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Best Spots to Pick Fruit
Video Games at School?
How to Prevent Abuse • Accessible Beaches in NJ and DE
Explore Winterthur inside and out! truck & tractor day
October 5, 2019 • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
story time in enchanted woods time traveler’s tour • the touch-it room hands on history cart • and more! Consider a family or grandparent membership for free access all year! For details on our family programs and events, call 800.448.3883 or visit
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Winterthur is nestled in Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley on Route 52, between I-95 and Route 1.
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August 2019 Vol. 30, No. 8
In This Issue 4 Accessible Beaches in NJ and DE 8 Esports Become School Sports 10 Is Your School’s Water Safe? 17 Meet Our CoverKid
8
SpecialKids 6 How to Prevent Abuse 7 Schools for Students with Complex Needs
Our Goal is Happy, Healthy Children!
Warm, Friendly & Fun Atmosphere
Family Fun 14 Day-by-Day Calendar 18 U-Pick Tips and Spots
We Specialize in Children’s Dentistry State-of-art Equipment & Techniques
Ad Sections
18
5 Events; 9 Education; 12 Child Care
17
On Our Cover
CoverKids winner Liam H. of Glen Mills, PA
Photos by Expressions Photography — Yorklyn, DE; photosbyexpressions.com
Super “KID” Friendly Environment Excellent Pediatric Staff
*Accepting New Patients Voted Delaware’s Top Pediatric Dentist by Delaware Today Magazine
Open House August 27th & 28th 6-8pm and Sept 3rd & 4th 6-8pm Spin the wheel for FREE GIFTS and get 10% off all dance attire purchases
REGISTER TODAY! Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, PreSchool Classes, Lyrical/Contemporary, Hip Hop, Pom, AcroDance Dance Classes for ages 2-18 Yearly Recitals, Dance Company, Local Performances
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CALL TODAY
6-Week Sessions of Mommy & Me Adult Dance Classes
302-475-7640
Classes Begin September 9th
REGISTER NOW AT... www.DANCEatADA.com
AUGUST 2019
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Hockessin/Lantana Square 302-234-9900
DentistryForChildrenDE.com
2036 Foulk Rd., Suite 200 • Wilmington, DE 19810 MetroKids.com 3
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MomSpeak
mk smart. local. parenting.
1412-1414 Pine St., Philadelphia, PA 19102 215-291-5560 856-667-3555 302-224-3020 Toll Free: 888-890-4668 Fax: 215-291-5565
President: Nancy Lisagor, PhD, ext. 109 nlisagor@metrokids.com Publisher: Darlene Weinmann, ext. 108 dweinmann@metrokids.com Managing Editor: Dave Gilmartin, ext. 102 editor@metrokids.com
Accessible Beaches
New Jersey and Delaware shore towns with walkways and sand wheelchairs make it easier for people with mobility issues to get closer to the water. Do you know someone who would love to go to the beach, but the trek across the sand is too difficult, either because of age or disability? Lisa Lightner, who runs A Day in Our Shoes and is one of our MomSpeak bloggers, found accessible walkways and beach wheelchairs a great convenience when she went to Sea Isle City, NJ and Rehoboth, DE with her son last year. “They were such a lifesaver and patience-saver,” she says. “Dragging my son’s chair across a hot, sandy beach really sucks the life out of me and deters me from going at all.” So she set out to make a list of all the local beaches that provide similar services. “I’m looking for one big thing — a ramp that goes a significant way down toward the ocean,” she writes. “Sometimes they are wooden, other times they are this plastic or rubber material called a Mobi Mat. “If they have the beach wheelchairs, that’s a huge bonus.” Here are the beaches she found that offer walkways, sand wheelchairs or both. We’ve added Diamond Beach, between Wildwood and Cape May, which is a private beach, but resorts like Icona sell day passes that include sand wheelchairs and a ride on a four-wheeler to your spot on the sand. See Metrokids.com/accessiblebeaches for details on each location.
New Jersey Asbury Park • Atlantic City • Avalon • Barnegat Light • Beach Haven • Belmar Island Beach State Park • Diamond Beach • Lavellette • Long Branch Twp. North Wildwood • Ocean City • Seaside Heights • Sea Isle City • Ship Bottom Wildwood • Wildwood Crest • Windward Beach
Delaware Bethany Beach • Cape Henlopen State Park • Delaware Seashore State Park Dewey Beach • Fenwick Island • Rehoboth Beach 4 MetroKids.com
Resource Editor: Cheyenne Shaffer, ext. 101 calendar@metrokids.com Contributing Writers: Terri Akman, Suzanne Koup-Larsen, Frank Lipsius, Kathy O’Connell, Ann L. Rappoport, PhD Production Manager: Veronica Hanna, ext. 103 production@metrokids.com Finance: Marcella Reis, ext. 104 finance@metrokids.com Marketing/Circulation: ext. 100 marketing@metrokids.com Interns: Colleen Claggett, Rose Destra, Emma Kuliczkowski, Jacob Orndorff, Sally Tan, Sawyer Thomson
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We welcome your ideas and feedback. Write us at editor@metrokids.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google Plus and Instagram.
MetroKids® is published monthly by KidStuff Publications, Inc. © 2019 MetroKids® Magazine. All rights reserved by KidStuff Publications, Inc. ISSN 1094-8503. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. MetroKids® or KidStuff Publications do not assume responsibility for statements or opinions expressed by editorial contributors or advertisers. MetroKids® and SpecialKids® are trademarks of KidStuff Publications, Inc. The acceptance of advertising does not constitute an endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. Advertisers indemnify and hold harmless the publisher from any claim and all loss, expense, or liability arising out of the publication of any advertisement. SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. $36, one year; $72, two years. Single copies free. AWARD–WINNING MEMBER OF THE:
AUGUST 2019
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Family Nights on the River Taxi Every Tuesday at 6 & 7 PM Every Sunday at 4 & 6 PM Enjoy a 45-minute tour of the Christina River and a discount at Riverwalk Mini Golf’s Snack Shack! Tuesday’s Tours are Joined by a Tour Guide from the DuPont Environmental Education Center Just $16 for a Family of Four or $4 per person!
Boards from Dravo Plaza Dock on the Riverwalk. For Reservations, contact:
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Hagley Education Programs Learning, science, history, nature, & fun all come together at Hagley!
