk the stadium inner loop, or run stadiums. All kids 12 and under participate for free in a specialized obstacle course just for them. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium / 121 Gale Lemerand Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608 / www.card.ufl.edu Buddy Breaks at Raiford Road Church February 4 Buddy Break is a free kids respite program where kids with special needs (VIP Kids) make new friends and enjoy all kinds of activities, while caregivers get a break. This program is provided by partnerships with local churches. Raiford Road Church / 904-259-6015 / 9201 South State Road 121, Macclenny, FL 32063 / www.nathanielshope.org CARD/FDLRS Satellite Clinic – St. Johns County February 6, 9am The UF-Jacksonville Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) and the UF-Jacksonville Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System Multi-Disciplinary Center (FLDRS-MDC) offer clinics to outlying counties in order to more effectively serve their constituents. Sign up for a consultative appointment with clinicians who specialize in child psychology, behavior therapy, academic interventions, Autism Screeners, Transition, and more. Appointments are at no cost to the family. Location: the Auditorium at the Fullerwood Training Center, 10 Hildreth Drive. To schedule an appointment please contact chanel. baldwin@jax.ufl.edu, (904)633-0816. Auditorium at the Fullerwood Training Center / 904633-0816 / 10 Hildreth Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu Deafness 101: Strategies to Implement For Your Deaf & Hard of Hearing Child February 7, 4:30pm This course will provide participants information about strategies they can utilize to assist their student in the classroom and at home. Presented by: DCPS/FDLRS, Child Find. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent
Academy courses are free of charge. Parent Services FDLRS/Child Find Exceptional Education DCPS Building 4600 / 904-390-2960 / 4124 Blvd. Center Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www. duvalschools.org Angelwood’s Sweethearts Evening February 10, 5:30pm The kids will make arts and crafts and participate in other fun activities. A meal and snack will be served. This is YOUR time to get shopping done or have a adult time. The trained staff and volunteers from Angelwood will take the best care of your children. School-age children are eligible to attend. Please complete the pre-registration section online as soon as possible and return with a non-refundable $10.00 payment (per session) in order to save your child/ children’s space. Once your child(ren)’s spot has been secured you will receive a registration packet with the necessary forms to be completed. Angelwood / 904-288-7259 / 11251 Philips Parkway Drive East, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / angelwoodjax.org Tools for Success Family Conference February 16, 7:30pm Tools for Success helps families gain information on available resources and topics that affect their child’s education and well being. This year Tools will be held at UNF in the Adam W. Herbert Univ. Center. UNF University Center / 904-346-4601 ext. 119 / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / toolsconf.wixsite.com Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
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Things to Do
TEENS
Mini-Mobile Mysteries
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“Ella: RU there? I’m in trouble. Jacob: Why? Where RU? Ella: IDK. I think I’ve been kidnapped.”
t’s not “Gone Girl,” but texts from Hooked, an app that sends suspense stories to teenagers in the form of messages, has them reading – to the tune of 1.8 million downloads since it was launched over a year ago, according to a story on the Quartz media site. Hooked is currently the top grossing book app for iOS in the US. Since September this year, it has vied with Amazon’s Kindle and Audible apps for the Number 1 spot among free book apps in the US Apple store. Indeed, Amazon launched an app for kids with the exact same format earlier this month, Quartz reports. The app targets 13 to 24-year-olds and aims to “redefine fiction for the Snapchat generation.” It’s a freemium app: Users can read a certain number of texts before the app pauses itself for half an hour, or they can pay to keep reading. The explicit aim of the app is to keep users reading (that is, clicking) with its very specific story format. Founders Prerna Gupta and Parag Chordia are entrepreneurs, not writers, so their approach is data-driven: They took the first 1,000 words from 50 bestselling young adult novels and had 15,000 people
test read them on a mobile optimized site. The stories that did the best had about 35% of readers reaching the end, which they thought was low. Then Hooked tried out their first story in text conversation form. It had a completion rate of 85%. Stories are made up of four or five episodes, which are each about 1,000 words across texts. Hooked tests story ideas on existing users, and their completion rates help determine if an outline should be accepted. Though the app accepts stories across genres, horror and thriller tend to do the best. “The kids can be absolutely brutal,” says Sean Dunne, one of about 200 writers who’s written for Hooked since it launched. His stories include “The Watcher,” whose first episode came out in early October and has 872,000 reads alone at time of writing. “For every story I publish there were 10 ideas shot down, that didn’t get approval.” The app isn’t making books per se, so it’s not really fair to compare it with apps for ebooks or audiobooks. The stories are addictive, but the format is a narrow form of storytelling that doesn’t allow for much character development, scene description, internal dialog, complex imagery, or style. Dunne hopes to expand on the form by adding chunks of narrative, admitting it can be limited and gets formulaic. “If you’re writing the way a couple of teenagers speak with each other,” he says, “It kind of limits how prosaic you can get with your own writing.”
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Stravinsky’s
Firebird Sunday February 19
Ballet
at 3 pm
Pre-concert activities begin at 2 pm
Supported by The Chartrand Foundation
Enjoy this classic Russian fairy tale through ballet, set to the original music by Igor Stravinsky.
With members of the Florida Ballet
904.354.5547 • JaxSymphony.org
Teens
Fresh From Florida Student Chef Cook-Off Deadline to Enter is February 2 The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Fresh From Florida Student Chef Cook-Off is an opportunity for high school students to create and prepare an original recipe using fresh, Florida products for the chance to be served on cafeteria lines. This competition encourages students to work with their school food service community to learn recipe development skills, the importance of supporting local agriculture and the National School Lunch Program nutrition standards. The Fresh From Florida Student Chef Cook-Off will also serve as an way for the department to work with schools to offer more fresh, local products to their students at each meal. Selected students will prepare their recipe for a panel of judges at a regional cook-off. The winning student will be invited to serve as the sous chef for a professional chef at a future event. Visit website for complete rules, judging criteria, recipe requirements, entry form, and more. The recipe entry must be created by a student in 9th-12th grade living in the state of Florida during the 2016-2017 school year and meet the following requirements: Contains at least one fresh fruit or fresh vegetable grown in Florida. The use of additional Florida product is encouraged but only items on the eligible products list will be counted as Florida products. Can be prepared in 75 minutes or less. Is creative and original in nature. Has readily-available, lower-cost ingredients that can be easily purchased by a school. Does not list brand names for ingredients. Fresh From Florida / www.freshfromflorida.com
/ 101 Library Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org Dual Enrollment: Race to 60 February 16, 5pm This course provides information on the qualifications for Dual Enrollment. Presented by: FSCJ Staff. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge. Robert E. Lee High School / 904-390-2960 / 1200 South McDuff Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / www.duvalschools.org Free Poetry Classes February 16, 6pm to 7:30pm Through a grant from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, local nonprofit Hope at Hope at Hand will host monthly poetry sessions to celebrate a poet born in each month. All sessions are free and open to the public and will offer a poetry lesson, punch and a birthday cake. Lessons are appropriate for ages 13+ and parents must accompany youth participants. All sessions will be held at Hope at Hand’s headquarters, 3886 Atlantic Boulevard from 6pm to 7:30pm. This month’s featured poet is Langston Hughes. Participants must register in advance. Hope at Hand / 904-868-HOPE / 3886 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.hopeathand. org
Teen Cooking: Mardi Gras Party February 21, 6pm Celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras with New Orleans-style food. Guardians are asked to stay and partake at this special edition Teen Cooking party. Teens ages 11 and up will learn the basics of cleanliness, food prep, and food safety at this monthly program sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Introduction to the Redesigned SAT Test Registration is required for this free program. Call February 7, 6pm 904-827-6900 or e-mail aphillips@sjcfl.us to Come to this free presentation to get all the inforreserve your spot. A parent or guardian must be mation you need. Instructor Brett Hancock has been present at the time of the program to sign a waiver. a teacher for 21 years and an instructor of SATs for Southeast Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 20+ years. For more information, call the library at South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org 904-827-6940. Main Branch, SJCPLS / 904-827-6940 / 1960 N. How To Help My Child at Home With Reading & Ponce De Leon Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / Writing www.sjcpls.org February 28, 5:30pm This course will provide information and strategies Teen Anti-Valentine’s Day Party to participants that will assist them with helping February 15, 5pm their Middle and/or High School student at home All teens ages 13 – 18 are invited to join Ms. Anne with reading and writing. and un-Celebrate Valentine’s Day with angsty art, The Parent Academy of Duval County Public the “Warm Bodies” movie (zombies!), snarky board Schools is a family resource designed for parents, games (like Sorry!), and spiteful snacks (pizzas caregivers, and community members. All Parent and sodas). Teens are encouraged to wear black Academy courses are free of charge. and red to the party. This get-together will be held Edward H. White High School / 904-390-2960 / in the PGA Tour Media Room. For those who read 1700 Old Middleburg Road North, Warm Bodies and loved it, the sequel, The Jacksonville, FL 32210 / www.duvalschools.org Burning World (due out Feb. 7. 2017), will be raffled off at the party. Free. Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings. Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library / 904-827- 6950 FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Creative Ways To Keep Kids Hydrated
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ydration can play a huge role in keeping kids healthy – and it becomes even more important when kids do get sick. If your little one isn’t a huge fan of drinking, use these 5 tips to keep him hydrated this cold season. MAKE IT A GAME Set a timer and see how much he can drink in 5 seconds. Or challenge her to a drinking race to see who can finish their glass of water first. Get creative, and try not to get too competitive.. USE A FUN STRAW OR CUP Sometimes adding a colorful straw or offering a fun cup is all it takes to get kids to drink more.
SET A TIMER Set a timer to go off every 10 minutes or every hour to remind your child to take a sip.
or most of us February means the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day.
For dentists, it means National Children’s Dental Health Month. We love the month. It gives us a chance to concentrate on educating the public about dental health.
Did you know
82% of people say fear is the number one reason they don’t go to the dentist?
OFFER SOMETHING SPECIAL If your child is sick, fluids become an important part of helping them feel better faster. If they refuse water, offer juice or a special drink that they don’t usually get to drink. Freeze it
Don’t let this be you!
Let us help you ease your fears and take care of your smile! At Carlson Dental Group, we offer different levels of sedation allowing you to relax or even snooze!
Yes, popsicles count as hydration – especially when you’re desperate. j kidshealth.org
Children’s Dental Health: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
F
We take the FEAR out of Dentistry!
As a general rule, kids can brush by themselves by age 6 and floss by themselves at age 10. Use your judgment in deciding if your child is ready. Restrict candy and sweets to after school snack time. If your child is playing a sport make sure they wear an appropriate mouth guard. Also, sealants placed by your dentist are a great tool at this age to fight off decay on permanent teeth.
