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FREE! January 2024
R E G I S T E R N OW NIVERSARY 15th AN
Saturday, January 27, 2024 NOCATEE STATION FIELD • 400 NOCATEE CENTER WAY PONTE VEDRA, FL 32081
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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oming up on January 27th is the 15th annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge. If you haven’t yet registered, visit go.baptistjax. com/challenge to register. Your participation supports one of our most valuable community resources – Wolfson Children’s Hospital! This year, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge is moving to a new location – Nocatee Station Field and includes a 1-mile fun run, food and family-friendly activities.
The state of Florida’s Great Outdoors Initiative to encourage exploring and enjoying Florida’s great outdoors ends on January 13th. Until that date, you can get individual and family passes to Florida State Parks and, fishing and hunting licenses for 50% off. This includes annual, 5-year and lifetime memberships. Read more on page 6. You’ll find valuable information about Fire Safety on page 8. Take a moment to read this to learn how to protect your family. Florida VPK enrollment begins this month. If you live in Florida and have a child who will be
LIVING WELL
Community Profile: Kash Kids................................................................................ 4 Mom’s Night Out Events........................................................................................ 5
Dear Readers,
If you have not heard of this important safety recall, the Consumer Products Safety Commission has issued warnings for high-powered magnetic balls in toy sets. Seven deaths linked to swallowing small magnets have been reported. Please read more about this important safety hazard on page 9. Another important recall for you to be aware of is for some brands of cinnamon applesauce and apple puree pouches. Lead was discovered in these products and to date, 65 children have had high blood lead levels linked to the recalled products. Please turn to page 13 to learn more about the contaminated product and what you should do.
Contents • January 2024
NATURE
Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Passes and FWC Gold Sportsman Fishing Licenses Discounted by 50% Until January 13..................................................................... 6 New Benefit for Florida Residents at Florida State Parks Effective January 1............. 6 National Park FREE Entry Days for 2024................................................................. 6 Special Moon Events and Eclipses in 2024............................................................. 6 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year, turn to page 15 for the details about enrolling your child in VPK. PBS Kids recently announced they are working on a new series about characters with autism. The series is set to debut this fall. The show, called “Carl the Collector” is aimed at children age 4-8. Read more about this new series on page 14. Also in this issue, the “Barbie” movie has added a unique accessibility option, a list of 2024’s Free National Park entrance days, when the 2024 special moon events and eclipses are, a new benefit being offered to Florida residents by the Florida State Parks, and much more. Happy New Year! Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor
Happy New Year!
Follow us... Alison Peters-Carlson Editor................................editor@jax4kids.com Gabrielle Carlson Associate Editor........................... info@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer............................... linda@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager................................ judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.............................beth@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager........................ mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2024. 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.
EATING WELL
FDA, USDA and EPA Propose National Strategy to Reduce U.S. Food Loss and Waste............................................................................................................ 7 Things to Do: Eating Well Events............................................................................ 7
HEALTH & SAFETY Your Guide to Fire Safety....................................................................................... 8 Things to Do: Health & Safety Events...................................................................... 8 CPSC Issues Several Warnings for Tiny Magnetic Balls After Seven Deaths............... 9 Cheers to a Healthy New Year!............................................................................... 9
INFANT & TODDLER
Infant Brain Development Benefits from Pre- and Postnatal B-12 Vitamins............. 10 Babies Learn Language Best Through Sing-Song Speech, Not Phonetics................ 12 Things to Do: Infant & Toddler Events................................................................... 12 Recall Issued, FDA Investigating After Lead Found in Cinnamon Applesauce: What You Should Do............................................................................................ 13
SPECIAL NEEDS
“Barbie” Movie Adds Unique Accessibility Option.................................................... 14 PBS Kids Creating New Series About Characters with Autism.................................. 14 Things to Do: Special Needs Events....................................................................... 14
EDUCATION
Florida VPK Open Enrollment Begins January 2024............................................... 15 Things to Do: Education Events............................................................................ 15 50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12................................................. 16 Duval County School News.............................................................................17-18 Clay County School News.................................................................................... 19 St. Johns County School District News................................................................. 20
TEENS
YouTube Content Helping Tweens and Teens Navigate School and Life.................... 21 Things to Do: Teen Events.................................................................................... 21
PETS
How to Help Your Pet Deal with Grief.................................................................... 22 Things to Do: Pet Events...................................................................................... 22
THINGS TO DO
January Events................................................................................................... 23
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3
LIVING WELL
Community Profile: Kash Kids n an ever-evolving world, ensuring our children are equipped with the essential skills for a secure financial future is paramount. Kash Kids, under the visionary leadership of founder Twyla Prindle, stands at the forefront of this mission, offering a comprehensive and engaging financial literacy program geared toward K-12 students. As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child's financial understanding, and Kash Kids is here to support you on this crucial journey. Mission and Vision: Kash Kids is on a mission to empower K-12 students with the mastery of cash flow, understanding savings versus investing, and managing debt effectively. Their goal is to equip your child with the knowledge and skills needed for a future free from financial struggles. Research shows that students graduating without basic math skills are twice as likely to find themselves in minimum-wage jobs. At Kash Kids, they envision a future where financial stability is not just a dream but an attainable reality. Philosophy:
The Money Book Battle (K-2 grades): An engaging program introducing young learners to basic financial concepts through interactive activities. Kash Kids Camp (3-8 grades): A hands-on experience designed to deepen students' understanding of financial literacy, incorporating real-life scenarios. Adulting 101 (9-12 grades): Geared towards high school students, this program prepares them for the financial challenges of adulthood, covering topics like cash flow management, investing, and responsible debt. Kash Kids aims to gain access to all schools, and we've been proud to engage with schools such as Andrew Robinson Elementary School, Sandalwood High School, Englewood High School, Landmark Middle School, Ribault Middle School, and Tiger Academy. Delivery and Why We Are Different: At Kash Kids, our approach goes beyond traditional classrooms. We understand the importance of practical learning, and that's why our students earn real money as incentives. Some even open savings accounts as part of their incentive program. Virtual and augmented reality classrooms provide an immersive learning experience, while personalized support and one-on-one assistance from their instructor team cater to individual student needs.
Kash Kids currently offers three main courses tailored to different age groups:
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Kash Kids’ philosophy revolves around cultivating a deep understanding of cash flow, the importance of savings versus investing, and responsible debt management. These are the pillars that will shape your child's financial foundation. Kash Kids was born out of a desire to end childhood suffering, with relatable characters like Frugal Freeda, Twyla, and her broth- Case Study of Success: ers Jesse and John, who embark on real-life adventures with money, replicating the experi- According to school administrators, Kash Kids ences of children in their target communities. is beloved because it seamlessly incorporates reading, writing, and math into its curriculum. Parents have shared that their children Proof of Stability: eagerly rush home to share what they've learned and express a desire to implement Founded in 2014, Kash Kids has experienced these financial concepts in the home. The remarkable growth over the past decade, positive impact is not just limited to the engaging over 1,000 youth in the 2023-2024 school year alone. Twyla Prindle, a pioneering classroom; it's making its way into your home. force in North Florida, is not only the founder In a world where financial literacy is the key of Kash Kids but also Prindle House Pubto unlocking success, Kash Kids stands as a lishing. With a prolific career dating back to beacon, guiding your child toward a future 2005, Twyla has authored over 25 influential free from financial struggles. Join them in books, including the acclaimed "Where Is this transformative journey, where each step My Money?"—a testament to her leaderis an investment in a brighter, more finanship in children's non-fiction literature. cially secure tomorrow. . For more information, visit their website at kashkids.org or Product Offering Overview follow us on Instagram @kashkidss. j and Who They Serve:
Res erv
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$60
D EPOSIT P ER C A M P ER
FIVE FUN WEEKS TO CHOOSE FROM!
Ju n e 17 – Ju ly 26, 2 0 2 4
M o n d a y – Fr id a y ▪ 8 :3 0 a m – 4 :3 0 p m
Early drop off and late pick up available. Busing option from Beach Blvd. & Mandarin. ▪ Sailing ▪ Archery
▪ Paddle Boarding ▪ Swimming
▪ Wacky Science ▪ Kayaking
▪ Tubing ▪ Handicrafts
▪ Over 40 Activities!
Aquatics Camp is a nationally accredited day camp program, open to boys and girls ages 6-14. Discounts for multiple weeks, sibling, and Early Bird (full payment by May 2, 2024).
St. Johns River Base at Echockotee ▪ 2513 Doctors Lake Drive ▪ Orange Park, FL (904) 269-2091 ▪ aquaticscampdirector@gmail.com
R EG IST ER TO D AY AT A Q U AT IC S C A M P .O R G
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 4
LIVING WELL Writer's Lab: Ready, Reset, Go: Write Now January 6, 10:15am to 11:15am Get the author's story behind the story. Authors participate in educational forums, workshops, classes, and events. All genres are welcome to share in the uplift and development of personal growth as authors. Through a series of exercises attendees will examine meaning for what they want to write or are writing, refine approach to process, craft, and networking to align with purpose, and create a first quarter goal to work toward. Registration is required for this event, and must be completed two hours prior to the start time. Free and open to adults. Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch / 904255-2665 / 303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxpubliclibrary.org W.A.V.E. Women Against Violent Encounters Self-Defense Class January 10, 5:30pm to 8:30pm This 3 hour class will focus on situational awareness, verbal commands, assertiveness, and physical techniques. Open to females only, ages 13+. The all female team of law enforcement officers will instruct you and answer all your questions about safety with a brief lecture and then hands on demonstrations. Free. St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Squad Room / 904-824-8304 / 4455 Avenue A, St. Augustine, FL 32095 / www.sjso.org Creating a Household Budget with Excel January 12, 10am to 11:30am Create a simple household budget to track your income and expenses using Microsoft Excel. This is an introductory course, however, basic knowledge of computers is recommended. This program is intended for adults ages 19+. Free. Clay County Public Library, Orange Park Branch / 904-278-4750 / 2054 Plainfield Ave., Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.claycountygov.com River Christian Church Women's Retreat January 19-21 Please join the Women of River Christian Church for a two-night retreat at Epworth by the Sea in St. Simons Island, GA. Attendees will be learning from speaker Kimberly Hooper and each other how you can walk out your faith with courage, knowledge, and hope. The weekend will include time for worship, purposeful study, activities, food, and meaningful friendships. The price includes six meals, two nights of accommodations, and all taxes and fees. Prices start at $226. Epworth By The Sea / 904-458-4809 / 100 Arthur J Moore Dr, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 / riverchristian.church Adult Winter 2024 Cooking Series Mondays, January 22, 29, February 5, 19, 26, 6:30pm to 9pm Learn basic cooking methods and techniques in our Five Week Cooking Techniques Series. These classes are suitable for the beginner cook or those who simply want a refresher. You will learn knife skills; how to enhance flavors with
marinades, brining, and dry rubs; how to make pasta dough from scratch; how to sear, sauté, stir-fry, and poach; and how to use sauces and condiments to elevate your dishes. You will be eating what you prepare, so come with a healthy appetite. Complimentary wine will be served. The cost is $375 for Five Week Series. Jax Cooking Studio / 904-379-6220 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / jaxcookingstudio.com The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes • January 26, 7:30pm Join Cary Elwes (Westley) for a behind-thescenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film, The Princess Bride. After a screening of the iconic movie, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets range from $32.50-$100. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.floridatheatre.com Bring Your Own Piece – Furniture Painting Workshop • January 27, 10:30am to 3:30pm Do you love the look of painted furniture, but aren’t sure where to begin? In this 5 hour workshop, you will learn how to transform a small dated piece of furniture into a fabulous new find with world-renowned Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan. Bring in your own piece of furniture (or decor) to paint in class and use all of their materials, supplies, and expertise as they guide you through the process. No experience needed. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while you work. In this workshop you will learn how to properly prepare your piece for a lasting finish, select color combinations for today's decor, paint your piece using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®, dry or wet distress your piece, and properly finish your piece with Chalk Paint® Wax. The workshop fee is $95. Vintage Arts Inc / 904-600-4278 / 10029 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www. vintageartsinc.com The Year Project • January 28, 4pm to 7pm Women are invited for an evening to cultivate, manifest & connect while prioritizing and organizing your goals & intentions for the year. Imagine heading into the year with a clear vision, affirmations, and a plan to tackle all your dreams & desires. Enjoy spa vibe experience stations alongside your new manifestation squad. There will also be a speaker discussing Budget Planning + Healthy Money Habits, experience stations, light snacks + non-alcoholic drinks. Tickets are $25 each. The Studio Next Door / 614-209-2600 / 5529 Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32244 / www.thebeautyboost.net
Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Mom's Night Out events.
