Jax4Kids March 2019

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March 2019

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Page 2 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

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Contents

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LIVING WELL

Dear Readers,

T

Community Profile: The Giving Closet Project ......................................................4 Mom’s Night Out Events.......................................................................................5

he summer camp season kicks off now! It’s time to explore camps and get your kids enrolled, and we are here to help you find the perfect camps for your kids. Beginning on page 14, you’ll find many summer camp options and some things that you might want to think about as you begin planning. If you have a child with special needs, you’ll find a list of special needs summer camps on page 10.

One In this issue, we have some wonderful reading resources for you to encourage your children to read more. We begin on page 20 with Nancy Bethea’s tips to help you encourage more reading and writing in your home. The American Library Association has announced their 2019 winners for outstanding books, videos and other materials for children and teens. For a list of award-winning options, turn to page 22. Have you heard about Bookopolis? It’s a safe online community for 2nd through 7th grade readers, as well as parents and teachers, to explore new books, write reviews for their peers and be encouraged to read more. Learn more about Bookopolis on page 21. For teens, Florida Teens Read is a student-choice reading award program to determine which Young Adult book wins the annual award as the favorite of teens in Florida.

The program is designed to entice 9th through 12th graders to read. For more information, turn to page 28.

There are lots of great events for your family to enjoy this month, many of which Jax4Kids is sponsoring to help make them possible for you to experience. American Girl Live will be at The Florida Theatre on March 14th, the Jacksonville Science Festival, an event that Jax4Kids has been

March 2019

INFANT & TODDLER Depression and Pregnancy: The Answers.............................................................6 Things to Do: Infant & Toddlers............................................................................6 Getting Your Baby to Sleep...................................................................................8

SPECIAL NEEDS Many With Disorders Don’t Get Treatment.............................................................9 Special Needs Summer Camps 2019.................................................................10 Things To Do: Special Needs.............................................................................10 proud to sponsor since its inception 7 years ago, starts on March 2nd and continues on March 7th and 8th. An ongoing event we are excited to sponsor is the awesome Backyard Adventures exhibit at MOSH! If you haven’t checked it out yet, add it to your calendar for March. Come and check out the best of the best in local, sustainable, eco-friendly, compassionate, organic healthy and humane organizations and businesses at Veg Fest on March 2nd from 11am until 6pm at Riverside Park. Enjoy live music, cooking demonstrations, and the Kids Zone, sponsored by Jax4Kids. For more family-friendly events, turn to page 31 and visit us online at jax4kids.com for an always updated list of events as well as our online summer camps guide, where kids eat free, deals and discounts and much more.

Like us on Facebook and sign up to get our weekly eNewsletters. We love to give away prizes and keep you updated on current events, discounts and giveaways and those are great ways to be in the know.

Until next month, Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

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Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer......................................linda@jax4kids.com Tim Chavez Graphic Designer........................................... tim@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................................judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................................... beth@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............................... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2019.

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 March is National Nutrition Month......................................................................11 Things To Do: Eating Well..................................................................................11 Recipe: “Old-Fashioned” Mashed Potatoes........................................................11

HEALTH & SAFETY Hopping Keeps Them Healthy, and Smart...........................................................12 Things To Do: Health & Safety...........................................................................12 Don’t Scratch That Itch......................................................................................13 E-cigs Fueling Rise in Teen Smoking..................................................................13

SUMMER CAMPS Help Them Overcome Anxiety.............................................................................14 Area Summer Camps.................................................................................. 15-17 Camp Tips for Teens..........................................................................................18 Gauging Your Child’s Readiness and Picking the Right Camp...............................19

EDUCATION Encourage More Reading and Writing in Your Home............................................20 A Sweet Way To Support Teachers......................................................................20 Things To Do: Education....................................................................................20 Science Festival Begins March 2nd....................................................................21 Get Online with Bookopolis.................................................................................21 It’s Getting Tougher to Get Into Top State Schools................................................22 “Merci Suarez Changes Gears” Wins 2019 Newbery Award................................22 Voluntary Pre-K Registration...............................................................................23 Duval County School News........................................................................... 24-25 St. John’s County School News..........................................................................26 Clay County School News..................................................................................27

TEENS Florida Teens Read ...........................................................................................28 Things To Do: Teens..........................................................................................28

PETS

Understand the Relationship Between Man and “Best Friend”..............................29 Things To Do: Pets............................................................................................29

NATURE

Beach Nourishment Efforts Beating Mother Nature..............................................30 Things To Do: Nature........................................................................................30

THINGS TO DO

March Events....................................................................................................31

MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: T he Giving Closet Project was founded by Jacksonville elementary school teacher Jennifer Smith in 2016 to help impoverished students. Smith found that many “students in our schools are struggling now more than ever from problems caused by situational poverty. These problems range from living in unstable environments, homelessness, and access to resources.” She also found that many schools lack the ability to deal with the “ever-growing” lost and found problem. Her idea was to use one to help the other.

The Giving Closet Project

saw a student walking around in pain because their shoes were too small, I would buy them shoes that actually fit.”

then that I realized, The Giving Closet Project is an idea that can be implemented in every school across America to help those in need. With the help of my class, school, community businesses and leaders, The Giving Closet Project continues to grow and move forward.”

The organization has opened “closets” in Duval, St, Johns and, as of January, Palm Beach, where it hopes to build on the success in Duval and St. Johns counties. Each county has a hub that “Some of my fondest memories are of Pancake serves the respective school districts. Those hubs Friday. Almost every Friday morning, I’d cook are at Martin Luther King Elementary in Duval, pancakes on the griddle for my Webster Elementary in St. Johns and Riviera class, just to show them how much The Giving Closet Project helps schools transform Beach Preparatory Academy in Palm Beach. They I cared. The smiles on their faces their “dysfunctional or forgotten lost and found are fully stocked with clothing, shoes, school were priceless. Little did I know, system” by recycling unclaimed items. It supplies and hygiene products, including items that this would be the beginning of launders the “lost” clothes, identifies students in donated from the public. Each county’s teachers how my passion of working with need, and donates the items to them. It also helps get needed items for students through an online children, would turn into something combat problems with hygiene and health needs referral form on the nonprofit’s website. much more than just helping the by distributing Kare Kits containing deodorant, students within the four walls of my toothpaste, a toothbrush, baby wipes, sanitary To donate clothing or other items or make a She explains: “When I started my classroom.” napkins and more. monetary contribution, volunteer or get more teaching career 11 years ago, information, go to givingclosetproject.org.

Jennifer Smith working in the inner-city opened “Fast forward to April 2016: After Where schools and students have problems my eyes to what living in poverty seeing piles of clothes, lunch acquiring proper school supplies, the Giving Their wish list includes: truly meant. Because many boxes, and other items being Closet Project helps with Success Sacks: kits • Clothing Hangers, child and adult sizes students were unable to afford their school discarded year after year from our school's lost containing all the necessary supplies for one • Pants/skirt clip hangers supplies, I would buy them myself. My students and found, I came up with the idea of turning it student. would walk into my classroom on the first day of into something much more. I discussed my idea • Mini refrigerator school and be surprised to see all new folders with my class, and their eyes lit up with exciteThrough these initiatives, The Giving Closet • Printer (laser or inkjet) and binders neatly stacked on top of their desk. I ment just talking about it. My students knew my Project “aims to solve common problems in regularly brought breakfast and snacks to my favorite book is “The Giving Tree” by Shel education, transform schools, improve student • Cleaning supplies (Windex, Clorox wipes, kids, because other than lunch, I knew that would Silverstein, and within minutes we had the success and strengthen communities.” etc.) j be the only food they would have for the day. If I perfect name: The Giving Closet Project. It was

ril

Ap h

4t h

3t

-1

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Page 4 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

LIVING WELL

Autobahn Ladies Night Out Fridays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6pm Autobahn Indoor Speedway hosts Ladies Night Out, every Friday after 6pm. Ladies save $10 off Race Packages or $5 off a Single Race Fridays 6pm to close. Not valid on holidays.

Autobahn Indoor Speedway / 904-674-8551 / 6601 Executive Park Ct N, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.autobahnspeed.com Women's Self Defense Impact Class March 6, 7:30pm to 9:30pm This 2-hour course was designed to impact the way you react to an attacker. During the first part of this course, participants will cover crimes against women and strategies to reduce your risks. During the second half, you will get you on your feet and change the way you think of dealing with an attacker via fundamental defensive tactics and techniques that every woman deserves to know. Cost is $55 per student.

The Women's Defense Company / 904655-7772 / 13241 Bartram Park Boulevard, Unit 405, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / womensdefensecompany.com Sunflower Welcome Pallet March 6, 7pm to 9pm Painting With a Twist Ponte Vedra hosts a Sunflower Welcome Pallet painting event.

Participants will use acrylic paint on Wooden Shiplap Pallet to create their masterpiece. This is a BYOB studio, feel free to bring anything you would like to eat or drink. This is an adult class. Cost is $35/painter.

Painting With a Twist, Ponte Vedra / 904-6874307 / 268 Solana Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.paintingwithatwist.com Basic Candle Making March 12, 6:30pm to 9:30pm In this class you will learn a combination of

new and old world techniques for making all kinds of fun and useful candles. Participants will learn how to make floating candles, firestarters, old world traditional dipped tapers, and will learn how to use a variety of different waxes and how they work. The waxes you will be working with are beeswax, soy, palm kernel and paraffin. Cost is $15 with a $15 supply fee due in class.

The Studios at Florida School of Holistic Health / 904-465-0985 / 1506 King Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www. thestudiosatfshh.com Crafty Women March 29, 10:30am to 12noon Step into Spring by making your own garden stepping stone. Space is limited. Call or visit the Reference Desk to sign up. A $5 donation to the Bartram Trail Friends of the Library for craft supplies is encouraged. This is best suited for adults.

St. Johns County Public Library - Bartram Trail Branch / 904-827-6960 / 60 Davis Pond Blvd, St. Johns, FL 32259 / www.sjcpls.org Ladies Night Out at Doing Dishes Pottery Studio March 29, 6pm to 9pm Ladies Night is a fun night to paint what you want/how you want and socialize with your friends. Ladies Night is for adults 18 and up. Just make a reservation, pay the $8 non-refundable deposit and bring your own beverage. Snacks and prizes will be provided.

Doing Dishes Pottery Studio / www. doingdishes.com San Jose Location / 904-730-3729/ 5619 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32207 Saint Johns Location / 904-824-7774 / 2220 CR-210 W Suite 309, Saint Johns, FL 32259

CHILDREN’S ART CLASSES now in Jacksonville!

This program of ART for your child was developed in the Southwest, and has taken Children’s Art to an entirely NEW level! Your child will learn and achieve, and will be given recognition for this achievement at his/her very own Annual Art Show!

Art classes are available to children ages 3 and up, and will meet once a week. 7 year curriculum.

Tuition is $89/month.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Give your child this gift of Art! Class size is limited so register TODAY! Call for further information or visit us online at www.childrensartclasses.com to view details and print out your own REGISTRATION FORM. Register Online! Upon registration, you will receive confirmation and registration packet.

Baymeadows 8411 Baymeadows Way, Suite 2 Jacksonville, FL 32256 Orange Park 1406 Kingsley Ave. Orange Park, FL 32073 Beaches 880 US Highway A1A North, Suite 6 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

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MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 5

INFANT & TODDLER

Depression and Pregnancy: The Answers I n every pregnancy, a woman starts out with a 3-5% chance of having a baby with a birth defect. This is called her background risk. Here we talk about whether exposure to depression may increase the risk for birth defects over that background risk. This information should not take the place of medical care and advice from your health care provider.

What is depression and how common is it in pregnancy?

Depression is a serious medical illness. It can change how someone feels, thinks and acts. The most common symptoms of depression are long-lasting and strong feelings of sadness and not being able to feel pleasure or happiness.

Other symptoms of depression are anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, fatigue (feeling very tired), and thoughts of death or self-harm.

Physical symptoms of depression can include increased heart rate, loss of appetite, stomach pain, and headaches.

The chance for a woman to develop depression during her lifetime is about 10-25%. The highest risk occurs during the childbearing years.

Pregnancy may be a possible trigger for the development of depression in some women. This may be due to changes in hormone levels during pregnancy and the stress that comes with this major life event. Treatment for depression usually includes counseling/psychotherapy and/or medications.

I have depression and am planning on getting pregnant. Is there anything I need to know?

Yes. Talk to your healthcare providers about your desire to become pregnant. This will allow your healthcare providers, including your counselors / therapists to review your current health plan. If your healthcare provider has a question about the effect of the medications on pregnancy, talk to a teratogen information specialist with MotherToBaby. Sometimes, changes in treatment may be recommended before pregnancy or during pregnancy.

Taking more than one medication may increase the chance for these side effects. Not every baby would be affected. You can contact MotherToBaby to learn if there are studies on the medication you are taking.

I do not want to take my medication for depression during my pregnancy. My health care provider said this could be worse for my baby and me. Is this true?

Studies have found that pregnant women with depression and their babies typically do better if they receive treatment compared to having untreated depression. Some studies (not all) have reported higher rates of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, babies who are small-forgestational age, and pre-eclampsia when depression is left untreated in pregnancy.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy related disorder, which can lead to preterm deliveries and complications for the pregnant woman and her newborn. A woman’s sleeping and eating patterns might also change. Untreated maternal depression may also later negatively affect a child’s behavior or development.

In addition, stopping your medication could lead to a return of your symptoms of depression, called a relapse. One study found that women who stopped their medications for major depression had a five times greater risk of relapse during pregnancy compared to pregnant women who stayed on their medications.

Restarting the antidepressant medication lowered the chance of a relapse, but it did not completely prevent the relapse in all cases. A relapse of depression during pregnancy could increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

Can breastfeeding with depression be harmful to me or my baby?

No. Breastfeeding improves health in both mom and the baby. Studies have found that women with depression during pregnancy tend to breastfeed their babies for a shorter time. This might lead to recurrence of depressive symptoms. If a woman is able to continue breastfeedCan taking medication for depression during ing, it has been shown that her symptoms might my pregnancy cause birth defects or other actually be lessened and may even prevent problems for my baby? postpartum depression. Find people who are Many antidepressant medications have been supportive and can help you through periods of studied in pregnancy and have not been linked to difficulty in the early stages of nursing. Be sure to a higher chance for birth defects. Studies in some discuss your breastfeeding questions with your antidepressants have shown that when taken healthcare provider. You can also contact a during the third trimester, there may be effects in MotherToBaby specialist to discuss your treatthe newborn after birth. The baby may be jittery, ment while breastfeeding. j irritable, and / or have difficulties with feeding, sleeping, breathing and heart rate. In most cases, mothertobaby.org these newborn symptoms last a few days or less.

Page 6 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

Things to Do

Little Learners at MOSH March 13, 9:30am to 11:30am Bring your little ones to MOSH on the second Wednesday of every month for exclusive programming designed for learning and Toddler Time at Bravoz Entertainment Center development and watch them grow. These March 5, 12, 19, 26, 9:30am - 11:30am programs encompass various learning styles and Bravoz Entertainment Center hosts Toddler Time, activities for preschool aged children that help to every Tuesday morning from 9:30am - 11:30am. enhance their skills and dexterity. All activities During this time, the facility is reserved for the are designed to encourage caregivers to engage exclusive use of kids ages 5 & under. Held their little ones in conversations and to work with Tuesday mornings from September – April. One them through each station. Please note that Little adult is admitted for free with each child’s $8 Learners encourages child/caregiver interaction paid admission. A valid waiver & Grip Socks are and requires one registered adult per two required for all participants. Toddler Time is not children. Due to the popularity of these events, held on any school or federal holidays. Please we highly recommend you register in advance to check the important dates on the website to see guarantee your place. Once online availability is when Toddler Time will be canceled. gone, no further tickets will be sold at the door.

Bravoz Entertainment Center / 904-300-0070 (Caregivers must register themselves and their / 14985 Old St Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL children for each month’s program). Admission 32258 / bravoz.com is $6/person for ages 3 and up. This month’s program is My Own Backyard: Little Explorers!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Museum of Science and History / 904-396-6674 March 6, 10:30am / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / The Thrasher-Horne Center presents three themosh.org beloved stories by Eric Carle, retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful New Baby Seminar • March 20, 6pm to 8pm puppets. Best suited for students in grades Angel Kids Pediatrics hosts a premiere seminar Pre-K through 2nd. General Admission tickets for exclusive access to pediatric professionals are $19. Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276that are ready to share inside secrets and answer 6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL your questions on how to care for your newborn.

32065 / www.thcenter.org Light Refreshments will be served. Free, but please register online in advance.

Mini Moments at Jacksonville Country Day Angel Kids Pediatrics / 904-674-2304 / 13241 School • March 8, 9am to 10am Bartram Park Blvd, Unit 209, Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Country Day School invites you 32258 / www.myangelkids.com to visit the campus for a fun experience and a glimpse into their Pre-K program. Designed for Preschool Power! Raising a Self-Reliant two and three-year-olds along with a parent Preschooler • March 28, 8:45am to 9:45am or caregiver, Mini-Moments are your chance Young children who learn to be self-reliant to participate in an interactive event with your are more successful in preschool and better child, make new friends, and learn about the prepared to take on challenges. This session school. This month’s program is Art. This art will explore practical strategies and suggestions class will educate you and your child about a easily incorporated into a busy life. The Parent famous artist while experimenting with different Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a materials in a developmentally friendly way family resource designed for parents, caregivers, to create a beautiful art piece inspired by that and community members. All Parent Academy artist. This is a free event but space is limited. courses are free of charge.

For more information or to RSVP, please email S.P. Livingston Primary Learning Center / 904admissions@jcds.com.

390-2960 / 1128 Barber Street, Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Country Day School / 904-64132209 / dcps.duvalschools.org 6644 / 10063 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.jcds.com Baby University March 28, 6pm to 8pm Gate River Run - Diaper Dash This course will focus on supporting, educating, March 9, 11am and providing resources to parents who have The Diaper Dashes will be held to the left of children ages 0-5, to ensure that the children the stage at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. The are developmentally ready to succeed in the dashes will start about 11am with each division core areas of: Social and Emotional, Language starting as soon as the younger division is and Communication, Early Learning and Literacy, finished. You sign up your child at the start of the Physical, Maternal Health & Well-Being and race. Each Diaper Dash will be 25 to 40 yards.

Positive Parenting Partnerships. Held in the Registration is free and includes a Diaper Dash Center for the Prevention of Health Disparities T-Shirt. Divisions: 12 months and under; 13 – 24 Building at Edward Waters College. months; 25 – 36 months; 37 – 48 months.

Edward Waters College / 904-390-2960 / 1401 Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Grunthal Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 / dcps.