Find out more about Hagley’s standards-aligned STEM and history programming today. WWW.HAGLEY.ORG/EDUCATION GPS: 200 HAGLEY CREEK ROAD, WILMINGTON, DE 19807 • (302) 658-2400
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SpecialKids
Reduce the Risk for Abuse Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome, are far more likely to be abused by someone they know than a stranger. Because they may be perceived as an “easy target,” the likelihood of abuse is four to 10 times higher than in typically developing peers and it is more likely to occur repeatedly, over longer periods of time, and is presumed to be underreported. Alyssa Siegel, MD, offers these tips to keep a child with Down syndrome, or other special needs, safer and what to do if your child does suffer abuse. By Alyssa Siegel
Know your child’s contacts
Get to know all the people who work with your child at home, school, therapy sessions and recreational activities. For caregivers or therapists that you hire privately, gather as much information as possible, including educational, employment and criminal history. If they worked for reputable institutions, it is likely that thorough background checks were done at that time. Investigate references to assure satisfaction in previous employment and departure on good terms. If the position requires professional certification, verify authentic licensure. Be sure that the prospective hire can explain any time gaps on his or her resume. For center-based staff, including teachers, make impromptu visits and observe interactions before your child knows you are present.
Educate your child early
Talk to your child about boundaries with regards to words and touch. Revisit important concepts as your child’s developmental ability and level of understanding changes. Outline the roles of the adults in your child’s life and explain how they are expected to speak and behave with your child. Review forms of discipline, who can impose a punishment, and what types of punishments are acceptable. Review the correct names of body parts. Indicate which body parts are private and when/where touching is OK. Talk about when and where it is OK to remove clothing or show private body parts. Recently, pictures that demonstrate acts of abuse and sexual anatomy have been added to some communication boards used by non-verbal individuals to help them understand and disclose acts of abuse.
Describe sexual abuse in all its forms
Sexual abuse can include inappropriate talk, touch, or pictures, as well as being asked or forced to say, show or do something that
6 MetroKids.com
is uncomfortable. Be sure to discuss that unwanted behavior can come from someone you child knows or a stranger. Talk about how to recognize whether sexual feelings are mutual or one-sided. Explain your child’s domain over her own body and her right to say “No” to anything that feels intrusive.
Promote a ‘no secrets’ policy at home
Create a comfortable and supportive environment for your child to communicate openly. As your child gets older, this should include open discussions about romantic feelings, sexual urges and relationships. Reinforce that being the victim of unwanted behavior is not a secret, even if the child has promised not to tell.
Recognize signs of abuse
Evidence of abuse may be either physical or behavioral. Be sure that there is a plausible explanation for any marks or bruises, broken bones or head injuries. Behavior changes may be subtle and non-specific, but changes in mood, eating habits or sleep, avoidance of school or social situations, or change in response to a specific place or person, may be worrisome. Abuse may also cause a halt or regression in academic or social progress. Do not accept the suggestion that unusual new behaviors are “part of Down syndrome.” If you are concerned, or not quite sure if you should be, speak to your primary care physician for immediate guidance.
“Explain to your child the roles of the adults in his life and how they are expected to speak and behave with him.” Don’t underestimate advocacy
Advocacy organizations, such as The Arc, strive to educate families and the general public about issues important to individuals with Down syndrome and are champions for improved public policy at federal and local levels. The community of parents, medical, legal and educational professionals that dedicate their efforts to expose and address abuse should continue to receive support. The increase in opportunities for self-advocacy have also empowered teens and young adults with Down syndrome to show the world their strengths and hear their voices. These efforts help to diminish the perceived imbalance of power that abusers exploit as they target individuals with Down syndrome.
Alyssa Siegel, MD, is an attending physician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which published the original version of this article through its Trisomy 21 Program on Sept. 20, 2018.
AUGUST 2019
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2019-2020 SURVEY OF SCHOOLS SERVING STUDENTS WITH COMPLEX NEEDS
These schools serve students who have complex needs for a variety of physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. Use the key to learn which support and other services they offer as well as which special needs they serve. More information about each school can be found online at MetroKids.com/ specialneedsschools.
SUPPORT SERVICES = Medical staff/Nursing = Counseling = Music Therapy = Animal/Dog Therapy = Horse Therapy OT = Occupational Therapy PT = Physical Therapy ST = Speech Therapy
KEY
OTHER SERVICES ASP AUT CP COM DD EMO EP
= Residential = Extended Day = Summer Program = Transportation XXX = Enrollment
SPECIAL NEEDS SERVED
Asperger syndrome Autism Cerebral palsy Communication/social disorder Developmental disability Emotional/behavioral disorder Epilepsy/seizure disorder
FA Funding Available from state and local districts for qualifying students.
Benedictine School, The, Ridgley, MD; Benschool.org; Ages 5-21; 92 FA;
;
; ASP, AUT, EMO, LD, NI, PDD
Brennen School, DE Autism Program, Newark, DE; Brennenschool.org; Ages birth-21; 400 FA; Camphill School, The, Glenmoore, PA; Camphillschool.org; K-21; 110 FAO, FA;
; ;
;
; ASP, AUT, PDD
; ASP, AUT, CP, DD, NI, PDD
; ASP, AUT, DD, EMO, HI, NI, PDD, VI
Delaware School for the Deaf, Newark, DE; Dsdeaf.org; Ages 5-21; 115 FA;
;
; HI, VI
Devereux PA - Brandywine, Glenmoore, PA; Devereuxpa.org; Ages 7-18; 90 FA;
;
Devereux PA - CIDDS, West Chester, PA; Devereuxpa.org; Ages 6-21; 175 FA;
; AUT, EMO, LD, PDD ;
; AUT, NI
High Road School of DE, Wilmington, DE; catapultlearning.com/ schools/high-road-school-of-del; Grades 3-12; 40 FA; AUT, COM, DD, EMO, HI, LD, PDD Positive Outcomes Charter School, Camden, DE; Positiveoutcomescs.org; Grades 7-12; 126 FA; Talk School, Newtown Square, PA; Talkinc.org; PreK-age 21; 21 FA; Timothy School, The, Berwyn, PA; Timothyschool.com; Ages 5-21; 69 FA;
THE
MOVE TO LEARN
INNOVATION LAB AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE IS RECRUITING FOR THEIR BABY PLAY PROJECT. •Education provided on development and play •Looking for babies born full-term or preterm up to 5 months •We come to families for the visits •Toys and certificate of participation More Information About the Baby Play Project at
https://sites.udel.edu/move2learn/current-projects
302-831-8666 • andreabc@udel.edu
AUGUST 2019
Hearing impairment/deaf Learning disability/ADHD Muscular dystrophy Neurological impairment Pervasive development disorder Physical disability Visual impairment/blind
TUITION
FAO Financial Aid Offered
Davidson School, Media, PA; Elwyn.org; Ages 3-21; 400 FA;
HI LD MD NI PDD PHY VI
;
;
;
; ASP, AUT, COM, EMO, LD
; AUT, COM, DD, EMO, LD, NI, PDD ;
; AUT, PDD
Not all kids learn the same.
