Jax4Kids January 2016

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January 2016

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©2015 Feld Entertainment

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Contents

Letter From The Editor

January 2016

Dear Readers,

H

living well

appy New Year!

Community Profile: Girls On the Run....................................................... 4 Tips for a Positive New Year.................................................................... 4 How to Talk to Kids About Bad Things in the News................................... 5 National Park Service Turns 100.............................................................. 5

We are kicking off the year with an issue filled with great information to make 2016 a happier, healthier year for you and your family. Thanks to our expert contributors and welcome to new columnist Karen Duncan, Certified Professional Organizer® and Productive Environment Specialist™. Find her column on an organized kitchen on page 11. If you follow Jon Gordon’s “Tips for a Positive New Year” on page 4, you are certain to have a happier healthier 2016!

There are some great apps out there to help you in your quest for better health. We’ve researched them and bring you a variety of apps that we think you’ll enjoy using and, they’re all Free.

You’ll find them on page 12.

If the many recent, shocking news stories have left you wondering how to talk with your children about these events, turn to page 5 and read Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Andrew Scherbarth’s column for expert advice.

eating well

Fight Food Allergies with the Air Diet........................................................ 6 Stick With These Resolutions for a Healthy Next Year................................ 6 Quick Recipes for Busy Parents............................................................... 7

Infant & Toddler

Keep Liquid Laundry Packets Out of Toddlers’ Reach............................... 9

emy offers courses in Parenting & Advocacy, Student Achievement and Personal Growth.

They’re Free and open to the public. I encourage you to take a look at the course offerings on pages 13 – 20.

I was fascinated by a story about an organization in New York that has found a simple solution to helping stray cats and ferals keep warm during the cold of winter. Turn to page 30 to learn how you can craft these simple cold weather shelters.

The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016 and they are offering free entrance on January 18th and several other days throughout the year. Turn to page 5 and mark your calendar for other entrance fee-free dates in 2016. Spending time in nature is good for your health! Research has shown it makes you feel better emotionally and physically. Make this the year you spend more time in the great outdoors.

The Duval County Public Schools’ Parent Acad-

Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

Health & safety An Organized Kitchen Can Lead to Healthier Eating................................11 How to Safely Destroy Old Medicine......................................................11 Local Farm Uses Sustainable Agriculture...............................................12 FBI’s Child ID App.................................................................................12 Free Apps Offer Health Info...................................................................12

duval county public schools Parent Academy Spring Course Catalog............................................13-20 Helpful Tips for Applying to DCPS Magnet Programs..............................21 Public Perception Favorable to Duval County Public Schools...................21 Free Breakfast Program Comes to All DCPS Schools..............................21

clay county school news Winter Concerts a Success at Coppergate.............................................22 New Sports Medicine Program Created.................................................22 Spelling Bee Champs............................................................................22 Middleburg Lifters Earn Honors.............................................................22

st. johns county school news Register Early for Run/Walk...................................................................23 Outstanding Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year........................23 Freshman Wins National STEM Prize.....................................................23 Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Month.....................................................23

education

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

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

Page 3 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Develop Strategies to Help Your Children Read Better.............................25 That’s My Job! Debra Davis, Ultrasound Technician...............................25 Nearly Halfway to STEM Teachers Goal..................................................26 Get Prepared for a Day of Servcie..........................................................26 Writing Competition Celebrates 30 Years...............................................27

Teens

In a Healthy Relationship? It Feels Like Love, but...................................29

pets

Ready, Set, Go to Chariots of Fur...........................................................30 Rescuing Cats From the Cold................................................................30

Things to do

January Events.....................................................................................31 Things to Do: Special Needs.................................................................31

Living well

Community Profile: Girls Tips for a Positive New Year on the Run Aid Ronald McDonald House G 1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can trust that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

irls on the Run is a life-changing, non-profit program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grade in Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau and St. Johns Counties. Its mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Each season the girls learn about their community and are actively involved in a community impact project. Girls learn that one way to show gratitude is by helping others.

and 12 to 14 are encouraged to join the program regardless of previous running experience and level of physical fitness.

The 2016 Spring Season will run from the week of Feb. 13 through April 30 with an End of Season 5K (date and location to be announced). Online registration will open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, for all counties. Deadline is Friday, Jan. 29.

Girls on the Run was established in 1996 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Girls on the Run curricula, the heart of the program, provides pre-adolescent girls with the necessary tools to embrace their individual strengths and successfully navigate life experiences. The earliest version of the 24¬lesson curriculum was piloted in 1996 with the help of 13 brave girls. Twentysix girls came the next season, then 75. In 2000, Girls on the Run International, a 501c3 organization was born.

2. Take a morning walk of gratitude. A “Thank You Walk.” It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

3. Make your first meal the biggest and your last meal the smallest. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed-out charge card.

4. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up ask: “What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?” Then tune out the distractions and focus on these actions.

5. Talk to yourself instead of listen to yourself.

Instead of listening to your complaints, fears and doubts, talk to yourself and feed your mind with encouragement.

6. Choose faith instead of fear. Faith turns adversities and dead-ends into detours to a better outcome.

success strategies of all: Love, Serve and Care.

11. Every day focus on your purpose. Remember why you do what you do. We don’t get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it.

12. Remember there’s no such thing as an overnight success. There’s no substitute for hard work.

13. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

14. Implement the “no complaining rule.” If you are complaining, you’re not leading.

15. Read more books than you did in 2015.

16. Don’t seek happiness. Instead live with passion and purpose and happiness will find you.

17. Focus on “Get to” vs “Have to.” Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished ____________.

7. Don’t chase dollars or success. Make a difference and build meaningful relationships With the help of over 55,000 volunteers, the Girls and success will find you. on the Run program is now serving over 168,000 This fall, approximately 1,000 girls participated in girls in 225 cities across North America each 8. Get more sleep. You can’t replace sleep with a 19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants. this project to collect critical supplies needed for year. In 2014, Girls on the Run hosted 333 double latte.

The Ronald McDonald House. The girls brought end-of-season 5k events across the United States 20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through 9. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, the supplies to the End of Season 5K on Dec. 5 at and Canada. Girls on the Run has been featured life so make the most of it and enjoy it. j issues of the past, negative thoughts or things the University of North Florida where a moving in many media outlets including People, Runner’s you cannot control. Instead invest in your truck was filled with the donations and presented World, Redbook, Women’s Day, O Magazine, purpose, people and the positive present Jon Gordon to representatives of The Ronald McDonald Fitness Magazine, Women’s Running, Self moment. www.jongordon.com House. In addition to the donation of supplies, the Magazine, Glamour, Shape, Marie Claire, www.positiveschool.com 10. Build your life and career with the 3 greatest theme of the End of Season 5K was Run Your Parenting, Running Times, CNN, MSNBC, ABC Socks Off for the Ronald McDonald House. The News, NBC News, NPR and ESPN. Partners for girls, their families and coaches had an opportu- Girls on the Run International include Athleta, nity to purchase striped charity socks and Girls on LEGO, Cigna, Gamma Phi Beta, Vibram and “We must learn to live together as brothers the Run donated all of the proceeds back to the SmartWool. or perish together as fools.” local Ronald McDonald House.

The true success of the program, however, is not – Martin Luther King Jr. “Girls on the Run and The Ronald McDonald told in the numbers, but rather in the words of the House Charities of Jacksonville have complemen- girls who participate. “Girls on the Run made me tary missions – both are concerned with the realize that I am the boss of my brain.” “I know health and well-being of children in our commu- that whatever I set my mind to do, I can do.” “At nity,” Executive Director Laura Lasko said.

Girls on the Run I learned how to be comfortable Girls on the Run sessions are held over a in my own skin!”

10-week period in the fall and spring. The program meets two days a week for one hour and Visit www.gotrnefl.org for more information on 15 minutes after school. All girls ages 8 to 12 Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida. j

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

– Martin Luther King Jr. Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Living well

How to Talk to Kids About Bad Things in News

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ecently, there have been a number of events that have been shocking and anxiety provoking. Mass shootings, police brutality, etc.

Your kids are likely to be exposed to some form of information about them and are reacting in some way. It is better to take time to talk, in an age appropriate way, about these events than to completely ignore them by saying “don’t worry about it.” You do not need to explain in graphic detail, but you should take some time to help frame the situation for them.

You can also help to explain what happened in an age-friendly way. Younger children don’t need all of the details. For instance, for the mass shootings, you can say “someone who was very angry made a bad choice and hurt a lot of people instead of trying to talk about their problems.”

Older children or adolescents may need to hear more, or you may need to say more depending on what they know.

Mostly, children need to know all the safety precautions that are in place, and that there’s Kids can have a wide variety of reactions, ranging things they can do if they get into a dangerous from indifference to sadness, fear, or anger. As a situation. For instance, in schools there are locks young child, I remember a number of events in on the doors and security guards, someone will good detail. One was the Iran hostage crisis. I call the police and there are plans to stay safe distinctly remember that I wanted to watch the (hide away from the doors and windows under a cartoon “Frog and Toad Together” when the show desk). Tell them police come VERY quickly with a was interrupted for the breaking story of the LOT of people if there’s a problem. And the mean hostages’ release. Being very young, I was just people WILL get caught. At parent workplaces, annoyed that I couldn’t watch my show—not there are also locks on the doors and the police scared of being kidnapped. As a 2nd grader, I will be called if help is needed. Although it is remember the space shuttle Challenger explovery unlikely a problem will happen, we can also sion. It was all over the news for days. I wrote a run and hide or take other steps to stay safe. paragraph and drew a picture of it for a school Explain to them that in reality, yes, there are project. I remember saying the astronauts were mean people that make bad choices in the world. heroic and brave and if anyone said anything bad However, there’s also VERY good people who do about them, I would teach them a lesson. I was nice things and great things every day. mad about the criticism I was hearing about the launch and processed it as a reason to defend As parents, we can also work to limit the their memory. exposure that younger children have to newscasts. We shouldn’t avoid knowing the news A good way to start the discussion is by asking ourselves, but we don’t need to watch extensive what they’ve heard, what they know and what coverage of events in front of the children. their reaction is. You can even ask their feelings – indifference, anger, sadness, fear, if that’s not It’s tough to talk about these events with children already clear by their explanation. If there is and teens—absolutely. However, if we don’t talk some misinformation, you can correct that. You about it, we run the risk of not really knowing the can also challenge impossible fears, like fear that conclusions they’re forming and the places their the shooters from California will come get them fears are taking them. It’s normal for them to (you can say they were caught), or fear that a have a reaction, but if this starts to hinder their shooter will go to their middle school basketball everyday life or if it causes them excessive game. For instance, you can explain that there distress, consider taking them to a psychologist. j has never been an ISIS attack in Florida. If that ever changes, you can explain the fact that they Andrew Scherbarth, Ph.D., BCBA-D typically target government facilities or big Licensed Psychologist / Board Certified Behavior business—not middle school athletics. For an event like the Boston Marathon bombing, you can Analyst Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics say there’s over 1,000 marathons and 28,000 6867 Southpoint Drive North, Suite 106 races every year and that was the first and last marathon bombing.

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

– Martin Luther King Jr. Page 5 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

National Park Service Turns 100 T he National Park Service turns 100 years old this year and wants everyone to participate in the celebration. All national parks will waive their entrance fees on 16 special days.

The entrance fee-free days will be: • January 18 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day • April 16 through 24 – National Park Week • August 25 through 28 – National Park Service Birthday (and following weekend) • September 24 – National Public Lands Day • November 11 – Veterans Day “Fee-free days provide an extra incentive to visit a national park, especially during next year’s centennial celebration,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “We added extra fee-free days so that everyone has a chance to join the party. With locations in every state, finding a national park is easy. The hard part might be deciding which ones to visit.”

Usually, 127 of the 409 National Park Service sites charge entrance fees that range from $3 to $30. The entrance fee waiver for the fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for things like camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours.

To continue the national park adventure beyond these fee-free days, the service is issuing an $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass that allows unlimited entrance to more than 2,000 sites, including all national parks, throughout the year.

On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the National Park Service “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for future generations.” Today, the National Park System includes more than 84 million acres and is comprised of 409 sites with 28 different designations, including national park, national historical park, national monument, national recreation area, national battlefield, and national seashore. Collectively, these sites contain more than 18,000 miles of trails, 27,000 historic and prehistoric structures, 247 species of threatened and endangered species, and 167 million museum items. j

www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm

eating well

Fight Food Allergies with the Air Diet “W hat can I make? My child is allergic to everything except air!”

Trying to figure out how to bake and cook allergy-free can seem like an overwhelming task; but it doesn’t have to be. Try the Air Diet.

important, regain confidence in baking and cooking allergy free. Gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free, and egg-free foods can and should be delicious, and the recipes in the Air Diet will make that tastefully obvious. Healing can begin now and it starts in your kitchen,” Godfrey says.

Author Laura Merrill Godfrey explores the “allergen-free world of cooking” in her book “The Air Diet.” Godfrey, a University of Florida graduate, is an educator, group fitness instructor and personal trainer. As a mother of three, she applies nutritional science, cooking, and baking to face her greatest challenge: “the struggle to reverse autism while creating a healthy, friendly, fun place for her boys in this world.”

