Jax4Kids February 2020

In this issue: Health Guide & Spring Camps

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February 2020

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February 29

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March 5 & 6

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Dear Readers,

T

INFANT & TODDLER

his month, we cover everything from Random Acts of Kindness to Building a Bone Bank Account. Interest piqued? Read on.

First Feelings: The Foundation of Healthy Development.............................................. 6 10 Tips to Prevent Aggressive Behavior.................................................................... 7 Five Secrets to a Smarter Baby................................................................................ 9 Things to Do: Infant & Toddlers................................................................................ 9

Random Acts of Kindness Day is February 17th.

Science has proven that being kind has a host of health benefits. For a read that will make you feel good and want to make committing Random Acts of Kindness your mission this year, turn to page 16.

Keeping in the vein of love and kindness, if you would like to show your appreciation for your children’s teacher this Valentine’s Day, we have some ideas for you. Turn to page 18 and visit us on Pinterest @jax4kids. Don’t forget the bus driver or the crossing guard that helps them get to school safely each day!

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, there are so many great events to celebrate this loveliest of holidays.

See the Valentine’s Day events on page 5 and visit us online at jax4kids.com for even more Valentine’s Day events.

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: North Florida School of Special Education.................................... 4 Mom’s Night Out Events............................................................................................ 4 Valentine’s Day Events.............................................................................................. 5

SPECIAL NEEDS

Autism Screening Recommended for All................................................................. 10 Things To Do: Special Needs................................................................................. 10

EATING WELL

STEM & Health Expo. Find out more about these excellent events coming up this month on pages 20, 22 and 23 respectively.

Take the My Plate Quiz.......................................................................................... 12 Things To Do: Eating Well...................................................................................... 12

If your jam is the Monster Jam, we’ve got your chance to win tickets! Visit us online at Jax4Kids. com and sign up to receive our free, informative weekly eNewsletters to find out about this and the many other contests we offer all year long. For details about this year’s Monster Jam, coming up on February 29th, see page 31.

Thumbsucking: What Parents Need to Know.......................................................... 13 Hand Dryer Noise Harmful to Kids.......................................................................... 13 Mental Health Crisis Worse for Teen Girls................................................................ 14 Things To Do: Health & Safety............................................................................... 14 Take Steps to Keep Your Sleepwalker Safe.............................................................. 15 Random Acts of Kindness Are Good for Your Health................................................. 16 Beware of Button Batteries..................................................................................... 16 Now is the Time to Build Your Child’s Bone “Bank Account”..................................... 17 Safer Internet Day.................................................................................................. 17

I have been a long time fan of the North Florida School of Special Education and the work they do to provide a nurturing environment for students with intellectual and developmental differences. In January, they opened their new Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Academic and Sports Complexes and more to further the services they provide. If you’re not familiar with NFSSE, I hope you will turn to page 4 and read about this amazing place in this month’s Community Profile. If you know of a non-profit serving children or families that you would like us to profile, please drop me a note at editor@jax4kids. com. Jax4Kids exists to be a free and all inclusive information service for families.

Spring Break is next month. If you’re working and planning to send the kids to camp, turn to page 19 for ideas and visit us online at jax4kids.com for a complete list of Spring Break Camps.

For years, Jax4Kids has supported and sponsored events designed to enrich the lives of children in our community. Some of those include the Jacksonville Science Festival, gracing our cover this month, MOSH’s Mini Maker Faire and the Florida

Happy Valentine’s Day!

The Florida Prepaid Tuition costs have recently dropped to their lowest in five years. Open enrollment begins February 1. They are offering free enrollment, worth $50 through February 29th with the code “EARLY50”. Turn to page 18 for more and visit myfloridaprepaid.com online.

Oh and about “Building a Bone Bank Account”, turn to page 17 for more on that.

Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

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Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer...................... linda@jax4kids.com Tim Chavez Graphic Designer........................... tim@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................... beth@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2020.

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.

HEALTH & SAFETY

EDUCATION

State Lowers Cost of Prepaid College Plans............................................................. 18 Valentine’s Day Gifts for Teachers............................................................................ 18 Spring Break Camps............................................................................................... 19 Jacksonville Science Festival................................................................................... 20 Digital Vs. Print: And The Answer Is.......................................................................... 20 Finding Time to Read More Important Than Ever...................................................... 21 Mini Maker Faire at MOSH...................................................................................... 22 MOSH Internship.................................................................................................... 22 Things To Do: Education......................................................................................... 22 ROWITA Fellowships Available................................................................................. 23 Florida STEM & Health Expo.................................................................................... 23 Meltzer Headlines Jax Book Fest............................................................................. 24 Social Media Footprint Affects College Admission..................................................... 24 Books for February................................................................................................. 24 Duval County School News...................................................................................... 25 St. John’s County School News............................................................................... 26 Clay County School News....................................................................................... 27

TEENS

Riley’s Way Call for Kindness Contest Underway...................................................... 28 Things To Do: Teens.............................................................................................. 28

PETS

Clay Animal Services Using Finding Rover Software................................................. 29 Things To Do: Pets................................................................................................ 29

THINGS TO DO

February Events................................................................................................30-31

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: North

Florida School of Special Education

W

ith a ribbon-cutting last month, the North Florida School of Special Education completed a major 3-year expansion effort that includes an equestrian therapeutic center, a physical education complex, an academic complex, a basketball court, a culinary complex and a fine arts center.

The school’s stated purpose is to give students, ages 6-22, with intellectual and developmental differences a place to learn, thrive, and become the best versions of themselves in an innovative academic and therapeutic environment. There is also a post-graduate program where young adults, ages 22-40, participate in vocational training, internships, life skills, and more, such as the school’s Berry Good Farms, urban farm that promotes job training and healthy lifestyles through organic farming and culinary arts, and Art with Soul, an enterprise that provides budding and experienced artists a place to create and pursue career paths in the visual arts.

The focus of the lessons is skill development and progression while improving the rider’s physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social skills.

Taught by a certified therapeutic riding instructor, and assisted by volunteers, the lessons offered are group, semi-private or private and are 45 minutes to 1 hour long. As much as possible, the riders participate in pre-mounted and post-mounted horse care.

Groundwork Activity lessons are designed to focus on equestrian skills, such as horse care, grooming, leading, lunging or long-lining.

Sometimes called “unmounted lessons,” groundwork does not involve riding the horse, but rather seeks to further the student’s physical, cognitive, emotional and/or social development while he or she interacts with the horses on the ground.

The school’s innovative social enterprises not only offer unique products that are available for purchase, but they also offer vocational training and paid employment for transition and postgraduate students.

The campus is anchored by the Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Jacksonville’s only urban equine therapy program serving children and adults with intel- Art With Soul features gifts and home decor as breath-taking and unique as the artists who lectual and developmental differences create them. throughout Northeast Florida.

The equestrian center is the only urban equestrian center offering therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities in Jacksonville. It houses five horses in the welcoming Dorothy and Lee Thomas Equestrian Barn, with an adjacent viewing area for parents and siblings.

Equine therapy helps children and adults with intellectual and developmental differences reach their full potential by improving confidence, flexibility, balance, posture and muscle strength as well as psychological, cognitive, behavioral, social, and communication skills.

In March, the school will offer therapeutic riding lessons and groundwork activities for children and adults with IDD after school and on weekends. Also, in the summer a horse camp is planned.

Therapeutic Riding lessons are equestrian skill-based lessons for children and adults with IDD to help them reach their full potential.

Berry Good Farms offers many training opportunities for students, and patrons enjoy the culinary creations available for purchase at weekly Mobile Markets, On The Go Food Truck, and Berry Good Farms Café.

Barkin’ Biscuits, a program of Berry Good Farms, utilizes farm fresh ingredients to create all-natural dog and horse treats. These are sold nationwide.

Berry Good Farms Java & Special Teas is the latest vocational training opportunity for high school and transition students. Teachers and visitors are able to visit the cart or Berry Good Farms Cafe to purchase a hot treat and light bite.

The school’s fundraising efforts continue with the Heart of the Runway Fashion Show and Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb 13, at Linda Cunningham, 1049 Kings Ave. in Jacksonville. For tickets see northfloridaschool.org j

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 4

Ladies Night Out at Color Me Mine Thursdays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 6pm to 9pm Thursday is Ladies Night Out at Color Me Mine. Ladies will receive 50% off the studio fee from 6pm to 9pm.

Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com Worldwide Bakeshop February 6, 6pm Publix Aprons Cooking School hosts a class for adults who are interested in diversifying their baking repertoire. The menu features Traditional British Scone with Crème, Portuguese Egg Custard, Italian Ciabatta with Garlic Butter, and Sicilian Doughnuts with Chocolate Sauce. The cost is $45/person.

This is perfect for a mom’s night out.

Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-2624187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com

Date Night at Color Me Mine February 14, 6pm to 8pm Enjoy a quiet adults-only date night in the art studio. There will be cozy, private, seating for couples, low lighting, and romantic music and atmosphere. The deposit is to reserve your spot for 2 people. The price will be deducted from the final bill. Reservations include 2 hours of pottery painting time at a reserved and decorated table complete with sweet treats and flowers.

Feel free to bring in your own snacks and beverages. This is an adult-only event.

Color Me Mine Jacksonville / 904-3389333 / 10300 South Side Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com Ladies Night at iFly February 16, 4:30pm to 8:30pm This event is geared towards building a female flying community that can support each other and encourage more females in the sport. This event will include free one-on-one and group coaching by Sharon Har-noy Pilcher and Victoria Homner; pre flying mini yoga and activation session; and post flying healthy eats. You can come with your group, or they will match you appropriately. Cost is $69.95. iFly / 904-712-3388 / 10579 Brightman Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.iflyworld.com

St. Johns Reads: Adult Craft Lab-Shell Necklaces February 6, 6pm to 7pm February 15, 10:30am Fashion a part of the sea into a piece of unique jewelry. This craft is inspired by the shell necklace Kya made for Chase in Where the Crawdads Sing. Registration required. For adults.

St. Johns County Public Library, Ponte Vedra Beach Branch / 904-827-6950 / 101 Date Night: Sushi for Two Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / February 20, 4pm and 7pm www.sjcpls.org Adults 18 and up are invited to learn how to make sushi. Brush up on knife skills and Galentine’s Day at Color Me Mine get plenty of practice with rolling techFebruary 13, 6pm to 8pm niques. Plus, learn how to make seasoned Adults are invited for some Galentine’s fun, rice, whisk dipping sauce and fry tempura whether you’re seeing hearts or an anshrimp to crisp perfection. Sushi rolls ti-Valentine this year. There is a $10 fee to feature include Shrimp Tempura Roll, Spicy reserve your spot, which will be deducted Tuna Roll, Avocado and Vegetable Hand Roll, from the final bill. The studio fee for all along with Yuzu Dipping Sauce, and Sushi ladies is $5,( Regular $9) plus the price of Rice. For ages 18 and up, this is perfect for the pottery. Wine is welcome for ages 21 a mom’s night out. Cost is $79/seat. and above. Complimentary chocolates will Sur La Table / 904-719-7597 / 4713 River be given to all participants. Great for a City Drive, Suite 109, Jacksonville, FL mom’s night out.

32246 / www.surlatable.com Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / Visit us online at Jax4Kids.com for a jacksonville.colormemine.com complete list of Mom's Night Out events.

“You can always give something, even if it is only kindness.”

– Anne Frank

Valentine's Day Events Home Depot Kids Workshop: Heart String Art February 1, 9am to 12noon Offered the first Saturday of each month between 9am and 12 noon. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a free certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Kids can build their project, and finish it with paint. Free for kids 5 to 12. This month’s project is a Valentine’s Day themed workshop.

Home Depot / www.homedepot.com Teen Craft: Valentine’s Day Wreath February 1, 2pm to 3pm Youth ages 11-18 are invited for an afternoon of crafting. This month, love is in the air as participants create a Valentine’s Day wreath. Space is limited. Visit the Reference Desk, or call to register. Free. St. Johns County Public Library, Ponte Vedra Beach Branch / 904-827-6950 / 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org Storytime and Activities Featuring Always More Love • February 8, 11am Discover a heartwarming story in this interactive book that shows how love grows for your dearest friends and family. This special Storytime features activities following the reading. Free.

Barnes and Noble / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8, Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Valentine’s Day Cards February 8, 11am to 2pm All ages are invited to create unique cards for the special people in your life. Free.

Jacksonville Public Library, Beaches Branch / 904-241-1141 / 600 3rd Street, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org Daddy Daughter Date Night / Celebrate Valentine’s Day • February 8, 6pm to 8pm Color Me Mine hosts a Daddy Daughter Date Night. There will be painting, games, a photo booth and more. There will also be complimentary chocolates. A $15 deposit will reserve your table and will be deducted from the final bill. Participants can pick anything to paint, no restrictions. Pottery items range in prices from $16 to $50. Color Me Mine Jacksonville / 904338-9333 / 10300 South Side Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com Origami Valentine Hearts February 10, 4:30pm to 5:30pm Teens aged 12-18 are invited to learn how to craft an origami valentine heart with a secret message inside. Free.

Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch / 904630-2665 / 303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org Toddler Time Valentine’s Day Party • Tuesday, February 11, 9:30am to 11:30am Bravoz Entertainment Center hosts

a special Toddler Time. Ages 5 and under are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day with special activities. One adult is admitted for free with each child’s $8 paid admission. A valid waiver & Grip Socks are required for all participants.

Bravoz Entertainment Center / 904-300-0070 / 14985 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / bravoz.com Valentine’s Teen/Tween Mini Cookie Decorating Class • February 15, 1pm to 3pm This class is intended for kids ages 10 and up and their guardians or caregivers only. This is a beginner’s mini class where each student will learn the basic techniques to decorate sugar cookies with royal icing. Each student is provided with all the materials they need to create six cookies to take home. Participants will be working with two to three colors and have lots of candies, candy pearls, and sprinkles for decoration. Classes are $35 per person, plus fees. This is a mini two-hour class. Students will spend about 45 minutes practicing before attempting the cookies. The rest of the time will be spent on decorating our cookies. Refreshments will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own snacks. A parent or guardian must be present the entire class although they do not have to participate. Each participant must have a ticket.

Maddy D’s Café / 904-862-6788 / 440 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.maddyds.com Valentine’s Kids Mini Cookie Decorating Party • February 15, 1pm to 3pm This class is intended for kids ages 9 and younger and their guardians or caregivers only. This decorating party is intended for children that can use a plastic knife, with your help or without help. Buttercream icing, sprinkles, candies, and cookies will be provided. Classes are $15 per person, plus fees. This is an open class so feel free to come anytime between 1pm and 2:30pm to decorate your cookies. If you have other children attending the other class for older children, please be there promptly at 1pm. Refreshments will be provided, but please feel free to bring your own refreshments and snacks. A parent or guardian must be present the entire class although they do not have to participate.

Each participant must have a ticket. Maddy D’s Café / 904-862-6788 / 440 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.maddyds.com Valentine’s Day Sweets February 15, 1pm • February 16, 1pm Sur La Table hosts a Valentine’s Day family baking project. Participants will make Shortbread Heart Cut Outs with Valentine’s Day Decorations, and Chocolate Raspberry Filled Cupcakes with White Chocolate Buttercream. For ages 7 and up. Cost is $59/seat. Sur La Table / 904719-7597 / 4713 River City Drive, Suite 109, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.surlatable.com

Visit us online at Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Valentine's Day events.

2 Convenient Locations 8411 Baymeadows Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 880 US Highway A1A North, Suite 6, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

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INFANT & TODDLER

First Feelings: The Foundation of Healthy Development

C

onventional wisdom once was that babies didn’t think or feel much before they could speak in words around age 2. The idea that a 6-month-old could feel fear or anger, no less sadness and grief, was preposterous. But thanks to an explosion in research on infancy, we now know that babies and toddlers are deeply feeling beings. Starting in the earliest months of life, well before they can use words to express themselves, babies have the capacity to experience joy, excitement, elation, fear, grief, sadness, and anger. Research has also shown that children’s ability to effectively manage their full range of emotions, also known as self-regulation—is one of the most important factors for success in school, work, and relationships into the long-term.

So a critical first step in helping your child learn to cope with her feelings is to embrace the feelings. Feelings aren’t right or wrong, they just are. Sadness and joy, anger and love, can co-exist and are all part of the collection of emotions children experience. When a child understands her feelings, she is better equipped to manage them effectively.

Parents often operate under the false assumption that having a happy child means he needs to be happy all the time. Muscling through difficult experiences, mastering struggles, coping with sadness and grief, builds strength and resilience, and is ultimately what brings children a sense of contentedness and well-being.

What can parents do?

Starting in the earliest months, tune in to babies’ cues—their sounds, facial expressions, and gestures—and respond sensitively, which lets babies know their feelings are recognized and important. This might mean stopping a tickling game with a 4-month-old when she arches her back and looks away, signaling she needs a break. Or taking a 9-month-old to the window to wave good-bye to Mom when she is sad to see her leave for work.

Label and help toddlers cope with feelings.

Emotions like anger, frustration, and disappointment can be overwhelming for young children.

Naming these feelings is the first step in helping children learn to identify them, and it communicates to children that these feelings are normal.