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Young adults: This age is all about nutrition and personal responsibility. Teach your children all about good nutrition. Make it fun and you can help form great habits that last a lifetime. Limit soft drinks, sports drinks, juice, flavored water While as a pediatric dentist I do my utmost to and other carbonated drinks that can cause make every restorative visit a pleasant one for my decay and dissolve the tooth enamel. Wear a patients and their parents, I would like it even professionally fitted mouth guard (www.dhsv.org. more if I could prevent those patients from au/dental-health/teeth-tips-and-facts/mouthgetting cavities in the first place. guards) when training and playing sports where there is risk of oral injury. Educate your child on On that note, I would like to offer some advice on the dangers of habits such as smoking, oral preventing dental decay for children at different piercings and such. stages of development. Remember: It is never early to start on a path to Infants: Clean your infant’s mouth with gauze. If good dental health. Teach your children that breastfeeding, wipe your baby’s mouth as soon taking care of their teeth on a daily basis is an as the baby is done. essential part of their overall healthcare. And Do NOT forget to set a good example for your Toddlers: Establish a dental home with a children by following some of the above advice! pediatric dentist by age 1; wean your baby from the bottle and try to stick to water or milk for day- Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month! j time drinks; avoid sugary drinks; and brush teeth Dr. Jila Mahajan, D.D.S after each feeding and at bedtime with a small infant safety brush. Little ones will fight this, but it Kids First Dentistry 4495 Roosevelt Boulevard, Suite 111 is important to persist and create a routine. Jacksonville, Florida 32210 School age: Children at this stage are becoming 904-423-1377 more independent, but still need to be supervised. www.kids1dentistry.com As Benjamin Franklin once said: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That is particularly true when it comes to dental health.
FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
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HEALTH & SAFETY
What’s in Your Fridge?
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f we took a peek inside your refrigerator right now, how would it be rated? Would it get an “A” for excellent food choices and freshness? Would it rate a “B” for good effort? A rating of “C” for sometimes falters? Or would it rate a “D” for overall poor food choices and poor food safety? A look inside can tell a lot about your family’s eating habits and overall health. This month, let’s focus on how you can give your fridge a makeover!
Guidelines to Prevent Peanut Allergy Issued N
whereas apricots, avocados, bananas and melon ew guidelines have been issued for early for example may only be good for 3-5 days. Many introduction of peanut-containing foods to vegetables (with the exception of potatoes) also infants to prevent the development of peanut need to be eaten within 3 to 7 days, so buy allergy, by the National Institute of Allergy and accordingly. Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. Next, check your meat and cheese drawer. Most cooked meats will be fresh for 3 to 4 days in the Peanut allergy is a growing health problem for fridge and 2 to 3 months in the freezer; if you which no treatment or cure exists. People living have raw chicken or ground beef, the time is with peanut allergy, and their caregivers, must be shortened to 1 to 2 days. Hot dogs and provigilant about the foods they eat and the environOne of the first steps in creating a better fridge is cessed meats (think bologna, salami) will be fresh ments they enter to avoid allergic reactions, making sure the temperature is within the safe for two weeks unopened, and then need to be which can be severe and even life-threatening. zone. A refrigerator should keep foods at or below consumed within 5-7 days after opening. The allergy tends to develop in childhood and 40 degrees to ensure that perishable foods are When it comes to hard or processed cheese, if it persist through adulthood. However, recent kept safe. Bacteria thrive between 40 to 140 is left unopened, can safely be stored for 6 scientific research has demonstrated that degrees Fahrenheit, so keeping cold foods cold is months, weeks, and then once opened, is good introducing peanut-containing foods into the diet very important to your family’s health. for another 3 to 4 weeks. Softer cheeses during infancy can prevent the development of including ricotta may only be good for up to 1 peanut allergy. Even when foods are kept within the safe zone, week with cream cheese lasting for up to 2 however, they still have a limit on freshness. Look weeks. If you have real butter in your fridge it will “Living with peanut allergy requires constant throughout the entire fridge and toss any dated safely last between 1 to 3 months. vigilance. Preventing the development of peanut foods (those past the expiration date) or those allergy will improve and save lives and lower foods that look or smell funny. When it comes to fresh eggs in the shell, they are health care costs,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. fresh for approximately 3 to 5 weeks in the fridge, Fauci, M.D. “We expect that widespread impleNext, if your fruit and vegetable drawer contains whereas egg substitutes once opened are good mentation of these guidelines by health care items other than fruits and vegetables, this may for about 3 days (10 days unopened). providers will prevent the development of peanut be a good place to start. Pick the fruit of the allergy in many susceptible children and season for the best buy. Aim for a variety of color And finally, when you are considering if leftovers ultimately reduce the prevalence of peanut in your produce drawer. The more variety, the bet- are still good, remember that most foods should allergy in the United States.” ter nutrients you will get overall. If your family’s be consumed within 3-5 days. Anything with favorite fruit is not in season (strawberries or gravy will shorten the time frame to 1-2 days. Guideline 1 focuses on infants deemed at high raspberries for example), look in the frozen risk of developing peanut allergy because they section and buy bags of frozen berries to make Hopefully these guidelines will help you get a already have severe eczema, egg allergy or both. smoothies with. Make it a resolution to try a new good start on transforming your fridge for the It recommends that these infants have peanutfruit and vegetable this year if you don’t currently better. And remember, if it doesn’t smell or look containing foods introduced into their diets as eat a wide variety. Buy your produce in small right, it isn’t worth getting sick over! j early as 4 to 6 months of age to reduce the risk quantities so that they don’t go to waste. It’s a of developing peanut allergy. Parents and good idea to buy what your family might eat in a Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N caregivers should check with their infant’s health Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition week to minimize waste. Some fruits such as care provider before feeding the infant peanutapples can stay fresh up to 3 weeks in the fridge, Wolfson’s Children Hospital containing foods. The health care provider may choose to perform an allergy blood test or send the infant to a specialist for other tests, such as a skin prick test or an oral food challenge. The results of these tests will help decide if and how peanut should be safely introduced into the infant’s diet.
before they are introduced to peanut-containing foods. Development of the guidelines was prompted by emerging data suggesting that peanut allergy can be prevented by the early introduction of peanut-containing foods. Clinical trial results reported in February 2015 showed that regular peanut consumption begun in infancy and continued until 5 years of age led to an 81 percent reduction in development of peanut allergy in infants deemed at high risk because they already had severe eczema, egg allergy or both. “The study clearly showed that introduction of peanut early in life significantly lowered the risk of developing peanut allergy by age 5. The magnitude of the benefit and the scientific strength of the study raised the need to operationalize these findings by developing clinical recommendations focused on peanut allergy prevention,” said Daniel Rotrosen, M.D., director of NIAID’s Division of Allergy, Immunology and Transplantation. In 2015, NIAID established a coordinating committee representing 26 professional organizations, advocacy groups and federal agencies to oversee development of the Addendum Guidelines to specifically address the prevention of peanut allergy. The coordinating committee convened a 26-member expert panel comprising specialists from a variety of relevant clinical, scientific and public health areas. The panel, chaired by Joshua Boyce, M.D., professor of medicine and pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, used a literature review of food allergy prevention research and their own expert opinions to prepare draft guidelines. The draft guidelines were available on the NIAID website for public comment from March 4 to April 18, 2016. The expert panel and coordinating committee reviewed the 104 comments received to develop the final guidelines.
The guidelines appear in the January issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and Guideline 2 suggests that infants with mild or will be co-published in the Annals of Allergy, moderate eczema should have peanut-containing Asthma and Immunology; Journal of Pediatric foods introduced into their diets around 6 months Nursing; Pediatric Dermatology; World Allergy of age to reduce the risk of peanut allergy. Organization Journal; and Allergy, Asthma and Clinical Immunology. Related resources, including Guideline 3 suggests that infants without eczema a Summary for Clinicians and a Summary for or any food allergy have peanut-containing foods Parents and Caregivers, are freely accessible at freely introduced into their diets. www.niaid.nih.gov, the NIAID food allergy In all cases, infants should start other solid foods webpage. j
Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
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HEALTH & SAFETY
Tips to Cut Kids’ Screen Time
W
hen you were a kid, did you camp out on the couch with your siblings and fight over what show you’d watch on the family TV? Today, your kids have decidedly fewer limits when it comes to controlling a screen. They can watch many at once, and carry them wherever they go.
“At any age, kids should know there are specific times when screens stay off, like at meals and before bed,” Hill says. Even better, set aside time every week when the family does something fun together— no devices allowed. 4. Watch how often you use your own devices. As amazing as the technology is, your child can If you keep your face buried in your phone, benefit from less time with it. Outside of your kids won’t see a good reason why they homework, school-aged kids should spend no should get off their screens. Plus, those more than an hour or two with a screen every devices affect the time you spend with your day, according to the American Academy of children. Researchers who studied families at Pediatrics. fast-food restaurants noticed parents were often more focused on their smartphones “There are a lot of potential harmful effects of than on the children at the table. screen time on kids, from newborns up to late 5. Make limits a regular part of screen use. adolescents and even young adults,” says Craig When the rules are clear and consistent, you Anderson, distinguished professor of psychology can avoid daily battles when you tell the kids at Iowa State University. When kids watch a lot of it’s time to turn off the TV, computer, or phone. fast-paced shows that switch quickly from scene 6. Be ready to explain different screen-time to scene, they may later have trouble when they limits. After your kids have watched hours of need to focus in the classroom, Anderson says. TV at a friend’s house, they may wonder why your rules are different. “These are opportuKids who spend too much time in front of a nities to have conversations with your kids screen can have other problems, too, like too little about what your family’s values are,” sleep or too much weight gain, says David Hill, Anderson says. MD, chairman of the American Academy of 7. Help your kids find other ways to have fun. “If Pediatrics Council on Communications and Media. a child has nothing to do but stare at a Plus, he says, kids who watch TV and play video screen, then we should not be surprised when games for hours each day may miss out on that is what he or she does,” Hill says. Keep face-to-face opportunities to learn, time to play other options -- art supplies, books, Frisbees, outside, and connections with friends. “Our and bikes -- around and ready when your kids greatest question should be, ‘What is this screen claim there’s nothing else to do. time displacing?’” he says. 8. Make tech work for you. Use programs and apps that you can set to turn off computers, HOW TO MAKE THE CUT tablets, and smartphones after a given amount of time. With screens everywhere, it may seem even 9. Adjust screen-time limits as your child gets harder to cut down on a child’s time with them. older. “For middle-schoolers and teens, But limits are worth it. Try these tips to pry them parents may want to involve them more in the off those devices -- at least, for a little while. decision-making process,” Hill says. You could 1. Don’t give your kids their own tablet or talk with them about how much screen time smartphone. “Interact with your children. Do the whole family should get. Once you’ve that instead of handing them an electronic settled on a plan, stick to it. device,” says Steven Gortmaker, PhD, 10. Consider donating or recycling your old professor of the practice of health sociology electronics. “Usually households have a lot of at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. devices, and they get left over and moved to 2. Make computers and TVs stay in the shared other places,” Gortmaker says. “It’s good to spaces of your home. When your kids use do an inventory and see if you just can’t limit screens in the kitchen or living room, it’s the technology.” j easier to keep an eye on the shows they watch, the games they play, and the websites webmd.com they’re on. 3. Add tech-free time to your family’s schedule.