“In this masterpiece of culinary love, Laura has poured her years of struggles and triumphs to provide those with dietary limitations many practical and tasty meals. In my profession, I do my best to heal individuals with the best modern medicine has to offer, but sadly there is no magic pill to heal the illnesses that plague so many. This life/cookbook offers a piece of the pie that apothecary concoctions cannot remedy: the allergen-free world of cooking. Foods for healing, “If you or your child has an autoimmune condition words of wisdom, and a personal seat on the that has led to several food intolerances or food therapy couch with someone who has walked in allergies, the Air Diet will provide many delicious, your shoes: these are the blessings found in this nutritious recipes that even the pickiest of eaters book,” acclaims Rachel Pellum, family nurse will enjoy. Feel encouraged and connected as you practitioner, j share and learn from our journey with autism, www.theairdiet.com leaky gut, and IgG food allergies, and most

Stick With These Resolutions for a Healthy Next Year

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ever had a New Year’s resolution you could stick with? Why not try something good for the entire family this year? Here are three ideas to jump start your path to health and well-being for the entire family.

Resolution #1: Buy more whole foods and less processed foods. Buying more whole foods means shopping the perimeter of your store where you find the fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, meats, dairy and eggs. The perimeter of the store may also include other food items such as fresh ground peanut butter and freshly baked breads. In contrast, the inner aisles of the store are where you will find the packaged foods and canned foods, which are generally higher in sodium, fat and preservatives. Try to choose these foods less often. This can be challenging for a busy family because it may mean planning meals ahead of time instead of using ready-toeat items. But it doesn’t mean that canned/ packaged foods such as pasta sauce or crackers can’t be incorporated into the weekly meal planning; it just means to be conscientious of how many processed foods fill your grocery cart each week. Even frozen fruits and vegetables can be good choices in your meal planning – frozen fruits work great in homemade smoothies and frozen vegetables work great when you are short on time. The goal is to start by taking a few steps towards using more whole foods, and gradually

over time, it will become a habit to choose less processed foods.

Resolution #2: Exercise with your family. Find activities that the whole family can participate in during the year and get active with your kids. The Jacksonville to Baldwin Rail-Trail is a 14.5-mile paved nature trail that offers plenty of space for biking, walking or running. If you want to stay home, play basketball in the driveway or soccer in the backyard with your kids. Anything that gets you and the kids moving is worth the time.

Take a walk around the block, or sign up for a one-mile fun run or 5K to get motivated to move!

Resolution #3: Get involved in the community.

There is more to food and nutrition than just making sure our bodies are fed. Teaching our children where whole foods come from and the people behind agriculture is important to the community. Take your children on a local farm tour to show them where it all starts. Jacksonville just held their 4th annual Tour De Farm in

Page 6 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

which there were approximately 20 participating farms that families were able to tour. Next, think about starting a small garden at your house this year. No space for a garden? Try growing green peppers or cherry tomatoes in pots on the back porch. It’s a great way to introduce Mother Nature to the whole family and something everyone can help with no matter what age. Or, why not volunteer to help with a community garden? The University of Florida IFAS extension has many volunteer opportunities on it’s website for everything from urban gardening programs to 4-H volunteers. Take a look at the volunteer opportunities in your community and show children how we can care for others and care for our beautiful earth. j Hope your family has a happy and healthy 2016!

Aurea Thompson, MSH, RD, CSP, LD/N Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition Wolfson Children’s Hospital

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

eating well

Quick Recipes for Busy Parents

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD Recipes courtesy of kidshealth.org Fast Turkey Chili Ingredients: 1 lb. turkey 1 package McCormick Chili Powder mix 1 can Campbell’s Cream of Tomato Soup 1 can kidney beans 1 can diced tomato Directions: 1. Cook turkey & drain 2. Add all other ingredients 3. Simmer and serve Eggplant Spaghetti with Fresh Mozzarella Ingredients: ½ lb spaghetti, cooked, no salt added ¼ cup olive oil 1 small eggplant (about ¾ lb), cut into ½ inch pieces 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 5 plum tomatoes, chopped 1 ½ cups sliced zucchini 1 T balsamic vinegar ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper 1 pkg (8 oz) KRAFT mozzarella cheese, cut into ½ inch pieces 3 T chopped fresh basil Directions: 1. Cook spaghetti without added salt.

2. Heat olive oil in large skillet on medium heat.

Add eggplant, onion and garlic to hot oil.

Cook, stirring for 10 minutes 3. Stir in tomatoes, zucchini, vinegar, salt & pepper; continue cooking 10 min or until

vegetables are tender and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.

4. Place hot spaghetti in large serving bowl. Add sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil; toss lightly Tip: Chop and slice ingredients ahead of time to make after work meal assembly especially quick.

Recipe courtesy of kraftrecipes.com Crispy Onion Crusted Chicken Ingredients: 6 oz container French’s Crispy Fried Onions (available in the canned vegetable aisle) 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half 1 egg Directions: 1. Crush crispy fried onion rings in quart size Ziploc bag 2. Beat egg in bowl 3. Dip chicken in egg then place in bag of crushed onion rings to coat then place in baking dish 4. Bake in 400° oven for 20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center.

Recipe courtesy of frenchs.com/recipes Sweet Potato Oven Fries This recipe is especially for pregnant and breastfeeding women, but can be a nutritious part of almost anyone’s diet.

Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes (each about 5 inches long and 3 inches wide) 4 tsp. dried thyme 4 tbsp. canola oil Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into ½-inch strips.

3. In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with canola oil and dried thyme.

4. Place the coated potato strips in a single layer on a baking sheet.

5. Bake for 40 minutes, or until golden brown.

Turn potatoes once or twice during cooking to cook evenly.

This recipe has important nutrients for mom and baby, including Vitamin A which helps develop a baby’s heart, eyes, and immune system. Good sources of vitamin A include milk, orange fruits and vegetables (such as cantaloupe, carrots, and sweet potatoes), and dark leafy greens. Prenatal vitamins should not contain more than 1,500 micrograms (5,000 IU) of vitamin A and pregnant women should not take vitamin A supplements.

Both too little and too much vitamin A can harm a developing fetus.

Reviewed by: Meredith Parkinson, RD, LDN Recipes courtesy of kidshealth.org j

Page 7 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

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Confetti Quinoa Ingredients: 1½ cups low-sodium vegetable stock or water 1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed and drained ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 1 cup frozen chopped, mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, green beans, corn Directions: 1. Add vegetable stock or water to medium saucepan.

2. Bring vegetable stock or water to a boil over medium-high heat.

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5. Cook until water is evaporated and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.

6. Remove lid and stir in veggies with a fork.

7. Place lid back on quinoa so that the heat from the quinoa cooks the vegetables.

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infant & toddler

Keep Liquid Laundry Packets out of Toddlers’ Reach

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ith liquid laundry packets gaining in popularity, now used by 20 percent of U.S. households, parents need to be aware of this emerging risk for children. Between 2012 and 2013, more than 700 children, 5 and under, experienced serious effects as a result of liquid laundry packets, with the impact greatest among 1 and 2 year olds. In fact, the poison centers received more than 33,000 calls from 2012 through May 2015.

Safe Kids Worldwide and manufacturers Tide and Gain have teamed up to teach parents about keeping kids safe around liquid laundry packets.

“Children love to explore and, as they grow, often discover the world by touching and putting things into their mouths,” said Safe Kids Northeast Florida coordinator, Cynthia Dennis, RN. “With liquid laundry packets gaining popularity, it is important that parents and educators recognize the safety risks.”

These packets are a concentrated, single-dose product designed to dissolve in water, so when they come in contact with wet hands or mouths, they start to dissolve and might release the concentrated liquid inside.

If children get into laundry packets, the health risk can be significant. According to the U.S.

Things to Do

Consumer Product Safety Commission, children can experience loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, excessive vomiting, severe eye burns, and temporary vision loss.

“Luckily, the solution to protect children in the home against laundry packet poisoning is simple,” said Dennis. “It’s ensuring that parents and caregivers are taking preventative measures to keep it from happening, and knowing what to do in case additional help is needed.”

To prevent poisoning, Safe Kids, Tide and Gain, and Wolfson Children’s Hospital offer simple tips to keep children safe: • Keep liquid laundry packets out of children’s reach and sight.

• Keep packets in their original container and keep the container closed.

• If a child gets into them, call the Poison Help number immediately, 1-800-222-1222.

For more information on this and other preventable injuries to children, go to wolfsonchildrenshospital.org/safekids. j Cynthia Dennis, Coordinator Safe Kids Northeast Florida (904) 202-4322 Cynthia.Dennis@bmcjax.com 1250 McDuff Ave S Jacksonville, FL 32205 / www.bellyblissjax.com

Infant & Toddler

Happiest Baby on the Block January 14, 6:30pm to 8pm A technique to calm a fussy baby: is it a miracle Little Learners: Wild Weather or magic? Developed by renowned pediatriJanuary 13, 9:30am to 11:30am cian Harvey Karp MD this nationally acclaimed Bring your little ones to MOSH the second program teaches expectant and new parents how Wednesday of every month for exclusive proto incorporate five simple techniques to promote gramming for preschool-aged children and their the calming reflex in your newborn. You’ll also caregivers. Doors open early at 9:30am for practice swaddling and learn some basic infant private Little Learners Museum time followed massage techniques to help baby transition by circle time and programming until 11:30am. during the first three months after birth. Parents Admission is $5 per person (ages 3 & up). Pre- will take home a set of a ‘Happiest Baby on the register online in advance.

Block’ DVD and music CD. All classes are taught *Please be aware that the Nature Unleashed by registered nurse childbirth educators who are exhibit will close on January 10, 2016* ‘Certified Happiest Baby on the Block’ InstrucMOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, tors. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org Cost is $40 per couple. Y Healthy Living Center / 10415 San Jose Boulevard, 2nd Floor, JacksonReturn to Work & Breastfeeding ville, FL 32257 / www.baptistjax.com January 13, 6:30pm to 8pm Ease the transition back to work with the know Peppa Pig Live! how of pumping and learn the best strateJanuary 18, 5pm gies to maintain milk supply. Topics include: Peppa Pig will be at the Florida Theatre for one benefits of breastfeeding, nutrition for breastshow only, as part of the Peppa Pig’s Big Splash feeding, proper latch and positioning, when tour. Tickets start at $29.50 and are available baby is getting enough, pumping and storage, online. Florida Theatre / 128 East Forsyth Street, troubleshooting, and when to call the lactation Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.floridatheatre.com consultant. Rate per couple is $45; Military $40. Belly Bliss Jax / 904-701-2933 / Tehila’s, Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Page 9 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Hey mom....

I can't wait to go back to the hospital to get another baby

Yikes !

Thanks to: Luke and Abigail

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.

START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT

BY TAKING CARE OF YOUR TE ETH Dr Mahajan and her team truly stri

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Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

health & safety

An Organized Kitchen Can Lead to Healthier Eating A

How to Safely Destroy Old Medicine

Y

ou’ve probably heard that you’re not supposed to pour old medicines down the toilet or drain. That’s because they can get into the water supply and cause problems for people re you aware that just having an organized easily slide in and out on the shelf and make kitchen can lead to healthier eating? The certain to label each container. Labels are a must and wildlife. But you can’t just toss containers of United States is in the midst of an obesity if you want the rest of the family to help you stay pills and capsules into the trash either. They epidemic and your kitchen could play a role in this organized in the pantry. Having a pantry that is in might fall into the wrong hands — along with your private health information (if it’s a prescription). increasing problem. According to the CDC, 30% of order, where you know what you have on hand, Or kids or pets might find them and mistake them children aged 2-19 are considered overweight or will help save time and money. for treats. obese so organizing your kitchen to create a Arranging the rest of your kitchen items by healthy lifestyle and eating habits is a must for the frequency of use and purpose will make your overall well-being for you and your family. kitchen run smoothly. Everyday dishes should be So what should you do? Destroy old medicines close at hand while special occasion items should before putting them in the trash.

In order to eat healthy, you must plan out meals. be up on the highest shelves. Place knives and Shop for one or two weeks at a time so that you cutting boards near the sink, pots and pans near Here’s how: will save time and money. Make certain to have the stove, and mixing bowls and spoons in a prep Dump the medicine out of its container into a a very detailed list and stick to that list. Taking area. Try having a “sharps” drawer just for knives sealable plastic bag. Separating the medicine from the container means anyone who finds the the extra ten minutes each week or so to sit and other cutting utensils. Choose categories pills or capsules won’t know what they are. You down and plan out your meals gives you the based on what makes sense to you. confidence to know that you have healthy, In addition to these tips, remember to clean up as can mix different kinds of medicines in the same bag. Just be sure to use a plastic bag that can be delicious meals all ready to go for the next 7-14 you cook. Having a cluttered, messy kitchen days. Place all recipes that have been pulled in a where unwashed items are laying around leads to tightly sealed, like a zipper lock sandwich bag.

Destroy the medicine. Add a small amount of convenient location in the kitchen so that they are disorganization and leaves everyone feeling water to the bag to dissolve the pills or capsules. quickly accessible. If you don’t have the time to sluggish and uninterested in preparing a healthy Then, add something that’s not food, like kitty sit down and plan out your own meals, there is a meal. j litter, shredded paper, sawdust, coffee grounds, or website, Emeals.com that will do it for you. Just choose a meal plan based on your family size and Karen Duncan, Certified Professional Organizer® preferred eating style and Emeals will send you Productive Environment Specialist™ weekly menus with simple directions and a Organized Home / Organized Office matching grocery list. This company offers many 904-955-7346 healthy plan choices. kpduncan@jacksonvilleorganizer.com Another kitchen tip that can lead to healthier www.jacksonvilleorganizer.com eating is to organize your refrigerator and freezer.