This might mean acknowledging an 18-month-

old’s anger at having to leave the playground as you help him into the car seat; validating a 2-year-old’s frustration at his block tower falling again and again; or empathizing with a 3-yearold’s sadness that his grandparents are leaving after a long visit.

Don’t fear the feelings.

Feelings are not the problem. It’s what we do— or don’t do—with them that can be problematic.

So listen openly and calmly when your child shares difficult feelings. When you ask about and acknowledge feelings, you are sending the important message that feelings are valued and important. Recognizing and naming feelings is the first step toward learning to manage them in healthy, acceptable ways over time.

Avoid minimizing or talking children out of their feelings.

This is a natural reaction—we want to make the bad feelings go away but feelings don’t go away, they need to be expressed. Acknowledging a child’s strong feelings opens the door to helping her learn how to cope with them. When feelings are minimized or ignored, they often get expressed through aggressive words and

actions, or by turning them inward, which can ultimately make children anxious or depressed.

Teach tools for coping.

If your 18-month-old is angry that iPad time is over, guide her to stamp her feet as hard as she can or to draw how angry she is with a red crayon. Help a 2-year-old who is frustrated at not being able to get the ball into the basket brainstorm other ways to solve the problem. Take a 3-year-old who is fearful about starting a new school to visit the classroom beforehand—meet the teachers and play on the playground—so that the unfamiliar can become familiar.

Avoid the temptation to “fix” whatever is causing your child distress as it creates a missed opportunity to help them learn coping skills.

Instead, see these experiences as moments to help your child learn to name and manage the emotions. You are your child’s guide in sharing the joys and coping with the challenges. And it starts on day one. j zerotothree.org

A lifetime of confidence starts here.

At KinderCare, we’ll make sure your child has everything they need. Teachers who care. Classrooms where safety is priority number one. A nurturing place to try new things and explore the world. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, you’re welcome in our circle.

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FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6

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INFANT & TODDLER

10 Tips to Prevent Aggressive Behavior T

here are many times when your child’s 5. “We don’t hurt each other.” Supervise behavior warms and embraces your heart. your child carefully when she is involved in But, there are other times when it probably disputes with playmates. If a disagreedrives you a little crazy. As a toddler or ment is minor, keep your distance and let preschooler, your child may lack the self-conthe children solve it on their own. Howevtrol to express anger peacefully and may er, you must intervene when children get naturally lash out, perhaps hitting or biting in into a physical fight that continues even frustration. after they’re told to stop, or when one child seems to be in an uncontrollable rage and While occasional outbursts are normal – espeis assaulting or biting the other. Pull the cially during temper tantrums – there are children apart and keep them separate things you can do to shape your child’s until they have calmed down. If the fight is behavior. extremely violent, you may have to end the play session. Make it clear that it doesn’t 1. Teach the house rules. Children don’t matter who “started it.” There is no know the rules of the house until they’re excuse for trying to hurt each other. taught them, so that is one of your 6. Instead of fighting. Teach your child to important parenting responsibilities. say “no” in a firm tone of voice, to turn his Toddlers are normally interested in back, or to find compromises instead of touching and exploring, so if there are fighting with his body. Through example, valuables you don’t want them to handle, you are teaching your child to settle hide or remove them. Consider setting up differences with words—more effective a separate portion of your home where and more civilized—than with physical your child can play with books and toys. violence.

Whenever children break an important rule, they should be reprimanded immedi- 7. “Great job!” Praise your child for appropriate behavior and help explain how ately to understand exactly what they have “grown-up” she is acting whenever she done wrong. uses these tactics instead of hitting, 2. Threats are over-rated. It is always more kicking, or biting. And always reinforce effective to positively reinforce desired and praise behavior when you catch your behaviors and to teach children alternative child being kind and gentle. behaviors rather than just say, “Stop it or 8. Time-outs are OK. There’s also nothing else.” Tell them that the next time they wrong with using a time-out when your are angry, they should use their words child’s behavior is inappropriate, and they instead. can be used in children as young as 1 year 3. Enter healthy distractions. While old. teaching your child other ways to respond, 9.

Control your own temper. Always watch there’s also nothing wrong with distracting your own behavior around your child. One him at times or trying another approach. of the best ways to teach him appropriate As long as you’re not “bribing” him to behavior is to control your own temper. behave differently by offering sweet snacks. For example, there’s nothing 10. Stay strong. If you must discipline your wrong with intentionally changing his child, do not feel guilty about it and focus. certainly don’t apologize. If your child senses your mixed feelings, he will 4. “Control yourself.” Well, they can’t yet. convince himself that he was in the right Remember, toddlers have little natural self-control. They need you to teach them all along and you are the “bad” one. j not to kick, hit, or bite when they are angry, but instead to express their feelings healthychildren.org through words.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”

– Maya Angelou

Episcopal Children’s Services Free Child Care Resource & Referral (904) 726-1500 • (800) 238-3463 www.ecs4kids.org Child Care Resource and Referral Services can help your family by providing: • A customized list of local child care options from our trained specialists.

• Information about quality child care and early learning programs • Financial assistance strategies and opportunities • Referrals to other community resources and programs.

Early Learning Coalition North Florida

Helping Children. Helping Families.

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.

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 7

INFANT & TODDLER

Five Secrets to a Smarter Baby A

s parents, we all want happy, healthy babies. Not only that, we want them to be smart.

This helps children know what to expect and what is expected of them. Brush, Book, Bed for example, is a great way to structure your child’s nighttime routine. Eating at least three family meals together each week is associated with healthier kids, according to a study published in Pediatrics.

4. REWARD everyday successes (especially for effort toward goals like helping others).

Growing research in early brain development shows there are some basic things you can do right now to start raising a child who is curious about the world and ready to learn. These early education activities we’re talking about are simple – and screen free!

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents talk with their pediatrician about how to create a supportive, stimulating environment for their baby – starting at birth – that promotes healthy brain development and builds the social and emotional skills necessary for school readiness.

Use the “5 Rs of Early Education” in your daily activities right from birth: 1. READ together as a daily, fun, family activity.

This to build language, literacy, and social-emotional skills that last a lifetime. It’s never too young to start reading with your baby. Reading to your child, research suggests, boosts activity in parts of the brain that form the building blocks of language, literacy skills and imagination.

Catch your child doing something good and praise them for it. Praise from those closest to a child is a very powerful reward. Talk with your pediatrician about how to shape and manage your child’s behavior, model the good behavior, and reinforce it by using positive discipline techniques that build a child’s self-regulation skills. Your child’s social, emotional, and behavior skills are equally critical to school success.

5. Develop RELATIONSHIPS that are nurturing, respectful, and consistent.

A strong parent-child relationship helps protect against the lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences, traumatic situations that can lower a child’s chance of doing well in school. As you strive to teach your child about healthy relationships and choosing fiends wisely, don’t forget to model them in your own life. Demonstrating good relationships skills with your spouse or partner, and taking time to nurture close friendships with others, is as important as simply talking about these skills--if not more so.

2. RHYME, play, talk, sing, and cuddle together You are your baby’s best teacher. often throughout the day.

A certain toy is not necessary for your child to The AAP encourages parents to use play to reach his or her next developmental milestone. help meet their child’s health and developThere is no one app that will teach your child mental milestones, beginning from birth. Need to read. While it’s easy to fall victim to the ideas? Talk with them about things they see marketing, YOU are what your child needs to around them, at home, at the store, or while start on the path toward school readiness with traveling. Enroll in quality early education daily reading, rhyming, routines, rewards, and programs and activities, take time to visit a relationship building. j children’s museum or local library, and enjoy healthychildren.org story time.

3. Build ROUTINES for meals, play, and sleep.

Things to Do

specifically for parents and caregivers with babies between the ages of 3 and 12 months.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take off their shoes, sit on the floor, relax and observe as the littlest play-goers experience everyday household objects transform into Mini Monday at Color Me Mine fabulous, theatrical wonders! Everything’s A Mondays, February 3, 10, 17, 24 Circle is a theatrical performance for babies, 10am to 9pm Mondays are Mini Mondays with $1 studio fees but it is also a demonstration for parents and caregivers of ways in which everyday for preschoolers all day. household objects can become tools to help Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jack- engage, stimulate and connect with babies while in their earliest stages of development. sonville.colormemine.com Seating is limited to 15 Infants plus Caregivers.

Toddler Time at Bravoz Entertainment Cen- No children over one year permitted. Cost is $15/adult. DuBow Preschool / 904-396-4425 ter • Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25 / 3662 Crown Point Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 9:30am to 11:30am / www.theatrejax.com Bravoz Entertainment Center hosts Toddler Time, every Tuesday morning from 9:30am Preschool: Beyond the ABCs - 11:30am. During this time, the facility is reserved for the exclusive use of kids ages 5 & February 18, 6:30pm to 7:30pm under. One adult is admitted for free with each -- Bradham and Brooks Library February 19, 6:30pm to 7:30pm child’s $8 paid admission. A valid waiver & -- Webb Wesconnett Library Grip Socks are required for all participants.

Bravoz Entertainment Center / 904-300-0070 February 24, 6:30pm to 7:30pm -- Episcopal Children’s Services / 14985 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL Learning letter names is an important skill to 32258 / bravoz.com know in preschool. However, there are many important skills that go beyond the ABCs. BeHow to Register for the 2020-2021 VPK ing able to manipulate letter sounds, recognize Lottery • February 4, 12noon to 1pm words, as well as understanding the connecDo you have a student who will be entering tion between reading and writing is vital to beVPK in the 2020-2021 school year? If so, you coming a strong reader. The Parent Academy will want to attend this training because the VPK registration process has changed. During of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and this course, DCPS Early Childhood Staff will community members. walk you through all the required steps to Duval Public School Parent Academy / 904enter the VPK lottery. A limited number of 390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org spots will be offered to students. The Parent Bradham and Brooks Library, 1755 Edgewood Academy of Duval County Public Schools is Ave. W., Jacksonville, FL 32208 a free family resource designed for parents, Webb Wesconnett Library, 6887 103rd St., caregivers, and community members.

Jacksonville, FL 32210 Duval County Public Schools District Building, Episcopal Children’s Services, 8443 BaymeadRoom 606 / 904-390-2960 / 1701 Prudential ows Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / dcps.duvalschools.org Baby Care Basics February 22, 9:30am to 3:30pm Starting Your Baby on Solids This class is designed to help you with the February 7, 10am to 11:30am Parents are invited for a 90-minute educational most important job you will ever have, as First Time Parents. This class will teach you the program on introducing solids to your baby. practical and essential skills needed for your You will learn the latest recommendations on newborn during the first three months after when and how to start solids. The staff will discuss everything from is your baby ready for birth. These skills include all the basics of infant care from diapering and bathing (using solids, to baby-led versus traditional feeding, demonstration dolls), safe swaddling/sleeping, food allergies, how to make your own baby food and lots more. Feel free to bring your little infant massage, comfort cues, feeding tips and when to call the doctor. What to buy for baby one so they can socialize. Registration and will be discussed as well. You do not have pre-payment is required to reserve your spot. to be a Baptist Health patient to attend the Cost is $25, and includes parents and baby. class. Expectant parents are encouraged to Y Healthy Living Center Mandarin / 904-202register early as space is limited. Cost is $60 2229 / 10415 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL per couple.

32257 / www.baptistjax.com Y Healthy Living Center Ponte Vedra / 904202-2229 / 170 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Theatre for Babies - Everything’s A Circle Beach, FL 32082 / www.baptistjax.com February 9, 11, 10:30am to 12noon Everything’s A Circle is the first original play in Theatre Jacksonville’s Theatre for Babies proVisit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list gram. It is a theatrical performance designed Infant & Toddler Events.

Infant & Toddler

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9

SPECIAL NEEDS

Autism Screening Recommended For All

T

he Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised is a screener that will ask a series of 20 questions about your child’s behavior. It’s intended for toddlers between 16 and 30 months of age. The results will let you know if a further evaluation may be needed.

The following may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away: • By 6 months, few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions, limited or no eye contact.

•

By 9 months, little or no back-andforth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions.

• By 12 months, little or no babbling, little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving, little or no response to name.

• By 16 months, very few or no words.

• By 24 months, very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating).

Does your child show signs of autism?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children get screened for autism at their 18 and 24 month exams or whenever a parent or doctor has concerns.

Meanwhile, you can complete the modified checklist at autismspeaks.org. It takes just a few minutes to assess the likelihood of autism.

And you can take the results to your doctor.

The autism diagnosis age and intensity of early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. In others, behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3.

Screening doesn’t diagnose autism. It flags behaviors often associated with the condition.

After screening, your doctor can refer you to a specialist for a diagnostic evaluation. j

Not all children with autism show all the signs. autismspeaks.org Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.

“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.”

– Harold Kushner FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 10

Things to Do Special Needs Events Jumpstreet Special Needs Event February 1, 9am 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 5 and up; $4 for children 4 and under. Parents/guardians are free.

Jumpstreet / 904-853-5721 / 1214 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www. gotjump.com INVO Involved Parent Training Sessions February 1, 9am to 12noon February 11, 6pm to 7:30pm Invo welcomes Grace Chionchio back for another “Involved Parent Training Sessions”.

The series is being offered at the Lake Gray-Jacksonville Center. The panel discussions will also feature attorney Rebekah Gleason Hope, who specializes in families of children with disabilities and Brittani Argott, BCBA, SLP, OT. Tickets are free but a $5 donation to Making Strides for Autism Jacksonville is suggested. You can pay at the door or online.

Session 1: Breaking Down Your IEP. February 1, 9am to 12noon Session 2: Know Your Rights—Advocates vs.

Lawyers. February 11, 6pm to 7:30pm Invo Behavior & Therapy -Lake Gray / 800356-4049 / 6196 Lake Gray Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32244 / www.invocompanies.com Sensory Friendly Night February 3, 3pm to 5pm Bravoz, in partnership with Reaching Milestones, offers Sensory Friendly Nights.

During Sensory Friendly Nights, the music is turned off and the distractions are dialed down to make the facility more sensory-friendly. Available on the 1st Monday of each month from 3pm to 5pm from September – May. Access is for 2 hours of time on the trampolines and/or ninja course. One parent/caretaker/therapist is admitted for free with each sensory friendly participant $10 paid admission. Bravoz Jump socks are required for anyone going out on the trampolines. Jump socks are available for $2 per pair and are reusable on future visits.

Bravoz / 904-373-6386 / 14985 Old Saint Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / bravoz.com

Promoting Social Skills for Students with Autism • February 6, 6pm to 7pm Families are invited to come hear from a local expert on topics related to social interactions, communication skills, and fostering relationships with students with Autism. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and receive free resources that support families of children with Autism.

Waterleaf Elementary School / 904-390-2960 / 450 Kernan Blvd N., Jacksonville, FL 32225 / dcps.duvalschools.org Mommy, Me, and My IEP February 6, 6pm to 7pm Attend this course to learn strategies and helpful tips on how to navigate the development, implementation, and revision process for your student’s Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.).

Parkwood Heights Elementary School / 904390-2960 / 1709 Lansdowne Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / dcps.duvalschools.org CARD/FDLRS Satellite Clinic – Flagler County February 13, 2pm to 3pm An introductory training for families just beginning their journey with CARD. The training informs families about the services provided at the UF-Jax CARD. It also gives parents a chance to ask questions and complete the necessary consent forms for receiving services. Parents need to provide a copy of the child’s ASD diagnosis and/or IEP with them before starting CARD services.

Rymfire Elementary / 904-633-0816 / 1425 Rymfire Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32164 / www.hscj.ufl.edu CARD/FDLRS Sibshops February 22, 1pm to 4pm When a child is diagnosed with a developmental disability, the entire family is affected. Sibshops are engaging and interactive workshops that offer support and guidance, while allowing siblings to share the challenges and celebrate the joys of having a brother or sister with a developmental disability.

For kids ages 8-13 who have a sibling with a developmental disability. Registration is required.

Williams Family YMCA / 10415 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / hscj.ufl.edu

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Special Needs events.

Help Your Little Learner Shine At School Early LEARNERS Gr up!

Autism and other developmental delays can present a spectrum of learning challenges at school. Some children are almost, but not quite ready for preschool or kindergarten, and need some additional support. Invo’s Early Learners Group is designed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts to help children get ready for their next academic milestones.

In our Early Learners Group, your little learner will be a part of a structured, small-group classroom where we use evidence-based methodologies to promote skill acquisition and enhance your child’s readiness for school.

Our goal matches yours: to get your child ready to successfully participate in school and other social settings!

Call 800.356.4049 today to get started or go to invotherapies.com to register your child today!

Give your 3-6 year-old child what’s needed to achieve the next academic milestone: • Ready-to-learn skills • Self-care skills • Social skills • Peer interaction • Group-learning skills • Pretend play • Play/recreation skills • Daily living skills • Classroom readiness

Locations: 6859 Belfort Oaks Pl. Jacksonville, FL 32216 6196 Lake Gray Blvd., Suite 117 Jacksonville, FL 32244

Driving Progress. Delivering Outcomes. Empowering Families.