“Kindness is a language the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
– Mark Twain Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
Things to Do Health & Safety
The Southeast Branch of the St. Johns County Public Library System hosts their very first Fitness & Running Club for kids, teens, and even their guardians. Join Ms. Akilah for warm-ups, running, and a kid-friendly work out. Water is provided by the Friends of the Library. Please wear comfortable clothing. Guardian must be present at the time of the class to sign a waiver. Southeast Branch Library / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org
Yoga Kids With Ms. Diane February 1, 8, 15, 4pm to 5pm Kids ages 7-12 are encouraged to join Ms. Diane Appel, CYKT (Certified Yoga Kids Instructor) for a one hour yoga session designed specifically for kids. All classes are free and sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Main Branch, SJCPLS / 904-827-6940 / 1960 N. 8K River Day Ponce De Leon Blvd., St. Augustine, FL 32084 / February 18, 8am www.sjcpls.org 8K River Day offers 8K and 5K options along a beautiful, scenic, flat course along the St. John’s Fifth Annual Character Counts! 6 Pillars 6K River in Orange Park. There will also be a 1 and 3K Run/Walk mile kids race, food trucks, music, and more. February 4, 9am Proceeds benefit Grace Episcopal Day School, Fifth Annual Character Counts! in St. Johns an independent school for children in Pre-K 3 County. There will be a 6K distance and a 3K. through 8th grade. The 1 mile fun run starts The course begins and ends at Palencia Elat 8am, followed by the 5K and 8K at 8:30am. ementary School. The event is open to all ages. Fees for the 1 mile run are $12; fees for the 8K Entry fees for the 3K range from $20 to $30; and 5K range from $25 to $35. Youth 12 and entry fees for the 6K are $25 to $35. Awards under receive a $5 discount on the 8K or 5K will be given for males and females in the 3K event. Enter code YouthRiverDay when registerand 6K for ages 1-9, 10-14, 15-19, and adult ing online for the discount. Parking is available categories. The event is a member of the Run at the Moosehaven Retirement Community, just St. Augustine Race Series. to the north of Grace Episcopal Day School. Palencia Elementary School / 904-547-7504 Grace Episcopal Day School / 156 Kingsley Ave, / 355 Palencia Village Drive, St. Augustine, FL Orange Park, FL 32073 / 1stplacesports.com 32095 / racesmith.com Ortega River Run Nutrition Education Cooking Demos February 25, 8am February 7, 4pm to 4:30pm For the past 39 years, St. Mark’s Episcopal Day Join library staff as the UF/IFAS Clay County School has held the Ortega River Run. A Grand Extension Office will present a series of free Prix sanctioned event, this is a great event for nutrition education cooking demos at the the whole family. Proceeds benefit the financial Middleburg-Clay Hill Branch Library on Tuesday, aid and scholarship program at the school. Both February 7th, and March 7th from 4:00pm to races start and finish at St. Mark’s Episcopal 4:30pm each session. Family Nutrition Program Day School. There will be a 1 mile fun run at Assistant Kat Estrada will demonstrate cook8am, followed by a 5 mile run/walk at 8:30am. ing a healthy recipe with samples of the recipe Strollers are welcome, and will start at the provided. The cooking demos are part of the back of the race. There will be a family street IFAS Extension’s Family Nutrition Program that fair at start/finish with food, activities, give-asupports healthy shopping, cooking, and eating. ways, special guests, and a Fun & Fit Zone with For more information about the program, call the bounce house and sport activities for kids. The Middleburg-Clay Hill Branch Library at 904-541- cost for the 1 mile is $20; fees for the 5 mile 5855. run/walk range from $30 to $40. Middleburg-Clay Hill Library / 904-541-5855 St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School / 904-388/ 2245 Aster Avenue, Middleburg, FL 32068 / 2632 / 4114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL www.claycountygov.com 32210 / www.stmarksdayschool.org Kid & Teen Fitness and Running Club February 7 and 14, 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Health Events online at www.jax4kids.com
HEALTH & SAFETY
Teen Drug Use Dropping River Oak Center Offers a Sober Solution T for Students eenagers in the U.S. are apparently better behaved than they’ve been in 40 years. According to a new Monitoring the Future survey, young people are drinking and smoking less, as well as doing fewer drugs, with marijuana use dropping among 8th-graders through 10th-graders.
year marijuana use, compared to 33.3 percent in non-medical marijuana states, reflecting previous research that has suggested that these differences precede enactment of medical marijuana laws.
The survey indicates that marijuana and e-cigarettes are more popular than regular tobacco cigarettes. The past month rates among 12th “The question is: Why is all this happening?” graders are 12.4 percent for e-cigarettes and asked University of Michigan researcher Lloyd 10.5 percent for cigarettes. A large drop in the Johnston, who has led the study since 1975. use of tobacco cigarettes was seen in all three “Even though we have some hypotheses, I don’t grades, with a long-term decline from their peak know that we necessarily have the right ones.” Johnson said smoking is often a gateway drug for use more than two decades ago. For example, in 1991, when MTF first measured cigarette teens, and that a lower smoking rate could be partially responsible for the rest of the decline. In smoking, 10.7 percent of high school seniors smoked a half pack or more a day. 2001, 53 percent of 12th-graders said they’d been drunk at least once. That number has Twenty-five years later, that rate has dropped to dropped to 37.3 percent. This year, only 10.5 only 1.8 percent, reflecting the success of percent of high-school seniors said they’d widespread public health anti-smoking camsmoked at all in the last month. paigns and policy changes. The 2016 Monitoring the Future (MTF) annual There has been a similar decline in the use of survey results from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reflect changing teen behaviors and alcohol, with the rate of teens reporting they have “been drunk” in the past year at the survey’s choices in a social media-infused world. The results show a continued long-term decline in the lowest rates ever. For example, 37.3 percent of 12th graders reported they have been drunk at use of many illicit substances, including marijuana, as well as alcohol, tobacco, and misuse of least once, down from a peak of 53.2 percent in 2001. some prescription medications, among the nation’s teens. The MTF survey measures drug Although non-medical use of prescription opioids use and attitudes among eighth, 10th, and 12th graders, and is funded by the National Institute on remains a serious issue in the adult population, teen use of prescription opioid pain relievers is Drug Abuse, part of the NIH. trending downwards among 12th graders with a 45 percent drop in past year use compared to five Findings from the survey indicate that past year years ago. For example, only 2.9 percent of high use of any illicit drug was the lowest in the school seniors reported past year misuse of the survey’s history for eighth graders, while past pain reliever Vicodin in 2016, compared to nearly year use of illicit drugs other than marijuana is 10 percent a decade ago. down from recent peaks in all three grades. Marijuana use in the past month among eighth graders dropped significantly in 2016 to 5.4 percent, from 6.5 percent in 2015. Daily use among eighth graders dropped in 2016 to 0.7 percent from 1.1 percent in 2015. However, among high school seniors, 22.5 percent report past month marijuana use and 6 percent report daily use; both measures remained relatively stable from last year. Similarly, rates of marijuana use in the past year among 10th graders also remained stable compared to 2015, but are at their lowest levels in over two decades. The survey also shows that there continues to be a higher rate of marijuana use among 12th graders in states with medical marijuana laws, compared to states without them. For example, in 2016, 38.3 percent of high school seniors in states with medical marijuana laws reported past
“It is encouraging to see more young people making healthy choices not to use illicit substances,” said National Drug Control Policy Director Michael Botticelli. “We must continue to do all we can to support young people through evidence-based prevention efforts as well as treatment for those who may develop substance use disorders. The government has allocated $1 billion in new funding for prevention and treatment, giving us significant new resources to do this.” The MTF survey, the only large-scale federal youth survey on substance use that releases findings the same year the data is collected, has been conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor since 1975. j
F
or high school students with an addition problem, Jacksonville’s River Oak Center may be the answer.
achievement.
Students receive an individual learning plan designed around their needs and goals from a River Oak Center offers a strong academic staff that is well-versed in serving students with program to students in grades 9 through 12 who diverse learning styles and providing enrichment are in recovery from substance abuse and/or and remediation for learning differences as addiction allowing them to focus on learning in an necessary. environment in which sobriety is required and supported giving them an opportunity to grow While the academic education is the paramount spiritually, academically, emotionally and socially. objective, it is recognized that time during the school day for the development of tools and Established as an independent, non-profit 501 (c) strategies for maintaining sobriety will help (3) organization in 2014, the center integrates a students succeed on the life-long road to high school academic curriculum with the recovery. The clinical director and counselors development of supportive life skills necessary facilitate daily group support meetings and offer for students in recovery. All program staff are strategies for building the resilience to bounce certified educators and specialists who are back. responsible for providing appropriate academic programming and oversight both in and outside Located at 7601 Lone Star Road, the school of school. maintains a regular daily schedule and follows the county school calendar. The after-school It is a free program and students may enroll at program incorporates the Alternate Peer Group any time. They are referred by schools, family Model, which includes after school hangouts, members, courts and other state agencies, drug weekend social activities and a group of youth and alcohol treatment agencies, other community who can relate to each other and discuss based youth programs, and residential programs. common challenges. Prospective students must interview with the River Oak team prior to admission and must See floridarecoveryschool.org for more informaachieve sobriety prior to attending the school, as tion. j well as consent to participate in random drug floridarecoveryschool.org testing while enrolled. Students must also be committed to working an outside plan of recovery and must demonstrate commitment to academic
“Keep your soul rooted in gratitude and your branches open to blessings.” – Mary Davis
NIH.gov FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
Page 17
HEALTH & SAFETY
Get “Red Cross Ready” For Emergencies
B
Drill 2 – Discuss Kit Rules Once you get the kit, make sure that everyone knows where it is and that the items are to be used for emergencies only. You don’t want someone taking the water packet from the kit just because they don’t want Think you’re “Red Cross Ready”? Test yourself: can you to make the trip to the kitchen. agree with these statements? 1. I know what emergencies or disasters are most Drill 3 – Personalize Your Kit likely to occur in my community. Have each family member pick their favorite canned 2. I have a family disaster plan and have practiced it. foods and personal items and add them to the kit. 3. I have an emergency preparedness kit. 4. At least one member of my household is trained Drill 4 – Make an Evacuation Plan in first aid and CPR/AED. This is much easier and less time consuming than it 5. I have taken action to help my community seems. Pull out a map and highlighter and determine prepare. two or three destinations and the routes to get there. eing prepared may not prevent a disaster but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge. The Red Cross interactive preparedness program at redcross.org will give you a great start.
MAKE FAMILY PREPAREDNESS EASY WITH ONE-MINUTE DRILLS In an effort to help you and your family prepare now, here are some one-minute drills that are short on time, but big on impact. Drill 1 – Get a Kit Visit the American Red Cross Store and buy the Deluxe Emergency Preparedness Kit. That’s it. You are already done with this step. Easy, right?
Drill 5 – Be Informed It is important to know what natural disasters can affect your area and what to do in the event of one striking. Hurricanes, floods, fires, tornados are all a threat to our area. Read through the appropriate disaster and emergency guides. Watch the weather and stay on top of the news if a hurricane or other severe weather is predicted to come your way. If local authorities are telling you to evacuate, then EVACUATE! If you followed the drills above, then you already have an evacuation plan.j redcross.org
Upcoming Health and Safety Courses Infant Safety/Basics of Infant CPR Wednesday, February 1 and 15, 7pm – 9pm St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Riverside Register online at: www.jaxhealth.com/calendar Child & Babysitting Safety Saturday, February 11, 9:30am - 2:30pm Keller Williams Realty Office 2950 Halcyon Lane, Suite 102 Jacksonville, FL 32223 Cost: $45 Register online at: www.safetyfirstjax.com Community CPR/AED Monday, February 13, 6pm -9pm Babies ‘R Us 6001 Argyle Forest Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32244
Versatile Vinegar the 10,000 years that vinegar has been around, Imostnconsumers have discovered that it is one of the versatile products you can have around the
house and, a gallon jug is only $2.48 at your local WalMart! As a cleaning product, vinegar uses no chemicals that would harm your body or the environment and it’s less expensive. Here are just a few of the helpful health tips gathered over the years by the Vinegar Institute. For other uses and tips for using vinegar in cooking, cleaning, laundry, lawn and garden, kids stuff, pet stuff and more, visit versatilevinegar.org. Relief from Heartburn For relief of heartburn or acid indigestion, take 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Soothe a Bee or Jellyfish Sting Douse with vinegar. It will soothe irritation and relieve itching. Relieve Sunburn Lightly rub white distilled or cider vinegar on skin. Reapply as needed. Relieve Dry and Itchy Skin Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to your bath water. Fight Dandruff After shampooing, rinse with a solution of ½ cup vinegar and 2 cups of warm water.