FALL CLASSES
In-Person Classes! Register now for the next monthly session!
SelfEsteem ity Creativ
ENROLL Confidence TODAY! Sense of Fun
(904) 396-4425 | www.theatrejax.com JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 5
NATURE Florida State Parks Annual Entrance Passes and FWC Gold Sportsman Fishing Licenses Discounted by 50% Until January 13
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ealthy eating during the holidays seams contradictory doesn’t it? But there are ways to make dining healthier as we navigate all the festivities of the season. Here are some tips to help make your days merry and bright! Until January 13, FWC will be offering its annual resident Gold Sportsman’s license, 5-year Gold Sportsman’s license, and Lifetime Gold Sportsman’s license at 50% reductions. FWC will also exempt individuals from needing fishing licenses within Florida state parks during this nearly three-month period. The Great Outdoors Initiative encourages Floridians to go outdoors and explore Florida’s natural resources, including our award-winning state parks, vast recreation areas and world-renowned waterways. Florida State Parks Annual Passes will have a 50% discount and will be available at the following rates: • Family Annual Pass - $60, plus tax. • Individual Annual Pass - $30, plus tax.
How to Purchase Annual Entrance Passes Purchase at a Park Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums during regular business hours, 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. To expedite the process, visit Reserve. FloridaStateParks in advance and create an account. If you have made a camping reservation with Florida State Parks in the last year, you already have an account. To find a park near you, visit: www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails. Purchase Online Shop online at Reserve.FloridaStateParks for annual entrance passes. All online orders will be charged a $6 convenience fee plus a $10 shipping fee per annual entrance pass purchased. Delivery times vary depending on shipping method. Please note, you will have to login or create an account in order to purchase a pass online.
The following FWC Gold Sportsman licenses, which include the saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, and hunting privileges and all How to Purchase Fishing and Hunting associated permits, will also be discounted by Licenses 50% and will be available at the following rates, plus applicable fees: To find more information on fishing and hunting licenses in Florida, visit: myfwc.com/ • Annual Gold Sportsman - $50.75. license/rwecreational/ and to purchase a • 5-year Gold Sportsman - $247.75. license, visit: License.GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. • Lifetime Sportsman’s License j à Age 4 or younger - $201.50. à Ages 5-12 - $351.50. floridastateparks.org/learn/great-outdoorsinitiative à Ages 13 and older - $501.50. myfwc.com/license/recreational
Special Moon Events in 2024 • Super New Moon: Feb 9 • Micro Full Moon: Feb 24 • Super New Moon: Mar 10 • Micro Full Moon: Mar 25 • Penumbral Lunar Eclipse visible in Jacksonville Beach on Mar 25
• Super New Moon: Apr 8 • Blue Moon: Aug 19 (third Full Moon in a season with four Full Moons) • Super Full Moon: Sep 17 • Partial Lunar Eclipse visible in Jacksonville Beach on Sep 17 – Sep 18 • Micro New Moon: Oct 2
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6
New Benefit for Florida Residents at Florida State Parks Effective January 1
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here’s a new benefit for Florida residents about making reservations for overnight accommodations at Florida State Parks. Effective January 1, at noon Eastern time, only Florida residents may make reservations for cabins and RV, tent, boat and equestrian campsites 11 months in advance. Non-Florida residents will be able to make reservations 10 months in advance. To take advantage of this new benefit, Florida residents will need to provide a valid Florida driver’s license or ID card number at the time of booking. Florida residents may update their profile associated with the Florida State Parks Reservation System to add their valid Florida
driver’s license or ID card number. This information, which will be validated with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, will need to be verified annually. Before making a reservation 11 months in advance, Florida residents be asked to attest to being a Florida resident. To make a reservation at any of the more than 50 state parks that offer campgrounds or cabins, visit reserve.floridastateparks.org. j floridastateparks.org
National Park FREE Entry Days for 2024 On six days in 2024, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2024: • January 15 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day • April 20 – First day of National Park Week • June 19 - Juneteenth • August 4 – Great American Outdoors Day • September 28 – National Public Lands Day • November 11 – Veterans Day nps.gov
• Super Full Moon: Oct 17 • Black Moon: Dec 30 (second New Moon in single calendar month)
Eclipses in 2024 • Mar 24–25, 2024 — Penumbral Lunar Eclipse • Apr 8, 2024 – Total Solar
Eclipse • Sep 17–18, 2024 — Partial Lunar Eclipse • Oct 2, 2024 – Annular Solar Eclipse • Oct 17, 2024 — Almost Lunar Eclipse
EATING WELL FDA, USDA and EPA Propose National Strategy to Reduce U.S. Food Loss and Waste
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he U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a national strategy that will drive progress toward the national goal to reduce food loss and waste in the U.S. by 50% by 2030. This action is a continuation of the three agencies’ collaborative efforts to build a more sustainable future.
For each objective, the draft strategy highlights actions that the FDA, USDA or EPA could take. Examples of specific FDA actions include: • FDA and USDA will contribute date labeling and food safety advice to inform EPA’s national consumer education campaign. • FDA will continue working with the food industry to advance the goals under the In the U.S., food is the single most common FDA New Era of Smarter Food Safety material found in landfills. More than oneinitiative to support and encourage supply third, nearly 100 million tons, of municipal chain stakeholders to adopt and leverage waste stream is organic waste and food comtech-enabled digital tracing technologies prises sixty-six million tons of that waste. The to remove contaminated foods more rapDraft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss idly and accurately from the marketplace, and Waste and Recycling Organics identifies while simultaneously reducing food loss opportunities to reduce food loss and waste and food waste associated with contamiacross the entire supply chain. nation events. • FDA will continue to encourage uniform “The FDA supports the mission to reduce food adoption of food donation practices loss and waste. While we look forward to our updated in the Food Code, which provide continued partnership with USDA and EPA, consistency and uniformity for public we also want Americans to feel empowered health officials. and confident in their ability to play a part in that mission,” said FDA Commissioner Robert This effort will also provide social and ecoM. Califf, M.D. “We encourage the public to nomic benefits, including the potential to: comment on practical ways everyone can play • Increase food access for food-insecure a role in reducing food waste.” Americans and increase the recovery rate and donation of wholesome food, such as This Strategy is a deliverable in the Biden-Harthrough the emergency food system. ris Administration’s National Strategy on • Create new jobs, industries, and sectors of Hunger, Nutrition and Health, released in the economy. conjunction with the historic White House • Increase supply chain resiliency. Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health in • Deliver financial savings to households, September 2022. which can also help address the needs of underserved communities. The draft strategy features four objectives: • Prevent the loss of food where possible. The public comment began on December • Prevent the waste of food where possible. 5 and will remain open for 30 days. Share • Increase the recycling rate for all organic comments through Regulations.gov, Docket ID waste. No. EPA-HQ-OLEM-2022-0415. j • Support policies that incentivize and encourage food loss and waste prevention fda.gov and organics recycling.
USDA NATIONAL HUNGER HOTLINE:
Hours: 7AM - 10PM EST
Things to Do Eating Well Events
Sushi At Home • January 3, 7pm In this class, you’ll learn to make sushi all on your own. The chef will guide you through the process for selecting the freshest fish and teach you how to make seasoned rice and dipping sauces. You’ll brush up on your knife skills and get lots of practice with rolling techniques. Then, dig in and sample all the sushi. The sushi rolls on the menu include California Rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls, and Vegetable Hand Rolls. Cost is $89 each. Class is for ages 14 and up. A paying adult must accompany ages 17 & under. Sur la Table / 904-719-7597 / 4713 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.surlatable.com Learn to Make Indian Cuisine with Chef Warren • January 12, 11am to 12noon Join Chef Warren as he shares dozens of kitchen tips, cooking hints, and humorous anecdotes about the joys and challenges of Indian cooking including easy-to-prepare vegetarian and meat-based curries, dals, perfect rice and how to make your own spice mixes. Chef Warren will explain how traditional is not only flavorful but incredibly healthy. He will also show how incorporating Indian meals into your weekly repertoire is not only good for you, but frugal as well. Registration required and space is limited. Free. St. Johns County Public Library, Bartram Trail Branch / 904-827-6960 / 60 Davis Pond Blvd, St. Johns, FL 32259 / sjcpls.org
Blue Bamboo Wok Primer Cooking Class + Asian Market Field Trip January 20, 10am to 12noon For this class, participants will meet at Jax Oriental Grocery at 10am, take a quick tour, and then purchase some ingredients to cook at Blue Bamboo. Class attendees will eat everything that they cook, and learn some interesting techniques along the way. Cost is $80/person. Blue Bamboo Cooking Classes / 904-646-1478 / 10110 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / bluebamboojacksonville.com Doughnuts from Scratch January 21, 10am to 12:30pm Ever want to learn how to make doughnuts from scratch? You will learn to make yeast-risen brown butter and vanilla doughnuts with vanilla glaze and cake-style doughnuts including maple bacon doughnuts and cinnamon bun with a cream cheese glaze. Guests will make a batch of each type of doughnut to enjoy in the studio and take home. Complimentary coffee and wine will be served at this cooking experience. Registration starts at $70. Jax Cooking Studio / 904-379-6220 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32250 / jaxcookingstudio.com Family Fun: Chinese Favorites January 28, 1pm In this family-friendly class, the chef instructor will show you how easy it can be to create a variety of Chinese restaurant favorites. Everyone will get hands-on practice using knives and learning techniques for everything from making veggie noodles to stir frying in a wok. Learn secrets for creating everybody’s favorite honey sesame chicken and discover the steps for baking classic Chinese almond cookies. The cost is $69/seat for ages 7 and up. A paying adult must accompany ages 17 & under. Sur la Table / 904-719-7597 / 4713 River City Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.surlatable.com
Risotto Workshop • January 14, 11:30am In this hands-on cooking class chef Diana will teach you how to make an authentic and creamy risotto from an Italian chef. The menu includes Milanese style Saffron risotto, Sausage Risotto, and Oven roasted zucchini. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Tickets are $75 plus fees. Class open to children over 12. Cultivate / 904-619-6003 Jax Cooking Studio: Italian Small Plates for / 2766 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205 / Families • January 28, 6pm to 8:30pm www.cultivatejax.com Learn the art of crafting your very own Italian small plates in this class. From shrimp and Best Desserts from Around the USA Italian sausage on baguette, to mozzarella January 15, 2pm to 4:30pm sticks, to meatballs the chef will show you how Jax Cooking Studio hosts a class that focuses to make a variety of Italian favorites. You’ll be on some of the best desserts from around eating the masterpiece you create for dinner, the United States. Enjoy some in the cooking so come hungry. Complimentary wine will be studio and take the rest home to share with served to adults during the cooking experience. family and friends. Complimentary wine will Participants will make Shrimp and Italian Saube served at this cooking experience. The sage with Creamy Mozzarella Sauce on Toasted menu includes Georgia Peach Cobbler, Boston Baguette, Fried Mozzarella Sticks with a Twist! Cream Pie Cupcakes – Vanilla cupcakes filled With House Made Marinara, Cheesy Meatballs with pastry cream and topped with chocolate with Classic Marinara, Chopped Italian Salad ganache, Ohio Buckeyes – Peanut butter truf- with Guest Made Italian Vinaigrette, and a Rusfles dipped in a decadent dark chocolate, and tic Caramel Apple Tart with House Made Whip Hawaiian Pineapple Cake – Super-moist fresh Cream. Registration starts at $70. pineapple cake finished with cream cheese Jax Cooking Studio / 904-379-6220 / 14035 icing, toasted coconut, and walnuts. Registra- Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32250 / tion starts at $70. jaxcookingstudio.com Jax Cooking Studio / 904-379-6220 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32250 / Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list jaxcookingstudio.com of Eating Well events.