Purchase plastic containers to corral similar items Note from the Editor: Jax4Kids welcomes new together. Finding healthy item choices will be columnist Karen Duncan. Each month, Karen will much easier as well as finding space in the share her tips on keeping your busy home and fridge/freezer when putting away the groceries. lives organized. Karen and her team help people Place washed fruit and cut veggies up front so create systems to more effectively manage their that family members can grab them when they time, space and information to accomplish their are looking for a quick snack. In addition, get into goals and to enable them to enjoy their lives. the habit of cleaning your refrigerator out every Areas of expertise include designing and week on trash day. Fruits and veggies that are no organizing small business and home offices and longer fresh should be tossed out as well as residences. She and her team have served leftovers that are over four days old. If you stick hundreds of clients in Jacksonville and the to this routine, you will have an organized Beaches since 2003. She is one of two Certified refrigerator and freezer that will offer you plenty Professional Organizers® (CPO®) in North Florida of room every week or two when you come home having met specific qualifications proven through with a car full of groceries. examination and client interaction. Ms. Duncan is The same rule applies for the pantry too. Place also a Productive Environment Specialist™, like items together and use bins, lazy susans, specializing in organizational solutions for canisters and other storage containers to help businesses and home offices as well as a bring your pantry into understandable order. To member of the National Association of Profesorganize your pantry you will need to first take sional Organizers’ (NAPO) Golden Circle, a everything out and place all items into groups. prestigious designation available to NAPO Breakfast, snacks, seasonings and sauces, pasta members who have worked as a professional and rice, prepared meals, paper goods, drinks, organizer for 5 or more years. Prior to starting www.CarlsonDentalGroup.com cans and sweets are just a few of the many her professional organizing business, she was a categories that you can create. After making your Market Development Manager and a Sales groupings, begin re-loading everything back into Representative in the specialty chemical industry. your pantry. Remember to place bulky bagged She has earned a BS in Engineering and MBA in items in large baskets or containers that can Marketing.

dirt. That way, if kids or animals find the medicine mix, they won’t be able to eat it. Seal up the bag and throw it away in the regular trash.

Also, before you throw away prescription containers, take off the labels. Removing the label and destroying it helps you keep your medical information private. If you can’t remove the label, take a marker and black out your personal information.

A small number of prescription medications are especially dangerous and need to be disposed of right away when they are no longer needed.

These medicines should be flushed down the toilet for safety reasons. If your prescription is one of these, the label or sticker on the container should say so.

Another good way to get rid of old medicines is to take them to a medicine “take-back” program organized by a pharmacy, community organization, or government agency. j Teenhealth.org

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Page 11 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

health & safety

Local Farm Uses Sustainable Free Apps Offer Health Info Agriculture

A

ngela TenBroeck and Richard Blaudow of Traders Hill Farm in Hilliard started with a revolutionary idea: To convert North Florida’s abandoned farmland and henhouses into sustainable aquaponic farms whose products grow faster, taste better, last longer and waste nothing. By turning fish water into plant food, they deliver delicious, difficult-to-grow produce year-round but require zero soil, pesticides or herbicides, and they use just 10% of the water of traditional farms.

TenBroeck was teaching at Mayport Middle School when she met Blaudow, an entrepreneur who cofounded Advanced Technology Services in Illinois, leader in factory maintenance and IT services. He had just bought a 100-acre farm on the St. Marys River in Nassau County that had a couple of former chicken houses.

They wanted to do something exciting with the farm and they truly have. On their website TenBroeck touts the process with missionary zeal, saying she hopes others with take an interest and the process will spread.

The produce from Traders Hill Farm is considered one of the safest in the world because of the rigorous evaluation process they go through.

TenBroeck and Blaudow are also raising Certified Animal Welfare Approved laying hens at Traders Hill. The hens’ constant access to pasture with plenty of room to perform natural behaviors like running, foraging, pecking, dust bathing, and scratching for grubs and seeds under the Florida sunshine, results in pasture management far better for animal welfare and less likely to cause environmental degradation. It results in better tasting, more nutritious eggs, too.

You can purchase seasonal, organic lettuces and herbs, grown without the use of pesticides every Wednesday from 9am - 11am. Product delivery is also available at locations throughout Jacksonville and at Native Sun markets. Tours of the farm are also offered on Wednesdays from 9am 11am and school group tours are available to teach children about farming and conservation.

Call Angela TenBroeck at 904-845-2627 for product delivery or to schedule your group tour.

Visit Traders Hill Farm online at www.tradershillfarm.com. j

FBI Child ID App Y

ou’re shopping at the mall with your children when one of them suddenly disappears. A quick search of the nearby area is unsuccessful.

What do you do?

There’s a free tool from the FBI that can help.

Child ID app provides a convenient place to electronically store photos and vital information about your children so that it’s literally right at hand if you need it. You can show the pictures and provide physical identifiers such as height and weight to security or police officers on the spot.

Using a special tab on the app, you can also quickly and easily e-mail the information to authorities with a few clicks.

Features include: • A default e-mail address for your local police department.

• Ability to auto-populate addresses and phone numbers across profiles.

• Ability to add photos for identifying characteristics (birthmarks, scars, etc.).

• Ability to set and send your phone’s location as your child’s last known location.

• Icon badge notifications will alert users when profile updates are recommended.

• Users with compatible devices can enable Touch ID to login.

• Users have the ability to send an additional hi-res photo of a child.

The FBI (and iTunes for that matter) is not collecting or storing any photos or information that you enter in the app. All data resides solely on your mobile device unless you need to send it to authorities. Please read your mobile provider’s The app also includes tips on keeping children safe as well as specific guidance on what to do in terms of service for information about the security of applications stored on your device. those first few crucial hours after a child goes Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, missing. iPad, and iPod touch.

The free app, available from itunes and released in 2011, was updated in 2015. If you download- The free app may be downloaded for iPhones ed an earlier version, any photos and/or informa- from the iTunes store or for Android on Google Play. j tion you previously entered will be lost when installing this update.

Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

CDC HEALTH IQ Challenge your Health IQ in this fun and educational health trivia app. Do you know the minimum SPF needed to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays?

Or how many seconds you should wash your hands to kill germs? Test your Health IQ to see how your health skills stack up.

FOOD KEEPER Helps consumers use food while at peak quality and reduce waste. The storage times listed are intended as useful guidelines and are not hard-and-fast rules. Some foods may deteriorate more quickly while others may last longer than the times suggested. The times will vary depending on the growing conditions, harvesting techniques, manufacturing processes, transportation and distribution conditions, nature of the food, and storage temperatures.

ASK KAREN Provides 24/7 assistance and tips on preventing foodborne illness, safe food handling and storage, and safe preparation of meat, poultry, and egg products.

EPA AIRNOW Allows users to get locationspecific reports on current air quality and air quality forecasts for both ozone and fine particle pollution (PM2.5). Air quality maps from the AIRNow website provide visual depictions of current and forecast air quality nationwide, and a page on air quality-related health effects explains what actions people can take to protect their health at different AQI levels, such as “code orange.”

ORANGE BOOK EXPRESS Find information about drug products approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by the FDA and information about patents and exclusivity.

BREATHE2RELAX A stress management tool that provides detailed information on the effects of stress on the body and instructions and practice exercises to help users learn the stress management skill called diaphragmatic breathing.

T2 MOOD TRACKER Allows users to monitor their moods on six pre-loaded scales (anxiety, stress, depression, brain injury, post-traumatic stress, general well-being). Custom scales can also be built.

FOODUCATE Fooducate helps you eat better and lose weight. Find healthy foods, scan barcodes, track your progress, get recipes, daily tips and more.

SMOKE FREE Smoke Free is based on the theory that what really helps people quit is being able to see and measure their progress. The app will tell you how long you’ve been smoke free, how much money you’ve saved, how many cigarettes you’ve avoided, and how your health is improving. You then get badges for progress and success can be shared with friends.

NIKE+ TRAINING CLUB Want to get lean, get strong, or get toned? Find more than 100 workouts crafted

by Nike master trainers for people of all fitness levels to help you reach those goals.

NEURONATION NeuroNation is fitness for your brain. Improve your focus, memory and intelligence with over 60 stimulating exercises developed by scientists.

All of these free apps are available for iPhones from the iTunes store or for Android on Google Play. j

2016 Spring Course Catalog

Student Achievement

Parenting & Advocacy

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

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

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

2016 Spring Schedule (All Parent Academy courses are free of charge)

Student Achievement

ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS: PARENT PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUCCESS

8TH GRADE TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL Presented by: DCPS Staff

High school graduation requirements, acceleration programs, career awareness and planning, and assessments.

Date

Location

Presented by: DCPS Staff Come explore how mathematics instruction has changed over time. This course will expose you to math content your child will experience and provide tips on how to help them be successful.

Time

Date

Location

Time

Thomas Jefferson Elementary 8233 Nevada Street, Jacksonville, FL 32220

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Pinedale Elementary, 4229 Edison Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

01/06/16

Northwestern Middle School, 2100 W. 45th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/11/16

01/07/16

Landmark Middle School 101 Kernan Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32225

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

02/01/16

01/07/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/07/16

Fort Caroline Middle School 3787 University Club Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32277

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/13/16

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

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

01/14/16

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

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

01/14/16

Darnell-Cookman Middle/High 1701 North Davis Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/21/16

Baldwin Middle/High, 291 Mill Street W., Baldwin, FL 32234

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/21/16

Westview K-8, 5270 Connie Jean Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

01/26/16 01/28/16

02/11/16

Abess Park Elementary, 12731 Abess Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32225 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

02/22/16

R.V. Daniels Elementary, 1951 West 15th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

FINANCIAL AID NIGHTS Presented by: DCPS Staff

Provides everything there is to know about state and federal financial aid programs.

Date

Location

Time

01/07/16

Raines High School, 3663 Raines Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

01/07/16

Paxon School for Advanced Studies 3239 Norman E. Thagard Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32254

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/12/16

Terry Parker High School 7310 Parker School Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/14/16

Frank H. Peterson Academy, 7450 Wilson Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Mandarin Middle School 5100 Hood Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/19/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Alfred I. duPont Middle School 2710 duPont Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32217

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/21/16

Englewood High School 4412 Barnes Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/25/16

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts 2445 San Diego Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/26/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/26/16

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

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

01/26/16

Mayport USO Office, 2650 Mayport Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

01/28/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

01/28/16

Stanton College Preparatory High School 1149 West 13th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

02/01/16

Robert E. Lee High School 1200 S. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32205

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

02/02/16

Baldwin High School, 291 Mill Street West, Baldwin, FL 32234

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

ACHIEVE 3000 Presented by: DCPS Staff

Tools needed to best utilize the Achieve 3000 online program (used by students grades 3-12) at home.

Date

Location

Time

01/27/16

Oceanway Middle School, 143 Oceanway Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

03/31/16

Arlington Elementary School, 1201 University Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

05/19/16

Westview K-8, 5270 Connie Jean Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMICS: A PERFECT RELATIONSHIP Presented by: DCPS Staff

This course will review data associated with student attendance rates and its impact on student achievement.

Date

Location

Time

01/28/16

Carver Recreation Center 777 5th Ave. South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

02/17/16

MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation 1095 West 6th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

03/17/16

Mandarin Middle School, 5100 Hood Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

02/04/16

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

04/12/16

Cedar Hills Elementary School 6534 Ish Brant Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Mandarin High School 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258

02/11/16

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

05/11/16

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

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

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

02/25/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

DOES YOUR CHILD STRUGGLE IN SCHOOL? Presented by: DCPS and FDLRS/Child Find Staff This course will provide an understanding of Response to Intervention (RTI) and how it holds the promise of ensuring that all children have access to high-quality instruction, and that struggling students are identified, supported, and served early and effectively at their school.

Date

Location

04/05/16, 04/19/16, 05/09/16

DCPS Exceptional Education and Parent Services, 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. and FDLRS/Child Find 4124 Boulevard Center Drive, Building 4600, Jacksonville, FL 32207

Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Time

HELPING YOUR STRUGGLING READER: DYSLEXIA AFFECTS 1 IN 5

Presented by: DCPS Staff Parents and caregivers will gain more insight on how dyslexic students’ minds work, how they learn differently, and strategies to assist them.

Date

Location

Time

02/11/16

Jacksonville University-Davis College of Business (First Floor Conference Room), 2800 University Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32211

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL EXIT OPTIONS: HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA VS. HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn the benefits of receiving a high school diploma, the limitations of a certificate of completion, how to turn a certificate of completion into a diploma and the resources available to attain this goal.

Date

Location

Time

03/15/16

Jean Ribault High School, 3701 Winton Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS: UNDERSTANDING THE FLORIDA STANDARDS ASSESSMENTS AND END OF COURSE EXAMS Presented by: DCPS Staff

Strategies to promote student success on the Florida Standards Assessment and End of Course Exams for Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II students.

PRIORITIZING MILESTONES IN MIDDLE SCHOOL Presented by: DCPS Staff

Learn how to set goals to be successful through Middle School and upon the entrance into High School.

Date

Location

Time

01/20/16

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

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

02/17/16

Fort Caroline Middle School 3787 University Club Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32277

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

03/16/16

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

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

PRIORITIZING MILESTONES IN HIGH SCHOOL Presented by: DCPS Parent Academy Staff

Date

Location

Time

01/12/16

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

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Date

Location

Time

02/16/16

Frank H. Peterson Academies 7450 Wilson Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32210

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

03/30/16

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

03/08/16

Mandarin High School, 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

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

04/18/16

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

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn how to assist high school students in the areas of Science and Social studies on the End of Course Exams and FCAT 2.0 Science Assessments.