Place, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / duvalschools.org www.1stplacesports.com

Infant & Toddler

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list Infant & Toddler Events.

MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 7

INFANT & TODDLER

Getting Your Baby to Sleep Babies

Babies do not have regular sleep cycles until about 6 months of age. While newborns sleep about 16 to 17 hours per day, they may only sleep 1 or 2 hours at a time. As babies get older, they need less sleep. However, different babies have different sleep needs. It is normal for a 6-month-old to wake up during the night but go back to sleep after a few minutes. Here are some suggestions that may help your baby (and you) sleep better at night.

• Keep your baby calm and quiet when you feed or change her during the night. Try not to stimulate or wake her too much.

• Make daytime playtime. Talking and playing with your baby during the day will help lengthen her awake times. This will help her sleep for longer periods during the night.

• Put your baby to bed when drowsy but still awake. This will help your baby learn to fall asleep on her own in her own bed. Holding or rocking her until she is completely asleep may make it hard for her to go back to sleep if she wakes up during the night.

• Wait a few minutes before responding to your child’s fussing. See if she can fall back to sleep on her own. If she continues to cry, check on her, but don’t turn on the light, play with her, or pick her up. If she gets frantic or is unable to settle herself, consider what else might be bothering her.

Toddlers and Preschoolers

Many parents find their toddler’s bedtime to be the hardest part of the day. Children this age often resist going to sleep, especially if they have older siblings who are still awake.

Use the following tips to help your toddler develop good sleep habits: • Set up a quiet routine before bedtime to help your child understand that it will soon be time to go to sleep. Use this time to read him a story, listen to quiet music, or give him a bath. It may be tempting to play with your child before bed. However, active play may make your child too excited to sleep.

• Be consistent. Make bedtime the same time every night. This helps your child know what to expect and helps him establish healthy sleep patterns.

• Allow your child to take a favorite thing to bed each night. It’s OK to let your child sleep with a teddy bear, special blanket, or some other favorite toy. These often help children fall asleep—especially if they wake up during the night. Make sure the object is safe. Look for ribbons, buttons, or other parts that may be chocking hazards. Stuffing or pellets inside stuffed toys can also be dangerous.

• Make sure your child is comfortable. He may like to have a drink of water, a light left on, or the door left slightly open. Try to handle your child’s needs before bedtime so that he doesn’t use them to avoid going to sleep.

• Do not let your child sleep in the same bed with you. This can make it harder for him to fall asleep when he is alone.

• Do not return to your child’s room every time he complains or calls out. Instead, try the following: Wait several seconds before answering and make your response time longer each time he calls. This will give him a chance to fall asleep on his own. Reassure your child that you are there. If you need to go into the room, do not turn on the light, play with him, or stay too long. Move farther from your child’s bed every time you go in, until you can reassure him verbally without entering his room. Remind him each time he calls that it’s time to go to sleep.

• Give it time. Helping your child develop good sleep habits can be a challenge, and it is normal to get upset when a child keeps you awake at night. Try to be understanding. A negative response by a parent can sometimes make a sleep problem worse.

Beginning in the second half of the first year, separation anxiety can cause many nights with disrupted sleep. During this stage (which can last for several months), a child may wake several times and cry anxiously for one or both parents, often expressing a strong preference for one.

This is a normal stage in children’s emotional development and needs to be managed with a loving and consistent approach. Separation anxiety usually fades away somewhere around the second birthday. Until it does, your child may need reassurance several times night after night.

j

healthychildren.org

“Don’t cry over things that were or things that aren’t.

Enjoy what you have now to the fullest.”

– Barbara Bush Page 8 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

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

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SPECIAL NEEDS

Many With Disorders Don’t Get Treatment I

f you're worried that your child may suffer from a mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you have plenty of company.

care, though it's decreasing. Accessibility to treatment is another barrier. There are too few mental health professionals, and urban areas have a greater concentration of them. Insurance problems are also a barrier," he explained.

About one in every six American kids has at least one mental health disorder, new research shows.

But the study delivered even more troubling news -- only half of those children are getting treatment.

Dr. Victor Fornari, director of child and adolescent psychiatry at the Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, and Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, N.Y., agreed that there are many barriers to care.

The researchers also found startling differences in the number of kids being diagnosed and treated between states. For example, the statewide prevalence of kids with at least one diagnosed mental health disorder (including depression, anxiety and ADHD) varied from about 8 percent in Hawaii to 27 percent in Maine.

"Firstly, parents often do not wish to accept the diagnosis in their child. Denial is a powerful force.

Youth themselves, often refuse the care, and do not accept the diagnosis or the treatment. Also, lack of adequate mental health professionals remains a challenge," Fornari said. "Lack of health care coverage also prevents families from seeking care, although there are mental health clinics throughout the country that provide mental health care regardless of ability to pay," he added.

The prevalence of children with a mental health disorder who didn't get treatment varied from 30 percent in Washington, D.C., to 72 percent in North Carolina, the findings showed.

"The purpose of the study was to look at geographical differences in mental health outcomes for children and adolescents. We did not expect these findings to be this extreme," said senior study author Mark Peterson, an associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Peterson said the study wasn't designed to tease out the reasons for the differences. He suggested there could be a lot of factors at play, including policy differences, socioeconomic factors, access-to-care issues or even parents' individual decisions. "We can't assume anything," he said.

However, Peterson did note that the findings indicate "that there is a much larger problem, and the study highlights the need for better care for kids."

DePaul School of Northeast Florida

1 IN 5 PEOPLE HAVE DYSLEXIA.

COULD IT BE CAUSING YOUR CHILD'S READING PROBLEM? If your child has an IEP or is McKay eligible due to a reading problem, call us. We've served students with dyslexia in grades 2-8 for forty years.

904.223.3391 info@depaulschool.com www.depaulschool.com

Fritz said the AACAP actively encourages medical students to choose child and adolescent psychiatry as a specialty, but lengthy training and lower reimbursements compared to other medical specialties may explain why there aren't enough of these doctors available. He said there's a movement to have pediatricians more involved in kids' mental health diagnosis and treatment, particularly since pediatricians see children often as they're growing up.

Fornari noted that there is such a program ongoing at five university medical schools in New York. "Mental health disorders are prevalent in youth and require early identification and treatment in order to optimize good outcomes for these vulnerable children and adolescents," he said.

Study author Peterson said that parents shouldn't feel like they don't have options. If you're concerned that your child might have a mental health condition, talk with your child's pediatriFor the study, the researchers culled through surveys from a nationally representative group of cian and ask them for resources. He suggested more than 50,000 children under 18 years of age. that parents of children who have chronic health conditions might want to be more vigilant about From this data, the investigators were able to looking for signs of mental health disorders. estimate that 7.7 million children in the United States have at least one mental health disorder.

The findings were published online last month in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. The American Dr. Gregory Fritz, past president of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry more information on what’s normal behavior for (AACAP), said the finding that 16.5 percent of children have at least one mental health condition children and teens and what’s not. j is in line with previous research. But he said there are probably more kids who haven't been JAMA Pediatrics, jamanetwork.com diagnosed and who aren't getting any treatment, so the problem may even be underestimated.

Fritz said there are a number of barriers to care.

"Stigma, in its various forms, is a big barrier to

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MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9

SPECIAL NEEDS

Special Needs Summer Camps 2019 Camp I Am Special Session 1- Residential Camp: June 10 – 15, Session 2- Day Camp: June 17 – 21, Session 3- Residential Camp: June 24 – 29, Session 4- Residential Camp: July 8 – 13, Session 5- Day Camp: July 15 – 19, Session 6- Residential Camp: July 22 – 27, Session 7- Day Camp: July 29 - August 2, *Buddies arrive the day prior to the Campers and depart on the same day.

Camp I Am Special is an overnight camp experience for children, teenagers, and young adults challenged by physical, emotional and mental disabilities. The campers are able to enjoy all of the fun and traditions of a recreational camp, from sleeping in bunkhouses, and dining and singing in the Social Hall, to participating in mail call and art projects in the Pavilion, to Cane Pole fishing on the dock, and swimming in the pool. Residential Camp cost per week - $725. Day Camp cost per week$550.

904-230-7447 / 235 Marywood Drive, St. Johns, FL 32259 / campiamspecial.com

Augustine, FL 32084 / www.fsdbk12.org/summerprograms Girl Scouts SMILE Camp June 17 - June 21; 8am - 3pm Girl Scouts of Gateway Council offers a weeklong day camp for children ages 5 to 11 with autism, cerebral palsy, mental handicaps, spina bifida, visual and hearing impairments, as well as other physical health challenges. Smile camp offers children living with disabilities the chance to experience a week of new friends, outdoor adventure, and a sense of belonging. Smile Camp gives children living with autism and other disabilities a break from their day-to-day routine and brings them outside for an entire week of new experiences.

904-389-3071 / 4500 Trefoil Trail, Middleburg, FL 32068 / www.girlscouts-gateway.org

Jericho School Intensive Summer Program July 2 - August 2 This is not a Summer Camp where your child learns new arts and crafts. This will be four weeks ECC Summer Academy for Blind/Visually of intensive Applied Behavior Analysis and Verbal Impaired Students Behavior services for children with developmental June 16-28, 2019 (Ages 9-16) disabilities. Each child will receive a comprehensive The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) and Individualized Program with identified goals will host a two-week Expanded Core Curriculum and objectives for acquisition of targeted skills. You (ECC) Summer Academy during June 2019 on can choose a two week program or take advantage its St. Augustine campus – at no cost for eligible of all four weeks for the Intensive Individualized Florida students who are blind or visually impaired. Summer Program. 904-744-5110 / 1351 Sprinkle The Academy focuses on several areas including Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32211 / www.thejerichoschool. assistive technology, orientation and mobility, and org daily living skills development. Participants will enjoy a variety of recreation and leisure activities Keystone Summer Camp at Mosaic Day School including social experiences. Academy presenters June 3 – August 2; 8:30am – 2:30pm and instructors are certified teachers as well as Extended care available. orientation and mobility specialists trained to work Serving ages 2-22 with intellectual and with students who are blind or visually impaired. developmental disabilities. This summer camp Important Note: Not available to currently enrolled program is a high-quality program that provides FSDB students. Application forms are available in instruction in a low student-to-therapist ratio, with English and Spanish. For more information, please behavior therapists trained in the methodologies contact FSDB Blind Department Principal Carol and best practices of Applied Behavior Analysis.

Bogue at 904-827-2701 or via email.

Participants can expect to explore daily living 904-827-4255/ 207 N. San Marco Avenue, St. skills, problem solving, and team building through Augustine, FL 32084 / http://www.fsdbk12.org/ science, music and the arts all catered around the summer-programs weekly themes. Water play, bounce houses, and weekly excursions can also be expected. Cost: ECC Summer Academy for Deaf and Hard of $250/week, $25/week activity fee, one-time Hearing Students registration fee of $50. 904-619-6071 / 6867 June 9-14, 2019 (ages 9-12) & June 16-21, 2019 Southpoint Dr N, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www. (ages 13-16) keystonebehavioral.com The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind will host two Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC) Summer PLS Therapy & Learning Center ESE Summer Academies during June 2019 on its St. Augustine Bridge Program campus – at no cost for eligible Florida students For students entering 3rd grade through 10th who are deaf or hard of hearing. Both academies grade. Don't miss this specially designed program focus on several areas including leadership, selffor increasing communication, self-advocacy, advocacy, digital citizenship, and career education social/emotional skills and academics in a safe and skills development. Participants will enjoy a variety fun learning environment. From 9am-2pm, Monday of recreation and leisure activities including social through Thursday for 6 weeks during the summer, experiences. Academy presenters and instructors your student will learn practical life skills through are certified teachers trained to work with students table and video games, outdoor play, movie making, who are deaf or hard of hearing. Important Note: music, yoga, drama and more. Their staff is trained Not available to currently enrolled FSDB students. and experienced with students with special needs.

Application forms are available in English and Discounts for military, teachers, multiple weeks and Spanish. For more information, please contact FSDB siblings.

Deaf Department Principal Angela Saunders at 904- 904-491-2111 / 13121 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, 827-2500 Voice, 904-201-4570 VP or via email.

32225 / www.proactivelifeskills.org 904-827-4255/ 207 N. San Marco Avenue, St.

Page 10 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

Things to Do

We Rock Facilitated Play Group Mondays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 4pm to 5:30pm Families are invited to learn how to play with their child - and teach them how to play with others. This facilitated play group will be for all children to learn Social Skills Therapy Session - Sensory Buddies how to play and communicate with each other in a March 2, 8:30am to 11:30am relaxed, comfortable setting. Each class will have a In this tropical sensory experience, students will theme with special gross motor games, art, music, participate in a scavenger hunt to find beach and more. Parents will lead their child through related items. They will experience smells, sights, activities presented by a Board Certified Behavior sounds, and touch textures to immerse themselves Analyst and meet new children & families in the in a fun beach themed group activity. They will area. Meets weekly on Monday, 4pm to 5:30pm. have the opportunity to request, label/identify Cost is $65/month. concepts, respond to questions, follow directions, We Rock the Spectrum / 904-330-0362 / 9357 take turns, and describe the items they find Philips Highway Suite 3, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / while engaging in a sensory experience. Therapy www.werockthespectrumjacksonville.com sessions are led by an experienced and licensed Speech Language Pathologist (Erin Lamblez) and 11th Annual Autism Symposium ABA analyst (Marcelle Medina-Smester). The event March 6, 8am to 5pm is geared for ages 3-5. Sessions will be held every Parents, caregivers, special needs teachers, social half hour. Please register in advance, so they know workers, psychologists, and more, are invited for how many to expect. Free. the 11th Annual Autism Symposium. Attendees Paper Airplane Behavioral Services / 904-654will learn about current medical evidence and 2480 / 9889 Gate Parkway North #Suite 303, interventions regarding Autism. The event will also Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.erinslittletalkers.com feature nationally known speakers. Admission is $75/person, and includes breakfast and lunch. PreSensory Sensitive Sundays • March 3 registration is required. University of North Florida / Two area Chuck E. Cheese's locations offer 904-202-6039 / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, Sensory Sensitive Sundays. On the first Sunday of FL 32224 / autismsymposium11.eventbrite.com every month, these locations will open two hours early, specifically for children with autism and other Brick by Brick Social Skills Class special needs. There will be reduced lighting and March 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 9am to noise, food and games offered, and trained and 10:30am caring staff. Chuck E. Cheese's / Ages 8 to 13 are invited for a Brick by Brick Social 6065 Youngerman Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32244 Skills Class. The cost is $40/class. Contact Marlena and 10320 Shops Lane 32258, Jacksonville, FL at 904-633-0762 or via email at marlena.jenkins@ 32258 / www.chuckecheese.com jax.ufl.edu for additional information or to confirm registration.

Sensory Friendly Night UF Health Neurodevelopmental Pediatric Center March 4, 3pm to 5pm / 904-633-0762 / 6171 St Augustine Rd, Suite 1, Bravoz, in partnership with Reaching Milestones, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / www.hscj.ufl.edu offers Sensory Friendly Nights. During Sensory Friendly Nights, the music is turned off and the World Down Syndrome Day distractions are dialed down to make the facility March 21, 3:21pm more sensory-friendly. Available on the 1st In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, the Monday of each month from 3pm to 5pm from Church of Eleven22 hosts the second annual 321 September – May. Access is for 2 hours of time on Love Your Neighbor event. The event will feature the trampolines and/or ninja course. One parent/ guest speaker, Frank Stephens. Come learn more caretaker/therapist is admitted for free with each about Down Syndrome, while spending the day with sensory friendly participant $10 paid admission. your family. The Church of Eleven22 Baymeadows Bravoz Jump socks are required for anyone / 904-685-6722 / 8133 Point Meadows Drive, going out on the trampolines. Jump socks are Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.coe22.com available for $2 per pair and are reusable on future visits. Bravoz / 904-373-6386 / 14985 Old Saint Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 / bravoz.

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list com

Special Needs Events

of Special Needs events.

Keystone Summer Camp at Mosaic Day School

June 3 – August 2, 2019

8:30am – 2:30pm | Extended care available.

Serving ages 2-22 with intellectual and developmental disabiliies.

Cost: $250/week, $25/week accvity fee, one me registraaon fee of $50.

6867 Southpoint Dr N, Jacksonville, FL 32216 www.keystonebehavioral.com 904-619-6071

EATING WELL

March is National Nutrition Month E very March for several years now, I have presented the theme of National Nutrition Month and its focus for healthy eating. National Nutrition Month® is campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to provide education and evidence-based information on various nutrition topics. This campaign, celebrated each year during the month of March, focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound dietary and physical activity habits. The message and goal, since 1973, has been to get you and your family on the right track to being healthy.

As we move forward in our knowledge about healthy eating and exercise, National Nutrition Month helps us to focus on these new ideas and learn how to form new eating/ exercise habits that will last a lifetime.

Where do I begin in my journey to better eating habits?

Here are some key messages to consider: 1. Discover the benefits of healthy eating.

Learn what good foods can do for your health.

2. Choose beverages that are good for your health. Hydrating with water is the best choice.

3. Include a variety of healthful foods from all the food groups on a regular basis.

4. Select healthier options when eating away from home. Choose grilled or broiled meats, salads with dressing on the side, and limit fried foods.

5. Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat and drink the amount that's right for you – only eat until satisfied and not full. Slow down so you don’t overeat (feel stuffed).

6. Keep it simple. Making good food choices doesn't have to be complicated. Use MyPlate as a guide for meal planning.

7. Make food safety part of your everyday routine & it will become a good habit. Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.

8. Reduce food waste by considering the foods you have on hand before buying more at the store – yes, it’s OK to eat leftovers! Use an app like NoWaste, Pantry Check or Fridge Pal to determine how long food will stay fresh in your refrigerator and how to manage leftovers. This can help save your food budget and is good to prevent unnecessary waste.

9. Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.

Keep a calendar to track what and how long you were active each day. Take the kids and the pets for exercise too – everyone can benefit!

10. Consult the nutrition experts. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists can provide sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice to meet your lifestyle, dietary preferences and health-related needs.

Take some time this month to learn how foods can work for you and not against you. Be the healthiest YOU this year and be a great role model for your kids! j

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

Things to Do Eating Well

Big & Little Chef: Taste of the Emerald Isles March 2, 10am March 16, 10am Big Chef, Little Chef series classes are designed specifically for a guardian/parent, older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with a young chef. Each pair will work together (along with the rest of the students) to create recipes that are appropriate for adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 or older, and the Little Chef age range should be 5–12 years old. This class focuses on Taste of the Emerald Isles. The menu features Scotch Eggs with Spicy Dipping Sauce; Colcannon Soup; Shepard’s Pie; Irish Apple Cake with Apple Glaze. Cost is $75 for each parent/child combo.

Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com Tangible Taste at the Market March 16, 10am to 12:30pm The St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market hosts a monthly cooking demonstration called Tangible Taste at The Market. This educational series is hosted by Amy Rupert Secol, Holistic Nutrition Educator, Health Supportive Natural Chef and Real Food Advocate. All ages can come by on the 2nd Saturday of each month and watch a live cooking demonstration, enjoy samples and get the recipe to make your dish at home. St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market / 1340C A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.tangibletaste.com Homemade Entrepreneur March 18, 10am to 2:30pm; March 20, 10am to 2:30pm; March 27, 10am to 2:30pm The 2011 Florida Cottage Food Law has opened many opportunities for budding food entrepreneurs. With growing interest in local food, the number of cottage food businesses is expected to continuously increase. This workshop provides hands-on activities where you will make icings, jams/jellies and pasta, and participants will receive a complete toolkit to start their home-based business. The kit includes marketing tools, food handlers certification, business plan and more.

The target audience is anyone who is interested in running his/her own cottage food business in Florida. Registration is $100 and includes course materials, lunch, snacks, and food handler’s certification. If you would like to attend, but are unable to cover the registration fee please contact the event organizer for scholarship opportunities.

Recipe: “Old-Fashioned” Mashed Potatoes Did you know that a regular white potato contains 950 mg of potassium – that’s more potassium than Orange Juice, Broccoli or Bananas! Potassium is important for the heart, muscles and nerves.

Here’s a recipe to make your own mashed potatoes at home. Your kids will have fun mashing the potatoes once they’re soft. Supervision is

needed because they and the bowl will be very hot!

Directions: Start with Russet or Idaho baking potatoes. Wash and cut your potatoes into small chunks. Place the washed potatoes into a microwave-safe dish and cover with plastic wrap (cut a small slit in the wrap to allow steam

UF/IFAS Clay County Extension / 904-284-6355 / 2463 Florida 16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 / www.eventbrite.com

to escape). Microwave on high, 1012 minutes. Using a kitchen towel or oven mitts, remove the hot dish.

Then, carefully remove the cover – the steam will be HOT! Transfer to a larger bowl if needed for mashing. Mash the potatoes well with a fork or potato masher if you have one. Stir in ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt OR ½ cup low-fat sour cream and ½ cup low-fat milk, plus 2 Tablespoons olive-oil based

St Augustine Lion's Club Seafood Festival March 22, 3pm to 9pm; March 23, 10am to 9pm; March 24, 11am to 5pm The Festival features lots of food, entertainment and arts & crafts. There will be a Kid Zone, arts & crafts show, kid’s obstacle course, mechanical bull, rock wall, giant crocodile slide, moon bounce, Clown Adventure with a real circus clown, Meet the Little Mermaid and more. Some activities have a fee. Pets and coolers are not allowed. Entry is $5 for Adults, free for Kids 15 and under. Active Duty Military free. Francis Field / 25 West Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / lionsfestival.com Big & Little Chef: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner March 23, 10am Big Chef, Little Chef series classes are designed specifically for a guardian/parent, older sibling (18 or older), etc. paired with a young chef. Each pair will work together (along with the rest of the students) to create recipes that are appropriate for adults and kids alike. Big Chef must be 18 or older, and the Little Chef age range should be 5–12 years old. This class will focus on Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. The menu features BaconCheddar Drop Biscuit Egg Sandwiches; Pepperoni Pizza Empanadas; Chicken Pot Pie Loaded Baked Potatoes; Baked Chili con Carne with Cornbread Crust; Hazelnut Chocolate Mousse Parfaits. Cost is $75 for each parent/child combo.

Publix Aprons Cooking School / 904-262-4187 / 10500 San Jose Blvd Ste 36, Jacksonville, FL 32257 / www.publix.com 2nd Annual Strawberry Fest March 23-24, 10am to 5pm The 2nd Annual Strawberry Fest returns to Palm Coast. Activities include food, Plant City strawberries, art & crafts, free bounce houses, Strawberry Shortcake, live entertainment, classic cars, free rock painting, strawberry fudge, pie eating contest, pony rides, face painting, free hula hoop contest, strawberry ice cream, free petting zoo, berry cute baby contest, free sack races, train rides, free bean bag toss, and more. Admission is $6 and kids 2 & under are free. Receive $1 off admission by bringing a canned good. Food donations benefit Grace Community Food Pantry.

Central Park in Town Center / 386-860-0092 / 975 Central Avenue, Palm Coast, FL 32164 / www. palmcoastfest.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of events. margarine or butter. More or less milk can be used depending how thick you want the potatoes to be. Salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!

Sponsored by

MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 11

HEALTH & SAFETY

Hopping Keeps Them Healthy, and Smart P

hysical activity is closely linked to development of a child's mental skills – ones essential to academic success and navigating challenges they'll face throughout life.

Studies show that boosts in thinking ability, or executive function, often follow bouts of activity.

But only one-third of children are physically active every day. Less than half the time they spend in school activities – like physical education, team practices and even games – includes movement that qualifies as physical activity. This shortfall means that their physical health, as well as their mental skills, may suffer.

Some problems can begin during the preschool years if youngsters don't get the activity they need for motor skill development.

A 4- or 5-year-old needs 30 minutes of exercise every day. In addition to other benefits, this amount of exercise can also help kids who are overweight stem further fat increases. Introduce your preschoolers to fun and age-appropriate activities. Give them "active toys" like a tricycle and a ball to kick and throw, and encourage active games like tag, hide-and-seek and hopscotch.

When kids enter elementary school, help them explore various team sports, such as soccer or T-ball. As they get older, they might like the challenges of running or strength training.

Ways to get them hopping: Aerobic Exercises Use body's large muscle groups and strengthen the heart and lungs.

Examples of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises include: • Brisk walking • Bicycle riding • Dancing • Hiking

• Rollerblading • Skateboarding • Martial arts

Examples of vigorous-intensity aerobic activities include: • Basketball • Bicycle riding • Games such as tag • Ice or field hockey • Jumping rope • Running • Soccer • Swimming • Tennis Muscle-strengthening (or resistance) activities work major muscle groups of the body (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulder, arms).

Examples of muscle-strengthening activities include: • Games such as tug-of-war • Push-ups or modified push-ups (with knees on the floor) • Resistance exercises using body weight or resistance bands • Rope or tree climbing • Sit-ups (curl-ups or crunches) • Swinging on playground equipment/bars About Strength Training Strength training (or resistance training) uses a resistance to increase an individual's ability to exert force. It involves the use of weight machines, free weights, bands or tubing, or the individual's own body weight. This is not the same as Olympic lifting, power lifting, or body building, which are not recommended for children. Check with your child's doctor before starting any strength training exercises. j healthychildren.org

“It doesn’t take monumental feats to make the world a better place. It can be as simple as letting someone go ahead of you in a grocery line.”

– Barbara Johnson

Page 12 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

Things to Do

first served basis. Registration forms and payment of $150 per child per session is due at the time of the tryout. Due to program popularity spots cannot be held for any reason. Participants will be limited to registering for two sessions. Kids interested in participating will be required to complete a tryout, consisting of a 100 yard continuous swim, 5 minute The Gate River Run & Junior River Run deep water tread, 10 yard underwater swim. All March 9, 8am Events for the annual Gate River Run include USA 15K tryouts will take place at the Solomon Calhoun Pool.

Solomon Calhoun Pool / 904-209-4739 / 1300 Duval Championship Run/Walk, Florida Times-Union 5k for Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.co.st-johns.fl.us Charity, Brooks Rehabilitation Challenge Mile, Junior River Run, Diaper Dash, 3 Day Runner’s Expo, live Julington Creek Kids Triathlon and 5K music, post-race celebration, and more. The runners expo is Thursday, March 7 from 11am to 6pm; Friday, March 24, 9am to 12noon Florida Race Day Race Timing hosts the Julington March 8, from 11am to 7pm; and Saturday, March Creek Kids Triathlon and all ages 5K. Triathlon 9, from 8:30am to 12noon. A free one mile fun run participants will complete a swim in the pool, ride for children will be held on March 9 at 11am. This their bikes on the course throughout the field behind race is limited to children 13 and under. Each child’s the pool, then run loops on that field. The events will parent must fill out and sign an entry form for them.

Pre-registration is required if you are participating as be chip timed and distances are based on the age of part of a team; if signing up as an individual, you can the child. Kids must supply their own bikes and must pre-register, or sign up on race morning. There will be wear a helmet to participate. The events will go off in waves. Ages 6-8 will do 50 meters ( 2 lengths ) in four heats, broken down by age and gender. There pool, bike 2 loops ( approx 1/4 mile) run 1 loop ( approx will also be a Diaper Dash at 11am. The 5K will be held on March 9 at 8am. All participants will receive 1/8 mile); Ages 9-11 will do 100 meters ( 4 lengths) in pool, bike 4 loops ( approx 1/2 mile) , run 2 loops ( a technical shirt and a finisher medal. Half of each approx 1/4 mile); and Ages 12-14 will do 100 meters entry will go directly to charities. in pool, bike 6 loops ( approx 3/4 mile) , run 4 loops ( Jacksonville Fairgrounds / 510 Fairgrounds Place, approx 1/2 mile). Kid’s triathlon participants will get Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.1stplacesports.com a racing bib, Florida Race Day shirt, finisher’s medal, and photograph of the event. Costs for Kids triathlon Junior Lifeguard Program start at $35. 5k Race cost is $25 and includes racing March 17, 9am; March 23, 9am; March 31, 9am bib, Florida Race Day shirt, finisher’s medal, and The St. Johns County Junior Lifeguard program is open to boys and girls 9 – 17 years old. The program photograph of the event. The 5K will take place after the kid’s triathlon. Julington Creek Aquatic Center / is staffed by certified ocean rescue lifeguards and 904-821-3636 / 1140 Durbin Creek Blvd / St. Johns, focuses on providing water safety education in an FL 32259 / runsignup.com environment that is fun while building teamwork, physical conditioning and respect for each other and the environment. All participants are required to pass a swim assessment prior to registering for the Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of program. Registration will be done on a first come

Health & Safety

Health Events.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Don’t Scratch That Itch I t's easy to say "don't scratch." Getting your child with eczema to listen to that is another story.

A little creativity can help keep your kid's fingers away from the itchy rash.

Why It's Important: "The trouble with scratching is that it can actually make the condition worse," says Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. "And, it can cause cuts in the skin that can become infected. So it's important for parents to learn ways to help their child stop scratching."

There are such ways.

Use Moisturizers Generously • Keep your child's skin moisturized. This can help keep eczema flare-ups and the itch at bay.

• Thick ointments, like petroleum jelly, contain more oil. That makes them the most effective at locking in moisture.

Put On Wet Wraps Some parents find these can help stop the itching. The best time to apply one is right before bedtime. Here’s how:

E

-cigarettes have obliterated past progress in reducing tobacco product use among teenagers, U.S. health officials said last month.

About 4.9 million middle and high school students were current users of a tobacco product in 2018, up from 3.6 million in 2017, according to results • After the bath, gently pat skin dry with a towel from the annual National Youth Tobacco Survey.

All told, more than 1 in 4 high school students and put on moisturizer or medication, as and about 1 in 14 middle school students used a directed. tobacco product in 2018, according to U.S. • Moisten clean gauze bandages with water Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. and wrap the affected skin.

• Have your child soak in a lukewarm bath for about 5 to 10 minutes.

• Cover the wet bandages with a dry bandage or towel to lock in the moisture, and leave overnight.

You can apply wet wraps on any part of your child's body that’s especially itchy.

Keep Fingernails Clipped Short nails cause less damage to the skin if your child does scratch. If scratching at night is a problem, have your child wear cotton gloves to bed.

Use Cold Compresses to Relieve the Itch Try using a damp, cold washcloth. You can also cover an ice pack in a soft towel. Hold the compress to your child's skin for a few minutes • "I suggest parents let their older child try several moisturizers and choose which kind to whenever you need to help relieve itching. You can repeat this, as necessary, throughout the day. use," Eichenfield says. "Because the best j moisturizer is the one that your child will use." webmd.com • Use it many times a day, especially after bathing or washing.

• Some children may not like the feel of thicker ointments. Thankfully, there are options.

“We can make no greater investment in the lives of our children than to give them generous doses of encouraging words.”

– Karol Ladd

Introducing new location in Ponte Vedra Located in the Sawgrass Village Shopping Center 340 Front Street Ste 770

(904) 473-0600 Or you can visit our Baymeadows location at 8355 Bayberry Road

Doctors That Care

E-cigs Fueling Rise in Teen Smoking

Cool Office Environments

(904) 733-7254

Researchers chalk this increase up entirely to e-cigarettes, noting that no significant change was found in the use in any other tobacco product -- including traditional tobacco cigarettes.

"The skyrocketing growth of young people's e-cigarette use over the past year threatens to erase progress made in reducing youth tobacco use. It's putting a new generation at risk for nicotine addiction," CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said in a statement.

Kids who use e-cigarettes could be more likely to progress to smoking tobacco after becoming hooked on nicotine, according to previous research cited by the CDC.

the CDC added. The agency specifically cited the e-cigarette JUUL in its report, noting that the increase in youth vaping mirrored increased sales of JUUL. The JUUL is shaped like a USB flash drive and is easy to conceal, the CDC noted. It uses liquid nicotine refills called "pods" that contain at least as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes, and they are available in flavors that appeal to teens.

"JUUL entered the U.S. market in 2015 and since Dec. 2017 has held the greatest market share of any e-cigarette in the United States. We know JUUL devices are being used among kids in school, including inside bathrooms and classrooms," said Brian King, deputy director at the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health.

"JUUL also has a high nicotine content, among the highest of any e-cigarette on the U.S. market," King continued. "The devices also use nicotine salts, which can allow high amounts of nicotine to be inhaled more easily and with less irritation than the free-based nicotine that's used in most other e-cigarettes."

For the fifth year in a row, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among high schoolers. Cigarettes (8 percent) were next most common, followed by cigars (7 percent), The nicotine in e-cigarettes also pose other smokeless tobacco (6 percent), hookah (4 health hazards, said Dr. Anne Schuchat, the CDC's percent), and pipe tobacco (1 percent). principal deputy director.

And many kids don't limit themselves to one type "Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm brain of tobacco product, the CDC found. Among development, including harmful effects on current tobacco users, about 2 in 5 (1.7 million) learning, memory and attention," Schuchat said. high school students and 1 in 3 (270,000) middle Nicotine also primes the brain for addiction to school students used two or more tobacco other substances, she added. Matthew Myers, products in 2018. The most commonly used president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, tobacco product combination was e-cigarettes called the survey results "deeply troubling." and tobacco cigarettes among both middle and high school students.

"These results are strong evidence that e-cigarettes are not helping to drive down youth The findings were published Feb. 11 in the CDC cigarette use," Myers said. "Indeed, if anything, publication Vital Signs. The U.S. Food and Drug the evidence to date indicates that e-cigarettes Administration is cracking down on e-cigarette could increase the number of kids who smoke marketing and sales aimed at teens, but more cigarettes." needs to be done, said Thomas Ylioja, clinical director of health initiatives at National Jewish There were 1.5 million more young e-cigarette Health in Denver. users in 2018 than 2017, and those who vaped did so more often, the CDC found.

"Legislators and policy-makers are responding, but we need rapid action to ban advertising to E-cigarette use increased to nearly 21 percent youth including through social media outlets, among high schoolers and 5 percent among restrict purchases including online, raise the age middle schoolers in 2018, up from about 12 of purchasing nicotine products to 21, ban vaping percent and 3 percent in 2017, respectively. in places where tobacco is prohibited, and ensure that nicotine vaping products are taxed like other The proportion of high schoolers who vaped at tobacco products," he continued. j least 20 of the past 30 days increased to 28 percent in 2018 from 20 percent the year before, cdc.org MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13

SUMMER CAMPS

Help Them Overcome Anxiety

P

ortraits of summer camp showcase sun-splashed children playing sports, swimming, and getting freckles. Not pictured is any sign of anxiety, a natural reaction to a new adventure and separation. All children experience a mixture of excitement and nervousness when summer camp approaches. For most, excitement trumps nerves, but some children develop anxiety serious enough to get in the way of what should be an enjoyable, formative experience.

goodbyes short, as delaying just causes more mixed feelings.

3) Avoid focusing on what makes children anxious. Instead of asking leading questions like, “Are you nervous about horseback riding?” ask open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about the horses?”

4) Don’t trivialize her concerns or offer glib reassurances. “There’s nothing to worry about!” or “Everyone loves camp!” may discourage your child. Instead, show that you have empathy and acknowledge her concerns.

5) Focus on concrete details in conversations leading up to and during summer camp. Avoid abstract issues like what it it’s like to be away from home in favor of cabin details, meals in the lodge, or campfire rituals.

6) Reflect on your own formative experiences away from home and share positive aspects of them with your child. Show that you are willing to talk about the new things he’ll be doing, whether it’s eating new food, sleeping in a bunkbed, getting along with cabin-mates, or coexisting with insects.

Curiosity, Exploration & Imagination REQUIRED

9) Make communication easy and accessible: Pack envelopes and stamps, outline a schedule for phone calls or emails if they’re part of the camp’s routine, and make sure your child understands how easy it will be.

10) Have goals for each letter or conversation, so your child will come away focused on how she is Summer camps hone many skills useful for future adjusting, rather than on how much she wants to success: resilience, self-reliance, and social come home. adaptability. The camp experience — being away from home among peers — can help kids 11) Try not to communicate your own anxiety; develop social skills, separate in a healthy way your child can pick up on your feelings even if from parents, and cultivate independence. Camp you don’t verbalize them. activities can help them build confidence by demonstrating mastery. Children are often ready 12) Help your child formulate realistic, goalfor sleep-away camp around ages 10 to 12, oriented plans for making friends or toasting the although preparedness varies depending on age, perfect marshmallow or passing a swimming experience, and temperament. test. The thrill of completing these plans can give your child a feeling of success.

The key to helping your child get over pre-camp nerves is to acknowledge her feelings and give 13) If your child has psychiatric or learning issues her tools to help her tame them. don’t keep them a secret. Make sure the staff and counselors know anything they need to know 1) Let your child feel a sense of ownership over to head off problems and maximize her experithe experience. Involve him in picking the ence. Does she wet the bed? Is she anxious summer camp; familiarize him with the camp about water? And let her know that counselors environment and teach him about camp activities are there to support her, whether she has a so he can formulate expectations. simple question or a larger problem.

2) Help your child get excited about camp: Take her shopping for new gear and focus her on fun things about camp that she can anticipate.

