Jax4Kids September 2020 by Jax4Kids

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September 2020

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Contents • SEPTEMBER 2020

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: First Tee North Florida................................................................. 4 10 Activities To Do With Grandparents on Zoom This Grandparent Day �� 4

Dear Readers,

o begins the new school year under circumstances none of us could have imagined a year ago! The amount of thought, effort, and care that has gone into planning for this school year by those whose lives are dedicated to educating our children deserves a thunderous applause. And, every parent with a child in school deserves a hearty pat on the back. I hope this issue of Jax4Kids’ newspaper provides content that lifts you up, useful information, and a reminder that there is still much to enjoy and look forward to. Each year on the first Sunday after Labor Day, we celebrate Grandparents Day. This year, Grandparents Day may not include in-person celebrations so we offer up ten activities you can do on Zoom with grandparents to celebrate their special day. One of the core recommendations we see repeated over and over again is to eat healthy to keep your immune system functioning optimally. Aurea Thompson, Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition with Wolfson Children’s Hospital, is sharing ideas to help you nourish your children and make this a healthy, happy school year on page 6. Also on page 6, for the first time in 20 years the FDA has updated the nutrition facts labels on packaged food and drinks. Each year the Environmental Working Group releases their Guide to Pesticides in produce including the Dirty Dozen™ and Clean 15™ to help you reduce the amount of pesticides your family ingests. See the list on page 5. Many of us are learning that wearing a mask and

EATING WELL Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ ............................................................................ 5

HEALTH & SAFETY Make it a Healthy School Experience! �� 6 washing our hands constantly is bringing on skin issues. Get tips on skin care during COVID-19 on page 7. If you have a child with special health needs, turn to page 12 for advice for caring for your child during the pandemic. The pandemic has brought up anxiety in both adults and children. The Parent Academy is offering a course on September 29th called Anxiety: When Your Child’s Thoughts are Just Too Big. If your child has anxiety, this course can help by providing coping skills for you and your child. If you suspect your child is having anxiety, the course will also help you recognize and identify the signs and symptoms of different anxiety disorders. See page 15 for details as well as a complete list of courses being offered this month. Note, you do not need to live in Duval County or have a child enrolled in a Duval County School to take these free courses. You’ll find things to do with your family this month throughout this issue to get out and about. Enjoy!

The New Nutrition Facts Label �� 6 Skin Care Tips During COVID-19 �� 7 Things to Do: Health & Safety �� 7 Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention �� 8

NATURE Global Awareness Apps, Games, and Websites �� 9 Things to Do: Nature Events �� 9

INFANT & TODDLER Parent/Child Time: Acts of Kindness That Can Go a Long Way �� 10 Things to Do: Infant & Toddler �� 11

SPECIAL NEEDS Coronavirus (COVID-19): Caring for Kids With Special Health Needs �� 12 Things to Do: Special Needs Events �� 12

TEENS Cup of Joe or No? �� 13

Until next month,

Things to Do: Teen Events �� 13

Alison Peters-Carlson Editor

EDUCATION Calling All Older Girl Scouts- Join G-TEAM TV! ��14 Reflections on Reading and Writing During COVID-19 ��14

Follow us... Alison Peters-Carlson Editor....................... editor@jax4kids.com Linda Bigbee Graphic Designer...................... linda@jax4kids.com Tim Chavez Graphic Designer........................... tim@jax4kids.com Judi Fields Circulation Manager........................judi@jax4kids.com Beth Canonica Advertising Sales.................... beth@jax4kids.com Mary Gustafson Business Manager............... mary@jax4kids.com Published by Child Enrichment, LLC, 12620-3 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32246. Copyright 2020. Reproduction of any artwork or copy prepared by Jax4Kids.com To Go is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for any errors and/or omissions. The Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to editor@jax4kids.com. For more information concerning advertising, call 904-710-2020 or e-mail advertise@jax4kids.com.

Parent Academy September Courses ��15 Duval County School News ��16-17 St. Johns County School District News ��18-19 Clay County School News ��20-21

PETS Help Sea Turtles Survive: FWC Tips on Helping Hatchlings �� 22 Things to Do: Pet Events �� 22

THINGS TO DO

September Events �� 23

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 3

LIVING WELL

Community Profile: First Tee North Florida

hen most golfers think of golf, visions of Pars and Birdies on the scorecard likely come to mind. Ask local area junior golfers who are members of First Tee North Florida what words they think of, and you are likely to hear Respect, Honesty, Perseverance, Judgment, Sportsmanship, and Integrity. Along with a focus on having fun at the golf course, First Tee North Florida teaches golf fundamentals to area youth through its Nine Core Values that last a lifetime both on and off the golf course. It’s a winning combination that’s More Than a Game, and First Tee is “Building Game Changers” through its programs.

First Tee North Florida, a non-profit based in St. Augustine, is one of over 150 chapters of the First Tee youth development organization nationwide. The local chapter keeps juniors in the seven-county North Florida area playing golf all year long, through life and golf skills classes, summer camps, tournaments, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, and other special events. Classes and events are held at local golf courses throughout Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Flagler, Volusia, Putnam and Nassau Counties. The curriculum teaches the game of golf through the First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits, which transfer to other aspects of students’ lives, including school, home and surroundings. For young participants ages 5-6, the First Tee program begins with an introductory “Target” class. Here, coaches emphasize having fun while learning how to hold a golf club and make golf strokes. The core programming takes place beginning with the “Player” level of classes, designed for ages 7-9, and those new to the curriculum. Through group instruction, coaches deliver a set of lessons that teach golf skills and technique, along with the Nine Core Values, starting with Respect. This level is the building block for subsequent programming which continues through high school. Participants learn golf through games and skill-building, and the fun factor is always present. As students move through the age-based class progression, they learn self-management, interpersonal communication, goal-setting, and resilience skills that help them make choices when faced with challenges or pressures on the golf course and in daily life. Of course, there are advanced golf skills along the way, too! The program isn’t just for the elementary kids! If a student continues through the program through

10 Activities To Do With Grandparents on Zoom This Grandparents Day

high school and advances through the classes, he or she can reach Ace certification, the highest First Tee level that incorporates personal planning for golf, career, volunteering, and education. In addition, there are a number of national opportunities available to high school students in the program. They are eligible to apply for college scholarships, entry into national tournaments, and access to professional PGA Tour and LPGA tournaments.

randparents Day is coming up on Sunday, September 13 and although we may not be able to celebrate in person this year, there are plenty of activities for kids to do over zoom with their grandparents. Here are 10 great activities and games that kids can do with grandparents virtually to celebrate.

First Tee North Florida partners with LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, a national initiative designed to introduce girls to the game of golf through fun and social activities. Girls Golf events include tournaments, weekly classes, summer camp, golf competitions, holiday-themed events, and group social gatherings.

1. Complete a crossword puzzle Download a printable crossword puzzle and share it with Grandma and Grandpa in advance. Then, let your kids connect with them and work through the clues together, building vocabulary and connection at the same time.

On the Outreach side, First Tee North Florida also works closely with area PE teachers, Extended Day coordinators, and youth organizations to design activities that bring golf to students during PE classes, at after-school classes, and through specially-tailored golf events. Using modified hard plastic golf clubs and tennis-like balls, students play golf games and hit golf shots to different targets, where they learn basic golf skills that they can then use on the golf course.

2. Hone those reading skills. Have kids and grandparents alternate reading chapters of a book aloud to one another or pick a novel to read offline, and follow it with a book-club inspired discussion via Zoom.

COVID-19 has presented a unique set of challenges for virtually every organization. During its Spring session, First Tee North Florida continued to connect with its participants through virtual classes. Coaches pre-recorded videos ranging from fitness warm-ups to golf skill drills for putting, chipping, pitching and driving, which were then included in the virtual lessons. Students watched the drills and then practiced the activities. Using a virtual-conference format, coaches and students were able to interact in real-time. For summer camps and classes, students were screened for virus exposure, social distancing was enforced, and coaches adhered to enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols. Most importantly, kids still had fun and worked on their golf skills in the open air. First Tee North Florida is currently registering for Fall Classes, two remaining Fall Tournaments, and Girls Golf special events. For more information, dates, times, locations, cost, and to register, visit www.firstteenorthflorida.org. See you at the golf course! j

Linda Johnson Outreach Coordinator linda@firstteenorthflorida.org

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 4

3. Do some show and tell. Have your kid pick out a special piece of artwork or current favorite toy and share it with the grandparents via Zoom. Grandma and Grandpa can return the favor, sharing a beloved family heirloom or unique artifact from their travels. 4. Play I-Spy. Set your Zoom camera up in front of a busy background and ask Grandma and Grandpa to do the same, then take turns playing I-Spy and providing clues and guessing objects in the background. Bookshelves make for a variety of possibilities. Another fun spin: Find a small action figure and hide it somewhere in the background, then try to pick it out while you chat. 5. Get goofy with Mad Libs. Remember those old-school fill-in-the-blank stories? Pick one up, and let your kids take turns filling them in with Grandma and Grandpa. Hilarity always ensues, and children get a bonus parts-of-speech grammar lesson to boot. 6. Embark on a scavenger hunt. Help your kids come up with a list of everyday household items and let them shout out those items to their grandparents. Set a (generous) timer and let grandparents try to beat the clock by finding each one and bringing it back to

the screen to share via the camera. Turn the tables, and let Grandma and Grandpa shout out a list of items for the kids to collect. 7. Make a simple recipe together. Set your Zoom up in the kitchen and let Grandma or Grandpa teach the kids a simple recipe. Even little kids can whip up some no-bake cookies, or use the microwave to make something like rice krispie treats. 8. Play with virtual backgrounds. Savvy kids have likely figured out you can swap your Zoom background for any photo in your camera roll. Let them school Grandma and Grandpa on this tech skill during one Zoom call, then encourage them to each set up a new background for their next Zoom call. It might be a personal photo or something from Google Images. Each person can guess the other's background and then talk through why they choose that image. Is it personally significant? Historically significant? Somewhere they've been or hope to visit? It's a fun way to learn a little something new about a loved one. 9. Conduct an interview. Speaking of learning more about loved ones ... Zoom is the perfect platform for kids to interview Grandma, Grandpa, or both. Let children ask questions about their grandparents' past. Where did they grow up? What were their favorite activities when they were your child's age? How did they meet? Make sure your kids take notes or record the conversation for prosperity's sake. 10. Do a craft. A simple craft can be lots of fun and another way to learn something new about grandparents. Maybe Grandma knits and can give some pointers via a video chat, or Grandpa can demonstrate some whittling techniques. Whatever handiwork grandparents are passionate about, encourage them to pass it on to your kids. No matter which activity you choose this Grandparents Day, they are sure to love spending quality time with their grandkids, even if it is virtually. j

mommypoppins.com

EATING WELL

Guide to Pesticides in Produce™ T

he Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently released its 2020 Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce™.The Guide has been updated every year since 2004 and ranks the pesticide contamination of 47 popular fruits and vegetables. The Guide is based on test results by the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration of more than 43,000 samples of produce.

It is important to note that the samples are tested for pesticides after they have been prepared to be eaten. This means the produce has been thoroughly washed and, when applicable, peeled. After these preparations, pesticide residues are still detected on many of the fruits and veggies. The 12 foods with the most pesticides are called the “Dirty Dozen™” while the 15 with the least amount of pesticides are called the “Clean Fifteen™”. Here is the 2020 list:

Dirty Dozen™

Clean Fifteen™

Strawberries

Avocados

Spinach

Sweet Corn

Kale

Pineapple

Nectarines

Onions

Apples

Papaya

Grapes

Sweet Peas Frozen

Peaches

Eggplant

Cherries

Asparagus

Pears

Cauliflower

10.