Date 04/04/16

Location

Time

Westside High School, 5530 Firestone Road, Jacksonville, FL 32244 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT STEM Presented by: DCPS Staff/Education Advocates This course will provide parents with information on the STEM programs.

Location

Time

01/30/16

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

9:15 -11:45 a.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES Presented by: DCPS Staff

Learn how to assist middle school students in the areas of Science and Social studies on the End of Course Exams and FCAT 2.0 Science Assessments.

Date

Location

Time

02/03/16

Matthew Gilbert Middle School 1424 Franklin Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 Kernan Middle School, 2271 Kernan Blvd. South, Jacksonville, FL 32246

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

PREVENTING SUMMER READING LOSS Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn and understand the importance of summer reading.

Date

Location

Time

04/27/16

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

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

05/11/16

Woodland Acres Elementary School 328 Bowlan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32211

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

05/25/16

Whitehouse Elementary School 11160 General Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32220

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

PRIORITIZING MILESTONES IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

Date 02/09/16

Location Time Cedar Hills Elementary, 6534 Ish Brant Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Love Grove Elementary, 2446 University Blvd. South, Jacksonville, FL 32216 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

04/11/16

Sallye B. Mathis Elementary, 3501 Winton Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32208 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

01/12/16

PRIORIZAR HITOS EN LA ESCUELA SECUNDARIA

Aprenda cómo establecer metas para tener éxito en la secundaria y más allá.

Fecha

Lugar

Hora

04/05/16

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

4:30-5:30 p.m.

SEEING STUDENT ATHLETES TO HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS AND COLLEGE COMPLETION

Date

03/31/16

Learn how to set goals to be successful throughout High School and beyond.

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

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

Date

Location

Time

02/11/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

02/18/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

STORY TIME

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

Date

Location

Time

01/29/16, 02/25/16, 03/11/16, 04/21/16, 05/27/16

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

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

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES THAT WORK Presented by: DCPS Parent Academy Staff Master reading skills that can be used to reach proficiency on classroomand standardized tests.

Date

Location

Time

02/01/16

The Carpenter’s Shop 1601 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, FL 32211

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

02/22/16

Englewood High School, 4412 Barnes Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

03/14/16

Gregory Drive Elementary 7800 Gregory Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

04/06/16

George W. Carver Elementary 2854 W. 45th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

To learn more or register online go to: www.duvalschools.org/ParentAcademy For additional registration options: E-mail ParentAcademy@duvalschools.org or call the Department of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) at 904.390.2960 Page 15 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

THE ONE STOP SHOP TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS (HOMEWORK HELP)

UNDERSTANDING THE FSA: MIDDLE SCHOOL READING AND WRITING

Presented by: DCPS Staff Explore web-based academic resources.

Date

Location

Time

05/12/16

Landon Middle School 1819 Thacker Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

THE WORLD OF DUAL ENROLLMENT Presented by: FSCJ Staff Learn how to earn college credits before entering college.

Date

Location

Time

04/05/16

Samuel Wolfson High School 7000 Powers Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32217

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

05/03/16

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

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

TRANSITION TO KINDERGARTEN Presented by: DCPS Staff Gain important information for a smooth transition to Kindergarten.

Date

Location

Time

04/20/16

R.V. Daniels Elementary School 1951 West 15th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

5:45 - 7:00 p.m.

04/27/16

Salvation Army Center of Hope 900 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

05/04/16

Parks Place Daycare and Learning Center 5500 Shindler Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32222

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

05/11/16

San Jose Elementary 5805 St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

05/18/16

Fort Caroline Elementary, 3925 Athore Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32277

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

05/25/16

Brentwood Elementary 3750 Springfield Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32206

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

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

Date

Location

Time

01/25/16

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

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

02/18/16

James Weldon Johnson ACTC 1840 West 9th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

UNDERSTANDING THE INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN (IEP)

Presented by: DCPS and FDLRS/Child Find Staff An overview of the purpose and development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), Exceptional Education Student Services, and the content within an IEP.

Date

Location

Time

02/23/16, 03/08/16

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

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

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

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

Date

Location

Time

02/25/16

Lake Forest Elementary School 901 Kennard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Parenting & Advocacy ALL ABOUT DCPS SUMMER CAMPS

Get an early-start to summer by gaining knowledge on DCPS Summer Camps.

TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL Presented by: DCPS Staff

This course provides information on transitioning from Elementary to Middle School.

Date

Location

Time

01/19/16

Hendricks Avenue Elementary 3400 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207

6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

01/21/16

Seabreeze Elementary 1400 Seabreeze Avenue, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

02/02/16

Normandy Village, 8257 Herlong Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

UNDERSTANDING THE FSA: ELEMENTARY READING AND WRITING Presented by: DCPS Staff

Learn how to assist Elementary School Students in the areas of Reading and Writing on the Florida Standards Assessment.

Date

Location

Time

01/25/16

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

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

02/09/16

Lake Forest Elementary School 901 Kennard Street, Jacksonville, FL 32208

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

02/18/16

Lone Star Elementary School 10400 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

UNDERSTANDING THE FSA: HIGH SCHOOL READING AND WRITING Presented by: DCPS Staff Learn how to assist High School Students in the areas of Reading and Writing on the Florida Standards Assessment.

Date

Location

Time

01/26/16

Frank H. Peterson Academies 7450 Wilson Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32210

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

02/11/16

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

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Date

Location

Time

03/15/16

Historic Springfield Community Learning Center 1601 North Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

ANGER MANAGEMENT AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION Presented by: DCPS Parent Academy Staff Obtain knowledge on how past learning can influence present behavior and current trends.

Date

Location

Time

02/18/16

Jacksonville Job Corps Center 4811 Payne Stewart Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

03/03/16

First Baptist Church of Oakland 1025 Jessie Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

04/14/16

The Carver Center 777 5th Avenue South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

BLENDED AND STEP FAMILIES INTANGIBLES Presented by: The Church Group This Four-part series course will give clarity and understanding to the Intangibles of Blended and Step Families and how to know what to expect going in.

Date

Location

Time

02/03/16, 02/10/16, 02/17/16, 02/24/16

Central Baptist Institutional Church 524 West 3rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

04/04/16, 04/11/16, 04/18/16, 04/25/16

WellCare Health Plans 5115-1 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

To learn more or register online go to: www.duvalschools.org/ParentAcademy For additional registration options: E-mail ParentAcademy@duvalschools.org or call the Department of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) at 904.390.2960 Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

BREAKFAST LEARNING SERIES Presented by: Family Support Services

Network while receiving helpful information to individuals raising children and professionals who help parents.

Each session covers a different topic.

Date

Location

Time

01/20/16, 02/17/16, 03/16/16, 05/18/16

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

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.

BULLYING IN THE 21ST CENTURY Presented by: DCPS Staff

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

Date

Location

Time

01/12/16, 02/23/16, 03/15/16, 04/12/16, 05/03/16

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

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT Presented by: DCPS Staff

HEALTHY MINDS, HEALTHY KIDS Presented by: DCPS Staff

Understand the importance of school and community-based resources to serve the WHOLE child.

Date

Location

Time

01/14/16

Oak Hill Elementary School 6910 Daughtry Blvd. South, Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

02/25/16

Normandy Village Elementary School 8257 Herlong Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

03/08/16

Word of Life Empowerment Center 1523 Chaffee Road, Jacksonville FL 32210

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

05/19/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

HOW TO BE A BETTER ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD IN ESE

Presented by: DCPS and FDLRS/Child Find Staff This course will help parents advocate for their child in ESE, overview communication skills and preparing for an IEP meeting. It will also provide an overview of different disabilities and understanding accommodations for their child and the value of the ESE survey.

Date

Location

Time

01/19/16, 02/09/16

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

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

This course will inform parents, students and guardians about the Code of Student Conduct and revisions to Elementary and Secondary Codes.

Date

Location

Time

02/08/16

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

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

04/12/16

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

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

DISCOVER DUVAL Presented by: DCPS Leadership

Take an inside look into the quality learning and great educational opportunities provided to the students of Duval County Public Schools (DCPS). Tour select schools and engage in discussions with school leadership, educators and other stakeholders about the successes and challenges of public education. Visit www.discoverduvalschools.org to verify dates, and register.

Date

Location

Time

01/07/16

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

9:00 a.m.

02/01/16

Merrill Road Elementary School 8239 Merrill Road, Jacksonville, FL 32277

9:00 a.m.

02/04/16

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

10:00 a.m.

02/18/16

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

10:00 a.m.

03/03/16

Twin Lakes Middle School 8050 Point Meadows Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32256

10:00 a.m.

03/16/16

Westview K-8, 5270 Connie Jean Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

9:00 a.m.

04/07/16

Venetia Elementary School 4300 Timuquana Road, Jacksonville, FL 32210

04/28/16 05/05/16

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL FAMILY Presented by: DCPS Parent Academy Staff

Knowing we all can improve, this course emphasizes self-inventory on the status of family and provides tools to ensure success, not perfection.

Date

Location

Time

02/02/16

Salvation Army Center of Hope 900 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

03/08/16

The Carpenter’s Shop Center 1601 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32211

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

04/07/16

Pine Estates Elementary School 10741 Pine Estates Road East, Jacksonville, FL 32218

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

IN TROUBLE OR TROUBLED Presented by: Judge Pauline Drake

Is your child in trouble at school, already a part of the juvenile detention system, or struggling to make the appropriate decisions to avoid getting into trouble? This course provides parents with tips, tools and strategies to be informed through these situations.

Date

Location

Time

02/20/16

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

9:15 - 11:45 a.m.

KNOW THE LAW Presented by: The Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office and Drug Free Duval This shared strategy provides a dynamic opportunity for parents to gain an understanding of laws and ordinances in Duval County.

Date

Location

Time

02/01/16

Mandarin High School 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

02/29/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Bartram Springs Elementary School 14799 Bartram Springs Pkwy., Jacksonville, FL 32258

9:00 a.m.

03/17/16

Jacksonville Job Corps Center 4811 Payne Stewart Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Twin Lakes Elementary School 8000 Point Meadows Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32256

9:00 a.m.

ENJOY HEALTHY FOOD THAT TASTES GREAT Presented by: UF/IFAS Extension- Duval County Learn about small changes for healthier fats, salts, sugars, food substitution, and recipe modification.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: WHAT YOU AS A PARENT NEED TO KNOW AND MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD KNOWS Presented by: Center for Children’s Rights

This course will provide parents, caregivers, and community members knowledge of their own rights and their children’s constitutional rights with law enforcement contact at home, in the community, and at school.

Date

Location

Time

Date

Location

Time

01/25/16

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

02/03/16

WellCare Health Plans 5115-1 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205

10:00 11:00 a.m.

Grand Park Career Center 2335 West 18th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

02/24/16

Fort Caroline Middle School 3787 University Club Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32277

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

04/07/16

First Baptist Church of Oakland 1025 Jessie Street. Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

05/10/16

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

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Page 17 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

PARENT LEADER INFORMATION SESSION Presented by: DCPS Parent Academy Staff

February is National Parent Leadership Month and the Parent Academy is always looking for great Parent Leaders! Parent Leaders are those who will support and empower other parents and advocate for the Parent Academy overall. Come learn about the duties and requirements to participate in the Parent Leader program.

Date

Location

Time

02/06/16

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

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

02/10/16, 02/19/16

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

12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.

02/25/16

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

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORTS: CREATING SCHOOL-WIDE CHAMPions

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

Date

Location

Time

01/20/16

Northshore Elementary School, 5701 Silver Plaza, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

03/10/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

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

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

Date

Location

Time

01/13/16

Salvation Army Center of Hope 900 West Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

02/23/16

Job Corps, 4811 Payne Stewart Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

SCHOOL CHOICE INFORMATION SESSION Presented by: DCPS Staff Get information about magnets, special transfers, and other school options, while being able to ask questions.

Date 01/21/16, 02/11/16, 04/14/16

Location

Time

Duval County Public Schools 1701 Prudential Drive (Cline Auditorium), Jacksonville, FL 32207

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will provide a safe environment with accurate information to discuss mental health issues, and help reduce the stigma of mental health.

Date

Location

Time

01/21/16

Rufus Payne Elementary, 6725 Hema Road, Jacksonville, FL 32209 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

03/14/16

Carter G. Woodson Elementary School 2334 Butler Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

04/07/16

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

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

TEENING-UP! Presented by: UF/IFAS Extension-Duval County This 4-session series covers the unique teen-brain; developmental transitions, positive discipline, talking with teens about sex, drugs, alcohol, anger-management, and empowering youth in building assets.

Date

Location

Time

02/11/16, 02/18/16, 02/25/16, 03/03/16

The Bridge of Northeast FL 1824 North Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

04/01/16, 04/08/16, 04/15/16, 04/22/16

UF/IFAS Extension-Duval County 1010 N. McDuff Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254

TOOLS FOR ENGAGEMENT Presented by: Drug Free Duval

This course provides specific strategies to assist parents in meaningful, intentional engagement that is linked to reduced risk-behavior choices.

Date

Location

Time

02/29/16

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

6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Personal & Individual Growth ACHIEVE 3000 FOR PARENTS Presented by: DCPS Staff This course will discuss the best utilization of the Achieve 3000 online program to boost adult reading achievement.