Summer Camp Is Back

Summer camp is a unique situation where your child engages with a large community of peers and learns how to interact socially in a lessstructured environment than school. This is a time for him to actively make decisions for himself and develop a sense of self-reliance.

Though you may be concerned and wish to intervene, your supportiveness will give your child room to take ownership over the experience himself.

When should you worry that a child’s pre-camp anxiety is something problematic? You might be concerned if she demonstrates physical symptoms of fear: cold or clammy hands, butterflies, faintness, headache, or nausea. Excessive tearfulness and hiding are also signs that something out-of-the-ordinary is going on. A child might have nightmares, or ask questions like, “What if something happens to me or you when I’m away?” If a child’s reaction is so severe that it interferes with normal functioning, it might be time to consult a mental health professional. j childmind.org

7) Go through “rehearsals.” A shorter-term sleepover or a night at Grandma’s will make it easier for your child to be away from home.

8) Don’t linger at the bus stop. Keep the

Page 14 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

• Camp Collage • TimberNook • Surf’s Up • Music to My Ears

CollageDaySchool.org • 904.900.1439 • Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

TOMMY HULIHAN BASKETBALL SU M M E R SPOR T S CA M P JUNE 10 - AUGUST 2 7 Sessions Weekly Sessions and Single Day Rates Available Extended Care Available

SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP JUNE 3 - 7 Multiple Sessions | GIRLS AND BOYS 2ND-8TH GRADE

BEACHES BASKETBA LL SU MMER LEAGU E JUNE 1 - AUGUST 3 Deadline Friday, May 10 | GIRLS AND BOYS 3 YRS - 5TH GRADE

BASKETBA LL TRA INING

Individual, Small Group, Player Development and Shooting Clinics

TommyHulihanBasketball.com 904-349-2611

ALL EVENTS @ St. Paul’s Catholic School Gym 212 5th Street North | Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

SUMMER CAMPS Aquatics Camp June 17 – August 2, 2019 Owned and operated by the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, the property is located at the St Johns River Base at Echockotee sitting on Doctors Inlet in Orange Park. Aquatics Camp serves boys and girls ages 6-14. A camper’s day is filled with activities that bring them from the shores of Doctors Lake to the heights of the climbing wall, and from the woods of the archery range to catching some air off the back of one of the wakeboard boats. Extended Care Available. Discounts for multiple weeks, siblings, & early registration by May 20, 2019.

904-269-2091 / 2513 Doctors Lake Dr, Orange Park, 32073 / www.aquaticscamp.org Camp Broadway June 10 - June 14, 2019; 8:30am - 5pm Ages 10 – 17. Camp Broadway introduces young people to the world of life on-stage and behind the scenes. Campers get training in singing, dancing, acting, scene study, improvisation, music theory and movement. With authentic Broadway instructors teaching dance routines and musical numbers at the same break-neck speed as a real Broadway show, Camp Broadway is a fun-filled week of activities designed to teach kids about the serious business of live theater. Camp tuition is $575 for the week and includes lunch, snacks, two t-shirts and a headshot.

904-632-5000 / 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, 32246 / www.fscjartistseries.org/education/campbroadway Camp Cummer June 10 – July 26, 2019 Monday – Friday 9am - 3:30pm For Grades 1 – 6. The mission of the Cummer

Museum is to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education. Children will learn, grow, and explore new ways of expressing themselves at Camp Cummer. Cost: $200 for Members and $230 for Non-Members per week. Extended care is available for Elementary School Camp only. HEAL Foundation scholarships are available for children with autism. 904-355-0630 / 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, 32204 / www.cummermuseum. org

qualified teaching artists. Cost: $214 per session.

Lunch Plan - $35 per session. Extended Day - $50 per session. Camp will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral located at 256 E. Church St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.

904-281-5599 / www.capkids.org/encore

Collage Day School’s Camp Collage June 3 – August 2, 2019; 9am – 3pm Extended care available.

Ages 2 - 10. This 9 week summer camp, Camp Discovery aims to cultivate a sense of wonder and June, July & August 2019; 6:30am curiosity for the natural world, creativity, - 6:30pm collaboration with others, and confidence to Every summer, winter, and spring break, The engage in new experiences. Campers are Discovery Tree Academy becomes Camp broken up into Preschool and Elementary Discovery. Learning shouldn’t end when tracks. Elementary Track will go offsite for Field Trips school’s out! At Camp Discovery our school-aged on Fridays. Preschool track will attend onsite campus explorers spend the summer visiting exciting places field trips. Cost: Full Day $250/week. ½ Day (9amfrom all over the Jacksonville area. Expeditions 12pm) $150/week . include Jacksonville Zoo, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Collage Day School’s Surf’s Up Camp Adventure Landing, The Black Raven Pirate Ship and June 17 – 21, July 15 – 19, 2019 much more. Cost: $185 per week. Includes field trips, 1pm – 4pm lunch, & snacks. thediscoverytreeacademy.com This Surf Camp is offered for children ages 5-10 and Oakleaf / 904-779-1770 / 7629 Old Middleburg is located at Mickler’s Landing where campers will Road, Jacksonville, 32222 / Lic# C04DU0391 learn and enjoy a week of fun in the sun, and build San Pablo / 904-619-8797 / 3232 San Pablo Road, confidence in the fundamentals of surfing and water Jacksonville, 32224 / Lic# C04DU0350 safety. Cost: $275 per week.

Collage Day School’s Music To My Ears Camp Camp Encore July 8, 2019 – August 2, 2019; 1pm – 4pm June 10 - 14, June 17 - 21, June 24 - 28 2019 Ages 3 – 10. Collage Day School is excited to offer 9am – 3:30pm an interactive music camp where children participate Camp Encore, presented by Cathedral Arts Project, in singing, creating, listening, playing musical offers 6- to 11-year-olds the opportunity to discover instruments, and exploring various types of music their passion and grow their creativity. Campers of all and music related activities. Music is an amazing experience levels will enjoy one-of-a-kind instruction tool to inspire confidence, creativity, coordination, in dance, music, theatre and the visual arts, led by and cooperation among many other important

developmental attributes. Through music it is easy to emphasize core values like self-acceptance and kindness, and to teach skills relating to music as well as many other subjects. Campers work together to create music, lyrics, artwork, dances, and performances for family and friends at the grand final recital at the end of the four weeks. Cost: $275 per week.

TimberNook at Collage Day School Elementary Track - June 10 - 14 & July 8 - 12, 2019 - 9:30am – 1:30pm Preschool Track - June 24 - 28 & July 22 - 26, 2019 - 9:30am- 11:45am Extended care available.

Ages 2 – 10. TimberNook Camp offers two-week camps for ages 2-3 years and ages 4-10 years.

Children will be encouraged to explore nature, while challenging their minds and bodies in beautiful natural settings. Cost: Elementary $225/week.

Preschool $125/week .

904-900-1439 / 171 Canal Boulevard Ponte Vedra Beach, 32082 / www.collagedayschool.org Campapalooza June 10 - August 9, 2019 9am - 3pm Extended day available from 7am - 6pm Games, special events, and activities each week.

Different theme every week. Early Registration: $109/ week if you are registered by May 4th. $129/week after May 4th. $50 registration fee. Extended day $25/week. Sibling discounts available. Camp is held at Blessed Trinity Catholic School.

904-233-5605 / 10472 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / http://www.michaelleesdojo.com

FSDB Expanded Core Curriculum Summer Academies

WHEN

WHERE

WHO

APPLY NOW

June 2019

FSDB Campus St. Augustine, FL

Eligible Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Visually Impaired Students Age 9-16

www.fsdbk12.org/outreach

Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind

For Additional Information: Elizabeth Wilcox, Director of Outreach Phone: 904-827-2455 Email: wilcoxe@fsdb.k12.fl.us MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15

SUMMER CAMPS Diamond D Ranch Summer Camps June 3 – 28, 2019 Day Camp: 8:30am - 5pm Ages 8-17. Opportunity to learn about horses and horsemanship. Camp is for both the beginner and those who already have some knowledge of horses. Day Camp Cost: $495 + tax per week.

Lunch and snacks are provided. Non-refundable deposit is required. This will be taken from the total cost of each camp price.

Overnight Camp: Begins Monday morning at 8:30am until Friday at 5pm.

Overnight campers are provided with breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, and supper and dessert.

Your child will sleep in an air-conditioned bunkhouse, complete with restrooms and shower facilities. Overnight Camp Cost: $795 + tax per week. Non-refundable deposit is required. This will be taken from the total cost of each camp price. 904-289-9331 / 5903-1 Solomon Rd, Jacksonville, 32234 / www.diamonddranchinc.com

unforgettable memories and friendships to last a lifetime! The focus is on team building, leadership skills, sports, fitness and fun. JJVA Camp Counselors make sure that every child has a rewarding, safe, and fun camp experience.

Full Day Week $159, Half Day Week $99, and Daily $35. 904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, 32256 / www.jjva.com

Good Lad Soccer Camps June 3 – August 2, 2019; 9am - 3pm Good Lad Soccer Camps are perfect for kids of all ages (8-15) and skill levels who are looking to improve their game and have fun this summer.

Run by former Premier League goalkeeper, Gavin Carlin, camps focus on skill building, fitness, confidence and most importantly the love of the game. Camp is held at Jax Ice & Sportplex. This indoor facility is the perfect location for the fast paced and fun camps Good Lad Soccer is known for. Players will need to bring their soccer gear, water jug, bag lunch and snack. Cost: $295/ week. Half-day 9-12pm or 12-3pm, $150/week.

10% Discount for siblings. 10% discount for multiple week sign up.

904-240-2572 / 3605 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.goodladsoccer.com

Jacksonville Science Festival's Art Exploration Camp • June 17 – July 26, 2019 Monday – Friday 8am - 5pm Summer art for ages 5 - 15. Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor activities, field trips, project-based learning, literacy/math, experiments, gardening, hands-on activities and more. Lunch and snack provided. Cost: $125 per student/per week. $20/per week if you qualify field trip and lunch included. $10 Non-refundable registration and reservation fee.

904-493-3535/ 3675 San Pablo Rd S, Jacksonville, 32224 / www. jacksonvillesciencefestival.com

i9 Summer Indoor Instructional Programs at the Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex July 6 – August 10, 2019 (Saturdays only) Choose between Indoor Soccer, Flag Football, or Basketball.

Indoor Soccer - Ages 3-10 as of 09/01/2019.

Indoor Flag Football - Ages 4-13 as of 09/01/2019.

Indoor Basketball - Ages 5-10 as of 09/01/2019.

904-992-4263 / 3605 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / www.i9sports.com i9 Summer Multi-Sport Camp at UNF August 5 – August 9, 2019; 9:30am - 4pm Coed Ages 5-14 as of 05/31/19. Recreational multi-sport camp at the end of summer featuring Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball, Dodgeball, Kickball. Drop-off between 7:30am - 9:30am and pick-up between 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

904-992-4263 / 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, 32224 / www.i9sports.com Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association Kids Camp • June 3 – August 9, 2019 9am - 5pm Ages 5 - 11. Kidz Summer Camps at JJVA are a high energy youth sports experience providing

Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association Volleyball Summer Camp June 3 – August 9, 2019; 9am - 4pm The JJVA coaching staff will focus on fundamental skills through game based drills and daily scrimmages. The Volleyball Summer Camp is open to boys and girls grades 4 – 12.

It is designed for the beginner to intermediate player and will incorporate teamwork and sportsmanship. Camp Costs: 5 days $265, 3 days $165, 2 days $110.

904-854-2323 / 8457 Western Way, Jacksonville, 32256 / www.jjva.com

Jax Cooking Studio Cooking Camps Two Camps Available Each Week: 9am - 12pm and 2 - 5pm Appropriate for kids ages 6-16. JAX Cooking Studio Summer Camps are sure to be a highlight of your child’s summer! They teach kids basic culinary skills while they work in teams to cook the day’s recipes. Each week, they feature a different camp theme, so your child can choose the topic of most interest.

At the end of each day, campers eat the recipes they prepared. On Friday of each week, the kids show off their newfound skills by cooking their favorite recipe from the week or making their own recipe or creation.

904-742-5906 / 14035 Beach Blvd, Suite 6, Jacksonville, 32250 / jaxcookingstudio.com Jax Surf Camp June 3 – August 9, 2019; 9am - 3pm Jax Surf Camp is a fun and safe way to advance a child’s surfing skills, ocean knowledge, and comfort in the water. Ages 6-16 and will break into groups depending on age and skill. Intermediate level surfers are welcome as well as beginners.

After completing our five-day surf camp, your child will have learned these fundamental skills: water safety, paddling, the surf zone, and of course stand up on a board! Full day: $350/week Half Day: $210/week.

904-372-4653 / 7th St & Beach Ave, Atlantic Beach, 32233 / www.jaxsurfandpaddle.com

Page 16 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

For ages 7-14

SESSION A: June 3-28 SESSION B: July 8-Aug. 2

(904) 396-4425 www.theatrejax.com

MAKE THIS SUMMER A MASTERPIECE REGISTER TODAY FOR SUMMER CAMP AT THE CUMMER MUSEUM Let your child’s creativity shine this summer! Campers enjoy instruction in various artistic methods, guided tours of the galleries, time in the historic riverfront gardens, and boundless opportunities to learn through creative play.

2019 SUMMER CAMP DETAILS: • For children entering grades 1 through 6 • June 10 through July 26 (no camp July 1 through 5) • Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Extended care (morning and afternoon) available for an additional fee • Six individually-themed weeks offered

• $200 per camper per week for Members; $230 per camper per week for Non-Members

Summer Camp for Middle School available July 29 through August 2 (students entering grades 6 through 9; extended care not offered)

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. LEARN MORE AND ENROLL AT CUMMERMUSEUM.ORG/CAMP, OR CALL 904.355.0630.

SUMMER CAMPS Karate America 10 locations in Jacksonville Summer camps in June, July, and August.

Convenient times and weekly camps all summer long. Constructive fun and traditional martial arts benefits. Safe structured environment with knowledgeable supervision. Super fun summer camp teaches kids powerful life skills like focus, discipline and respect while learning cool martial arts moves. Diverse activities with physical games, movies, and fun! Kids will accelerate their training, enhance their skills, and have LOTS OF FUN! Space is Limited. Call the location near you today to enroll early and save! www.karateamerica.info KidsPark Summer Camp June - August 2019 Weekdays starting at 7:30am.

Open evenings and weekends too!

KidsPark is an hourly drop in childcare center that also offers fun and enriching summer camp themes. Camp Buddy for kids ages 2 - 5 and Camp Blue Crew for kids ages 6 - 12. Each week will have different themes that are sure to be a hit with each age group. Camps focus on imaginative play, arts and crafts, music and movement, circle and story time, group games, as well as outdoor play. They have a flexible “pay as you go” rate. No need to pay if you are on vacation or your child is sick. Cost: $8.50 an hour or $51 daily rate per child up to 8 hours. Additional sibling discount available. Families must be registered at KidsPark (Registration is $40, show this ad for half off, a $20 value). Call for details. # C04DU0978 904-683-4554 / 9726 Touchton Road #111, Jacksonville, 32246 / www.KidsPark.com Museum of Science & History (MOSH) Summer Discovery Camps June 3 - August 2, 2019 Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm Summer Discovery Camps are offered primarily for kindergarteners through 5th graders with select weeks offered for 6ththrough 8th graders.

Campers will spend their time in the classroom, in the museum, and outside in some instances for their camp. They will fill their day learning about the topic at hand through hands-on demonstrations, experiments, and crafts. Children will have free time to explore the museum exhibits and will be able to attend at least one science show, animal show, or planetarium show. Space week includes off-site field trips with space camp featuring a trip to Kennedy Space Center.

Cost: $180 for MOSH Members / $225 for NonMembers. Some of the camps cost $25 higher for additional supplies and/or field trip transportation.

904.396.MOSH (6674) / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.themosh.org Theatre Jacksonville – Make Believe!

SESSION A: June 3 - June 28, 2019 SESSION B: July 9 - August 2, 2019 9am - 2pm Ages 7-14. During each of the 4-week sessions campers will cycle daily through classes in acting, musical theatre, dance, and improvisation. After an initial week of preparation and training, they

hold camp-wide auditions for an original show, written by their professional instructing team and directors, which becomes the curriculum for all classes for the remainder of camp. Cost: $550 per camper, per session of which a non-refundable $150 deposit per camper, per session is required at registration. Discounts available when enrolling in multiple sessions or with siblings.

Use promotional code SAVE20 and save $20 on your first registration, if paid in full before May 15, 2019.

904-396-4425 X16 / 2032 San Marco Blvd, Jacksonville, 32207 / www.theatrejax.com Tommy Hulihan’s Summer Sports Camp June 10 – August 2, 2019; 8am - 3pm K - 6th grade. Campers will participate in Team Sports and age appropriate activities including Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Kick Ball, Tag Games and more. Campers must bring a lunch Monday – Thursday.

Extended care campers should bring a snack in addition to their lunch.

On Fridays, campers will have a pizza lunch and then we will take a bus to Beach Bowl Campers will be divided into groups based on their age.

All family and friends will be allowed to be grouped together, regardless of age. Cost: $135/ week includes the cost of bowling, pizza lunch, T-shirt and bowling. Daily rates are $35 MondayThursday, and $40 for Friday (pizza & bowling day).

Extended Care: 3pm - 6pm - Cost: $50 per week. *7:30am-8:00am If you drop off before 8am there is a $5 Ext Care Fee. 904-349-2611 / St. Paul’s Catholic School’s Gym - 212 5th St N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250 / www.

TommyHulihanBasketball.com Tommy Hulihan’s Basketball Camp June 3 – 7, 2019 Session #1 - 9:00am - 12:00pm Boys currently in 2nd - 4th grade (Please use CURRENT grade) Cost: $140. Extended Care Available 8am-9am and 12pm-5pm for $60.

Session #2 - 1:00pm-4:00pm Boys currently in 5th - 7th grade (Please use CURRENT grade) Cost: $140 Session #3 - 5:00pm-7:00pm Girls currently in 2nd - 7th grade (Please use CURRENT grade) (Girls separated by grade 2nd-4th / 5th-7th on different courts) Cost: $100 Summer Basketball Camp is designed to teach players the basic fundamentals and team concepts of the game of Basketball. All campers will go through individual, as well as team drills.

Each day, players will be instructed during “Stations” where they will work on individual basic fundamentals. All players will participate in 2-3 games daily.

904-349-2611 / St. Paul’s Catholic School’s Gym - 212 5th St N, Jacksonville Beach, 32250 / www.