Thursday, February 23, 6pm - 9pm Babies ‘R Us 4875 Town Center Pkwy Jacksonville, FL 32246 Cost: $40 Register online at: www.safetyfirstjax.com Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Saturday, February 18, 9am – 3:20pm American Red Cross 751 Riverside Ave Jacksonville, FL 32204 Cost: $110 Register online at: www.redcross.org
Skin Burns Apply ice-cold vinegar right away for fast relief. Will prevent burn blisters. Chest Congestion To clear up respiratory congestion, inhale a vapor mist from a steaming pot containing water and several spoonfuls of vinegar. Toenail Fungus Soak toes in a solution of vinegar and water, using 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, 15 minutes per day. Arthritis Relief Mix a teaspoon of half apple cider vinegar, half honey in a glass of water with a teaspoon of orange flavored Knox gelatin. Lessen Morning Sickness Drink some apple cider vinegar in water, with honey added. This concoction can help calm a queasy stomach. Stop Itching Apply a paste made from vinegar and cornstarch. Keep on until itch disappears. Soft Feet Combine 1 cup white distilled vinegar to 2 gallons warm water. Soak feet for 45 minutes then use a pumice stone or file to remove dead skin from heels and callused areas of feet.
Wart Remover Mix lukewarm/warm water with a cup of white Soothe a Sore Throat distilled vinegar. Immerse area with wart and soak Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, 20 minutes every day until wart disappears. then swallow. For another great gargle: 1 cup hot water, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vinegar, Bug Spray gargle then drink. Combine equal amounts of water, white distilled vinegar and liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Use Treat Sinus Infections and Chest Colds on skin, as needed. j Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer. (Be sure to check vaporizer instructions for additional versatilevinegar.org water measurement.)
Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
HEALTH & SAFETY
Tornado Safety Tips T ornadoes are nature’s most violent and erratic storms. A tornado can travel for miles along the ground, lift and suddenly change direction and strike again. There is little you can do to protect your home or workplace from the strength of tornado winds, but there are actions you can take to protect yourself and your family.
Long Span Buildings If you are caught in an open building like a shopping mall, civic center, indoor pool, theater, or gymnasium during a tornado, stay away from windows. Get into the restroom, if possible. In larger buildings, the restrooms are usually made from concrete block. Besides having four walls and plumbing holding things together, metal Basic Safety Rules: partitions help support any falling debris. If there Keep alert to changing weather conditions. is not time to go anywhere, seek shelter right Tornadoes are formed by severe thunderstorms, where you are. Try to get up against something most frequently in the spring and summer. A that will support or deflect falling debris. For tornado watch is given when weather is favorable instance, in a department store, get up against to the formation of tornadoes. A tornado warning heavy shelving or counters. Remember to protect is given when a tornado funnel is sighted or your head. indicated by radar. Take shelter immediately when you hear a tornado warning or see a funnel Schools, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Office cloud. Know where your shelter is before you Buildings need it. Extra precautions are needed in these structures due to the large concentration of people in a At Home small area and these buildings usually have large Get to shelter immediately. AVOID WINDOWS. amounts of glass on the outside walls. Get into Flying glass can injure or kill. Don’t open the innermost portions on the lowest floor windows. Houses don’t “explode” and allowing possible. Avoid windows, glass doorways, and strong winds in can do damage or cause injury. auditoriums and cafeterias not protected by The safest place in the home is an inside room on overhead floors and rooms. Do not use elevators; the lowest floor, like a closet, hallway, or the power may go off and you could become bathroom with no windows. For added protection, trapped. Protect your head and make yourself as get under something strong, like a workbench or small a target as possible by crouching down. heavy table. If possible, cover your body with a blanket or sleeping bag and protect your head In the Open with anything available, even your hands. If you are caught outside during a tornado and there is no shelter immediately available, lie in a Mobile Homes gully, ditch, or low spot in the ground. Protect Do not stay in a mobile home during a tornado. your body and head with anything available. Do Even homes with a secure tie-down system not go into a grove of trees or under a vehicle. cannot withstand the force of tornado winds. Plan ahead. Make arrangements to stay with friends or Emergency services personnel are usually on the neighbors. Go there if a tornado watch is issued. scene quickly after a tornado. Keep your family If a tornado warning is given, leave your mobile together and wait for help to arrive. Listen to the home and seek shelter nearby. Lie flat in a ditch radio for information about disaster relief and or ravine and put your arms over your head. Don’t assistance available from local authorities and take shelter under your home. volunteer agencies. If you are outside, don’t go into damaged buildings; they may collapse On the Road completely. Wait for help to search for others. If The least desirable place to be during a tornado your home appears undamaged, check carefully is in a motor vehicle. Cars, buses, and trucks are for gas or other utility line breaks. If the lights are tossed easily by tornado winds. Do not try to out, use a flashlight only; do not use a match, outrun a tornado in your car. If you see a tornado, lighter, or any open flame. stop your vehicle and get out. Seek shelter away from the car in a nearby ditch or ravine; do not By following these suggested safety tips, you can get under your vehicle. Lie flat and put your arms increase your chances for survival. j over your head. floridahealth.gov
Ride to Cure Diabetes at Amelia Island A melia Island will host one of JDRF fundraising Bike Rides to Cure Diabetes this year. JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes is a charitable bike ride that to date has raised over $38 million for type one diabetes (T1D) research.
The JDRF Ride isn’t just a bike ride: it’s gives cyclists of all ages and skill levels the opportunity fundraise for the global leader in T1D research. Riders choose a fundraising package (Gold – $5,000, Silver—$3,500, Bronze –$2,000) and set their own mileage goal. Along the way, riders receive the full support of the JDRF Ride Community, from the ride coaches to the fundraising experts who will help you reach and exceed your fundraising goals. There are five 2017 Rides to Cure Diabetes across the country this year. The rides, which occur August through November, each offer a unique and unforgettable experience: From riding the rolling hills of upstate New York, to farm lands of Wisconsin, the mountains of Colorado and desert of Arizona, and to the scenic byways along the Atlantic Coast in Florida.
The Amelia Island Ride to Cure Diabetes will be Oct. 5-8. Other locations include La Crosse, WI, Aug 10-13; Loveland, CO, Aug. 24-27; Sarasota Springs, NY, Sept. 14-17; and Tucson, AZ., Nov. 16-19. In Amelia Island riders have the option of four routes: 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles. Starting out with a northerly spin through the island, riders will experience the scenic roads through Fernandina Beach. A turn south will take the ride off the island and down Highway A1A, along the ocean. This Ride is unlike any other, and its flat terrain makes it perfect for families and new cyclists! Register today at ride.jdrf.org or see www2.jdrf. org/ for more information. j
www2.jdrf.org
“A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” – James Keller FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
Page 19
March 18, 2017 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Jacksonville, Florida
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Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
THE JAXSPORTS COUNCIL
EDUCATION young Benjamin Banneker perseveres to “reverse-engineer” a pocket watch to improve and scale up his design of a strike clock. • “Trailblazers” by Rachel Swaby. Thirty-three vignettes that exemplify progressive change as he National Science Teachers Association, • “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires. well as perseverance, innovative thinking, the largest professional organization in the A young girl engages in the engineering and change, and discovery. world promoting excellence in science teaching design process as she struggles to create the and learning, preschool through college, unveiled most magnificent thing—which is not revealed • “Wangari Maathai” by Franck Prévot. Strong and fearless, Wangari Maathai engineers both its inaugural list of “Best STEM Books K-12.” This until the end of the story. peace and environmental responsibility through list—selected by volunteer educators and • “Red Madness” by Gail Jarrow. Pellagra, a problem solving and persistence. assembled in cooperation with the Children’s mysterious disease, affected millions until a Book Council — provides recommendations to public health crusader kept an open mind while • “Welcome to Mars” by Buzz Aldrin. An astronaut shares ideas about failures and teachers, librarians, parents, and caregivers about analyzing the results of medical research. successes in an authentic situation--while the best trade books with STEM (Science, • “Sabotage,” by Neal Bascomb. Faced with being encouraged to think critically about technology, engineering and mathematics) Germany’s invasion of Norway, nine Norwegian planning for a trip to Mars. content for students in kindergarten through 12th commandos explore multiple solutions to • “What Does It Mean To Be An Entrepreneur?” grade. life-threatening problems, as they change the by Rana DiOrio and Emma D. Dryden. With course of World War II. innovation and open-minded thinking, a young Jacksonville’s award-winning children’s science • “Fearless Flyer” by Heather Lang. Ruth Law, entrepreneur demonstrates curiosity, takes writer Jennifer Swanson’s latest book “Super 1916 biplane pilot, improves and redesigns risks, overcomes challenges, and exemplifies Gear: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up,” an in flight equipment, daring to fly cross-country perseverance. depth look at how science is changing the sports and setting a new long distance record. world, is on the list. • “Genetic Engineering” by Michael Burgan. The fast-changing field of genetic engineering is Other titles include: highlighted, inviting readers to explore multiple solutions and implications for society. • “Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking • “A Global Warming Primer” by Jeffrey Bennet. acksonville-area Simon properties are once Machine” by Laurie Wallmark. Ada is a unique The impact of global warming is presented in again offering scholarships to help high young woman who models creative thinking, detail. school seniors pay for college. Simon Youth applies mathematics and science to design, • “Green City” by Allan Drummond. A city Foundation, a national nonprofit that provides and publishes a pioneering computer program. devastated by a tornado is rebuilt for an educational opportunities