Date

Location

Time

Tuesdays, 01/12/16 05/17/16 (excluding holidays)

Bradham and Brooks Public Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

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

Wednesdays, Jacksonville Urban League 01/13/16 903 West Union Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 05/25/16 (excluding holidays)

9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

Thursdays, 01/14/16 05/26/16 (excluding holidays)

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Highlands Public Library 1826 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

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

Date

Location

Time

02/24/16

James Weldon Johnson ACTC 1840 West 9th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

04/19/16

Victory Pointe Housing Community 6750 Ramona Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

BUILDING AND REBUILDING YOUR CREDIT

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

Date

Location

Time

02/22/16

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

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

03/30/16

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

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

04/07/16

Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME 10:00 11:30 a.m.

Discussions and worksheets on the decision to buy or rent, estimating the amount you can borrow, calculating the amount of monthly mortgage payment you can afford, and deciding on the features in a home that are important to you. This course is a 2 part course.

Date

Location

Time

05/04/16

Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

(PART I)

05/11/16

Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

(PART II)

TIPS FOR LOSING WEIGHT AND KEEPING IT OFF Presented by: UF/IFAS Extension-Duval County

Learn how to determine healthy weight, the top four tips for losing weight and how to keep track of physical activity.

Date

Location

Time

03/09/16

UF/IFAS Extension-Duval County 1010 N. McDuff Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254

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

05/12/16

Dallas Graham Branch Library 2304 North Myrtle Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

(PART I)

05/17/16

WellCare Health Plans 5115-1 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205

4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

05/19/16

Dallas Graham Branch Library 2304 North Myrtle Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

(PART II)

Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

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

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

Date

Location

Time

02/11/16

Highlands Branch Library 1826 Dunn Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32218

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

MS Excel 1: MS Excel 2: MS Excel 3: MS Excel 4: Location Beginners Intermediate Advanced Expert

Time

04/27/16

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

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

01/06/16

01/13/16

01/20/16

01/27/16

Main Library (Room 124)

11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

05/23/16

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

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

01/14/16

01/21/16

01/28/16

02/04/16

University Park Branch Library

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

01/21/16

01/28/16

Bradham and Brooks Branch Library

6:00 7:30 p.m.

01/21/16

01/28/16

South Mandarin Branch Library

6:30 8:00 p.m.

02/03/16

02/10/16

Webb Weconnect Regional Library

2:30 4:00 p.m.

02/06/16

02/20/16

Webb Weconnect Regional Library

3:00 4:30 p.m.

02/14/16

02/21/16

Main Library (Room 124)

1:30 3:00 p.m.

Southeast Regional Library

6:30 8:00 p.m.

DAD ALL DAY (DAD) Presented by: Family Support Services

Support group for formerly incarcerated dads.

Date

Location

Time

01/09/16, 02/06/16, 03/05/16, 04/02/16, 05/07/16, 06/04/16

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

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

FINANCIAL RECOVERY Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity

02/16/16

Find out how to recover financially and rebuild your credit after a financial-setback.

Date

Location

Time

01/26/16

Westbrook Branch Library 2809 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

02/18/16

Dallas Graham Branch Library 2304 North Myrtle Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

02/23/16

Westbrook Branch Library 2809 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

03/22/16

Westbrook Branch Library 2809 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

INVESTING BASICS Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity Discover the difference between saving and investing, how diversification reduces risk, and the basics of stocks, bond, and mutual funds.

Date

Location

Time

05/25/16

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

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

MANAGING YOUR MONEY IN TOUGH TIMES Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity Learn how to make tough decisions for spending and get tips for reducing expenses.

Date

Location

Time

04/14/16

Bradham and Brooks Library 1755 Edgewood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

04/25/16

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

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

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

Date

Location

Time

01/07/16, 02/04/16, 03/03/16, 04/07/16, 05/05/16

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

Noon 1:00 p.m.

To learn more or register online go to: www.duvalschools.org/ParentAcademy For additional registration options: E-mail ParentAcademy@duvalschools.org or call the Department of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) at 904.390.2960 Page 19 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

02/04/16

03/15/16

03/01/16

03/08/16

Highlands Regional Library

6:00 7:30 p.m.

03/07/16

03/14/16

Main Library (Room 419)

3:00 4:30 p.m.

MICROSOFT OFFICE 2010: POWERPOINT Presented by: The Jacksonville Public Library/DCPS Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 1 and 2 provide instruction on Microsoft PowerPoint at the beginner and intermediate levels.

MS PowerPoint 1: Beginners

MS PowerPoint 2: Intermediate

Location

Time

01/04/16

01/11/16

Main Library (Room 419)

3:00 4:30 p.m.

02/04/16

02/11/16

Bradham and Brooks Branch Library

6:00 7:30 p.m.

02/17/16

02/24/16

Webb Wesconnett Region- 2:30 al Library 4:30 p.m.

03/06/16

03/13/16

Main Library (Room 124)

1:30 3:00 p.m.

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

MS Word 1: Beginners

MS Word 2: Intermediate

01/07/16

MS Word 3: Advanced

Location

Time

01/14/16

Bradham and Brooks Public Library

6:00 7:30 p.m.

01/13/16

01/20/16

Webb Wesconnect Regional Library

2:30 4:00 p.m.

01/14/16

01/21/16

Main Library (Room 124)

4:00 5:30 p.m.

02/01/16

02/08/16

Main Library (Room 419)

3:00 4:30 p.m.

02/11/16

02/18/16

University Park Branch Library

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

02/16/16

02/23/16

Highlands Regional Library

6:00 7:30 p.m.

03/02/16

03/09/16

03/16/16

Main Library (Room 124)

11:30 a.m.1:00 p.m.

03/03/16

03/10/16

03/17/16

South Mandarin Branch Library

6:30 8:00 p.m.

03/04/16

03/11/16

Regency Square Branch Library

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

01/28/16

MOMS: EXPLORING ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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

SUCCESSFULLY LANDING THE RIGHT JOB Presented by: DCPS Staff Prepare to successfully land the right job, create the right resume, and handle tough questions in a job interview.

Date

Location

Time

Date

Location

Time

01/19/16

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

10:00 11:30 a.m.

Brentwood Lakes Housing Community 3465 Village Center Drive Bldg #28, Jacksonville, FL 32206

5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

01/27/16

01/20/16

02/25/16

WellCare Health Plans 5115-1 Normandy Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32205

10:00 11:30 a.m.

Southwind Villas Housing Community 8711 Newton Road, Jacksonville, FL 32216

11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m.

01/28/16

Victory Pointe Housing Community 6750 Ramona Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205

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

02/16/16

Centennial Townhouses West 1261 North Broad Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

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

02/17/16

Anders Park Housing Community 10770 Anders Blvd. Apt. #1708, Jacksonville, FL 32216

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

02/24/16

Colonial Village Housing Community 9500 103rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32210

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

03/15/16

Blodgett Villas Housing Community 1301 N. Davis Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209

3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

04/19/16

Job Corps, 4811 Payne Stewart Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

MONEY MATTERS

Presented by: RealSense for Prosperity Understand how to manage money and identify ways to decrease spending and increase income.

Date

Location

Time

01/21/16

Dallas Graham Branch Library 2304 North Myrtle Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

02/09/16, 03/08/16

Westbrook Branch Library 2809 Commonwealth Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254

6:30 - 7:30 p.m

PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

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

Date

Location

Time

03/21/16

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

7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

RESUME AND COVER LETTER WRITING Presented by: Jacksonville Urban League

This course will provide useful information on writing a resume and cover letter. Participants will have the opportunity to type their resume and cover letter, leaving the course with completed documents. Courses begin the week of 01/11/16 and end 05/27/16.

Date

Location

Time

1st, 2nd and Jacksonville Urban League 3rd Tuesday of 903 West Union Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 Every Month (excluding holidays)

9:30 11:30 a.m.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS

Presented by: DCPS Parent Academy Staff This course will provide participants with the basic information on starting a small business.

Participants will receive information on how to obtain a business license, how to get resources to start a business and begin writing your business plan.

Date

Location

Time

03/09/16

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

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

04/20/16

University Park Branch Library (Public Meeting Room A) 3435 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32277

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

05/17/16

Job Corps, 4811 Payne Stewart Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32209

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

THE IMMIGRANT GUIDE: WHAT EVERY IMMIGRANT NEEDS TO KNOW

Presented by: DCPS- Center for Language and Culture (ESOL) Information for Immigrants. Courses begin the week of 01/11/16 and end 05/27/16 (excluding holidays)

ROSETTA STONE: LEARN ENGLISH/SPANISH

Presented by: DCPS- Center for Language and Culture (ESOL) At your own pace, learn English or Spanish using the individualized Rosetta Stone software. Courses begin the week of 01/11/16 and end 05/27/16 (excluding holidays).

Date

Location

Time

Tuesdays

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

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 3:30 - 5:00 p.m., and/or 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Tuesdays

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

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Thursdays

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

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

Date

Location

Time

Mondays

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

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

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

Date

Location

01/15/2016, The Center for Language and Culture (CLC); 02/19/2016, on the campus of Kings Trail Elementary 03/11/2016, 7401 Old Kings Road, South, Jacksonville, FL 32217 04/15/2016, 05/20/2016

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

Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Time 10:00 11:30 a.m.

Public Perception Favorable to Duval County Public Schools

Helpful Tips for Applying to DCPS Magnet Programs Through its School Choice program, Duval County Public Schools offers a wide assortment of academic programs and selections for the various interest of students and their families. One of the centerpieces to Duval County Public Schools is its magnet programs, which offer a theme or focus that is designed to give students an opportunity to explore a special interest, gift, talent, or skill. Magnet programs are instituted at the elementary and secondary levels throughout the district, and help promote diversity within the schools.

Families can make the decision to apply for a magnet program, opt for another Choice program, or chose to attend their neighborhood school. However, it is important to keep a few tips and key ideas in mind when deciding to go into a magnet program:

Application Deadline is Feb. 29, 2016.

Due to the popularity of the magnet program, a lottery is used to select students for each program. Only applications received or postmarked by Feb. 29 will be processed in the lottery. Late applications may be accepted, but with limited spaces, a spot may not be available at the requested school.

You Can Make Several Choices on Your Application.

Students and their families can make up to three choices for which programs they wish to attend. It is important that students indicate the priority level for each of their selections. The lottery randomly selects students based on the priority that has been assigned to each choice, and the number of available openings for each program and grade level. Students who are not accepted into any of their magnet requests are placed on a Waiting List(s).

The Admission Process.

Learn As Much As Possible.

There is an abundance of information available. Stop by the School Choice Expo on Jan. 9 at the Prime Osborne Convention Center from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Logon to www. duvalchoice.com, and explore the different options and offerings. Take a tour at the school, and see first-hand what the program is like and if it meets the student’s needs. January and February are generally when most families are determining their plans for the 2016-2017 school year.

Magnet programs are open-admission, however, some schools have set academic standards that must be met for students to return each year: Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts, James Weldon Johnson, Kirby-Smith, Julia Landon, LaVilla Schools of the Arts, Paxon School For Advanced Studies, Stanton College Preparatory School, Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology, and A. Philip Randolph Academies of Technology.

When the Jacksonville Public Education Fund released the findings of its 2015 Annual Public Perceptions Poll, many of the results were in favor of Duval County Public Schools and aligned with the district’s strategic goals that are in place for the 2015-2016 school year.

The findings included a growing confidence in the district’s leadership; an increase of educational improvement; and a support for open enrollment.

Perhaps one of the most impressive results was the public’s perception of the Duval County School Board and the Superintendent’s Office in terms of effectiveness in helping to improve public education in Jacksonville.

Both groups saw a significant increase from the 2014 survey. About 53.1% of the public rated the School Board as being very effective or somewhat effective, a 9.3% increase from the previous year.

Meanwhile, 54.5% of the public thought the Superintendent’s Office was very effective or somewhat effective – up from 51.5% from the previous year.

Teachers received high praise from the Duval County public. Over threequarters of those polled – 76.6% – said

Another response that jumped out in the results were the people who supported open enrollment.

Nearly three-quarters – 74.6% – of the respondents strongly agree or agree with parents in Duval County being allowed to enroll their child in any public school within the district regardless of where they live. Among those respondents, 59.0% answered with strongly agree.

Complete results from the 2015 Annual Public Perceptions Poll may be found on the Jacksonville Public Education Fund’s website (www.jaxpef.org).

Free Breakfast Program Comes to All DCPS Schools Starting on Jan. 11, Duval County Public Schools will offer the Universal Breakfast Program to 47 schools that don’t participate in the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), allowing all students to receive a healthy and nutritious meal to start their day. Nationally, DCPS is one of the few school districts to provide breakfast for all of its students, and the district is the only one in Northeast Florida to have a program like this for its students.

“We are proud to be one of the first districts to be part of something like this that is a trendsetter for the rest of the country,” said Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti.

As a result of a federal funding surplus, the program will be in place in all of the district’s schools for at least two years.

Prior to Jan. 11, only schools that qualiVisit www.duvalchoice.com for more information about School Choice and the fied for the Community Eligibility Promagnet application process. gram received free breakfast.

Page 21 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

DCPS teachers were very effective or somewhat effective. Additionally, the public said one of the biggest improvements was the district’s ability to recruit, develop, and retain great teachers and leaders. That improvement aligns with the district’s strategic goals for 2015-2016, and had the highest public perception increase from the 2014 survey in its category. As a result of the high rankings in the aforementioned categories, the public said their perception of K-12 education in Jacksonville has gotten better.

“When we talk about poverty, we always think of low-income areas, but the reality is our middle class is becoming smaller and smaller,” said Vitti. “Even two-parent homes with solid, middle class jobs are finding their budgets tighter and tighter.”