800.356.4049 | invotherapies.com FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 11

EATING WELL

Take the My Plate Quiz

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eed some help with meal planning? If you’re a busy parent like me, sometimes meals get forgotten until the last minute. It happens to all of us at some point. The first thing to understand, when planning healthy meals for your family, is what your plate should look like.

Take this My Plate quiz as the first step in healthy meal planning.

Question #1: Meat (chicken, beef, pork) should be the largest portion of the meal because most Americans don’t get enough protein.

Answer: False. Most Americans get more than enough protein in their diets. Protein from animal sources should be a small portion (only about ¼ of the plate) and it is recommended that these choices include lean cuts of meat and seafood. It is also recommended that plant-based proteins such as beans, tofu, and nuts/seeds replace animal proteins whenever possible to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and the development of diabetes and obesity. This would include things like hummus, black bean burgers and peanut or other nut butters.

Question #2: Vegetables and fruits should take up half the space on your plate.

Answer: True. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits is a healthy choice for your family. Vegetables cut into salads, sliced for roasting or cut up into soups is a great way to incorporate vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber into your diet. Mix roasted vegetables into pasta or provide sliced veggies w/dip to make vegetables fun to eat.

And encourage whole fruits instead of fruit juice. Juice is a concentrated source of sugar without the benefits of the fiber found in whole or frozen fruits.

Question #3: Foods such as whole grain bread, oatmeal, breakfast cereal, tortillas and grits should make up the majority of your breakfast plate.

Answer: False. These foods from the Grain Group should still only make up about ¼ of your plate, even in the morning. Another ¼ of your breakfast plate should be a source of protein such as Greek yogurt, walnuts or natural peanut butter along with ½ plate of fruits/vegetables. Grains with high levels of solid fats and/or added sugars (think donuts, sugary cereals and toaster pastries) should be chosen less often.

Question #4: Cow’s milk is the only food that is a good source of calcium.

Answer: False. Calcium can also be found in other dairy foods like Greek-style yogurt and cheese. Tofu made with calcium, canned salmon, leafy greens, soybeans and green soybeans (edamame) and calcium-fortified foods and drinks like soymilk and other plantbased milks and orange juice also contain calcium.

Easy Roasted Vegetables • 3 beets • 1 stalk/package of Brussel sprouts • 1 butternut squash • 2 tablespoons dried basil • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 tablespoons paprika • 4 Red potatoes • add some salt & pepper to taste Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut up vegetables into bite-sized chunks.

Toss in large mixing bowl with olive oil and spices.

Spread out evenly on baking sheet and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until tender.

Enjoy! j Aurea Thompson RDN, CSP, LDN Pediatric Nutrition Specialist Wolfson Children’s Hospital

“Happiness is the new rich.

Inner peace is the new success.

Health is the new wealth.

Kindness is the new cool.”

– Syed Balkhi FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 12

Things to Do Eating Well

Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com

Junior’s - Take Home Dinner: Asian February 10, 4pm Mommy & Me Baking Junior’s will work with Chefs to prepare a pan February 2, 1pm February 17, 10am of Chicken Lo Mein, Fried Rice, & Miso Soup.

In this special Mommy & Me class, you’ll All items will be fully cooked ready to heat & practice making British tea time favorites. You eat at home. Take home dinners will feed a and your little chef will mix pie dough for jam family of 4. Larger portions can be made for tarts and transform puff pastry into palmier an additional charge. Class is for ages 11 cookies. Plus, learn about a British take to 12. Cost is $40. Publix Aprons Cooking on grilled cheese called “toasties” starring School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose English cheddar and ham. For ages 7 and Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / up. Cost is $59/seat. Sur la Table / 904www.publix.com 719-7597 / 4713 River City Drive, Suite 109, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.surlatable.com Kid’s - Take Home Dinner: Italian February 10, 4pm Big & Little Chef: Sweets for your Kid’s will work with the Chefs to prepare Sweets February 2, 10am a pan of 4 Cheese Stuffed Shells, HomeBig Chef, Little Chef series classes are made Pasta Sauce, & Romaine Salad with designed specifically for a guardian/parent, Fresh Baked Croutons & Creamy Balsamic older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with Dressing. Pasta dish will be baked at home. a young chef. Each pair will work together Take home dinners will feed a family of 4. (along with the rest of the students) to create Larger portions can be made for an additional delicious recipes that are appropriate for charge. The class is for ages 8 to 10. Cost adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 is $40. Publix Aprons Cooking School / or older, and the Little Chef age range should 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, be 5–12 years old. The menu features Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies, Pinkalicioius Popcorn, Chocolate Raspberry Big & Little Chef: Picnic Time Coconut Cups, Fruit Roll Fortune Cookies, February 22, 10am and Marshmallow Love Bugs. Cost is $75 Big Chef, Little Chef series classes are for each parent/child combo. Publix Aprons designed specifically for a guardian/parent, Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / a young chef. Each pair will work together www.publix.com (along with the rest of the students) to create delicious recipes that are appropriate for Junior’s Cook - Dip it, Dip it Good adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 February 4, 6pm or older, and the Little Chef age range should Kids ages 11 to 12 are invited to learn how to be 5–12 years old. The menu features Extra make some gourmet dips will be the perfect Crispy Baked Chicken, Italian BLT Pinwheels, kick-off to any party, or even movie night on Waffle Dessert Pizzas, and Homemade Berry the couch. The menu will feature Gruyere Lemonade. Cost is $75 for each parent/child Baked Crab & Artichoke Dip with Crispy Sea combo. Publix Aprons Cooking School / Salt-Sesame Chips, Spiced Harissa Hum904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, mus with Naan Chips, Shredded Short Rib Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com “Poutine” Dip with Kettle Chips, and Peanut Butter-Chocolate Mousse with Banana Chips. The Longest Table Cost is $40. Publix Aprons Cooking School / February 22, 6pm to 8pm 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, The Town of Orange Park will host its first Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com Longest Table event on Saturday, February 22, 2020 on Kingsley Avenue East. Enjoy Kid’s Cook: No Color Added dinner and conversation designed to build February 4, 6pm relationships and enhance the community Kids 8 to 10 are invited to learn how to make along the newly renovated eastern portion some dishes with pale white food. Just of Kingsley Avenue. Tickets are available for because the food looks like it seen a ghost purchase online. doesn’t mean it won’t be full of flavor. The Town of Orange Park / 904-278-3043 / menu will include White Minestrone Soup, Ri- Kingsley Avenue East, Orange Park, FL 32073 cotta-Walnut Pesto Pasta, Chicken Chili with / www.townoforangepark.com Sweet Cornbread, and a Coconut Milkshake.

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Price is $40. Publix Aprons Cooking School / Eating Well Events.

904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36,

HEALTH & SAFETY

Dryer Noise Thumbsucking: What Hand Harmful To Kids Parents Need to Know M T humbsucking is a soothing mechanism often used by children throughout their younger years. However, thumb sucking is a habit that can potentially damage adult teeth and cause long-term issues. According to the American Dental Association, prolonged thumb sucking can lead to misaligned teeth, changes to the roof of the mouth, and even speech impediments.

Tip #2: Set up a reward system

any toddlers are terrified of public restroom hand dryers. It’s the overpowering roar of the dryer they hate, the sudden acceleration from silence to deafening blast, the grating rasping whoosh as hands pass through the air stream.

ear. At those levels, according to NIOSH calculations, the safe level of exposure for adult workers is measured in mere seconds.

A number of the dryer models clocked well above 100 dBA, however, with average loudness levels approaching that of a jackhammer directly adjacent to a person’s

academic.oup.com/pch

Keegan notes with concern that children are more vulnerable to damage from loud noise than adults, with sudden noises, like that of a New research from the journal of the Canadian hand dryer, being more harmful than ones that Paediatric Society confirms what toddlers have build up over time. Based on a variety of suspected all along: Restroom hand dryers published guidelines, she concludes that really are too loud. They operate at decibel “there is no safe duration of exposure for levels “that are clearly dangerous to children’s children to sounds greater than a level hearing.” Loud enough to hurt, and potentially somewhere between 91 and 111 dBA.” While some experts recommend stopping your damage children’s sensitive ears. The study’s child as early as three, the American Academy Tip #3: Identify triggers author, Nora Louise Keegan, should know: Dyson and Xlerator, two of the major dryer of Pediatrics states that the issue does not She’s 13, and her now-published paper draws manufacturers, claim decibel levels well below especially need to be addressed until the age “If your child sucks his or her thumb in what Keegan recorded. She notes that this is of five. On rare occasion, sucking on thumbs response to stress, identify the real issue and on research she’s been doing since age 9, can occur through the pre-adolescent years, if provide comfort in other ways — such as with when she noticed restroom hand dryers were likely due to testing in controlled lab environments with sound-dampening walls, at adult left unaddressed. For serious cases or older a hug or reassuring words. You might also give hurting her ears. levels of height, and without the presence of children, a dentist is recommended to help your child a pillow or stuffed animal to For her study (which notes that its data was hands in dryer airstreams. Each of these squeeze.” Mayoclinic.org come up with a solution. If you’re worried originally presented at the Calgary Youth factors would serve to reduce decibel output about your child sucking their thumb and want Science Fair), Keegan used a professionrelative to a real-world scenario. The data to help them stop, here are some tips to guide For more information on thumb sucking, visit al-grade decibel meter to compile loudness “reveals a clear discrepancy between what mouthhealthy.org sponsored by the American you. two major companies claim about their dryers’ Dental Association. The Mouth Healthy website measurements of electric hand dryers at dozens of public restrooms in Alberta, Canada, sound performance and the real-world Tip #1: Start with positive affirmations has comprehensive outlines about thumb from 2015 to 2017. She purposefully selected operating sound levels of their hand dryers,” sucking and more tips to help your child quit. “locations that children might frequent,” such Keegan writes. It also “shows the importance Encourage your child verbally to stop sucking j as schools, parks, restaurants and malls. of measuring dryer loudness at the location of their thumb. Scolding or admonishing the child children’s ears as multiple dryers were much is counterproductive and can even encourage mouthhealthy.org For each of the 44 dryers in her final database, louder at children’s heights than at adult them to keep sucking their thumb as a Keegan took measurements at various heights heights.” comfort measure. and distances to approximate the real-world experience of children and adults of various Keegan’s research confirms previous research sizes.

She also measured decibel output with

by Shari Salzhauer Berkowitz of Mercy “We rise by lifting others.” and without the presence of a hand in the College, who also found that commonly used airstream. dryers were producing greater noise than their – Robert Ingersoll manufacturers claimed, at levels unsafe for She found that the most common dryers she all-day adult exposure. No research until now encountered were astonishingly loud under has explored whether they operate at a safe real-world circumstances. “All Xlerator level for children’s hearing. Children’s ears are models, the Blast, and the Dyson Airblade and more sensitive to damage from loud sounds Airblade V models were louder than 100 dBA than adult ears. Health Canada prohibits the [adjusted decibels] when hands were in the air sale of toys with peak loudness greater than flow, for all measurements,” Keegan writes.

100 dB. That threshold is loud enough that the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Keegan writes, in conclusion, that “children Health recommends that adult workers be who have complained about loud hand dryers exposed to no more than 15 minutes of it each have been right all along about the dryers day.. hurting their ears.” j Let your child have a treat everyday they go without sucking their thumb. Use this Jax4Kids guide to take them to a free local event if they don’t suck their thumb. These are only a couple ideas you could use to set up a reward system for your child. This encourages them to stop the action without discouraging them.

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13

HEALTH & SAFETY

Mental Health Crisis Worse for Teen Girls

W

e’re in the middle of a teen mental health crisis – and girls are at its epicenter.

phones are portable. They can interfere with face-to-face social interaction or be brought into bed, two actions that have been found to undermine mental health and sleep.

Since 2010, depression, self-harm and suicide rates have increased among teen boys. But rates of major depression among teen girls in the U.S. increased even more – from 12% in 2011 to 20% in 2017. In 2015, three times as many 10- to 14-year-old girls were admitted to the emergency room after deliberately harming themselves than in 2010. Meanwhile, the suicide rate for adolescent girls has doubled since 2007.

Both girls and boys experience an increase in unhappiness the more time they spend on their devices. But for girls, that increase is larger.

Only 15% of girls who spent about 30 minutes a day on social media were unhappy, but 26% of girls who spent six hours a day or more on social media reported being unhappy.

Popularity and positive social interactions tend to have a more pronounced effect on girls’ happiness than boys’. Social media can be Rates of depression started to tick up just as smartphones became popular, so digital media both a cold arbiter of popularity and a platform for bullying, shaming and disputes. In addition, could be playing a role. The generation of teens born after 1995 – known as iGen or Gen girls continue to face more pressure about their appearance, which could be exacerbated Z – were the first to spend their entire adolescence in the age of the smartphone and by social media. experience social media as an indispensable What can we do? First, parents can help part of social life. children and teens postpone their entry into social media. It’s actually a federal law that So why are girls experiencing more mental children can’t have a social media account in health issues? their own name until they are 13. This law is rarely enforced, but parents can insist that Mining three surveys of more than 200,000 teens in the U.S. and U.K., my colleagues and I their children stay off social media until they are 13. Among older teens, the situation is were able to find some answers. We found more complex, because social media use is so that teen boys and girls spend their digital pervasive. Still, groups of friends can talk media time in different ways: Boys spend about these challenges. Many are probably more time gaming, while girls spend more aware, on some level, that social media can time on their smartphones, texting and using make them feel anxious or sad. They might social media. agree to call each other more, take breaks or Gaming involves different forms of communi- let others know that they’re not always going cation. Gamers often interact with each other to respond instantly – and that this doesn’t mean they are angry or upset. in real time, talking to each other via their headsets. In contrast, social media often We’re learning more about the ways social involves messaging via images or text. Yet media has been designed to be addictive, with even something as simple as a brief pause before receiving a response can elicit anxiety. companies making more money the more time users spend on their platforms.

Then, of course, there’s the way social media That profit may be at the expense of teen creates a hierarchy, with the number of likes mental health – especially that of girls. j and followers wielding social power. Images are curated, personas cultivated, texts crafted, Jean Twenge, San Diego State deleted and rewritten. All of this can be theconversation.com stressful, and one study found that simply comparing yourself with others on social media made you more likely to be depressed.

And, unlike many gaming systems, smart-

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 14

Things to Do Health & Safety

Anxiety: When Your Child’s Thoughts Are Just Too Big • February 4, 6pm to 7pm Attendees will learn strategies to recognize different anxiety disorders, how to identify signs and symptoms, and discuss coping strategies for you and your child(ren). The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver’s need for personal and individual growth.

Duncan U. Fletcher Middle School / 904-3902960 / 2000 3rd St. N., Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / dcps.duvalschools.org Beyond the Birds and the Bees February 4, 6pm to 7pm This course will give parents and caregivers tools and strategies on how to talk to their children about sex, STDs, and where to go for additional resources to support their child(ren). The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver’s need for personal and individual growth. Regency Branch Library / 904-3902960 / 9900 Regency Square Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / dcps.duvalschools.org Donna Marathon Weekend February 8-9 The annual Donna Marathon Weekend will include a Family Fun Run, 5K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultramarathon and Event Challenges. The 26.2 with Donna is a private non-profit organization in Northeast Florida producing the only marathon in the U.S. dedicated to breast cancer research and care.

Net proceeds of all 26.2 with Donna Official Events go to breast cancer research, care and awareness. Donna Marathon Weekend welcomes thousands of runners and supporters from all over the world.

Beaches Town Center / 904-355-PINK / 500 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266 / breastcancermarathon.com 5k/8k Superhero Run February 15, 8am Families are invited to grab their capes and take part in the 5k/8k Superhero Run. There will be live music, plenty of hero costumes, and a runner’s village. The 1 mile fun run will begin at 8am, the 5K and 8K will begin at 8:30am. Technical shirts will be given to all participants, and custom designed finisher medals will be presented to all 5K/8K finishers at the finish line. Age group and overall awards will be presented to 8K finishers.

Registration fees range from $12 to $35.

Grace Episcopal Church / 245 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park , FL 32073 / www.1stplacesports.com Spartan Kids Race • February 22-23, 9am The Spartan Kids Race is where kids are encouraged to jump, run, get muddy, help each other, and have a good time while conquering obstacles. The kids race is for ages 4 to 13.

Each kids registration includes 2 adult spectator passes, a t-shirt, and finisher medal.

Registration starts at $25.99. Participants can choose from different race distances, including the 1/2 mile race, 1 mile race, 2 mile race, and the competitive 2 mile race. There will also be the option for a Kids Trifecta pass, where kids can complete three races and earn the unique Kids Trifecta medal. During the weekend, there will also be Sprint and Super distances for teens and adults. Kids races start at 9am, with adult races beginning earlier.

WW Ranch Motocross Park / 1439 Otis Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32220 / www.spartan.com Thin Mint Sprint 5k & Cookie Crawl February 29, 7:30am All ages are invited to participate in the Thin Mint Sprint 5k and Cookie Crawl. In addition to the race, there will be Girl Scout cookie samples, cookie booths to get all your cookies for season, as well as music, food, and more.