Tomatoes

10.

Cantaloupe

11.

Celery

11.

Broccoli

12.

Potatoes

12.

Mushrooms

13.

Cabbage

14.

Honeydew Melon

15.

Kiwi

NOTE: A small amount of sweet corn, papaya and summer squash sold in the United States is produced from genetically modified seeds. Buy organic varieties of these crops if you want to avoid genetically modified produce.

CALL TO ARRANGE YOUR HOMESCHOOL CLASS! WE WILL ACCOMODATE YOUR CO-OP GROUP! SMALL CLASS SIZES AND WE FOLLOW ALL CDC GUIDELINES!

Get the full list at ewg.org. j

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.

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 5

HEALTH & SAFETY

Make It a Healthy School Experience! T o say this year has been unusual is an understatement. Some may have lost family members, some may have lost a sense of community, and some may have become your child’s teacher with a virtual classroom setting. We have all had different struggles and life decisions to make as we go forward. But there is some common ground we all share no matter which direction our children are making with education this fall – we can still nourish our kids by making healthy food choices whenever possible and encourage them to be the best that they can be. All children, even those of school age tend to get hungry every few hours. It is not unusual for a child to come home from school ready for a snack. And with so many kids now schooling from home, it is tempting to grab snacks throughout the day around the virtual schedule. But it’s important for us to think of snacks as more than “fillers”. It is always best to provide “nutrient-dense” foods and snacks whenever possible. Look for foods that contain higher amounts of nutrients which promote health and growth, such as protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Examples would include vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy or dairy alternative products, lean meats, and meat-alternatives. Examples of a nutrient-dense snack: • Greek-style yogurt topped with granola • Whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheese or peanut-butter • Homemade trail mix (nuts/pretzels/raisins/ whole grain cereal) • A hard-boiled egg • Unsweetened breakfast cereal with skim or soy milk • Whole or cut fruit slices with peanut butter • Sliced raw vegetables with cream cheese

or packaged foods like macaroni and cheese or pasta dinners, frozen sandwiches or mini-pizzas or other similar convenience foods. These are tempting because many of these items are available in individual single servings. However, as filling and tasty as they may be, many are loaded with salt and saturated fats. Overall, convenience foods are not healthy choices and can contribute to unwanted extra pounds, so should be chosen less often. Sugary drinks are likewise not healthy choices for you or your child. Sodas, sweet tea and other sweetened beverages only provide “empty-calories”, meaning they are very nutrient-poor and can also lead to unwanted extra pounds if taken in excess. Avoid keeping cookies and other sweets readily available where your child has full access to them. If sweets are in the house, make sure you can monitor how much your child is getting. Let’s stick together and try to make this a healthy, happy school year!j

he U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and drinks. FDA is requiring changes to the Nutrition Facts label based on updated scientific information, new nutrition research, and input from the public. This is the first major update to the label in over 20 years. The refreshed design and updated information will make it easier for you to make informed food choices that contribute to lifelong healthy eating habits What’s New With the Nutrition Facts Label? 1.

FRUIT AND YOGURT PARFAIT RECIPE 1. Start with fresh fruit (blueberries, sliced strawberries, bananas) or frozen fruit chunks on the bottom of a cup or bowl. 2. Add a layer of Greek-style yogurt (vanilla or your child’s favorite flavor) to cover the fruit 3. Next add a thin layer of oat cereal (I like plain Cheerios) or granola to cover the yogurt 4. Spread another layer of yogurt and then top with more fruit You can be as creative as you want with this recipe! Vary your fruits and yogurt flavors and have your child help with the creation. Keep refrigerated as a healthy snack packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber.

• A homemade smoothie Our busy lifestyles often lead many families to rely on quick meals or snacks such as canned

The New Nutrition Facts Label

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 6

Serving Size Gets Real. Servings per container and serving size information appear in large, bold font. Serving sizes have also been updated to better reflect the amount people typically eat and drink today. NOTE: The serving size is not a recommendation of how much to eat. • The nutrition information listed on the Nutrition Facts label is usually based on one serving of the food; however some containers may also have information displayed per package. • One package of food may contain more than one serving. Calories Go Big. Calories are now in larger and bolder font to make the information easier to find and use. 2,000 calories a day is used as a guide for general nutrition advice. Your calorie needs may be higher or lower depending on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level. Check your calorie needs at https://www.choosemyplate.gov/ resources/MyPlatePlan. The Lows and Highs of % Daily Value. The percent Daily Value (%DV) shows how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a total daily diet. Daily Values for nutrients have been updated, which may make the percent Daily Value higher or lower on the new Nutrition Facts label. As a general guide: • 5% DV or less of a nutrient per serving is considered low. • 20% DV or more of a nutrient per serving is considered high. The footnote at the bottom of the label has been updated to better explain %DV.

Nutrients: The Updated List. What information is no longer required on the label? Calories from fat has been removed because research shows the type of fat consumed is more important than the amount. Vitamin A and C are no longer required on the label since deficiencies of these vitamins are rare today. These nutrients can be

included on a voluntary basis. What information was added to the label? Added sugars have been added to the label because consuming too much added sugars can make it hard to meet nutrient needs while staying within calorie limits. Added sugars include sugars that are added during the processing of foods (such as sucrose or dextrose), foods packaged as sweeteners (such as table sugar), sugars from syrups and honey, and sugars from concentrated fruit or vegetable juices. Vitamin D and potassium are now required to be listed on the label because Americans do not always get the recommended amounts. Diets higher in vitamin D and potassium can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and high blood pressure, respectively. What vitamins and minerals stayed the same? Calcium and iron will continue to be listed on the label because Americans do not always get the recommended amounts. Diets higher in calcium and iron can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and anemia, respectively. Make The Label Work For You Use the label to support your personal dietary needs—choose foods that contain more of the nutrients you want to get more of and less of nutrients you may want to limit. More often, choose foods that are: Higher in dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium Lower in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars Choosing healthier foods and beverages can help reduce the risk of developing some health conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and anemia. j

fda.gov

HEALTH & SAFETY

Skin Care Tips During COVID-19

ashing hands and wearing face masks are key steps to preventing COVID-19. But they can dry out your skin and cause various skin rashes. Here's how to help. Most people are washing their hands or using hand sanitizer more frequently these days. Many are also wearing face masks when in public or during work shifts, often for hours at a time. These measures are key to reducing the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. But they can irritate and damage your skin. Making a few skin care changes for your hands and face can help counteract these effects. Hand care One of the most important things you can do to protect against COVID-19 is to keep your hands clean and free from germs. The CDC recommends that you wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. But lots of hand washing can strip your hands of their natural oils. To prevent dry, cracked skin: • Be gentle on your hands. Use cool or lukewarm water with soap to wash your hands. Hot water isn't any more helpful against germs and it can increase skin damage. Avoid antibacterial cleansers. They aren't that useful for preventing infectious disease. And they contain chemicals such as fragrance that can irritate skin. • Wear gloves when cleaning to protect your skin. Disinfectants for cleaning surfaces are effective against germs, but some of the ingredients can be harsh on your hands. • Moisturize, moisturize. After washing your hands, gently rinse and pat them dry. Right after, apply plenty of moisturizer. If your hands still feel dry after a minute or so, apply more. Use a moisturizer that's hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and dyes that can irritate your skin.

er that prevents water loss. Oil-containing creams or petroleum jelly work well. • Don't ignore early skin protection. Even if your hands don't feel dry or chapped, moisturize them regularly. Preventing skin irritation from developing in the first place is more effective than trying to catch up later when skin is already broken and cracked. Facial care As helpful as wearing a mask is, it can lead to chafing of the skin on the bridge of your nose, chin, cheeks and even behind the ears. Some people develop itchiness or a rash. Sweaty or damp conditions under the mask can lead to acne breakouts and other skin concerns. To ease these complications of mask wearing: • Adopt a regular skin care routine. Cleanse and moisturize your face before and after using a mask. Choose products labeled "noncomedogenic," which means they won't clog skin pores. Don't use products with petrolatum, a common ingredient in "heavy-duty" creams and ointments, it can get in the way of the mask's function. For oily skin, look for a water-soluble moisturizer. • Use a barrier ointment or bandage. Apply a thin layer of zinc oxide to soothe and protect skin, specifically on the bridge of your nose or behind your ears. You can also try placing a bandage between the skin pressure points and the mask. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about bandages or dressings that provide cooling relief and conform to the skin while still allowing for appropriate mask use. • Ease blisters. If a blister forms, keep it clean and apply antibiotic ointment. Use a bandage to create a protective barrier between the blister and the mask. • Treat acne. If you develop acne, cleanse your skin regularly. Use a water-soluble moisturizer. Look for acne treatment products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Also, avoid popping or squeezing pimples, which can contribute to inflammation and infection of the area. j

• Combine moisturizers. Lightweight creams typically add moisture to the skin's outer mayoclinic.org layer. Look for ingredients such as urea, glycerin or hyaluronic acid. To seal the moisture in, follow with a heavier moisturiz-

Things to Do Health & Safety

YMCA On Demand Classes & Workouts While they practice social distancing, the YMCA is providing new, complimentary virtual exercise offerings. Workouts normally taught live in the branches are customized and made available to you as online videos. In addition to the online videos, they post new content on their Facebook page each day. Workouts include yoga, kids workouts, strength training, and more. First Coast YMCA / 904- 265-1775 / fcymca.org Harlem Globetrotters at Home Look for new videos from the Globetrotter stars that will help with at-home learning for kids, as well as other fun stuff just to make you laugh. Content includes learning resources, as well as workouts for kids, dribble like a Globetrotter, and more. Harlem Globetrotters / www.harlemglobetrotters.com Sweatin’ Out The Summer Challenge Thru September 7 The Sweatin’ Out The Summer Challenge was created to encourage everyone to keep moving and push through these hot summer days. This online community of runners, walkers and joggers, will motivate each other throughout the rest of the summer. This will be a 5 week challenge. All participants will receive a shirt and a sweet finisher medal. Participants can run, walk, jog, hike, skip, treadmill, etc. The goal is to go as many miles as you possibly can, or want to. There is no amount too little, or too many. Simply log on to runsignup.com to submit your daily mileage. The leaderboard will allow everyone to know where they stand among the other participants. Put the miles in to join the different mileage clubs and earn bragging rights. Everyone will receive a finisher’s medal and a shirt. Reach one of the listed goals, and your shirt will display your achievement: 50 Mile Club, 100 Mile Club, 150 Mile Club, 200 Mile Club, 250 Mile Club. Participation starts at $45. Run Sign Up / billy@racesmith.com / runsignup.com RunJax Labor Day Run September 7, 7am 5K run at 1st Place Sports Baymeadows. Due to the current COVID crisis, race entries will be limited, and social distancing guidelines will be in place. There will also be a virtual option, for those who prefer that. There will be five waves of 100 people starting every two minutes begin-

ning at 7am. The race will not have an awards ceremony or post-race celebration. Awards may be picked up at awards tent on race day or at 1st Place Sports, Baymeadows the day after the race. Entry fees are $35. Funds go to support high school cross country and track programs in Duval county and the summer camp scholarship program. 1st Place Sports Baymeadows / 904-731-3676 / 3931 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32217 / 1stplacesports.com Cupcake Run 5K & Cake Walk September 19, 7:30am Sweet by Holly hosts The Cupcake 5K and 1 mile Cake Walk fun run benefiting Girls on the Run of Northeast Florida. The 5K begins at 7:30am, and the Kids Cake Walk starts at 8:30am. All Cupcake Run and Cake Walk participants will receive a cupcake by Sweet by Holly at the finish and vouchers for two more free cupcakes. There will be medals for both the Cupcake Run & Cake Walk, a technical race shirt for 5K participants and a cotton t-shirt for Cake Walk participants. The race starts and ends in the St. Johns Town Center, in the area adjacent to Target, Old Navy and Pet Smart. This race is walker and stroller friendly, although you will be asked to start in the back. The First Place Finisher overall will win Sweet by Holly Cupcakes for a Year (a dozen minis per month). In addition, there will be a costume contest with prizes awarded to: Best Cupcake Costume, Most Icing (most decorative accessories), Best Family Ensemble, Best Team Costume, and Best Team Name. Registration fees start at $25 for the fun run and $40 for the 5K. St John's Town Center / 904-619-6763 / 4624 Town Crossing Dr #137, Jacksonville, FL 32246 / www.gotrnefl.org Great Amazing Race September 27, 1pm Modeled after the TV show, contestants pair up with a friend, family member or co-worker and compete against other similar age teams. Two person teams race around a 1.5 mile cross country course with multiple physical & mental challenge stations. Clue cards provided at stations along the course direct teams to complete a task, either together or by a single member, before continuing to race. The event is open to ages 4 to 84. Participants can walk, run, or jog. There are two courses to choose from: difficult for adults & active teams / easier for kids & leisure teams. Entry fees range from $49.99 to $84.99. Little Talbot Island State Park / 513-518-0528 / 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226 / greatamazingrace.com