TommyHulihanBasketball.com TNT Gymnastics Summer Camp May 28 - August 9, 2019 9am - 3pm. Extended day hours - 8am - 9am &

Bee here for

3pm - 6pm Ages 3-12. Every child will participate in gymnastics rotations focusing on new skill and position development. Campers will get to interact on all apparatus in the facility from vault, bars, beam, rings, trampoline, pit, & more! When it's time to slow down and catch a breath, they will have snack, crafts, & lunch each day. Cost: $155/ Week. Register for any camp week or multiple days and PAY IN FULL before April 15th and you will receive 10% off the total camp tuition cost.

This does not apply to the annual membership fee or extended day. Multiple weeks discounts available.

904-998-8681 / 2683 St Johns Bluff Road S. Unit #107, Jacksonville, 32246 / www.tntgymfit.com

Spring & Summer Camps!

Unity Christian Arts Summer Dance Camps June 3 - July 26, 2019; 7am - 4pm Ages 5-15 yrs old. Dance camps are Faith based but welcomes all to participate. Campers start each morning with prayer & bible scriptures.

Classes will include but not limited to: ballet, jazz, tap, choreography, drama skits, tambourine & flag dances among other classes when available such as streamer dancing, stretch classes creative dance and more. Showcase on Fridays at the end of each Camp. Extended hours available. Cost: $20/day. $20 Registration fee.

904-466-8250 / 5730 Bowden Road, Suite 103, Jacksonville 32216 / www.unitychristianarts.com

June 10 - August 9, 2019

VOLLEYBALL SUMMER CAMP ed 9 Them ! !! s k e We

• • • •

Dodgeball Nerf-apoolza Lego Week Wild West

Open Househ!

May 4t

• • • • •

Limited Spots!

Registe r Now!

Stars and Stripes Talent Showcase Talent Show Olympics Boot Camp

At JJVA

June 3 -Aug 9 | Ages 9-16 | 9am –4pm

Register Now at JJVA.com 904.854.2323

Early Registration: $109/week After May 4th: $129/week One-Time Registration Fee: $50 Extended Day: $25 Sibling Discounts Available

Camp located at Blessed Trinity Catholic School on Beach Blvd

MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 17

SUMMER CAMPS

Camp Tips for Teens H

ere are some things to do before, during, and after camp to make sure you have the best experience possible.

2. Save up a little spending money.

Many camps and pre-college programs let you bring an ATM card or open an account at the camp or campus store. It’s good to have access to a bit of cash.

3. Don’t worry too much about getting sick.

Camps and campuses always have medical staff on hand to take care of you. Definitely bring any personal medication, prescriptions or inhalers with you and follow camp or campus rules about where to keep them.

4. Make friends before you arrive.

Does the camp or summer academic program have a Facebook or other social media group?

Join it, introduce yourself to fellow campers, and start talking with people who share your interests. You can make friends before you arrive.

Introductions 6. Don’t be shy!

Everyone will be feeling shy so be the one to break the ice. Join in on all those embarrassing name games; they will help you make friends quickly.

19 TH ANNUAL

10. Keep meeting new friends!

Don’t become passive just because you met two friends on the first day at camp. Keep saying “hello” to as many people as possible in all the activities you attend.

JUNE 10-14 • AGES 10-17 FSCJ NATHAN H. WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

11. Join new activities, even ones that make you uncomfortable. Maybe you don’t like swimming, or playing soccer or playing board games in the dorm.

PROFESSIONAL BROADWAY INSTRUCTORS !

12. Figure out the best way to keep in touch with parents and friends. Some camps have limited Internet or cellphone access. Write letters to your family and friends and encourage them write back.

For more information on Camp Broadway in Jacksonville at the FSCJ Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, visit fscjartistseries.org/education/camp-broadway or contact Amanda Scott at Amanda.Scott@fscjartistseries.org

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

NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY

13. Remind your family to send care packages.

Getting a box at the camp or campus post office is a lot of fun. If the camp doesn’t allow food in care packages, ask for games, comic books, art supplies – things that can be shared.

2019

14. Do your part to keep things neat.

Camp is fun but laundry strewn over the floor, smelly trash cans and unclaimed toothbrushes are not. Cabins are usually only as clean as the dirtiest person. First, don’t let that person be you!

Second, stay on top of it. You and your cabin mates don’t want to be cleaning when everyone else is out having fun.

15. Follow the rules.

Bringing anything illegal to camp, purposefully breaking curfew or other rules, and being mean to other campers will have some not-so-nice consequences.

Leaving 16. Get your friends’ contact information!

With all the rush of packing, checking out, and finding your family, don’t forget.

17. Check the packing list you made before coming to camp. Do you still have all your items?

Figure it out before you’re halfway home!

7. Make sure not to talk about yourself too much.

Begin by asking other people about themselves.

18. If your parents are picking you up, make sure Your fellow campers or counselors may come they get to meet your friends, and maybe your from very far away – even different countries. friends’ parents, too. It will make it easier to get together during the school year! j 8. Be extra-nice to the camp counselor. teenlife.com Day 1 is when camp counselors will see you for the first time. There are a lot of new faces for

Page 18 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

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l! cia

5. Check out activities in advance.

Showing up without knowing what you’d like to do may lead to signing up for archery when you would have chosen lacrosse if you knew it was an option. Some activities, like horseback riding, may have limited space and require enrollment before you arrive. In addition to choosing activities, check out the online map of the camp or campus so that you will have idea of how to get around. If you play a musical instrument that’s portable, see if it’s OK to bring it, even if it’s not a performing arts summer camp. It’s a great way to break the ice and meet people.

9. Invite someone to dinner.

Asking a pal to go to a meal with you not only helps you get to know everyone better, it gives your not-quite-so-social friends a way to meet new friends.

Ea

Preparation 1. Start planning weeks before you arrive.

Don’t hurriedly pack your bag the night before or you’ll most likely forget a few important items. Check the camp’s packing list and check off everything that goes in your bag. Make sure to label everything with your name so that other campers know not to use your shampoo.

them to meet, and they’re trying to figure out who will be the easy-going campers and who’s going to cause problems.

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SUMMER CAMPS Gauging Your Child's Readiness and Picking the Right Camp these questions will help you determine when your child is ready for camp.

A nswering What is your child's age? Children under age 7 may not adjust easily to being away from home.

Consider the day camp experience to prepare them for future overnight camp.

How did your child become interested in camp?

Does your child talk about camp and camp activities on a sustained basis? How much persuasion is necessary from you?

Short Sessions (1 to 3 weeks) means: • First-time or younger campers have a chance to learn new skills.

• Bonds develop with other campers and staff.

• Great exposure to camp experience with less expense.

• Minimizing homesickness.

Longer Sessions (4 to 12 weeks) means: • Strong sense of belonging to camp community.

• Chance to learn new skills.

• Development of specialized skills.

• Multiple opportunities for learning and enrichment.

• Lifelong friendships.

• Opportunities to contribute to camp culture.

Girls Only, Boys Only or Co-ed?

Now may be the opportunity to explore this choice with your camper.

SUMMER CAMP

June 17 - July 26 | 8am - 5pm | Ages 5-15 | $125 Per Week

* Families with SNAP, income based gov't benefits, STEP Up or McKay Scholarships can send their child to summer camp for $20 a week, field trip and lunch included.

Single-Sex Camp means: • Breaking gender stereotypes — girls interact with women in positions of authority and boys interact with men who act as nurturers.

What does your child expect to do at camp?

• More opportunities to "Be Yourself" without Learning about the camp experience ahead of time impressing or competing with the opposite sex. allows you to create positive expectations.

• Camp philosophy may be tuned into gender strengths and weaknesses.

Are you able to share consistent and positive • Brother or sister camps may share activities. messages about camp? Your confidence in a positive experience will be contagious.

Co-ed Camp means: • Breaking gender stereotypes — girls interact Choosing The Right Camp with women in positions of authority and boys Camp can last from just a few days or stretch to interact with men who act as nurturers. all summer long. It's well worth the trouble to • Mirrors and prepares campers for everyday investigate camp programs before your camper living — the world is co-ed. packs a backpack. These questions help you • Allows families with a boy and a girl to attend explore the options. same camp.

• Offers diverse points of view.

Near or Far? • Breaks through rigid divisions set up in school Where do you want your child to go to camp? when campers participate on equal footing.

Locally or far away? While each camp experience has something to offer your child, this is an Traditional, Speciality or Special Needs? opportunity to assess what you value for your Understanding the strengths in camp focus may camper. help you make your choice.

Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? Visiting relatives or friends?

Were these separations easy or difficult?

Near means: • Easier to evaluate and visit.

• Friends and family likely familiar with camp.

• Minimal travel costs.

• Likely contact with classmates or children from same region.

• Correspondence to and from campers is quicker.

Far means: • More choices.

• Different experiences, different geography, e.g., mountains or even different languages.

• Promotes independence, particularly for early and late adolescent campers.

• Diversity of campers.

• Chance for family to visit and vacation at close of camp.

Short or Long Sessions?

How long do you want your child to remain at camp?

Traditional means: • Wide variety of activities.

• Chance for campers to try new activities.

• Exposure to more campers and staff at varying activities.

Specialty means: • One or two specialized activities (often combined with traditional offerings).

• Expectation for increased proficiency during camping session.

• Deepens knowledge and skill in particular area of interest or ability.

Special Needs means: • Activities geared to campers' abilities.

• Knowledgeable staff with expertise to understand campers' challenges.

• Supportive and fun atmosphere to share with others. j acacamps.org

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2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 19

EDUCATION

Encourage More Reading and Writing in Your Home

P

arents Play Most Important Role

Literacy refers to an individual’s ability to read and write. While teachers play a part in improving the literacy levels of their students, parents play the most important role. This is because parents are a child’s first teachers.

There are numerous ways parents can encourage their children to read or write more. I’ve listed a few suggestions here.

Ways to Encourage Reading Make going to the library a weekly event. Our five-county area, including Duval, Baker, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau, is blessed with wonderful library systems. From story times to holiday events, our libraries offer rich programs featuring books, authors, story-related crafts, and much more. While you’re at the library, check out some books for yourself and for your kids.

Read with or aloud to your kids. My husband and I have read books aloud to our daughter since she was a baby. In addition to the time spent together, reading with family members initiates great conversations about a book’s plot, characters, or settings. Currently, I’m reading “Crispin: The Cross of Lead” by Avi to my daughter. We’ve had wonderful conversations about life during the Middle Ages because of the setting of this book.

If reading aloud doesn’t work for you, let your kids see you reading. Your actions speak loud and clear.

Ways to Encourage Writing Share how you write on your job. Whether you write e-mails, reports, lesson plans, or something else, consider showing your writing to your kids. The next time you update your resume, for example, share it with your kids. My husband

sometimes shows our daughter how he writes explanations of election laws in his job as Director of Information Services with the Duval County Supervisor of Elections office.

A Sweet Way To Support Teachers

C

hocolate and Beyond, an exciting celebration of chocolate, desserts and other culinary sensations, is coming on Saturday, March 2 from 2 to 4 p.m. at First Coast Technical College, 2980 Collins Avenue in St. Augustine.

Write stories together. This is such a fun family Guests will sample chocolate and other delicious activity, especially if it ties into what your family creations from some of the area’s finest restauis reading. In our home, we often share stories rants and specialty shops. Great items such as we write with each other. One time, we all wrote hotel and restaurant gift certificates, sports comics using our daughter’s spelling words and memorabilia and admission tickets for local, fun shard them. They were hilarious! More recently, attractions will be available for bid at a silent aucwe read a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Afterward, tion. This year marks the 26th anniversary of my daughter asked me to write a murder mystery Chocolate and Beyond!. for her to solve. I’m still working on it!

The event is produced by TASK (Teacher’s Aid Ways to Tame Technology for Student Knowledge), and benefits the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of St. Johns Set a nightly technology shut-down time. TechCounty. Proceeds allow RSVP to recruit, profesnology is a large part of family life these days. If our kids see us constantly plugged in, they will most likely follow suit. This year, we resolved to turn off (yes, I’m talking about powering down) our phones and computers at 6:00 p.m. each night. Having the nightly deadline helps us focus 7th Annual Jacksonville Science Festival on completing tasks before shut-down time so March 2, 10am to 3pm - Seawalk Pavilion we can enjoy more time for reading and writing.

March 7-8, 9am to 2pm – FSCJ South Campus

Things to Do Education Events

Use a timer with yourself and your kids. Another way to tame technology’s reach into our lives is to use a timer. We allow our daughter to earn 15-20-minute increments of computer time by doing chores or by practicing her instrument. So far, it’s worked.

Please let me know how you encourage more reading and writing in your home. I’d love to hear from you. My e-mail address is nancyleebethea@ gmail.com. j Nancy Lee Bethea

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

To learn more visit our website or call

www.greenwoodjax.org 904-726-5000

Now enrolling new students. Call today for a campus tour

Page 20 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

All students, teachers, experts, organizations, local businesses and community partners are invited to come together to celebrate education with all of the Jacksonville community and surrounding regions. Activities include STEAM interactive booths, hands on art, science activities and more. There will also be a beach clean-up on March 2, at 1pm.

Participants can meet at the Beach Clean Up booth to grab their bag and head to the beach. Popcorn and lemonade provided for all participants. The festival will be held at two locations: Seawalk Pavilion on March 2 and FSCJ South Campus on March 7-8.

Jacksonville Science Festival / 904-493-3535 / www. jacksonvillesciencefestival.org Seawalk Pavilion/ Latham Plaza, 11 Ocean Front N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 FSCJ South Campus- 11901 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32246

sionally train, place and recognize its nearly 150 volunteers throughout all 40 schools in St. Johns County while supporting its 40,000 students and more than 2,500 instructional staff members.

Senior volunteers mentor and tutor St. Johns County School District students in reading and math and assist in the Head Start preschool reading program. Last year over 800 students received services from RSVP volunteers throughout the school year.

Tickets for Chocolate and Beyond are $20 per person ($10 for children under 12) and can be purchased online (rsvpstjohns.com) or at Whetstone Chocolates, 139 King Street and 13 Anastasia Boulevard. Tickets will also be available at the door. j Madeline and the Bad Hat will be performed at the Florida Theatre. The show runs approximately 55 minutes, and is best suited for students in grades K-4.

Admission: $8.50 per person. Public school, private school, and homeschool students are welcome to attend. The Florida Theatre / 904-353-3500 / 128 E Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.theatreworksjax.com

MOSH Homeschool Program March 27, 9:30am to 11am MOSH offers engaging, inquiry-based programs for your student and family in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

Programs have been developed for elementary- and middle-school aged students. Separate workshops will run simultaneously for ages 5-8 and 9-13, covering the same topics through age-specific curriculum. Parents may still register children that fall outside of these age ranges, but acknowledge that MOSH workshops are designed to meet standards for these age groups.

Each workshop consists of two 45-minute interactive sessions, with 30 minutes of free time to explore the Museum before and after the program. Doors open at 9am, and the program begins at 9:30am. Cost is students $15 (Member Students $12); Member and Non-Member Parents $5. Register in advance. This Understanding the Florida Standards Assessment: month’s program is Earth, Sea, & Sky (Ages 5-8) // Elementary Reading Grades 3-5 Environmental Science (Ages 9-14).

March 19, 5:30pm to 7pm -- Susie Tolbert MOSH / 904-396-MOSH / 1025 Museum Circle, Elementary School Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org March 26, 5:30pm to 6:30pm -- Saint Clair Evans Academy Preschool Power! Raising a Self-Reliant This course will provide helpful strategies that can be Preschooler • March 28, 8:45am to 9:45am used at home to assist elementary school students Young children who learn to be self-reliant are more in the area of reading on the Florida Standards successful in preschool and better prepared to take Assessment. The Parent Academy of Duval County on challenges. This session will explore practical Public Schools is a family resource designed for strategies and suggestions easily incorporated into a parents, caregivers, and community members. All busy life. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Parent Academy courses are free of charge.

Schools is a family resource designed for parents, Duval County Public School Parent Academy / 904caregivers, and community members. All Parent 390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org Academy courses are free of charge.

Susie Tolbert Elementary School, 1925 West 13th S.P. Livingston Primary Learning Center / 904-390Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 2960 / 1128 Barber Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209 / Saint Clair Evans Academy, 443 Moncrief Road, dcps.duvalschools.org Jacksonville, FL 32209 Madeline and the Bad Hat • March 21, 10am

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

EDUCATION

Science Festival Begins March 2nd T he Jacksonville Science Festival is a free three-day event featuring student led projects in collaboration with teachers and local community experts related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math).

SPRING

and 8, at Florida State College at Jacksonville’s South Campus, 11901 Beach Blvd.

Sponsored by Florida State College at Jacksonville and The Foundation Academy, it gives students face to face contact with industry professionals and encourages them to follow coursework and careers in innovative jobs that may not have been considered.

A college scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to one participant for the school of their choice.

(High School Teams only) Winning teams, which represent a school, will also be awarded prize money based on Saturday’s popular vote: High School – $500, Middle School – $300, and Elementary School – $200.

The Jacksonville Science Festival features interactive booths with STEAM activities highlighting the student presenters gained knowledge and skills. The Festeival will be held at j the Seawalk Pavilion at Jacksonville Beach from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, and from jacksonvillesciencefestival.com 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 7

Spring Camp

03.11.19 — 03.15.19 One-Day Fun-Day Camp

03.22.19

9 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Extended care available

REGISTER TODAY AT

Get Online With Bookopolis

B

ookopolis is a resource for kids (and parents and teachers) to find new book ideas that have been rated and reviewed by other kids. Your account is easily accessible from mobile devices, so you will always have those great book ideas at your fingertips when you’re at the library or bookstore.

They provide personalized Book Recommendations for each Bookopolis reader based on books they have read and liked and what other Bookopolis readers with similar tastes have enjoyed.

Express Yourself – Bookopolis is a place for kids to express themselves as readers. They can proudly share what books they love, what books they’re reading right now, and engage with friends about books. They are also learning good “digital citizenship skills” and how to be safe online. As parents themselves, the safety of kids online is their number one priority.

Positive Peer Competition – Bookopolis offers badges and points as rewards for kids for all their activities in Bookopolis, from adding books, to writing reviews and reports, to inviting friends.

They take the best elements from the gaming world to motivate kids to read more books.

Resource for Teachers and Librarians – Teach-

ers and librarians can use Bookopolis to help build a community of readers in their classroom.

Students get excited about reading when they connect with friends to share book reviews and swap book recommendations. Students also practice persuasive writing, comprehension, and typing skills by completing reviews, reports, and reading logs online. Educators can sign up with a “teacher” account and then set up class(es) and accounts for their students. While their main goal is to ignite a lifelong love of reading, the features and activities on their site are also nicely aligned to several Reading and Writing standards for students in 2nd through 7th grades.