Students will enjoy a variety of options to choose from for their breakfast. Typical breakfast options will include breakfast chicken sandwiches, cereals, egg and cheese wraps, whole wheat muffins, and breakfast pizzas.

No student or parent applications are needed to take advantage of this free program.

Visit the Food Services webpage on www.duvalschools.org for more information.

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Clay County School News Bike Donated to Aid Lakeside PE Program Variety Florida – The Children’s Charity has donated a bicycle for use in Lakeside Junior High’s Specially Designed Physical Education program.

The bike will be used in the program to have an impact on the fitness of up to 30 students on a daily basis. A group from the Orlando-based charity, led by vice president Bob Winters, visited the school to see the bike in action.

Winter Concerts a Success at Coppergate Coppergate Elementary’s Colt Chorale had a busy time last month. They sang for packed houses at several winter concerts for family, friends and their fellow students. The concerts included an assortment of holiday songs as well as some amazing hula dancers and three adorable snowflake ballerinas. The students were surprised when the teachers came on stage and performed

Spelling Bee Champs

“Rudy the Red Nosed Reindeer” for them. To advertise their concerts, they had a preview at Moe’s on Fleming Island.

Mrs. Carver, Mrs. Miskowski and Coach Conroy are in charge of the program, which resumes in February.

Ashton Paseiro and runner-up Ameera Usman are the new Argyle Elementary Spelling Bee champs.

New Sports Medicine Program Created In an effort to prevent sports injuries, St. Vincent’s Clay County Medical Center has created a partnership with Clay County Schools, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists of Middleburg and Preferred Physical Therapy on Fleming Island to provide a new comprehensive sports medicine program to all middle and high schools in the county.

It will provide: a certified athletic trainer in each high school and one certified athletic trainer for every two middle schools; educational sessions for school officials and students on sports-related topics; and $1,000 in medical supplies for each middle and high school.

“More than half of all sports injuries in children are preventable. St. Vincent’s is investing nearly a quarter-million dollars into this program to protect these local middle and high school student athletes and arm them with knowledge,” said St. Vincent’s HealthCare President of Acute Care Blain Claypool. “Ultimately, we think our comprehensive collaboration will become a model for

other communities.”

Athletic trainers, provided by Preferred Physical Therapy, will tailor their schedules to the specific needs of the schools they work with. Southeast Orthopedic Specialists will provide medical direction for the program. St. Vincent’s Clay County will provide its clinical expertise for educational sessions and will also provide the medical supplies.

Middleburg Lifters Earn Honors

Four Middleburg High School girls weightlifting team members placed in the top three in their various classes at the recent St. Johns River Conference meet in St. Augustine.

Additionally, St. Vincent’s Ambulance Service is Danielle Boyer placed first, Emma providing ambulances during football games at Weiskopf, second and Brooke Searles middle schools. and Courtney King, third. Middleburg finished fifth in the 11-team confer“We are thankful to St. Vincent’s HealthCare for ence standings with 19 points. Two creating this partnership that is designed to make other Clay schools, Fleming Island our student athletes safer, more educated and and Orange Park, finished 4th and more prepared for their bright futures, inside or sixth respectively. outside of organized sports,” said Clay County Superintendent of Schools Charlie Van Zant, Jr.

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

Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

January Calendar Connect with us!

Monday, Jan. 4

Planning Day/Student Holiday

Tuesday, Jan. 5

Inservice Day/Student Holiday

Wednesday, Jan. 6

Students Return to School

Monday, Jan. 18

Luther King Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

St. Johns County School District News Register Early for Run/Walk The CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee is calling all walkers, runners and fitness enthusiasts to participate in the 4th annual CHARACTER COUNTS! 6 Pillars 6K/3K Run/Walk on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at 9 a.m. The run/walk will begin and end at Palencia Elementary School, 355 Palencia Village Drive, St. Augustine.

Walkers and runners will enjoy a scenic course running through the neighborhoods of Kensington and Las Calinas and can choose to participate in the 6K (3.73 miles) or 3K (1.86 miles) distance.

The run/walk is open to all ages, and the top three winners will be awarded in each of the age categories as well as the overall male and female finishers. A cash donation will be awarded to the top three schools with the most registrants. Register by Jan. 16 to receive a tech t-shirt and lots of other goodies from area businesses and organizations.

At the finish line, the first 500 race participants will receive a commemorative dog tag, the second in a series.

Registration fees: 6K – $25 before Jan. 1, $30 Jan. 1-Feb. 5, $35 on race day.

3K – $20 before Jan. 1, $25 Jan. 1-Feb. 5, $30 on race day.

Registration forms and more information are available online at www.racesmith.com/races/ CHARACTERCOUNTS.html.

Race proceeds will support initiatives throughout the St. Johns County School District. This event is produced by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee and is presented

by Beaver Toyota Scion with support from businesses and community groups.

The school district, along with area businesses, youth organizations and civic groups, selected the national character educational program as a countywide initiative to instill positive character traits in young people throughout the county. Additionally, the St. Johns became the first school district in Florida to implement Pursuing Victory With Honor in all of its athletic programs. Character education is an important part of every school improvement plan and a major component of the Student Code of Conduct and the school district’s strategic plan.

Outstanding Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year Kyle Dresback, principal of Allen D. Nease High School, has been selected as the St. Johns County School District’s nominee for the 2015-2016 Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership. Employed with the school district since 1996, Dresback is in his 7th year as principal of Nease. Established in 1988 to recognize exemplary principals for their contributions to their schools and communities, the program honors principals who have spearheaded initiatives to increase student performance and promote safe learning environments, often through establishing partnerships with parents and community members.

Kirstie Gabaldon, assistant principal at Creekside High School, has been selected as the school district’s nominee for the Kyle Dresback 2015-2016 Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award. This annual award honors assistant principals who have utilized teamwork paired with leadership skills to increase student performance, promote safe learning environments, and establish partnerships with parents and community members. Gabaldon has been employed in her present position since 2010.

Dresback’s and Gabaldon’s nominations have been forwarded to the state level. The overall winners will be announced early next year.

Kirstie Gabaldon

Ponte Vedra Freshman Wins National STEM Prize Madison Toonder, a freshman at Ponte Vedra High School who attends the Academy of Biotechnology and Medical Research, has won second place in the Broadcom MASTERS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) competition in the Mathematics category for her project on the study on the effect of sunblock nanoparticles on oysters’ ability to filter bay

Madison Toonder water. Madison, the first-ever finalist from St. Johns County, was awarded an all-expense paid trip to San Francisco for a week to present her research at the Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley.

Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering Rising Stars), is the premier middle school science and engineering fair competition. Society for Science & the Public-affiliated science fairs around the country nominate the top 10 percent of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students to enter (This year’s St. Johns

County Science Fair will be Jan. 20 at Sebastian Middle School). Entries are judged during the summer, and, in the fall, the top 300 national semifinalists are named. Thirty finalists present their research projects and compete in team hands-on STEM challenges to demonstrate their skills in critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity. Top prizes include the $25,000 Samueli Foundation Prize, a gift of Dr. Henry Samueli, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, and his wife, Susan Samueli, and the $10,000 Marconi/Samueli Award for Innovation.

Annie Ostojic of Munster, Ind., won the top prize for her STEM knowledge and ability to collaborate, inspire and motivate others as a natural leader. Sebastian Mellen of San Diego, Calif., won the innovation prize based on his aptitude and skill in technical and mathematical concepts while demonstrating superior teamwork. The 12 award winners hailed from all over the U.S., including California with 4, Florida with 2, and Colorado, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas with one winner each.

Sponsored by Broadcom Foundation, a non-profit public benefit organization funded by Broadcom Corporation, the Broadcom MASTERS is a program of Society for Science & the Public. SSP has been the leader of the world’s most prestigious science competitions for more than seven decades. Broadcom Corporation is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications.

Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Month Talk about being focused on a goal….that is exactly what Jabari Carpenter is like. He studies hard to maintain his “A” average in a quest to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study engineering. He is in the seventh grade at Murray Middle School and because of his academic prowess and his service to the club, he has been named Youth of the Month at THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club in St. Augustine. He enjoys school as well as participating in sports.

Follow us on Twitter

Tuesday, Jan. 5 Wednesday, Jan. 6 Monday, Jan. 18

Jabari Carpenter

January Calendar

Teacher Planning Day, Student Holiday

Classes resume/second semester begins Martin Luther King Day, Student/Teacher Holiday

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

Page 23 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Ten Jacksonville Area Locations!

• Baymeadows (904) 620-9884 • Blanding (904) 276-2344 • Eagle Harbor (904) 264-9111 • Hodges at JTB (904) 223-7079 • Julington Creek (904) 230-2791 • Mandarin (904) 268-4424 • Monument (904) 996-8111 • Neptune Beach (904) 241-0100 • Ponte Vedra (904) 285-4031 • Wells Road (904) 264-7555

Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

(Offer Valid For New Students Only)

EDUCATION

Develop Strategies to Help Your Children Read Better

O

ne definition of the noun strategy, according to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, is “the art of devising or employing plans or stratagems toward a goal.”

When I think of strategies, I consider how we use them in wars, relationships and careers. These days, with the proliferation of electronic devices, it seems our kids need strategies more than ever to help them succeed in school. I see kids’ needs for reading comprehension strategies play out before my eyes in the high school English classes I teach.

The good news is there are a multitude of available strategies to help kids read better. Over the next few months, I’ll be offering my take on which reading strategies work best for kids at different reading levels.

The first and most basic strategy, in my opinion, is to provide ample reading opportunities for your children. Simply put, we all get better at reading by reading. If your children aren’t reading at home, you can change that situation by providing quality reading material and requiring them to read some every day. I suggest turning off the electronics during reading time because of the distractions they cause.

The second most basic strategy is to make sure your kids know how to recognize and navigate various genres or types of writing. Generally speaking, there are four main genres of writing: non-fiction, fiction, poetry and drama.

Characteristics of the four genres and a suggested activity you can do with your children to help them become more familiar with each: Non-Fiction Characteristics Non-fiction literally means “not invented.” Text books, newspapers, how-to books, memoirs and biographies would be examples of non-fiction texts. In my classes, we think of non-fiction texts as informational texts.

A non-fiction activity: Think of your child’s interests. Maybe he is interested in trucks.

Perhaps she is interested in crafting. Visit your local library and check out the non-fiction section.

We recently checked out several books on horses with our daughter. She has been reading about types of horses, how to care for horses and various ways horses work with humans ever since!

Fiction Characteristics Fiction simply refers to invented or imagined stories. Comic books, graphic novels and series of children’s novels are examples of fiction texts.

We call fiction “made up stories” in my classes to help the students remember what fiction is.

A fiction activity: Pick out a few fiction books appropriate for your kids. Read the books to them or with them. Then, ask your kids to write an alternate ending or draw a picture to accompany the story. You can join in the fun, too! Share the writing and art with the family.

Poetry Though definitions of poetry vary, our class definition is imaginative, rhythmic writing. Anthologies of poets (such as Emily Dickinson or T. S. Eliot), theme-based collections and children’s books written in verse are examples of poetry. Sometimes kids feel intimidated by poetry. In my experience, if kids are exposed to many different kinds of poems, their hesitation toward the genre usually dissipates.

A poetry activity: Use your family dinner time to read a poem or two aloud. Discuss the meaning, rhymes and themes of the poems you select.

Then challenge each family member to write a poem about something on the dinner table (an ode to bread, perhaps) and have an after-dinner poetry reading.

That’s MY Job! Debra Davis, Ultrasound Technician How long have you been an Ultrasound Technician?

I’ve been a sonographer for just about 20 years and have worked at A Stork’s View for almost 11 of those years.

Why did you choose this career?

By the age of 40, I had been in medical sales for most of my career but found myself becoming more and more tired of being on the road and at the mercy of the weather and doctor’s schedules. I knew I wanted to stay in the medical field but also needed to choose a profession that offered variety and was noninvasive. Ultrasound offered those options.

What kind of education did you get to become an Ultrasound Technician?

The school I attended required two years of classroom studies and externships at local hospitals and clinics. At the end of those two years I could choose my specialty and sit for the national exam to become a registered sonographer. Because I became pregnant during school and was able to watch the amazing changes in my child throughout my pregnancy, my choice of specialty was obstetrics.

What are some of your responsibilities?

At A Stork’s View, I provide non-diagnostic 2D or 3D/4D prenatal ultrasounds that allow parents to meet their baby before birth. Friends and family are welcome to join the parents in watching their baby move, wave, blow kisses, cry and smile on our flat screen HD TV. What do you like most about your job?

I love watching families’ faces light up with joy the first time they see baby’s face in 3D. I enjoy hearing the oohs and aahs as baby smiles or frowns. It is truly a joy for me to tell parents the gender of their baby for the first time. I am extremely grateful to be allowed to be a small part of each client’s amazing journey.

Drama In our class, drama refers to plays or skits written to be acted out in front of others. Collections of plays, reader’s theater plays and skits are examples of drama. Plays are usually written in script format. In order to read drama, your young readers will need to learn to read stage directions, character descriptions and various types of fonts.

A drama activity: Download a few reader’s theater scripts from the Internet and print them. Assign parts to your family members, grab a few props, set a date for your performance and enjoy it!

Next month, I’ll offer specific and effective reading comprehension strategies for non-fiction texts.