All proceeds from the event support building the next generation of female leaders in the community. Entry for the 5k runs fro $25 to $35; entry for the fun run ranges from $15 to $25. The 5k starts at 7:30am, followed by the 1 mile fun run at 8:30am. Top three male and female finishers will each receive a Girl Scout Cookie basket.

St. Johns Town Center / 904-388-9954 / 4663 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.girlscouts-gateway.org Annual Ortega River Run February 29, 8am to 11am For over 40 years, St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School has held the Ortega River Run. A Grand Prix sanctioned event, this is a great event for the whole family. Proceeds benefit the financial aid and scholarship program at the school. Both races start and finish at St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School. There will be a 1 mile fun run at 8am, followed by a 5 mile run/walk at 8:30am. Strollers are welcome, and will start at the back of the race. There will be a family street fair at start/finish with food, activities, and more. The cost for the 1 mile is $20; fees for the 5 mile run/walk range from $30 to $50.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Day School / 904-3882632 / 4114 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / www.stmarksdayschool.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Health & Safety Events.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Take Steps to Keep Your Sleepwalker Safe S

leepwalking is very common in kids. Most kids who walk in their sleep only do so occasionally and outgrow it by the teen years.

Sleepwalking is far more common in kids than in adults. It may run in families, so if you or your partner are or were sleepwalkers, your child may be too.

Kids tend to sleepwalk within an hour or two of falling asleep and may walk around for anywhere Things that may bring on a sleepwalking episode from a few seconds to 30 minutes. It’s difficult include: to wake someone up while they’re sleepwalking.

• lack of sleep or fatigue.

When awakened, a person may feel groggy and • irregular sleep schedules. disoriented for a few minutes.

• illness or fever.

• some medicines.

Despite its name, sleepwalking (also called • stress. somnambulism) involves more than just walking.

What Happens During Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking behaviors can be: Getting out of bed and walking around while still • harmless — like sitting up. sleeping is the most obvious sleepwalking • potentially dangerous — such as wandering symptom. But young sleepwalkers may also: outside.

• sleeptalk.

• inappropriate — like opening a closet door • be hard to wake up. and peeing inside.

• seem dazed.

• be clumsy.

No matter what kids do during sleepwalking • not respond when spoken to. episodes, though, it’s unlikely that they’ll • sit up in bed and go through repeated remember ever having done it. motions, such as rubbing their eyes or fussing with their pajamas.

Still, some simple steps can keep your young sleepwalker safe while traipsing about.

Also, sleepwalkers’ eyes are open, but they don’t see the same way they do when they’re awake.

What Causes Sleepwalking?

Often, they think they’re in different rooms of the

house or different places altogether.

falls, don’t let your sleepwalker sleep in a bunk bed. Remove sharp or breakable things from around your child’s bed.

Is Sleepwalking Harmful?

Sleepwalking itself is not harmful. But sleepwalking can be hazardous because sleepwalking What Else Should I Know? kids aren’t awake and may not realize what To help prevent sleepwalking episodes: they’re doing, such as walking down stairs or • Have your child relax at bedtime by listening opening windows. to soft music or relaxation tapes.

Sleepwalking is not usually a sign that something • Establish a regular sleep and nap schedule is emotionally or psychologically wrong with a and stick to it — both night-time and child. And it doesn’t cause any emotional harm. wake-up time.

Sleepwalkers probably won’t even remember the • Make your child’s bedtime earlier. This can nighttime stroll. improve excessive sleepiness.

• Don’t let kids drink a lot in the evening and How to Keep a Sleepwalker Safe be sure they go to the bathroom before going Sleepwalking isn’t dangerous by itself. But it’s to bed. (A full bladder can contribute to important to take precautions so that your sleepwalking.) sleepwalking child is less likely to fall down, run • Avoid caffeine near bedtime. into something, walk out the front door, or drive • Make sure your child’s bedroom is quiet, (if your teen is a sleepwalker). cozy, and comfortable for sleeping. Keep the noise down while kids are trying to sleep (at Try not to wake a sleepwalker because this bedtime and naptime). might scare your child. Instead, gently guide him or her back to bed. Lock the windows and doors, The next time you see your nighttime wanderer, in your child’s bedroom and throughout your don’t panic. Just steer your child back to the home, in case your young sleepwalker decides to safety and comfort of his or her bed. j wander. You may consider extra locks or child safety locks on doors. Keep keys out of reach for kidshealth.org kids who are old enough to drive. To prevent

Carlson Dental Group • 904-586-4781 FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15

HEALTH & SAFETY

Random Acts of Kindness Are Good for Your Health

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id you know there are scientifically proven benefits of being kind? Did you also know that kindness is teachable? Or that kindness is contagious? “It’s kind of like weight training, we found that people can actually build up their compassion ‘muscle’ and respond to others’ suffering with care and a desire to help.” Dr. Ritchie Davidson, University of Wisconsin According to Jamil Zaki, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, the positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to “pay it forward.” This means one good deed in a crowded area can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people!

when we’re anxious or shy in a social situation. Natalie Angier, The New York Times

February 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Here are just some of the positive effects of being kind.

LIFESPAN “People who volunteer tend to experience fewer aches and pains. Giving help to others protects overall health twice as much as aspirin protects against heart disease. People 55 and older who volunteer for two or more organizations have an impressive 44% lower likelihood of dying early, and that’s after sifting out every other contributing factor, including physical health, exercise, gender, habits like smoking, marital status and many more. This is a stronger effect than exercising four times a week or going to church.” Christine Carter,

Kindness Increases THE LOVE HORMONE Witnessing acts of kindness produces oxytocin, occasionally referred to as the ‘love hormone’ which aids in lowering blood pressure and improving our overall hearthealth. Oxytocin also increases our self-esteem and optimism, which is extra helpful

ENERGY “About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center HAPPINESS A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.

Author, “Raising Happiness; In Pursuit of Joyful A group of highly anxious individuals perKids and Happier Parents” formed at least six acts of kindness a week.

After one month, there was a significant PLEASURE increase in positive moods, relationship According to research from Emory University, satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidwhen you are kind to another person, your ance in socially anxious individuals. University brain’s pleasure and reward centers light up, of British Columbia Study as if you were the recipient of the good deed—not the giver. This phenomenon is DEPRESSION called the “helper’s high.”

Stephen Post of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine found that when SEROTONIN we give of ourselves, everything from life Like most medical antidepressants, kindness satisfaction to self-realization and physical stimulates the production of serotonin. This health is significantly improved. Mortality is feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms delayed, depression is reduced and well-being you down, and makes you happy! Talya and good fortune are increased. Dr. Stephen Steinberg, Psy.D for Psychology Today Post, Ph.D. bioethics professor, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Kindness decreases: BLOOD PRESSURE PAIN Committing acts of kindness lowers blood Engaging in acts of kindness produces pressure. According to Dr. David R. Hamilton, endorphins—the brain’s natural painkiller! acts of kindness create emotional warmth, Lizette Borreli, Medical Daily which releases a hormone known as oxytocin.

Oxytocin causes the release of a chemical STRESS called nitric oxide, which dilates the blood Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol vessels. This reduces blood pressure and, (the stress hormone) and age slower than the therefore, oxytocin is known as a “cardioproaverage population! Integrative Psychological tective” hormone. It protects the heart by and Behavioral Science, 1998 lowering blood pressure. j ANXIETY

Beware of Button Batteries C hildren want to explore. And young children have a tendency to put most of what they find laying around the house in their mouths. Every parent knows this, but what parents don’t always know are the hidden dangers lurking inside seemingly harmless items, such as remote control devices and keyless remote door openers for vehicles.

What’s inside? Coin lithium batteries. You may know them as button batteries. These little silver-col-

ored batteries power everything from toys and electronics to watches and musical greeting cards.

gus. An electrical current can form in the body and hydroxide, an alkaline chemical, can cause tissue burns that can be fatal.

If swallowed or placed in The Poison Center outlines steps to take if you the nose or ears, button suspect someone has ingested a button batteries can cause battery: serious injury or • Call the 24-hour National Battery death, according to Ingestion Hotline (800) 498-8666. the National Capital • If available, provide the battery identifiPoison Center. More cation number, found on the package or than 3,500 people from a matching battery. of all ages swallow • In most cases, an X-ray must be button batteries every obtained to determine whether the year in the United battery has passed through the States. Most pass through esophagus into the stomach; if the the body and are eliminated, but battery remains in the esophagus, it sometimes they get hung up in the esophamust be removed immediately.

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 16

randomactsofkindness.org

• Don’t induce vomiting; don’t eat or drink until the X-ray shows the battery is beyond the esophagus.

• The symptoms may be tricky to recognize (they include coughing, drooling and discomfort), so if you have even the smallest doubt, don’t take any chances.

Button batteries also can cause permanent injury when placed in the nose or the ears. If you suspect a battery lodged in the nose or ear, watch for pain or discharge, and do not use nose or ear drops until the person has been examined by a doctor. j

HEALTH & SAFETY

Now is the Time to Build Your Child’s Bone “Bank Account”

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our child’s bone health might not be your first concern when you think of how optimal nutrition impacts your kids’ health.

After all, osteoporosis largely affects older adults. But, with adolescents reaching 90 percent of their peak bone mass by age 18 (for girls) and age 20 (for boys), bone health absolutely is a health issue for kids.

Think of bone health as a savings account.

Bone is living tissue that is turned over constantly with regular deposits and withdrawals. During childhood and adolescence, bones are primed to make the highest rate of deposits possible, for use throughout the rest of a person’s life.

What Builds Healthy Bones?

Many nutrients work in concert to provide the framework for healthy bones. Calcium lies at the forefront, but vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin K and regular physical activity also are important.

Calcium Aim for a good calcium source in each meal and snack. Milk, cheese and yogurt are the richest natural sources of calcium. For instance, one 8-ounce glass of milk provides 300 milligrams of calcium, or about one-fourth to one-third of the recommended daily intake.

Other non-dairy food sources include almonds, broccoli, kale, turnip greens, figs and tofu prepared with calcium. Some foods and beverages are fortified with calcium, including certain juices, cereals and plant-based beverages.

Vitamin D Sun exposure triggers vitamin D production, but this can vary greatly with skin pigmentation, season and geography. If you live in the northern United States, there is a good chance you won’t get enough sun exposure in winter for adequate vitamin D production. Also, sunlight exposure increases the risk of skin cancer and sunscreen blocks vitamin D production. There are just a few natural food sources of vitamin D, including egg yolks and fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. You can find vitamin D in fortified sources such as orange juice, milk and some non-dairy beverages. Talk with your pediatrician about

giving kids vitamin D supplements to reach the recommended 600 IU per day.

Magnesium Look for sources of this mineral in foods such as almonds, spinach, black beans, oats, peanut butter, avocado and potato.

Vitamin K Leafy green vegetables, such as kale, turnip greens, cabbage, spinach and broccoli, are rich in vitamin K. A small amount of vitamin K is made from bacteria in the colon but it’s unclear how much our bodies are able to produce and use, so it’s important to include food sources.

Physical Activity Regular weight-bearing exercise stimulates bones and makes them stronger. Try activities such as running, hiking, dancing, tennis, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, soccer and weight training to build bones. While swimming and bicycling are great for cardiovascular health, they are not weight-bearing. If these are your child’s preferred sports, encourage them to do weight-bearing activities, too.

Safer Internet Day S

afer Internet Day is an awareness-raising campaign that started in Europe more than a decade ago and is now celebrated in more than 100 countries. Globally, it’s coordinated by the Brussels-based Insafe/ INHOPE Network, with the support of the European Commission. ConnectSafely has been the official U.S. host since 2012. The 2020 U.S. celebration and livestream will take place on Tuesday, February 11th at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California.

Safer Internet Day aims to create both a safer and a better internet, where everyone is empowered to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. The campaign aims to reach out to children and young people, parents and caregivers, teachers, educators and social workers, as well as industry, decision makers and politicians, to encourage everyone to play their part in creating a better internet. By celebrating the positive power of the internet, the

Safer Internet Day slogan of “Together for a better internet” encourages everyone to join the movement, to participate, and to make the most of the internet’s potential to bring people together. With a global, community-led approach, Safer Internet Day encourages everyone to come together and play their part.

Safer Internet Day has been celebrated in classrooms across the U.S. and in big, student-driven events in Austin, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. Past speakers include Sen. Kamala Harris, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Sen. Chuck Schumer, along with local dignitaries.

Safer Internet Day U.S. is made possible by the support of Google, Comcast, Facebook, Microsoft, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, NortonLifeLock, Snapchat, TikTok, Trend Micro and Twitter. j saferinternetday.us/aboutsidusa/

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90%

Be Mindful of These Bad-for-Bone Actions Just as important as what kids do to promote bone health is what they don’t do. Bone health can be compromised in these critical years by:

OF YOUR GENES WITH

• • • •

Smoking Drinking alcohol Dieting and disordered eating Undereating for athletic training which can result in compromised hormonal status • Absent or missed menstrual periods Undereating during times of athletic training may result in compromised hormonal status, which can impact bone health. And females that have missed or irregular menstrual periods are also at risk.

Children and adolescents that receive the best interplay of nutrients and physical activity, while avoiding practices that harm bones, can maximize their bone saving potential. j

THIS CAT

SEE YOURSELF IN A NEW WAY

01.18.20 - 05.10.20 DEVELOPED AND PRODUCED BY

Department of Health and Human Services

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SPONSORED BY

eatright.org

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 17

EDUCATION

State Lowers Cost of Prepaid College Plans T he Florida Prepaid College Board is lowering prepaid plan prices by $1.3 billion, benefitting 224,000 customers. In addition, the board is reducing prices for 2020 prepaid plans to the lowest cost in five years.

Plan, the 2-Year Florida College Plan and the 4-Year Florida College Plan.

The price reductions, which apply to plans purchased since 2008, were made possible due to successive years of lower than anticipated tuition and fee increases. Nearly half of the customers have refunds available totaling more than $500 million. The remaining plans will have lower monthly payment amounts and may be paid off earlier than anticipated due to the price reduction.

A prepaid plan allows families to lock in future college costs for less so their child’s college tuition is ready and waiting for them.

Families simply pick a plan to fit their budget and savings goals. There are no worries about the ups and downs of the stock market or how much tuition might go up.

“Our goal has always been to empower and support Florida families by making college savings simple and affordable,” said Board Chairman John D. Rood. “The price reduction reflects our unwavering commitment to that objective. We commend Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their continued efforts to make a college education affordable for Florida students and families.”

Governor DeSantis applauded the price reduction, which is aligned with his administration’s goal of making sure a postsecondary education is affordable for Florida families.

“My administration has been committed to holding the line on the increasing cost of higher education, and as a result, we are starting to see tuition rates level out,” said Governor DeSantis. “I thank Chairman Rood and the board for their wisdom and financial stewardship, without which these incredible savings would not be possible. This price reduction is great news for hardworking Florida families looking to invest in their children’s future.”

Open Enrollment is Feb. 1 through April 30.

Plans start at $44 / month for a 1-Year Florida University Plan for a newborn. The Board also offers four other prepaid plans, including the 4-Year Florida University Plan, the 2+2 Florida

Families can enroll in a prepaid plan for free, a $50 savings, by using promo code EARLY50 through Feb. 29.

Families can use the prepaid plan online pricing tool to determine what the various plans cost based on a child’s age, as well as explore the different payment options available.

If a child attends an out-of-state college or private college, a prepaid plan will pay the same amount as it would pay at a public college or university in Florida. Every prepaid plan is guaranteed by the State of Florida, and a child has up to 10 years after high school graduation to use a plan.

“With the vision of Mr. Stanley G. Tate more than 30 years ago to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their children’s future college education, Florida Prepaid is now the largest and longest-running prepaid program in the nation,” said Executive Director Kevin Thompson. “This price reduction stays true to the mission of the program, and we hope it will open the door to even more Florida families who are ready to start saving. The refunds will also give our current families the chance to save for even more college expenses.”

Eligible account owners received notification from the board in January about their refund and/or payment reduction information. For more information about how your plan will be affected, go to myfloridaprepaid.com. j

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Teachers V alentine’s Day is around the corner and there’s no better time to show your child’s teacher how much you love and appreciate them. In this guide, you will find low cost and luxury items to make or purchase for your child’s teacher.

Create a Survival Kit All you need to create a survival kit are pens, your teacher’s favorite candy, expo markers, sticky notes, and other small office supplies.

Place the items in a nice basket or bag for an easy and attractive survival kit to help your teacher finish the year strong.

Custom Wine Bottles For this craft you will need a large label maker or a printer with large labels. Pick out your favorite wine and remove the label as best you can. Print or make a new label for the wine bottle with an inspirational saying, joke, or a picture of your child. This makes for a unique and cute gift for the special teacher in your life. You can also Google ‘personalized wine bottles for teachers’ and find plenty of fun labels to print or order.

Puns!

Use puns to your advantage with these gifts. Create or purchase a manicure/pedicure kit for your toe-tally awesome teacher. Gift your sharp teacher with a pack of Sharpie pens. There’s

no teacher you love s’more, so create a mason jar s’mores kit! All these ideas and more can be found on Jax4Kids’ Pinterest page at pinterest.com/ jax4kids.