The Founders – Kari Ness Riedel is a social entrepreneur, former strategy consultant, and a mom of two elementary school aged boys who love to read. Lance Riedel provides the technical expertise behind Bookopolis. He brings his 20+ years of experience developing search and recommendation engines at Pinterest and Yahoo!

We know academic results are important to you.

Sylvan students typically see up to three times more growth in their math and reading scores than if they hadn’t come to Sylvan*. Sylvan can make reading and math the fun adventure it should be.

Sylvan will develop a personalized learning plan to get your child back on track. Call now to schedule a skills assessment!

Time to start preparing for the Spring FSA and EOC exams!

Expires 3/30/19. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. The assessment is normally $150. jax4kids0319

The Name – The name Bookopolis came from the Riedel boys after they read the classic novel The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. They were enamored with the Dictionopolis vs. Digitopolis worlds. j bookopolis.com

“Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 21

EDUCATION

It’s Getting Tougher to Get Into “Merci Suarez Changes Gears” Top State Schools Wins 2019 Newbery Award

W

ith admission to state universities in Florida becoming more and more competitive, parents have a valid concern to wonder if their child will be accepted. Whether you’re saying “Go Gators,” or cheering for the Garnet & Gold, the changing face of college admissions in Florida can be tricky to keep up with.

E

ach year the American Library Association demic classes when they recalculate a GPA. They honors books, videos, and other outstanding use English, Science, Math, World Language, and materials for children and teens. Recognized History classes only. worldwide for the high quality they represent, ALA awards guide parents, educators, librarians and “So if a student’s GPA has a boost because others in selecting the best materials. Selected by of Speech, Sports and Fitness, Ceramics, and judging committees of librarians and other Desktop Publishing, then they will lose that boost children’s experts, the awards encourage original when UF or FSU recalculate the GPA,” says Riggs. and creative work.

“This is not to say these aren’t worthy and impor“Our state is going through what North Carolina, tant classes, because they are, but parents and Outstanding children’s books for 2019: Virginia, and Michigan went through 25 years students should understand what each particular John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature: ago regarding their flagship universities,” says college is counting when they are looking at Ryan Riggs, Episcopal High School’s Director of GPA.” “Merci Suárez Changes College Counseling. “The University of Florida and Gears,” written by Meg Florida State University are seeing more applica- Additionally, both UF and FSU throw out pluses Medina, is the 2019 tions from in-state students than they have in the and minuses in GPA calculations. A grade of B+ Newbery Medal winner. past. This means being accepted has a higher becomes a B; a grade of A- becomes an A. UsuThe book is published threshold than in the past.” ally this does not change a student’s GPA much,

by Candlewick Press. but for a student who has earned all B+ and A+ For example, at UNC Chapel Hill, the in-state grades in core academic classes, he or she will Two Newbery Honor Books also were admit rate has dropped from 49% to 41% in just see a drop in the recalculated GPA. named: “The Night two years. And in-state acceptance has been a Diary,” written by Veera challenge in Virginia as well, for more than 20 Understand How Your Current School CalcuHiranandani and pubyears. lates Its Admissions Stats lished by Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Young Readers Group, an “The change at UVA was more gradual, but we Does your school limit the number of students imprint of Penguin Random House LLC; and “The had kids with a 3.2 GPA getting into UVA in the applying to a certain state school? Do they man- Book of Boy,” written by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, 1980’s. Now it takes a 4.0 and strong test scores. date that students in the very top of the class ap- illustrated by Ian Schoenherr and published by Colleges are now built around trying to achieve ply to both UF and FSU? This can affect the yield Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins more selectivity each year,” says Jim Jump, the numbers for acceptance at these universities at Publishers. long-time Director of College Counseling at St. your student’s school. Make sure to ask what, if Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinChristopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia. any, rules exist for who applies where, and how guished American picture book for children: that might affect your student’s chances.

Additionally, because UF and FSU are both on a “Hello Lighthouse,” illustrated and written by new application platform, the Coalition ApplicaDo Your College Counselors Make Sure Your Sophie Blackall is the 2019 Caldecott Medal wintion, their raw application numbers will continue School is Known? ner. The book was published by Little, Brown and to climb, which will drive selectivity. Last year, UF Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. had 29,000 applicants for 6,500 freshman beds, Do the college counselors at your school have the and FSU had 30,000 for 6,100 freshman beds. ability, support and time to travel to individual col- Four Caldecott Honor Books also were named: UF, especially, has a keen eye on the US News leges, national and regional college admissions “Alma and How She Got Her Name,” illustrated and written by Juana Martinez-Neal and published & World Report rankings. They have zoomed up conferences? Do they have the opportunity to

by Candlewick Press; “A Big Mooncake for Little this list in the past five years, and are now ranked “wave the flag” for their school and its students 35th among national universities. UF wants to whenever they can so that college admissions of- Star,” illustrated and written by Grace Lin and published by Little, Brown and Company, a division continue to increase their applications, their yield ficers are familiar with the school, its curriculum of Hachette Book Group, Inc.; “The Rough Patch,” (the number of students they admit who choose and its students? What is their relationship with illustrated and written by Brian Lies and published to attend), their number of out of state students, their particular admissions rep from the University by Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins their number of international students, but of Florida and Florida State University? Make sure Publishers; and “Thank You, Omu!” illustrated and decrease the overall size of the undergraduate your student is taking the time to meet with the written by Oge Mora and published by Little, Brown population. admissions representatives from each school. and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. With admission to both the University of Florida Test Prep is Really Important Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award recognizand Florida State University becoming more and ing an African-American author and illustrator of more competitive each year, there are important While many colleges have gone “Test Optional” steps students can take to ensure they have the for the SAT and ACT, Florida’s state schools have outstanding books for children and young adults: best applications possible. And while acceptance not. Test scores weigh heavily in their admission “A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of anywhere is never guaranteed, taking the time to decisions. j 1919,” written by Claire Hartfield, is the King Authink ahead and plan can help. thor Book winner. The book is published by Clarion Ryan Riggs, Director of College Counseling, Books, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Episcopal School of Jacksonville Understand How GPA is Calculated at the riggsr@esj.org School to which you apply Three King Author Honor Books were selected: “Finding Langston,” written by Lesa ClineRansome and published by Holiday House; “The Both UF and FSU count only the core five aca-

Page 22 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

Parker Inheritance,” written by Varian Johnson and published by Arthur A. Levine Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.; and “The Season of Styx Malone,” written by Kekla Magoon and published by Wendy Lamb Books, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Book Award: “The Stuff of Stars,” illustrated by Ekua Holmes, is the King Illustrator Book winner. The book is written

by Marion Dane Bauer and published by Candlewick Press.

Three King Illustrator Honor Book were selected: “Hidden Figures,” illustrated by Laura Freeman, written by Margot Lee Shetterly and published

by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollins Publishers; “Let the Children March,” illustrated by Frank Morrison, written by Monica Clark-Robinson and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company; and “Memphis, Martin, and the Mountaintop,” illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, written by Alice Faye Duncan and published by Calkins Creek, an imprint of Highlights.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults: “The Poet X,” written by Elizabeth Acevedo, is the 2019 Printz Award winner. The book is published

by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Three Printz Honor Books also were named: “Damsel,” written by Elana K. Arnold and published by Balzer+Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers; “A Heart in a Body in the World,” written by Deb Caletti and published by Simon Pulse, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; and “I, Claudia,” written by Mary McCoy and published by Carolrhoda Lab®, an imprint of Carolrhoda Books®, a division of Lerner Publishing Group.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished beginning reader book is “Fox the Tiger,” written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor. The book is published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

Four Geisel Honor Books were named: “The Adventures of Otto: See Pip Flap,” written and illustrated

by David Milgrim and published by Simon Spotlight, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division; “Fox + Chick: The Party and Other Stories,” written and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier and published by Chronicle Books LLC; “King & Kayla and the Case of the Lost Tooth,” written by Dori Hillestad Butler, illustrated by Nancy Meyers and published by Peachtree Publishers; and “Tiger vs. Nightmare,” written and illustrated by Emily Tetri and published by First Second, an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings Limited Partnership.

See ala.org for a complete list.

j

VOLUNTARY PRE-K REGISTRATION How to Enroll Your Child for VPK at a Duval County Public School www.duvalschools.org/vpk

What Do You Need to Register for a Certificate?

• A working email address • Proof of address (must match the address of vertificate of eligibility)

• Proof of child’s age (e.g., birth certificate, passport, military ID)

No Computer?

No Problem!

Call the Early learning coalition at 904-208-2040or stop by to register and use the computers and scanners available at their sites.

What Happens Next?

Once the application is completed, you will receive the certificate of eligibility within 5 business days. Take the certificate along with proof of age, address, and immunization to the school you’ve identified to register.

• Your child’s social security number

Opens Feb. 27 From 8am To 12pm • Child Must Be Born Between 9/2/14 And 9/1/15

For more information regarding site selection, please visit our website www.duvalschools.org/vpk or call 904-390-2877 for additional help.

MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 23

STEM Project Leads the Way Graduation Rate at Record High Duval County Public Schools has set a new record for the district’s graduation rate.

points, today Duval is just a single percentage point behind the state.

Now at 85.1 percent, schools in 2018 bumped the district’s average by more than 4

“When we increase as we have this year, it has the effect of pushing up the state

How do you safely transport an injured tiger to receive medical care?

Florida to offer PLTW when it’s implemented in the 2019-2020 school year.

This was a particularly engaging problem for Mandarin Oaks Elementary School thirdgraders Rithika and Eric.

The announcement was made Thursday, Jan. 31 during a special ceremony in which Fischer presented the school $8,250.08 to go toward PLTW.

After talking it over, the pair decided they had to construct a “pulley-crane” with wheels to extract the tiger from its cave.

“We’re feeling really good,” Rithika said about their solution as they attached the crane to the wheel. “We’re really proud and impressed with what we have done so far.”

Rithika and Eric are among the nextgeneration engineers at Mandarin Oaks Elementary who will soon have access to a new and innovative STEM program at the school.

percentage points compared to 2017.

Record high graduation rates include: • African American students: 83.2 percent graduation rate; up 6.4 points over last year.

• Hispanic students: 84.3 percent graduation rate; up 3.2 points over last year.

• English Language Learners: 82.3 percent graduation rate; up 5.4 points over last year.

• Low socioeconomic students: 79.5 percent graduation rate up; 6 points over last year.

• Students with disabilities: 77.1 percent graduation rate; up 6.4 points over last year.

“Jacksonville leaders can now point to our school district as an asset in attracting jobs and economic development to our region,” said Duval School Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene. “Our teachers, our school leaders and most important, our students have done the work this community has asked them to do. The world needs to know that the young men and women in our schools are succeeding, and they are ready for college and careers.”

The record-high graduation rate follows a report on national math and reading assessments earlier this year that identified Duval County Public Schools as one of the leading urban school districts in the nation.

average,” said Dr. Kelly Coker-Daniel, Assistant Superintendent for Accountability and Assessment. “When you add more than 7,000 graduates to the state’s formula, you drive up the overall rate. Duval is doing its part to drive the state’s success.”

The district’s success in closing the achievement gap is particularly noteworthy.

In 2012, the achievement gap between African American students and all students was 5.4 points. The new data shows that the achievement gap is now 1.9 percent.

"The School Board has placed tremendous importance in working toward equity in educational outcomes,” said School Board Chairman Lori Hershey. “Hearing the news that our achievement gaps for African American students, low-income students, and all other sub-groups are closing rapidly really speaks to the quality of work happening in our schools.”

Duval County’s graduation rate trajectory continues to rise faster than the state average. Where once Duval students trailed the state average by almost 7 percentage

Page 24 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

“If we have high quality programs in science, technology, engineering and math in the school where they spend most of their day, they’ll be more familiar it; they’ll understand the technology,” Fischer said.

“We’re going to live in a much more technologically advanced world. They need to be able to interact in that world.”

Through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) students will systematically study and complete hands-on, interactive projects in STEM areas like robotics, animation, genetics, the human body and the changing earth.

That’s the case with Rithika and Eric. While thankfully, the tiger was not real, what was very real were the critical thinking skills, creativity and foundation in Newton’s Law of Physics they acquired as they completed the lesson in “Stability and Force.”

The program will make its debut at the school thanks in part to the generous support of community partners like State Rep. Jason Fischer who represents the Mandarin district.

Rithika, who wants to be an astronaut said this was a head start for robotics. Eric agreed.

According to Fischer, Mandarin Oaks will be the only elementary school in Northeast

“I’m learning how to build models,” he said.

“In the future this can help me. I want to be an inventor and an engineer.”

And the W-I-N-N-E-R Is Graham Glasheen calmly walked up to the microphone after being asked to spell a word meaning "intended to teach."

he would be able to achieve.

"I was so nervous," said Glasheen. "I was spelling against sixth-, seventh-, and eighthgraders!"

Glasheen said the nerves went away every time he went up to the microphone. He said when he went up to spell a word, it was just a matter of remembering it the way he practiced it at home.

The improvement in the graduation rate is typically attributed to the work of the district’s high schools. However, Greene stated that the graduation rate is reflective of the efforts of everyone on Team Duval.

“While our high school principals lead this effort during the last four years of a student’s time with us, these record high rates are a reminder of our collective efforts,” Greene said. “The high school experience builds on exceptional foundations from elementary and middle school. All of Team Duval should be proud.”

An electrical engineer by trade, Fischer said it’s important to introduce STEM concepts to students early.

Glasheen did not take studying lightly. He studied up to 50 words each day with his older sister and parents. He also studied a packet of words given to him by one of his biggest supporters -- his principal, Mindy Mclendon.

"His teacher and I went to support him," said Mclendon. "We're so proud of him."

Glasheen's favorite words to spell are words of German origin or American origin.

D-I-D-A-C-T-I-C. Didactic.

It was that moment the Hendricks Avenue Elementary fifth-grader won the county-wide Scripps Spelling Bee – a feat he was unsure

Although his claim to fame is spelling, Glasheen's favorite school subject is math. He hopes one day to be a Disney Imagineer or work in the medical field.

Pasion Named Teacher of Year Training Future Engineers with Legos They engineer robots, they complete NASA-inspired tasks, they talk with physical therapists about spine expansion in space, and...then they go to recess.

These future engineers are fifth-graders at Joseph Finegan Elementary School. They are one of the 56 elementary and middle school First Lego League teams in Duval County Public Schools.

The district's partnership with First Lego League provides an opportunity for fourth - eighth graders to explore the world of engineering with robotics, coding and critical thinking skills.

“What stands out to me is that this is a program that requires children to develop skills such as team work, verbal communication, critical thinking, problem solving and computer skills,” said RobinsonVanhoy.

Axson won the Champions Award and Best Robotics Performance Award at this year’s district competition, themed "Into Orbit."

There, students had to work together to reach a goal in two and a half minutes, like setting "satellites" down at a station by programming a robot or using critical thinking skills to solve problems that occur when spending more than a year in space.

In addition to academic skills, regional competitions encourage values like "coopetition." This sportsman-like conduct is something Finegan Elementary's team took to heart during the tournament.

J. Allen Axson is another school that participates in the First Lego League program.

The school's principal, Cecilia RobinsonVanhoy said she has watched her students flourish over the four years her school has had the program.

“We tried cheering on as many people as we could,” the team chimed in altogether.

First LEGO League is just one of many programs that allows students to get handson engineering experience early in their academic careers.

her and reminisce about the lessons she taught them.

“I always wanted to be a teacher,” said Sarah Pasion, Teacher of the Year for 2019. “It’s my destiny.”

“A teacher is more than a teacher," says Pasion. "It’s an all-around job. Some days you have to be a nurse, a guidance counselor or a second parent to these kids.”

Pasion is a 4th-grade math teacher at Sadie T. Tillis Elementary School.

Her desire to be an educator started when she was child.

She watched as her aunt, who was a teacher, got doted on by her students. She said her aunt’s students never forgot her, and she wanted to inspire children in the same way when she got older.

The heart she puts into her teaching and caring for students does not go unnoticed. In addition to being a Teacher of the Year, Pasion was awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year as a first-year teacher.

The 39-year-old Pasion was one of five finalists. The other four are Nakeisha Tinsley of Matthew Gilbert Middle School, Danisha Love of Raines High School, Rachel Duff of DuPont Middle School and Joshua Diaz of HoganSpring Glen Elementary School.

Pasion made her dream a reality when she came to America from the Philippines 18 years ago to pursue her degree in education. Fifteen years later, she is still carrying out the goal she set for herself as a child.

“I have a mission to inspire my students to become better academically and become better members of society,” said Pasion.

She receives a $4,000 cash award and will compete for the state title. The other finalists get $2,500 cash prizes, as well as $500 classroom grants, from Rotary Clubs of Jacksonville.

Just like her aunt, Pasion says she has students come back and tell her how much of an impact she has had on their lives. Now, some of her former fourth-graders tower over

Paxon Student Selected for United States Senate Program George Pratt just got one step closer to his ultimate dream of becoming a United States senator.

The Paxon School for Advanced Studies senior is one of two students statewide to be selected to participate in the prestigious 2019 United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP).

He initially found out about the opportunity by browsing the United Negro College Fund website and later applied through the Florida Law Related Education Association.

“I hope to integrate the knowledge gained from the program into the way in which I lead, as I position myself to a lifelong commitment of public service and attempt to make the world a better place,” said Pratt.

As part of the program, Pratt will join Sen. Marco Rubio and Sen. Rick Scott in representing Florida at the 57th annual USSYP Washington Week in March.

Additionally, Pratt and his fellow cohorts will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

“Words cannot express how grateful I am to be selected as one of the delegates to represent Florida,” said Pratt. “The program is of extreme importance to me because I am being granted the once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from the government’s leading officials and dialogue with like-minded young persons from across the country.”

knowledge of the American political process and instill a lifelong commitment to public service.

the Rules and Bylaw Committee for the Jacksonville Mayor’s Young Leaders Advisory Council said he believes the USSYP will be life-altering and will invigorate his passion to effect positive changes in his community.

George Pratt The senior class president and chair of

After graduating from high school in May, Pratt said he intends to double major in History and Religion with a minor in Leadership Studies at Morehouse College. He then plans to clerk for a federal appellate judge, pass the bar, work for the United States Attorney’s Office, be ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and then ultimately run and be elected as a United States senator.

Each year, the program assembles high-achieving students – two from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity – to Washington, D.C. for an intense week-long study of the federal government. While there, students attend meetings and briefings with senators, members of the House of Representatives, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies and members of the national media.

Nationwide, students are selected by their respective state departments of education after being nominated by teachers and principals. This year’s Florida delegates were selected by Ms. Pam Stewart, former Commissioner of Education.