I’d love to hear how you are helping your kids become better readers. Please e-mail me at nancyleebethea@gmail.com. j Nancy Lee Bethea

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

– Martin Luther King Jr. Page 25 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Sea Turtle

Early Learning Center

EDUCATION

Nearly Halfway to STEM Teachers Goal I n his 2011 State of the Union address, President Barack Obama called for a new effort to prepare 100,000 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) teachers over the next decade with strong teaching skills and deep content knowledge.

100Kin10 (its name reflects its goal: train and place 100,000 new STEM teachers by 2021) was founded shortly thereafter.

“There’s an urgency to meet this target because our schools have to better prepare kids for the future where the economy will largely be driven by STEM-based jobs,” said Talia Milgrom-Elcott, co-founder and executive director of 100Kin10, in a recent interview with CNN. What started as a group of 28 corporations, universities and nonprofits has since ballooned into a robust initiative with more than 230 public and private partners around the country. 100Kin10, which is funded by grants, acts as a facilitator between partners like AT&T, Lockheed Martin and the American Museum of Natural History.

Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, a 100Kin10 partner, launched a nine-month program in 2014 to train new STEM teachers. It targets individuals who want to shift gears in their careers.

“The first cohort we graduated had folks who had worked on Wall Street, the pharmaceutical industry and in the military. But they were all passionate about teaching,” said Judith Fraivillig, associate professor at Rider. Fraivillig said the program partners with a local K-5 school, and its candidates become teachers-in-training for nine months. “We have to give kids a solid STEM foundation by 4th grade,” she said. “That’s typically when they decide they either love or hate math and science.”

In conjunction with the recent signing of the Every Student Succeeds Act, the White house released a report outlining progress made in elementary and secondary education since 2009. It stated that 100kin10 has made more than 350 measurable commitments to increase the supply of STEM teachers, including recruiting and preparing more than 43,000 teachers in the first five years of the initiative.

This is nearly halfway. With six years to go, will 100kin10 succeed?

“We have our work cut out for us,” Milgrom-Elcott said. “As the economy improves, it will be harder to attract people to teaching. But I’m optimistic that we’re building the momentum to get us there.” j

Get Prepared for a Day of Service designated the holiday as a national day of service. Taking place each third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service – a “day on, not a day off.” The MLK Day of Service empowers individuals, strengthens communities, bridges barriers, addresses social r. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to problems, and moves us closer to Dr. King’s equality, social justice, economic advancement, and opportunity for all. He challenged us to vision. build a more perfect union and taught us that All types of service are encouraged, particularly everyone has a role to play in making America projects that connect participants to ongoing what it ought to be. With his leadership, our service throughout the nation made great year, have a lasting strides toward increased impact and build the civil rights. capacity of an organizaMore than 40 years after tion to launch new his death, Dr. King’s projects, mobilize example can continue to volunteers, or generate guide us in addressing resources. The most our most critical issues. successful projects Each of us can contribute connect to the life and to strengthening our own teachings of Dr. King and communities by serving include time to reflect on in Dr. King’s honor not his teachings. only on the King Holiday, but throughout the year.

A wide variety of free By making service part of our daily lives, we can MLK Day resources for individuals and organizahelp realize Dr. King’s dream. Together, we can tions are available at nationalservice.gov/ create and sustain opportunities for Americans to MLKDay. strengthen their own and other’s economic opportunity, ensure that more young people These include: graduate from high school, support our military • A tool to register your MLK Day project families and veterans, and help communities • A tool to find an MLK Day project prepare for and recover from disaster.

• Webinars • Lesson plans and worksheets for grades 3-12 Legislation was signed in 1983 creating a federal • Service projects for all ages holiday marking his birthday. The federal holiday • Primary-source resources about Dr. King was first observed in 1986. In 1994, Congress • Toolkits j “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

D

Things to Do Education

2016 Junior ROWITA Fellowships Thru February 1, 2016 The St. Johns Cultural Council is seeking applications for the 2016 Junior 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. The deadline for application is February 1, 2016. Applicants must have either applied or been accepted into a BFA program, a summer institute/ intensive, or an arts workshop in order to be considered.

Three $1000 fellowship awards are available: one each in Performing, Visual, and Literary Arts. In order to be eligible, candidates must have a 3.0 GPA, and acceptance into a college level arts program or summer institute. Applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation from their arts teacher; write a statement describing their relationship with their arts, and provide a DVD of their work. The applications are reviewed by a panel of past Dr. Gail Pflaster ROWITA

Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

recipients. The ROWITA Awards recognize outstanding women in the arts who have made significant contributions to the arts in St. Johns County. The Jr. ROWITA Fellowship application is available online. For more information e-mail the St. Johns Cultural Council at information@stjohnsculture.com. St. Johns Cultural Council / www.stjohnsculture.com Educator Appreciation Days January 9 – January 17 Pre-K through grade 12 educators are invited to Barnes & Noble for special discounts, giveaways and events.

Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Educator Appreciation Days: Tech Showcase January 9, 1pm to 3pm Join Barnes & Noble as they showcase the latest tech products. Enjoy demos, free giveaways, and chances to win prizes.

Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

EDUCATION

Writing Competition Celebrates 30 Years

T

he DuPont Challenge Science Essay Competition is underway. Established in 1986 as a tribute to the Space Shuttle Challenger and now in its 30th year, the contest encourages students to consider how science and innovation can be used to meet the global challenges for food, energy and protection.

All students in grades K-12 across the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories are eligible to participate. This year the Challenge has three levels of competition: Elementary Division (grades K through 5), Junior Division (grades 6, 7, and 8) and Senior Division (grades 9, 10, 11, and 12).

Students in grades K through 5 may submit their entries up to March 1. Students in grades 6-12 must submit their entries before Jan. 31.

At each level, students conduct research on a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) topic and write their findings.

Elementary Division students collaborate in groups along with their classroom teacher to participate in inquiry-based exploration and create a science story while Junior and Senior Division students write individual essays.

Students should address one of the four following categories in a 700 to 1,000-word essay:

1. Together, we can feed the world.

2. Together, we can build a secure energy future.

3. Together, we can protect people and the environment.

4. Together, we can be innovative anywhere.

The DuPont Challenge offers more than $50,000 in prizes and awards in the Elementary Division.

Awards include a “Science is Fun” schoolwide assembly for six winning classrooms. In addition, the winning teacher in each grade level receives an expenses-paid trip to the National Science Teachers Association Annual Conference in 2017.

More than $100,000 in prizes and awards are offered in the Junior and Senior Divisions. The top three winners in each division plus a parent and their sponsoring teacher receive an expenses-paid trip to Orlando and an exclusive tour of the Kennedy Space Center. In addition, winning students will receive a savings bond and sponsoring teachers will receive grants.

Visit thechallenge.dupont.com for more information, including official rules, entry form and details on awards. j

SCHOOL INFORMATION AT YOUR FINGERTIPS JAXPEF.ORG Research information and academic performance of public schools near you and see trends in Duval County at jaxpef.org/learn.

60 Years of Academic Excellence

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

Admissions open House TuesdAy, jAnuAry 12TH AT 9:00 A.m.

RSVP Today!

PreK3 through Sixth Grade Phone: (904) 246-2466 BeachesEpiscopalSchool.org Page 27 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

GREATNESS STARTS

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Why Choose Charter Schools USA? Tuition-free public charter school Before and after care Meaningful parental involvement Personal Learning Plans Character education and leadership Certified, dedicated teachers

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Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

CHARTER SCHOOLS USA

Things to Do

teens

In a Healthy Relationship?

It Feels Like Love, but…

S

ometimes it feels impossible to find someone who’s right for you — and who thinks you’re right for him or her! So when it happens, you’re usually so psyched that you don’t even mind when your little brother finishes all the ice cream or your English teacher chooses the one day when you didn’t do your reading to give you a pop quiz. It’s totally normal to look at the world through rose-colored glasses in the early stages of a relationship. But sometimes, those rose-colored glasses turn into blinders.

divorced and to celebrate with you when you get the lead in a play.

FAIRNESS/EQUALITY – You need to have giveand-take in your relationship, too. Do you take turns choosing which new movie to see? As a couple, do you hang out with your partner’s friends as often as you hang out with yours? It’s not like you have to keep a running count and make sure things are exactly even, of course.

But you’ll know if it isn’t a pretty fair balance.

Things get bad really fast when a relationship turns into a power struggle, with one person fighting to get his or her way all the time.

Hopefully, you and your significant other are treating each other well. Not sure if that’s the case? Take a step back and think about whether your relationship has these qualities: SEPARATE IDENTITIES – In a healthy relationship, everyone needs to make compromises. But MUTUAL RESPECT – Does he or she get how that doesn’t mean you should feel like you’re cool you are and why? The key is that your BF or losing out on being yourself. When you started GF is into you for who you are — for your great going out, you both had your own lives (famisense of humor, your love of reality TV, etc. Does lies, friends, interests, hobbies, etc.) and that your partner listen when you say you’re not com- shouldn’t change. Neither of you should have to fortable doing something and then back off right pretend to like something you don’t, or give up away? Respect in a relationship means that each seeing your friends, or drop out of activities you person values who the other is and understands love.

— and would never challenge — the other’s boundaries.

GOOD COMMUNICATION – You’ve probably heard lots of stuff about how men and women don’t TRUST – You’re talking with a guy from French seem to speak the same language. We all know class and your boyfriend walks by. Does he how many different meanings the little phrase lose his cool or keep walking because he knows “no, nothing’s wrong” can have, depending on you’d never cheat? It’s OK to get a little jealous who’s saying it. But what’s important is to ask if sometimes. But how a person reacts when feel- you’re not sure what he or she means, and speak ing jealous is what matters. There’s no way you honestly and openly so that the miscommunicacan have a healthy relationship if you don’t trust tion is avoided in the first place. Never keep a each other. feeling bottled up because you’re afraid it’s not what your BF or GF wants to hear or because HONESTY – This one goes hand-in-hand with you worry about sounding silly. And if you need trust because it’s tough to trust someone when some time to think something through before one of you isn’t being honest. Have you ever you’re ready to talk about it, the right person will caught your girlfriend in a major lie? Like she give you some space to do that if you ask for it. told you that she had to work on Friday night but it turned out she was with her friends? The next Relationships can be one of the best — and most time she says she has to work, you’ll have a lot challenging — parts of your world. They can be more trouble believing her. full of fun, romance, excitement, intense feelings, and occasional heartache, too. Whether you’re SUPPORT – It’s not just in bad times that your single or in a relationship, remember that it’s partner should support you. Some people are good to be choosy about who you get close to. great when your whole world is falling apart but If you’re still waiting, take your time and get to can’t take being there when things are going know plenty of people. j right (and vice versa). In a healthy relationship, your significant other is there with a shoulder to Teenshealth.org cry on when you find out your parents are getting

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

– Martin Luther King Jr. Page 29 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Teens

Friday Night Done Right - Parent Hosted Parties • Through January 31 Four of the Papa Johns stores in St. Johns County are participating in a Friday Night Done Right program called “Parent Hosted Parties”.

PACT has an application for parents who chose to hold a home party for their middle or high school child where no alcohol, drugs or tobacco will be allowed and where a parent will be in attendance throughout the party. These parties can be informal and don’t have to include a large number of kids. Participating Papa Johns offer a 50% discount for the entire evening’s order for these parties. This is PACT and Papa Johns way of showing their appreciation of contributing towards the efforts of keeping our youth safe and substance free. Please contact Lynnette for an application at Lynnette@ pactprevention.org, and include “Parent Hosted Parties” as the subject line. Applications must be submitted by Tuesday of the party week.

PACT will confirm your application, notify the Papa Johns of your choice, and then when you place your order for the selected Friday night, you will receive the discount when you pay for your order.

PACT Prevention Coalition / pactprevention.org Velocity Air Sports Club Velocity January 1-2; January 8-9; January 15-16; January 22-23; January 29-30; 9pm to 12midnight Velocity Air Sports offers a special teen jump time, for ages 13 and up. Club Velocity is held on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9pm to 12midnight. Regular pricing applies. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Velocity Air Sports / 904-551-4035 / 7022 AC Skinner Parkway, Suite 200 Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.velocityairsports.com CISV Informational Session – Town Center January 10, 3:30pm to 5pm Ages 11 to 18 and their parents are invited for an informational session to learn more about CISV. CISV is a global organization dedicated to

educating and inspiring for peace through building inter-cultural friendship, cooperation and understanding. In more than 60 years CISV has given countless children and young people the experience of their lives and the opportunity to build lasting friendships through its international educational programs.

CISV Jacksonville / 904-568-0818 / Southeast Regional Branch, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.cisvjax.org “What’s Up? Wednesday” January 13, 5pm to 7:30pm All middle and high schoolers are invited for all things alien. There will be a showing of the newly released movie “The Martian” (PG-13), pizza, soda, and more. There will also be a discussion about the new movie adaptation in January of “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey and even the series “The X-Files,” which is also being revived in January. Copies of “The 5th Wave” book will be raffled off.

Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library / 904-8276950 / 101 Library Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.sjcpls.org LEGO Skyline & Architecture Studio Build January 30, 2pm Adults and teenagers (ages 14 and up) are invited to Barnes & Noble to help build the new LEGO Skyline in-store display and enjoy a LEGO Architecture build with Architecture Studio bricks.

Barnes and Noble San Jose / 904-886-9904 / 11112 San Jose Boulevard Suite 8 Jacksonville, FL 32223 / www.bn.com Orlando Toy & Comic Con January 31, 10am to 5pm The Orlando Toy & Comic Con will be held on January 31. The event will feature vendors, free parking, costume contest, artist alley, and more.