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 7
HEALTH & SAFETY
Your Guide to Fire Safety
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his time of year brings joy to families in so many different ways! Even though the holidays have come to an end, families are still enjoying time together, cooking in the kitchen and possibly sitting by a fire inside or outside enjoying the cooler weather. It is important to make sure you have a few precautions in place to keep little and big kids safe. According to Safe Kids Worldwide residential fires account for 93% of all fatalities and injuries. It is important to practice a fire escape plan with your family so everyone knows how to safely get out of the house. When creating a plan, it should include two ways to get out of each room, and coming up with a meeting location outside where everyone in the family can meet. When thinking about safely getting out of rooms remember to always feel the back of the door before opening. If it is hot find another way out of the area. Fires can be scary, teach small children not to hide so they can be more easily found by a firefighter. Familiarize kids with what a firefighter may look like in the event of a fire and remind them that they are there to help. Family time together often involves cooking wonderful meals and sweet treats! According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, cooking is the leading cause of residential fires and accounts for nearly half of all home fires every year. One of the most important things you can do is watch what you are cooking and never leave food unattended on the stove or in the oven. Keep a lid or pan nearby to smother small grease fires. It is also important to have a fire extinguisher available and know how to use it. Keep cooking areas free of items such as oven mitts, paper towels, dish towels or anything else that could catch fire. It is important to get out of the house and call 911 if a fire occurs. If there is a large
amount of smoke, remember to get low to the ground and crawl out of the house as quickly as possible. Nothing creates a winter ambience as well as enjoying a nice warm fire! There are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself while staying safe. When having a fire outdoors, make sure to keep the fire pit at least 10 feet from the house or anything that can burn. Use metal screens to help keep sparks from floating out and always keep an eye on children to make sure they are not getting too close. If enjoying a fire inside the home make sure the fireplace is ash free from previous fires, and that the chimney is clean. It is important to check to see if animals have nested over the year. It is a great idea to use a safety screen when young children are present to reduce the risk of them being burned. Working smoke alarms help provide early warning in case of a house fire. Alarms should be installed on every level of the home, inside every bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month, and the batteries should be replaced every 6 months or when the battery gets low. There are different options, so it is always a great idea to check with your local fire department to make sure you know everything you need to know about how to stay safe! Keep these simple safety precautions in mind so time together is enjoyable and injury free! j Jessica Winberry Prevention Coordinator, Wolfson Children’s Hospital Coordinator Safe Kids Northeast Florida www.wolfsonchildrens.com/about/ safe-kids-northeast-florida
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
– Carl Bard JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 8
Things to Do
aromatherapy and reconnect to the inner peace within. Sound bath therapy can retune your body, mind, and spirit, encouraging relaxation, healing, and wellness. Some benefits of sound bath therapy include: deep relaxation and meditative-like states, reduction of stress and anxGate River Run 2024 Training Class iety, increased feelings of happiness, joy, and January 4, 6:15pm The 2024 Gate River Run Class is a nine week tranquility, reduction in fatigue and depression, lowering of heart rate and blood pressure, ease program preparing individuals to participate of chronic pain and inflammation, promotion in the Gate River Run on March 2, 2024. The of restful sleep, and relaxation of muscular class starts on Thursday, January 4, 2024 inside 1st Place Sports, Baymeadows Store at tension. Cost is $35. Y Healthy Living Center Riverside / 904-2026:15pm (come prepared for a short run that evening after a brief introduction). If you aren't 5339 / 221 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.baptistjax.com sure if the class is for you, come out and join others that evening to learn more. Previous class members, pace leaders, and the director Mobile Mammography Screenings January 13, 9am to 3pm can answer your questions and help you decide. Registration ranges from $45 to $70. Mobile Mammography is coming to your local Florida Blue Center. Call for eligibility require1st Place Sports / 904-384-8725 / 3931 ments. No referral necessary. Your appointBaymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / ment can be as quick as 15 minutes. jtc.wildapricot.org Florida Blue Center - Jacksonville / 904-9968100 / 4855 Town Center Parkway, JacksonHIIT Training at Florida Blue St. John's ville, FL 32246 / www.floridablue.com Town Center • Saturdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27, 11am to 12noon Blue Zones 4-Week Challenge Florida Blue Center hosts free HIIT Training Tuesdays, January 16, 23, 30, February 6, class. Get a healthy start to the year with 6pm to 7pm a cardio class to keep your body moving. Join staff on Tuesdays at the start of the year at Strengthen your body and reach new fitness heights. Please wear comfortable clothes and Bradham & Brooks Northwest Library in Jacksonville for a "Life Lit" series in collaboration sneakers. Free. Florida Blue Center - Jacksonville / 904-996- with Jacksonville Public Libraries. Blue Zones 8100 / 4855 Town Center Parkway, Jackson- Project Jacksonville invites you to take the Blue Zones Challenge. Attendees will meet weekly ville, FL 32246 / www.floridablue.com and read through "The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer Better Life" by Dan JaxPAL 5K and Fun Run • January 6, 8am The JaxPAL 5K and Fun Run will take place at Buettner. Books will be provided. Ed Austin Park. Both races will be run entirely Jacksonville Public Library, Bradham and Brooks Branch / 904-255-2665 / 1755 Edgeinside Ed Austin Park on the recreation path. wood Avenue West, Jacksonville, FL 32208 / The start time for the 5K is 8am, followed by the fun run at 9am. Registration is $40 for the jaxpubliclibrary.org 5K. The 1 mile fun run is $20. There will be cotton blend shirts to all entrants and medals 15th Annual Wolfson Children's Challenge January 27, 7am for all registered finishers. Ed Austin Park / 904-630-2489 / 3450 Monu- This year, the Wolfson Children's Challenge moves to a new race location. The event will ment Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / be held at Nocatee Station Field in Ponte Vedra. www.jaxpalsports.org The Wolfson Children's Challenge celebrates their patients' lives while benefiting the region's 2024 Resolution Run 5K only children's hospital. At Wolfson's, no child January 6, 8:30am is ever turned away because of an inability to Put your New Year's Resolution into action. The course takes you out and back along the pay, and funds raised from The Wolfson's ChilSt. John's River. Registration fees start at $45. dren's Challenge helps ensure that every child continues to receive the world-class care they Registration for kids 13 & under is $25. The need and deserve. The 55K solo and relay will 5K will begin at 8:30am. The free Children's begin at 7am, followed by the 30K solo at 8am 1 mile Fun Run starts at 9:30am. There is and the 1 mile fun run at 1:30pm. Registration no pre registration. Please register at the starts at $10. The Wolfson Children's Challenge Children's Fun Run table at the race. honors 55 children, each representing the bestbet Orange Park Kennel Club / 455 Park tens of thousands of children who are cared Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / for by Wolfson Children's Hospital each year. floridastriders.com The event has a fundraising goal of $140,000. Parking is available directly in front of Nocatee Sound Bath with Lavender Aromatherapy Station Field. January 12, 6pm to 7pm Join staff for a lavender aromatherapy Sound Nocatee Station Field / 904-202-2919 / 400 Bath class with Adriana Dobbs, certified sound Nocatee Center Way, Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 / giving.baptistjax.com practitioner through the Vibrational Sound Association (VSA). Enjoy a 45-minute crystal Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list singing bowls bath immersed in lavender of Health & Safety events.
Health & Safety Events
HEALTH & SAFETY
CPSC Issues Several Warnings for Tiny Magnetic Balls After Seven Deaths
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he US Consumer Product Safety Commission issued several warnings for high-powered magnetic balls in toy sets, after the agency said it was aware of seven deaths linked to swallowing small magnets. The CPSC did not list the total units affected because most of the companies did not agree to recall their products. However, if the companies do not agree to a voluntary recall, the CPSC could sue or begin a mandatory recall process.
metal magnetic balls, which affected about 728 units. The CPSC said consumers should immediately stop using those magnets, which are 5mm in diameter (.04 of an inch), and contact XpressGoods for a prepaid label to return for a full refund or store credit. There are six other warnings for high-powered magnets. Four of the warnings are for magnet sets sold exclusively on Temu, a wide-ranging marketplace. These sets include Allvre’s 216-Piece 5mm Magnetic Ball Sets, Sunny House’s 125-Piece 5mm Mixed Color Magnetic Ball Sets, Ming Tai Trade’s 216-Piece 5mm Magnetic Ball Sets and Magic QQ’s 216-Piece Mixed Color Magnetic Ball Sets. The CPSC said it reached out to all of these manufacturers, but most of the firms have not agreed to recall or offer a remedy to customers. All of these magnets were sold online during 2023. A magnetic ball set sold at South Korean site myKmarket.com was also issued a warning.
These magnets are small enough to fit into the CPSC’s small parts cylinder (which simulates the width of a child’s throat), and are also magnetically stronger than permitted. And when people swallow these high-powered magnets, they can attract to each other or to other metals inside the digestive system, leading to “perforations, twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning and death.” The agency estimated 2,500 emergency room visits over magnet ingestions from 20172021. Of the seven deaths, two were outside of the United States. However, the agency issued one recall on December 7th from XpressGoods’ colorful
Most of these magnetics are colorful, and sold in a clear plastic case. However, the magnets in SplishSplash Balls reusabale water balloons also contain the powerful magnets, which are used inside the rim of the balloon to seal the water. j cnn.com
“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
Cheers to a Healthy New Year! I mproving the health of your family is a fantastic goal for 2024! Here are some tips to getting you and your family on the road to healthy in the new year.
• Also monitor your child/teen’s intake of energy drinks which can contain significant amounts of not only sugar but caffeine as well.
Set Realistic Goals • Start with goals that are achievable and realistic. The key to keeping on track towards meeting your goals are to set small, attainable targets that will help you stay motivated.
Regular Exercise • Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. • Find activities you enjoy as a family to make it more sustainable. Go for regular walks, take bike rides around the neighbordhood or at a local park, play frisbee at the beach, or play a soccer game in the backyard.
Focus on Variety • Focus on a balanced and varied diet. Use MyPlate as a guideline for meals. A balanced diet is one that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. • Limit your intake of highly processed foods. Processed foods are those which contain ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, or thickeners such as carrageenan or guar gum. • Choose whole foods as often as possible, or those with limited ingredients.
Adequate Sleep • Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being and helps with recovery after physical activity. Make it a goal for everyone to get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Some children may require more depending on their age. Social Connections • Try to make at least one meal a day a family meal. Positive relationships contribute to mental and emotional well-being for everyone. Eating together reminds us that we are part of our family community.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables • Aim for a rainbow of fruits and vegetables at your table. Choose from dark reds (tomatoes, red pepper, raspberries), greens (spinach, bell pepper, kiwi) or purple (eggplant, plums) to yellow (bananas, Educate Yourself yellow pepper) and orange (acorn squash, • Learn about nutrition, exercise, and overall sweet potatoes, carrots). health to make informed choices about • Let your children pick out a new fruit or your well-being. Talk to a Registered vegetable to try and let them help prepare Dietitan for a personalized meal plan or the new food (with supervision as needed) nutrition coaching. for the meal. • Aim to fill at least half your plate with fruits Stay Consistent and vegetables. • Consistency is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Create Hydration habits in your family that align with your • Make it a goal to drink an adequate health goals. amount of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial for overall I hope you and your family have a happy, health. healthy New Year 2024! j Avoid Sugary Drinks • A regular can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. All those extra calories get stored as fat if not used for energy. Limit your child’s intake of sodas to promote a healthy weight.
Aurea Thompson, MSH, RDN, CSP, LDN Certified Pediatric Nutrition Specialist Wolfson Children’s Hospital
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9
INFANT & TODDLER Infant Brain Development Benefits from Pre- and Postnatal B-12 Vitamins
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abies and children need vitamins, including vitamin B-12, to help their brains and bodies develop and grow. Vitamin B-12 is an essential micronutrient with critical functions, including folate metabolism and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B-12 is crucial for fetal and child growth and development. Vitamin B-12 deficiency during the first year of life can have severe consequences, such as anemia, poor growth and development, and neurological and behavioral abnormalities that are potentially irreversible. Babies get B-12 from their mothers and can have low levels of B-12 if their mothers had low vitamin levels during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The vitamin B-12 levels of infants strongly depend on maternal levels. Adequacy of vitamin B-12 in breast milk is particularly important for infants during the first six months of life when breastfeeding is highly recommended. Even after the first six months of life, breast milk may continue to be a critical source of vitamin B-12 for infants. Pregnant and lactating women are at excep-
tionally high risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency due to the increased nutritional demands as they provide the micronutrient for themselves and their babies.
However, women who took high doses of vitamin B-12 supplements during lactation experienced these benefits for a longer period of time.
Many people receive the necessary B-12 the body needs from animal-source foods.
"Understanding the impacts of prenatal and postnatal vitamin B-12 supplements on the level of B-12 in breast milk is crucial to design effective nutritional interventions to protect mothers and infants from vitamin B-12 deficiencies," said Wang, who was the principal investigator.
However, in countries with low intake of animal-source diets, mother's and infant's deficiency in vitamin B-12 is a serious public health challenge. In resource-limited settings where maternal undernutrition is pervasive, researchers sought to understand the optimal timing and dosage of B-12 supplements during pregnancy and lactation. A new study led by George Mason University and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Assistant Professor in the College of Public Health, Dongqing Wang found that pregnant women who took high doses of oral vitamin B-12 supplements prior to delivery experienced short-term benefits on the levels of B-12 in their breast milk.
