North Shore
Children IN THIS ISSUE It's Back! Our 8th Annual Summer Camps & Programs Showcase! See pages 9-12!
Tips for Parents to Rock on through March Madness Ask Dr. Kate Q&A: ADHD & Your Child Healthy Eating: Citrus Fruit Children's Book Review: Over and Under the Snow Aaron's Presents: Spotlight on the Scrapbook Kids! Education Feature: Harborlight-Stoneridge Montessori School Enter to Win:
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The largest distribution parenting publication on the North Shore – since 2007!
What Are Your Kids Doing This Summer? See pages 9-12 and the back cover for great summer options for North Shore kids!
See page 3!
Community Calendar
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MARCH 2015
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Family & Friends
Marching Into Spring • Making Plans for Your Kids’ Summer by Suzanne Provencher, Publisher/Editor Hello again, dear readers! Have you had enough of this brutal winter yet? This has certainly been a more-snowthan-I-can-recall kind of winter – and I survived the Blizzard of ’78 as a high school girl and the Winter of ’95/’96 when I first bought my home. After each new storm, we bundle up and try to clear the snow – but it got to the point where we wondered where we would put it all – as piles reached to the sky, like an igloo village. There are very few sidewalks and many obstructive piles at every corner, making the streets hard to navigate. Many roads only allow one car to pass at a time, since the streets are so narrowed by banks of snow. It’s hard to walk, park and drive. Sure, it’s all
quite pretty when it’s white and fluffy…but then the mountainous, sandy, dirty, icy mess remains…which gets tracked throughout the back hall, of course. And sometimes creeps into the kitchen when we “forget” to take our boots off first. Ah, the joys of winter! Sure – the kids have fun and don’t mind missing so much school at all. But come mid-June, when they should be enjoying their summer break, they’ll wish they didn’t have so many snow days this year. You either pay your dues now – or later. But enough about winter! March is a good time of year to start thinking about more sunshine and longer daylight hours, the impending arrival of spring and for starting seedlings with your kids. By April or
May – you’ll be able to plant your sprouts in the outdoor garden or in large pots or containers. And by summer, your family can enjoy the fruits (or vegetables, in this case) of your labor. There is nothing better than picking a fresh-off-the-vine tomato or cucumber that you grew from seeds – and taking a bite! March is also the time to start thinking about Summer Camps & Programs – and we have lots of great ideas and options to get you started on pages 9-12 (and the back cover) in this issue in our 8th Annual Summer Camps & Programs Showcase – Part 1 of 4! Many camps & summer programs offer early sign-up, sibling and friend discounts – so sign up by April 1 and save! And check back
with us again next month for more summer camps & programs for your children. If you have a summer camp or program and would like to appear in our April camp showcase, please contact suzanne@northshorefamilies.com by noon, Wednesday, March 18, for camp advertising rates and sizes – and to get started on your ad if you require any ad production assistance. Save 5% if you appear in our 3 remaining camp showcases for this upcoming season! In most cases, one enrollment will cover the cost of your ad(s) – and your camp or summer program will be featured in the largest distribution camp showcases in print on the North Shore! Reach over 50K Moms & Dads in print each month – and
Attorney Mike Bencal 221 Essex St., Suite 51, Salem, MA 01970 978.741.ATTY (2889) • attybencal@gmail.com Education and Special Ed. Law • Civil Rights Law Landlord/Tenant Law • Motor Vehicle Law Mediator • Notary Public
www.bencallaw.com
more online, where each current issue also appears at www.northshorefamilies.com. We’ve got the North Shore covered – since 2007! If your school has an upcoming Open House in April, we hope you’ll join us in our April issue – which closes for ad space reservations on Wednesday, March 18, at noon, if you require any ad production assistance (ad materials and/or ad copy changes are also due by this deadline). To see our regular display ad rates, sizes, available discounts, ad production specifications and more, please visit us online at www.northshorefamilies.com/advertise. In closing, I’d like to wish my sister, Sharon, a very Happy St. Patrick’s Day Birthday! And don’t forget to set your clocks one hour ahead at 2 a.m. on March 8 (or before you go to bed the night before) – when our daylight hours increase and we can finally see that spring truly is just around the corner. Until Next Time ~ Suzanne
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Academic Pressures and Demands
7 Tips to Help Parents Rock on through March Madness & Spring Frenzy by Kate Roberts We all know March madness as the basketball world of college tournaments and playoff games. But for parents, educators and most of all, students, March madness takes on a meaning of its own. Unlike NCAA basketball, for those of us involved with children, March madness ends when summer begins and not a moment before. The world of children ramps up considerably in March and stays heightened until the end of the year, so brace yourselves, parents! For parents, it’s best to acknowledge that from March until the end of the school year – the academic pressure and demands will increase exponentially. March report cards