This DE school gets it.
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2501 Centerville Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808 302-633-4091 ext. 232
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www.gatewaylabschool.org MetroKids.com 7
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Education
Video games move from the family room to the classroom as esports go to school. By Rose Destra For many families, mid-August marks the start of practices for fall sports, when teens put down their video-game controllers and pick up their pads and cleats. But some video gamers just trade in one game pad for another, as schools in the Philadelphia suburbs, New Jersey and across the country create esports teams within their schools with coaches, competitions against other schools, regular practices and, sometimes, the same academic and attendance requirements other student athletes face.
Costs for the team are essentially free because the laptops are provided by the school and games are provided at a discount by gaming platforms like STEAM. If a team member misses too much school, too many practices or fails to maintain a C average, he can be put on academic probation until grades or behavior improve. Schools choose the games in which they want their students to compete. Mason Mullerioux, CEO of High School Esports League (HSEL), which includes over 1,500 high schools, says games range from first-person shooter to multiplayer fighting-style games. Schools that don’t want students to play games that involve violence can choose other competitions such as Rocket League, which is like soccer with cars. “They can pick and choose what to play, if their school doesn’t want to be associated with a CS-GO (Counter-Strike Global Offensive) or Call of Duty, then they don’t have to be,” he says.
Social, educational, career benefits
While video games have been popular at-home entertainment for years, electronic sports, or esports, have grown to become a legitimate spectator sport as well. People watch competitions in person or through streaming services like Twitch, where viewership reaches well over 100 million per month. Comcast Spectator plans to build an esports arena at the sports complex in South Philadelphia where the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and Flyers have homes of their own.
Since there are no tryouts, esports teams offer an option for students of all genders and physical abilities who may not be interested in traditional sports, but who would benefit from an extracurricular activity. “One student would show up and just want to talk about his life for a half hour before playing games, so I knew this club was important to him,” says Coach Uvaldo Garcia from Duncan Polytechnical High School in Fresno, CA. The team aspect is important. Kids aren’t simply isolated with headphones plugged in. “Our club meetings are anything but sedentary,” says Coach Ronald Pizzini at Avon Grove High School in West Grove, PA. “Students are walking around the room, cheering on their peers, and jumping up and down when something noteworthy happens.”
Esports = team sports
For schools, however, esports is less about professional gaming and more about teaching the leadership, communication, teamwork and other skills found through athletic competition. Some schools adopt esports as a club activity while others create teams under the athletic department. Both play and compete online or in person, but the latter requires students to maintain the same standards for GPA, attendance and behavior as other student athletes. Coach Chris Aviles from Knollwood Middle School in Fair Haven, NJ, leads one of the country’s first middle school esports teams under the school’s athletic department. Aside from practice every Monday and Wednesday for an hour, students compete against other schools as well as college teams, including Rutgers University.
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Just as the vast majority of high school basketball players won’t make the NBA, most esports players won’t become professional gamers. However, the infrastructure that supports the gaming industry is a source of STEM careers.
continued on p. 17 AUGUST 2019
R E K A E R B D GROUN R E E N I G N E TODAY. . W O R R O M O T
At Girl Scouts, she’ll explore science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), so she can create her own success both today and in the future. Unlock her potential with another year of earning badges that pique her interest. She can tackle an issue close to her heart by earning the Girl Scout Gold Award! She’ll continue to push herself and achieve anything she puts her mind to, no matter how big or small her goal is. JOIN OR RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP AT
www.gscb.org 225 Old Baltimore Pike | Newark, DE 19702 302-456-7176 © 2019 Girl Scouts of the USA. All Rights Reserved.
AUGUST 2019
MetroKids.com 9
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Health
Safe Water in Schools Has your school tested its water for lead? How can you find out?
By Terri Akman You might have encouraged your kids to drink plenty of water this summer, since hydration has become such an important health recommendation. But once they return to school, how do you know if the water that comes from the fountain is safe? How do you know if it has even been tested? Since the 2015 discovery of lead in drinking water in Flint, MI, the safety of the water our children get while at school, from drinking fountains to taps used in food preparation, has come under more scrutiny. The biggest culprit of unsafe water in schools is lead that leaches from old or rusted pipes. Lead — which can cause health issues from attention deficits to lower IQ’s — can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode. While newer schools, built in the ‘80s or later, may be less likely to have lead, that’s not a guarantee. “Any school that’s on municipal water can generally rest assured that most other contaminants have been dealt with by the town or city,” says Stephanie Wein, clean water and conservation advocate for the Penn Environment Research and Policy Center. “But lead is different because it needs to be dealt with at the building level.”
The health dangers from lead
For children, the consequences of lead don’t show up immediately, so it can continue to build in their systems unnoticed. Long-term health issues include an inability to pay attention, lower IQ, hearing problems and anemia, says Jonathan Miller, medical director for value-based care at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE. High levels of lead can cause acute symptoms that include belly pain, irritability and, in
10 MetroKids.com
severe cases, seizures or even death. “Most children with lead will have no acute symptoms, especially at the low levels,” says Miller. “Short-term symptoms, like belly pain and irritability, are reversible with acute treatment of lead intoxication, but once a child has been exposed, the long-term consequences — lower IQ and attention deficits — are not reversible.” The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal screening for lead (through a blood test) for all children at age one and even younger for children at high risk of lead exposure. Those children are screened again at two years old. “It’s ironic that kids could be getting brain damage in the very place they go to learn and grow,” says Wein. “They are our most vulnerable population and it is easy to test the water and solve the problem.”