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 10
"Our findings underscore the importance of prenatal vitamins for short-term benefits in breast milk and postnatal vitamins for more sustained impacts on B-12 adequacy in breast milk; both prenatal and postnatal supplements support healthy growth and development in the baby." The study also found that the effect of the prenatal vitamin B-12 supplement diminished when used together with the postnatal supplement. Likewise, the effect of the postnatal vitamin
B-12 supplement diminished when used together with the prenatal supplement. "It appears that there was a certain plateau in the effect when prenatal and postnatal supplements were used together," said Wang. "The plateau could mean that either prenatal or postnatal vitamins could correct maternal vitamin B-12 deficiency, but the plateau does not preclude the need for combined prenatal and postnatal supplements through pregnancy and breastfeeding to sustain maternal B-12 levels in populations with high levels of dietary inadequacy." The research was primarily funded by an Early Career Award from the Thrasher Research Fund. j sciencedaily.com
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INFANT & TODDLER Babies Learn Language Best Through Sing-Song Speech, Not Phonetics
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ew research suggests that parents should use sing-song speech, such as nursery rhymes, with their babies as soon as possible, as it aids language development.
a primary school teacher singing 18 nursery rhymes to an infant. Low frequency bands of brainwaves were fed through a special algorithm, which produced a ‘read out’ of the phonological information that was being Contrary to the belief that phonetic information encoded. is the foundation of language, this study reveals that rhythmic speech plays a crucial The researchers found that phonetic encoding role in language acquisition during a child’s in babies emerged gradually over the first year first months. Phonetic information is not of life, beginning with labial sounds (e.g. d for reliably processed until around seven months “daddy”) and nasal sounds (e.g. m for of age, whereas rhythmic information helps “mommy”), with the ‘read out’ progressively babies recognize word boundaries from the looking more like that of adults. start. First author, Professor Giovanni Di Liberto, a The study sheds light on language learning cognitive and computer scientist at Trinity and its relation to dyslexia and developmental College Dublin and a researcher at the ADAPT language disorders. Centre, said: “This is the first evidence we have of how brain activity relates to phonetic Phonetic information – the smallest sound information changes over time in response to elements of speech, typically represented by continuous speech.” the alphabet – is considered by many linguists Previously, studies have relied on comparing to be the foundation of language. Infants are the responses to nonsense syllables, like “bif” thought to learn these small sound elements and “bof” instead. and add them together to make words. But this study suggests that phonetic information The current study forms part of the Babyis learned too late and slowly for this to be the Rhythm project led by Goswami, which is case. investigating how language is learned and how this is related to dyslexia and developInstead, rhythmic speech helps babies learn mental language disorder. language by emphasizing the boundaries of individual words and is effective even in the Goswami believes that it is rhythmic informafirst months of life. tion – the stress or emphasis on different syllables of words and the rise and fall of tone Researchers from the University of Cambridge – that is the key to language learning. A sister and Trinity College Dublin investigated babies’ study, also part of the BabyRhythm project, ability to process phonetic information during has shown that rhythmic speech information their first year. was processed by babies at two months old – and individual differences predicted later Their study, published in the journal Nature language outcomes. The experiment was also Communications, found that phonetic conducted with adults who showed an information wasn’t successfully encoded until identical ‘read out’ of rhythm and syllables to seven months old, and was still sparse at 11 babies. months old when babies began to say their first words. “Parents should talk and sing to their babies as much as possible or use infant directed “Our research shows that the individual speech like nursery rhymes because it will sounds of speech are not processed reliably make a difference to language outcome,” said until around seven months, even though most Goswami. infants can recognize familiar words like ‘bottle’ by this point,” said Cambridge Goswami says that there is a long history in neuroscientist, Professor Usha Goswami. trying to explain dyslexia and developmental “From then individual speech sounds are still language disorder in terms of phonetic added in very slowly – too slowly to form the problems but that the evidence doesn’t add basis of language.” up. She believes that individual differences in children’s language originate with rhythm. j The researchers recorded patterns of electrical neurosciencenews.com brain activity in 50 infants at four, seven and eleven months old as they watched a video of
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 12
Things to Do
is intended to prepare expectant parents for labor, birth, the post-partum period, and caring for the newborn. Topics covered include the birthing process and stages of labor, Little Readers • Tuesdays, January 2, 9, 16, pain management relaxation techniques & 23, 11am to 11:30am options, cesarean section preparation and Saturdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:15am to postpartum recovery, general newborn care: 10:45am and 11am to 11:30am bathing, burping, & diapering, soothing techThis early education event will start with a niques & signs of illness, safety, and more. story that your child will love, followed by Classes are held virtually via Zoom. music to get everyone up and moving. Each UF Health / 352-265-0317 / ufhealth.org week features a different theme and will have two related books. Themes include art, Bluey Meet and Greet Play Time dinosaurs, construction, fish-under the sea, January 19, 4:15pm to 6:45pm and bears. Register your child in advance as Ready Set Play St Augustine hosts a Meet seating is limited. and Greet with Bluey. There will be two Jacksonville Public Library, Main Branch / time slots to choose from, either 4:15pm to 904-255-2665 / 303 North Laura Street, 5:30pm or 5:30pm to 6:45pm. Cost is $17 Jacksonville, FL 32202 / jaxpubliclibrary.org per child and $3 per adult. No reservations are required for this event. All children must Virtual Breastfeeding Class be 49" and under to attend. Ready Set Play January 8, 6pm St Augustine / 904-679-3064 / 1765 Tree The class is designed for parents that are Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / play904.com planning to breastfeed or need support. Hosted by Certified Lactation Counselor, Birthing 101 • January 23, 6pm Tawanna Nottage, who is also a member of This free one-hour session will introduce exthe Broward County Breastfeeding Coalition. pectant parents to basic childbirth education. The class will cover the following topics: How This class will cover Purpose of Childbirth Edbreastfeeding works, Getting the best start, ucation, Pregnancy Warning Signs, DiscomPositions & latching on, How to tell if your forts of Pregnancy, How Your Body Prepares baby is getting enough milk, Common chalfor Birth, Signs of Labor, Stages of Labor, lenges and how to overcome, and Breastfeed- How Partners can Support Moms, Medication ing support. The event is online, and is free. in Labor and Birth, and Cesarean Birth. Free. Pediatric Associates / 954-966-8000 / Pediatric Associates / 954-966-8000 / www.pediatricassociates.com www.pediatricassociates.com
Infant & Toddler Events
Clay County Public Library Baby Storytime January 8, 22, 29, 10:30am Join library staff for a special lapsit for you and your little one. Each week will feature a different theme, such as airplanes, bears, and cars. Baby Storytime is designed for children ages 0-23 months or those who haven’t begun to run around. Free. Clay County Public Library, Orange Park Branch / 904-278-4750 / 2054 Plainfield Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.claycountygov.com Alphabet Academy January 8, 22, 29, 11:15am Each week this storytime will feature a letter of the week to help children learn letter shapes and sounds. For ages 36 months through Kindergarten; siblings welcome. The focus of this storytime is on early literacy skills such as phonological awareness, print awareness, and alphabet knowledge. St. Johns Public Library, Southeast Branch / 904827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / sjcpls.org Childbirth and Newborn Care Education January 12, 27, 9am to 3pm The Childbirth and Newborn Education Class
Theatre for Babies - Everything's A Circle January 27, 10am Everything's A Circle is the first original play in Theatre Jacksonville’s Theatre for Babies program. It is a theatrical performance designed specifically for parents and caregivers with babies between the ages of 3 and 12 months. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take off their shoes, sit on the floor, relax and observe as the littlest play-goers experience everyday household objects transform into theatrical wonders. Everything's A Circle is a theatrical performance for babies, but it is also a demonstration for parents and caregivers of ways in which everyday household objects can become tools to help engage, stimulate and connect with babies while in their earliest stages of development. No children over one year permitted. Cost is $15/adult. Held in the South Parking Lot (behind Gym), Building E, Room 12. Hendricks Avenue Baptist / 904-396-4425 / 4001 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.theatrejax.com Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list Infant & Toddler Events.
INFANT & TODDLER
Recall Issued, FDA Investigating After Lead Found in Cinnamon Applesauce: What You Should Do
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ecently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned people not to eat WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack and certain Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches because they had lead in them. At least 65 children between age 1 and 5 years old have had high blood lead levels linked to the recalled applesauce and apple puree pouches. These cases were reported in more than two dozen states including Florida and Georgia. Right now, the FDA suspects that cinnamon used in the products may be the source of lead. A cinnamon applesauce product sample that was tested by the FDA had 200 times more lead than the FDA allows in food. The source of the cinnamon is under investigation; the FDA is screening shipments of cinnamon from outside of the U.S. for lead.
What should I do if my child ate the recalled applesauce? The most important step is to stop your child from getting any more exposure to lead. If you have any of the recalled pouches, throw them away. If your child has a eaten recalled fruit pouch, talk to your child's pediatrician or nurse about getting a blood test for lead. Your regional poison control center (1-800-222-1222) or Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit can also help.
The only way to find lead in children is with a blood test. Most children with high lead levels won't look sick, but even small amounts can be harmful to the brain and make it harder for kids to learn or to control their behavior. Larger amounts of lead can lead to headache, irritability, constipation, crampy stomachaches or other problems. Severe lead poisoning can cause seizures or coma. When lead poisoning is severe, doctors may recommend medicine to lower a child's blood lead levels.
What are other common places children find lead? How does lead get into applesauce? Dust from lead house paint is still the biggest Metals like lead, arsenic and mercury are lead hazard in the United States. We stopped found on the earth and get on plants through using lead in house paint after 1978, so older pollution in the air or water. Sometimes, spices homes pose a risk. or vitamins added to foods may be contaminated by lead and these need careful testing The U.S. tries to watch food and toys to make by food companies. Lead may also be part of sure they're safe from lead—that's how it was metal tanks used to make baby food. found in the recalled applesauce pouches. It is also commonly found in imported spices, How are high blood lead levels diagnosed candies, cosmetics or nutritional supplements. and treated?
Soil may contain lead from old gasoline and industrial sources. It also lurks in service lines carrying water to homes and lead solder used in plumbing. Some jobs, like ship or bridge painting or metal recycling or construction can lead to lead exposure. Lead may be found in antique woodwork or in ceramic glazes. Some hobbies, like going to gun shooting ranges or making stained glass, may have lead hazards, too. Remember The most important "treatment" for your child is to prevent further exposure to lead. Parents can help their children by giving them a good healthy diet with plenty of calcium and iron, helping them get good sleep and by "exercising" their brains through reading and puzzles.
j
healthychildren.org
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JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13
SPECIAL NEEDS
‘Barbie’ Movie Adds Unique Accessibility Option
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hen the blockbuster “Barbie” movie became available for streaming on December 15th, it offered a new level of accessibility for people with disabilities. The film, which debuted on Max, came with a special option to view it accompanied by American Sign Language interpretation.
viewing experience for the deaf community to enjoy with family and friends,” said Casey Bloys, chairman and CEO of HBO and Max, who noted that ASL is the first language for many.