mean that if a child isn’t doing well they only have one quarter to raise their grades. For those in high school, midterms are in March and for younger students, March means MCAS and benchmark assessments to determine reading levels and class placements. But academics are only the tip of the iceberg for parents who want a well rounded child. Other areas that need attention are decisions about spring sport teams, proms, dances and summer camps. What can parents do to manage the load, support their children and make the best decisions for their children? Here are 7 tips to help you rock through March Madness: 1. Accept that academics will be challenging. Schoolwork is
significantly more difficult between March and the end of the school year in June. Before January, much of what is taught is review. However with the new year, all of that changes and by March, students are expected to be flying through new material. This year, with so many snow days, expect even more new information to be taught in less time. Plan time for extended homework and projects and be more diligent about checking the school websites and the homework planner. As a parent, you have to be on top of it because even the most responsible kids get overwhelmed in March and remain so until the end of the year. Continued on page 4
North Shore Children & Families North Shore Children & Families INVITES YOU TO www.northshorefamilies.com P.O. Box 150 Nahant, MA 01908-0150 781.584.4569
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A publication of North Shore Ink, LLC © 2015. All rights reserved. Reproduction in full or in part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
Suzanne M. Provencher Publisher/Editor suzanne@northshorefamilies.com Designed by Group One Graphics Printed by Seacoast Media Group Please see our Calendar in this issue for our upcoming deadlines. Published and distributed monthly throughout the North Shore, 10x per year, and always online. Information contained in NSC&F is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. Individual readers are responsible for their use of any information provided. NSC&F is not liable or responsible for the effects of use of information contained in NSC&F. Established 2007.
IN BOSTON DEADLINE TO ENTER IS MARCH 22! Please enter online at www.northshorefamilies.com. All prizes are awarded courtesy of North Shore Children & Families, and in partnership with select sponsors. Please – only one entry per person. Several winners will be selected.
4 North Shore Children & Families March Madness
sports, spring plays and concerts, proms, exams and regular life all happening simultaneously, it’s important to know your limits. If you can handle the three months of life in the fast lane, go for it. If not, recognize what you can and can’t do and plan accordingly. It’s better to say “no” to something than to over commit and feel overwhelmed and resentful.
Continued from page 3
2. Address problems proactively. If your child is struggling, instead of getting frustrated, find a way to provide the help they need. Examples of potential solutions include before and after school help, tutoring and homework buddies, to name a few. 3. Be aware of Testing such as MCAS or Parcc. Parents don’t need to do anything about MCAS and they shouldn’t. MCAS is between the school and your child. The exception to this is if your child is in 10th grade, and then they must score in the proficient range on the MCAS. If they don’t, they have two more years to do that before they can graduate. Parents need to be aware that teachers are evaluated on their students’ MCAS performance, naturally raising the stress and the stakes. 4. Juggling the spring sports’ schedule. There is no single answer for how many sports your child can manage; it depends on the child. Consider what your child can
handle. If they’re athletic and eager, you should get them involved as much as you and they can handle. If they are like most kids, one sport a season is sufficient. When playing two sports, multiple transitions are inevitable as people shuffle from one field to the next. Changing clothes in the car and rushing between games and practices are commonplace and transition time to relax and refocus is limited. Draw out commitments on a visual calendar to make the reality clear before signing up for teams or taking on what may be too much. 5. Managing the spring activity
schedule. Aside from sports, spring is full of wonderful extracurricular activities such as science fairs, plays, concerts, recitals, proms, dances and graduations – the list is endless. Don’t get caught unprepared. Plan ahead by looking at the calendar and plotting out the commitments visually in advance. Forgetting that your son needs a jacket for a concert the night before the big event is a stress every parent can do without. 6. Recognize burnout potential. There’s a high chance of burnout with over-scheduling. Between
7. Take care of yourself. Whether its cards with the guys or wine with the girls, a new pair of shoes or a trip to the nail salon, make sure that every week you are doing something for yourself. Otherwise you will get burned out in the midst of all this school stress, regardless of how positive your attitude is. And always remember, this time is limited; soon it will be summer and all of this will be behind you! Dr. Kate Roberts is a licensed child and school psychologist and family therapist with offices in Salem and Hamilton. She welcomes newcomers to her private practice. She specializes in cognitive-behavior therapy, family therapy, anxiety and learning disabilities. She can be reached at kate@drkateroberts.com and www.drkateroberts.com.