Current test requirements
Despite the health consequences of lead found in the drinking water, there is a lack of both testing and reporting. As of last year, only 10 states, including New Jersey, require water tests in schools. Pennsylvania is among 17 states with voluntary programs. If a Pennsylvania school chooses not to test for lead, it must discuss lead issues in school facilities at a public meeting once a year. Delaware state law does not require schools served by a community water system to test drinking water for lead. If a school is supplied water through its own wells, then it is required to test for lead. Water fountains are not specifically required, but may be included in the testing. In 2018, the Government Accountability Office reported that of all the US public schools that reported test results, more than a third found elevated levels of lead in the previous two years. But only 43
percent of all schools had even checked for lead in their water.
Get the lead out
That lack of reporting earned Pennsylvania an F and New Jersey a C minus in the Get the Lead Out Report by Environment America Research & Policy Center and U.S. PIRG Education Fund. (Delaware was not part of the report.) “The grade is not for the amount of lead in the water, it’s about the policies,” says Wein. “On a national level there are no federal standards for lead in drinking water in schools.” The Center is calling for the three T’s: test, treat and tell. “Test the water for lead presence, treat to bring the level of lead down and tell by disclosing to parents and the community what has been found and what’s being done about it,” Wein says. In 2016, all New Jersey school districts were required to test water outlets, including drinking fountains and taps used in food preparation, and post the results on the district’s website, says Chris Sturm, managing director of water and policy for New Jersey Future. If lead was found, they were to send the report to the Department of Education. Not every district complied, but of the results available, lead was found in school drinking water across the state in rural, suburban and urban school districts. “There seemed to be a pattern of more instances in large, older districts and we found that over 300 schools had at least one outlet testing positive,” Sturm says. “It seems districts were doing a good job of posting results online, describing efforts they took to take those outlets out of use.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree
AUGUST 2019
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Health
that there is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood, though Pennsylvania schools are only required to report levels of lead in water above 15 parts per billion. The EPA and CDC recommend states and communities replace fountains, faucets and other plumbing that contains lead and keep lead levels below 1 part per billion for school drinking water. The groups also recommend the federal government enforce and strengthen federal rules to protect drinking water from lead and provide money to help states and communities remove sources of lead.
What parents can do
To find out if your school has been tested for lead in the city of Philadelphia, go to the school district’s website, Philasd.org. The results of the test and any follow-up actions are listed there, says Wein. In the suburbs, parents can ask their school district, but if they don’t get a satisfactory answer, they can file a Freedom of Information request. In NJ, parents can go to their school district’s website, where the report is required to be posted. If the school hasn’t done testing, parents should insist on having it done, says Sturm. In last No-
vember’s election, the Securing our Children’s Future Fund Act bond referendum approved $500 million, of which $100 million is dedicated to water infrastructure improvements in school district buildings. How and where that money will be spent is under consideration. In Delaware, parents should contact the school directly, says Keith Mensch, director of the DPH Office of Drinking Water. “Parents, or any member of the public, who has concerns or wants to know the risk of lead in drinking water should review the water system’s annual Consumer Confidence Report, which will include lead testing information and results,” says Mensch. “Parents who may be concerned about the risk of lead in the school’s drinking water can approach the school about testing.”
If parents have concerns because their school has not tested its water, in the short-term, they can send their children to school with water from home. Another solution, though less immediate, is for parents to help raise funds for filtered drinking fountains or water refilling stations. Similar to those seen at airports and other public places, they are certified lead free and allow students to use their own water bottles “We know our schools want to do their best by our kids,” says Wein. “That’s why we need state policy, so schools have clear expectations, so they know they’re doing what’s best for students, and so they can show they’re testing and complying. “Parents should ask their state representative to support more comprehensive legislation that will give best practices to schools for a critical long-term fix.” Terri Akman is a contributing writer to MetroKids.
A SAFE PLACE TO LEARN AND GROW. Our on-site before and after school programs are full of activities that parents and kids love. Plus, most programs are located in your child’s school!
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Child Care & Early Education Directory
FY: Full Year AY: Academic Year SP: Summer Program MP: Meals Provided
BS: Before School AS: After School DA: Diapers Accepted TP: Transportation Provided
SN: Special Needs DHS*: Licensed: Dept. of Health & Human Svcs. DE*: Licensed: Dept. of Education DYF: Licensed: Dept. of Youth & Family Serv.