for at-risk high school • “Ada’s Ideas” by Fiona Robinson. An inspiraenvironmentally sustainable future by citizens students, is now looking for qualified applicants tional story of Ada Byron Lovelace, who who design multiple solutions. who live near St. Johns Town Center, The overcame struggles to pursue her interests in • “Hello Ruby” by Linda Liukas. Ruby and her Avenues, St. Augustine Premium Outlets and the math and science. fanciful friends explore the logical skills that surrounding communities. • “Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science” by Diane underpin programming in a book that will invite Stanley. Ada Lovelace was able to nurture her the youngest learners to explore. Each year, Simon Youth Community Scholarships imagination and model innovative thinking to • “Inventions that Could Have Changed the are awarded in every community across the create the first computer program ever World... But Didn’t” by Joe Rhatigan. Imagine A country that is home to Simon, Mills, or Premium published flying car, a bed that ejects sleepers when it is Outlets malls. The application period has begun • “Ben Franklin’s Big Splash” by Barb Rosentime to awaken, a toilet seat for cats. and ends on March 1. stock. Even as a young boy, Ben Franklin uses • “The Secret Subway” by Shana Corey. Alfred design thinking to explore multiple solutions to Ely Beach uses divergent ideas from the invent swim fins. community to solve a transportation problem • “Breakthrough” by Jack Andraka. Faced with with vividly relevant illustrations. multiple challenges, young scientist Jack • “Six Dots” by Jen Bryant. At age 15, blind Louis Andraka perseveres to design an early Braille exemplifies persistence and creativity as detection test for several cancers. he constructs a system for reading and writing Students can apply online at syf.org/scholarships. • “Emmet’s Storm” by Ann Rubino. In the context through code. of his era, Emmet explores solutions to a • “Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea” by Robert community problem through persistence. Burleigh. In 1948 at Columbia University, Marie Any student who will be graduating in the class of 2017 and lives in the community surrounding a • “The Inventor’s Secret” by Suzanne Slade. Tharpe carefully plotted Atlantic Ocean depth Simon property is eligible. Applicants can check Edison and Ford were widely curious—and all data, ultimately discovering the mountainous their eligibility by entering their ZIP code at syf. of the work they did (including the many Mid-Atlantic Ridge. org/scholarships. Recipients will receive up to mistakes along the way) highlights how these • “Steve Jobs” by Jessie Hartland. The eclectic $1,500 to enroll in an accredited college, inventors persevered, designed, and redecuriosity, drive for perfection, and imperfect university, vocational or technical school. signed. personality of Jobs are all illustrated in this • “The Marvelous Thing That Came from a graphic novel about a quirky genius. In 2016, the Simon Youth Foundation awarded Spring” by Gilbert Ford. While dreamer Richard • “SWAP!” by Steve Light. A little pirate uses $1.2 million to 300 students nationwide. James works as a navy engineer exploring ingenious thinking to progressively change an ways to keep ships from vibrating, he designs old ship into a new ship of which his friend can The 2017 SYF Community Scholarship recipients one of the most popular toys in American be proud. history, the Slinky. • “Ticktock Banneker’s Clock” by Shana Keller A will be selected by International Scholarship and
Best STEM Books for K-12
T
• “Winning Titles Whoosh!” by Chris Barton. From childhood to adult, Tuskegee to NASA, Lonnie Johnson used authentic problems to design and construct the Super Soaker. • “Women of Steel and Stone” by Anna M. Lewis. This diverse collection of biographies of female architects allows readers insight into the women’s challenges and reflective thinking. • “Women Who Launched the Computer Age” by Laurie Calkhoven. The story of the women “computers” from World War II and the process by which they developed the first programming. Full reviews of these books will be available in the February issues of the National Science Teachers journals and online at www.nsta.org/ publications/stembooks/ j nsta.org
Simon Youth Scholarships
J
Tuition Services, Inc., a third-party administrator. Students are selected based on a variety of criteria, including financial need, academic performance, leadership skills and participation in school and community activities. Those students who are the first in their family to pursue a post secondary education will also be given close consideration. Recipients will be notified in May. Each year, Simon Youth Scholarships program awards one-time and renewable scholarships to high school students in every community that is home to a Simon Mall. Simon Youth Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, exists to help at-risk high school students who are on the verge of dropping out stay in school. Through 29 Simon Youth Academies in 12 states and the Simon Youth scholarships, the organization creates educational opportunities. Primarily located in Simon Malls, Simon Youth Academies offer flexible schedules and small class sizes that make learning accessible to students who struggle to connect with material in a traditional classroom or school because of homelessness, bullying, serious illness, parenthood, supporting their families, or other challenging circumstances. It has maintained a 90% graduation rate at its academies since inception, graduated more than 14,000 students. j
FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
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EDUCATION
PBS Kids Writers Contest T
he annual PBS Kids Writers Contest is under to” tips. Both are available at WJCT.org. way and open to any child in grades K-3 who wants to write and illustrate their own story. All entries submitted will be judged by a panel of local judges. The entry with the highest average They should submit their story to WJCT for score in each grade will be deemed the grand judging and a chance to win prizes. Local winning prize winner for that grade. The stories with the top four average scores from the grade level stories will be submitted to the local WJCT judging round will be automatically entered into People’s Choice Awards for additional judging. the People’s Choice judging round of the contest. Everyone who enters will receive a certificate of achievement. Judging for each grade level round is on or about April 1st. Judging for the People’s Choice round is Stories can be factual or fictional prose, or poetry. on or about May 3rd. Entries will be scored on the following criteria: Kindergarten and first grade stories must have a minimum of 50 words and a maximum of 200 • Originality words and second and third grade stories a • Creative Expression minimum of 100 words and a maximum of 350 • Storytelling words. Text must be printed, written legibly, or • Integration of Story & Illustrations typed. Children who cannot write may dictate • Overall Impression their story to be printed, written legibly, or typed. Mail entry form and you entry to: Stories must have at least 5 original, clear, and WJCT PBS Kids Writers Contest colorful illustrations. Original art can include 100 Festival Park Avenue drawings, collages, and 3-D created by the Jacksonville, Florida 32202 author or photographs taken by the author. All entries must be postmarked by March 8 and Stories must be created on one side of the paper received by March 13 to be eligible. AND numbered on the back of each page. See WJCT.org for complete info, contest rules and Contestants are encouraged to read last year’s entry form. j winners and the Story Writing Fun Guide for “How
Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
Things to Do Education
Homeschool: Scratch Coding February 3, 1:30pm Bring in your iPad or borrow one from the library, to learn some basic scratch coding. Staff will explain some of the logic behind programing and kids will work on making very basic programs using Scratch coding on an iPad. Please call 904209-3730 or email njebbia@sjcfl.us to let them know that you will be attending. Anastasia Island Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org Making Math Fun February 9, 5pm Educators will define the critical areas of early math including number sense, geometry, measurement, spatial relations and math vocabulary. You will learn practical games and activities that can easily be done with your child to boost their math knowledge. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge. Martin Luther King Elementary School / 904-3902960 / 8801 Lake Placid Drive East, Jacksonville, FL 32208 / www.duvalschools.org 15th Annual Fort Menendez Homeschool Experience February 14, 9:30am The Home School Experience is an interactive experience facilitated by costumed guides providing history and instruction in the use of tools and games for each historical time period. Participants will also complete a take-home project in each program area. The Home School Experience includes a Timucuan Indian council house and chief’s hut, a Spanish wattle and daub house, a Florida Pioneer one-room schoolhouse, exploration on the high seas aboard a replica 70’ Caravel and a mock archaeological dig. The first program will start at 9:30am. After the 11:45am midday break, there will be two final programs ending the day at 2:15pm. The cost is $19.95 per person for ages three and up at the door. If you call and pay prior to January 24th; you will receive the discounted price of $17.95 per person. Payment at the time of reservation is required for the discounted price. Prices are for guest 3 years old and up. Children
under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. (*Please note: coupons or tickets purchased or received from outside retailers are for our General Public tour only and may not be used for the Home School Experience.) These are guided educational tours, and are not to be confused with the General Public admission to the museum which is primarily “edutainment” in the Indian and Spanish areas only. The general public tour does not include the Archaeology or Florida Cracker Pioneer activities. The regular price for all 5 programs for school children and adults is $27.50 per person. The Old Florida Museum / 904-824-8874 / 259 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / oldfloridamuseum.com MOSH Homeschool Program: Seasons and the Solar System February 15, 9:30am to 11am MOSH offers engaging, inquiry-based programs for your student and family in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Programs have been developed specifically for elementary-aged students. Parents with younger or older siblings may observe classes with registered students. Homeschool programs will consist of two 45-minute interactive sessions, which cover a range of topics. You will have time to explore the Museum 30 minutes before the program begins and will also have time after the program. Doors open at 9am, and the program begins at 9:30am. Cost is $8 per student and parent (unless otherwise noted); 20% discount for MOSH Members and their students. Register in advance. MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org Elementary Mathematics: Parent Partnerships For Success February 23, 5:30pm 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. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge. Pinedale Elementary School / 904-390-2960 / 4229 Edison Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254 / www.duvalschools.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.
FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
Page 23
Spring Break Camps 2017 Intercoastal Kids Spring Camp March 20 – March 24 • 6:30am – 6:30pm Ages: 4 – 12. Spring camp has lots to offer each day of spring break. We are headed to Sunshine Park for water day, BBQ picnic, and a Krispy Kreme tour on the first day. Then we have Enchanted Garden day, where we’ll plant our own gardens in a box, release butterflies and have lunch at Olive Garden. Wednesday is our Amelia Island Excursion, where we’ll head to Amelia Island for kite-flying, beachside pizza party and a trip on the ferry. Thursday we are going to Pump It Up for a crazy fun time, with a country lunch catered by Publix, and a trip to the movies. Friday we wrap up our week with a Game Truck and Spa Day, and bake a giant cupcake to take home! Cost is $175 for the week www.intercoastalkidspreschool.com 904-220-3993 13109 Professional Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246 Spring Camp at the Zoo: BUILD ADVENTURE March 20 – March 24 • 9am – 4pm Extended hours available Grades Kindergarten – 5th. In addition to animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, crafts, and interactive lessons, campers will visit the Nature Connects sculptures located throughout the park and try their hand at creating their own masterpieces. Classic toys and modern Zoo Camp - there’s no better way to welcome the spring! Cost: Members - $185/week. Non-members- $210/ week. Extended care $50/week. www.jacksonvillezoo.org | 904-757-4463 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218 TNT Gymnastics Spring Break Camp March 20 – March 24 • 9am – 3pm Extended hours available Ages 3 – 13. Includes snack, craft, gymnastics, obstacles, trampoline, rock wall, foam pit and more. Cost: Full week $150 - 1st child, $135 siblings. Full day $45 – 1st child, $40.50 siblings. Half day $30 any child. www.tntgymfit.com | 904-998-8681 2683 St Johns Bluff Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 MOCA Spring Art Camp March 20 – March 24 • 9am – 5pm Grades: Kindergarten - 5th. March 20 Morning: Fibers Afternoon: Printmaking March 21 Morning: Mark-making in Drawing Afternoon: Mark-making in Painting March 22 Morning: Monochromatic Afternoon: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles March 23 Morning: Painted Pages Afternoon: Collage and Assemblage March 24 Morning: Pop Sculpture Afternoon: Color Schemes Cost: 9am - 1pm: $25 each day. 1pm -5pm: $25 each day. 9am - 5pm: $50 each day. mocajacksonville.unf.edu | 904-366-6911 333 North Laura St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
MOSH Spring Discovery Camps March 20 -24 • 9am – 3pm Extended Care: 7:30am – 5pm Dreaming of a great spring break vacation, but couldn’t get away? Look no further than a MOSH staycation! See the Eiffel Tower of France, view the Mayan ruins of Latin America, climb the Great Wall of China, and everything in between as you traverse the globe in five days. No passport required! MOSH will have the same theme for both K-2 and 3-5. Cost: $205 per week for non-members. Extended day $10 per day. www.themosh.org | 904-396-MOSH 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Iron Diamond Sports Baseball/Softball Spring Skills Camp March 20 – March 24 • 9am – 3pm Extended hours available Boys and Girls Ages 6-15. Campers will be grouped by age/skill level. Camp features: Professional & Collegiate Instructors, Friday Pizza Party for Lunch and Games & Prizes. Camp topics include: Hitting, Throwing, Fielding, Pitching, Catching, Baserunning and Speed/Agility. Lunch will NOT be provided, EXCEPT on Friday. There will be a pizza party on Friday. Water & Drinks will be available. Cost: $225/week. $25 Discount if you register before January 31, 2017. *Registration Deadline March 19, 2017. Single Day Registration: You can attend single days of camp for $60/day. Extended Hour Fees: *All campers remaining 15 minutes after pickup time will be put in extended care and subject to fee. Early Drop-Off: $10/Day. Late Pickup: $10/Day. Both: $15/ Day irondiamondsports.com 904-219-8417 | 361 Penman Road South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 Smitty’s Camp Spring Fling Carnival March 17 - March 24 • 6:30am - 6pm Grades Kindergarten – Age 12. Activities include boating using canoes, kayaks, and paddleboats. Campers will also learn to fish using cane poles. They will be playing sports, going on wagon rides, doing arts and crafts and many other fun activities. On Friday, March 24th, they will finish up the week of camp with a big Spring Fling Carnival offering a bouncy house, an inflatable slide and carnival booths. Cost: $150/week www.smittysdaycamp.com | 904-732-9660 7710 Hilsdale Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 Kids Spring Break Cooking Camp March 21 – March 23 • 9am-1pm Ages 8 – 13. Cooking Camp will allow kids to learn some of the fundamentals of cooking with fresh local ingredients. They will learn how to prepare healthy meals while having fun. Cost: $45/day www.acook4you.com | 904-707-3802 1850 Emerson St, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Happy Acres Spring Break Camp March 20 – March 24 • 8:30am - 4pm Extended hours available Grades Kindergarten – Age 13. Activities include football, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, horseback
Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
riding, gardening, wood working, building, nature, shuffle board, side walk games, scooters, scavenger hunts, capture the flag and many more. Cost: $165 plus a $50 registration for the 1st child and $25 for each additional child in each family. www.happyacresranch.com | 904-725-1410 7117 Crane Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32216 Carpe Diem Music Spring Break Camp March 20 – March 24 • 9am – 3pm Ages 7 – 12. This Camp will immerse your child in the creative process of putting together a musicalthemed showcase combining singing, movement, acting and improv. Each child will receive voice, piano, art, and composition instruction. Their week will include small group and individual teaching to enhance or gain the basic knowledge they need to jumpstart their musical and art journey, including: playing technique, basic music theory, music notation, plus ensemble and collaborative musicianship, explore with art and a little bit with some percussion instruments like drums, marimba, vibraphone, congas and more. Cost: $125/week www.carpediemusic.com | 904-517-0670 3860 Galicia Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 Jax Surf & Paddle Spring Break Camp March 20 – March 24 • April 17 – April 21 9am – 3pm Age 6 – 16. Jax Surf Camp hosted by Jax Surf and Paddle is a fun and safe way to advance a child’s surfing skills, ocean knowledge, and comfort in the water. Campers will break into groups depending on age and skill. Intermediate level surfers are welcome as well as beginners. After completing the five-day surf camp, your child will have learned these fundamental skills: water safety, paddling, navigating the surf zone, and of course standing up on a board! Cost: Half Day – $210/week or $50/day. Full Day – $335/week or $100/day (lunch included). jacksonvillesurfandpaddle.com | 904-435-7873 7th St and Ocean Ave, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 Donovin Darius’ Spring Break Football Camp March 17 • 9am – 12pm Ages 7 – 14. This camp is for Football players who also play soccer, lacrosse baseball. Remember continuous repetition and practicing with proper techniques are the key to improvement. Athletes will get better in the fundamentals while having a great time. This is a non-contact and non-padded camp . Cost: $35 ($2 processing fee) www.dariusnextleveltraining.com | 904-290-3320 1046 A1A North, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Gyminators Gymnastics Spring Break Camp March 20 – March 24 • 9am -3pm Extended hours available Ages 3.5 – 18. Activities include: Vault, Bars, Beam, Floor, Trampoline, Dance, Cheer, Relays, Crafts, Games and watch Olympic gymnastics videos. All kids will be put into groups according to their age and skill level. Drop off your child with a lunch; they’ll supply the snacks, drinks. Kid friendly hot lunches are provided at an additional charge of only $4 per day. Cost: Full day (9am-3pm) Discount Price - $32/ day. Regular Price $37/day. Half day (9am-12pm or 12pm-3:pm) Discount Price - $20/day. Regular Price
$25/day. Preschoolers may attend Full Days with prior approval. *For discount pricing you must prepay two weeks in advance. gyminators.com | 904-388-5533 4603 Shirley Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32210 YMCA Spring Break Camp March 20 – March 24 • 6:30am – 6:30pm All ages. Campers have the chance to participate in themed games, stir up their imagination, get plenty of exercise and make new friends. Activities include: Arts and Crafts, Field Trips, Team Sports, Games, Science Experiments and more. Cost: Members $105 - $130. Program Participants: $115 – $130. Pricing is for the entire week and may vary by camp location. Daily rates are also available. www.firstcoastymca.org Visit website for details per location. Jacksonville University Soccer Spring Break Camp • March 16 – March 24 • 9am – 4pm Ages 4 - 13. The participants will be evaluated in all phases of the game: Technique, Tactical Awareness, Intelligence, Speed of Play, & Personality. Campers will also enjoy competitive games that will be played during camp. This camp is designed to accommodate players of all skill sets, no matter what skill level they may be at. Cost: $220/full day. $160/half day. www.jusocceracademy.com | 904-256-7351 Southern Oaks Stadium, 2800 University Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32211 Burrell’s Camp Chippewa March 20 - March 24 • 6:30am – 6:30pm Ages 6 – 12. Activities include: Field Hockey and Flag Football, Swimming with American Red Cross Certified Lifeguards, Camp Crafts, Boating/Canoeing, Water Slide, and Fishing. Cost: Registration fee $40. Weekly $150 (which includes Lunch). Registration also includes a Burrell’s Camp Chippewa T-Shirt. www.burrellscampchippewa.com 904-737-4988 3111 Tiger Hole Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 Limelight Theatre American Girl Spring Break Camp March 13 – March 17 • 9am - 12pm Grades Kindergarten – 5th. American Girl’s girl of the year doll for 2017 is a poet and dancer named Gabriela McBride, who uses the two art forms to help overcome her stuttering. Gabriela is the newest doll in American Girl’s line of dolls that depict girls of diverse backgrounds and interests. Cost: $150. limelight-theatre.org | 904-825-1164 11 Old Mission Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32085
Visit Jax4Kids.com’s Spring Break Camps Page for more information!
FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
Page 25
Clay County School News
Lights, Camera, County Graduation Rate Climbs The overall graduation rate for high school students in Clay County has reached an all-time high of Action! 84.7 percent, according to data released by the Florida Department of Education. The district ranks Preparations are underway for the annual Jim Harbin Student Media Festival. Sponsored by the Florida Association of Media in Education, festival is designed to encourage students to communicate through video production by recognizing outstanding presentations in student-produced videos. The emphasis is on creativity. Collaboration between students can draw upon artistic, musical, written and technical skills that would result in an original production. The award is named in honor of a former consultant with the Florida Department of Education who originated the idea of a student festival. The competition includes 11 categories from primary through college. Productions must be entirely written and produced by students, including copyright clearance, and must not exceed seven minutes in length. Several thousand students participate each year at the local, regional and state levels. Last year’s Clay winners included: K-2 Elementary Instructional: Making Muffins with Mia!, Coppergate Elementary, Students: Mia Petrosky, Maysie Bader. News Feature: The Cort Report - Pi Day, Argyle Elementary, Students: Cort Suarez, Synclair Francis. Grades 3-5 News Feature: Man’s Best Friend, Clay County, Coppergate Elementary, Students: Nate Helmuth, Kynlee Helmuth, Haeddon Compton. Instructional: Puppy Puppet, Clay County, Keystone Heights Elementary. Music Video: Don’t Bully, Clay County, Argyle Elementary. Grades 6-8 Book Trailer: The Graveyard Book, Clay County, Keystone Heights High School, Students: Daelynn Eatmon, Cody Hollingsworth, Hailey Locke, Shienne Mackinnon, Taylor Noble, Brianna Riley,
Sloane Siebert, Robert Gage Stevens Documentary: Art Through the Looking Glass, Coppergate Elementary, Students: Lauren Chang, Luke Leonard, Olivia Matos. Music Video: Kinetic Summerset, Wilkinson Junior High, Students: Carl Mills, Cole Fowler Animation: Sockz, MIddleburg High School,
17th out of 67 Florida school districts for graduation rate.
Three schools registered increases in their graduation rates from the previous year: • Keystone Heights SeClay County Graduation Rates nior High jumped from 73.8 percent to 82.3 School District 2011-12 2014-15 2015-16 percent, a remarkable increase of 8.5 Clay County 74.20% 83.70% 84.70% percent. • Oakleaf High School Subgroup 2011-12 2014-15 2015-16 climbed from 92.6 percent to 93.6 perWhite 77.00% 83.30% 84.80% cent, an increase of 1 Hispanic 59.60% 83.60% 84.40% percent. • Clay High School rose Black 66.40% 82.10% 82.20% from 89.6 percent to Two/Three Races 84.10% 87.70% 86.10% 91 percent, an increase Asian 80.50% 95.20% 98.60% of 1.4 percent.
The district’s graduation rate increased by one percent over the previous year. Over the past five years, the rate has climbed more than 10 percent, and every high school in the district meets or exceeds the statewide graduation rate. Fleming Island High School continues to lead the county with a 96.7 percent graduation rate.
10.50% Five Year Comparison 7.80% 24.80% 15.80% 2.00% 18.10%
89.60%
91.00%
1.40%
Fleming Island 96.90%
96.70%
-0.20%
Keystone Heights
73.80%
82.30%
8.50%
Middleburg
81.30%
80.70%
-0.60%
Oakleaf
92.60%
93.60%
1.00%
Orange Park
85.30%
82.20%
-3.10%
Ridgeview
88.40%
85.40%
-3.00%
Students: Sage Michael Rodriguez, Jordyn DaLea, Jeanelle Vigil-Casanova, Troy Turpin, Haileigh Marie Riesenbeck. Grades 9-12 Drama: Love Lives On, Ridgeview High School, Students: Aneisha Rush, Anthony Ruiz, Bailey Layton, Carlie Schultz, Reed Mahon. Instructional: How to Make Peanut Butter Balls, Keystone Heights High School, Students: Brandy Ramos, Chris Toombs. Book Trailer: The Brothers Grimm, Fleming Island High School Music Video: Find That Girl, Keystone Heights High School. News Feature: Adoption, Middleburg High School. Entries are due March 13. Contact Kim Miskowski, Media Specialist, Coppergate Elementary, (904) 291-5594 ext. 2242, for information. Email: kmmiskowski@oneclay.net
Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
Middleburg, Ridgeview, and Keystone Heights High Schools represented Clay County at the Daytona State College’s Hosseini College of Hospitality and Culinary Management “Sharpening Your Skills” Culinary Arts Competition.