Visit Jax4Kids.com for a complete list of Health & Safety Events.

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 7

HEALTH & SAFETY

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention C arbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. Every year, more than 400 people die in the U. S. from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning. It is found in fumes produced by furnaces, vehicles, generators, stoves, lanterns, gas ranges, or burning charcoal or wood.

and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

• Install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

When power outages occur during emergencies such as severe winter storms, the use of alternative sources of power for heating or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.

• Leave your home immediately and call 911 if your CO detector ever sounds. If CO poisoning is suspected and you are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated, call 911 or your local Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or consult a health care professional right away.

You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure:

• If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.

Do • Have your heating system, water heater

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 8

Don’t • Leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage, even if you leave the door open. • Burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented. • Heat your house with a gas oven. • Use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or outside less than 20 feet from a window, door, or vent. Instead use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance. Also, keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines. • Use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper

CO poisoning is entirely preventable. You can protect yourself and your family by learning the symptoms of CO poisoning and acting wisely during a power outage. How to Recognize CO Poisoning: Exposure to CO can cause loss of consciousness and death. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. People who are sleeping or who have been drinking alcohol can die from CO poisoning before ever having symptoms. For more information, please visit CDC’s CO Poisoning website. j cdc.gov

NATURE

Global Awareness Apps, Games, and Websites P

lanet Earth is a pretty big deal, and your kid might have a few questions about it. With these awesome products, kids can learn about different parts of the world and the challenges we face in the 21st century. Whether your kid is managing a historic nation in Sid Meier's Civilization V or catching up on the latest news with News-O-Matic, this list will have an amazing age-appropriate and entertaining game for everyone. Barefoot World Atlas age 6+ An educational app that gives children an interactive look at animals, indigenous people, and other topics of interest around the world. News-O-Matic age 7+ An interactive, paid subscription-based newspaper for kids. Five news stories -- from world political news to celebrity stories -- are posted on the News-O-Matic app's main page each day.

BrainPOP Featured Movie age 8+ The content changes daily (though everything is archived, so kids don't feel pressured to use the app every day). Each day, there is a new animated documentary, and it could be on just about any topic you can think of.

National Geographic Education age 8+ Focuses heavily on science, world events, and history. It contains a vast amount of multimedia content -- including videos, photos, games, and at-home activity suggestions.

National Geographic Kids age 8+ The online component to National Geographic Kids magazine. Educational games, kid-friendly information, and great footage.

hang out online.

Time for Kids age 8+ This site supplements the TIME for Kids magazine and is a safe and wonderfully eye-opening place for kids to

Aquation: The Freshwater Access Game age 9+ A simulation game produced by the Smithsonian that challenges kids to balance water resources around the world. BrainPOP age 9+ BrainPop is a paid subscription site (with some free games and other resources) that contains animated content, much of which is aligned to state education standards.

The Daring Game for Girls age 8+ The Explorers This game is based on the age 10+ book, The Daring Book for A video and image collection Girls, and is featured heavily crowdsourced from profesin the game. If your daughter sionals and hobbyists has not already read the highlighting the earth's culture, geography, book, she will likely want to people, and animals as a way to catalog the do so after playing the game. earth's resources. Maggie's Earth AdvenGoogle Maps - Transit & tures Food age 8+ age 10+ Free, engaging activities Essentially a map and in all subject areas to navigation tool based on teach elementary school kids about environGoogle Earth with some very mental issues around the world. cool bells and whistles.

Mayan Mysteries age 10+ A story-based game in which players follow explorers on their journey to discover various artifacts and uncover details about the Mayan culture.

Half the Sky Movement: The Game age 13+ A Facebook game that explores the challenges women face around the world, such as poverty, domestic violence, disease, and oppression. j

Kiva age 11+ Kiva gives people the opportunity to make loans to small business owners in third-world countries. Through clear text and video, Kiva shows the impact that even a small loan can make for a struggling business.

commonsensemedia.org

Sid Meier's Civilization V age 11+ Sid Meier’s Civilization V uses authentic historical elements -- famous leaders, nations, resources, military units -- to simulate non-historical empires. Google Earth age 12+ Zoom around the earth, select layers, and submit eye-level photos. The Learning Network age 12+ The Learning Network uses the news of the day from the New York Times to create a blog and other news-related activities that engage teens and tweens. Stop Disasters! age 12+ Stop Disasters! is a free online simulation games where kids will watch a disaster happen to a community from a top-down perspective. YourCommonwealth age 12+ Your Commonwealth hosts videos and articles submitted by writers aged 15-29 on the subjects of their choice, specifically what life is like in their country and any issues that they hope to bring to light.

Things to Do Nature Events

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Monthly Boxes Bird Watching Academy & Camp helps “Get Kids Bird Watching” with monthly subscription boxes. Starter kits are available that include binoculars. Bird watching maps are included in the kits. There are 20 birds placed on each map. Each time a kid sees a bird they can place a bird sticker on the map. This feature is to help kids count birds. Counting birds is a big part of bird watching. Counting birds is also a good starting point for the age group 5 to 10. Kids will learn about 12 birds each month. Subscription kits start at $5/month. Bird Watching Academy & Camp / birdwatchingacademy@gmail.com / www.birdwatchingacademy.com St. Augustine Aquarium Daily, 10am to 5pm The St. Augustine Aquarium & Snorkel Adventure has seahorses, hands in touch habitat, Florida reef habitat, shark habitat, ray habitat, shark tooth dig, and more. Open daily during the summer. There will be educational presentations, guided tours, shark feedings, and Cownose Ray feedings. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for kids. St. Augustine Aquarium / 904-429-9777 / 2045 State Road 16, St. Augustine, FL 32084 / www.saaquarium.com

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 9

INFANT & TODDLER

Parent/Child Time: Acts of Kindness That Can Go a Long Way

ver heard the quote 'You are who you spend time with'? This is especially true for kids. Young people learn a lasting set of morals and values from their families, especially from their parents. Their naturally curious nature should be fed with a lot of attention and positive interactions. Random Acts of Kindness has given some valuable advice in the past regarding how to teach your children to be more kind, but one of the biggest factors that can ensure the lessons will stick is actually quality time. Here’s why spending quality time with your kids is so important. It develops positive behaviors - Family time is important because it creates an opportunity for children’s behavior to either be corrected or applauded. If you’re around kids all the time, monitoring their actions won’t be difficult. Additionally, children who spend more time with their parents are more inclined to be well-rounded. The Center on Addiction reported findings from a study that adolescents who don’t spend time with their families

about themselves. Forbes stressed that the end result of feeling like you do not matter can lead to negative outcomes, such as feelings of rejection and self-destructive behavior. If left It forges stronger relationships - Quality time with children is important not just to ensure unfixed, this issue can result in kids losing interest in interacting with their families and that they are behaving well, but also to cultivate a more open relationship at home. friends. This lesson is something that FaceThe atmosphere present when you are around book's Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandyour child is as important as how often you are berg emphasizes, saying, "We can start by around them. Having relaxed, positive, and showing children that they matter." uplifting encounters will encourage your child to spend more time with you, which in turn will It creates happy memories - Giving your develop your bond. Parenting NI shared the children the gift of memorable moments spent with you is priceless. The lasting effects of this findings of several studies which indicate can be applied in so many situations. It will families who enjoy group activities together tend to share a stronger emotional bond. This give them motivation and good days to look back on during trying times, and it will is a key ingredient in building trust and openness between you and your child, as well encourage them to build a beautiful childhood for their kids in the future as well. This doesn't as fostering the ability to adapt well to just stop once your children have become situations as a family. adults—family time is one of the most invaluable things children at any age will It builds self-esteem in children - An active participation in your child's life also increases surely treasure. their feelings of self-worth. Spending time and No matter how busy you are, it’s important engaging with your children make them feel that you set aside quality time with your child. valued by their parents and more positive are twice as likely to engage in illegal substances like tobacco and alcohol.

Entertainment Daily followed celebrity David Beckham on a trip to Tokyo with his kids, so if someone as busy him can do it, who’s to say you can’t? It may not be as grand as the Beckhams’ Tokyo trip, but simply spending time together and being present with your children can do a world of good. Indeed, family activities don't have to be elaborate or expensive to count. The important part is just being together and enjoying each other's company. In conclusion, spending time with your children will help you better understand who they are. It will give you the opportunity to imbibe the value of kindness and instill good deeds at a young age, as well as build them up to be a well-rounded person overall. At the end of the day, it's up to parents to help their children grow into well-adjusted individuals, and it can be easily done by spending quality time together. j randomactsofkindness.org

All-NEW Show!

Premieres Monday, Sept. 7th at 10:30AM on WJCT-TV Channel 7.1 (Comcast 440)

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 10

INFANT & TODDLER

Things to Do Infant & Toddler

Mini Monday at Color Me Mine Mondays, September 7, 14, 21, 28, 12noon to 6pm Mondays are Mini Mondays at Color Me Mine, with $1 studio fees for preschoolers all day. Hours are temporarily modified; Color Me Mine is open 12noon to 6pm. Color Me Mine / 904-338-9333 / 10300 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / jacksonville.colormemine.com Virtual Little Learners Program September 9, 10am On the second Wednesday of every month, MOSH presents a program designed for early learning and development. These programs encompass various learning styles and activities for preschool aged children that help to enhance their skills and dexterity. Virtual programs, lead by MOSH’s Education staff will feature guest-appearances from Little Learners program partners, story time sessions, and themed scientific activities that children and caregivers can complete together. Admission is $6 per person (ages 3 & up). Please register in advance. Museum of Science and History / 904396-6674 / info@themosh.org / themosh.org

Little Readers September 14, 21, 28, 10am to 10:30am This literacy-based program is for children from birth to pre-k and their families. Kids will sing, talk, read, write, and play together to develop the pre-literacy skills your little ones need to get ready to read and write. Each week has a letter theme. Registration is required for this event, and must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card is required for registration. Attendance is limited to 40 participants. Your Zoom name must match your registration name for you to be admitted to the program. A link to the Zoom meeting room will be sent 1 hour prior to the event. Jacksonville Public Library / 904-2552665 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org Baby's Nutrition: Starting Solids September 23, 6pm to 7pm Pediatric Associates hosts a virtual class for parents. The class will help parents understand their baby's nutrition journey, development cues and when to start solid foods. Learn when to offer, what to offer and how to offer foods to baby. The class is taught by a registered dietitian nutritionist. Free. Pediatric Associates / 954-966-8000 / www.pediatricassociates.com

Episcopal Children’s Services Free Child Care Resource & Referral (904) 726-1500 • (800) 238-3463 www.ecs4kids.org Child Care Resource and Referral Services can help your family by providing: • A customized list of local child care options from our trained specialists. • Information about quality child care and early learning programs • Financial assistance strategies and opportunities • Referrals to other community resources and programs.