232 Essex St., Beverly • (978)202-4100 • 516 So. Main St., Andover • (978)475-8010 • NGCCenters.com
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Ask Dr. Kate
Q&A for North Shore Parents Question: My five year old son’s teacher told me that my son has ADHD. Can they even determine this and what should I do? Answer: Many parents that visit my office report that they have been asked by teachers, friends, extended family and neighbors about whether their child has ADHD. You are correct to question: “Who really can give this label to my child?” Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is only formally diagnosed by medical or health professionals. That being said, let’s assume your child’s teacher is raising their concerns with your son’s best interests in mind. What is most important is that you realize two things. First, you know your child better than anyone – and second, children develop at different rates. For example, many children under the age of eight, with or without ADHD, cannot focus and sit still in a classroom for six hours at a time. With that perspective, go ahead and schedule a conference with your child’s teacher and the guidance counselor or school psychologist to hear what they have to say. The conference should have two main objectives. First, you want clarification regarding the specific behaviors that are concerning the teacher: “What exactly is your son doing?” And second, you want to find out “How is the teacher managing those behaviors in the classroom?” The behaviors that (may) reflect ADHD include difficulty with the following: attending to details, sustaining attention, listening and following directions, keeping track of items, following daily routines, transitioning from one task to the next. In addition, some children with inattention also display hyperactivity such as being overly active, restless, fidgety and impulsive, with frequent blurting out behavior.
Be aware that although ADHD behaviors can mimic behaviors that are often described with terms like disruptive, acting out and noncompliant, ADHD-like behaviors are a result of either normal development for younger children or if ADHD is truly present, the behaviors are a result of the ADHD condition, and not a conscious attempt to disrupt. In the classroom, there are two levels of behavior management. First, there is overall classroom management, i.e., “How structured is the classroom?” For ADHD children (and most five year olds in kindergarten today who are asked to sit and listen for long periods and learn reading and writing), highly structured classrooms are the most successful for academics. Examples of highly structured classrooms include a strict daily routine that can be internalized by students, allowing them to have a sense of control over their world. In addition to the overall classroom management, children with ADHD-like behaviors benefit from a positive behavior plan. An example includes ignoring negative behaviors, and addressing one problematic behavior at a time through positive rewards (a sticker for every time he raises his hand instead of blurting out). At home, you can implement similar programs. Plan a conference at the school in 4-6 weeks to follow up on what is working and what is not. You can also make an appointment with the pediatrician to discuss the behaviors that are interfering with your child’s success at school. If you have a question for Dr. Kate, please email her at kate@drkateroberts.com. We may publish your question, anonymously, in a future issue – along with Dr. Kate’s response. This feature is brought to you, courtesy of Dr. Kate and North Shore Children & Families.
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Healthy Eating
Time for Nutrient-Rich Citrus Fruit! by Mary Higgins, Nutrition Educator Pick up a navel orange with its thick skin. Slice it from one end to the other. Breathe in the aroma. Then pierce through the thin white covering and discover the juiciness within, just bursting with compounds that can relieve the symptoms of winter maladies. During the cold season, you might want to stock up on citrus fruit for you and your family. Cut up a tangerine to accompany your child’s sandwich; serve bright orange kumquats as dessert; or halve a grapefruit to enjoy as a mid-afternoon snack. Citrus, loaded with vitamin C and other plant-based “phyto” nutrients, offers refreshment and quenches thirst, especially when you have been spending your time in dry, heated buildings. What is Citrus? The citrus family is a large one, including some fruits that everyone knows, as well as a few with which you may not be familiar. Have you ever heard of the pummelo, sour orange or tangor? Here is a full list of citrus fruits: Grapefruit Blood Orange Kumquat Sour Orange Lemon Pummelo Lime Tangelo Mandarin Orange Tangor Tangerine (of which Clementines are a variety)
All citrus fruits are nutritional all-stars and unique from other fruit such as apples and bananas because they contain so many nutrients combined in one package. These nutrients all have long complicated names, so I’ll try to break it down for you. Let’s start with the skin of a citrus fruit. Those of you who enjoy baking are aware of how versatile lemon zest can be and how the specks of grated lemon, lime and orange skin can add some punch to breads, cakes, muffins and cookies. These little gratings also add some nutritional value as they are full of a nutrient called quercetin, which functions as a natural anti-histamine. I enjoy orange zest in my morning oatmeal. Beneath the edible, yet bitter rind, you’ll find a tough white covering which some people eat. This holds the segments of citrus fruit together and contains bioflavonoids with such tongue twisting names as naringin, nobiletin and hesperidin. Then we reach the flesh loaded with sweet juice and replete with valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Prevent Internal Logjams with Fiber Another name for fiber is roughage. It comes from the cellulose in plant foods which expand in the intestines, maintaining a smoothly running digestive tract while keeping cholesterol low. Fiber also makes us feel full so we can resist the aroma of those cinnamon buns wafting from that kiosk in the mall. Adequate fiber goes a long way in preventing constipation and diseases such as Continued on page 8
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Education Feature
Harborlight-Stoneridge Montessori School: What Every Child’s School Ought to Be