Amazon Wish List

If your teacher already has an Amazon wish list, consider purchasing a much-needed item from the list. Teachers create these lists for things they really want but may not have extra money for. If your teacher doesn’t have an Amazon wish list, ask them to create one so you can shop for Valentine’s Day from the comfort of your home.

Any gift from your family to your child’s teacher shows the love and appreciation you have for them.

This simple list contains only a few of the ways you can express your gratitude this Valentine’s Day. Gift Cards Who doesn't love receiving a gift card?! You'll find printables on Jax4Kids' Pinterest page that you can easily insert a gift card from into to make a nice presentation.

Potted Plants A potted plant is a gift that keeps on giving and easy and readily available. j

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.”

– Bob Kerrey FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 18

EDUCATION

Spring Break Camps First Coast YMCA Spring Break Day Camp March 9 - 13, 2020 - Duval County March 13 – 20, 2020 - St Johns County March 13, 16 -20, 2020 - Nassau County March 23 - 27, 2020 - Clay County 6:30am - 6pm For ages 5-12. At the Y’s Spring Break Day Camp, children 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. They will have fun just being a kid in a safe and enriching environment. Plus, you can sign up for any number of days. Both members and non-members are welcome to attend, so invite your friends. For more information or to register your child, stop by the Welcome Center at your local Y. Pricing may vary by camp location. Daily rates are also available. Visit website for details per location. www.firstcoastymca.org

(Pre-Registered), or $50 per day walk in rate. www.jjva.com / 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Skills Camp March 9 - 11, 2020 March 16 - 18, 2020 9am - 1pm For Volleyball enthusiasts, JJVA offers a Volleyball Skills Camp. The world class JJVA coaching staff will focus on fundamental skills through game-based drills and daily scrimmages. The Volleyball Skills Camp is open to boys and girls ages 9 - 16. It is designed for the beginner to intermediate player and will incorporate teamwork and sportsmanship.

Camp Cost & Registration: $129 Non-Members OR JJVA Member Special Pricing $99. www.jjva.com / 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256

algorithms, loops, conditionals, and variables.

Cost: Full Day: Early Bird $360. After Feb 14 at 11:59pm - $400 Half Day: Early Bird $180. After Feb 14 at 11:59pm - $200 www.kidscancodejax.com / 904-718-9084 / 317 4th Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

MOSH Discovery Camp March 9 - 13, 2020 9am – 3pm Extended Care: 7:30am – 5pm Rollie Robots & Crazy Coasters! Grades K-2.

Looking for something exciting to do this Spring Break? Spring into Science at MOSH! Campers will get to drive rolling robots, construct the wildest roller coasters that they can imagine, and learn amazing engineering skills.

Robots & Roller Coasters! Grades 3-5.

Looking for something exciting to do this Spring Break? Spring into Science at MOSH! Campers will get to program robots to explore Jax Surf & Paddle Spring Break Camp a gigantic map of Mars, construct crazy roller March 9 - 13, 2020 coasters, and take a field trip to Sally Corps, a Jacksonville Humane Society Spring Break 9am - 3pm local STEM Lab. Camp Age 6 – 16. Jax Surf Camp is a fun and safe Cost: $164 for MOSH Members / $205 for March 11 - 13, 2020 way to advance a child’s surfing skills, ocean Non-Members March 18 - 20, 2020 knowledge, and comfort in the water. Campers www.themosh.org / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 9am - 4pm will break into groups depending on age and Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 Children in grades K-8 are invited to spend skill. Intermediate level surfers are welcome Spring Break with the animals at the Jackson- as well as beginners. After completing the Unity Christian Arts Spring Break Dance ville Humane Society. Campers will learn what five-day surf camp, your child will have Camps • March 9 - 12, 2020 it means to be a friend to the animals and learned these fundamental skills: water safety, 7am - 4pm how to help pets at home, in the community, paddling, navigating the surf zone, and of Ages 5-15 years old. Dance camps are Faith and in shelters. They’ll spend time interacting course standing up on a board! based but welcomes all to participate. Campwith and training dogs and cats, making crafts Cost: Half Day – $220/week or $50/day. Full ers start each morning with prayer & bible and treats for our four-legged pals, playing Day – $360/week or $100/day (lunch includscriptures. Classes will include but not limited games, and so much more. Cost: $70 for one ed). Camp Location: 7th St and Ocean Ave, to: ballet, jazz, tap, choreography, drama skits, day or $185 for all three days. Extended care Atlantic Beach, FL. 32233 tambourine & flags.Other classes may include: available for an additional $20 flat fee with jacksonvillesurfandpaddle.com / 904-435streamers, stretch, creative dance and more. any enrollment.

7873 / 222 Orange Street, Neptune Beach, FL Showcase For parents & friends on Thursday www.jaxhumane.org / 904-725-8766 / 8464 32266 at the end of camp. $20/day. $20 Registration Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, 32216 fee Kids Can Code Spring Break Camp 904-466-8250 / 5730 Bowden Road, Suite Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association March 9 - 13, 2020 103, Jacksonville 32216 / www.unitychristiKids Camp March 16 - 20, 2020 anarts.com March 9 - 13, 2020 9am - 12pm or 9am - 3pm March 16 - 20, 2020 Ages 5 - 12. Campers will work with the awe- Riverside Children’s Arts Center 9am - 5pm some Dash & Dot Robots. Teams of campers March 9 - 13, 2020 Kids Camp is open to boys and girls and cawill participate in a series of coding robotics Early Camp: 7:30 - 9am ters to children from the ages of 5 to 11 years missions that will teach problem-solving and Late Camp: 3:05pm - 5:30pm old. It is packed full of fun and games and teamwork, all while reinforcing computer sci- Ages 5 - 10. Children are split into groups includes activities like Dodgeball, Volleyball, ence skills! Learn the Blockly code language usually based on their age. (5-7 and 8-10).

Kickball and Archery, Nutrition and Fitness Ac- that is based in Javascript. Put that code to Campers will be encouraged to participate in a tivities, Arts and Crafts, Obstacles, Relay Races use to solve robot challenges in a team of 2-3! variety of visual and performing arts activities. and Games. Cost: $99 per week, $35 per day Campers will leave with a new knowledge of Some of these activities include dancing,

singing, acting, drawing, painting, crafts, and music.

Pricing: $40 per day or $150 for all five days $10 Early Camp 7:30 am - 9:00 am $10 Late Camp 3:05 pm - 5:30 pm www.riversidechildrensartscenter.org / 904389-1751 / 2841 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, Fl 32205 Sports Edge Baseball Camp March 9 - 10, 2020 – Ages 7-12 March 11 – 12, 2020 – Ages 13-18 March 16 – 17, 2020 – Ages 7-12 March 18 – 19, 2020 – Ages 13-18 9am - 12pm Head Coach and Director, Matt Loosen, brings his years of High School, Collegiate and Professional level playing and coaching experience to analyze, identify and help players correct bad habits, perfect mechanics and develop solid foundational skills to make a significant difference in your players’ game.

2-Day Camps Cover: Fielding • Sport Specific Movement Training •Hitting • Swing Analysis and Evaluations • Pitching Mechanics • Catching. Camps will include: 45 minutes of sports performance and agility training from GPA Fitness, 1 hour of defensive training (incl. pitching), skills and drills, 1 hour of batting.

Cost: $129.

904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, 32256 / www.jjva.com Topgolf Kids Spring Academy March 19 – 11, 2020 • 9am - 12pm Ages 6 – 12. Program includes all the components that make up the great game of golf. From chipping, putting and taking full swings, to rules and etiquette, kids will learn everything they need to know to improve their game. Each Academy is designed and taught by our professional golf instructors from Topgolf Coach in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

Spring Academy is staffed with a low student-to-instructor ratio to ensure each Junior Golfer receives in-depth, hands-on attention while he or she develops a winning golf swing.

Cost: $119/child. www.tntgymfit.com / 904-998-8681 / 2683 St Johns Bluff Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Spring Break Camps.

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 19

EDUCATION

Jacksonville Science Festival Digital Vs. Print: And The Science Festival returns Answer Is… T heon Jacksonville February 29th at the Sea Walk Pavilion.

Children will find many science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) projects to interact and engage with. This event is an exciting opportunity for students to learn about the scientific and creative processes. The Jacksonville Science Festival exists to provide a city-wide event that partners teachers, mentors, experts, and local businesses with K-12 students. This festival is the perfect opportunity to take the kids out for an educational and fun Saturday.

T

oday’s students see themselves as digital natives, the first generation to grow up surrounded by technology like smartphones, tablets and e-readers.

Teachers, parents and policymakers certainly acknowledge the growing influence of technology and have responded in kind.

A scholarship and other cash prizes will be We’ve seen more investment in classroom awarded on the day of the event to schools competing in the Jacksonville Science Festival technologies, with students now equipped project competition. To enter, students must be with school-issued iPads and access to e-textbooks. In 2009, California passed a law registered with a school. You can inquire with requiring that all college textbooks be your student’s science teacher for the March Students will get a chance to interact with available in electronic form by 2020; in 2011, Jacksonville Science Festival information, if projects designed by other students at this Florida lawmakers passed legislation requiring you would like your student to participate. unique and exciting festival. Students also public schools to convert their textbooks to have an opportunity to engage with communidigital versions.

This event will encourage and motivate ty members and professionals who work in various STEAM industries to learn more about students to ask questions and uncover the Given this trend, teachers, students, parents careers. The best part about the festival is that answers. The Jacksonville Science Festival is and policymakers might assume that students’ the place to be to help students discover the there will be something for everybody. From familiarity and preference for technology kindergarten to high school seniors, the wonders of STEAM. j translates into better learning outcomes. But festival has interactive booths and activities for we’ve found that’s not necessarily true. all ages.

Our work has revealed a significant discrepancy. Students said they preferred and performed better when reading on screens. But their actual performance tended to suffer.

20 TH ANNUAL

JUNE 8-12 • AGES 10-17 FSCJ NATHAN H. WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

PROFESSIONAL BROADWAY INSTRUCTORS !

Training in acting, scene study, music theory, solo and ensemble, singing and dancing!

NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY For more information on Camp Broadway in Jacksonville at the FSCJ Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, visit fscjartistseries.org/education/camp-broadway or contact Amanda Scott at Amanda.Scott@fscjartistseries.org

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 20

when participants read printed texts.

From these findings, there are some lessons that can be conveyed: 1. Consider the purpose We all read for many reasons. Sometimes we’re looking for an answer to a very specific question. Other times, we want to browse a newspaper for today’s headlines. In other words, there’s no “one medium fits all” approach.

2. Analyze the task One of the most consistent findings from our research is that, for some tasks, medium doesn’t seem to matter. If all students are being asked to do is to understand and remember the big idea or gist of what they’re reading, there’s no benefit in selecting one medium over another. But when the reading assignment demands more engagement or deeper comprehension, students may be better off reading print.

3. Slow it down In our third experiment, we were able to create meaningful profiles of college students based on the way they read and comprehended from For example, from our review of research done printed and digital texts. Among those profiles, since 1992, we found that students were able we found a select group of undergraduates who actually comprehended better when they to better comprehend information in print for moved from print to digital. What distintexts that were more than a page in length. guished this atypical group was that they This appears to be related to the disruptive effect that scrolling has on comprehension. To actually read slower when the text was on the computer than when it was in a book. explore these patterns further, we conducted three studies in which students first rated their 4. Something that can’t be measured medium preferences. After reading two There may be economic and environmental passages, one online and one in print, these students then completed three tasks: Describe reasons to go paperless. But there’s clearly something important that would be lost with the main idea of the texts, list key points covered in the readings and provide any other print’s demise. Of course, we realize that the relevant content they could recall. When they march toward online reading will continue unabated. And we don’t want to downplay the were done, we asked them to judge their many conveniences of online texts, which comprehension performance: include breadth and speed of access.

• Students overwhelming preferred to read Rather, our goal is simply to remind today’s digitally. digital natives – and those who shape their • Reading was significantly faster online educational experiences – that there are than in print. significant costs and consequences to • Students judged their comprehension as discounting the printed word’s value for better online than in print. learning and academic development. j • Paradoxically, overall comprehension was better for print versus digital reading.

Patricia Alexander and • The medium didn’t matter for general Lauren Singer Trakhman, questions (like understanding the main University of Mayland idea of the text). theconversation.com • But when it came to specific questions, comprehension was significantly better

EDUCATION

Finding Time to Read More Important Than Ever

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veryone is busy these days. After working our jobs, coordinating our kids’ schedules, and keeping our homes, there’s little quiet time left for reading.

The Nation’s Report Card, also known as National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP, came out in November informing us that students in the United States have lower average reading scores than they did in 2017.

(For more information on NAEP, please check nationsreportcartd.gov/highlights/reading/2019/.

These results show reading to and with our kids is more important than ever. But when, where, and how? Here are a few tips that will hopefully help you find ways to carve out more time for reading with your family.

Audiobooks

I always try to pack a book with me when I know I’ll have wait times during the day. As a parent and a teacher, I try to be a good role model and let kids see me reading for pleasure. It’s important.

You may find you start looking forward to wait times so you and your kids can read more.

Meal times Whether your family is eating at home or at a fast-food restaurant, it’s easy to read to them for 10-15 minutes during meal times.

You might choose to read a book of short stories or a page or two of non-fiction fact books. Another option is to stop by the library and let your kids select books they’d like you to read to them.

Making Reading a Part of the Schedule

Since our daughter Hayden was very small, we have enjoyed listening to audiobooks in the car. We have listened to entire book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder and Lemony Snicket.

We’ve also enjoyed the “Allie Finkle Rules for Girls” series by Meg Cabot, among many others.

We listen to non-fiction as well as fiction.

Right now, we are listening to “Out of the Shadow: A Russian Jewish Girlhood on the Lower East Side” by Rose Cohen. Hayden chose this autobiography after she read an excerpt from it in her Civics class at school.

Listening to audiobooks has led to some wonderful discussions about history, wartime, immigration, different cultures, vocabulary words, and much more!

Wait times We all have times during the week when we wait. Maybe it’s before a dental appointment or during a child’s basketball practice.

Consider using these times to read to or with your children.

To achieve good reading skills, it takes practice. Practice takes time. Since we all want our children to read well, we owe it them to find time for reading.

If you have found creative ways to put more reading time into your busy schedule, please let me know. I’d love to share your tips in a future column. My e-mail address is nancyleebethea@gmail.com.

presents

A Final Thought This semester, in my creative writing classes at LaVilla School, we start with 15 minutes of silent reading. My students hate it when reading time is over, and they often ask me for more time.

You might do something similar in your home.

Choose a time, turn off the technology, and enjoy reading with your family. j Nancy Lee Bethea is a National Board Certified Teacher. She teaches Creative Writing at LaVilla School of the Arts in downtown Jacksonville.

“I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.”

– Vincent Van Gough

directed by

Ron Shreve

MARCH 3 & 4, 2020 @ 6:30PM

(904) 396-4425 www.theatrejax.com FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 21

EDUCATION

Mini Maker Faire at MOSH

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acksonville’s Museum of Science and History (MOSH) is hosting the city’s 3rd annual Mini Maker Faire.

The Jacksonville Mini Maker Faire is a full-blown community festival that brings together science, art, craft, homesteading and engineering plus music, food, workshops, and performance. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects.

This family-friendly event showcases the amazing work of all kinds of makers across North Florida and beyond—anyone who is embracing the DIY or DIT (do-it-together!) spirit and wants to share their accomplishments with an appreciative audience.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15, at the museum, 1025 Museum Circle on the Southbank od the St. Johns in downtown Jacksonville..

Tickets are $12 of adults and $8 for children (Under 3 get in free).

Some things you might see include: • Robotics • Wearables, E-Textiles, Fashion Tech • Biology/Biotech and Chemistry Projects • Drones & RC Fun • Homesteader & Domestic Arts • Kinetic, Fire & Installation Art

• Digital Fabrication – 3D Printers, CNC, ETC • Open Hardware Projects • Design: Industrial, Fashion, Product, Urban • Young Makers & School Maker Clubs • Music Performance • Hacks of Any Sort • Glass • Ceramics • Foundry & Blacksmithing • How-To Workshops, Panel Discussions and Presenters • Electronic Projects • Textiles and Arts and Crafts • Rockets and RC Toys • Sustainable Transportation • Radios, Vintage Computers and Game Systems • Electronics • Puppets • Bicycles and Human-Powered Machines • Shelter (Tents, Domes, etc.)

• Unusual Tools or Machines • How to Fix Things or Take them Apart (Vacuums, Clocks, Washing Machines, etc.)

Visit jacksonville.makerfaire.com for more info.

j

MOSH Internship

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pplications for a Teen Internship at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) open on February 1st. The internship program runs from May 2020 to April 2021. A MOSH internship is made for those students who are curious about the natural world, science, and history. MOSH’s Teen Intern Program is the perfect way for high school students to earn community service hours to fulfill scholarship and school requirements. The internship is open to high schoolers of any grade level.

Most internships, like the MOSH Teen Intern Program, provide credit for the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program, among others.

Florida Bright Futures is a scholarship program sponsored by the Florida Lottery for college-bound seniors. Internships are an important way for students to get real-world experience and learn new skills while still in high school.