Early Learning Coalition North Florida

Helping Children. Helping Families.

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

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SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 11

SPECIAL NEEDS Coronavirus (COVID-19): Caring for Kids With Special Health Needs

uring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, kids with special health care needs still need routine care. But how they get it might change. Some medical visits are being done over the phone or through telehealth. Here's more on what to expect during this challenging time.

Talk with your care team about your child's in-home care providers. Ask if they're all needed now. Any care provider who is sick shouldn't help care for your child.

Ask care providers to wear a face covering or mask while in your home and when caring for your child. They should wash their hands well Are Kids With Special Health Needs More at for at least 20 seconds when they arrive, and often while they provide care. Set up Risk From COVID-19? Few kids have been found to have the illness, hand-washing stations with plenty of soap and so it's hard for experts to know how COVID-19 paper towels. Keep hand sanitizer close by as well. Post signs as reminders to clean hands. might affect kids with ongoing health problems. To stay safe and avoid infection, follow What if My Child Gets Sick? Could It Be the advice from the CDC and other health COVID-19? experts. Be sure to: First, call the health care team. They know • Keep 6 feet apart from people you don't your child's health history and will know if live with (social distancing). your child has any special risks. The doctor • Wear a face covering or mask when out will ask how your child is doing and if they've and not able to distance from others. been around someone with known or • Wash hands well and often. suspected coronavirus. Your doctor's office will tell you what to do next and whether you need Should I Take My Child to Planned Health an in-person visit. Care Visits? Talk to your health care provider. Many If your child has a central line, is on chemodoctor's offices are scheduling in-person therapy, or has a weak immune system, follow visits. Some appointments may be video visits the usual instructions for what to do for fever. (telehealth). If your child has an in-person visit, Usually, this means calling the care team right talk to the office about how they are keeping away. kids and families safe. The medical staff will be wearing masks. You and your child should How Can We Handle Stress While Caring for wear them also. Reassure your child that these Our Child With Special Needs? are safe and there's no reason to be scared. • Control what you can. Structure your day with a routine. Should I Keep Giving My Child's Regular • Try to focus on being in the moment with Daily Medicines? mindfulness, guided imagery (look for Yes, continue unless the care team tells you to videos online), or yoga. stop. The best way to keep kids healthy is to • Take a walk outside. Wear a mask if you take care of their health condition. can't keep a safe distance from others. Or Keep at least 2–3 weeks of medicine and do active things inside. other needed supplies on hand at all times. • Keep in touch with your child's care team Work with your insurance and home medical so you do not feel alone. supply companies to order refills well before • Go easy on yourself. Do your best to they run out. manage what you can. Things will get better. Should My Child Still Get Chemotherapy or Other Medicines That Affect the Immune If you feel stressed, get support from family. A System? phone call or a video visit can go a long way. If Yes, continue until you talk to the care team. Only stop medicines if the care team tells you you are feeling overwhelmed, call 911. You also can call the Disaster Distress Helpline at to. 1-800-985-5990. j Should Home Health Care Providers Still Come to the House? How Can I Keep kidshealth.org Everybody Safe?

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 12

Things to Do Special Needs Events

Brooks IceBreakers Sled Hockey Saturdays, Thru November 14 Brooks Pediatric Recreation hosts IceBreakers Sled Hockey. All equipment is provided free of charge to participants. To maintain the health and safety of their participants, families, and staff, parents/caregivers will be asked to dress their child off the ice. Brooks Pediatric Recreation staff will provide transfers of athletes in/out of sleds and on/off the ice. Please register in advance. Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex / 904-3457501 / 3605 Philips Hwy, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / brooksrehab.org Little Owls Autism Parent Training Webinar • Thru September 24 10:30am to 11:30am FAU CARD's Little Owls Early Intervention Initiative Webinar is a free online parent training for family members of children ages 2-6 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or that are in the process of seeking a diagnosis of ASD. The goal of the training is to help prepare families to be active participants in a child’s positive developmental growth. Some of the topics covered are understanding Autism, understanding and preventing problem behavior, promoting communication and social engagement, advocacy and understanding benefits, a special emphasis is placed on safety and the child with ASD, and because parents play a central role in the life of a child, parent support and self-care are important themes of the training. The training takes place for one hour each Tuesday and Thursday. Once you have completed your Eventbrite registration you will be emailed a link for the class. Free. FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabili-

ties / 561-245-1792 / baldwinw@fau.edu / autism.fau.edu Parent Group: Back to School Brainstorm September 16 10am to 11am and 4:30pm to 5:30pm Have questions about options or want to bounce ideas off of other parents and professionals? CARD and FDLRS-MDC are hosting two timely Parent Groups called Back to School Brainstorm. During the meetings, participants will share resources and ideas to help parents and caregivers start the 20-21 school year strong, and remain strong in the midst of a pandemic or other life altering situation. This session is part 2, and will dive deeper into establishing routines and communication with educational team members. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the online event. Jacksonville CARD / 904-633-0762 / marlena.jenkins@jax.ufl.edu / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu Digital Safety for Teens September 24, 3:30pm to 4:30pm Center for Autism and Related Disabilities hosts a virtual Digital Safety for Teens workshop. The target audience is high school and middle school students. The objectives include discussing various social media platforms, learning about the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint, and recognizing potential dangers and consequences of posting and sharing information on social media. Jacksonville CARD / 904-633-0760 / audrey. bringman@jax.ufl.edu / pediatrics.med.jax.ufl.edu

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

Now enrolling for the 2020-2021 school year. Call for a campus tour. 904-726-5000

TEENS

Things to Do

Cup of Joe or No? W

hen my daughter was around 14 years old, she began to ask if she could have a cup of coffee in the morning like Mom and Dad. As a scientist who studies the effects of caffeine – the ingredient in coffee that helps wake you up – on kids, I had more information available to me to inform my answer than most parents would. Many kids and teens consume caffeine. The main source of this chemical is soda for children under 12. Even colas have lower levels of caffeine than tea or coffee. Kids and teens can also get caffeine from many foods and drinks, including chocolate, chocolate milk and iced tea. What’s more, some over-the-counter medications that kids might take, such as Excedrin, are significant sources of caffeine. But coffee is the main source of caffeine among Americans 12 years and up. Based on my years of research, I’m confident that one daily cup of coffee won’t harm kids over the age of 12 – as long as they avoid all other sources of caffeine. That one cup of coffee combined with, say, a can of iced tea or soda, or a chocolate bar, could put kids over the daily limit of 100 milligrams of caffeine doctors recommend. Adults should aim for no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine, which they could get from four cups of coffee.

The threat to sleep might not sound like the most serious of all of these side effects to you. But it could be. The National Sleep Foundation, a nonprofit that funds and conducts research on sleep, recommends that teens get about 9 hours of sleep per night. But studies show that on average kids get much less sleep than that. Old myths Some adults may tell kids that drinking caffeine will stunt their growth. There are two reasons why some people think that. First, caffeine can decrease the amount of calcium in your bones, which people used to think would make you not grow as tall. Second, caffeine consumed later in the day can reduce sleep. Growth hormone, which makes you grow, is released early in sleep, so the idea was that less sleep would lead to less growth. It turns out that neither of these concerns was valid. One study that followed 81 adolescents for six years found no connection between caffeine and bone density. Another study found no association between sleep duration and growth.

Side effects

Based on the best science that is available, I’ve been allowing my three children to have one cup of coffee first thing in the morning once they turn 12. It is important to think about what else they’re getting with their coffee, however. Some of the sweet iced and flavored coffee drinks, such as Starbucks Frappuccinos, that are popular with kids have over 50 grams of sugar. And consuming too much added sugar can also have negative health consequences.

Having too much caffeine can have many negative effects on kids, like putting them in a bad mood, depriving them of sleep and contributing to misbehavior, such as risk-taking and aggression.

Any negative effects of the caffeine they get from that morning jolt wear off long before bedtime. But I don’t let them have any caffeine-containing products after 3 p.m. to protect their sleep. j

Coffee can also make some kids feel jittery, nervous and anxious or nauseated. It can change their heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, over-caffeination may make kids feel like they’ve used illicit drugs.

Jennifer L. Temple, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York theconversation.com

And since caffeine is in so many different foods and drinks, it’s easy for kids – or grownups – to get more than they should without realizing it.

Teen Events

Live Virtual UNF Campus Tours September 3, 3pm; September 9, 3:30pm; September 18, 3pm; September 23, 3:30pm Virtual campus tours are a great way to explore the University of North Florida’s campus from home. Your virtual campus tour will be led by a knowledgeable and friendly Swoop Squad member (tour guide), a currently enrolled student at UNF. They are ready to share with you their passion and experiences while covering the academic programs, campus resources, and student life at UNF. Free, but please sign up in advance. University of North Florida / 904- 620-1183 / www.unf.edu Middle/High School Spanish Conversation Group • September 8, 22 1:30pm to 2:30pm Do you want some extra practice speaking Spanish? Learning a foreign language can be challenging when you do not have native speakers to learn from. Each meeting, participants will do something different to practice their Spanish skills – from watching movie clips, to ordering out at a restaurant. This conversation group is open to all middle and high school students needing practice speaking Spanish. Sign up online or by email. St. Johns County Public Library / 904-8276950 / njebbia@sjcfl.us / sjcpls.org FSCJ Aviation Programs Information Session • September 15, 5pm to 6pm All those interested in learning more about how to earn your wings, manage flight operations, keep an aircraft working and get aircraft off the ground and into the air are invited to FSCJ Aviation Programs Information Session. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how the aviation programs have state-of-the-art flight simulators, air traffic control simulators and real-time, hands-on training that enables students to engage in the best learning experiences possible while preparing to earn FAA Certificates and Licenses. Info session is free to attend. FSCJ Cecil Center / aviation@fscj.edu / 5640 POW-MIA Memorial Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32221 / www.fscj.edu Writing Wednesdays: A Workshop Series *Virtual* - September 16, 7pm to 8pm September 23, 12noon to 1pm