The ASL version of “Barbie” displays the movie with sign language performer Leila Hanaumi superimposed at the bottom right corner of the The move is an effort to expand on the movie’s screen. Max said it is available as its own title theme, according to Max. on the streaming service denoted by key art with the sign language symbol. j “By offering sign language interpretation, we will build upon the film’s empowering disabilityscoop.com message of inclusiveness and offer a unique
PBS Kids Creating New Series About Characters With Autism
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BS Kids is developing its first-ever series of what it means to be human,” said Zachariah featuring a lead character on the autism OHora, the creator and executive producer of spectrum and his neurodiverse friends. the show, which is aimed at kids ages 4 to 8. The animated show called “Carl the Collector” follows Carl, a raccoon with autism who loves to collect things, and his friends in Fuzzytown, a place where everyone is learning about themselves and those around them. Carl is described as warm-hearted and energetic, laser-focused and having great attention to detail, but he struggles with anxiety in new circumstances and when things don’t go as expected. His friends include both neurotypical and neurodiverse characters, PBS Kids said. “My hope for Carl and his diverse group of Fuzzytown friends is that they will inspire neurodiverse and neurotypical kids alike to foster a world in which neurodiversity is not only recognized as a benefit to society, but is celebrated as exemplifying the full spectrum
In addition to inclusion on screen, neurodiverse and neurotypical writers, advisors and voice talent are part of the production team behind the new show. “‘Carl the Collector’ values inclusion and empathy, while modeling relationship-building and social skill development, wrapped up in humor, heart and incredible visual design,” said Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager of PBS Kids. “We are excited for children to get to know Carl and his group of friends, who believe that the best experiences occur when we honor the things that make each of us unique.” “Carl the Collector” is expected to debut on PBS Kids in fall 2024. j disabilityscoop.com
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 14
Things to Do
Special Needs Events
CKAA Buddy Ball Registration Thru January 20 Registration is now open for Buddy Ball with Christ the King Athletic Academy. The Bambino Buddy Ball Division allows athletes with unique abilities to enjoy the game on the same level that is experienced by other participants. Bambino Buddy Ball is for boys, girls and young adults, aged 5–20 (and sometimes older), with mental and/or physical disabilities that have the desire to play organized, non-competitive baseball or softball. Practices will begin on January 29, with the season opener scheduled for March 2. Registration fees are $60. Christ the King Athletic Academy / 904-718-4429 / 742 Arlington Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / www.ckaajax.com Vincent’s Clubhouse Support Group January 4, 6:30pm to 7:30pm Vincent's Clubhouse, Inc. is a 501c3 organization that is dedicated to serving children with autism and their families by hosting inclusive social events, summer camps, support groups, and advocacy work. Join them in a welcoming environment for parents and caregivers of children and young adults with autism and other special needs to meet, share experiences and give each other support. Free. NextHome At The Beach Office / 386-585-0926 / 160 Cypress Point Parkway #A112, Palm Coast, FL 32164 / www.vincentsclubhouse.org 31st Annual CARD Conference January 12-14 The purpose of the annual statewide CARD conference is to provide information on stateof-the-art practices in areas that promote best practices in education, early intervention, and quality community-based lifestyles for individuals with autism, deaf-blindness, and related disabilities. The weekend will feature keynote speakers, conference sessions, breakout speakers, and more. This year will bring over 56 sessions featuring Dani Bowman, from Love on the Spectrum, Kari Hume, Andrew Bulla, Maria Davis Pierre, from Autism in Black, Dorothea C. Lerman, Dr. David Childers along with 64 other professional presenters. Tickets start at $45. Florida Hotel and Conference Center / 407-8236020 / 1500 Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809 / cardconference.info Chance to Dance Workshop January 13, 10am Florida Ballet is excited to partner with Wolfson Children’s Hospital for the second Chance to Dance workshops. The workshop is specifically tailored to children ages 4-8 with special needs and differences. The class exercises and activities are specifically designed to help children feel confident and proud of their movement abilities, while building strength, coordination, and rhythm. Workshops will be held on the 2nd Saturday of each month starting in September. The workshop will give all students the opportunity to move to classical music and enjoy fun props, dancing games and stretches while interacting with the Conservatory student mentors.
The children will have the opportunity to see a short performance at the end of class on March 4th and meet the performers from The Florida Ballet. The Florida Ballet / 904-353-7518 / 10131 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / floridaballet.org Autism Creates Family Workshop January 13, 10am to 11am While children with ASD struggle with verbal communication, social relations, and sensory development, creative art-making activities enable them to foster new means of self-expression and communication. Utilizing two educational components—hands-on art workshops and the museum galleries —the Autism Creates program harnesses art and art-making activities as means of promoting expression and social interaction among children with ASD and their teachers, caregivers, and peers. Monthly workshops are hosted on-site at MOCA Jacksonville for up to 10 children with ASD and their families. Families will explore the galleries, create art, and participate in sensory activities. Held the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 11am. There is no cost to attend but space is limited and registration is required. MOCA Jacksonville / 904-366-6911 / 333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / mocajacksonville.unf.edu Sensory Friendly Rodeo January 13, 3pm to 5pm The Northeast Florida Advocates for Autism and Related Disabilities hosts the 1st Sensory Friendly Rodeo Event. Rodeo events will include mutton bustin', bull riding, team roping, chute dogging, barrel racing, and a calf scramble. Tickets are $4 per person and are limited to keep this event sensory friendly. You must have a ticket to attend. Flying G Rodeo Co / 458244 N. Old Dixie Highway, Hilliard, FL 32046 / nefladvocates.square.site Building Champions • January 23, 5:30pm Champions is a social group for our FDLRS/ CARD constituents. This group helps build trust, respect, and peer connections with a focus on leadership skills and team building skills. The purpose of this group is to encourage boys to make healthy choices that can lead to positive growth. The group will meet virtually for five weeks. Open to Boys in 6-8th grade. Jacksonville Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904-633-0760 / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu After the Diagnosis • January 24, 5:30pm A Parent Support Group for families that have recently received a medical diagnosis for their child. This group will offer resources and guidance on “what to do next” and how to process your child’s diagnosis. Together, participants and staff will address the mixed emotions that often come with receiving a medical label. You will receive information that may be useful for the parent/caregiver as well as the whole family. The more the family understands the characteristics of your child’s diagnosis, the better the family can support the child. Held online via Zoom. Center for Autism and Related Disabilities / 904633-0760 / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu
Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Special Needs events.
EDUCATION
Florida VPK Open Enrollment Things to Do Begins January 2024 Education Events
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hat is Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK)?
Florida was one of the first states in the country to offer free prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds regardless of family income. Since the program began in 2005-06, more than 2.6 million children have benefited from the Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK). Data collected by the Florida Department of Education shows that children who participate in VPK are much more ready for kindergarten than children who do not participate in VPK. Parents can select from one of several program options available in different educational settings from private and public providers and specialized instructional services providers. Providers have flexibility to structure daily hours per week to meet the required number of instructional hours. Who is Eligible for VPK? To be eligible for VPK, children must live in Florida and be 4 years old on or before September 1 of the current school year. If their fourth birthday falls February 2 through September 1 in a calendar year, parents can postpone enrolling their child in VPK that year and wait until the following year when their child is 5. School-Year Program - 540 Instructional Hours Class sizes are not to exceed 11 students with a single lead instructor or up to 20 students with a lead instructor and an assistant. Instructors must have a minimum of a Florida Child Care Professional Credential. Summer Program - 300 Instructional Hours
Classes are not to exceed 12 students with a single lead instructor. Instructors must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. VPK Specialized Instructional Services (SIS) Education Program Takes place outside a traditional classroom setting and is designed for 4-year-olds with special needs who have current individualized educational plans from local school districts. The VPK Specialized Educational Services or VPK SIS is available for age-eligible children with disabilities as evidenced by a current individual educational plan (IEP). The Department of Education approves SIS providers whose services meet statutory standards, maintains a list of approved providers, and notifies each school district and early learning coalition of the approved provider list. Parents with questions about accessing VPK SIS for their child or VPK SIS providers with questions contact your local early learning coalition. How to Apply for VPK? Parents must: • Apply for services in the Family Portal • Read about Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards To learn more about eligibility criteria, contact your county’s early learning coalition or call the Child Care Resource and Referral Network at 1-866-357-3239. Alachua 352-375-4110 Duval 904-208-2044, Ext. 1 ELC of North Florida Includes Baker, Nassau, Bradford, Clay, St. Johns and Putnam counties 1-800-238-3463 Flagler and Volusia 386-323-2400 j
“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Bite-Size Science Virtual Program Thru May 31, 2024 A 15-episode series of curriculum-related 10-15 minute videos covering life science topics such as cheetah adaptations, ocean food chains, wetlands, monarch butterflies, pollination, and much more. Each video features one of Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist's, songs and an entertaining science lesson. The series includes over three hours of content, curriculum connections including Florida Standards, animations, nature footage, quizzes and a study guide with activities and additional resources. The series is geared for students in K-5 (ages 5 and 11). Pricing is $6 per child. A viewing link will be emailed with instructions on how to access the virtual program. The link can be shared within your group to view with ease in a classroom, home, or on a mobile device. FSCJ Artist Series / 904-632-5050 / www.fscjartistseries.org Experience Bolles • January 11, 12, 20, 9am The best way to learn about Bolles is to attend an Open House and experience a day in the life of the students. Parents are encouraged to visit the campuses and see how the students and teachers engage in active and challenging learning. Register for an Open House: Explore Bolles! event in advance. These events are designed for adults rather than children and provide the opportunity to experience the lower schools first-hand. Explore Bolles! events are not drop-in and drop-out events. You will want to stay for the entirety of the event so that you don't miss a thing. Campus tours are included. January 11 is held at the Lower School PK-5 Ponte Vedra Campus. The January 12 event will take place at the Upper School Day or Boarding 9-12, Post Grad San Jose Campus. On January 20, families can experience the Middle School 6-8 Bartram Campus. Bolles / www.bolles.org Ponte Vedra Campus / 904-256-5034 / 200 ATP Tour Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 San Jose Campus / 904-256-5032 / 7400 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32217 Bartram Campus / 904-256-5033 / 2264 Bartram Road, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / CISV 101 • January 11, 7pm; January 13, 9am; January 18; January 27, 9am At CISV 101, parents and kids who have participated in CISV international educational programs share their experiences, and explain the history and goals of CISV. They also discuss what happens at CISV programs and next steps for your child becoming a CISV participant. January 11 - Southeast Regional Library; January 13, Shepherd of the Woods; January 18 at TBD; January 27 - Shepherd of the Woods. CISV / jacksonville.cisvusa.org Southeast Regional Library, Room B 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Shepherd of the Woods, 7860 Southside Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32256
Shanghai Circus School Time Performances January 18, 10am and 12noon; January 19, 10am Grand Shanghai Circus: Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai is a top performance troupe famous for delivering top performers with excellent skills, dare-devil acts and a harmonious combination of various kinds of performing arts. Tickets are $8.50 each. Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-632-5000 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System January 22, 10:30am The Thrasher-Horne Center presents a new musical adaptation based on the original Magic School Bus book series. This show is best suited for grades K-5. The running time of the show is 60 minutes. Admission starts at $10, and the show is open to school groups, individuals, and homeschool groups. Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / thcenter.org Theatreworks: Charlotte's Web January 24, 10am and 12noon Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s classic book. Best suited for grades K-5. The schooltime show is open to school groups, private schools, and homeschoolers. Admission is $8.50 per person. All tickets contain a $1.50 restoration fee, and online orders contain a $10 per ticket convenience fee. To avoid the convenience fee, call the Florida Theatre box office to purchase. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com Super Scientific Circus • January 29, 10am and 12noon; January 30, 11am The Super Scientific Circus starring Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime, proves that science can be fun and funny. Trent the Mime and Mr. Fish use amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, beach balls, bullwhips, and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics, sonic booms, air pressure, and ultraviolet light. Presented by FSCJ Artist Series at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts. Tickets are $8.50 and are open to public school groups, private schools, and homeschoolers. Shows fill up quickly. Call or email to purchase your tickets. Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-6325050 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org
Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Education events.
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15
EDUCATION
50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems, Age 2+
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker, Age 2+ Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Age 2+ The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, Age 2+
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Age 2+ Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, Age 2+ Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard, Age 3+
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, Age 3+ The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, Age 3+
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, Age 3+
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 16
Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña, Age 3+
Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, Age 4+ The Complete Tales & Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, Age 5+ Mercy Watson to the Rescue: Mercy Watson, Book 1 by Kate DiCamillo, Age 5+ Sofia Valdez, Future Prez by Andrea Beaty, Age 5+ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Ronald Dahl, Age 6+
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Harry Potter, Book 1 by J.K. Rowling, Age 8+
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, Age 9+
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1 by C.S. Lewis, Age 8+
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 1 by Jeff Kinney, Age 9+
New Kid, Book 1 by Jerry Craft, Age 8+ The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread by Kate DiCamillo, Age 8+
When the Sea Turned to Silver by Grace Lin, Age 8+ Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll, Age 9+
Ivy + Bean, Book 1 by Annie Barrows, Age 6+
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, Age 9+
Stuart Little by E.B. White, Age 6+
The Bad Beginning: A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 1 by Lemony Snicket, Age 9+
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, Age 6+
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, Age 7+
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Peterson, Age 9+ Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, Age 9+
Front Desk, Book 1 by Kelly Yang, Age 9+
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai, Age 10+ Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party by Ying Chang Compestine, Age 10+ Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Age 10+
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Age 9+
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Age 11+
The Lightening Thief: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1 by Rick Riordan, Age 9+
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, Age 12+
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume, Age 9+ A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, Age 9+ Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, Age 10+ Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan, Age 10+ I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick, Age 10+
Legend, Book 1 by Marie Lu, Age 12+ March, Book 1 by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell, Age 12+ Stamped: Racism, Anti-Racism and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, Age 12+ The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, Age 12+ The Hunger Games, Book 1 by Suzanne Collins, Age 13+ commonsensemedia.org
Spring Park Elementary students pocket tips for financial success thanks to “JA in a Day” They may not have perfected their stock portfolios just yet, but students at Spring Park Elementary School are definitely pocketing smart financial tips thanks to the “JA in a Day” program that took place on Wednesday. “JA in a Day” is a special collaboration among the school district, Junior Achievement (JA), and EverBank. Through the program, students as young as kindergartners receive lessons on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. The event at Spring Park Elementary on Wednesday was held for students in grades 3-4. It featured a pep rally with Jackson Deville and financial literacy lessons where students learned about the value of saving, investing, and donating money. Spring Park Elementary Principal Davina Parker says it’s never too early to teach kids about finances. “It’s really important to teach our children about financial
health and wellness, and about financial planning, even at this age, as they’re thinking about their careers and what they want to be when they grow up,” Parker said. “It’s a good time for them to even dream big about their finances and how they’re going to support themselves and their families.” Spring Park Elementary is one of 90 DCPS schools with a JA partnership. More than 41,000 students had the opportunity to participate in JA financial literacy programs during the 2022-23 school year. “We’re reaching more students and reaching more schools, and we cannot do that without the partnership of Duval County Public Schools,” said Tiffany Guthrie, JA Vice President of Programs and Partnerships. “Truly everybody is here for this next generation and it gets me excited to see that all of us believe in pouring into these students.”