The MOSH Teen Intern Program is a year-long program that runs from May to April and requires a minimum of 100 hours. Interns will complete roughly 75 hours in the summer and 25 hours during the school year.

Applications are open from February 1 – 28 and available online at themosh.org/join-support/volunteer-intern/teens/ j

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 22

Things to Do Education Events

2020 WJCT PBS Kids Writers Contest Thru March 20 The PBS Kids Writers Contest is open to any child in grades K-3 who wants to write and illustrate their own story. Submit your story to WJCT for judging and a chance to win prizes.

Local winning stories will be submitted to the local WJCT People’s Choice Awards for judging. Everyone who enters will receive a Certificate of Achievement. All entries must be postmarked by March 20, 2020 and received

by March 25, 2020 to be eligible.

WJCT / 904-358-6329 / wjct.org The Fundamentals of Reading: Grades K-5 February 6, 6pm to 7pm -- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School February 18, 6pm to 7pm -- Westview PreK-8 School This course is designed to share FUN strategies that can effectively assist a struggling reader in becoming more fluent and confident in their reading abilities. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver’s need for personal and individual growth.

Duval County Public School Parent Academy / 904-390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, 8233 Nevada St., Jacksonville, FL 32220 Westview PreK-8 School, 5270 Connie Jean Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 Understanding 3rd Grade FSA and Promotion Requirements February 6, 5:30pm to 6:30pm -- Cedar Hills Elementary School February 25, 6pm to 7pm -- Southside Estates Elementary School Parents and caregivers will gain a better understanding of the third grade Florida Standards Assessment (FSA), promotion requirements, and explore the reading standards and strategies to help support their third grader at home. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver’s need for personal and individual growth.

Duval County Public School Parent Academy / 904-390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org Cedar Hills Elementary School, 6534 Ish Brant Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 Southside Estates Elementary School, 9775 Ivey Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32246 Cornerstone Classical Academy Parent Information Meeting February 18, 6:30pm to 7:30pm Tuition-free, classical education is coming to Duval County in August 2020. Get answers to your questions about CCA and Classical

Education. Meet the principal, see the future location, hear about their curriculum, and learn more about open enrollment. New Covenant Ministries / 904-701-4994 / 2360 St. Johns Bluff Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. cornerstoneclassicalacademy.org MOSH Homeschool Program February 19, 9:30am to 3pm 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 for elementary- and middle-school aged students. Separate workshops will run simultaneously for ages 5-8 and 9-13, covering the same topics through age-specific curriculum.

Parents may still register children that fall outside of these age ranges, but acknowledge that MOSH workshops are designed to meet standards for these age groups. Each workshop consists of two 45-minute interactive sessions, with 30 minutes of free time to explore the Museum before and after the program. Doors open at 9am, and the program begins at 9:30am. Cost is students $15 (Member Students $12); Member and Non-Member Parents $5. Register in advance. This month’s program will be The Human Body Machine (Ages 5-8) / DNA Detectives (Age 9-14).

MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Supporting Your K-2 Reader at Home February 18, 6pm to 7pm In this course, parents will learn about the foundational skills necessary for building strong readers. DCPS Staff will share how to better understand the building blocks of reading, their impacts, and available resources.

The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver’s need for personal and individual growth.

Westview PreK-8 School / 904-390-2960 / 5270 Connie Jean Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / dcps.duvalschools.org Parenting a Gifted Child February 18, 5:30pm to 6:30pm Learn about the various gifted models available in Duval County Public Schools. In addition, parents will learn how they can offer enrichment opportunities and nurture their child’s passions at home and with activities around town. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver’s need for personal and individual growth.

Seabreeze Elementary School / 904-390-2960 / 1400 Seabreeze Ave, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / dcps.duvalschools.org

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Education events.

Learning Frustrations without Medications

EDUCATION

ROWITA Fellowships Available

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he St. Johns Cultural Council is seeking applications for their Junior Recognizing Outstanding Women In The Arts (ROWITA) Fellowships. The fellowships are available to all graduating St. Johns County high school women (public, private or homeschooled) who are entering arts based programs of higher education to advance their creative development.

to be eligible, candidates must have a 3.0 GPA, and acceptance into a college level arts program or summer institute. They must submit a letter of recommendation from their arts teacher; write a letter describing their relationship with their arts, and provide a DVD of their work. The applications are reviewed by a panel of past ROWITA recipients.

Deadline for applications is on the last day of Applicants must have either applied or been February of each. Applications must be accepted into in a BFA program, a summer emailed to sjcc@historiccoastculture.com, institute/intensive, or an arts workshop in mailed, or delivered to the St. Johns Cultural order to be considered. The Junior ROWITA Council Office located at 15 Old Mission Fellowship was started in 2011 to help support Avenue, St. Augustine, FL 32084. For more graduating high school women develop their information, contact the St. Johns Cultural artistic skills through continued study and Council at sjcc@historiccoastculture.com or training. call (904) 808-7330. j There are three categories for the awards: Performing, Visual, and Literary Arts. In order

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

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

BIOFEEDBACK ASSOCIATES 904.646.0054 www.biofeedbackassociates.com

bioneurowork@gmail.com

A different way of teaching. A better way of learning.

Grades middle through high school Low student to teacher ratio Standard and Honors curriculum Multi-sensory instruction Wetlands trials and outdoor classrooms McKay, Gardiner, Hope and Florida Tax Credit and Family Empowerment Scholarship participant Accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools

greenwoodjax.org Call for a campus tour 904-726-5000

To learn more visit our website

Florida STEM & Health Expo

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hen was the last time you had a blast attending an expo!? If you can’t remember, it sounds like you need to visit the Florida STEM & Health Expo.

The 8th annual Florida STEM & Health Expo will be held on Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the River City Science Academy Gymnasium, 7605 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville. Parking will be across the street at RCSA Elementary, 7450 Beach Boulevard.

To accomplish the primary goals of the Expo, activities have been developed for participating students, teachers, and the general public.

Participating students will work with their teachers and/or mentors to prepare a demo that they will present to the public at the Expo.

The general public will have the chance to view presentations by local industries and universities that include applications such as solar energy, robotics and the like. There will also be door prizes.

Main presenters are students who have a

project to share in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and/or Health.

This includes teams of students who have collaborated on a STEM & Health project together with teachers and students who wish to share a classroom investigation. Also presenting are community professionals who offer a hands-on experience for students, involving careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Health Founded in 2007, River City Science Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school that currently serves grades K – 12 through 4 different locations. RCSA offers an emphasis on STEM education. The school provides strong academics and extra-curricular programs. It is one of the first successful charter schools in Duval County, being the first to receive an A grade and high-performing status from the Florida Department of Education.

See flstemexpo.com for more information.

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j FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 23

EDUCATION

Meltzer Headlines Jax Book Fest

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eadliners thriller author Brad Meltzer, children’s author Karma Wilson and YA author Neal Shusterman join more than 80 other authors at Jax Book Fest 2020 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 29, at the main Jacksonville downtown library, 303 N. Laura St. Enjoy author presentations and signings, pop-up book store, self-publishing workshop, writing workshop, activities for kids, MOSH, music and more.

Best-selling thriller author Brad Meltzer also has books on bestseller lists for nonfiction (“The First Conspiracy”), advice, children’s books, and even comic books, for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award. He is the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History on H2 and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel. (Based on his book, “Decoded.”) The Hollywood Reporter recently put him on its list of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors.

Meltzer also writes children’s books that feature real heroes such as Amelia Earhart, Walt Disney, Leonardo da Vinci, Martin Luther

King, Billy Jean King, Harriet Tubman and others. He lives in Florida with his wife.

Karma Wilson writes humorous, rhythmic picture books for the very young and books that share her faith in a fun, understandable way with the youngest readers. She’s written more than 30 books, and many have received prestigious state and national awards. Wilson also has a love for outrageously silly, and sometimes philosophic poetry for older children, which is demonstrated in her book of poems (“What’s the Weather Inside”). She lives on a ranch in Montana with her husband and three children.

Neal Shusterman is the author of many novels for young adults, including “Unwind,” which was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers. He also writes screenplays for motion pictures and television shows such as Animorphs and Goosebumps. The father of four children, Shusterman lives in St. Augustine. j jaxpubliclibrary.org/jax-book-fest

Social Media Footprint Affects College Admission

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esults from Kaplan Test Prep’s 2019 college admissions officers find that 36 percent of the nearly 300 admissions officers polled visit applicants’ social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to learn more about them – up from 25 percent last year and following a three year decline in the practice since the high mark of 40 percent in Kaplan’s 2015 survey. This comes as teens are increasingly using newer social platforms such as TikTok and Twitch.

Of admissions officers who have checked out an applicant’s social media footprint, about one in five (19 percent) say they do it “often,” significantly higher than the 11 percent who said they checked “often” in Kaplan’s 2015 survey.

Of the admissions officers who say they check social media to learn more about their applicants, 38 percent say that what they found has had a positive impact on prospective students. On the flip side, 32 percent say that what they found had a negative impact.

Both of these figures have fluctuated slightly over the past few years.

The Kaplan survey found that although less than half of admissions officers visit applicants’ social media profiles, 59 percent— slightly higher than last year’s 57 percent— consider it “fair game,” while only 41 percent consider it “an invasion of privacy that shouldn’t be done.”

“We continue to believe that applicants’ social media content remains a wildcard in the admissions process, with what they post possibly being the tipping point of whether they or not they’re admitted to the college of their choice.” says Sam Pritchard, director of college prep programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “Our consistent advice to teens is to remain careful and strategic about what they decide to share.

In 25 years, you’ll definitely remember where you graduated college from, but you’ll unlikely remember how many people liked that photo of what you did over winter break.” j

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 24

Books for February

In the Garden with Dr. Carver Sally is a young girl living in rural Alabama in the early 1900s, a time when people were struggling to grow food in soil that had been depleted by years of cotton production. One day, Dr. George Washington Carver shows up to help the grownups with their farms and the children with their school garden. Written

by Susan Grigsby.

eventually realizes that honesty and patience go a long way Written by Hillary Homzie.

P is for President Being President of the United States is a big job — the biggest job in all of America! Follow the president as he or she campaigns, runs, moves into the White House, and works to fix problems. Learn about historically significant presidents along the way, and see what it takes to be president. Written By Wendy Cheyette Lewison.

Black Women in Science Throughout history, black women have blazed trails Mimi’s First Mardi Gras across the fields of science, On this one special day technology, engineering, of the year, Mimi gets to and mathematics. This dress up like a princess! book by Kimberly Brown From her parents, Mimi Pellum celebrates incredlearns the history of ible women in STEM who have used their Mardi Gras and why it is brains, bravery, and ambition to beat the celebrated in New Orleans. Written by Alice odds.

Couvillon and Elizabeth Moore.

The Night Before Groundhog Day The anticipation is building: Will the groundhog see his shadow? Will there be six more weeks of winter? Get ready for this festive occasion with the countdown to Groundhog Day in this fun, rhyming story told in the style of Clement C. Moore’s holiday poem by Natasha Wing.

Groundhog’s Runaway Shadow Phil and his shadow do everything together. But where Phil is steady, predictable, and a little boring, Shadow is adventurous, freewheeling—even a bit rude. So they don’t get along so well anymore. Being friends isn’t always easy.

True friends, however, always find their way back to each other by David Biedrzycki.

Ellie May on President’s Day Quirky and funny, second-grader Ellie May loves the idea of being class flag leader during the week before Presidents’ Day. Tired of not being chosen to hold the flag, she makes it her mission to get picked. Ellie May may not be perfect, but she’s good-hearted and

The Invisible String In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic by Patrice Karst, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. “That’s impossible!” the children insist, but still they want to know more: “What kind of string?” The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love.

I Love You Daddy Little Bear is ready for some grown-up adventures – at least, Daddy Bear thinks so. But they soon discover that Little Bear needs a helping hand. And who can help out better than Daddy Bear? Read along in this fun and playful story by Jillian Harker.

Valentine’s Day Coloring Book A fun-packed Valentine Activity Book featuring vehicles. There are 4 tasks on each page of the book: find the difference; count the hearts; color the picture; tell which way the vehicle is going, right or left? Created by Fortunate Publishing.

Assistant Principal of Year Named

District Gets Cognia Award Being bold. Standing up for learners.

Dreaming big. These are among the qualities Duval County Public Schools was recognized for exemplifying as a recipient of the Cognia 2019 Values Driven Award of Excellence.

The prestigious award was presented to Supt. Diana Greene last month during a conference held by Cognia – a non-profit educational accreditation organization – at its Southeast Connect Conference in Orlando.

The award recognizes institutions in the Southeast who systematically and systemically model Cognia values through their day-to-day efforts to improve outcomes for their students.

“This is so much bigger than me,” said Dr. Greene. “It’s about our administrators, our teachers and our students. They are really the winners of this award. As superintendent, I am just fortunate to be the one to attend and receive the award. I receive it on behalf of our over 12,000 employees, our 130,000 students and our community as a whole.”

During the award presentation several ways were shared as to how Duval embodied Cognia’s core values:

• Dream Big. “Duval has achieved its highest graduation rate in history and ranks #2 among Florida’s large school districts for African-American student graduation rates.”

• Stand for the Learner. “This as evident in their mission statement to provide educational excellence in every school, in every classroom, for every student, every day.”

• Be Bold and Daring. “Duval has completed a financial transparency web page providing easy access to budgets, audits and financial reports for the public.”

• Drive Potential. “As superintendent, Dr. Greene has been instrumental in launching a University of North Florida project to improve diversity and capacity in public school leadership.”

• Be Tenacious. “The value to Be Tenacious is on the forefront every day in Duval as they are relentless in pursuing their mission. Academics, safety and financial solvency underlie the most visible initiatives.”

• Build Connections. “Our team members found that individual schools displayed unique family cultures of their own. Within those cultures, schools serve individual needs with compassion.

The words, ‘We are family’ were heard repeatedly.”

Polydore Principal of Year For Principal LaWanda Polydore, the “why” behind her work is simple – to empower her students to be the best they can be, even in spite of their circumstances.

This dedication is just one reason why the Saint Clair Evans Academy leader was named Duval County Public Schools’ Principal of the Year. Whether it was in providing strength in the midst of a neighborhood shooting, or helping the school go from a D to a B, Polydore’s commitment to the community is evident.

“My students deal with a lot of challenges…a lot of things around death and not having what they need,” explains Polydore. “One “The children of this of the things I community deserve really focus on is a great education. the whole child.

And they can get it I want to make here in Duval Counsure they have LaWanda Polydore ty Public Schools, eyeglasses, they right down the street have shoes, they have uniforms, and then they get excellent from their house,” she says. “I know that the children deserve the best, and I want to standards-based instruction.” be the best for them.”

Matthew Gilbert Middle School’s Kate Fulginiti has been the assistant principal for five years, and through her hard work and dedication, she now holds the title of Duval County’s 2020 Assistant Principal of the Year.

“Absolutely excited, but totally surprised,” said Fulginiti. “There are a ton of fully–qualified people that are just as deserving, but it’s an honor to represent Gilbert and Duval County.”

She refers to Matthew Gilbert as having the most brilliant kids in Duval County; they’re joyful, enthusiastic and ready to learn every day when they get on campus.

“I think statistics are against a lot of our kids and we know zip code is the unjust predicter of academic achievement,” said Fulginiti. “Our entire team believes that when you give students high expectations, they can and will learn. We’ve seen it.”

Fulginiti has been passionate about education since she first started Kate Fulginiti her career in education During Fulginiti’s tenure, 10 years ago at what was then Eushe has worked side by side with the gene Butler Leadership Academy (now principal and staff to raise the school known as Young Men’s and Women’s grade from an F to a C. Leadership academy at Butler).

“It’s never about me, it’s not about me “I wanted to make a difference, and I now,” said Fulginiti. “It’s about how I wanted to work in a place with young am blessed to have a team that has an people and help young people maxialigned vision…I got to share a story mize their potential,” said Fulginiti. that’s not my story. It’s our story.”

Duval Has Record Graduation Rate For the sixth consecutive year, Duval County Public Schools has earned its highest graduation rate in the district’s history.

have the support of unbelievably dedicated educators, talented students, and a fiercely-supportive school community.”

Approximately 86.5% of students are graduating. This is an increase of 1.4 percentage points over last year, and over 28 percentage points in the last 10 years, making Duval the leader in graduation improvement among the state’s seven largest school districts.

Success stories abound. Seventeen of the district’s 21 traditional high schools exceeded the 90% graduation rate. Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts achieved a graduation rate of 100% for the sixth year in a row. Several other high schools achieved a graduation rate increase of 2 percentage points or more including Baldwin (+5.1), Sandalwood (+3.8), Atlantic Coast (+2.7), and First Coast (+2.3).

“I hope all of Jacksonville will join me in celebrating our students, educators and schools as they continue to break records and become a point of pride for our community,” said Supt. Diana Greene. “This is just one more great example of how we are successfully preparing students for success in college and career and producing a wellequipped workforce for Jacksonville.”

Within the story of the district’s continued record-breaking rise, are individual schools making history of their own.