Join tutors from the Library and Learning Commons for a series of WebEx workshops designed to help students improve their academic and professional writing skills. This is a virtual event, held online. September 16, 7pm to 8pm -- Academic Writer, Did you know that FSCJ has a database that supports writing papers in APA Style? If you are in a program that has heavy writing requirements in APA Style, this workshop is for you. Join Kent writing tutor Amy Copeland for an informative hour in which you will learn how to use the Academic Writer database to learn APA Style, create and store your personal collection of references in APA Style, and use the intuitive writing templates and tools to write your paper in APA Style. September 23, 12noon to 1pm -- Make Yourself Heard: The Dos and Don'ts of Academic Communication, Hosted by South Campus Writing Tutor Dr. Lisa Van Zwoll, this workshop will address the way to best communicate professionally and navigate the new online normal. Topics will include email etiquette, discussion posting and other elements of remote learning communications, and the best approaches to take to bring in-person communications skills to the online academic world. FSCJ / 904- 633-8100 / www.fscj.edu Random Fandom for Teens: Hunger Games • September 16 4:30pm to 5:30pm The Jacksonville Public Library hosts a program for teen fans of the Hunger Games or those who are just curious about the hype. This program for teens will feature games and activities about the fandom. Registration is required for this event, and must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card is required for registration. Attendance is limited to 40 participants. Your Zoom name must match your registration name for you to be admitted to the program. A link to the Zoom meeting room will be sent 1 hour prior to the event. Jacksonville Public Library / 904-255-2665 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org WriterLab for Teens September 22, 11am to 12noon Teens 12 to 17 who love language are invited for a virtual writing lab. Be empowered through storytelling, all while building writing skills. Explore your imagination through creative, hands-on writing activities and games. Free. Jacksonville Public Library / 904-630-2665 / www.jaxpubliclibrary.org

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 13

EDUCATION

Reflections on Reading Calling All Older Girl Scouts- Join G-TEAM TV! and Writing During COVID-19 W Girl Scout Hangouts Get to know girls from across the country! Join them for a weekly hangout hosted by a rotating Girl Scout council. You’ll talk about last week’s hen schools closed last March due to episode of G-Team TV, debate important issues, COVID-19, we teachers had to quickly brainstorm your futures, and have fun with other rethink how we did school. My teaching job came G-Team TV: By girls! Register now at girlscouts.org and look for girls, for girls the PURPLE Hangout events. All girls are welcome! home for the rest of the year, and my instruction moved completely online. Introducing Boredom Busters G-Team TV! This Dive into badge and Journey content with these Many students and their families were new online show hands-on activities and videos for Cadettes, stressed during the school closures. Some had for middle and high Seniors, and Ambassadors that you can do alone family members who suffered from or were school girls is run or with your troop. exposed to the virus. Others had family by a group of Girl members who lost their jobs. With so much Scouts called the G-Team. Each episode features Silver and Gold! pandemic-induced anxiety, teachers were special looks at key issues for girls and interviews Explore what it takes to earn your Silver or Gold encouraged to keep our online assignments with accomplished Girl Scout alums. Award—the highest awards for Cadettes and Seniors/Ambassadors, respectively—and make a simple. For me, this meant restructuring my A new episode airs every Thursday at 7:00 PM ET lasting difference in your community and beyond. fourth quarter plans. beginning 8/27 @Girl Scouts on IGTV. Plus, find j every episode on Girl Scouts’ YouTube channel. I remember wondering how the shift to girlscouts.org all-online instruction would affect students, especially their reading and writing skills.

elcome to your home base for news, activities, and events! Curated especially for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors, it's where you can easily find events you’ll love, meet girls from across the country, and try new activities.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the experience. As both a teacher and a mom, I have learned to be more flexible and fluid in my teaching and my parenting.

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Surprisingly, both my daughter and I read more during the pandemic, rather than less. We made a pre-Spring Break stop by the library, and we each checked out a stack of books. We ended up reading every one of the books during quarantine. We also purchased some books online.

Writing As a Creative Writing teacher, I believe it’s important for my students to write every day. Writing daily helps them build fluency of ideas and expression. When the pandemic closed schools, I did not know how my students’ writing would be affected. Thankfully, they seemed to value their writing time more. Even though we were speaking through computer cameras and microphones, many who had not been willing to share in a live classroom, opened up while online. We had wonderful online and live conversations in which students shared portions of their own novels, poetry, or journal entries online. I enjoyed sharing some of my writing with them as well. Our department published an e-book of journal entries and poetry focused on the effects of COVID-19. Many students wrote creatively about missing the opportunity to learn in a brick-and-mortar school. Tips for Parents

If you would like to help your kids’ reading and writing skills improve, please consider reading a book aloud to your kids in the evenings. Or, Reading you may enjoy writing and sharing stories together. Another option is to visit the library In my classes, we scheduled Book Chats every and let each family member check out their Wednesday during the quarantine. Students own stack of books. were invited to share a passage from whatever book they were reading. They were also Even though we are in a new era of schooling, asked to say whether they would share the please continue to encourage your children to book with someone older, someone the same read and write. It will only help them in the age, or someone younger and why. We had so future. many good book discussions that grew out of these Book Chats. Many students asked their For more reading and writing tips, please classmates for recommended book titles and e-mail me at nancyleebethea@gmail.com. j authors. Several students asked me questions Nancy Lee Bethea, NBCT, teaches Creative about books I shared. Writing at LaVilla School of the Arts in In fact, I am now reading the first in a series of Jacksonville. She’s also a freelance writer. books recommended by one of my students.

PARENT ACADEMY STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Date

Course Title & Description

September 1

Everything in “FOCUS”(en español) 6:00 pm Facilitated by: Parent Academy Specialist Los participantes aprenderán cómo crear su cuenta para padres de DCPS y navegarán por las muchas herramientas y recursos para padresque se encuentran en esta plataforma en línea.

September 3

(‫" )ةیبرعلا‬FOCUS" ‫ يف ءيش لك‬6:00 pm ‫ عم قیسنتلاو نواعتلاب‬:‫رومألا ءایلوأ ةیمیداكأ يصاصتخا‬ ‫ مھبصاخلا‬DCPS ‫باسح ءاشنإ ةیفیك نوكراشملا ملعتیس‬ ‫يف نیدلاولا‬ ‫ةصنملا هذھ ىلع ةدوجوملا ةدیدعلا دراوملاو تاودألا نیب لقنتلاو‬ ‫تنرتنإلا ربع‬.

Time

September 8

Showing Up for Success! Facilitated by: DCPS Student Services This course will share attendance expectations and support systems that will be in place for families of students in both traditional and Duval HomeRoomschool settings.

6:00 pm

September 10

Showing Up for Success! (en español) Facilitated by: DCPS Student Services Este curso compartirá las expectativasde asistencia y los sistemas de apoyo que se implementarán para las familias de los estudiantes en los entornos escolares tradicionales y en el Duval HomeRoom.

6:00 pm

September 15

Calm Classroom Facilitated by: Calm Classroom, Inc. School related stress affects everyone. This year, elementary students will use 3 minutes, 3 times per day to practice mindful breathing, stretching, and relaxation exercises led by their teacher. Join this session to hear directly from Calm Classroom representatives so that you can apply the techniques at home, too!

6:00 pm

12:00 pm

September 17

PARENTING & ADVOCACY

SEPTEMBER COURSES

PERSONAL & INDIVIDUAL GROWTH Date

Course Title & Description

Time

September 12

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NEFL Mentor 101 Training Class Facilitated by:Harlan Stallings, Director of Volunteer Recruitment via ZOOM conference Mentor 101 provides an overview of what mentoring is, helps to establish healthy boundary guidelines for mentors and mentees, and shares some valuable statistics regarding our community’s youth. To register, visit www. bbbsnefl.org or call 904.727-9797 ext. 1116

9:00 am

September 22

5:30 pm

There are now more than 30 courses available that assist caregivers with student achievement and parenting support. Find the Parent Academy on YouTube by searching “Parent Academy - Duval County Public Schools” and Subscribe so you will get notified when new videos are released. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a FREE family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver’s need for personal and individual growth.

Date

Course Title & Description

September 23

PTA/PTSA: How We're Supporting Schools While 12:00 pm Social Distancing Facilitated by: Duval County Council of PTA/PTSA Parent engagement may look different for now, but it remains vital to student success. Join us as we discuss creative strategies for staying involved and supporting our schools from a distance.

Time

September 24

Mastering the DCPS Website Facilitated by: DCPS Communications Director The DCPS website has a new look and feel! This course will take you through a guided tutorial that will help you navigate the updated site and find the most important information.

September 29

Anxiety: When Your Child’s Thoughts Are Just Too Big 6:00 pm Facilitated by: Parent Academy Specialist Learn strategies to recognize and identify the signs and symptoms of different anxiety disorders including coping strategies for you and your child(ren).

12:00 pm

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 15

What happens if COVID-19 enters a school community? Duval medical representatives collaborated with the school district and the Florida Department of Health to develop thresholds and procedures in the event COVID-19 directly impacts a school community. The district is prepared to shift classes to fully online learning through Duval HomeRoom in three situations: 1. With one person confirmed positive and two with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 2. With two people or more confirmed positive and one or more with symptoms consistent with COVID-19

3. With three people or more with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 In all situations, those infected or showing symptoms must have a shared linkage such as prolonged direct contact in the classroom or bus within the last 96 hours. If a classroom is shifted for distance learning, the closure period is expected to be 14 days. The class and any related facilities (hallways, bathrooms) would be cleaned and disinfected. An entire school will be shifted to Duval HomeRoom if 20 percent of the school is reporting exposure to

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 16

COVID-19. Exposure is defined as prolonged direct contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19. Based on the results of a Department of Health contact investigation, the school building closure could last between two and 14 days. The school would be cleaned and disinfected during that time. In all situations, the closure threshold and timeframe are subject to change based on outcomes of contact tracing by the Florida Department of Health – Duval. As with any communicable disease such as COVID-19, the district follows

Department of Health protocols to communicate with all impacted individuals. Duval County Public Schools has employed a team of rapid response nurses to work with the Department of Health with contact tracing in the event a person in the school community tests positive for COVID-19. Those students or staff deemed to be possibly exposed due to contact will receive communication on the steps to take. To watch a video on how the district will respond to a COVID-19 impact, visit https://www.teamduval. org/2020/08/20/what-happens-if-covid19-enters-a-school-community/

Duval County Public Schools 2020-2021 District Public Calendar Duval County Schools 2020-2021

JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER District Calendar Duval County Public Schools - 2020-2021 District Calendar M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F

St. Clair Evans Academy is the new Northwestern Legends Elementary School St. Clair Evans Academy has officially been renamed Northwestern Legends Elementary School. The newly named school is located on the site of the former Northwestern Middle School and will house students and faculty of the former St. Clair Evans Academy. School leadership, faculty, community stakeholders, and students worked together to come up with the new school name. “This new school name speaks power,” said Lawanda Polydore, principal of

Northwestern Legends Elementary School. “Every student that enters these doors will know they have the potential to become a legend in whatever career field they choose.” The campus is located at 2100 West 45th Street; Jacksonville, FL 32209. The main office number is 904-9243100. The school will retain the original school number 1241 from St. Clair Evans. See teamduval.org for background info on the process to merge St. Clair Evans into the new school.

“Team Up for Health” video series shows how Team Duval can work together to slow COVID-19 spread Doing daily health screenings with your children, keeping them home if they are sick, and practicing how to wear a facial covering are just a few ways Team Duval families can work together to improve health and safety. The “Team Up for Health” video series explores how we as a community can be empowered to slow the spread. Some, like the “Handwashing” and “Facial Covering” videos will go over the proper CDC-recommended techniques. Others, like “What to Expect” and “Transportation” will give insight into the precautions and cleaning processes staff are implementing. Each video will be posted to a playlist on TeamDuval.org: https://www.teamduval.

org/2020/08/12/team-up-for-healthvideo-series-shows-how-team-duvalcan-work-together-to-slow-covid-19spread/.