DE★: Delaware Stars Participant NAEYC: Accredited—National Assoc. of Education of Young Children PAIS: Accredited—PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited—Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools * Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually. MSA: Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges
MULTIPLE SITES
HOCKESSIN, NEW CASTLE COUNTY
NORTH WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY
GREAT NEW BEGINNINGS Independently Owned & Operated 14 St. Andrews Rd., Bear, DE • 302-838-1000 210 Cleaver Farm Rd., Middletown, DE • 302-378-5555 GNBKids.com Ages: 8 wks.-School Age • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Serving children 8 weeks through 12 years old. Family owned and operated since 1999. Staff certified through Department of Education. Internet viewing available. Nutritional snack and lunch program provided daily. Proudly participating in the Delaware Stars Quality Rating System. Panic Button Security System. GREAT NEWS! Middletown location NOW OPEN. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, SN, DE, DE H, NAEYC
CACC MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1313 Little Baltimore Rd., Hockessin, DE 302-239-2917 •Caccmont.org Ages: 3 mos. to K • Hours: 7am-6pm The Montessori program at CACC is child directed with individualized instruction and a low student/teacher ratio. Our Enrichments include Chinese Instruction, Gardening, Library, Art, Gym (Zumba & Yoga), Music, and Technology. Preprimary students can also elect to participate in after school activities such as Ballet, Drama, Soccer, Science Club and Piano lessons. AY, SP, BS/AS, DA, DYF, AMS
SAINT EDMOND’S ACADEMY 2120 Veale Rd., Wilmington, DE 302-475-5370 • Stedmondsacademy.org Ages: Pre-K (age 4) through Grade 8 (age 14) Hours: 7:40am (w/Before Care Avail. at 7am)-2:45pm (w/ After Care Avail. until 6pm) The Academy educates boys’ hearts and minds in the Holy Cross tradition. Core values of responsibility, independence, positive self-image, integrity and community are integrated with an innovative curriculum. SEA is a special place for young learners to grow. AY, BS, AS, MP (lunch)
THE HOCKESSIN MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1000 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 302-234-1240 •TheHMS.org Ages: 1 yr.-13 yrs. • Hours: 8am-3pm The school program follows the Montessori Method and emphasizes mathematics, language, humanities, arts and sciences while stressing life skills. All levels participate in enrichment subjects including STEM, art, library, computers, Spanish, music and physical education, which are developmentally appropriate for the age and ability. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, PAIS, AMS, MSA
PIKE CREEK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY
KIDZ, INK ACADEMY OF EARLY ACADEMICS 1 Songsmith Dr., Bear, DE • 302-838-1500 1703 Porter Rd., Bear, DE • 302-838-5400 345 School Bell Rd., Bear, DE • 302-327-0686 645 W. North St., Dover, DE • 302-730-4730 616 W. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna, DE • 302-653-4034 KidzEarlyLearning.com Ages: 6 wks.-11 yrs. • Hours: 6am-6:30pm Our curriculum is designed to stimulate your child’s mind, strengthen their bodies, and nurture their hearts. National curriculum: core knowledge. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack. Spanish degreed and experienced teachers, security cameras monitor every room. FY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, DE, DYF, DA, DE ★ LITTLE STARS INC. 5702 Kirkwood Hwy., Wilmington, DE • 302-995-2920 947 Old Harmony Rd., Newark, DE • 302-737-9759 Littlestarsinc.com Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Come Join the Fun here at Little Stars. Two locations serving children 6 wks. to 12 yrs. Full day. Family-owned & operated. Warm, qualified staff teaches basic education concepts. Pre-school for ages 3 & 4. First aid & CPR. Breakfast, lunch & snack. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DYF YMCA OF DELAWARE 100 W. 10th St., Ste. 1100, Wilmington, DE 302-221-9622 • Ymcade.org Ages: 6 wks.-13 yrs. At the YMCA, we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why child care and early learning programs at the Y focus on holistically nurturing child development by providing a safe and healthy place to learn fundamental skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-esteem through the Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. We offer a variety of programs throughout the state including Before and After School Care, Preschool and Summer camp. Bear-Glasgow, 302-836-9622 • BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Brandywine, 302-478-9622 • half-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Middletown, 302-616-9622 • before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Central, 302-254-9622 • full-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Sussex, 302-296-9622 • half-day preschool, extended care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Dover, 302-346-9622 • before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Walnut St., 302-472-9622 • full-day preschool, BS, AS, SP, DE ★ Western, 302-453-0123 • full-day preschool, before and after care, BS, AS, SP, DE ★
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NEWARK, NEW CASTLE COUNTY EARLY LEARNING CTR. AT UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE, THE 489 Wyoming Rd. Newark, DE 302-831-6205 •Elc.udel.edu Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. – Hours: 7am-6pm The UD Early Learning Centers provide high quality care and education programs for children and their families by establishing a model for exceptional practices for future early educators. Because the ELC is associated with the University of Delaware, children and their families benefit from clinical placements and current research on best practices in early childhood. SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, NAEYC EDU-CARE PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE 345 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, DE 302-453-7326 • Educarepreschool.com Ages: 6 wks.-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm Edu-Care provides both a nurturing and academic atmosphere. We offer a variety of scheduling options. Feel free to stop in at any time for a tour or contact us for more information. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, TP, DHS*, DE NEWARK DAY NURSERY AND CHILDREN’S CENTER 921 Barksdale Rd., Newark, DE 302-731-4925 • Ages: 6 wks.-14 yrs. • Hours: 6:45am-6pm NAEYC Accredited & DE Stars Level 5. Dedicated to educating, enriching and inspiring children. Highly trained, professional, and experienced teachers, providing a quality program in a warm, family-friendly environment. Developmentally appropriate activities, computers, and separate toddler, preschool and school-age playgrounds provided. POC Accepted. Offers Financial aid in the form of a sliding fee scale. FY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, DYF, NAEYC, DE ★ ONE STEP AHEAD CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL, INC. 432 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE•302-292-1162 Ages: 1 yr.-12 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Devoted, skilled staff assist your child with age-appropriate weekly themed curriculum to enhance their self-esteem and love of learning. All staff CPR and First Aid certified. All teachers are Board of Education certified. Spacious indoor and outdoor play areas. Secured premises. All classrooms video monitored. Breakfast, lunch and snacks. Full-time and part-time options. Before- and after-school programs serving Thurgood Marshall and McVey School. Sibling discount. Summer camp with weekly field trips. FY, AY, SP, BA, AS, DA, DHS*
INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL, THE 1300 Paper Mill Rd. Newark, DE 302-239-0332 • TheIndependenceSchool.org Ages: 3 yrs.-K – Hours: 7am-6pm Early Childhood is the first step of the exceptional Independence School Education. Children engage in developmentally appropriate learning experiences which contribute to their social, emotional and intellectual development. All faculty hold bachelor’s degrees in education with specific expertise in early childhood education. Fulltime nurse on campus. AY, SP, BS, AS, DE, MSCES
WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY CONCORD PRESCHOOL AND CHILDCARE 1800 Fairfax Blvd., Wilmington, DE 302-654-9629 • Concordpreschoolandchildcare.com Ages: 1 yr.- 9yrs. • Hours: 7:15am-5:45pm Our small class sizes enable valuable one-on-one instruction. Caring teachers and rich curriculum including Computer Tots, Spanish, Music and Gym. Serving ages 1 year through Kindergarten. Summer to age 9. FT, PT, Extended, 7:15am5:45pm. Founded in 1956. Financial aid, Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA GRADE SCHOOL 1715 W. Ninth St. Wilmington DE 302-421-3743 • School.stanthonynet.org Ages: PreK-8th grade • Hours: 7:30am-3pm Preschool 3 and 4 year olds through Eighth Grade (faithbased curriculum). Middle States Accredited. Before care and after care provided. Full-service cafeteria. State of the Art Science and Computer Labs. AY, MP, BS, AS ST. DAVID’S EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL 2320 Grubb Rd., Wilmington, DE 19810 302-475-3747 • Stdavidsdayschoolde.org • stdavidskidsde@outlook.com Ages: 2,3, & 4 (must have reached age by August 31 if starting school in September) Hours: Preschool 9-12; Full day 7:30 – 5:45 A St. David’s Episcopal Church outreach, conveniently located in Brandywine Hundred. Develop- mental Movement class daily, developmentally appropriate curriculum. 2 playgrounds, weekly chapel services. Staff certified CPR & First Aid. Some financial aid . Preschool 9am-12pm; Full day 7:30-5:45; 2, 3 or 5 day options. POC and credit cards accepted. Parent volunteer opportunitites and financial aid available. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, TP, SN, DHS*, DYF, NAEYC, PAIS, MSCES, AMS
FIND US ONLINE
MetroKids.com AUGUST 2019
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Child Care & Early Education Dir.