What Parents Want Most parents want a school that will help their children acquire the knowledge and skills they need to be successful adults, and that does so in an environment that nurtures and respects each child’s natural curiosity and unfolding personality. Parents of young children who visit a Montessori school are quickly drawn to an environment and process of educating young children that feels intuitively comfortable and right. They see classrooms that are thoughtfully prepared to bring school routines to a cozy, home-like atmosphere. They see very young children working independently with manipulative objects to learn to read and understand mathematics. They see Montessori teachers artfully bridging the homeschool experience. All of this is central to the Montessori Method, and the result is a successful first-school experience for children and their parents. This experience continues as children progress through the school. The elementary and middle school programs build upon the early childhood experience to provide a pathway to college, career and living a prosperous life. The curriculum evolves from level to level, with the individual threads woven into a rich, interdisciplinary tapestry. The upper school program prepares students academically, but also socially and emotionally, so
they develop a strong sense of integrity, character and social justice. Parents see upper school students who are confident and at ease with themselves, who ask inquisitive questions and are able to draw connections and to think critically. Montessori students actively engage with adults and each other; they are able to manage time, work productively and contribute to the community. They possess respect and responsibility. Why Parents Choose Montessori More and more parents are turning to the Montessori Method of education because it meets their expectations of a school. They appreciate the small class size that fosters close relationships with teachers over a three-year cycle. They see teachers who are participatory in the learning, conducting lessons in small group or individual format that affords an exchange of ideas and hands-on learning. They see Montessori students who love going to school because they are actively engaged not only in the rigorous curriculum, but in the life of the school – planning their own field trips, writing skits about sustainability, managing the weather station, leading classroom morning meetings and school assemblies. This process of teaching and learning is often what attracts parents to Montessori, but it is the product of our program that is most compelling – the compassionate, articulate, intellectually curious graduate. H-SMS alumni are a dynamic and diverse group. Although they have taken many different paths from this little campus, they remain intrinsically connected by their respective sense of purpose, innovation and drive.
H-SMS students look forward to Mondays; H-SMS graduates might just change the world. Harborlight-Stoneridge Montessori School is what every child’s school ought to be. For more information about programs (Infant through Grade 8) at Harborlight-Stoneridge Montessori School, Beverly, MA, please contact Rachel McAlpine, Director of Admissions, at 978-922-1008 or rmcalpine@h-sms.org or visit our website at www.h-sms.org.
The information contained in this education feature was submitted by Harborlight-Stoneridge Montessori School, and published in partnership with North Shore Children & Families; www.northshorefamilies.com.
8 North Shore Children & Families Citrus Fruit Continued from page 6
diverticulosis. One of my favorite salads is baby spinach, with mandarin orange segments and walnuts. This combination of lutein and zeaxanthin from the spinach, and the vitamin C from the oranges, provides strong protection for eyes against cataracts. A study from Harvard Medical School found a diet high in produce protects the eyes. And in this dish, the walnuts protect delicate breast tissue while adding a bit of crunch. The Benefits of Vitamin C The abundance of vitamin C found in citrus fruits strengthens cell walls and membranes, keeping gums healthy. During cold season, you can defend yourself against infection by eating a variety of citrus fruits. Their vitamin C produces an abundant supply of infection- fighting T- cells. When you eat a food such as an orange with a food rich in iron, such as beef, it enhances the absorption of the iron – making the combo even more nutritious! Vitamin C is needed to make collagen to protect the lining of our joints. One cup of orange juice every day may protect you and your children from developing rheumatoid arthritis. This often crippling form of joint destruction affects children as well as adults, making ordinary activities such as feeding and dressing, painful and challenging. Citrus Contains Bioflavonoids These substances enhance the function of the immune system and are a subclass of antioxidants. They lower the risk of developing dementia through protection of vulnerable nerve tissue. [Jeremy P.E. Spencer (2010):The impact of fruit-flavonoids on memory and cognition. British Journal of Nutrition. 104, pp S40-S47]
Take a step in preventing asthma in your children by giving them a cup of citrus-rich orange or grapefruit juice or hand them a tangerine or clementine. Studies on the children of smokers were found to receive significant protection of their lung cells from the vitamin C. [Hatch, G. 1995: Asthma, inhaled oxidants and dietary antioxidants. Amer. Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61, 625S-630S] Children usually enjoy sweet tasting clementines, which are easy for little hands to peel, and may be intrigued by grape-sized kumquats that require no peeling at all. The juices of citrus fruits add vibrancy to quinoa, rice and salsa. Be careful to buy organic if you are purchasing those little plastic lemons and limes for their juice. The non-organic variety contains sulfites, which can bring on asthma attacks. The limonoids aid the digestive process. Squirt the pungent juice of a lemon over your broccoli to add some spark. Sliced lemons enhance many foods, including chicken, seafood dishes and coleslaw. Along with your citrus fruit, choose a rainbow of assorted produce for you and your family to enjoy. Studies show those who eat 5 or more servings of produce every day have a 20% reduced risk of getting all kinds of cancer. Does anyone in your house have “spring fever”? It’s been a long winter, whacked by one snowstorm after another in New England. Complex carbohydrate foods, such as fruit, increase serotonin levels to calm anxiety. Lose Belly Fat with Citrus For years, dieters have turned to grapefruits to aid in weight loss. It was believed that with their diuretic effect, they purged the body of excess fluid that can cause bloating and make clothes fit tighter. Well, the news is even better! Researchers identified specific compounds in grapefruits called nobiletin and naringen that boost the liver’s ability to burn fat and use it as fuel. So this year, invite citrus into your life!