Orlando Toy & Comic Con / 407-402-1336 / Holiday Inn, 5905 Kirkman Road, Orlando, FL 32819 / orlandotoyandcomiccon.com Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

Things to Do

pets

Ready, Set, Go to Chariots of Fur T he 4th Annual Chariots of Fur Beach Run & Festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Seawalk Pavilion on Jacksonville Beach.

of fun activities, including live music, contests, food trucks, dog demos, dogs available for adoption, activities for kids, massages, a raffle with great prizes and a silent auction.

Chariots of Fur is a unique event where participants can run or walk with their dog on beautiful Jacksonville Beach. More than 1400 participated last year. All participants in the 5K beach run and a 1-mile Fun Run will receive a souvenir tech t-shirt and race packet filled with goodies for people and pups and, unlike any other runs, the top race finishers will be awarded one-of-a-kind hand-made ceramic dog bowl.

Sponsored by North Beaches Pharmacy, proceeds from the event will benefit St. Francis Animal Hospital, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to provide affordable veterinary care to all owned pets in the Jacksonville area. Founded in 2003 by local veterinarians, the hospital treated more than 9,200 pets last year. Thanks to the support, It will soon be moving to a larger facility and adding new services. j

Included in this year’s event is a festival with lots

ChariotsofFur5K.org

Rescuing Cats From the Cold K

nowing how our indoor kitties love their nice, warm sleeping spots, it pains cat lovers to see strays and ferals out on the mean streets in the bitter cold and wet of winter with nowhere to curl up and hibernate.

Members of the animal care organization Guardians of Rescue have decided to do something about this sad situation. They have devised a simple, inexpensive way to help freezing feral felines by fabricating cold-weather cat shelters.

First, acquire “fish boxes,” which are Styrofoam boxes designed to keep fish frozen for 20 hours (you can get them at your local super market, usually free) or ask your friendly neighborhood veterinarian to give you the coolers used to ship medicines and vaccines.

Insulation works both ways, of course, so if a warm, purring creature enters a Styrofoam box, she’ll stay warm and protected against the cold.

(Plus, you’re recycling and upcycling, so it’s win-win all around.)

To construct the cat shelter: Using a box cutter, carefully carve a half-circle into the side of each box, so that when they’re put together, the circular hole is just big enough for a cat to pass through — you don’t want to make the opening too large, or it’ll get drafty in there. Take the two boxes, match up the cutouts, and wrap them together tightly with shrink wrap and then use duct tape and heavy-duty black plastic trash bags to make it waterproof. Where the hole is, cut into the plastic to create a flap as a baffle.

After that, place a handful of straw — not hay — inside as bedding material for kitties to nest in.

Finally, weigh down the structure with bricks or wood, since Styrofoam is so lightweight that the wind can easily carry it away.

Now your cold-weather cat shelter is ready to be deployed. j Catster.com

Page 30 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

Dog Park Etiquette January 3, 2:30pm to 4pm Dog Wood Park offers a workshop that teaches Dog Park Etiquette. The workshop is 90 minutes, and the cost is $30/dog. Register online in advance to reserve your spot.

Dog Wood Park / 7407 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.jaxdogs.com Getting to Know Petco Careers January 5 and 21, 5pm to 6pm Turn your passion for pets into a rewarding career. Come enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be part of the Petco team.

Please note this is not a job interview; if you are interested in a position, please apply online.

Petco Fleming Island / 1514 County Road 220, Fleming Island, FL 32003 / www.petco.com

Pet Events A new six week Puppy Class begins on January 9. The class will cover basic manners, problem solving and prevention (chewing, biting, stealing, jumping, etc.), free-play in a controlled environment with peers for dogs 3-6 months. The cost for the six weeks is $120.

My Pet Camp / 1195 Thompson Bailey Road, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.mypetcamp.com

Vetco Affordable Vaccination Clinic Vetco provides wellness services for dogs and cats at area Petco stores. There is no office visit fee and no appointment is needed.

January 10, 10am to 12noon - Petco, 430 CBL Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32086 January 10, 1:30pm to 3:30pm - Petco, 11900 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville FL 32225 January 10, 5pm to 6pm - Petco, 1514 County Road 220, Fleming Island, FL 32003 K-9 Good Citizen Class January 24, 10:30am to 12noon - Petco, January 9, 9am to 9:50am 463713 State Road 200, Yulee, FL 32097 The K-9 Good Citizen Class is a basic obedience January 24, 1:30pm to 2:30pm - Petco, 11111 class that teaches all the basic manners for dogs San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32223 6 months and older. Cost is $120 for the six January 24, 4pm to 5pm - Petco, 950 Marsh week session. Session begins on January 9.

Landing Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32250 My Pet Camp / 1195 Thompson Bailey Road, St. Vetco Clinics / www.vetcoclinics.com Augustine, FL 32084 / www.mypetcamp.com Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page Puppy Class at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out January 9, 10am to 10:50am about other events for pets.

things to do Free Dyslexia Seminar January 8, 5:30pm Dyslexia expert Susan Barton presents a Dyslexia Seminar. This presentation is open to the public. Parents, teachers, principals, reading specialists, and other professionals are encouraged to attend.

Susan Barton will share: The symptoms & causes of dyslexia • The gifted areas that come with dyslexia • Effective tutoring methods • Simple classroom accommodations Susan will also stay and answer questions.

The DePaul School of Northeast Florida / Jacksonville Marriott, 4670 Salisbury Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.dys-add.com Boy Scout Workshop: Citizenship in the Community January 9, 9am to 12noon Discover what it takes to be a good citizen in your community. Learn the rights, duties, and obligations of citizenship, and how you can demonstrate good citizenship in your community. The workshop is from 9am to 12:30pm and is $30 per scout. Scout leaders are free. Register online in advance.

MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org Gala of the Royal Horses January 10, 4pm The Gala of the Royal Horses returns to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Featured breeds will include Arabian, Spanish Andalusian, Friesian, and Lipizzaner. Tickets start at $25. Ages 0-23 months admitted free on ticket holder’s lap (no ticket required). If child has celebrated their 2nd birthday, they must have a ticket to enter. VIP tickets are available and include a Meet & Greet on the arena floor at the conclusion of the performance, and a photo opportunity with horses & riders. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena / 904630-3900 / 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.galaoftheroyalhorses.com Noodle Doodle Box January 12 and 15, 7:30pm January 13 and 14, 5pm The Douglas Anderson School of the Arts presents Noodle Doodle Box. Tickets $12 for students, $15 for adults. There will be special performance times for local schools, daycare facilities, youth programs, etc.

The dates are January 13-15th at 9:30am; the show will be performed at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in the Black Box Theater. Tickets are only $1 per person for groups, arrangements must be made in advance, please contact datheatreboosters@gmail.com.

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts / 904-346-5620 / 2445 San Diego Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32207 / dcps. duvalschools.org/anderson Chicken Dance January 14, 10am and 12noon The Emperor’s New Clothes January 19, 10am and 12noon Songs from the Soul January 29, 10am and 12noon FSCJ Artist Series School Performance series. The shows will be presented in two showings, at 10am and at 12noon. Tickets are $8.50 per person. Visit website below to download study guides.

FSCJ Artist Series / 904-442-2929 / Wilson Center for the Arts, 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.artistseriesjax.org Winter Jam Tour Spectacular January 15, 6:45pm The Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, Christian music’s biggest annual tour, returns to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on January 15. Cost is $10 at the door; no tickets are required. Members of the Jam Nation are eligible for early entry at 4:30pm; doors open and the pre-jam party starts at 6pm, and the show starts at 6:45pm. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena / 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / 2016.jamtour.com

Wild, Wild West January 17, 3pm The Jacksonville Symphony hosts Wild, Wild West as part of their Family Series. Join the orchestra as they perform music of the old West. There will be singing, dancing, and tall tale telling. Concert starts at 3pm, with pre-concert activities starting at 2pm. Tickets are available online.

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra / Times Union Center, Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 West Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jaxsymphony.org Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Legends Thursday, January 21 – 7:30pm Friday, January 22 – 7:30pm Saturday, January 23 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm Sunday, January 24 – 1pm & 5pm Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returns to Jacksonville with their all new Legends tour. Performers from around the globe will perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder. Tickets start at $15, plus fees. Free to all ticketholders, the All Access Pre-show starts an hour before the show. Come down to the arena floor and meet the performers of The Greatest Show On Earth, get autographs, take photos and enter to win a one-ofa-kind pachyderm painting.

Save $5 off tickets with promo code J4K16.

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-630-3900 / 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.ringling.com One Day Fun Day Camp: Cultural Fusion’s Lift Every Voice January 22, 9am to 3pm Learn about the community’s diverse history, cultures, and people and uncover how everyone is special in their own way in this celebration of individuality and cultural fusion. MOSH holds One Day Fun Day Camps on the days DCPS students are off from 9am to 3pm.

Cost is $55; MOSH Members receive a 20% discount.

Extended care is available.

MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.themosh.org Seussical the Musical January 26, 10am and 12noon Theatreworks presents Seussical the Musical.

Showtimes are at 10am and 12noon. Open to schools, homeschoolers and individuals. Ages 2 and up must have a ticket. Cost is $8/ticket.Theatreworks Jax / 904-353-3500 / Florida Theatre, 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.theatreworksjax. com A Light in the Dark: The Story of Helen Keller January 27, 10:15am Children in grades 1 thru 6 are invited for a School Time performance of A Light in the Dark: The Story of Helen Keller. Tickets are $12. Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Dr, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.thcenter.org Hoggetowne Medieval Faire January 30 – 31, 10am to 6pm The 30th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire features jousting knights, artisans’ booths, fortune tellers, musicians, street performers, armored knights, food and more. The Faire also offers entertainment for children.

They can embark on an adventure to the royal pavilion, where they will become lords and ladies of the court of Hoggetowne, or they can enjoy camel and pony rides.

Human-powered push rides will also draw crowds.

There will also be games like archery and knife throwing. Faire hours are 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and 9:30am to 3pm on Friday. Admission is $17 for adults, $7 for children ages 5 to 17 and free for children younger than 5. School specials on Friday February 5. Tickets may be purchased at the gate.

Alachua County Fairgrounds / 352-393-8536 / 2900 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 / www. hoggetownefaire.com

Page 31 • Jax4Kids.com • JANUARY 2016

RIDE THE

WILD WEST EXPRESS February 13 & 20

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.

Things to Do Special Needs

offer informative and stimulating presentations on a variety of topics on research, innovation, and effective educational programs for people First Coast Autism Support Group - Reducing diagnosed with ASD. This year’s conference will Anxiety • January 5, 6pm - 7pm be held January 29 - 31 at The Florida Mall & Dr. Stephanie Holmes will be presenting Conference Center in Orlando. strategies for reducing anxiety at this month’s The Florida Mall & Conference Center / 407meeting. First Coast Autism Support connects 859-1500 / 1500 Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL families raising youth with an Autism Spec32809 / www.cardconference.net trum Disorder (ASD) or related disorder to one other so that they can share resources, discuss Special Olympics Florida Polar Plunge ideas, and support each other. They aim to be January 30, 10am a resource for families to learn about special Announcing the first ever Polar Plunge at Jackopportunities for their child and family in the sonville Beach! This event will be a traditional community, the latest innovations in research, plunge; and for the more adventurous winter and best practices in supporting and educatweather folks, there’s a 5k on Jacksonville ing youth with ASDs. Childcare is provided.

Beach, where runners transform into plungGreenland Pines Elementary / 5050 Greenland ers as they cross the 5k finish line taking the Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / www.firstcoastauplunge into the chilly ocean water. Think you tismsupport.com have what it takes?

Seawalk Pavilion / 904-307-4221 / 1st St N, Believe Autism Dance/Art Classes, January 9 Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.firstgiving.

9:30am - 3 - 4 yrs com/floridapolarplunge/PolarPlungeJacksonville 10:30am - 5 - 12 yrs 11:30 am - 13 and up Sensory Friendly Films - AMC Theatres Art rotation of 30 minutes and dance rotation Saturday: January 9 at 10am - STAR WARS: of 30 minutes. Art activities will be new each THE FORCE AWAKENS week or a small art project that will be worked Saturday: January 12 at 7pm - STAR WARS: on week to week until complete. The dance THE FORCE AWAKENS rotation will consist of creative movement and Saturday: January 23 at 10am - NORM OF social opportunities. Classes are taught by THE NORTH Crystal Thompson, a Board Certified Behavior AMC Entertainment (AMC) and ASA have Analyst (BCBA) and ballet, tap, and jazz dancer. teamed up to bring families affected by autism Classes cost $10 and are held at The Performand other disabilities a special opportunity to ers Academy. Space is limited. To RSVP call or enjoy their favorite films in a safe and acceptemail believeautism@gmail.com. The Performing environment on a monthly basis. Lights ers Academy / 704-277-1884 / 3674 Beach are brought up, sound is turned down, and Blvd, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.believeautism. families are allowed to bring their own snacks. com Movies are shown at the AMC Regency 24 in the Regency Center Square. AMC Regency 24 23rd Annual CARD Conference - Orlando / 904-725-0885/ 9451 Regency Square Blvd, January 29 - 31 Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.amctheatres.

The Annual Statewide CARD Conference is com/programs/sensory-friendly-films Florida’s premier conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders for professionals and families.

Visit Jax4Kids.com for more event listings.

National experts and regional professionals

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!

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