ST. MICHAEL’S SCHOOL AND NURSERY 700 N. Walnut St., Wilmington, DE 302-656-3389 • Stmichaelsde.org Ages: 8wks-PreSchool • Hours: 7am -5:30 pm A 5-Star rated early education center with a recently expanded Infant and Toddler Program convenient to all downtown Wilmington employers. High quality, nurturing environment that prepares children to learn and succeed in school. Large facility with 16 classrooms, gross motor play rooms, dining room, library and spacious, age-appropriate outdoor play areas. Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily. Our “whole child” approach supports children’s social-emotional, physical, language and cognitive needs. St. Michael’s values diversity, qualified faculty and family involvement. Vouchers accepted. FY, MP, DA, DHS, DE, DYF, DE ★ TOWER HILL SCHOOL 2813 W. 17th Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 302-575-0550 • Towerhill.org Ages: Age 3-Grade 12 • Hours: 8am -3pm Tower Hill’s preschool provides young learners with a quality education in a warm and supportive environment. Understanding that children gain knowledge through play, nurturing teachers emphasize engaging activities that allow students to explore, experiment and discover the world around them. AY, SP, MP, BS/AS, PAIS URSULINE ACADEMY 1106 Pennsylvania Ave., Wilmington, DE 302-658-7158 • Ursuline.org Ages 3-18 • Hours: 8am-2:45pm Our Early Childhood Programs are unique from any other school by offering two paths to First Grade: Pre-Kindergarten/ Kindergarten & Montessori. Children develop social consciousness by responding to personal, community, & global needs, and by becoming true models of Serviam through Christian love. Full & Half Day/Week Options. AY, SP, BS, AS, DAIS, ADVIS, NAIS WILMINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL PRESCHOOL 101 School Road, Wilmington, DE 302-576-2930 • Wilmingtonfriends.org/our-programs/preschool Ages: 2 yrs.-4 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm Reggio Emilia inspired preschool offers experiences to stimulate intellectual, emotional and social development. The program is guided, in the Quaker tradition, by values of respect for each individual and responsibility as members of a community. AY, FY, AS, BS, SP, MSCES WILMINGTON MONTESSORI SCHOOL 1400 Harvey Rd., Wilmington, DE 302-475-0555 • wmsde.org • dmissions@wmsde.org Ages: 12 mos.-12 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Students follow their passions, discover initiative from within and take ownership of their learning; a place that embraces the power of technology for teaching, exploring, engaging and collaborating. With a diverse student body and a challenging curriculum that promotes mutual respect and a global perspective, WMS graduates are prepared to move fearlessly into the world. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DYF, NAEYC, DE H, AMS
Now Offering Sedation and Special Needs Dentistry!
We Help Shape Healthy Smiles For Life! Concord Dental 2304 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 791-3750
ConcordDentalDE.com We Accept Delaware Medicaid for Children! Glen Goleburn, D.M.D. • Lisa Uberti, D.M.D. • Neil Woloshin, D.M.D. • Anne Annone, D.M.D.
MetroKids.com A 5-Star Level Delaware Stars early care and education center for newborn - Pre-K ages
It all starts here.
Accepting Infants This Fall
Schedule your tour today!
(302) 656-3389
www.stmichaelsde.org 700 N. Walnut Street | Wilmington, DE 19801
AUGUST 2019
Saturday, August 31, 12-3pm Meet your favorite Star Wars Characters!
DelawareChildrensMuseum.org
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Family Fun
Reach new heights via Intro to Rock Climbing, Aug, 7 & 17 at Alapocas Run State Park.
AUGUST
DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR
Special needs event ACANA African Festival
4 Sunday
Editor's Pick
$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up
1 Thursday
Story Time Sprouts at the Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin. Listen to a themed tale, then explore the gardens. $$ The Wizard of Oz at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$
2 Friday
Robin Hood at Copeland Hall, Wilmington. $
3 Saturday
Bike and Hike
7 Wednesday
African and Caribbean Festival at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. Enjoy music, food and art activities. FREE Civil War Saturday at Fort Mifflin, Phila. Commemorate the fort’s role as a federal prison during the war via weapon & cannon demos and guided tours. $$ Peach Harvest Party at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. Enjoy a pancake breakfast followed by farm activities. $$ Riverfront Blues Festival at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Wilmington. FREE
World Elephant Day
10 Saturday
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4 Sunday
2nd Street Festival on North 2nd Street, Phila. The Northern Liberties neighborhood is the backdrop for performances and 150-plus food, drink & merchandise vendors. FREE ACANA African Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Phila. Watch performances by music & dance troupes form across the continent and shop for traditional & modern crafts. FREE Peach Harvest Party at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. See Aug. 3. $$ Steamin' Day at Auburn Valley State Park, Hockessin. Demos, kids’ crafts and gas, steam & electric car rides highlight what travel was like at the turn of the 20th century. $$ Zoo Kids at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Go wild with games, crafts, stories and animal presentations. $$
5 Monday
Monday Night Movie: Mary Poppins Returns at Dagsworthy St. & the beach, Dewey Beach. FREE Movie on the Beach: Shark Tale at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE
See MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information on these and other events. AUGUST 2019
6 Tuesday
The Jungle Book at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$ Museum Babies: Animals Around the World at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Little ones learn about counting, matching, sorting, music and movement. $$$$ Terrific Tuesday at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Wilmington. This weekly program explores important inventions and artistic developments via crafts, games and special guests. $
7 Wednesday
Bike and Hike at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Explore areas of the property typically closed to foot traffic during this weekly program. $ Egyptian Mummy Makers Workshop at the Penn Museum, Phila. Discover why Egyptians mummified the dead and learn how the process works. $$$ Introduction to Rock Climbing at Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington. After a brief introduction to equipment, climbing and safety, climb the natural rock wall. $$$$ Museum Babies: Animals Around the World at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. See Aug. 6. $$$$ The Wizard of Oz at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$
8 Thursday
Family Fun Night at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. Games, activities and animal appearances are part of the fun. $
9 Friday
The Ghostly Circus at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Phila. This paranormal performance features aerial performers, a theatrical sideshow and live music. $$$$ Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground, Phila. The Not-Its and Lucy Kalantari take the stage. $$ Family Game Night at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. Play plate-toss tic-tac-toe, jumbo Jenga and Memory. $$
10 Saturday
Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Chat with scientists, see insects from around the world and get your face painted. $$$ The Ghostly Circus at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Phila. See Aug. 9. $$$$ Peach Ice Cream Day at Fifer Orchards Farm and Country Store, Camden-Wyoming. Expect farm tours, train rides and fruity treats. FREE Science Saturday: Gone with the Wind at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Explore the science behind weather and make a wind sculpture. $$$ Try Science: Be an Ecologist at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. $$ World Elephant Day at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington. Celebrate with conservation-focused activities and learn how to help the endangered creature. $$
AUGUST 2019
FAB FREEBIE
Ready to geek out? Comic and graphic novel fans unite for Dover Comic Con, Aug. 17 on Loockerman Street in downtown Dover. Meet dozens of authors and artists, enter the cosplay competition, watch panel discussions, check out some of pop culture’s most famous cars and browse more than 100 vendors.