District awarded $2 million grant to enhance STEAM education at 13 schools New STEAM labs, 3D printing pens, and educational field trips. They’re among the resources and tools the district will provide to students in 13 schools with a large number of military children thanks to a $2 million dollar grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).
Known as Operation ARTIST, the grant brings technology into arts resources and classes like music, theater, dance, media, and more. It complements a previous STEM grant awarded by the DoDEA called Project RECRUIT. The Benefits of STEAM Education Where STEM education focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, STEAM also incorporates the arts. District leaders say this grant will allow students to maximize their creative potential through innovation. “What’s great is that we’re able to provide support to the arts,” said Dr. Yvonne Spinner, Duval County Public Schools Director of K-12 Science. “Students could use 3D printing pens in art instead of just clay. Students could use digital synthesizers to make music. We wanted to create a 360-degree approach to STEM education, as well as develop 21st century skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaboration.” Encouraging STEAM Education with Military Students Each school named in the grant has a student military population of 10% or more and will be able to receive specialized equipment such as animation kits, tablets, and digital cameras. Schools can also use the funds to build or renovate a STEAM lab or STEAM space. “A lot of these families are highly mobile, and so being able to provide additional support for these military families is important,” said Dr. Spinner. “This is the population that serves us. Now we can serve them to make sure their students are supported.” Schools will additionally have funding for professional development, field trips, and parent nights. A project director and arts coach will be put in place to help support lesson development and implementation. The grant will span five years, with the first dedicated to planning. The schools set to receive funding are: Anchor Academy, Beauclerc Elementary, Chimney Lakes Ele-
mentary, John Stockton Elementary, Mayport Elementary, Mayport Middle, New Berlin Elementary, Oceanway Elementary, Oceanway Middle, San Mateo Elementary, Sheffield Elementary, Southside Estates Middle, and Venetia Elementary. About the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. DoDEA’s mission is to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage the education programs for eligible dependents of U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense. The DoDEA has congressional authority to provide resources to public schools to support the continuity of education for military-connected students through a competitive grant program. DoDEA’s vision of “Excellence in education for every student, every day, everywhere” is realized through this partnership with public school districts. Encouraging STEAM Education with Military Students Each school named in the grant has a student military population of 10% or more and will be able to receive specialized equipment such as animation kits, tablets, and digital cameras. Schools can also use the funds to build or renovate a STEAM lab or STEAM space. “A lot of these families are highly mobile, and so being able to provide additional support for these military families is important,” said Dr. Spinner. “This is the population that serves us. Now we can serve them to make sure their students are supported.” Schools will additionally have funding for professional development, field trips, and parent nights. A project director and arts coach will be put in place to help support lesson development and implementation. The grant will span five years, with the first dedicated to planning. The schools set to receive funding are: Anchor Academy, Beauclerc Elementary, Chimney Lakes Elementary, John Stockton Elementary, Mayport Elementary, Mayport Middle, New Berlin Elementary, Oceanway Elementary, Oceanway Middle, San Mateo Elementary, Sheffield Elementary, Southside Estates Middle, and Venetia Elementary. About the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is a field activity of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. DoDEA’s mission is to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage the education programs for eligible dependents of U.S. military personnel and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense. The DoDEA has congressional authority to provide resources to public schools to support the continuity of education for military-connected students through a competitive grant program. DoDEA’s vision of “Excellence in education for every student, every day, everywhere” is realized through this partnership with public school districts.
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 17
New bikes gifted to 300 third graders across Team Duval thanks to Bikes for Kids Foundation
Third graders from four Team Duval elementary schools took home a new set of wheels ahead of the holidays thanks to the Bikes for Kids Foundation. The announcement of free bikes came as a complete shock to the third graders at Jacksonville Heights, Bayview, Crown Point, and Lake Lucina elementary schools. Team Duval News was there to capture the surprise at Jacksonville Heights Elementary. “This is the best thing that children can ever experience in their lives,” said Aubrey Conyers, a third grader at the school. “We could have gotten rewarded with anything else in the world, and you guys didn’t have to do this.” Like all the other third graders, Conyers thought that only select students would win the bikes. Part of the Bike for Kids program involved the students writing an essay about thinking big, working hard, being kind, and making no excuses. Those selected as winners, organizers told the students, would be awarded bikes. But big smiles filled the auditorium as the third graders slowly realized that all of them would be receiving their own brand new bike.
For Anthony Cadieux, seeing the reaction of the students was priceless. As Co-Founder and CEO of CoAqua NA, Inc, Cadieux leads the local Bikes for Kids effort. The national initiative was founded more than 20 years ago and has provided more than 100,000 bikes to students across the country. Watching the joyful reaction from the students never gets old, Cadieux said. “It’s hard to just not start crying because all the work that we do as a company to try and make this happen to see the reactions of these kids,” said Cadieux. “This program teaches these kids the types of values and habits that they need, and more importantly, the mindset that they need to become successful.” Principal Candice Glover-Bullock said not only does this program provide bikes for the students, but it teaches them life and character-building skills. “It was such a phenomenal experience,” Glover-Bullock said. “This was just something to let our kids know that this is what you do to achieve your goals in life. We started just telling them, ‘you are a game changer, you are a winner, think big,’ and that’s when we started seeing improvement, and it come into fruition.
Semifinalists named for 2024 Vystar Teacher of the Year Congratulations to the 15 semifinalists for the 2024 VyStar Teacher of the Year award. The semifinalists are composed of veteran educators as well as teachers earlier in their career. Five of the 15 will go on to compete for the title of Duval County Teacher of the Year. The winner
will be announced on Jan. 20, 2024, at the annual EDDY Awards. Below are the names of the semifinalists (pictured left to right, top to bottom in the above photo). Visit the Jacksonville Public Education
Athletic upgrades coming to Terry Parker High thanks to $75k grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods
Student-athletes at Terry Parker High School have 75,000 reasons to celebrate thanks to a $75,000 grant from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The school was one of 75 schools across the nation to be awarded the company’s “75 for 75 Sports Matter Grant.” The grant commemorates 75 years of Dick’s Sporting Goods, while providing $75,000 to 75 schools in need. School officials say the funds will go toward improving the school’s universal weight room, upgrading and enhancing sports equipment, replacing uniforms, and helping maintain athletic fields. School administrators said the grant will help bolster student participation in sports, especially for female athletes. “We’re very proud of our athletes, and we just want to grow and continue to grow,” said Assistant Principal Eric Greene. “This is one of those important pieces so that we can encourage women in sports and get their participation going and to get more pride within Terry Parker.”
Greene was among dozens of staff and students who gathered at the Town Center’s Dick’s Sporting Goods to accept the large check. Representatives at the store said it was a privilege to host the school at the site. “Doing the check presentation and being able to host them in this building is really exciting for me,” said store manager, Courtney Norris. “Like we get to sell sports every day and that’s really fun, but when you actually see it affect your direct community, that’s really big.” Niveka Parker, a senior at the school, was also present. As the manager of the school’s volleyball and boys basketball teams, she said this donation will be extremely beneficial. “I know we’re a Title 1 school and for them to look out for us and understand that there’s a need and take that initiative to help us, I really appreciate that,” said Parker. “It’s important to build the school pride so students feel good about their team.”
Fund (JPEF) for more information includ- ● Tonya Robinson-McNair, Hyde Grove ing a short bio on each semifinalist. Elementary School ● Mariah Rucker, KIPP Impact Academy Semifinalists ● Kimberly Sedgwick, Arlington Heights Elementary School ● Ana Andenmatten, Mandarin Oaks ● Katrice Shorter, Atlantic Coast High Elementary School School ● Jazline Clark, Arlington Middle School ● Leonard Smith, Fort Caroline Ele● Alana Davis, IDEA Bassett College mentary School Prep ● Gustavo Guzman, Terry Parker High ● Jenifer Straley, Lake Lucina Elementary School School ● Tery Ann Torres, San Jose Elementa● Marissa Hein, Alimacani Elementary ry School School ● Juana Zargon, Love Grove Elemen● Deborah Lepper, Frank H. Peterson tary School Academies of Technology ● Ashlyn Lupinski, River City Science Academy Innovation
Clay County School News The Florida Department of Education has released Informational Baseline School and District grades for the 2022-2023 school year. Clay County District Schools is once again an "A" rated school district! Only 16 school districts across the state received an "A" ranking
www.myoneclay.net
OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584
and we are honored to continue to receive this recognition. Thank you to all students, teachers, support staff, administrators, and parents for your continued hard work, dedication, and support of public education! One Team. One Goal. One Clay
Connect with us!
January Calendar January 1-5
Student Holiday
January 12
Report Cards Available
January 15
Student Holiday
January 18, 6pm-7:30pm
All County Secondary Band, Thrasher-Horne Center
January 22, 7pm-8:30pm
All County Secondary Chorus, Thrasher-Horne Center
January 26, 7:30-9pm
All County Elementary Chorus, Thrasher-Horne Center
JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 19
St. Johns County School District News 2024 CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk Join the CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee for its 11th Annual CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 9 a.m. The run/walk will begin and end at Palencia Elementary School, located at 355 Palencia Village Drive, St. Augustine. Walkers and runners will enjoy a 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. Registration fees are as follows:
Len Mattiace – Stop the Bullying Campaign 2023 Winners
Hats off to the incredible winners of the SJCSD Stop the Bullying Contest, proudly sponsored by the Len Mattiace Foundation! The Stop the Bullying Campaign is the heartbeat of the Foundation, championing compassion, inclusion, and kindness.
6K Walk/Run $35 January 1 – February 2 $40 on race day 3K Walk/Run $30 January 1 – February 2 $35 on race day Registration forms and more information
Alice B Landrum Middle School $100 Cora Riely and Fiona Willits, 8th grade Mill Creek Academy $100 Isabella Haddock, 7th grade R.J. Murray Middle School $500 Olivia Rieder, 7th grade A round of applause to the Fruit Cove Middle $100 Margaux Darcel, 6th grade School WEB Program and Cooper Beauman from Switzerland Point Middle School for each Patriot Oaks Academy $100 The Green Chargers winning a $1000 prize. $100 Clarissa Lacruz, 7th grade This contest is open to all middle school $100 Louisa Ward, 6th grade students in St. Johns County, encouraging $100 Lana Miller, 6th grade submissions in various forms—written papers, $100 Evelyn Schiller, 6th grade videos, songs, service projects, and more! $100 Isha Obulareddy and Kinsley Fowler, 6th Judged on presentation quality, overall impact, grade and clarity, these projects are making waves Gamble Rogers Middle School in spreading positivity and fighting against $100 ACCESS Point Program bullying. Let's continue to foster a culture of Switzerland Point Middle School understanding and support! $1,000 Cooper Beauman, 8th grade $500 Aubrey Carn, 6th grade Len Mattiace – Stop the Bullying Campaign $100 Sawyer Straight, 6th grade Contest Winners 2023 $100 Liv Pablo, 6th grade Fruit Cove Middle School Valley Ridge Academy $1,000 WEB Leaders $100 Jessie Tang, 6th grade In addition to winning top prize of $1,000, $100 Ruby Schantz and Lauren Cotto, 8th a foundation board member awarded them grade an additional $1,000. Also, Ms. Alford was awarded a trophy for being an amazing leader Certificate, hat, t-shirt - Yiwen Chen, 8th grade for her group of WEB students.
are available online at runsignup.com/ race/fl/staugustine/charactercountsinstjohnscountysixpillars6k3krunwalk Race proceeds support CHARACTER COUNTS! initiatives throughout the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD). 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 schools with the most registrants. In 2022, these schools were Palm Valley Academy, Pine Island Academy, Durbin Creek Elementary, Timberlin Creek Elementary, Ocean Palms Elementary, and Palencia Elementary. All racers registered by January 5, 2024, will receive a t-shirt and other giveaways from area businesses and organizations. At the finish line, each race participant will receive a finisher’s medal.
sented by Beaver Toyota with support from businesses and community groups. Action News Jax CBS47/FOX30 is the official media sponsor. The SJCSD, along with area businesses, youth organizations and civic groups, selected the national character education program of CHARACTER COUNTS! as a countywide initiative to instill positive character traits in young people throughout the county. Additionally, the SJCSD 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. Visit RunSignUp.com to learn more and register.