Established in 1962, the mission of USSYP is to give students a deeper

MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 25

St. Johns County School District News

Teacher of the Year

a background in engineering, Erb says he enjoys analyzing data, but what gets him excited to teach each day is to expose students to new ideas and perspectives. “We must teach the whole child; and sometimes it is necessary to zoom out and take a step back from curriculum and content mastery, and focus on the growing human beings in front of us,” said Erb. “Every age is an important age in a student’s life and at every single one of those stages, there is an educator there to help guide the way.”

Danny Erb Danny Erb, a math teacher at Pedro Menendez High School, has been named the school district’s Teacher of the Year. He will go on to compete in the Florida Department of Education-Macy’s Teacher of the Year.

Erb has been teaching for 18 years with the last four at Pedro Menendez. Prior to his teaching career and following graduation with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State, he was an engineer with Steam Services and an operations supervisor with Gas and Electric, both in Con Edison of New York.

Character Counts Race a Success

Over 600 runners and walkers of all ages participated in the 2019 Annual CHARACTER COUNTS! 6 Pillars 6K/3K Run/Walk last month. Race proceeds support CHARACTER COUNTS! initiatives throughout the St. Johns County School District.

“It is such an honor to have a teacher of Mr. Erb’s caliber represent our district at the state Kristen Miedling level,” said Superintendent Tim Forson. He is truly one of a kind and embodies all the traits possessed by great teachers. I am in awe of his ability to not only teach and inspire, but also connect and build lasting, positive relationships with his students.

The race began and ended at the Palencia Elementary School and participants enjoyed a course running through the neighborhoods of Kensington and Las Calinas

Mill Creek Academy 5th grade teacher Kristen Meidling was named Rookie Teacher of the Year.

He loves math and helping his students love it too, Having

First-Time Champs Pedro Menendez won its first girls basketball district championship 58-41 by upsetting favored Ponte Vedra in the District 5-6A tournament final. The Falcons (15-10) were led

by Aniyah Foster with 22 points. Teri Evans had 10, Vendy Siefientora 9, Ja’Tavia Holliman 6, Dee Tobler 4, Katie White 3, Princess Williams 2, and Sarah Phillips 2.

Follow us on Twitter @StJohnsCountySD

Engineering Winners Project Innovation is a Career Academy district competition to encourage students to apply skills developed in their Career Academy programs in new and unique ways to benefit society or the environment. This year 571 high school students participated on 145 Career academy teams at six high schools.

Nease High Stellar Academy of Engineering students Richard Bachmann, Maanasi Vadlamani and William Mitchell won first

Connect on Facebook @St Johns County School District

place for their Aqua Engineers project.

Aqua Engineers is a water collection device that absorbs humidity from the air and transforms it into potable water for people in third world countries who struggle with access to drinkable water. The device is self-sustaining and cost-efficient.

businesses and community groups.

This event was produced by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Steering Committee and presented by Beaver Toyota with support from other

The district, 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, St. Johns became the first school district in Florida to implement Pursuing Victory With Honor in all of its athletic programs. Character education is an important part of every School Improvement Plan and a major component of the Student Code of Conduct and the school district’s Strategic Plan.

March Calendar Thursday Mar. 14

Third Quarter Ends

Friday Mar. 15

Teacher Planning-Student Holiday

Monday-Friday Mar. 18-22

Spring Break

Monday Mar. 25

Classes Resume

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

Page 26 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

Clay County School News

Athletes of the Month

Jacie Ankrom, a senior at Orange Park High (swimming, soccer, tennis and flag football) and Joshua Hughes, a senior at Keystone Heights High (football, basketball and weight lifting) were the Athletes of the Month for December and Alexis Stilianou, a senior at Clay High (basketball and flag football), and Grant Standish a senior at Clay High (wrestling) were the Athletes of the Month for January.

Alexis Stilianou

Grant Standish

The district’s Teacher of the Year is Evan Gould, chorus and drama teacher at Lake Asbury Junior High and School-Related Employee of the Year is Deborah Lineberry, student records secretary at Orange Park Elementary.

Support staff play a critical role in the success of our students and teachers. With this amazing opportunity I look forward to learning, growing and sharing with others in our district,” she said.

Both Gould and Lineberry will represent Clay in state-wide contests.

Veteran teacher Gould has taught in Clay County All-Star Athletes of the Month are exemplary students Clay for 22 years. and athletes who represent their schools and the district in a “I am honored and positive light. Each month, coaches will nominate one male and overwhelmed to be one female from each school. Out of these nominations, the chosen to represent a district will select one male and one female each month. The selections are recognized throughout their schools and the district. county full of Teachers of the Year. When Evan Gould I take students to These nominations represent the following criteria: state competitions, • Outstanding athletic accomplishment(s). their superior performances often prompt • Great sportsmanship (during games and practices). strangers to ask • Strong work ethic and leadership.

• Perform at a high level in the classroom (3.0 GPA or higher). me, “just where is Clay County?” This honor will afford me Other nominations for December: a greater stage to let Kelsie Savage - Clay High. them know not only Ben Fordham - Clay High. where we are but who Emma Richard - Fleming Island High. we are,” Gould said.

Gianfranco Grafuls - Fleming Island High.

John Abate - Orange Park High.

Kylie Overstreet - Oakleaf High.

Jacie Ankrom

Gould, Lineberry Tops in District

Other nominations for January: Jayda Hall and Jacob Campbell - Orange Park High.

Kylie Overstreet and Braden Ammon - Oakleaf High.

Emily Stewart and Gavin Kois-LeBlanc - Middleburg High.

Madison Yonash and Christopher Mickel - Ridgeview High.

Aubrey Burke and Gianfranco Grafals - Fleming Island High.

Isabella Hanna and Eddie Thomas - Keystone Heights Jr.-Sr. High. www.oneclay.net OP/Middleburg (904) 272-8100 Green Cove Springs (904) 284-6500 Keystone Heights (888) 663-2529 TDD (904) 284-6584

Joshua Hughes

Scholarships Available Clay Electric Scholarship, $1500, must be a customer of Clay Electric, complete application, letter of recommendation, and 150 word essay.

Deadline Apr. 8.

Johnson Scholarship Foundation, two separate scholarships 1) child of a current or retired UPS employee. Deadline Apr. 1. 2) student with a disability planning to attend one of 12 Florida universities. Deadline Apr. 15. Both applications online at www.jsf.bz.

Stephen Bufton Memorial Scholarship through the Orange Park Charter Chapter of the American

Other teacher of the year finalists: • Cynthia Leporati, language arts, Orange Park Junior High.

• Jessica Moreland, autism spectrum disorders, Ridgeview High.

• Billie Jean Peeples, family and consumer science, Clay Virtual Academy.

• Elizabeth Toney, 5th Grade, RideOut Elementary.

Other school-related employee finalists: • Roger Anderson, head custodian, Discover Oaks Elementary.

• Elizabeth Aflleje, media technology assistant, Lakeside Junior High.

• Trentin Davis, ESE assistant, Ridgeview High.

• Ariel Washington, ESE assistant, W.E. Cherry Elementary.

Lineberry has worked for 15 years at Orange Deborah Lineberry Park Elementary School. She has been the school’s student records secretary for six years. "It is a tremendous honor to represent all of the school related employees of Clay County.

Connect with us!

March Calendar Friday, Mar. 15.................................................. End Third Grading Period Monday, Mar. 18 thru Friday, Mar. 22................ Spring Break Monday, Mar. 25............................................... Planning Day, Student Holiday Tuesday, Mar. 26............................................... Classes Resume application, 150 word essay, minimum 2.5 GPA, volunteer 5 hours with Cruzers, preference to student going into automotive field. Deadline Mar. 31.

Business Women’s Association, $2000 to a female attending a college or university in Florida, minimum 3.0 GPA, contact Lynn McCarthy at Penney Memorial Church Scholarship, $400 lynnmccarthy1@comcast.net. Deadline May 15. per semester, renewable for 4 years (must meet maintenance criteria), recommendation from Coalition of Labor Union Women Florida’s school and church officials. Deadline Mar. 31.

First Coast Chapter Scholarship, must have a C average, plan to attend technical school, Bright Minds Youth Development Scholarship, apprenticeship program, college or university, $1000, can be applied to university, state college, at least 50 community service hours, complete or technical school, requires 500-700 word application available in guidance. Deadline Apr. essay, 2 letters of reference, a copy of transcript 5th. with minimum 2.7 GPA, for more information see brightmindsyouth.org. Deadline Mar. 29.

Clay County Cruzers Scholarship, complete

Magnolia Point Women’s Club Scholarship, senior class female with financial need to attend a college or technical school, Application includes an essay, letter of recommendation, and transcript in addition to application form.

Deadline is Mar. 29.

The Electronic Security Association of Florida is offering scholarships to children of Florida’s First Responders. Last year, $4,000 was awarded to three winners. Exact award amounts for 2019 will be determined when fundraising is concluded. Deadline to apply is March.. See esaweb.org/ysapplyfl.

MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 27

TEENS

Florida Teens Read The Florida Association for Media in Education’s Florida Teens Read program is designed to entice teens to read. It is a student-choice reading award program to determine which YA book wins the annual award as the favorite of teens in Florida. The list has been chosen by a committee of school librarians specifically to engage high school students (grades 9 through 12) in reading. See floridamediaed.org/florida-teens-read.html to see the complete list and vote for your favorite.

“The Belles” by Dhonielle Clayton – In the extravagant world of Orleans, where everyone is born gray, beauty is life and life is beauty. Only a select group of young women called the Belles can bring the citizens what they desire with their magical powers to transform anyone and make them beautiful. But all is not as lovely as it seems, politics, jealousy and deception threaten the Belles and the whole way of life in Orleans.

“Daughter of the Pirate King” by Tricia Levenseller – Alosa, the daughter of the Pirate King and a Siren, is a fierce pirate princess who isn’t intimidated by anyone except her father. When he sends her on a mission to find an ancient map, she purposely gets kidnapped. When her search comes up empty, Alosa resorts to using her secret power, but will she find what she is looking for before it is too late?

“Defy the Stars,” by Claudia Gray. Noemi Vidal is a soldier fighting for the survival of her planet. Abel is a machine, lost and isolated in space for 30 years. Noemi’s path crosses Abel’s when she is forced to board his ship. Enemies, they are thrown on an interstellar path where loyalties are questioned, and bonds are forged.

“Goodbye Days” by Jeff Zentner. Carver’s three best friends, Mars, Eli, and Blake, are gone – they were killed in a car crash just after Carver sent a text message to the driver. Not only is he dealing with his own guilt over the accident, but he’s trying to reconstruct his life without his friends while surrounded by people who blame him for their deaths.

“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. Starr Carter has been managing to fit in at her fancy suburban prep school where most of the students don’t know that she comes from the neighboring ghetto of Garden Heights. Starr’s worlds collide one fateful night when she and her childhood friend, Khalil, are pulled over by police. Khalil, who is unarmed, is shot and killed. The incident becomes a national headline and suddenly Starr is faced with finding her voice.

“In Other Lands” by Sarah Rees Brennan. Elliot is smart, obnoxiously so, and has always wanted to see a mermaid. When he goes on a field trip, Elliot finds himself in the Borderlands, a place where technological devices explode and harpies and elves are abundant. Elliot falls in love with one such elf, Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle. Though classes are focused on battle training, Elliot pairs his brain with his friends' brawn to improve his new home.

“Invictus” by Ryan Graudin. Farway has always dreamed of becoming a time traveler like his mother, but those hopes are shattered when he fails his final exam obliterating his chances. He is despairing his fate when he is offered him a second chance as the captain of a black market operation that travels through time. Can Farway and his crew save the universe from a mysterious threat before it’s too late?

“Letters to the Lost” by Bridgid Kemmerer. Juliet Young and Declan Murphy don’t travel in the same circles. Juliet is an AP student who once loved photography but hasn’t picked up a camera since her mother, a famous photojournalist, was killed in car accident. Declan is a barely passing student who has been court-ordered to clean the cemetery after a drunk driving accident. When he finds a letter Juliet has left on her mother’s grave, he is intrigued and writes back. Both enraged and curious, Juliet responds and an unusual correspondence begins.

Page 28 • Jax4Kids.com • MARCH 2019

Things to Do Teens Events

Youth Quake Live March 1, 8pm to 10pm The doors open at 7:30pm and the show begins at 8pm. Admission is free, but a donation is collected during the show to cover production fees. YouthQuake Live offers reserved seating for all events. For $3 per seat, youth groups & families have the opportunity to sit together & enjoy the event without worrying about the crowds. Reserved seating does not necessarily mean front row. Location of your seats is dependent on the event and the church layout.

The Deadline to reserve seats is Tuesday at 1pm of event week.

New Life Christian Fellowship / 2701 Hodges Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www. youthquakelive.com #Adulting at the Southeast Regional Library March 7, 4pm to 5pm March 21, 4pm to 5pm In this 5-week series for young adults and teens(13-18), participants will cover all the topics you need to know in order to be a successful adult. Attend these workshops, then tell your friends you've mastered #Adulting.

March 7 will be Budgeting 101 and the March 21 session will be Nourishment & Cleanliness.

Jacksonville Public Library - Southeast Public Library / 904-996-0325 ext 257 / 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org Graduation Requirements March 7, 6pm to 7pm This course will provide high school parents/ caregivers/students with information regarding graduation requirements to obtain a high school diploma. Free and open to the community, as part of the Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools. The Parent Academy is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth. Parent Academy courses are offered in schools, libraries, community centers and faith-based institutions throughout the community.

Edward H. White Academy of Leadership / 904-390-2960 / 1700 Old Middleburg Road N., Jacksonville, FL 32210 / dcps.duvalschools.org Saturday at the Nest March 9, 9am to 1pm Come to UNF for a Saturday at the Nest to complete your admissions and FAFSA applications, take a campus tour, attend informational sessions and talk with admissions, financial aid and transfer experts. They will answer your questions and assist you with finalizing all the paperwork necessary to submit your application and finish your documentation.

Free to attend, but registration is required.

University of North Florida, Hicks Hall Bldg 53 / 904-620-5555 / 1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.unf.edu Teen Chill Nights at the Community Center March 15, 5:30pm to 10pm

Teens 13 to 17 are invited to come hang out, eat pizza, listen to music, watch movies, play video games, and more. $5/night. Register online in advance, so they know how many to plan for.

Palm Coast Community Center / 386-986-2323 / 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.palmcoastgov.com Teen Adventure Trip March 22, 8am to 5pm Teens 13-17 are invited for a Teen Adventure Trip.

Registration fee includes admission fees for the attraction and round-trip bus transportation. This month's trip is to The Edge Rock Climbing. Cost is $50/person with pre-registration required. Meet at the Palm Coast Community Center to catch the bus to Jacksonville.

Palm Coast Community Center / 386-986-2323 / 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast, FL 32137 / www.palmcoastgov.com March Open House: Spring Into Action March 23, 10am to 1pm Visit Keiser University Jacksonville Campus at their annual March Open House: Spring Into Action event. Activities include a dodgeball tournament (parent signature required), free food, blood drive, music, arts & crafts for all ages, Early Learning Coalition of Duval providing free developmental screenings for children, and more. There will be program tables with more information on Keiser University's programs including Nursing, Medical Assisting, Sports Medicine and Fitness Technology, Radiologic Technology, Information Technology, Business, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Criminal Justice, and Forensics. Free to attend.

Keiser University / 904-296-3440 / 6430 Southpoint Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.keiseruniversity.edu Strategies For Success on the High School Mathematics Florida Standards Assessment March 25, 5:30pm to 6:30pm Participants will explore strategies to assist students in mastering the Algebra 1 or Geometry FSA and End of Course exams. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a family resource designed for parents, caregivers, and community members. All Parent Academy courses are free of charge.

Edward H. White Academy of Leadership / 904-390-2960 / 1700 Old Middleburg Road N, Jacksonville, FL 32210 / dcps.duvalschools.org Stranger Things Teen Escape Room March 29, 3pm and 4pm Teens are invited to the Anastasia Island Branch Library to try their hand at solving puzzles and stopping the Demogorgon. There will be a 3pm and a 4pm slot. You will be notified of your Escape Room time when you receive your signup confirmation. This event is free, but is limited to teens. Registration is required. Email njebbia@ sjcfl.us to register.

St. Johns County Public Library - Anastasia Island Branch / 904-209-3730 / 124 Seagrove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcpls.org

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

Things to Do

PETS

Understanding the Relationship Between Man and “Best Friend”

R

ecently, my wife and I went through one of the more excruciating experiences of our lives – the euthanasia of our beloved dog, Murphy. I remember making eye contact with Murphy moments before she took her last breath – she flashed me a look that was an endearing blend of confusion and the reassurance that everyone was OK because we were both by her side.

don’t cooperate with their owners or treat them well.

Not surprisingly, humans respond positively to such unqualified affection, assistance and loyalty.

Just looking at dogs can make people smile. Dog owners score higher on measures of well-being and they are happier, on average, than people who own cats or no pets at all.

When people who have never had a dog see their dog-owning friends mourn the loss, they probably think it’s all a bit of an overreaction; after all, it’s “just a dog.” However, those who have loved a dog know the truth: Your own pet is never “just a dog.”

Our strong attachment to dogs was subtly revealed in a recent study of “misnaming.”

Misnaming happens when you call someone by the wrong name, like when parents mistakenly calls one of their kids by a sibling’s name. It turns out that the name of the family dog also gets confused with human family members, Many times, I’ve had friends guiltily confide to me indicating that the dog’s name is being pulled that they grieved more over the loss of a dog than from the same cognitive pool that contains other over the loss of friends or relatives. Research has members of the family. (Curiously, the same thing confirmed that for most people, the loss of a dog rarely happens with cat names.) is, in almost every way, comparable to the loss of a human loved one. Unfortunately, there’s little in It’s no wonder dog owners miss them so much our cultural playbook – no grief rituals, no when they’re gone. obituary in the local newspaper, no religious service – to help us get through the loss of a pet, Psychologist Julie Axelrod has pointed out that which can make us feel more than a bit embarthe loss of a dog is so painful because owners rassed to show too much public grief over our aren’t just losing the pet. It could mean the loss dead dogs. Perhaps if people realized just how of a source of unconditional love, a primary strong and intense the bond is between people companion who provides security and comfort, and their dogs, such grief would become more and maybe even a protégé that’s been mentored widely accepted. like a child.

What is it about dogs, exactly, that make humans bond so closely with them?

For starters, dogs have had to adapt to living with humans over the past 10,000 years. And they’ve done it very well: They’re the only animal to have evolved specifically to be our companions and friends.

Perhaps one reason our relationships with dogs can be even more satisfying than our human relationships is that dogs provide us with such unconditional, uncritical positive feedback. (As the old saying goes, “May I become the kind of person that my dog thinks I already am.”)