11 Sunday
Bug Fest at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. See Aug. 10. $$$ Family Second Sunday at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. Tap into your creativity during art projects, yoga and storytime. $$
12 Monday
Monday Night Movie: Incredibles 2 at Dagsworthy St. & the beach, Dewey Beach. FREE Movie on the Beach: Christopher Robin at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE
13 Tuesday
The Wizard of Oz at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$
14 Wednesday
Folktale Fun with Tahira at the Penn Museum, Phila. $$$
15 Thursday
Full Moon Hike at Brandywine Creek State Park, Wilmington. $ The Jungle Book at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$ Night Skies in the Observatory at the Franklin Institute, Phila. Catch a planetarium show and space out during astronomy activities. $$
16 Friday
End-of-Summer Bash at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. Explore an inflatable Earth balloon and engage in sensory programming. $$
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Family Fun
21 Wednesday
The Jungle Book at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$
22 Thursday
The Wizard of Oz at the Epworth Community Church, Rehoboth Beach. Performed by Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre. $$
23 Friday
Dinos After Dark at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Take advantage of extended hours to view exhibits and visit the beer garden. $$ Storytime Expedition: The Clay General at the Penn Museum, Phila. $$$
24 Saturday
Delaware Burger Battle at Rockford Park, Wilmington. Visitors dig into a variety of burger samples served up by some of the area’s best chefs and vote for their favorite. $$$$
CULTURE CLUB
Celebrate Obon, a traditional Japanese holiday that honors ancestry, during the Philadelphia Obon Festival at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden on Aug. 24. The bucolic space in Fairmount Park will play host to a tea ceremony, taiko drumming, arts & crafts, games and a flea market with goods and gifts. Storytime Expedition: Anansi the Spider: An Ashanti Tale at the Penn Museum, Phila. $$$
17 Saturday
Dover Comic Con on Loockerman Street, Dover. See "Fab Freebie," p. 15. FREE Festival of India on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Phila. Celebrate India’s Independence Day with art, music, dance and food. FREE
Rockin’ Raspberry Harvest Party at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. Enjoy a pancake breakfast followed by farm activities. $$
18 Sunday
Caribbean Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Phila. Immerse the family in culture, music and food from the islands. FREE
19 Monday
Introduction to Rock Climbing at Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington. See Aug. 7. $$$$
Monday Night Movie: Hotel Transylvania 2 at Dagsworthy St. & the beach, Dewey Beach. FREE
Old Tyme Peach Festival on Main St., Middletown. Features contests, crafts, food, games, kids’ activities, artist exhibits and entertainment. FREE
Movie on the Beach: Lilo and Stitch at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE
Jr. Engineers: Be an Aerospace Engineer at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. $$ Philadelphia Obon Festival at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Phila. See “Culture Club,” left. FREE Science Saturday: Rocking Roller Coasters at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Use physics to make a mini rollercoaster with loops and acceleration. $$$
25 Sunday
Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism at Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Phila. Families of kids with autism experience the venue before it opens to the public. $$$
26 Monday
Movie on the Beach: Wonder Park at Garfield Pkwy. & the beach, Bethany Beach. FREE
30 Friday
Movie in the Park:The House with the Clock in the Walls at JFK Commons Park, Dover. FREE
FIND MORE ONLINE Outdoor Adventures • Indoor Fun • Teen Events Arts & Performances • Free Admission • Special Needs
MetroKids.com/Calendar 16 MetroKids.com
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Education
continued from p. 8
“For every pro-player you see out there, there’s one or two thousand people who make that career possible,” Aviles says. ”There’s a lot of technology for STEM jobs and traditional jobs.” Competition against college teams also exposes high school kids to possible areas of study, since many of the older players are in pursuit of degrees that could turn their passion into a job. There are even college scholarships available. The National Association of Collegiate Esports says it has 130 member schools that offer $15 million in scholarships and aid. For a student who wants to compete for a scholarship, participation on a high school team that is treated seriously can only help. “To see students get recognized for their very real skills in an official manner is extremely rewarding,” says Pizzini.
Health concerns
For parents concerned that their kids already spend too much time with video games at home, school programs have structured practices where advisers and coaches can control how long each student plays. “Within the scholastic context, they have a coach monitoring their screen time and behavior, and many coaches encourage physical warm ups/stretching for players to prevent physical strain,” says Clint Kennedy, director of acquisition and education at PlayVS, a high school esports league. Ideally, kids apply some of those same habits when they return home to play. Rose Destra is a MetroKids intern from Temple University.