Lynn Campus 26 Urban St. Lynn, MA grades pre-k to 8
Beverly Campus 35 Conant St. Beverly, MA grades pre-k to 5
Marblehead Campus 17 Pleasant St. Marblehead, MA pre-k
www.nschristian.org 781-599-2040 Imagine a school rooted in the principles of truth, character, and excellence. A vibrant and diverse community committed to academic excellence and innovative learning. Imagine a place where dedicated teachers encourage each child to think deeply and to serve others.
is is North Shore Christian School. Celebration of Learning: Friday, March 6, 6:30-8pm, Lynn Campus Open House: Monday, March 9, 9-11:30am, Lynn & Beverly Campuses
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Summer Camps & Programs Showcase Series Part 1 of 4 Series continues in our April, May & Summer issues.
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North Shore Children & Families
Summer Camps & Programs Showcase Series Part 1 of 4 Series continues in our April, May & Summer issues.
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Summer Camps & Programs Showcase Series Part 1 of 4 Series continues in our April, May & Summer issues.
BOSTON SOCCER ACADEMY 2015 • All of our clinics are COED with a goalkeeper program. • The day clinics have programs for grades 1-9. Please visit our website to see our full list of 2015 day clinics & overnight camp. 2015 NORTH SHORE LOCATIONS: APRIL 21-24 JUNE 29-JULY 2 JULY 6-9 JULY 13-16 JULY 20-23 JULY 27-30 AUG. 2-6 AUG. 3-6 AUG. 10-13 AUG. 17-20
Fairhaven Park, HAMILTON & Phillips Park, SWAMPSCOTT Phillips Park, SWAMPSCOTT & Greater Lawrence Tech, ANDOVER Tufts University, MEDFORD Tufts University, MEDFORD (tentative) Shore Country Day School, BEVERLY Concord Academy, CONCORD & Brookwood School, MANCHESTER Governor’s Academy, BYFIELD (grades 9-12) Shore Country Day School, BEVERLY Pingree School, SO. HAMILTON Tower School, MARBLEHEAD
Now in r h Yea our 35t
2015
Andover’s Original Summer Enrichment Program For Children Ages 3-13 Pike School, Andover
July 6-24, 2015
Online registration: www.bostonsocceracademy.com Questions: admin@bostonsocceracademy.com • 617.797.6619
REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN!
New Courses in 2015 Fencing • Ultimate Sports • LEGO Remote Control Shaking Up Shakespeare • Monsters and Myths Cosmetic Chemistry • Architecture • Building Bridges: Engineering Ukulele • Teddy Bear Picnic • Giggle and Wiggle LEGO Thrill Rides & Stop Motion Animation Minecraft and Hovercrafts Also, KITE Program for High Ability Students in Grades Pre-K-Grade 7, July 27-31, 2015
Don’t Miss the Fun! Sign Up Soon FOR BROCHURE, REGISTRATION, AND/OR INFORMATION: PHONE: 978-475-1422 ANYTIME WWW.KALEIDOSCOPEKIDS.COM
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North Shore Children & Families
Summer Camps & Programs Showcase Series Part 1 of 4 Series continues in our April, May & Summer issues.
BROOKS SCHOOL NORTH ANDOVER, MA
Celebrating Our 30th Summer!