This is no accident. They have been selectively bred through generations to pay attention to people, and MRI scans show that dog brains respond to praise from their owners just as strongly as they do to food (and for some dogs, praise is an even more effective incentive than food). Dogs recognize people and can learn to interpret human emotional states from facial expression alone. Scientific studies also indicate that dogs can understand human intentions, try to help their owners and even avoid people who

The loss of a dog can also seriously disrupt an owner’s daily routine more profoundly than the loss of most friends and relatives. For owners, their daily schedules – even their vacation plans – can revolve around the needs of their pets.

According to a recent survey, many bereaved pet owners will even mistakenly interpret ambiguous sights and sounds as the movements, pants and whimpers of the deceased pet.

While the death of a dog is horrible, dog owners have become so accustomed to the reassuring and nonjudgmental presence of their canine companions that, more often than not, they’ll eventually get a new one.

So yes, I miss my dog. But I’m sure that I’ll be putting myself through this ordeal again in the years to come. j Frank T. Andrew, professor of Psychology, Knox College

Pet Events

Therapy Animal Expo & Symposium March 2, 8:30am to 5pm The University of North Florida and Therapy Animal Coalition are working together to further the human-animal bond in healthcare. This Expo & Symposium will feature nationally-recognized speakers and informational workshops for both professionals and non-professionals. Attendees will be able to participate in interactive roundtable discussions, learn more about therapy animal programs, and interact with onsite vendors who will be offering various pet-related products and services. Registration starts at $25. UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center / 904-620-4222 / 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / www.unf.edu Pit Sisters Pet Adoption Event March 2, 10am to 2pm Earthwise Pets will be hosting an adoption event with Pit Sisters every month. This event will be the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 2pm. Earthwise Pets / 904-372-7822 / 3846 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / earthwisepet.com ShotVet Pet Clinics March 2, 30, 1:30pm to 2:30pm Low cost pet vaccinations, given by licensed veterinarians. No appointments are necessary.

Planet Fitness / 2771 Monument Rd, Jacksonville FL 32225 / www.shotvet.com ShotVet Pet Clinics March 3, 17, 31, 12:30pm to 1:30pm Low cost pet vaccinations, given by licensed veterinarians. No appointments are necessary.

Bruster's Ice Cream / 12224 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 / www.shotvet.com Pet Food Bank Distribution March 9, 10am to 12noon The Pet Food Bank provides a one-month supply of cat or dog food to households with up to 4 dogs and 5 cats. As a requirement, all animals must be spayed or neutered pets. If you arrive before 9:30am, you will be asked to wait off-site. No lines will be allowed before 9:30am, however, lines are much shorter after 11am. Please keep your pets at home during food pickup. But be sure to bring Proof of Spay/Neuter for Each Pet, Proof of Income Qualifications, Photo Identification, Container or Bag for Each Pet’s Food, Terms of Agreement – First Time Receivers Only, and a Food Bank Application – First Time Receivers Only.

First Coast No More Homeless Pets Cassat

Hospital / 904-425-0005 / 464 Cassat Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254 / www.fcnmhp.org Yappy Hour St. Puppy’s Day March 10, 2pm to 5pm The Jacksonville Landing hosts a Yappy Hour St. Puppy's Day for dogs and their owners.

Come down for festive treats, raffles, and activities. Dress your pooch in their best green attire to take home the title of “King or Queen of Green". Jacksonville Landing / 2 West Independent Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.jacksonvillelanding.com 11th Annual Nassau County Animal Expo March 23, 10am to 3pm The 11th Annual Nassau County Animal Expo will be held at the Atlantic Recreation Auditorium. The purpose of the expo is to introduce the public to area rescue groups, educate the public on the importance of spay/ neuter vaccination, and to promote adoption of rescued animals. Animals will be featured for adoption from local rescue groups. In addition, there will be pet groomers, vendors, bake sale, and silent auction. For every 5lbs of food donated visitors will receive a ticket for a door prize drawing. Free admission.

Atlantic Recreation Auditorium / 904-321-1647 / 2500 Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / nassauhumane.org Fur Babies and Fashion March 23, 11am to 2pm Area stores host a spring fashion show with four-legged friends on the Village Green in the Beach Village. On-site adoption will be available.

Proceeds will benefit local animal shelters in the Golden Isles. Jekyll Island Beach Village / 912319-2083 / Beach Village Trail, Jekyll Island, GA 31527 / www.jekyllisland.com DogFest Jacksonville March 31, 12noon to 3pm DogFest is the national signature event for Canine Companions for Independence. Funds raised through the walk and festival helps supports the mission to provide highly trained assistance dogs to children and adults with disabilities free of charge. In addition to the walk, there will also be doggie crafts, dog games, kid’s games, music, vendors, raffles, and more. Participants can join a team, create a team, or register as an individual.

Seawalk Pavilion / 904-247-6236 / 75 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / support.cci.org Like Jax4Pets.com’s Facebook page at facebook.com/jax4pets to find out about other events for pets.

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.”

– Goethe MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 29

Things to Do

NATURE

Beach Nourishment Efforts Beating Mother Nature

T

he artificial build-up of beaches is buffering the U.S. Atlantic coastline against the effects of sea level rise, but that benefit may not last as sand gets harder to come by in the coming decades.

To analyze patterns of shoreline change along the Atlantic Coast, researchers used U.S. Geological Survey records from 1830 to 2007 along more than 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) of shoreline, from Massachusetts to South Florida.

The study’s authors were surprised to find a stark contrast between historical and recent rates of shoreline change. The authors expected to see a broad pattern of intensified erosion.

Instead, they saw the opposite. Their results indicate that after 1960, shoreline position tended to shift seaward at an average rate of 5 centimeters (2 inches) per year.

everywhere. Natural and sparsely developed reaches of coast may still show signs of significant erosion, according to the study. Furthermore, “Sea level rise doesn’t automatically mean that you’re going to see shoreline erosion everywhere,” Lazarus said. Other processes factor in, such as the redistribution of sediment alongshore by waves.

But where beach nourishment does happen, waves may push the imported sand up or down the coast, spreading the effects of nourishment alongshore, even to coastal areas where humans didn’t directly add sand. That means even coastal areas without beach nourishment could benefit from sand being added to a beach nearby.

Lazarus notes that while these beach nourishment projects along the U.S. Atlantic Coast were undertaken at a local level, they all add up to an incredible “The weird thing was feat of humans that in these long-term records, we would have reshaping the natural landscape across a very expected to see a lot more erosion than we’re large spatial scale. He calls it a “geomorphic seeing. The question was why,” said Eli Lazarus, example of geo-engineering.” “It’s an absolutely a lecturer in geomorphology at the University of massive intervention if you look at it all together,” Southampton in the U.K. and one of the authors of he said, adding that humans move around more a new study published in Earth’s Future, a journal earth materials than all geomorphic processes of the American Geophysical Union. combined. “We are an agent of geomorphic change just the way you would think about rivers The authors turned to a database of beach or glaciers or wind or waves.” nourishment projects maintained by the Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines at Western While beach nourishment may be appearing to Carolina University. Beach nourishment, or the keep sea level rise at bay, Lazarus believes some importing of sand to buffer shorelines from communities won’t be able to continue at the storms and build up beaches for tourism, became current pace. “Sand is getting less and less easy the predominant form of coastal protection in the to come by,” he said. “The cost of these beach U.S. in the 1960s, according to reports from the nourishment projects keeps going up.” Local U.S. National Research Council. Using the communities that rely on tourism to support their locations and volumes of nourishment projects in economies may suffer in the future if they can’t the database, the authors compared these afford to import sand, Lazarus said. “As that records to rates of shoreline change and coastal sand availability dwindles, these coastal towns population density. are going to be in real straits,” he said, predicting a gap will develop between wealthier beach The study’s authors found compelling evidence to communities and those with less means. j suggest beach nourishment may be masking the agu.org true measure of erosion along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Beach nourishment does not occur

Nature Events

Wildlife of Our World • March 2, 1pm to 2pm Meet and greet the animals who make coastal Georgia their home in this informative live animal presentation. Learn about their behaviors, why they look and live the way they do and gain a better understanding of why they are so important to our world. Admission is $2 and parking fee is $5.

Crooked River State Park / 912-882-5256 / 6222 Charlie Smith Senior Highway, St. Marys, GA 31558 / explore.gastateparks.org Night Under the Stars March 8, 6:30pm to 8:30pm St. Johns County Parks and Recreation announces a new partnership with Ancient City Astronomy Club (ACAC) to provide families with an educational evening that is out of this world. ACAC will lead an Astronomy 101 class that will teach participants all about the night sky. Bring your friends and family to learn about the constellations, star names, and more.

Telescopes and binoculars will be on hand to view the moon, planets, and other objects. Free, but please register so they know how many to expect. Saint Johns County Fairgrounds / 904-209-0335 / 5840 Florida 207, Elkton, FL 32033 / www.eventbrite.com

winged mammals that play an important role in the local ecosystem. Join St. Johns County Naturalist Kelly Ussia for an engaging and educational hour devoted to these amazing creatures. Free. UF/IFAS Extension St. Johns County / 904-209-0430 / 3125 Agricultural Center Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092 / sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu Marineland Mini Camp March 15 and March 22, 9am to 3pm Marineland hosts a mini day camp when kids are out of school. Kids ages 7 to 12 are invited for a Seaside Eco Adventure. They can meet the sea turtles and the people who take care of them, interact with a dolphin during the pool-side touch and play program, and more. Cost is $75. Space is limited. Register in advance to reserve your spot.

Marineland / 904-471-1111 x103 / 9600 Oceanshore Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / marineland.net

Get Unplugged - Get Outdoors March 30, 9am to 4pm Get Unplugged & Get Outdoors is a Family Fun Day that aims to teach the community how to engage with nature. The event is open to the public and participants of all ages are welcome. Participants will be on a rotating schedule where they will attend five 50 minute classes in the areas of fishing, knot tying, orienteering/geocaching, first aid, and wildlife conservation. Several courses are based off of the scouting merit badge requirements and are handson and engaging. Lunch is provided at this event and included in the admission price. All registered St. Augustine Alligator Farm: Reptile Rally participants will receive a new fishing rod and reel March 9, 2pm to 3pm combo set. Seats are limited, so reserve your spot in The Alligator Farm will be at the library. Kids can advance. Admission is $15/person. come learn about snakes, turtles, lizards and, of GTM Research Reserve Visitor Center / 904-823-4500 course, alligators. There will be live animals at this presentation. Free. St. Johns County Public Library - / 505 Ponte Vedra Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Southeast Branch / 904-827-6900 / 6670 US 1 South, 32082 / www.gtmnerr.org St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.sjcpls.org Bats • March 13, 10am to 11am Florida is home to 13 species of bats. Bats are unique

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

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THINGS TO DO MOSH Backyard Adventures • Thru May 12 Backyard Adventures lets visitors step into a garden of wonders to experience the fascinating science that’s literally in our own backyard. Guests to this dynamic exhibition, sponsored by Jax4Kids, can discover the outdoors from the perspective of a bee, take a walk through a digital garden to see plants growing in super time and investigate the creatures that only come out at night. The exhibition emphasizes the importance of staying healthy and active by showing visitors how much fun awaits them outdoors, with exhibits such as the giant skipping rope and backyard-themed mini golf.

MOSH / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org

Carrie Clarke Day March 9, 11am to 4pm Families are invited for the Carrie Clarke Day – A Celebration of History in Orange Park. The event will take place at the Clarke House Park on Kingsley Ave. There will be historic demonstrations, tours, live music, and more. Admission is free.

Clarke House Park / 904-264-2635 / 1039 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 / www.townoforangepark.com

Party, where they will have the opportunity to enjoy a special dining experience with light snacks and beverages, as well as VIP Post-Show Photo Opportunity & Meet and Greet.

Florida Theatre / 904-355-5661 / 128 East Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / floridatheatre.com

Annual Morocco Shrine Circus March 14, 7pm; March 15, 7:30pm; March 16, 10am, 2:30pm, 7:30pm; March 17, 1pm and 6pm The Morocco Shrine Circus will be at the Morocco Shrine Center from March 14-17, in an airParents Night Out: Elementary School ‘90s Night conditioned, old fashioned circus tent. Circus Midway will be there with games, kiddie rides March 9, 5pm to 9pm and a free petting zoo, and opens one hour prior Parents can enjoy a night off while their kids, to showtime. Tickets can be purchased online, in grades kindergarten through 5th, enjoy a ‘90s themed night that include games, snacks, and video advance and range from $20 to $25.

8th Annual Northeast Florida Veg Fest Morocco Shrine Center / 904-642-5200 / 3800 games that were popular in the ‘90s. The cost of March 2, 11am to 6pm St Johns Bluff Rd South, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / this program is $20 for the first child and $10 for Presented by The Girls Gone Green, the Northeast each additional child. For more information, contact moroccoshrine.org Florida Veg Fest will be a day celebrating all the Stephanie Taylor at 904-669-6612 or sntaylor@ wonderful things our community has to offer. The The Sounds of Music sjcfl.us. best of the best local, sustainable, eco-friendly, March 16, 3:30pm Ketterlinus Gym / 904-669-6612 / 60 Orange compassionate, organic, healthy and humane The Sound of Music will be performed at the Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.sjcfl.us organizations and businesses will come together Thrasher-Horne Center in one performance only. to elevate the consciousness in Jacksonville. The Ticket prices start at $49. Thrasher-Horne Center / The Players Championship 2019 day-long event will feature live music, cooking 904-276-6815 / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL March 12 to March 17 demonstrations, eco-friendly crafts for kids, 32065 / www.thcenter.org Kids 18 and under receive free admission with pie-eating contest, freebies, raffles, scavenger ticketed adults. The Kid Zone featuring The First hunt, and a Kids Zone proudly sponsored by Tee experience is an interactive destination for kids Finding Neverland Jax4Kids.com. Riverside Park / 753 Park Street, March 26, 7:30pm & families attending THE PLAYERS Championship.

Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.nfvegfest.org Finding Neverland, winner of Broadway.com’s This is not a daycare area, as parents are required to stay with their children, but it allows parents the Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, will be Monster Jam 2019 performed at the Thrasher-Horne Center. Ticket ability to take a break and relax in the shade while March 2, 7pm prices start at $49 and are available online.

Monster Jam returns to TIAA Bank Field. The event the kids have fun. Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276-6815 / 283 will feature over 12 trucks, including: Grave Digger; Wednesday: 10am to 4pm; Thursday – Sunday: College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / El Toro Loco, Megalodon, and more. (Trucks/drivers 10am to 7pm. THE PLAYERS provides all career www.thcenter.org military (active duty, Reserve, military retirees and subject to change without notice.) Tickets start at $15. The Pit Party Pass gives you access to see the dependents) with complimentary admission to the Jacksonville Icemen vs. Atlanta Gladiators trucks up close, take pictures, meet the drivers and tournament all week. Veterans can also receive March 29, 7:30pm and March 30, 7pm discounted tickets. Proper ID is required. Parking get their autographs. Add the Pit Party Pass or the Pit Party Early Access Pass at the end of your ticket -- Parking passes MUST be purchased in advance– The Jacksonville Icemen, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and AHL’s Manitoba Moose, there will be no onsite sales for parking. Cost is order. The Pit Party: Early Access Pass is available were recently awarded an ECHL membership. They $35 Thursday for general parking; and $40 Friday, to fans who purchase a ticket to the Monster Jam return with the 2018-2019 season. Games will be Saturday and Sunday per day in general parking. event and provides early entry into the Monster Fans with four or more guests in a vehicle can park played at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

Jam Pit Party from 1:30pm to 2:30pm. This pass for free Thursday through Sunday with the “Four for Single game tickets are available, or packages also serves as the regular Pit Party pass from Free” parking voucher, which allows free parking in can also be purchased. The Jacksonville Veterans 2:30pm to 5:30pm. The Monster Jam drivers will Memorial Arena requires children that have reached depart from the Pit Party at 5pm. The Pit Party Early the general lot off of CR210. A new voucher must their 2nd birthday by the date of the game to have Access Pass must be accompanied by a same-day be downloaded and printed for each day, but there a ticket for entry. March 29 is Jumbo Shrimp Night is no limit to the number of days guests can park event ticket and quantities are limited. and March 30 Fan Appreciation Night, Hockey TIAA Bank Field / 800-745-3000 / 1 TIAA Bank Field for free.

Registers to Vote.

Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / www.monsterjam.com Tickets--Daily Stadium Passes — Single day Veterans Memorial Arena / 904-602-7825 / 300 A options available Tuesday – Sunday and grant Philip Randolph Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / access to tournament grounds (golf course).

Legally Blonde www.jacksonvilleicemen.com Stadium Passes do not include parking or provide March 5, 7:30pm admission into corporate hospitality or upgraded The Thrasher-Horne Center presents Legally areas. Daily passes range from $25 to $70. Weekly Movie in the Park! Ralph Breaks the Internet Blonde, The Musical, based on the beloved movie.

March 30, 8pm to 10pm Ticket prices start at $49 and are available online in Stadium Pass, $240 plus tax. Family package St. Johns County Parks and Recreation hosts a advance. Thrasher-Horne Center / 904-276-6815 tickets range from $120 to $140. New this year, Movie in the Park event. The featured movie is there will be special pricing on Stadium Passes for / 283 College Drive, Orange Park, FL 32065 / Disney's Ralph Breaks the Internet. It will be college/university students with a verified student www.thcenter.org shown at the football field next to the Solomon ID. Cost for student passes are $45.

Calhoun Center. This event is suitable for all ages TPC Sawgrass / 110 Championship Way, Ponte Oakleaf High Artwalk and is free. Snacks and drinks will be available for Vedra Beach, FL 32082 / www.theplayers.com March 8, 5pm to 8pm purchase. Solomon Calhoun Center / 904-669Families are invited for the 4th annual Village 6612 / 1300 Duval Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 American Girl Live Center at Oakleaf sponsored by the National Art / www.sjcfl.us March 14, 7pm Honor Society Chapter of Oakleaf High School.

Come and view unique artwork created by students Experience American Girl® in an all-new musical, in one performance only at the Florida Theatre. and adults, where you can also purchase their art.

There will also be food trucks, and crafts for kids to American Girl Live is a premiere stage production, EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are featuring all-original songs, tales of bravery and participate in. accurate at time of publication; events and activities friendship, and more. Tickets range from $39 to Oakleaf High School / 904-336-8375 / 4035 listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information $125. There is also a Superstar VIP Experience, Plantation Oaks Blvd, Orange Park, FL 32065 / and more events! which gives fans exclusive access to the Pre-Show laberisart.yolasite.com

MARCH

2019 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 31

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