This event is produced by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee and is pre-
School-Related Employee of the Year 2023 Congratulations to the St. Johns County School District School-Related Employee of the Year, Sylvia Bass, a bus operator in the Transportation Department. Sylvia is a dedicated and selfless employee. She has served tirelessly for 37 years and takes pride in being a voice for children. She has developed lasting friendships with her students and their families and remembers names and stories year after year. They love seeing and greeting her in public due to her extraordinary service to them. When she is not working, Sylvia volunteers in the community, organizing Christmas parties for children and providing cheer baskets and meals to homebound veterans
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Get connected for the latest news & updates! Follow SJCSD on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn and stay in the know!
Visit St. Johns County Schools online at www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/schools for more information. JANUARY 2024 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 20
TEENS YouTube Content Helping Tweens and Teens Navigate School and Life
F
and animation to take viewers on a journey of learning and self-discovery. Join Cajun Koi Academy to supercharge study sessions, level up on self-improvement, and embrace a positive mindset.
topics, this series will light the way. Study Hall makes learning enjoyable and effective, breaking down complex subjects into digestible, enjoyable content.
Domonique Cynthia (age 15+) Is your tween or teen wondering what college is like? These creator channels, playlists, and Domonique interviews college and graduate videos—available in the separate YouTube students from across the U.S. and Europe to Supervised Experience—were reviewed by get the inside scoop with interesting quesCommon Sense Media's affiliated partner tions. Their answers will entertain as much as Sensical and chosen for their ability to offer they educate, so get your note-taking pen helpful, insightful advice about everyday topics ready. Class is in session! for tweens and teens. Gohar Khan (age CHANNELS 15+) Kize Bae (age 11+) In need of study Kids can do tips, school skills, or anything, and Kize college application Bae is here to show support? Gohar Khan has your teen covered— them how. Tackling often in 60 seconds or less! His videos guide a new hobby in each video, her goal is simple: students through school skills such as to show improvement in 30 days. Whether mastering the art of the essay, completing she's learning how to sing, play soccer, or homework efficiently, and improving memorisolve a Rubik's Cube, her can-do attitude is zation skills. Gohar uses his own experiences, bound to encourage viewers to try new things. a relatable tone, and relevant materials to Her tips on staying motivated and curious help connect with and engage his audience. promote life skills that teens can apply at home, in school, and in their relationships. Study Hall (age 15+) Cajun Koi Academy Welcome to Study (age 15+) Hall, where study Brothers Mike and sessions come to Matt use a combina- life. Whether your teen is a student in need of tion of live action course support or is looking to explore new
How to College (age 13+) Join Dr. Erica to learn how to start college off right! From choosing the right school to managing finances after graduation, Dr. Erica demonstrates how to approach every task, no matter how challenging. With lively animation and humor, this engaging series makes college essentials an entertaining breeze.
rom staying motivated to making and keeping friends, navigating school and life can be complicated. And if your tween or teen is overwhelmed by the amount of helpful advice out there, they're not alone. Whether their challenge is to get organized for college or to find a new hobby, this curated selection of channels, videos, and playlists features creators who break it all down into accessible, efficient advice that kids can count on.
Things to Do Teen Events
Young Investors Club January 4, 5:30pm to 6:30pm Teens 12 to 18 are invited for a monthly series on the different aspects of investing. This month, attendees will be learning about creating income: bond income vs stock income vs annuities. Classes will be presented by Black Creek Wealth Management. Free. Clay County Public Library, Orange Park Branch / 904-278-4750 / 2054 Plainfield Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.claycountygov.com ACT/SAT Classes For Teens Thursdays, January 11, 18, and 25, Febru-
ary 1, and 15, 5pm to 7:45pm ACT and SAT preparation classes at the Bartram Trail Branch Library will aid in preparing students for these exams. There are five Thursday evening sessions, covering math and English, a practice test, and a review. An ACT class will be held from 5pm to 6:15pm, followed by the SAT class from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Registration information is available at the Bartram Trail Branch Library information desk. Free. St. Johns County Public Library, Bartram Trail Branch / 904-827-6960 / 60 Davis Pond Blvd, St. Johns, FL 32259 / www.sjcpls.org Teen Driver Challenge January 13, 8am to 5pm This one-day hands-on education program addresses the primary factors affecting teen
PLAYLISTS
VIDEOS
How to Find Your Passion | Improvement Pill (age 11+) Is your tween on a quest to find their passions and inner callings? This Improvement Pill video unpacks 11 general life abilities to help guide kids' journey of self-discovery. From musical and logical to digital and visual, each skill and its related career path is broken down seamlessly, perfect for beginners and curious minds alike.
teen is looking for a best friend or wants to know how to approach a friendly new face in class, the straightforward social skills presented in this video will help them form new bonds, build confidence, and become more self-aware. How to Balance School & Extracurriculars | Studyquill (age 13+) Say goodbye to the time crunch! This video provides practical time management tips and strategies to help teens bring better balance to their lives. It is possible to achieve academic and extracurricular goals while staying well rounded—let this video guide the way. How to Balance School and Extracurricular Activities While Having a Life |
Fayefilms (age 15+) Feeling overwhelmed while trying to balance school, activities, and personal time? This Fayefilms video offers a young person's perspective on mastering time management. By sharing practical tips and tricks, along with real-life experiences, the advice in this video can help teens foster a more balanced, Guide to Maintaining self-caring lifestyle. Make the time to check it out. j Friendships | Watchwellcast (age commonsensemedia.org 13+) We all need somebody to lean on, and Watchwellcast is here to help you find just that. Whether your drivers – speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving and distracted driving. Open to Duval County teens 16-19 with 20+ hours of actual driving experience. Each participant needs access to a properly insured vehicle during class hours. The class is not designed to train a teen driver on how to drive, but how to drive better. Class topics include teen crash facts, knowing your vehicle, using your senses, vehicle dynamics, drug & alcohol use, aggressive driving and road rage, figure 8, threshold/emergency braking, backing, cornering, forward and reverse serpentine, off road recovery, evasive maneuvers, and skid control. Free but registration is required. Northeast Florida Criminal Justice Training and Education Center / 904-630-2160 / 4715 Capper Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218 / www.jaxsheriff.org
Teen Cooking: Beyond Ramen January 23, 6pm to 7:30pm This cooking program is designed for tweens and teens to learn or improve on their independent cooking skills. It’s a new year and a great time for everyone, including teens to continue or start eating healthy. This month participants will start with a healthy breakfast recipe: Blueberry Salted Pecan (walnut) Grain Bowls. All recipes can be modified to meet most nutritional needs. This class is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required. St. Johns County Public Library, Southeast Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Teen events.
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PETS How to Help Your Pet Deal with Grief
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osing a pet prompts feelings of grief in pet owners, but other members of the family, including your pets, also experience the loss. Whether pets grieve in the same way as humans is difficult to quantify, but many pet owners notice changes in their pets after another animal in the household dies. Research into companion animal bonds — and separations — is limited, but research from Australia and New Zealand shows they may be significantly affected by the death of another household pet. And for those of us who have witnessed dogs losing a companion, it's clear they are experiencing the emotion of loss. In a survey involving 159 dogs and 152 cats, pet owners reported their animals' behavioral responses to the loss of a companion pet. Behavioral changes were common, particularly for affectionate behaviors — displayed by 74% of dogs and 78% of cats — and territorial behaviors, displayed by 60% of dogs and 63% of cats. In the majority of cases — 82% of dogs and 97% of cats — when pets had changes in affectionate behavior, they became more demanding of attention or were more needy or clingy toward their owner. This in itself could be indicative of feelings of grief, as it mirrors the way some pets that experience separation anxiety respond to their owners upon return. According to the study: Overall, the following behaviors indicative of grief were reported: Dogs: Behavior Change
the behavior or habits of surviving dogs after the loss of their canine friends. About 66% of the dogs displayed more attention-seeking behavior, 57% played less often, 46% had a decrease in overall activity level and about one-third slept more, ate less, and/or seemed more fearful.7 Three in 10 dogs also barked and whined more. While the length of time the two dogs had spent together didn't seem to play a role in the surviving dog's grief, having a "friendly" relationship did. "The surviving dog was significantly more likely (1.3 times) to play less and to eat more or similar after the death event" when they had been friendly with the other dog. Further, the more grief-stricken the owner, the more likely there was to be behavior changes in the surviving dog. Stress levels tend to be synchronized in dogs and their owners, so if you're feeling stressed over the loss of a pet, there's a good chance your dog may be, too. One of the best ways to ease the grief is to keep your daily routine as close to normal as possible. Keep mealtimes the same, continue with your regular walks and build in extra time for affection and play. Monitor your pet's food intake closely and make an appointment with your veterinarian if his appetite seems significantly off. Cats, in particular, should not go without eating for more than a couple of days or they risk developing a potentially fatal condition called hepatic lipidosis. If house-soiling, aggression or other negative • Demanding more attention than usual — 35% behaviors emerge, don't yell or punish your • Seeking less affection — 10% pet. Instead, I recommend using positive • Being clingier/needier — 26% behavior reinforcement. If you're in a multi-pet • Seeking out the deceased pet's favorite spot household, remember that your surviving pets — 30% are also in the process of establishing a new • Sleeping more — 34% social structure. • Eating less — 35% If there's a lot of growling, barking, hissing or • Eating more slowly — 31% attacking that isn't subsiding as the group • Increased vocalizing — 27% settles into its "new normal," I recommend • Increased volume of vocalizing — 19% consulting either your veterinarian or a Cats: Behavior Change veterinary behaviorist for guidance on how to • Demanding more attention than usual — 40% resolve difficulties between pets. • Seeking less affection — 15% And while you may be tempted to add a new • Being clingier/needier — 22% furry member to your family right away, keep • Seeking out the deceased pet's favorite spot in mind that this won't replace your lost pet in — 36% your other animals' eyes — or your own. In • Sleeping more — 20% some cases, it can also add additional stress • Eating less — 21% for pets that are already feeling unsettled. It • Eating more slowly — 12% takes time to go through the grieving process, • Increased vocalizing — 43% for pets and humans, so give all members of • Increased volume of vocalizing — 32% the household time to adapt. You'll know when A separate study involving 426 adults who had the time is right to open your heart and home at least two dogs, one of which died, also hints to another pet. j that dogs grieve over the loss of a pet in the home. Only 13% of owners saw no changes in fda.gov
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Things to Do Pet Events
Pet Food Bank Distribution Tuesdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10am to 11am and Thursdays, 4, 11, 18, 25, 1pm to 2pm First Coast No More Homeless Pets’ Jacksonville Pet Food Bank provides a one-month supply of cat or dog food to families in need, for up to one year. The Food Bank is designed to supplement the food you are able to provide your pets-they are unable to become a sole resource of pet food. To be eligible, you are required to provide proof of financial need and all pets in the household must be spayed or neutered. To receive food bring the following items to your appointment: Completed Food Bank Application, Signed Terms of Agreement Form, Proof of Financial Need (see Qualification Requirements), and Proof of Spay/Neuter for ALL Pets in the Household. Cassat Regional Veterinary Hospital / 904507-4425 / 464 Cassat Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254 / www.fcnmhp.org ShotVet Pet Clinics January 6, 13-14, 20, 27-28 ShotVet Pet Clinics are low cost pet shots for dogs and cats at pop-up clinics near you. Vaccinations include rabies, flea, tick, heartworm prevention, and more. Services are provided by licensed veterinarians. Save your spot online so they know how many to plan for. January 6, 20 -- Holiday Inn (8am), Checkers (10am) January 13, 27 -- Tires Plus (8am), Panera Bread (10am), Lowe's (12noon) January 14, 28 -- Ace Hardware (8am), Happy Hound Dog Resorts (10am), Bruster's Ice Cream (12noon), Starbucks (2pm), PDQ Restaurant (4pm) ShotVet / 407-792-0384 / www.shotvet.com Holiday Inn / 11262 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville FL 32257 Checkers / 11361 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32246 Tires Plus / 13162 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32225 Panera Bread / 899 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach FL 32233 Lowe's / 8080 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Ace Hardware / 5723 University Blvd W, Jacksonville FL 32216 Happy Hound Dog Resorts / 11000 Beach Blvd, Ste 203, Jacksonville FL 32246 Bruster's Ice Cream / 12224 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 Starbucks / 13315 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 PDQ Restaurant / 3260 Hodges Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32224 Puppy Pre-School
January 6, 13, 27, 10:45am There are 12 different categories to socialize your dog to. This is split across 4-week segments. These are continuous ongoing courses designed to enroll on a per-class basis. Getting your pup ready for the human world is critical to your pup's well-being and can be a difficult and daunting task. You and your pup will learn how to create confidence, potty training and crate training, how to develop and keep a trusting and relationship with your pup, how to curve the nipping and biting, how to socialize them to the top 12 life categories, puppy play time, and how to keep them out of trouble. Classes are indoors in a safe, clean and controlled environment. Cost is $50/single class. Canine Activity Center / 904-738-0579 / 6849 St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.allfurpetsjax.com Jacksonville Reptile Expo January 13, 10am to 3:30pm Show Me Snakes presents the Jacksonville Reptile Expo. There will be items for sale as well as learning opportunities for all ages. General admission is $10 and VIP admission is $15. VIP admission begins at 9am, and general admission is at 10am. St. John Event Center / 636-358-1281 / 12760 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / showmesnakes.com Pet Portrait Mixed Media Collage Workshop January 20, 10:30am to 2:30pm Join owners and artists Rachael and Julia in this mixed media workshop where participants will be making collage pet portraits. Mixed media describes artwork in which more than one medium or material has been employed. You must email a photo of your pet to at least 24 hrs prior to class date for processing. Tickets are $45 each. This Workshop has limited space. You must be registered to attend; your spot is reserved by payment. Complimentary refreshments provided. Vintage Arts Inc/ 904-600-4278 / 10029 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.vintageartsinc.com Painting With a Twist Paint Your Pet January 21, 2pm to 5pm Painting With a Twist hosts a Paint Your Pet event. The cost is $60/painter. Artwork will be completed on a 16x20 canvas. Participants can choose to add on a DIY candle project for $20. Please submit a high resolution photo of your pet upon registration by January 10. Only one pet per sign up. Send email to studio123@paintingwithatwist.com. Class is for ages 18 and up. Painting With a Twist, Bartram / 904-5184932 / 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, St. Johns, FL 32259 / www.paintingwithatwist.com Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.