Ages 4-13 – Two-Week Sessions Red Cross Swim Lessons, Outdoor Adventures, Crafts
Grades 7-10 – One-Week Sessions Adventure, Performing and Creative Arts, Field Trips
Song Performance • Dance Phenomenon • Triple Threat: Musical Theatre Creative Writing • Filmmaking • Photography • Variety Arts & More!
August 15 - 24, 2015 CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION Grades 3-8 – One-Week Sessions Movie Making, Game Design, Robotics, Swimming
Tel: 978-725-6253 – daycamp@brooksschool.org http://summer.brooksschool.org
For more information, please contact us at: info@c-a-m-p.net or 505.946.2468 or visit us online at www.c-a-m-p.net.
Aztec Summer Program OPTIONS FOR: – BOYS & GIRLS – AGES 6 - 14 & HIGH SCHOOL – HALF-DAY, DAY
Full details & Registration Online at www.aztecsoccer.com
See the back cover for another great camp or to advertise in our April camp showcase!
Children’s Book Review
Over and Under the Snow Written by Kate Messner, Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal Chronicle Books, $16.99, Ages 4 and up by Cathy Mealey Do you think you know all about snow? This winter we have certainly had many, many opportunities on the North Shore to watch the fine flakes fall, to slide and glide, to shovel and plow. But I guarantee that even if you feel a little weary of the ice and cold, Kate Messner’s delightful book Over and Under the Snow will restore your appreciation for the magic that takes place in nature’s secret subnivean kingdom. A girl enjoying a day of cross-country skiing with her father narrates the story, describing where she goes and what she sees. “Over the snow I glide. Into woods, frosted fresh and white. Over the snow, a flash of fur – a red squirrel disappears down a crack. ‘Where did he go?’ ‘Under the snow,’ says Dad. As they proceed through the woods, they discover many signs of animal life, lyrically described and simply outlined. Hoof tracks and an oval of melted snow reveal where deer have spent the night. White mounds in the marsh
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hint at the location of beaver lodges, as the beaver family gnaws on aspen bark and twigs. Beautiful pale blue, brown and icy gray illustrations reveal tunnels and caves below the snow surface. Here forest creatures spend their winter days and nights warm and safe, sleeping and playing, some foraging and hunting. Messner’s menagerie includes shrews, snow hares, bullfrogs, bears and even bumblebees. There is an informative author’s note at the book’s end that profiles each animal in depth, and gives additional information about their homes, diets and behavior. Over and Under the Snow balances a gentle rhythm of action and observation that even the youngest readers can follow. The girl leads the way, gliding and swooping, then pausing to listen and look carefully at her surroundings. What she notices is then illustrated and explained, as the animals munch, scratch, snore and snooze above and below the snow. Neal’s minimalist illustrations are captivating, setting the snowy scenes with broad white horizons and contrasting them with feathery tree branches, delicate snowflakes and rough tree bark. Simple in tone and slightly retro in feel, the fine quality of this book is enhanced by its thick and unvarnished paper, offering a satisfying heft to the feel and turn of each page. Over and Under the Snow is a wonderful book to share with a wide age range of children. Young ones will enjoy the snowy adventure story and finding the animals on each page. Older kids will lap up the fun facts in the back. For example, did you know a queen bumblebee will hibernate in the soil, even producing her own antifreeze to protect her if temperatures drop too low? Or that a male bullfrog’s ear is about twice the size of his eye? Continued on page 14
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4. With Bag2School you do not have to worry about cluttering your school grounds with collection bins – all items are cleared on the day and converted to cash for your fundraising goal. We even provide the bags! Regional Coordinator, Missy Hollenback 508-284-7314 • missy.bag2school@outlook.com Toll Free 1-855-260-FUND (3863) • info@bag2school.ca • www.bag2school.ca/usa
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14 North Shore Children & Families
Raising Compassionate Children
Teaching Kids to Give Brings Happiness, Healing and Purpose Spotlight on Grant Recipients: Mary Hannah, Jack, Ella and Michael; 2nd and 3rd graders from Andover Project: Scrapbook Kids! by Leah Okimoto Mary Hannah, Jack, Ella and Michael first heard about Aaron’s Presents when I presented to their entire elementary school at an assembly back in September. When I came back to meet with any interested kids, they were full of enthusiasm and handed me their completed application describing their project idea: scrapbooking with kids in the hospital. I immediately thought this was a terrific idea, as scrapbooking seemed like an ideal activity to do in this setting because it creates a lasting keepsake and is fun to do with other people, especially a group of kind, creative kids! Unfortunately, hospitals are not legally able to allow children under the age of 15 to volunteer or interact with patients. So, I broke the news to the group at our next meeting and we started brainstorming other options. When I asked them, “Would you want to scrapbook with older people, like at a nursing home?”, I expected their response to be uncertain and hesitant. But to my surprise, they jumped out of their chairs yelling out, “Yeah!!” I had already fallen in love with these four kids, and this sealed the deal. I was so impressed with their willingness to change course and serve a completely different group of people. Keep in mind that they were only 7 and 8 this past fall! Despite the silliness and fun we had at every one of our meetings, their maturity and fearless initiative inspired me and validated the belief I have held from the beginning of this program that young kids have such a natural capacity to give of themselves and just need an accessible, ageappropriate way to do so. For the next month or so, we coordinated schedules, developed a list of supplies needed, and reached out to local nursing homes. The group ended up scrapbooking with residents at Academy Manor in Andover and Wingate Andover on a Sunday afternoon in November and