Ribault High climbed more than 8 percentage points to earn a 95.9% graduation rate, an increase of more than 22% since the 2011-12 school year.

“This is tremendous news for Trojan Nation,” said Ribault High Principal Dr. Gregory D. Bostic. “Our school is showing what can happen when, despite enormous odds, you

The results released last month by the Florida Department of Education include other important highlights such as: The gap between the state and district graduation rates narrowed from 6.8 percentage points in 2011-12 to 0.4 percentage points for 2018-19.

Record high sub-group graduation rates were seen among African-American students (84.5%), Hispanic students (87.5%), low socioeconomic students (81.7%) and students with disabilities (84.6%).

The district also exceeded the state graduation rate for subgroup performance for African American students, Hispanic students, students with disabilities, and English language learners.

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 25

St. Johns County

School District News

Make Your Teacher a Winner The Players Make a Mark Award is a special award honoring teachers in St. Johns County that encourage their students to make their mark on the world. When a teacher invests in their students they can inspire them to persevere and not give up!

A winner will be chosen each month from an elementary and a secondary school by students & community business partners.

form to nominate a teacher.

Teacher of Year Finalists

For any questions or more information email Davey Hartzel at David.Hartzel@ stjohns.k12.fl.us

Winners will receive a copy of the book, “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds with a thank you for all they do from INK! and Beaver Toyota. See Ink-stjohns.org for the

Science Fair Competition Under Way The Middle School Science Fair was recently held in the Media Center at Ponte Vedra Academy. The combined “Best Display” and “Attention to Detail” Awards are presented to 6th grader Alexander Cummings for his project, “Exploring Variance in our Sense of Taste through Attempted Detection of Candy Colors Without Sight.”

Runner up for “Attention to Detail” Award is 6th grader Whitney Servello for her project, “Corrosion of Metal Using Household Items.”

“Best Idea” award is presented to 7th graders Taylor Foote and Jackson Garnecki for their project, “Creating Edible Water Bottles with Sodium Alginate.”

“Most Professional” Award is presented to 6th graders Nadine Kahai, Hailey Rampey, and Elizabeth Rush for their project, “Biodegrading Times for Regular and Homemade Casein Plastic in the Same Environment.”

“Most Creative” Award is presented to 7th graders Skyler Kaplan and Joshua Gibbons for their project, “Wind Blades.” Nadine Kahai, Hailey Rampey, and Elizabeth Rush will

represent Ponte Vedra at the St. Johns County Regional Science Fair.

The 2019-2020 St. Johns County Science Fair will be held Feb. 5 at First Coast Technical College. The Awards will be presented Feb. 6 in Building C. The St Johns County Science fair began in 1978 as the River Region East Science Fair. This competition is a qualifying contest for projects to advance to the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair. Project categories at the fair include: Medicine and Health Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Behavioral Sciences, and Environmental Sciences.

Category placement (1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Honorable Mention) are presented for each category, when appropriate. Placement for a top award does not guarantee that a student qualifies to compete at the state level; the regional fair’s scientific review committee retains the option of determining if a project meets the requirements for competition at the state level.

Superintendent Tim Forson, School Board Chair Bev Slough and the Ink St. Johns Prize Patrol Team surprised the five Teacher of the Year finalists in their classrooms. Congratulations to Julie Durden of Palm Valley Academy, Aletha Dresback of Valley Ridge Academy, Julie Haden of Freedom Crossing Academy, Lori Price of The Webster School and Evan Tisdale at the Transitions School.

STEM Award Winner The Elementary STEM Fair is a student-centered educational experience with the primary goal of promoting student use of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real world problems. Related project objectives include helping students understand the difference between an experiment and other types of scientific investigation, learning how to set up an experiment using controls and variables, interpreting data, recognizing the need for repetition and replication, and learning how to use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding and defend conclusions.

Students are encouraged to be creative and to design, build, and experiment with topics that interests them. Ideally projects should be geared toward the use of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to solve real world problems.

The fair was held last month at Picolata Crossing Elementary School.

Mill Creek Academy 3rd grader Katie Hartford shows off her medal

Connect on Facebook @St Johns County School District

Follow us on Twitter @StJohnsCountySD

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

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 26

Clay County School News

Graduation Rates Continue Improvement Clay County District Schools has raised the bar once again by achieving the best graduation rate in its history. The 2018-2019 graduation rates released by the Florida Department of Education show the district is for the first time in the state Top 10 ranking at 8th in the state.

The district progressed from 91.1 percent in 2017-18 to 91.9 percent in 2018-19. Over the last three years, the district improved its graduation rate by 7.2 percentage points.

Graduation Rates by Subgroup Once again, Clay County District Schools set record high subgroup data points as African-American, Hispanic, White, Multiracial, At Risk, ESE (Exceptional Student Education), ELL (English Language Learners), and Economically Disadvantaged students climbed to an all-time high. Specifically, the Hispanic graduation rate improved by 5 points and ELL by 9.5 points.

College Readiness Rates by School Post-Secondary Readiness (PSR) data confirms that the district has made tremendous progress in the areas of both mathematics and reading since 2016. In Reading PSR, the district posted 82 percentage points and a 21 percentage point increase over the last three years. In the area of Mathematics PSR, the district posted 64 percentage points and a 19 percentage point increase over the last three years.

These nominations represent the following criteria: • Outstanding athletic accomplishment(s) • Great sportsmanship (during games and practices) • Strong work ethic and leadership • Perform at a high level in the classroom (3.0 GPA or higher)

Kylie Overstreet

Matthew Christian Rodriquez

Ridgeview’s Chen Named Top Scholar

Ridgeview High senior Michael Chen has been named one of 300 top scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

high school seniors. Program alumni include recipients of 11 National Medals of Science, five Breakthrough Prizes, 21 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships, two Fields Medals and 13 Nobel Prizes.

Chen won the award, which gives the scholars and their schools $2,000 each, for his project entitled: An Investigation into the Distillation of Water from Pennisetum purpureum Using Solar Stills to Alleviate the Water Crisis in Uganda.

Regeneron is a leading biotechnology company. Society for Science & the Public, established in 1921 is a nonprofit dedicated to the achievement of young scientists in independent research and to public engagement in science.

He was one of 15 Florida winners. Ashton Body from Episcopal High in Jacksonville was the only other North Florida award winner.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,993 applications received from 659 high schools across 49 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and eight countries. Scholars were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists.

Graduation Rates by Year The data released indicates that all high schools demonstrated an increase in their graduation rate or remained well over 90 percent. www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

Clay County All-Star Athletes of the Month are exemplary students and athletes who represent their schools and the district in a positive light. Each month, coaches will nominate one male and one female from each school. Out of these nominations, the district will select one male and one female each month. The selections are recognized throughout their schools and the district.

School Selections: • Orange Park High – Kendy Charles, Alisha Jones • Middleburg High – Emily Stewart; Jacob Hanson • Keystone Heights Jr.-Sr. High – Camryn Williams, Will Yeldell • Clay High – Samantha Migliore; Alex Maier • Fleming Island High – Peyton LaBelle, Garrett Godfrey • Ridgeview High – Aysia Hill

This latest release also showed that eight of the nine targeted subgroups of learners have reached a record high, illustrating that the district is focused on improving the academic well-being of every learner.

“Once again, the graduation rates released by the Florida Department of Education illustrate that Clay County District Schools is preparing all learners for post-secondary opportunities. I am extremely proud of the hard work of our school-based leaders, teachers, college and career coaches, school counselors, and support staff for dedicating their efforts to ensure that our graduates reached this milestone. We have continued to create a culture that establishes high expectations and allows learners to thrive within our organization. This is a remarkable accomplishment for our community and I am proud of all stakeholders who have positively impacted children’s lives by preparing them to compete inside and outside of our classrooms,” said Superintendent Addison Davis.

All-star Athletes

Connect with us!

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science & the Public since 1942, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 27

Things to Do

TEENS

Riley’s Way Call for Kindness Contest Underway

I

n a new year and decade, in a country divided, Riley’s Way Foundation challenges U.S. teens, 13 to 19, to apply for grants to bring more kindness into the world.

On Martin Luther King Day, Riley’s Way Foundation launched its second annual Call for Kindness contest, a national competition that awards grants to teen-led projects that inspire kindness, strengthen communities, and bring people together.

The deadline for submissions is March 31.

The Call for Kindness provides an opportunity for young people to dream big, and receive thousands of dollars to implement ideas to make the world better. Laura Kikuchi, Riley’s Way program director, says, “I have seen winners strengthen their confidence, independence, and leadership skills, and it has been an honor to support them in their growth.”

Fifteen Call for Kindness winners, announced on May 6, will receive up to $3,000 each to fund their teen-led project. They will join others from across the country in the Riley’s Way Kind Leadership Series, comprised of mentorship, professional development, and peer-learning. Some participants will also attend the Riley’s Way Youth Leadership Retreat.

Kindness is empathy in action. Kindness is a strength that can build a better world.

• EMPATHY: Empathy is understanding all sides of a challenge, issue or obstacle. This means not just identifying an alternative perspective, but actually seeing things from a different point of view. Empathy enables strong and meaningful connections.

• LEADERSHIP: Our leaders drive change, build connections and support their peers.

Kind leaders think beyond their own circumstances to embody change and strengthen their community. We believe kindness and empathy are leadership qualities to be celebrated and fostered.

• CONNECTION MAKING: Our leaders value diversity and build bridges within and beyond their communities. Treating people with consideration and open-mindedness — and approaching everyone as a potential friend — creates meaningful relationships with individuals and partners from diverse backgrounds and strengthens communities.

Riley’s Way Councils connect public and private high schools to inspire teens to lead with empathy and kindness, and create programs that drive positive change in their communities. They directly empower youth to lead the Riley’s Way movement by building Winners from the inaugural 2019 contest connections and fostering meaningful included: Purple America, a Washington relationships with peers, mentors, and state-based political discussion group connecting teens from “red” and “blue” states; community members from all walks of life.

Womaze, an app created in Florida promoting Initially, Riley’s Way provided grants to self-empowerment for women; and Girl participating elementary schools in New York RPSNTD, an online book club in New York City to allow them to focus on social and focused on underrepresented voices. Other emotional learning for both their teachers and initiatives included projects to build shared vegetable gardens in low-income communities students, including professional development trainings and workshops for educators and in Missouri, created youth empowerment workshops and STEM after-school programs in character building assemblies and activities New York, and threw birthday parties for those for students. affected by poverty, addiction, or abuse in Today, our Riley’s Way Councils lead the third Illinois. and fourth grade students at these schools in empathy building activities throughout the Riley’s Way envisions a future where leaders year. build a better world through: • KINDNESS: Kindness is valuing and respecting others and offering to help without expecting anything in return.

For more information, to get involved, and to donate visit rileysway.org. j

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 28

Teens Events

Jacksonville Christian College Fair February 3, 8:30am to 10:30am The North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals hosts a Jacksonville Christian College Fair. Registered schools include Boyce College, Charleston Southern University, Lee University, Warner University, and more. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. University Christian School / 904-7376330 / 5520 University Blvd West, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / myblueprintstory.com Youth Quake Live • February 7, 8pm to 10pm The doors open at 7:30pm and the show begins at 8pm. Admission is free, but a donation is collected during the show to cover production fees. YouthQuake Live offers reserved seating for all events.

For $3 per seat, youth groups & families have the opportunity to sit together & enjoy the event without worrying about the crowds. Reserved seating does not necessarily mean front row. Location of your seats is dependent on the event and the church layout. The Deadline to reserve seats is Tuesday at 1pm of event week. If you have any questions email info@youthquakelive.com.

The Potters House / 5310 Lenox Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / youthquakelive.com Teen’s - Take Home Dinner: Mexican!

February 11, 4pm Teen’s will work with Publix Aprons Chefs to prepare a pan of Pulled Chicken Enchiladas, Fresh Guacamole, & Baked Flour Tortilla Chips. All items will be fully cooked, ready to heat & eat at home.

Take home dinners will feed a family of 4. Larger portions can be made for an additional charge.

This class is for teens 13–17 years old. Cost is $40. Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-2624187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Workshop February 17, 9:30am to 4:30pm This interactive class works with teenagers on character development and leadership skills based off the best-selling book by Sean Covey, “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens”. The day is filled with lots of positive messages and lessons.

Different activities will show your child how to learn to gain control of their life by recognizing and prioritizing goals while increasing self-esteem and confidence. Lessons focus on making smarter decisions, building friendships, and resisting peer pressures. The class has plenty of laughter as teens learn how to navigate through the challenges and tough issues the teenage years can have.

This class is ideal for ages 12 and up. Registration and pre-payment is required to reserve your spot.

Cost of the class includes one teenager. You do not have to be a Y member to take this class. Tickets are $55. Y Healthy Living Center Ponte Vedra / 904-202-2229 / 170 Landrum Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / baptistjax.com Test Prep at UNF • February 22, 8am to 12noon In order to encourage academically talented Duval County Public School students to be successful with their college applications, the University of North Florida is offering free standardized test (SAT /ACT) preparation. High school juniors and seniors are welcome to sign up for one of these events to

ensure they score the highest possible score on the standardized tests that are often a college or university requirement for admission. Sign up in advance. When the class is full, they will close the section for registration. Please note, this Test Prep event is for Duval County Public School students only, and registration is required. Held from 8am to 12noon. Check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m. Parking is available in lot 9 and is free on the weekends.

Snacks will be provided during the break.

University of North Florida, Hicks Hall, Bldg 53 / 904-620-2420 / 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.unf.edu PVHS College Fair February 26, 5pm to 7pm Meet representatives from dozens of Colleges and Universities, and learn about the enrollment process, what your favorite school values in an application or other important “get into college” information. The fair will be automated, and students can maximize their time at the fair by registering beforehand. The fair is free and open to the community. Ponte Vedra High School / 904547-7350 / 460 Davis Park Road, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / www-pvhs.stjohns.k12.fl.us Practice the SAT! February 29, 8:30am to 12:15pm Teens are invited to Practice the SAT. The Redesigned SAT is a product of the CollegeBoard. For this practice, students will be using practice tests written by the College Board’s Assessment Design & Development team using the same processes and review standards used when writing the actual SAT. Everything from the layout of the page to the construction of the questions accurately reflects what you’ll see on test day. However, this is not being officially administered by the CollegeBoard and as such, scores are not official.

They cannot be used for college applications, homeschooling reporting requirements or any other official need. This day is designed to give you an accurate representation of the official exam, without the added pressure of the word “official”. Within three weeks of the exam, you will receive your graded test back, along with a score sheet showing Section and Total Scores, Subscores as well as Cross-Test Scores. You will want to use this information to help you prepare for the “Official” test. The test will be proctored & graded by Joanne Mastronicola, author of Piecing Together the High School Puzzle. Cost is $39.

Deadline to register is February 24. Test is geared towards homeschool students, however, all teens, regardless of school affiliation are welcome.

Southside United Methodist Church / 3120 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / practicethesat.weebly.com Macaron Workshop February 29, 9pm Sur La Table presents a macaron workshop.

Participants will practice the techniques for folding, piping and baking macarons. The class will conclude with brushing individual macarons with gold. For ages 14 and up; a paying adult must accompany anyone under age 17. Cost is $69/seat.

Sur La Table / 904-719-7597 / 4713 River City Drive, Suite 109, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www. surlatable.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Teen events.

Things to Do

PETS

Clay Animal Services Using Finding Rover Software C lay County Animal Services is partnering with on-line missing-pet-search-engine Finding Rover to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Finding Rover uses patented facial recognition technology to compare photos of missing and found pets in your area to make an instant match. The technology has a 98% accuracy rate because it uses 130 scan points including fur color, snout length, and space between the eyes. This software is completely free to use and works on any device to help locate a missing pet, reunite a found pet, and advertise hundreds of local adoptable pets in shelters.

Every dog and cat that enters the Clay County Animal Services shelter will be registered on Finding Rover with their name, photo, and details about the animal. This information will be updated in the database every two hours.

Additionally, every pet that leaves the shelter through adoption or reunion will already be registered in the Finding Rover database. The pet’s record can be easily transferred to the owner’s account, so, if the dog or cat gets lost again, Finding Rover’s facial recognition technology offers another resource to help bring them back home quickly. Registering your pet is easy. Go to findingrover.com and upload a forward-facing photo, enter a few details about your pet, and enter your name and address. Registration is free and your information remains private.

“All pet owners are encouraged to register their pets with a personal Finding Rover account, so if the pet is brought into the shelter, we can quickly identify the owner and get them home as soon as possible,” Clay County Animal Services Director Troy Nagle said. “This facial recognition technology will be particularly helpful for quick reunifications after a tropical storm or hurricane when frightened pets often get separated from their families.”

If your pet goes missing, go to the Clay County Animal Services’ Facebook page or website at facebook.com/clayctyanimals/ or claycounty-

gov.com/animal-services and click on “Search for Your Lost Pet.” The link will redirect you to Finding Rover’s website where you can upload your lost pet’s photo. You can search for lost and found pets without being registered, but if there is a match, the location and contact information will only be provided once registered.