THINGS TO DO Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience Thru January 7 Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience is a cinematic immersive exhibition that takes guests on a journey to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Journey to modern-day Egypt and see wonders of the ancient world like the Temple at Karnak and the Great Sphinx. Experience ancient history come to life in a dramatic and immersive projection experience. Through nine distinct multi-sensory galleries, Beyond King Tut: The Immersive Experience unlocks the 3,300 year old story of King Tut in an evolution of immersive experiences. Open Wednesday thru Sunday. Tickets start at $43.99 for adults 16 and up, and $28.99 for children ages 5 to 15. Family four pack tickets are available for $35.99 each. Parking is available in the parkade directly across the street from the Main Entrance. Please note that parking must be paid by card, as only cashless payments are being accepted at this time. Parking rates start at $6/hour. NoCo Center / 800-441-0819 / 712 N Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / beyondkingtut.com
Stage Nine Exhibitions proudly welcomes involvement from major US animation studios. Visitors can create their own stop-motion animated short, learn about the art of storyboarding, go behind the scenes with artists and animators, and enjoy America’s largest 3D zoetrope. Each display and interactive activity features the participation of industry leaders, from original hand-drawn cels to real stop-motion maquettes. Exhibit is included with general admission. Museum of Science and History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Ballet January 7, 3pm Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the latest production from The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine, is performed live by a troupe of 50 ballet dancers who have gathered to bring the fairy tale to life. The production is accompanied by the music of B. Pavlovsky, more than 150 hand-sewn shining costumes, richly detailed handmade scenery, and choreography by the People's Artist of Moldova and Honored Artist of Ukraine, Andrey Litvinov. Tickets start at $18.25. Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org
Bailey® invites children of all ages to a spectacle of superhuman feats. Get closer to the action than ever before with an immersive, 360-degree environment and new technology that creates real connections between you and performers from all over the world. Witness daring and never-before-seen acts on a highwire, trapeze, bicycle, and more. Tickets start at $15. Veterans Memorial Arena / 1-800-345-7000 / 300 A Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.ringling.com Shanghai Circus • January 20, 2pm Grand Shanghai Circus: Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai is a top performance troupe famous for delivering top performers with excellent skills, dare-devil acts and a harmonious combination of various kinds of performing arts. Tickets range from $18.75 to $44.25. Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts / 904-632-5000 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org
girls hanging by their hair, Olate Performing Dogs as seen on America's Got Talent, and more. This show is 1.5 hours long and the tent is climate controlled. Come early and meet the circus stars, get your face painted like a superhero, ride the Monster Slide, climb a rock wall, ride a circus pony, or play on a moon bounce. The first one hundred adult tickets sold online are $14.50. Children 2 and under are admitted free; one child age 3 thru 13 free with a paid general admission adult ticket. Northside Plaza / 941-343-2378 / 203 W 48th Street, Jacksonville, FL 32208 / www.gardenbrosnuclearcircus.com
Animania Animation Celebration Mini-Con January 27, 6:30pm to 11pm Hall of Heroes and MOSH are teaming up once again to get 2-dimenional with animation. The Animation Academy, produced by Stage 9 Exhibits, is an immersive traveling exhibition that invites visitors of all ages to leap into the realm of animation. Step into your favorite Saturday-morning cartoons, Mutts Gone Nuts Unleashed create your own stop-motion animated short, January 20, 2:30pm learn about the art of storyboarding, go behind This Mutts Gone Nuts never-before-seen collaboration will be in Jacksonville for one day only. the scenes with artists and animators, and enjoy The show features stunts and tricks performed America’s largest 3D zoetrope. There will also be Funbox Jacksonville at the Avenues Mall by some of the world's top canine athletes and vendors & artists, cosplayers & costume contest, Thru January 14, Fridays, 3pm to 7pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 7pm their world-class trainers – Alexandra Côté, a fan and panels & interactive performances. Tickets Funbox is excited to debut in the Jacksonville area favorite who appeared on America's Got Talent are $17 for adults and $12 for children 3-12 if at The Avenues Mall. Funbox is a unique enter(Season Sixteen), Bonnie Scott, two-time disc dog purchased in advance or $25 for adults and $12 Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live tainment and amusement experience consisting of January 14, 4pm and 7pm world champion trainer, and Émilie Ménard, dog for children 3-12 at the door. Museum of Science 25,000 square feet of inflatable fun. The bounce trainer extraordinaire. Tickets start at $36.50. VIP and History / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live guides your family on park is filled with 10 thrilling play zones includAfter-Show Meet & Greet and Ask-The-Dog-Trainer Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org a breath-taking tour that begins in pre-historic ing the Tumble Temple, Marshmallow Mountain, Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with an Session tickets are also available for purchase. Gumball’s Gallop, and an obstacle course. Regular eye-popping collection of life-like dinosaurs and Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth 36th Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire admission and hours at Funbox will be 90-minute other creatures in a theatrical performance. TickStreet, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / January 27-28, 10am to 6pm ets start at $35.50. VIP Meet and Greet Bundle jump sessions for $19 on Fridays 3pm to 7pm www.floridatheatre.com This year, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire moves tickets are also available for purchase. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 7pm. to a new location and presents a condensed Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Batman In Concert 35th Anniversary Ages two and under and 65 and older have free version of the festival. Admission is free and the Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com January 21, 7pm admission. Funbox Jacksonville at the Avenues event is held rain or shine. The Faire showcases Mall / 10300 Southside Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL Experience the Iconic 1989 DC Superhero Film, talented artisans and craftspeople who will display Reza, Edge of Illusion 32256 / funbox.com which will be projected onto a large screen, with and sell a variety of goods. At the marketplace, January 14, 6:30pm a live orchestra playing Danny Elfman’s iconic visitors will find olde world demonstrations, sword Magician Reza delivers cutting-edge magic in a St. Augustine Nights of Lights score live. “Batman in Concert,” a live-to-picture fighting, medieval music and dance, a royal rock concert setting. Reza has made appearances performance, provides the perfect opportunity to Thru January 31 knighting ceremony with the King and Queen, food The Annual Nights of Lights lights up St. Augustine on A&E’s Duck Dynasty and The CW’s Penn & Teller revisit a classic fan-favorite film based on one of court favorites, and more. Depot Park / 352-393: Fool Us. Audiences can expect to witness such with over three million lights. Nights of Lights the world’s most popular DC comic characters, 8536 / 874 SE 4th Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 / mega illusions as passing through the spinning is the winter holiday celebration in St. Augustine or to introduce it to a new audience. Guests www.hoggetownemedfaire.com where each historic downtown business and many blades of an industrial fan, a record breaking are encouraged to dress up as their favorite DC residents participate by lighting up their buildings. recreation of Houdini’s most famous stunt, and Superhero. No weapons or props. Please keep Super Scientific Circus • January 28, 2pm the appearance of a real helicopter, live on stage. Nights of Lights holds the distinct honor as one of costumes appropriate for families. Please note The Super Scientific Circus starring Mr. Fish and Tickets start at $33. the 10 Best Holiday Displays in The World by Nathat Batman ’89 has a PG-13 rating and runs for Trent the Mime, proves that science can be fun tional Geographic. The main plaza, called the Plaza Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts / approximately 2 hours. Ticket prices range from and funny. Trent the Mime and Mr. Fish use amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, de la Constitución, features lights draped around 904-632-5000 / 300 Water Street, Jacksonville, FL $49-$75. Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 every tree. There's also a Christmas tree in the 32202 / www.fscjartistseries.org East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www. beach balls, bullwhips, and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, center where photos can be taken. The view of floridatheatre.com aerodynamics, sonic booms, air pressure, and the Bayfront from the Bridge of Lions during Nights Shen Yun 2024 • January 16, 7:30pm ultraviolet light. Presented by FSCJ Artist Series at of Lights is also a favorite photo opportunity. The Shen Yun invites you to travel back to the magical Garden Bros Nuclear Circus the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts. Tickets trains and trolleys offer special seasonal tours that world of ancient China. Experience a lost culture January 25, 4:30pm & 7:30pm; January 26, range from $11 to $21 for the public performance. take you through the best areas, and there are also through the art of classical Chinese dance, and 4:30pm & 7:30pm; January 27, 1:30pm & Everyone, including infants and toddlers, must a variety of specialty tours. Continues through see legends come to life. This performance is not 4:30pm & 7:30pm; January 28, 1pm & 4pm & have a ticket for admission. Nathan H. Wilson January 31. Downtown St. Augustine / 904-829- recommended for children under the age of 4. 7pm Center for the Arts / 904-632-5050 / 11901 Beach 1711 / 1 Cathedral Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 Tickets start at $80. Thrasher-Horne Center / The world's largest circus under the world's Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / / www.visitstaugustine.com 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, largest big top comes to Jacksonville. This all www.fscjartistseries.org FL 32065 / www.thcenter.org new show is going to fill the big top arena with The Animation Academy at MOSH over 60 performers from around the world in five Thru February 12 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents rings. This year’s show will take you on a journey The Animation Academy (previously named “Get The Greatest Show On Earth from the Jurassic Era to Future 2123 with special EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate Animated”) explores the unique world of animation January 19, 7pm; January 20, 11am, 3pm, 7pm; effects, concert style lighting, Human Cannonball, at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids. and storytelling, from traditional hand-drawn cels January 21, 1pm, 5pm Wheel of Death, motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, com for updated information and more events! to exciting breakthroughs in stop-motion and CGI. The reimagined Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Human Slingshot, comedy for the whole family,
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