Five Year Comparison
At-Risk Students 49.70% 63.40% 71.70% 22.00% “I am inspired by these results and I am confident Disabled Students 54.30% 68.10% 66.40% 12.10% that they form a strong English Language 56.40% 60.00% 72.00% 15.60% foundation for the work Learners ahead of us,” said new Economically 75.30% 87.70% 87.90% 12.60% superintendent Addison Disadvantaged Davis. “ I look forward to leading and working alongside all of our professional educators, the Clay County Public Schools team, and our school board to further the mission and goals of Clay County Graduation Rates our district. Through my plan to “Elevate 2014-15 2015-16 One Year Clay,” we will work together to make our High School Comparison school system the very best it can be.” Clay
Culinary Competition Sharpens Skills
The National Restaurant Association along with Daytona State College sponsored the competition judged by professional chefs and hospitality managers. Thirteen Florida schools participated. Middleburg High School’s Mackenzie Duquette won third place for edible centerpieces. She received a trophy and a scholarship. Middleburg High School’s culinary team was fifth and Ridgeview High was sixth in the Gourmet Foods Competition. Students were required to display knife skills and prepare an entree, appetizer, and dessert in a timed competition. Students also competed in the Waiter Relay Competition; a stressful, and timed, waiter relay requiring formal table settings and napkin folds. The Daytona State Competition provided the students practice in preparation for the National ProStart Culinary Competition in Orlando in March. Middleburg’s Chef Surita, Ridgeview’s Chefs LaPierre and Jerrells, and Keystone’s Chef Leach are working hard to prepare their students for big event.
February/March Calendar 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
www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584
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St. Johns County School District News
Montessori Applications Being Accepted Video listen to a short presentation and ask questions. They ask that you don’t take your children. They will have a chance to visit the school after they have secured a spot. If applications exceed available spots, a lottery will be held. To be eligible for the lottery, please apply by March 10.
Presentation Deadline Nears
The annual Jim Harbin Student Media Festival is sponsored by the Florida Association of Media in Education to encourage students to communicate through video production and to recognize outstanding presentations in student-produced videos. The emphasis is on creativity. Collaboration between students can draw upon artistic, musical, written and technical skills that would result in an original production.
Should applications exceed available capacity, preference is given in the following order: • Siblings of currently enrolled students; • Children of a member of the governing board of the school; • Children of a school employee; • Children identifying as minorities within a 2-mile radius of the school at 7 Williams Street, St. Augustine, and children with documented prior Montessori experience as defined. MonThe school emphasizes these key Montessori tessori experience must be documented by a principles: letter and/or student record from a Montessori • Prepared environment of Montessori materials school. “Montessori experience” is defined as and curriculum; recent attendance for at least one full year at The awards are presented to students for • Mixed age classrooms in 3-year spans; a Montessori school with certified Montessori outstanding presentations. The award is named • Student choice of activity and uninterrupted teachers. in honor of a former consultant with the Florida blocks of work time; Department of Education who originated the idea • Integrated instruction where all curriculum sub- The lottery will be held on April 3 during the board of a student festival. jects are connected; meeting which begins at 6 p.m. at the school. All • Individuals work at their own pace, regardless complete applications received by March 10 will The competition includes 11 categories from of ability level or age; primary through college. Productions must be be entered into the lottery. • A focus on cooperation rather than competition; After the lottery, openings will continue to be filled entirely written and produced by students, including copyright clearance, and must not exceed • Active involvement of children, parents, local in the order of the waiting list. seven minutes in length. Several thousand stucitizens and organizations; dents participate each year at the local, regional • Montessori-trained teachers. Applications received after the cutoff date will and state levels. be added to the waiting list in the order they are Enrollment is open to all St. Johns County resireceived. It is only after the lottery that the wait- Last year, the St. Johns County School District dents with children in grades 1 to 6. To comply ing list slots are filled on a first come, first served submitted a total of 77 entries with participation with Florida Controlled Open Enrollment, children basis. from 12 schools. Of this total, 28 entries were residing in the St. Johns County School District forwarded to the regional competition. Six entries will be placed before children outside of the were selected at the regional level and went on to See staugustinemontessori.com for complete the state competition. Winners included: district. details. Once a student has been accepted into the FIRST PLACE school, the student automatically remains in the Grades 3-5, Animation Category: The Legend school from year to year, unless he/she withdraws of Karate Granny – Sam Unkefer, Julington Creek from the school or moves out of county. Elementary School. Grades 9-12, Public Service Announcement An open house will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Category: 2 Hands 2 Eyes – Madison Coulter, Feb. 16. Prospective parents may visit the school, Follow us on Twitter Ashley Moskowitz, Tiffany Lu, Creekside High School. St. Augustine Public Montessori School applications are online and now being accepted through March 10 for the 2017/2018 school year. The elementary charter school (grades 1 through 6) is part of the St. Johns County District and accountable to the district and the state department of education, but is governed independently by a non-profit organization.
Friday, Feb. 17
February/March Calendar
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
SECOND PLACE Grades 6-8, News Feature Category: Earth Boxes – Grace Campbell, Sydney Morrow, MaryBeth Mahne, Amirah Ghany, Payten Wade, Connor Sunman III, Patriot Oaks Academy. THIRD PLACE Grades 3-5, Book Trailer Category: Nerd Camp – Evan Johnson, Julington Creek Elementary School
Grades 9-12, Public Service Awards, STN Convention, Creekside High School, Students: Ashley Moskowitz, Madison Coulter, Tiffany Lu. This year’s schedule: ENTRY DEADLINE – Friday, March 10, no later than 4:30 p.m. COUNTY JUDGING – Monday, April 3. REGIONAL DEADLINE – May 1. STATE DEADLINE – June 1. See the district website for rules and examples. For information and questions call Murphy Alexander in community relations, (904) 547-3946. Region 2 chairman is Matt Keene, district instructional television specialist. Office: (904) 5473949, email: matt.keene@stjohns.k12.fl.us
Champion Speller Triumphs Again
It’s “déjà vu all over again” for Sreeniketh Vogoti. For the second year in a row he is the district Spelling Bee champion and will represent St. Johns in the 73rd annual Florida Times-Union Regional Spelling Bee in Jacksonville, where he was last year’s winner as well.
Bee champ Sreeniketh Vogoti with Dawn Sapp, associate superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for St. Johns If he wins again there, the eighth grade student at Fruit Cove Middle will follow the familiar trail up to the 90th annual Scripps National Spelling Bee at the end of May in Washington, D.C. Last year he was eliminated in the 9th round of the national bee. His word was “palagonite.” The regional Bee is set for March 4 at Jacksonville’s Main Downtown Library, 303 N. Laura St. It took Sreeniketh 37 rounds to eliminate the district competition from 32 public and private school district schools. He won with the correct spelling of “fatuous.” Liberty Pines academy’s Jackson Willis placed second.
Visit St. Johns County Schools online at http://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools/ for more information. FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
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Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • FEBRUARY 2017
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Things to Do
PETS
Get a Smart Collar for Your Overweight Pet
S
ince 2007, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has measured obesity of pets in the U.S and last year found that more than 58 percent of cats and nearly 54 percent of dogs in the U.S. were overweight or obese. Of the dogs and cats listed in the survey, more than 30 percent of cats and 20 percent of dogs were described as obese.
“We encourage pet owners to talk to their veterinarian about a proper diet and to use PetPace to monitor their pet’s activity to make sure they are getting the proper amount of exercise,” Dagan said.
The company has been recognized by pet owners and veterinary professionals for its unique contribution to saving pet lives, streamlining pet “These results are very troubling, especially since healthcare at home and in the clinic, and obesity in pets is mostly preventable with diet improving the overall quality of life for dogs and and exercise, and because obesity is a leading cats. In another recent survey, four out of five cause of health issues,” said Dr. Asaf Dagan, chief veterinarians recommend a health monitoring veterinarian of PetPace, a company founded in collar like PetPace for older or sick pets. 2012 with the goal of to bringing “peace of mind to pet owners and prevent unnecessary pain and The PetPace collar is a smart, non-invasive, suffering for dogs and cats through improved pet sensor-rich wearable technology, which is health and quality of life.” especially useful for older pets, sick pets and pets that are at-risk for health issues, which includes “PetPace’s health monitoring smart collar can overweight and obese pets. It continuously help pet owners identify activity patterns and monitors a range of physiological and behavioral calculate calorie expenditures, allowing them to attributes including temperature, pulse, respiramake educated decisions on how to improve their tion, activity positions, heart rate variability, pet’s overall health in consultation with their calories and more. The system also includes a family veterinarian.” cloud-based engine for close observation, analysis, timely detection, and alerting of medical Like humans, overweight pets are at a higher risk and behavioral problems. for developing disease and chronic health problems. These include diabetes, mobility issues, For more information on PetPace, their products heart disease, decreased liver function, increased and how to improve the health of your pet visit risk of cancer and more. petpace.com. j
FIGO Pet Cloud app
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his spring season, as you’re traveling to fun vacation spots with family, you may feel guilty that your four-legged companion can’t come with you. The FIGO Pet Cloud app gives pet owners the easy tools they need to digitally manage their pet’s life and be assured that they are safe at all times. Whether used online or via a mobile app, the Pet Cloud allows owners to store their furry friend’s health records, upload vital
records, certificates, and access pet-friendly services. With a GPS tracking tool equipped in the app, pet owners can easily monitor their canine’s movements and whereabouts. j
“Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Jacksonville Community Pet Clinic and Pet Shots • February 4, 8am to 7pm Pet Shots Affordable Wellness Clinic provides quality, affordable wellness services. The clinic can treat many issues your pet may have, write prescriptions, give medications, and offer vaccinations. For faster service, download and complete the Mobile Clinic Form prior to your arrival, available online. Please note that the form is a legal size document; use legal size paper when you print. 8am to 10am – AgPro, 2520 County Road 220, Middleburg, FL 32068 10:30am to 11:30am – Basil’s Pizzas & Subs, 6251 Argyle Forest Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32244 12noon to 1pm – Winn Dixe, 248 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park, FL 32073 1:30pm to 2:30pm – Winn Dixie, 1900 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 3pm to 4pm – Hagan Ace Hardware, 1022 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park, FL 32065 4:30pm to 5:30pm – Winn Dixie, 1339 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32065 6pm to 7pm – Emmitt”s Auto Repair, 3150 U.S. 17, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 My Community Pet Clinic / 904-694-0541 / www.mycommunitypetclinic.com
Pet Events Pet CPR & First Aid February 18, 3pm Pet Life Saver is offering a Pet CPR & First Aid class. Topics covered will include restraining & muzzling, primary pet assessment, bleeding & shock management, snout-to-tail assessment™, choking protocols, canine & Feline CPR, rescue breathing, and more. Each student will receive a PetSaver™ handbook, and upon successful completion each student will receive a certificate of completion. Cost is $149. $50 from each student to be donated to Swamp Haven. Ancient City Brewing / 904-635-3665 / 3420 Agricultural Center Dr #8, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / petlifesaverjax.com 12th Annual SPAY-ghetti Dinner & Silent Auction • February 25, 5pm The Flagler Humane Society hosts the 12th Annual SPAY-ghetti Dinner & Silent Auction. The evening will feature dinner, dancing, silent auction, raffles, and more. Tickets are $35. Elks Lodge #2709 / 386-446-2709 / 53 Old Kings Rd N, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www. flaglerhumanesociety.org
PetSaver Program February 25, 10am to 2pm The PetSaver Program includes all of the the Wait & Leave It Workshop at Petco Pet CPR and First Aid training and more. AdFebruary 7, 7:30pm ditional training includes Restraining & muzThis Workshop provides you with a basic introzling, Primary pet assessment, Bleeding & duction on the foundation behaviors “Wait” & shock management, Snout-to-tail assessment, “Leave It.” You will learn the first steps to Petco Choking protocols, Canine & Feline CPR, Rescue methodology and how to apply them to teach breathing, Dental care, Caring For Your Senior your dog preferred behaviors. Petco Mandarin / Pet-izen, and much more. Each student will 904-260-3225 / 11111 San Jose Blvd, Jackson- receive a PetSaver handbook, and upon sucville, FL 32223 / www.petco.com cessful completion each student will receive a certificate of completion. Registration cost Meet the Critters is $199, and $50 from each student will be February 11, 1pm to 3pm donated to K9s For Warriors. Bring your kids and Meet the Critters. Discover Sutton Park / 904-635-3665 / 13400 Sutton scales, tails and a whole lot of fun during this Park Dr S #1001, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / free event dedicated to exploring the wonderpetlifesaverjax.com ful world of small pets. Petco Marsh Landing / 904-273-0964 / 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy, Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.petco.com at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.