Meet Our CoverKid
This month’s CoverKid is 10-year-old Liam H. of Glen Mills, PA. Liam loves reading and has read 52 of the 67 Warriors Saga books. He has also spent time this summer on his bike, playing football and swimming in the lake by the family campground. As September approaches, Liam looks forward to returning to two schools. He’s a fifth grader at Garnet Valley Elementary School and, on Saturdays, is a fifth-grader at St. Adalbert’s Polish Language School in Philadelphia. Liam has been attending the weekend classes at the school since first grade in order to learn about Polish language and culture. His mother, Joanna, who came to America from Poland when she was Liam’s age, says he has visited Poland every year since he was 2 years old. He hopes to return next summer to visit family and do a road trip across the country. That sounds like a great trip, Liam, and we hope you get to take it.
Photo by Expressions Photography.
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AUGUST 2019
couNTY m,cuT1ve MATTHEW MEYEfl 0EPAPTMENT Of COMMUNITY SEQVICES DIVISION Of COMMUNITY PESOUPCES
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Family Fun
n u F
PICK-YOUR-OWN
Guide to Adventure
No wonder families flock to farms, orchards and markets for the U-pick experience: It’s a hands-on way for kids to learn about nature and nutrition. Still, you’ll need to know a few things before you hit the fields. Find out when each crop is in season, where to pick them and tips to make the most of the trip.
Berries
Nectarines
Blueberries: Through early Aug. Blackberries: Through Aug. Raspberries: Through late Sept.
Through late Sept.
WHEN TO PICK:
WHERE TO PICK:
Bennett Orchards, Frankford (blueberries) Fifer Orchards Farm & Country Store, Camden-Wyoming (blueberries) Kingsley Orchards, Frankford (blueberries) Linvilla Orchards, Media, PA (blueberries & raspberries) Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD (blueberries & blackberries)
U-PICK TIPS
Blackberries: Pick blackberries with a dull finish. Blackberries that are shiny still need another day or half-day to ripen.
Blueberries: Once picked, leave the container open so it doesn’t fill with moisture.
Raspberries: The easier to pull off the bush, the riper the raspberry is.
All Berries: Place picked berries into a shallow
container. If they get piled too deep they’ll crush each other. Don’t overfill your containers or try to pack the berries down. The collection containers should be wide so the berries aren’t more than a few deep. Don’t wash the berries until you are ready to use them or freeze them. Washing them makes them more prone to spoiling.
18 MetroKids.com
Peaches
WHEN TO PICK:
WHEN TO PICK:
Through late Sept.
WHERE TO PICK:
Bennett Orchards, Frankford Fifer Orchards Farm & Country Store, Camden-Wyoming Highland Orchards, West Chester, PA
U-PICK TIPS
Cardboard boxes make the best containers for stone fruits such as nectarines and peaches. The fruit should be yellow with blushes of red. A green hue means it’s not ready to be picked. Pick this fruit gently, using the length of your fingers rather than getting a close grip with your fingertips.
WHERE TO PICK:
Bennett Orchards, Frankford Fifer Orchards Farm & Country Store, Camden-Wyoming Kingsley Orchards, Frankford Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD
U-PICK TIPS
Red does not indicate ripeness. Firm peaches will often soften if left out in room temperature for a few days. Enjoy within a week after picking. Store peaches at room temperature shoulder (stem) side down, preferably in a single layer to avoid bruising.
What to Bring
Bug spray • Containers to store fruit • Disposable wipes • Snacks & water • Sunscreen Wide-brimmed hat
What to Watch Out For
Crop demand; call ahead to see what’s available to be picked The forecast; be sure to pick a sunny day • Bees & other insects Never eat fruit before it’s washed • Uneven ground • Woodchuck holes AUGUST 2019
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Family Fun
Pumpkins
Pears
WHEN TO PICK:
WHEN TO PICK:
Sept.-Nov.
Mid-Aug. to late Set.
WHERE TO PICK:
WHERE TO PICK:
Fifer Orchards Farm & Country Store, Camden-Wyoming Highland Orchards, West Chester, PA Indian Orchards, Media, PA
U-PICK TIPS
To determine if a pear’s ripe enough to pick, gently squeeze it. If it has a slight “give” or springiness, it’s ready. To pick, roll it upward off the branch and give it a twist. If the stem detaches easily from the branch, it’s ready.
Fifer Orchards Farm & Country Store, Camden-Wyoming Mr. Pepper’s Pumpkin Patch, Laurel Ramsey’s Farm, Wilmington Highland Orchards, West Chester, PA Linvilla Orchards, Media, PA
U-PICK TIPS
Before you pick, take note of size: Medium pumpkins are best for carving, while small ones are easier to cook. Knock on your pumpkin. If it makes a hollow sound, it’s ripe. If not, choose another.
Apples WHEN TO PICK:
Aug.-Nov.
WHERE TO PICK:
Fifer Orchards Farm & Country Store, Camden-Wyoming Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD Highland Orchards, West Chester, PA Linvilla Orchards, Media, PA
U-PICK TIPS
Apples on the outside and lower branches ripen fastest, and they’re easiest to grab. Once picked, don’t toss the apple into the basket. Place it in gently, or it’ll spoil more quickly.
Check the stem: If it’s soft or loose, it might be prone to rotting. A green stem indicates the pumpkin has been freshly picked, and a tan or brown stem means the gourd was harvested a few days prior. Don’t use the stem as a handle. Once you pick your pumpkin, never use the stem to carry it. If the stem breaks off, you’ll leave a hole in your pumpkin and that can lead to rot.
Join our team. Great opportunity for recent grad!
MetroKids is seeking a
Digital Media Marketing Coordinator Candidates should: •Possess excellent oral and written communication skills •Have experience in social media composition and analytics •Crave a busy, deadline-driven environment •Master multitasking •Be a stickler for details
Send cover letter and resume to dweinmann@metrokids.com
AUGUST 2019
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delAWAre dANce comPANy A non-profit arts organization committed to bringing high quality dance training and performance to the community.
AcAdemic yeAr clAsses for Ages 2 through Adult
Bringing outstanding dance education and performance to the Northern Delaware, tri-state area for over 30 years. Experience matters.
Open House
Sunday, August 25
1:00pm Dance Performance Tour the studios- Meet the Faculty Join us for a fun day!!! For information on programs and events please visit
delawaredancecompany.org 168 South Main Street, Newark, DE 19711 • 302-738-2023 This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com