Below is a brief description. As you review and prepare for the reopening of schools, remember – all of Team Duval needs to team up and make school as safe as possible.

• What to expect: This video explores things families can expect to see as students return to school. This includes updated classroom layouts to make social distancing possible, frequent cleaning of high-touch areas throughout the day, and handwashing and sanitization stations in every classroom. • Transportation: This video explores what students can expect when riding a bus including wearing a face covering, applying hand sanitizer and more structured seating. • How parents and students can help: This video explores how parents and students are critical to the mission of slowing COVID-19. Keeping children home if they are sick, ensuring they have a clean face covering each day, and keeping emergency contact information up to date are just a few ways families can assist. • Stay home if you are sick: This video explores why the first line of defense is keeping children home if they are sick or have possibly been exposed to COVID-19.

1 2 JULY 6 M 7 T 8W 9T 13 14 151 162 20 6 217 228 239 2713 2814 2915 3016

3 10F 173 24 10 31 17

3 10 M 173 24 10 31 17

20 21 22 23 24 OCTOBER 27 28 29 30 31

OCTOBER 1 2 5 M 6 T 7W 8T 9F

12 13 14 15~1 162 19 5 206 217 228 239 12 13 14 15~ 16 26 27 28 29 30

T JANUARY W T F T

4 5 6 11 4 125 136 1811 1912 2013 2518 2619 2720

7 147 2114 2821

1 F 81 158 22 15 29 22

25 26 27 28 29 APRIL

T APRIL W T T

W 1 T 2F

5 6 7 12 5 136 147 1912 2013 2114 2619 2720 2821

81 158 2215 2922

92 169 16 23 23 30

26 27 28 29 30

7 14 F 21 7 28 14

18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 NOVEMBER 31

2 9M 2 16 9 23 16 30

19 20 21 22 23 26 JANUARY 27 28 29 30

4AUGUST 5 6 11 12 T W 13 T 18 4 19 5 20 6 25 26 13 27 11 12

NOVEMBER 3 4 5 6 T 11 W 12 T F 10 13 3 18 4 19 5 17 10 11 12 24 25 26

6 20 13 27 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 30 FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY

1 2 3 4 M T W T 81 92 10 3 11 4 15 16 17 18 8 9 10 11 22 25 15 23 16 24 17 18

5 F 12 5 19 12 26 19

22 23 24 25 26

3M 3 10 10 17 17 24 24 31 31

MAY T MAY W T

4T 4 11 11 18 18 25

W 5

5 12 12 19 19 26

6 14 7 13 13 14 20 21 20 27 21 28 25 26 27 28

M7 14 721 28 14

115 216 3 17 4 18 822 923 1024 1125 1529 1630 17 18 21 22 23 24 25 DECEMBER 28 29 30

15~

End of Grading Period 15~ End of Grading Period

7 21 14 28 21 28

14 115 8 22 15 29

216 3 17 418~ 9 10 11 23 24 25 16 17 18~ 30 31 22 23 24 25 29 MARCH 30 31

1 M 18 815 22 15 29 22

2 T 29 916 1623 2330

T W T MARCH

3 4 5 W T F 10 3 4 11 5 12 1017 1118 1219~ 1724 182519~26 2431 25 26

29 30 JUNE 31

714 14 21 21 28 28

TJUNE W T F T1 W2 T3~ F 4

1 8 2 9 3~10 4 11 815 916 1017 1118 1522 1623 1724 1825 22 23 24 25 29 30 29 30 Board Approved 08/19/2020 Board Approved 08/19/2020

25*

Early Dismissal 25* Early Dismissal

DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 M7 T8 W9 T10 F 11

Legend:

1 2 3 4 SEPTEMBER T8 W9 T10 F 11

First & Last Day of School

Employee Planning/Inservice

Schools Closed

Weather

First & Last Day of School

Schools Closed

Employee Planning/Inservice

Schools/Admin Offices Closed

• Social distancing: This video explores creative ways students can fight their natural inclinations to be social butterflies, and ensure they are socially distancing while being social with their friends. • Handwashing: This video explores the best hand washing practices like washing your hands for 20 seconds and scrubbing in between fingers and nail beds. • Facial coverings: This video explores the importance of practicing with children the correct way of wearing facial coverings, including covering both the nose and chin and removing face coverings using the ear straps. Neck gaiters and masks with vents or valves are proving to be ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Therefore,

Schools/Admin Offices Closed

the district is discouraging the wearing of these types of face coverings in school and on school buses. Students who wear these types of face coverings will be provided with a disposable face covering for the day and will be expected to bring their district-issued or other appropriate face covering on future school days. • What Happens if COVID-19 enters my school community – In this “Team Up for Health” video, we’re taking a closer look at how the district would respond in the instance of a positive case of COVID-19. Do not forget Team Duval – We do our best when everyone does their part. Stay home if you are sick, wear your face covering, wash your hands and adhere to social distancing and other requirements.

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 17

St. Johns County

School District News

School Board Emergency Rules – COVID-19 Protocol The following Emergency School Board Rule was approved by the School Board during the Special School Board Meeting on August 25, 2020. This rule does not impact the expectations and requirements of mask wearing in the SJCSD Reopening Plan. As stated in the Plan, masks are required with the following exceptions: • eating a meal or snack • during outside physical activity • under the direction of the teacher in the classroom when dividers are in place and students are in their individual workspace without others in that same space The purpose of this rule is to define the process for learning reassignment when mask wearing has become a repeated non-compliance issue for a student and potentially places other students and staff at risk. 1. The School Board has determined that the state of emergency and the health risks posed by the COVID-19 outbreak require the passage of an emergency rule to assure that the Superintendent of the St. Johns County School District and his staff have all necessary authority and resources to enforce District COVID-19 safety protocols and otherwise to protect District students, faculty, staff, volunteers, vendors and visitors when District schools reopen on August 31, 2020. 2. Grant of Authority. The School Board expressly authorizes the Superintendent to require District students, teachers, staff,

volunteers, vendors and visitors when they are in District schools or facilities, on District buses or attending school or school-sponsored activities, to practice social distancing, wear masks or face shields, practice hand washing and proper hygiene, and to take such other precautionary and corrective measures as he may deem necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of District students, faculty, staff, volunteers, vendors, visitors and the community at large. 3. Face Coverings. All students, faculty, staff, volunteers, vendors and visitors shall wear masks and face coverings while in District schools and facilities, on District buses, or attending school or school-sponsored activities. Such masks and face coverings shall be provided by the District. Face coverings shall not be required for persons who present school officials with a certification from a health care provider that the person has a medical condition that prevents him or her from being able to safely wear a face covering. Face coverings shall not be required for infants and children two (2) years of age or younger, during regularly scheduled meal times, while engaged in strenuous activity, or while performing in musical, choral and theatrical rehearsals and performances. While this Emergency Rule remains in force, the Superintendent is authorized to require such other protective measures and grant such other exceptions as he deems in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of students, teachers, staff, volunteers, vendors, visitors and the community at large.

Distant Learners Meal Pick-Up Service Meals will be available for Distance Learners at each school beginning August 31, 2020. The meal price is based on your child’s current lunch eligibility (Free, Reduced, Paid). Please use www.PayPams.com for prepayments to your child’s lunch account. Cash transactions will not occur at the pick-up point. Meals may only be picked-up at the school where your child is enrolled. Parents/ guardians may pick up meals for their child. Parents/guardians will be asked for the student’s name, grade and pin number. The pick-up location at each school varies. Please

4. Refusal or Failure to Comply with Precautionary Measures and Requirements. If a student refuses or repeatedly fails to wear a mask or face covering or follow other precautionary measures at school, the Superintendent shall have the authority to administratively reassign the student to a distance learning program. For purpose of this rule, a student who fails to wear a mask or face covering when required on more than three (3) occasions shall be deemed to have repeatedly failed to do so. The purpose of the reassignment shall not be disciplinary, but rather shall be undertaken in the interest in the health, safety and welfare of other students, teachers, staff, volunteers, vendors and visitors that may come in contact with a student who refuses to wear a mask or otherwise comply with District COVID-19 protocols. 5. Reassignment Procedure. Prior to reassigning a student to a distance learning program for refusal or repeated failure to wear a face mask or comply with other precautionary procedures and requirements, the following steps are recommended. 1. The principal or the principal’s designee shall notify the student and the student’s parents verbally and in writing that the student has refused or failed to comply with required District practices. 2. As promptly as practicable, the principal or the principal’s designee shall confer with at least one of the student’s parents by telephone, by on-line meeting or otherwise to discuss the resolution of the

non-compliance issue. 3. In the event of an outright refusal to comply, or in the event the student still does not comply with required practices after written notification and the parent conference, the principal shall notify the Superintendent and Senior Director of School Services to recommend that the student shall be administratively assigned to distance learning, or that other remedial measures be instituted (if available). 4. The Superintendent or his designee will review the principal’s request and supporting documentation. If in the judgment of the Superintendent, administrative reassignment is warranted, the Superintendent shall notify the parent of that decision in writing. The Superintendent’s decision to reassign a student to distance learning will be final and shall not be subject to appeal. 6. Students with Disabilities. Reassignment students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan shall be handled in accordance with applicable requirements and procedures. 7. Additional Precautions and Protective Measures. In addition to the practices and alternatives specified in this rule, while this rule is in effect, the Superintendent shall have the authority to take such actions as he deems necessary in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of District students, teachers, staff, and the community at large.

St. Johns County School District Master School Calendar 2020-2021 Tuesday-Thursday

August 11, 12, 13, 2020

Teacher Inservice Days (2) and Pre-Planning Day

Monday

August 24, 2020

Optional Teacher Planning Day

Pick-Up Times

Tuesday

August 25, 26, 27, 28, 2020

Teacher Planning Day

• Middle Schools and Gaines/Transitions: 8:30–9 am

Monday

August 31, 2020

Students Report to Class

Monday

September 7, 2020

Labor Day- Student/Teacher Holiday R

Friday

October 30, 2020

First Quarter Ends

contact the cafeteria manager at your child’s school for the pick-up location and your child’s pin number before August 31, 2020.

• Elementary Schools and K-8 Schools: 9–9:30 am • High Schools: 9:45–10:15 am • Gamble Rogers Middle School 8–8:30 am

Calendar continued on the next page...

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 18

St. Johns County

School District News

Schoology for Parents Schoology is an online tool that manages curriculum, assessments, grading and other classroom management tasks and is also a communication platform for educators and students in grades 6 -12.

This tool will be an integral part of how teachers design and implement their lesson plans, assignments and grades. They will use it to post updates to their class and communicate with parents. Parents will be able to see what their children are working on. To create an account, follow these simple instructions: 1.

In your browser, navigate to www.schoology.com.

In the top right corner of the screen, click the Sign Up button.

Select Parent from the options

Enter the Access Code for your child that was sent home from their school.

Fill out the information for your new Schoology account (your email address

and the password you want to use for your Schoology account) and click “Register.”

once the school year begins. If you need to add another child to your account, see below.

You can also ask your child’s teacher for a copy of your Active Directory information, which includes the username and password students utilize to sign into their school accounts.

Q: When going through the registration process, do I enter in my child’s name in the box? A: No, when registering for your parent Schoology account, you enter in your information in the box, not your child’s. Your child already has a Schoology account.

Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do parents have to set up their own accounts? A: Yes, parents/guardians need to register for their own accounts in Schoology. When parents register to create their own accounts in Schoology, part of the registration process is to enter in your child’s access code. Schoology uses this access code to associate your parent account with St. Johns County School’s Schoology portal and to link your new parent account with your child.