Mug It Up! I
inspiration in my own customers, who often present new ideas in the form of custom orders. When it comes to the products, it’s the stories behind them that inspire.”
Sculptor Hadley Sedgwick, the owner, maker and designer behind Hadley Clay Studio, has carved out a popular niche in our pet-loving society.
j
f you’re looking for a unique gift for your favorite pet lover, try a hand-made one of a kind coffee mug from Hadley Clay Studio in Savannah, Ga.
According to her website, hadleyclay.com, because of the popularity, it now takes 5 to 6 weeks to turn around a custom order, so it’s a little late for “V” day, but she sells gift certificates.
She produces “a thoughtful mix of handmade ceramic gifts and home décor that reflects your personal style, from art to pets to entertaining.” The most popular being a one-of-a- kind mug featuring the likeness of the customer’s pet. “I love pushing the boundaries of ceramics. I incorporate my love for animals, fascination of color, and passion for clay into my work. I find FEBRUARY 2017 • Jax4Kids.com •
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THINGS TO DO Nature Connects®: Art With LEGO® Bricks Through May 7 The award-winning Nature Connects: Art With LEGO Bricks exhibition by world-renowned artist, Sean Kenney, is coming to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. The exhibition features 13 LEGO sculptures with over 300,000 bricks. Free with Zoo admission. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens / 904-757-4463 / 370 Zoo Parkway, Jcksonville, FL 32218 / www. jacksonvillezoo.org
Prices for all ages are just $12* per person and $9* per student for school groups, including home school groups. Taxes not included. Bring your own brown bag lunch to enjoy after the show, as there is no food or drink service for these performances. Doors open at 10am, and the show begins at 10:30am. Show lasts about 45 minutes. Alhambra Theatre & Dining / 904-641-1212 / 12000 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.alhambrajax.com
31st Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire February 3, 9:30am to 3pm, February 4-5, 10am to 6pm The Alachua County Fairgrounds will transform into a medieval marketplace during the 31st Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. Children can embark on their own adventures by enjoying human-powered push rides and camel and pony rides. Guests who arrive early will be greeted by a gathering of performers, actors and characters. Sunshine Andrei, Festival Coordinator, echoes the sentiments of many when she describes this unique “meet and greet” as her favorite part of the day. Alachua County Fairgrounds / 352-393-8536 / 2900 NE 39th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609 / www. hoggetownefaire.com
Let’s Go Science Show February 10, 10am and 12noon; February 11, 1:30pm and 4:30pm The Let’s Go Science show is a wacky look at “how things work” with Professor Smart and Dr. Knowitall. Physics concepts are introduced through theatrically based experiments and demonstrations. Best suited for grades K - 8. Cost is $8.50/person for the school performances, and range from $8.75 to $16.50 for the Saturday shows. Reserve your tickets in advance. Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-4422929 / 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org
Sunshine Open Market February 4, 10am - 2pm Shop with local vendors and enjoy family entertainment including bounce house, games, food, arts & crafts, music and giveaways. Parking, admission and entertainment are free. Eagle Landing Golf Club / 3989 Eagle Landing Parkway, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www.sunshineoneconnection.com Acrobats of China – New Shanghai Circus February 5, 4:30pm; February 6, 10am and 12noon; February 7, 10am and 12noon The New Shanghai Circus is considered to be China’s most celebrated acrobatic company; the performers for the New Shanghai Circus have stunned and amazed audiences all over the world. Each year the troupe adds new performers creating a revolving line-up of award winning favorites: the Human Strength and Beauty, Plates Spinning, Jar Jugglers, Diabolo, Magic Clock, Butterfly Lovers, Aerial Ballet, and more. Over 40 Acrobats of China showcase dramatic interpretation of classic Chinese dance and physical performance art with extraordinary and inventive feats of strength and skill, control and balance, grace and charisma. Please note: Shows fill up quickly. Call or email to purchase your tickets today. February 5, 4:30pm, Tickets start at $18.25 February 6, 10am and 12noon, School Performance; tickets are $8.50 each February 7, 10am and 12noon, School Performance; tickets are $8.50 each Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-4422947 / 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org Alhambra Children’s Theatre Matinee: The Ugly Duckling February 9, 17, 10am to 11:30am
Family Seining February 11 and 25, 8:30am to 10:30am The GTM Research Reserve will host Family Seining on the second Saturday from 8:30am to 10:30am. Join staff and/or volunteers for a guided family seining activity. Visitors will get the chance to pull a seine net through Guana Lake, collecting species of fish, crabs and more, and then learn about the animals and their roles in the habitat. All necessary gear, including waders and boots, will be provided. There is a $3 per vehicle parking fee. The event is free. Please meet the guides at Guana Dam Recreational Area. They will be located at either the north or south boat launch, depending on the tide. For more information, call 904-823-4500 or click here to reserve a spot online. If space is full, a Family Seining event is also offered on the fourth Saturday of the month. GTM Research Reserve / 904-823-4500 / 505 Guana River Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / gtmnerr.org Discovering Nature Nearby February 18, 9:30am to 12noon The Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens hosts a series of free nature programs. Held on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 9:30am. Free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens / 1445 Millcoe Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.jacksonvillearboretum.org Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live February 18, 2pm and 5pm Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live guides your family on a breathtaking tour through pre-historic Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance. Tickets range from $25 to $50 and are available online. For $25 each, guests can upgrade their tickets to include a pre-show on stage interactive meet and greet experience.
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Meet and greets are limited to 100 participants and you must purchase a ticket to purchase a meet and greet. There are two performances, one at 2pm, and one at 5pm. The Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Monster Jam 2017 February 18, 7pm; and February 19, 2pm Monster Jam returns to Everbank Field for two shows this year. This years shows feature Monster Energy driven by Damon Bradshaw, Ice Cream Man driven by Roy Pridgeon, Bounty Hunter driven by Jim Creten, Grave Digger driven by Adam Anderson, Team Hot Wheels driven by Scott Buetow, El Toro Loco driven by Marc McDonald, and more. Tickets start at $15. There are special features available for purchase, including an all access pass, Monster Jam 3D Collector’s Ticket, and The Monster Jam - Official tourTAG. Stop by any participating Southern Ford Dealership and pick up your free Monster Jam Pit Pass to gain access to the Pit Party. See Pit Pass for details, must have valid and corresponding event day show ticket for access. Everbank Field / 866-248-8740 / 1 Everbank Field Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.monsterjam.com The Firebird - Family Concert February 19, 3pm The Firebird Family Concert is a classic Russian fairytale through ballet, set to the original music by Igor Stravinsky. It will be performed at the Jacoby Symphony Hall on February 19 at 3pm. Tickets range from $10 to $26 and are available online. Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. jaxsymphony.org Symphonic Salutations with Courtney Lewis February 21, 6:30pm Have you ever wanted to meet the Music Director and Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony? Join the Ponte Vedra Beach branch library to welcome back Courtney Lewis to our Library as he shares the many exciting possibilities he has in store for the Jacksonville Symphony for the 2016 – 2017 Season. 6pm – 6:30pm: Reception for Friends of the Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library members only (Not yet a member? You can join at the door or in Seymour’s Book Store!) 6:30pm – 7:15pm: An Evening with Courtney Lewis at which he’ll give a preview talk of the forthcoming 2017 - 2018 Jacksonville Symphony Season (open to the public) 7:15pm – 7:30pm: Meet and Greet with Courtney Lewis (open to the public) Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library / 904-8276950 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org 5th Annual Jacksonville Science Festival February 23-24, 9am to 3pm February 25, 10am to 3pm All students, teachers, experts, organizations, local businesses and community partners are
invited to come together to celebrate education with all of the Jacksonville community and surrounding regions. Booths include interactive S.T.E.A.M. activities, food trucks, family fun, lively performances and activities. The festival will be held at two different locations: February 23-24, 9am to 3pm – South Campus of Florida State College at Jacksonville February 25, 10am to 3pm – Metropolitan Park Jacksonville Science Festival / jacksonvillesciencefestival.org FSCJ South Campus / 11901 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32246 Metropolitan Park / 1410 Gator Bowl Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Masters of Illusion: Believe the Impossible February 24, 7:30pm The multi-award winning television series comes to life in the largest magical touring show in the world. The show features grand illusions, levitating women, vanishing acts, escapes and comedy magic. Ticket prices range from $25 to $50. The Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Northeast Florida Scottish Highland Games & Festival February 25, 9am Northeast Florida Scottish Games and Festival are bringing a “Wee Bit o’ Scotland” to the Northeast Florida area. Each year residents of Northeast Florida and the surrounding areas gather and enjoy the athletics, music, food and fun of the games. Tickets can be purchased online, at participating ticket outlets, or at the gate. If purchased online, tickets are $12/person, plus fee. Please note that all tickets purchased the day of the games at the gate are $15 each. All children 10 years of age and younger are free. Parking is free. Clay County Fairgrounds / 904-725-5744 / 2497 State Road 16 West, Green Cove Springs , FL 32043 / www.neflgames.com The Song of Mulan February 28, 10am The Story of Mulan, a noble Chinese folk tale, features authentic costumes and props, music, and more. Best suited for students in grades K - 5. Individuals and homeschoolers can reserve tickets online; ages 2 and up require a ticket. Tickets are $8/person. Visit website for a study guide, reading list, matinee manners guide, and more. There will be two performances, one at 10am, and a repeat performance at 12noon. The Florida Theatre / 904-353-3500 / 128 E Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. theatreworksjax.com
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information and more events!
BE A PART OF RIVERTOWN’S BIG REVEAL
We can’t wait to showcase the new and exciting features that add to RiverTown’s unique charm. At our Grand Opening, you can view our new community entry, Welcome Center and tour our six new model homes. You’ll also find out more about our highly anticipated, state-of-the-art RiverClub amenity center located on the St. Johns River. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Be one of the first to select your new home at RiverTown - including brand new floorplans, homesites and pricing.
Grand Opening this Spring Experience the most affordable community on the river with the best value in St. Johns County from the $240s.
REGISTER TODAY FOR UPDATES AT MATTAMYRIVERTOWN.COM
Mattamy Jacksonville LLC: Richard Egger – License No. CGC1523769, Scott Paige – License No. CGC1523142, David Koon – License No. FRO6526 Mattamy Rivertown LLC: D.J. Smith – License No. CGC1517223 All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. Builder #CGC1523769
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