in January. True to form, they jumped in and took the lead in teaching the residents how to make scrapbook pages, in some cases making pages with them and in other cases making pages for them, depending on their capabilities. At both locations, there were some residents with significant physical and mental limitations, and the kids acted a little shy for about a minute! Then they just went about their business and communicated as much as they could with the residents and showed everyone respect, kindness and patience. I am so proud of their commitment to their project and the way in which they carried it out. They practiced empathy and compassion with members of our society who love interacting with children and who need to feel that they are not being forgotten. In Ella’s words, “Thank you for donating money to us so we could scrapbook with the older people…I learned that scrapbooking with other people and making them happy made me feel really good!” Mary Hannah, Jack, Ella and Michael’s project received a total grant of $287.23, which was made possible by The Dr. Alan Metwally Presents Fund, a fund started by Dr. Metwally’s loved ones to continue his legacy of generosity and love towards children. 100% of Presents Funds contributions are used solely for project expenses. Please visit www.aaronspresents.org to learn more about how a child you know can apply for a grant or to support our work in some way. We hope that this story will inspire other kids to think of ways they can give of themselves! Leah Okimoto is the Founder and Executive Director of Aaron’s Presents, a grants program for children in 8th grade and below to dream up and carry out positive projects that benefit others. She is also a North Shore mother who lives with her husband and 6 year old daughter. Her son, Aaron, lives on in her heart and through her work with the amazing Aaron’s Presents grant recipients who bring her and others joy and inspiration every day.
Over and Under the Snow Continued from page 13
On the final page, beautiful animal constellations shine brightly against the darkness, floating high in the cold night sky. Down below, snug in her warm bed, our heroine curls up and falls asleep after a busy day. This cozy ending ties everything together perfectly, making Over and Under the Snow a wonderful book to share on a chilly winter night. Cathy Ballou Mealey is a picture book writer and mom to two great kids. She lives in Lynnfield, MA and shares book reviews through Twitter via @CatBallouMealey. Cathy borrowed Over and Under the Snow from her local library, where she discovers wonderful new stories every week.
Community Calendar To Submit to our Community Calendar: Please visit us at www.northshorefamilies.com and submit your listings directly through our website. From our Home Page – click on Calendar – then click on Post Your Event and our form will open for you to complete and submit your listings. ALL calendar listings must be submitted directly via our website. While we will make every attempt to post all appropriate listings in our online Community Calendar, space is limited in print – and priority will be given to those events that are free and family-friendly – and those submitted by our advertising partners & sponsors. Calendar listings received online by the 15th of each month will be considered to also appear in our upcoming print calendar. If you need to guarantee that your listing will be posted in print – please contact Suzanne to advertise. To advertise, please contact Suzanne at suzanne@northshorefamilies.com or 781.584.4569.
For complete listing accuracy, we recommend that you call ahead or check the websites listed. Featured listings do not constitute an endorsement from this Publisher and we encourage our readers to always do their own research. COMING UP in APRIL: Our 8th Annual Summer Camps & Programs Showcase Series continues in our April issue! To advertise your summer camp or program, please see the back cover. Our showcases are the LARGEST in print on the North Shore! Join us and BOOST your summer enrollments! SIGN UP TODAY: Check out pages 9-12 for summer camps & programs for your children! Many offer early sign-up, sibling and friend discounts – so register today! FUNDRAISING FOR SCHOOLS, TEAMS & GROUPS: Clean out your closets and get cash! See Bag2School ad on page 13! SEEKING AD SALES HELP: North Shore Children & Families is seeking independent contractors to sell advertising. Work around your schedule and earn commissions! Please email letter of interest and resume to suzanne@northshorefamilies.com – and use “Advertising Sales” in your subject line. No phone calls, please and thank you. SEEKING SPONSORS, RUNNERS & WALKERS: On Sunday, May 3, 2015, Brookwood Financial Partners of Beverly will be hosting the 2nd Annual LUNGSTRONG 5K Race & 1.5 Mile Walk at the Cherry Hill Corporate Center in Beverly. The walk begins at 10:30am, followed by the race at 11am. There will be a post-race celebration with awards, food and live music. For more information on this event, including sponsorship opportunities, race/walk entry instructions and to donate, please visit www.lungstrong.org.