Q: Do I need to set up an account for my child? A: No. All active SJCSD students automatically have a Schoology account. They can log in at https://stjohnsschools.schoology.com using their school account and password. Q: How do I get my child’s access code? A: Parent letters with your child’s access code will be sent home from each school. If you did not receive a letter or have lost the code, please contact your child’s teacher.

Q: If I created an account last year, do I need to create another one this year? A: No, you will be able to keep this same account as long as your students are in SJCSD. You will notice your student’s course change

Q: Do I create a parent account for each of my children? A: No, if you have multiple children, you create

a single parent account with 1 child’s code. After you have created your account, you can link the rest of your children to your account within Schoology by clicking on the arrow in the top left corner by your name and selecting +Add Child. Enter in another child’s code in the box, click “USE CODE” and they will now be linked to your account. You can link each child in your family to your account in this manner. Q: I noticed my child’s grades in Schoology are not the same as what is showing in HAC, why? A: Schoology only shows your child’s scores for assignments that are done inside of Schoology. These grades will be transferred into HAC along with any other grades for assignments that are not done in Schoology. Therefore, please always refer to HAC for your child’s grades. Please note that when using a computer to access Schoology students must use Chrome or Firefox. When using a mobile device to access Schoology students must use the web browser Safari or Chrome – not the Schoology app.

St. Johns County School District Master School Calendar 2020-2021 Continued... Tuesday

November 3, 2020

Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday R

Wednesday

November 11, 2020

Veteran's Day - Student/Teacher Holiday R

Wednesday - Friday

November 25-27, 2020

Thanksgiving Break - Student/ Teacher Holiday

Monday - Friday

Dec. 21, 2020-Jan. 1, 2021

Winter Break - Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday

January 4, 2021

Classes Resumes for Students

Monday

January 18, 2021

Martin Luther King Day Student/Teacher Holiday R

Monday

January 21, 2021

Second Quarter ends/First Semester Ends

Friday

January 29, 2021

Teacher Planning Day - Student Holiday

Monday

February 15, 2021

Presidents Day - Student/Teacher Holiday R

Wednesday - Friday

March 17-19, 2021

Spring Break - Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday

March 22, 2021

Classes Resume for Students

Friday

April 2, 2021

Holiday - Student/Teacher Holiday

Monday - Friday

April 5-16, 2021

ELA Reading (Gr. 3) and ELA Writing (Grades 4-10)

Thursday

April 8, 2021

Third Quarter Ends

Friday

April 9, 2021

Teacher Planning Day-Student Holiday

April 19-30, 2021

Middle School District Exams

May 3-28, 2021

FSA Testing (Reading, Math & Science), EOCs

April - June, 2021

AP, IB, ACE

June, 2021

High School District Exams

Monday

May 31, 2021

Memorial Day - Student/Teacher Holiday

Thursday

June 10, 2021

Last Day For Students

Friday

June 11, 2021

Last Day for Teachers - Teacher Planning Day

May / June - TBA

Graduations (Schools/Locations TBD)

*ALL Schools will be dismissed 1 hour early on Dec 18, 2020 and June 10, 2021 All Schools participate in a weekly early release on Wednesday: Elementary @1:45, Middle @12:50, High @ 2:50 R

Possible Hurricane Make-Up Days to be determined as needed

Optional planning day may "Flex" for any Planning Day or Post Planning day as pre-approved by Principal

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 19

Clay County School News Student Calendar 2020-2021 Tuesday, August 11, 2020................................ First Day, Teacher, School Inservice Day Thursday, August 13, 2020............................... Inservice Day Monday, August 17, 2020................................. Inservice Day Tuesday, August 25, 2020................................ First Day, Students Monday, September 7, 2020............................ Labor Day, Student/Teacher Holiday Thursday, October 22, 2020............................. End First Grading Period (42 days) Friday, October 23, 2020.................................. Planning Day/Student Holiday Wednesday, November 11, 2020...................... Veterans' Day, Student/Teacher Holiday Monday, November 23 - Friday, Nov. 27, 2020.. Thanksgiving, Student/Teacher Holidays Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - January 1, 2021... Christmas/New Year’s, Student/Teacher Holidays Monday, January 4, 2021................................. Planning Day/Student Holiday Tuesday, January 5, 2021................................ Students Return to School Friday, January 15, 2021................................. End Second Grading Period (45 days) Monday, January 18, 2021................................... Martin Luther King Day, Student/Teacher Holiday Tuesday, January 19, 2021.............................. Planning Day/Student Holiday Monday, February 15, 2021.............................. Presidents' Day, Student/Teacher Holiday Friday, March 12, 2021.................................... End Third Grading Period (37 days) Monday, March 15 - March 19, 2021................ Spring Break, Student/Teacher Holidays Monday, March 22, 2021................................. Planning Day, Student Holiday Tuesday, March 23, 2021................................. Students Return to School Friday, April 2, 2021......................................... Good Friday, Student/Teacher Holiday Monday, May 31, 2021........................................ Memorial Day (Observed), Student/Teacher Holiday Thursday, June 3, 2021................................... Last Day for Students (51 days) Friday, June 4, 2021........................................ Last Day, Teachers – Planning Day

Fair Foods and Ferris Wheel Rides!

GRADUATION: Friday, May 28, 2021 EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS Elementary Schools Junior High Schools Oct. 30 / January15 January 15, 2021 April 30 / June 3 June 1, 2, 3, 2021 INTERIM REPORTS TO PARENTS Friday, September 25, 2020 Friday, December 4, 2020 Friday, February 19, 2021 Friday, April 23, 2021 Oct. 29, 2020 Jan.25, 2021

Friday Night

Senior High Schools January 15, 2021 June 3, 2021

REPORT CARDS TO PARENTS Elementary Secondary Oct. 29, 2020 Oct. 29, 2020 Jan. 25, 2021 Jan. 25, 2021 March 26, 2021 March 26, 2021 June 10, 2021 June 10, 2021

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 20

Connect with us!

Saturday Night

Friday and Saturday Sept. 25 & 26 Gates open at 7pm . Movies start at 9pm $30 per car entry

Clay County School News Clay County Schools Free and Reduced Meal Program Information for 2020-2021 Clay County District Schools participates in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program. They provide nutritious meals every school day. The 2020-2021 lunch prices are $2.25 for elementary schools and $2.50 for secondary schools. Breakfast is $1.50. Your children may qualify for free or reduced price meals. Please remember that a new application must be completed for the new school year. The reduced price for lunch is $.40 and breakfast is $.30. If your child attends one of the schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) you do not need to fill out a Free and Reduced Application for that child. Each CEP school will provide both breakfast and lunch free of charge with no application process. If you have a child attending a nonCEP school, a free and reduced-price meal application must be completed to receive benefits. If you have children attending a CEP school and a nonCEP school and need to complete an application, please list both children on the application. The number of household members is a qualification of eligibility. The following schools will be participating in CEP for the 2020-2021 school year: Bannerman Learning Center, Charles E. Bennett Elementary, Clay Hill Elementary, Coppergate Elementary, Doctors Inlet Elementary, Grove Park Elementary, Keystone Heights Elementary, Keystone Heights High, Lakeside Elementary, McRae Elementary, Middleburg Elementary, Montclair Elementary, Orange Park Junior High, Orange Park High, Ridgeview Elementary, S. Bryan Jennings Elementary, Swimming Pen Creek Elementary, W.E. Cherry Elementary, Wilkinson

Elementary and Wilkinson Junior High. Again, this year they are pleased to continue the availability of applying for Free and Reduced Price Meals online at www.ClayCountyFNS.com. Applying online will allow for quicker processing so your child can receive benefits faster. Paper applications are still available on the district website, at your child’s school or by calling the Food and Nutrition Services office at (904) 336-6856, (904) 336-6500 or 1-(888) 663-2529. • Use one Free and Reduced Application for all students in your household; • Applications with incomplete information cannot be processed (an adult signature is required for processing all applications); • You do not need to fill out an application if you have received Notification of Direct Certification. Contact the Food and Nutrition Services Office if you have not received notification for all of your children;

the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits for other children. Including children in foster care as household members may help other children in the household qualify for meal benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster child from receiving free meal benefits; • Categorical eligibility for free meals is extended to all children in a household when the application lists a SNAP (previously called food stamps) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) case number for any household member; • If the child you are applying for is homeless, migrant or a runaway, mark the appropriate box and call your school’s homeless liaison (904) 336-1346 or migrant coordinator (352) 955-6855; • Military families should include basic pay and allowances for offbase housing, food and clothing. Do not include an allowance that is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative. Deployed service members are considered part of the household and should be included on the application. Report only the portion of income made available to them or on their behalf to the family. • Households may apply for benefits at any time during the school year;

• Your child’s free or reduced meal eligibility from the previous year will continue up to 30 operating days in the new school year. Once your application is processed that becomes your status for the current school year. Unless you are notified that your children are directly certified or your application has been approved, the children must pay full price for school meals when the carry-over period ends;

• Children of parents or Guardians who become unemployed may be eligible for free or reduced price meals during the period of unemployment;

• Only the last four digits of the social security number of the adult household member signing the application is needed;

• The information submitted on the application may be subject to verification at any time;

• A foster child is categorically eligible for free meals and may be included as a member of the foster family if

• Write a “0” in any fields where there is no income to report. Any income fields left empty or blank will be counted as zeroes. If you write “0” or leave any fields blank you are certifying (promising) that there is no income to report;

• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants may

be eligible for free or reduced price meals; • If you do not agree with the District’s decision regarding your application, you may discuss it with the Food and Nutrition Services Office (904)336-6856, (904)336-6500 or 1- (888)663-2529. You also have the right to a fair hearing. This can be done by writing to Susie Glover, Director, Food and Nutrition Services, 900 Walnut Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043; • If a student’s balance reaches zero, they will be able to charge up $10.00. If the balance exceeds $10.00 an alternate meal may be provided. • Clay County District Schools have a website and app available, MySchoolBucks.com, that allows parents to monitor their child’s lunch account balance and receive low balance notifications. Students are also notified of low balances in their accounts verbally and/or with paper reminders from the cashier as they check out. • The Food and Nutrition Services Department has a wellness policy that can be viewed at www.ClayCountyFNS.com. We welcome your input and involvement. If you have any questions, please contact the Food and Nutrition Services office.