If you find a pet, go to findingrover.com and click on “Found a Pet” to view photos of lost pets in your area. Click on the “Facial Recognition Search” button and upload a photo of the pet you found, and Finding Rover will search for a match.

If you want to search for adoptable dogs and cats, click on the “Find an Adoptable Pet” link on Clay County Animal Services’ Facebook page or the “Adoptable Face Match” widget on Clay County Animal Services’ website. If you are searching for a certain breed or look, upload a photo of the desired pet to search for a pet with similar characteristics, or click on “Adopt a Pet” to view photos of adoptable pets in your area.

Clay County Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners Gayward Hendry said, “This technology is great for Clay County because it will reduce the number of pets in the shelter and the length of their stay, which will reduce overall costs and free up space for other animals that need shelter care.”

Finding Rover founder businessman and pet lover John Polimeno partnered with the Software Development Center at the University of Utah. The programmers ended up developing an algorithm called Pet Match that uses machine learning and computer vision to pick up on key features.

Our pets are an important part of the family. If one goes missing, it can be a distressing event for everyone involved. In just a few short minutes, you can safeguard your dog or cat from being lost with this free service from Finding Rover. j

Pet Events

Rescue Junkie Monthly Adoption Event February 1, 10am to 2pm EarthWise Pet Jax Beach hosts a special monthly adoption event with Rescue Junkie.

Find the new love of your life while getting an exclusive deal on food and pet supplies at this fur-friendly event. Pictures of adoptees will be posted the week prior to the event each month.

EarthWise Pet Jax Beach / 904-372-7822 / 3846 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.earthwisepet.com 2nd Annual Puppy Bowl at Kanine Social February 2, 1pm to 4pm Kanine Social invites all puppies under 1 year old to compete in the annual Puppy Bowl. To participate, dogs must have an account on Kanine Social’s website; be up to date on all vaccination records for rabies, bordetella, and 3 rounds of distemper; and pups over 6 months of age must be spayed/ neutered. Entry is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Portion of proceeds will be donated to K9s For Warriors.

Kanine Social / 904-712-6363 / 580 College Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.kaninesocial.com 2nd Saturday Barks & Brews February 8, 3pm to 6pm Barked Goods hosts the 2nd Saturday Barks & Brews at Engine 15. There will be drink specials and food trucks for humans, and socialization for canines.

Engine 15 Brewing Downtown Tap Room & Biergarten / 904-551-9429 / 633 N Myrtle Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / engine15.com

Bold City Brewery. Funds raised will be used for medical funds for FOJA. No tickets or RSVP required, just stop by and join the fun.

Bold City Brewery / 904-379-6551 / 2670-7 Rosselle Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / friendsofjaxanimals.com Mutts & Mimosas February 29, 10am to 1pm The 5th Annual Mutts & Mimosas will be held on the patio of the Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel. Enjoy a brunch buffet, mimosas, live music, and a silent auction all while benefiting Friends of Jacksonville Animals. Tickets are $25-$35 and are available online in advance. A portion of ticket proceeds to benefit Friends of Jacksonville Animals. Ticket prices will increase at the door. Friends of Jacksonville Animals will gladly accept the following donations on behalf of the shelter on the day of the event: canned dog food, canned cat food, spray cheese, Velveeta cheese blocks, Pup-Peroni soft dog treats, Milk Bones dog treats, and large Kongs, medium and large snap dog collars, and puzzle feeders.

Sheraton Jacksonville Hotel / 904-564-4772 / 10605 Deerwood Park Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / friendsofjaxanimals.com Bark For Life of Jacksonville February 29, 11am to 2pm Bark For Life honors the lifelong contributions of Canine Caregivers, celebrates human and canine cancer survivors, and works to end cancer through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Join Kanine Social for lots of furry fun, pet vendors, drink specials, raffles and more.

Kanine Social / 904-712-6363 / 580 College Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.kaninesocial.com

Doggie Gras February 22, 6pm to 9pm The annual party to celebrate Mardi Gras and to raise money for the animals will be held at

Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.

“There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind.

The second way is to be kind.

The third way is to be kind.”

– Mr. Rogers FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 29

THINGS TO DO

Tickets on Sale for the Clay County Agricultural Fair • Thru April 1 Tickets are on sale now for the 2020 Clay County Agricultural Fair. Regular Ticket Prices are $10 for Adults, $7 Senior / Child, and children 5 and under receive free gate admission. Advance armbands will also be available for purchase.

Clay County Fairgrounds / 904-284-1615 / 2493 State Road 16 W, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.claycountyfair.org Jax AquaFest 2020: Our Water, Our Responsibility February 1, 10am to 4pm Join MOSH, the City of Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, the St. Johns Riverkeeper and Florida Fish & Wildlife to explore the ways to safeguard the water and the animals and plants that call the St. Johns River home. Guests will enjoy special guest speakers, River Tours with the St. Johns Riverkeeper, guided tours of the JEA Hydrologic Exhibit and Hixon Native Courtyard, Invertebrate Encounter at the VyStar Intertidal Touch Tank, museum wide scavenger hunt, face painting and more. Free museum admission.

Museum of Science and History / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org 34th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire February 1-2, 10am to 6pm The Alachua County Fairgrounds is transformed into a bustling medieval marketplace for the 34th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. Step back in time and cheer on jousting knights, wander through the medieval marketplace where hundreds of artisans sell their wares, witness a battle on the living chess board, partake in olde world games and rides and feast on food fit for a king. Enjoy nine stages of entertainment where the forgotten skills of full-flight falconry, gripping aerial acrobatics and old-world magic come to life. Jugglers, knife throwers and gypsy dancers add to the excitement as they fill the streets of Hoggetowne.

Alachua County Fairgrounds / 352-393-8536 / 3100 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 / www.hoggetownefaire.com Mutts Gone Nuts

February 1, 1:30pm and 5:30pm Mutts Gone Nuts features Scott and Joan Houghton and their pack of pooches in a comedy dog thrill show. The show will feature incredible high flying frisbee dogs, tightwire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and of course, Sammie the Talking Dog. There will be two shows, one at 1:30pm and one at 5:30pm. Everyone, including infants and toddlers, must have a theater ticket for admission. Tickets range from $15.50 to $31.25.

Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-6325000 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org

TIAA BANK FIELD FEB 29

New Shanghai Circus, Acrobats of China February 2, 2pm February 3-4, 10am and 12noon – School Time Performances New Shanghai Circus is considered to be China’s most celebrated acrobatic company. 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. Tickets are $8.50 each for the school time performances, and tickets for the February 3 performance range from $18.75 to $43.50. Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-632-5000 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org Juice Krate Live: On Tour February 3, 7:30pm Meet all your favorite internet creators, live and on tour at Bravoz Entertainment Center. Doors open at 5pm; the Meet and Greet will be held from 5:30pm to 7pm, followed by the main show from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. This event requires all participants to sign a waiver. Tickets start at $31.45.

Bravoz / 14985 Old St Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / bravoz.com Freshwater Fishing 101 at Alpine Groves Park February 5, 9am to 11am Learn the ins and outs of fishing freshwater in Florida. Ever wonder about what to put in your tackle box, how to use nets and traps, or what the fishing regulations are? Sign up for one class or attend the whole series. Bring your own gear and learn while you fish. All participants must have a Freshwater Fishing License or be a Florida Resident age 65 and up. This program is free. For more info, contact Kelly Ussia at kussia@sjcfl.us or 904-209-0335.

Alpine Groves Park / 904-209-0335 / 2060 SR 13, St. Johns, FL 32259 / www.sjcfl.us Blippi Live February 6, 6pm Children’s entertainer Blippi, has more than 7 billion views on his YouTube channel, and he is the host of the popular Amazon Prime Video series Blippi.

In his new stage show, Blippi Live, he brings his character Blippi off the screen and onto the stage with audience engagement and original music.

Tickets start at $29.50 and are available online.

VIP Meet and Greet tickets are also available. The Blippi Meet & Greet upgrade features access to an after-show Meet & Greet photo opportunity with the

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 30

Competitors shown are subject to change. © 2019 Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Jacksonville

Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code Thru May 10 A traveling exhibition that examines the complexities of the genome – the complete set of genetic or hereditary material of a living organism – and chronicles the remarkable breakthroughs that have taken place since the completion of the Human Genome Project more than a decade ago. With cutting-edge interactives, 3D models, custom animations and engaging videos of real-life stories, the exhibition examines both the benefits and the challenges that genomics presents to modern society.

From the moment you enter the exhibition, you will find yourself immersed in an interactive, futuristic environment that communicates the revolutionary nature of genomics. The exhibition gives you a window into genomes that provides new ways of looking at yourself as an individual, as a member of a family and a species, and as part of the diversity of life on Earth. MOSH / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org

Mini Maker Faire

THINK. LEARN. PLAY.

®

Saturday, February 16, 2019 10 a.m — 5 p.m.

Museum of Science & History A o n e - d a y, fa m i l y f r i e n d l y eve n t t o M A K E , b u i l d , h a c k , l e a r n , s e w, w r i t e, s e e, s wa p, c o n n e c t , c ra f t , p l a y, i n ve n t , t h i n k a n d b e i n s p i re d .

For more event info, to participate, or to buy tickets, please visit:

jacksonville.makerfaire.com

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS IN COLLABORATION WITH

THEMOSH.ORG

THINGS TO DO character Blippi, along with a Blippi souvenir bag.

Please note that the Blippi character appearing at the Meet and Greet, will be the actor playing the character of Blippi in the Live Stage Show.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com 8th Annual Florida STEM & Health Expo February 8, 10am to 2pm The River City Science Academy hosts the 8th Annual Florida STEM & Health Expo. All families are welcome for this free, one-day event featuring science shows, STEM educators & scientists, hands-on activities, robots, community health supporters, doctors, health professionals, community workers, the fire and police department, vendor booths, public servants, and more. Parking will be across the street at RCSA Elementary, 7450 Beach Blvd. River City Science Academy / 904-855-8010 / 7605 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.flstemexpo.com Valentine’s Day Clay Party February 8, 2:30pm to 4pm Children’s Art Classes invites ages 3 to 17 for afternoon of clay cupids and sweet treats. Cost is $20 per child. Registration is available online.

Children’s Art Classes - Baymeadows / 904-9624292 / 8411 Baymeadows Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / childrensartclasses.com Jacksonville Symphony: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back February 8, 7pm and February 9, 3pm As part of the Symphonic Night at the Movies series, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. The show features the Grammy-winning music of John Williams played live to the film by the Jacksonville Symphony. Tickets range from $29 to $89.

Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall / 904-354-5547 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Chicken Dance • February 11, 10am Theatreworks presents one showing only of Chicken Dance. Tickets are $8.50 each, and are open to school groups, including homeschool families. Best suited for children in grades PreK- 2.

The Florida Theatre / 904-353-3500 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.theatreworksjax.com

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad February 13, 10am and 12noon This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. The shows is 50 minutes, and is best suited for grades 3-8.

The cost is $8.50 each; ages 2 and up need a ticket. School groups, individuals, and homeschoolers are welcome to attend. Florida Theatre / 904-3533500 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.theatreworksjax.com 8th Annual Black Creek Winter Festival February 15, 9am to 3pm Middleburg United Methodist Church hosts their 8th Annual Black Creek Winter Festival. Events will include a silent auction, bake sale, vendor booths, a car show, BBQ dinners, and a kids fun zone. BBQ chicken dinner tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Middleburg United Methodist Church / 904-282-5589 / 3925 Main St, Middleburg, FL 32068 / www.middleburgumc.org Jacksonville Mini Maker Faire February 15, 10am to 5pm The Museum of Science & History hosts the Jacksonville Mini Maker Faire at the Museum of Science & History. Maker Faire is a gathering of fascinating, curious people who enjoy learning and who love sharing what they can do. From engineers to artists to scientists to crafters, Maker Faire is a venue for these “makers” to show hobbies, experiments, projects. The event is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness. Tickets to the Jacksonville Mini Maker Faire are $12 for adults, $8 for children 3 and up, and free for kids under 3. MOSH / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / jacksonville.makerfaire.com Jacksonville Lantern Parade February 15, 6pm to 9pm The Jacksonville Lantern Parade is an illuminated celebration of creativity, art, children and the St. Johns River. The event will take place the evening of February 15. The planned parade route will stretch along the Northbank Riverwalk, extending from the Fuller-Warren Bridge to Hogan Street. Food and activities begin at 6pm, with the actual parade beginning at 7pm. There will be a fireworks display at 8:55pm. Participation in the parade is free to the public. Participants are asked to bring something that glows, twinkles, or shines. Either a homemade

RIDE THE

WILD WEST EXPRESS March 7 & 14 • St. Marys, GA

Journey to yesteryear and experience a real live cowboy show. Entertainment all along the way.

Get tickets now at www.stmarysrailroad.com, or call 912-200-5235. Adults $20, Kids 12 and under $14. Children 2 and under ride free.

creation or a store bought item is fine.

Northbank Riverwalk / Downtown Jacksonville, FL / www.jacksonvillelanternparade.com Masters of Illusion • February 16, 7pm Based on the award-winning CW Network series, and starring magicians seen on the show, this 21st century magic show features modern illusions and arts of deception, performed live on stage. Ticket prices range from $25 to $50. The Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Let’s Go Science • February 20, 10:30am Professor Smart and Dr. Knowitall join forces for an educational performance. Professor Smart shrinks his head, has toilet paper flying, juggles and has peoples’ hair standing on end all while demonstrating principals of physics. Researcher and comedic sidekick Dr. Knowitall keeps the facts straight.

During the Let’s Go Science Show, kids will learn science concepts through memorable demonstrations. They will learn about air pressure, figure out flight, see optical illusions, be shocked by static electricity, see experiments with falling masses, grasp gyroscopic properties and get a handle on the scientific method. Tickets are $19 each.

Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www.thcenter.org Dinosaur World Live • February 22, 2pm The Florida Theatre presents Dinosaur World Live, an interactive new show for ages 3 and up. Tickets range from $20 to $45.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Shen Yun 2020 February 22, 2pm; February 22, 7:30pm; February 23, 2pm Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture through the art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. This performance is not recommended for children under the age of 4. Tickets range from $80 to $150. Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / www.thcenter.org Wild Kratts Live! • February 27, 6pm Wild Kratts Live is a theatrical stage show based on the #1 animated television series Wild Kratts.

Martin and Chris Kratt, stars of the Emmy-nominated Wild Kratts step out, live on stage, to engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts story. Tickets range from $25 to $100. A post show VIP meet and greet with Martin and Chris Kratt is included with the $100 ticket.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-2787 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / floridatheatre.com Seuss Day Party February 28, 4:30pm to 5:30pm Ages 7 and up are invited for Seuss Day celebrations. Activities will include a Seuss-trivia contest, rapping, rhymes, and green eggs and ham. There will be a full omelet buffet with veggies, cheeses, and some natural-colored eggs (for those not wanting to try green eggs). Free, but registration is required so they know how many to plan for.

St. Johns County Public Library - Bartram Trail

Branch / 904-827-6960 / 60 Davis Pond Blvd, St. Johns, FL 32259 / www.sjcpls.org 8th Annual Jacksonville Science Festival February 29, 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.

Activities include STEAM interactive booths, hands on art, science activities and more.

Seawalk Pavilion/ 904-493-3535 / Latham Plaza, 11 Ocean Front N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.jacksonvillesciencefestival.org Jax Book Fest • February 29, 10am to 3pm As a free event, open to the community, Jax Book Fest features presentations and signings by authors of both national and local acclaim, book sales, children’s activities and more. Brad Meltzer, one of Hollywood’s 25 Most Powerful Authors, will be at the festival.

Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch / 904-6302665 / 303 N. Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org World of Nations Celebration 2020 February 29, 11am to 7pm March 1, 11am to 6pm The annual World of Nations Celebration returns to Metropolitan Park. Experience more than 30 cultural destinations through educational aspects, authentic cuisine, crafts, dance, and many other traditions.

Tickets are available online. Friday, February 28 is Field Trip Day. Field Trip Day gives students exclusive access to students. Upon entry to the park, students and chaperones will be given a World of Nations Celebration Tour Guide. This guide will provide interesting information about each country along with a travel map to assist students navigate to each country. It can also be used as a passport.

Admission for students is $5 per student and chaperones are free. A “Meal & Drink” ticket is available for purchase for $5 per student. All attendees must be registered through a school to attend the World of Nations Field Trip Day. Field Trip Day is not open to the public. Downtown Jacksonville / 904-6303690 / 288 East Bay Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / specialevents.coj.net Monster Jam 2020 February 29, 7pm Monster Jam returns to TIAA Bank Field. The event will feature over 12 trucks, including: Grave Digger; El Toro Loco, Megalodon, and more. (Trucks/drivers subject to change without notice.) Tickets start at $15. The Pit Party Pass gives you access to see the trucks up close, take pictures, meet the drivers and get their autographs. Add the Pit Party Pass or the Pit Party Early Access Pass at the end of your ticket order. The Pit Party: Early Access Pass is available to fans who purchase a ticket to the Monster Jam event and provides early entry into the Monster Jam Pit Party from 2:30pm to 5:30pm.

TIAA Bank Field / 866-248-8740 / 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.monsterjam.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!

FEBRUARY 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 31