$AVE UP TO $1,000! Works by Jesse DeBenedictis, LLC, is offering up to $1,000 off painting or renovation work! See their ad on page 6 for complete details and save! www.WORKSbyJD.com MARCH 4: Open House at HarborlightStoneridge Montessori School, Beverly, 9-10:30am. See ad on page 5; www.h-sms.org. MARCH 6: Celebration of Learning at North Shore Christian School, Lynn campus, 6:30-8pm. See ad on page 8. www.nschristian.org MARCH 8: Daylight Saving Time Begins! Spring your clock ahead one hour at 2 a.m. (or before you go to bed the night before). International Working Women’s Day MARCH 9: Open House at North Shore Christian School, Lynn & Beverly campuses, 9-11:30am. See ad on page 8. www.nschristian.org MARCH 11: Open House at Next Generation Children’s Centers in Beverly and Andover, 4-7pm; see ad on page 4. www.ngccenters.com MARCH 12: Girl Scouts’ Day MARCH 17: Happy Birthday, Sharon! St. Patrick’s Day MARCH 18 (NOON): AD DEADLINE: If you need to advertise in our APRIL issue, and if you need any ad production assistance, please confirm your ad size and submit your ad materials by NOON TODAY! You can see our display ad rates, sizes, available discounts & more at www.northshorefamilies.com/advertise or contact suzanne@northshorefamilies.com.
North Shore Children & Families To participate in our 8th Annual Summer Camps & Programs Showcase Series – please contact suzanne@northshorefamilies.com for special showcase ad sizes and rates. MARCH 19: Open House at Next Generation Children’s Centers in Beverly and Andover, 4-7pm; see ad on page 4. www.ngccenters.com MARCH 20 (NOON): AD DEADLINE: FINAL Advertising Space Reservation DEADLINE at NOON for ALL COMPLETED ADS (that do NOT require any ad production assistance) for our APRIL issue! To advertise, contact suzanne@northshorefamilies.com! If you need any ad production assistance, please confirm your ad size and submit your ad materials by noon, Wed., March 18! You can see our regular display ad rates, sizes, available discounts & more at www.northshorefamilies.com/advertise. To participate in our 8th Annual Summer Camps & Programs Showcase Series – please contact suzanne@northshorefamilies.com for
special showcase ad sizes and rates. MARCH 20: First Day of Spring! International Earth Day MARCH 22: Deadline to Enter to Win Tickets to see Big Apple Circus! See page 3; enter online at www.northshorefamilies.com. MARCH 25: All School Open House, 9-11am, at Covenant Christian Academy, West Peabody. See ad on page 2; www.covenantchristianacademy.org. MARCH 26: Open House at Odyssey Day School, Wakefield, 6:30-8pm; Open Classrooms 9:30-11am. www.odysseydayschool.org MARCH 29: National Mom & Pop Business Owners’ Day Please visit us online at www.northshorefamilies.com/events for more calendar listings for North Shore parents, children & families!
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2015 PUBLISHING SCHEDULE Issue
15
Ad Space Deadline*
Ad Space Deadline
(for ads that need production help)
(for completed ads**)
April noon, 3/18 May noon, 4/15 Summer (June/July) noon, 5/13
noon, 3/20 noon, 4/17 noon, 5/15
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Ad Space Closes 3/18!
“QuickStart” friendly Creative techniques Camper: Staff = 4:1 Ages 5-16
8th Annual North Shore Children & Families presents the 7th
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Secure your summer! ✔ Boost your summer enrollments & reach parents throughout the North Shore! ✔ Over 50,000 local readers - moms & dads with children of all ages & interests! ✔ Showcases run on bannered pages! ✔ Appears in print & online!
The largest camp showcases in print on the North Shore! Series es u continur o in May & April, mer Sum s! issue
DEADLINE FOR APRIL SHOWCASE ADS: Secure your ad space by noon, Wed., March 18. If you require ad production assistance, your ad materials are also due by this deadline. All showcase ads are due or must be done by noon, Fri., March 20. Special Showcase ad sizes and pricing are offered for this series. To learn more or to secure your space, please contact Suzanne: suzanne@northshorefamilies.com or 781.584.4569.