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 21

PETS

Things to Do Pet Events Level 1 Basic Obedience Class September 3, 10, 17, 24, 7pm to 8pm Camp Bow Wow hosts a Level 1 Basic Obedience Class. The 6 week class meets once a week. Behaviors taught include eye contact, sit, leave it, walking on a loose leash, down, sit/stay, drop it, coming when called, sit for petting, wait, and lure walking. Dogs must be 4 months and up, and must be up to date on all vaccines. Cost is $160, which covers the whole 6 weeks. Space is limited. Camp Bow Wow / 904-732-9663 / 8505 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.campbowwow.com Labor Day Free Pet Adoptions September 5 – 7 The Jacksonville Humane Society hosts free pet adoptions on September 5 - 7 to celebrate Labor Day. All animals will be spayed/neutered, microchipped, and fully vaccinated. *Additional fees may apply. Appointments and masks are required. The Jacksonville Humane Society / 904725-8766 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / www.jaxhumane.org ShotVet Pet Clinics September 12, 13 Low cost pet vaccinations, given by licensed veterinarians. No appointments are necessary. Bruster's Ice Cream -- August 30, September 13, 11:30am to 12:30pm Tires Plus -- August 29, September 12, 10am to 11am Starbucks -- August 30, September 13, 2pm to 3pm ShotVet / www.shotvet.com Bruster's Ice Cream / 12224 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 Tires Plus / 13162 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville FL 32225 Starbucks / 13315 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 Paint Your Pet, St. Augustine September 13, 1pm to 4pm Paint Your Pet is a custom art class open to guests 16yrs to adult. It is recommended that you attend a regular class prior to coming to a Paint Your Pet class, but it is not required. Please practice recommended social distancing per

the CDC. Cups and plates are no longer provided; if you are bringing anything to drink or eat please bring your own personal cup. Please submit a clear photo of the pet you are choosing to paint; deadline to submit photo is within 5 days of registering for class. Cost ranges from $55 to $67, depending on the canvas selected for your artwork. Painting With a Twist, St. Augustine / 904-217-8166 / 292 State Road 312, St. Augustine, FL 32086 / www.paintingwithatwist.com Pet Loss Support Group September 24, 6pm to 7pm Anyone who has experienced the loss of a pet or anticipates such a loss is invited to attend the Jacksonville Humane Society’s Pet Loss Support Group on the fourth Thursday of every month. This group is open to anyone interested in attending and reservations are not required. There is no cost to attend, however, donations are welcome to help care for the animals at the shelter. Donations can be done online. Facilitator Charlene Vandiver is a licensed clinical social worker with over a decade of experience offering loss and pre-loss counseling services to the community. Charlene has trained under Dr. Wallace Sife of the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement. The Jacksonville Humane Society Adoption & Education Center / 904-493-4573 / 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216 / jaxhumane.org Nassau Humane Society Adoption Waggin’ September 26, 11:30am to 1:30pm Come meet some of the great Adoption Waggin’ volunteers and adoptable pets. Stop by anytime between 11:30am and 1:30pm and see if you can find a new furry friend to take home. Pet Supermarket / 904-321-1647 / 1416 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 / nassauhumane.org

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

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 22

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Help Sea Turtles Survive: FWC Tips on Helping Hatchlings ea turtle hatchlings are still appearing on beaches throughout the Sunshine State, and S the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

• Keep beaches dark for sea turtles – After sundown, turn off any lights not necessary for human safety. Use long wavelength amber LED lamps for lights that must stay lit and shield lights, Commission (FWC) is asking the public to help so they are not visible from the beach. Remember ensure these tiny turtles reach the ocean by to close shades or curtains. following a few simple guidelines. • No flash photos – On the beach at night, don’t During sea turtle nesting season (March 1 – Oct. take flash photos or use bright cellphones or 31), it is important to keep your distance from flashlights. This can cause turtles to become these protected marine reptiles and their nests. disoriented and crawl away from the ocean, You should allow hatchlings to crawl toward the putting them at risk. ocean on their own. Any interference or disturbance, including getting too close, can cause • Remember, sea turtles are protected by law – hatchlings to become confused and lose their Stay back and give sea turtles space if you see way. one on the beach at night. Don’t touch a nesting turtle because it may leave the beach without Bright lights, whether from buildings, phones or nesting if disturbed. Remember, it is illegal to cameras, can also cause them to become harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests, disoriented, leading the hatchlings to stray away eggs or hatchlings. from the waves. If they are unable to reach the ocean quickly, they can become vulnerable to • Clear the way at the end of the day – Beach dehydration, exhaustion and predators. furniture, canopies, boats and toys left behind on “Interfering with a sea turtle hatchling’s trek to the the sand can become obstacles that block nesting and hatchling turtles. Fill in any holes dug in the ocean can have fatal consequences,” said FWC sand. Holes can trap turtles and can also pose a sea turtle biologist Robbin Trindell. “It’s very safety risk for other beachgoers. important to leave them undisturbed. By keeping beaches dark and giving sea turtles space, we Before taking any action, report sea turtles that can make sure that our children and grandchilare sick, injured, dead, entangled or otherwise in dren can also enjoy watching them make this danger to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: amazing journey.” 1-888-404-3922 or text Tip@MyFWC.com..j There are many ways you can make a difference for Florida’s sea turtles: MyFWC.com

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THINGS TO DO Flight Fit N Fun Social Circles Thursdays, September 3, 10, 17, 24, 5pm - 8pm and Saturdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26, 10am and 11am Introducing Social Circles, an innovative Flight program designed to promote physical distancing, includes private attraction time, incorporates Hand Sanitizing and provides an ultimate experience. You choose your group of friends and book an hour at Flight. Your group stays together with no intermingling of other groups at each attraction. Circles to choose from include Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, and Neptune, with different activites for each circle. Choose a group of 10 friends, starting at $199, or a group of 6, starting at $149. Available Thursday evenings from 5pm - 8pm, circles begin at 5pm; 6pm; and 7pm, and Saturday Morning: 10am & 11am. Flight Fit N Fun / 904-551-4035 / 7022 A C Skinner Pkwy #200, Jacksonville, FL 32256 / www.flightfitnfun.com

um combine laser lights and images with 35,000 watts of digital power. Cosmic Concerts are $10 per person, per show; MOSH Members save $5. Enhance your experience with laser glasses for $1 more. Each night has four concerts. For the health and safety of guests and staff, MOSH is limiting the capacity in the Bryan-Gooding Planetarium to maintain social distancing. The maximum audience size will be 100 guests and Planetarium staff will seat all guests/groups apart to observe social distancing. Facemasks are to be worn at all times. Also, the Planetarium will be regularly cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines. September's concert features Motown, music from 60’s & 70’s Detroit at 7pm; Laser Retro, New Wave music of the 80’s at 8pm, Laseropolis, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s music at 9pm, and Dark Side of the Moon, Album by Pink Floyd, at 10pm. MOSH / 904-396-6674 / 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207 / themosh.org

Rosetta Stone English and Spanish Class Tuesdays, 10am - 12noon and 2pm - 3:30pm Thursdays, 10am - 12noon The Center for Language and Culture offers free community classes, meetings and workshops. Classes are offered virtually through Skype. Send a request for a meeting link to chahedh@duvalschools.org. The Center for Language and Culture / 7407 Old Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL. 32217 / 904-7394891

Big & Little Chef: Ice Cream Dreams September 7, 6pm September 26, 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 delicious 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. The menu features GreenWise Strawberry Shortcake Milkshakes, Chocolate Covered Berry Shakes, Basil, Corn, & Peach Ice Cream Parfaits, and Unfried Ice Cream Pie. 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

Cycles of Nature September 3, 4, 20, 7am to 8am Join St. Johns County Park Naturalist Kelly Ussia and Marineland for a beautiful and educational sunrise walk on the beach. Just like the sun rises and sets every day, there are lots of things in nature that occur on a cyclical basis. This walk will focus on how nature tends to repeat itself and how humans can help protect these delicate cycles. This program is free and open to all ages, but registration is required. For more information, contact Kelly Ussia. Butler Park East / 904-209-0335 / 5860 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / www.sjcfl.us Chicken Dance September 1 – 14 FSCJ Artist Series - School Performances presents a virtual school time show. Chicken Dance is a full-length, 52-minute video and bonus videos for all ages. Performed by ArtsPower. Chicken Dance's virtual program includes a full-length performance of Chicken Dance on video, a grade-specific Study Buddy educational guide that provides a full complement of literacy-building and visual arts activities for your students, song and dance instructional videos, interviews with the author of the Chicken Dance book and the musical’s set designer, and a Student Gallery page where your students can post their artwork and videos. Cost is $300 per School per Grade Level, $15 per Homeschool Group Household, or $6 per Ticket. FSCJ / 904-632-5050 / groupsales@fscjartistseries.org / www.fscjartistseries.org MOSH Cosmic Concerts September 4, 7pm to 10pm Cosmic Concerts in the Bryan-Gooding Planetari-

Moonlight Movies September 11, 25, 8pm Arrive early for the best seats in the house for a free family movie. Shown on a huge screen on stage at the Seawalk Pavilion, movies start at 8pm. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. There will be several food vendors and activities before the movie. Sea Walk Pavilion / 1st Street North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 / www.jacksonvillebeach.org Magic For Humans, at Home September 12, 7pm to 8pm Magician Justin Willman presents a Zoom experience for the whole family. Magic For Humans is an interactive hour of magic, comedy, and unexpected surprises delivered directly into your living room. Justin is a regular on the Tonight Show, Ellen, and Comedy Central, and is the star of the hit Netflix series Magic for Humans. Each ticket allows viewing on one device, so you can choose to enjoy the show solo or share the fun with the entire family. During the performance Justin will be able to see, hear and interact with the audience in real time, making this a truly unique experience. Capacity is limited so get your tickets today. Cost is $25. Justin Willman / WillmanVirtual@gmail.com / www. justinwillman.com Our Big Backyard - Virtual Event September 18, 3pm

Join Ms. Marcia as she explores Our Big Backyard. Each month, Ms. Marcia will teach you all about a different animal that lives right here in Our Big Backyard. The program is available on the St. Johns County Public Library System Facebook page. St. Johns County Public Library / 904-827-6950 / sjcpls.org Fall Cooking Series for Children Mondays, September 21 - November 9, from 4pm to 6:30pm or Tuesdays, September 22 - November 10, from 5pm to 7:30pm Jax Cooking Studio believes in helping children acquire the important life skill of cooking by having them learn by making their own meals. In the cooking series, all classes are extremely hands-on, and children eat what they make each day. Due to the level of individualized attention, only 16 children per session are allowed. Kids will learn how to be safe in the kitchen, including hand and workspace sanitizing; proper food storage and handling; knife safety; and temperature danger zones, how to read and follow a recipe, how to arrange the kitchen workplace so that all the items needed for the recipe are located and placed nearby, how to accurately measure ingredients using measuring cups and measuring spoons and about measuring equivalents, and more. Cost is $400 for entire 8 week series. The series is intended for kids ages 6 and above. Children of like ages are paired together. Jax Cooking Studio / 904-742–5906 / 14035 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32224 / jaxcookingstudio.com

Food, Fun & Flicks September 25th and 26th, 7pm Enjoy Ferris Wheel Rides, Fair Food and movies at the Clay County Fairgrounds! The cost is $30 per car. DJ Roy will perform from 7pm - 9pm. Enjoy your favorite fair food and, ferris wheel rides for $5 per person with $1 of the ticket price going to Our Fair Cares. The Addams Family will be shown on Friday and Sonic the Hedgehog will be shown on Saturday. Movies begin at 9pm. Tickets are available ONLINE ONLY at claycountyfair.org. Social distancing guidelines are in place. Clay County Fairgrounds / 2493 State Road 16 W., Green Cove Springs, FL. 32043 / claycountyfair.org Family Farm Fun Day September 26, 10am to 5pm Diamond D Ranch hosts a Family Farm Fun Day. Two sessions will be available, Session A: 10am 1pm, or Session B: 2pm - 5pm. Activities include wagon rides, nature walks, pony rides, animal orientation, a dixie cartwheel ride, bounce houses, and more. All tickets must be purchased in advance prior to arrival. Children under 2 are free. Tickets range from $15 to $20. Diamond D Ranch / 904-289-9331 / 5903-1 Solomon Road, Jacksonville, FL 32234 / www. diamonddranchinc.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: Dates, times and locations are accurate at time of publication; events and activities listed in this guide are subject to change without notice. Visit Jax4Kids.com for updated information and more events!

SEPTEMBER 2020 • Jax4Kids.com • Page 23

*Evening classes only. Promo valid for new students only. All classes must be attended to notice the diďŹ&#x20AC;erence.