MetroKids - 0919 DE

30 YEARS

September 2019 | FREE

Kids’ Theater Preview Schools Hit SNOOZE

When HOMEWORK HELP Hurts

+

Baby’s Teeth: Fact vs. Myth 2019 High School Survey Dress Without Stress

Middle School Survival Tips

(for Parents)

If the Shoe Fits...

MUSIC SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2019 Live Music • Hands-on Instrument Demos Food • Fall Preview & more! • 1-3 pm

!

E E R F

YOUTH, TEENS, ADULTS: explore the Music School’s Wilmington and Milford Branches, meet faculty, and enjoy live music during this fun event!

RSVP by web or phone, below!

WILMINGTON (302) 762-1132 4101 Washington Street

MILFORD (302) 422-2043 23 N. Walnut Street

w w w.musicschoolofdelaware.org The organization 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.

mk Inside

September 2019 Vol. 30, No. 9

In This Issue 4 How to Fit Kids’ Shoes 5 Baby Teeth: Myth vs. Facts 6 Get Your Teen Into Art 10 When to Help With Homework 12 Schools Hit Snooze 14 2019 High School Survey 16 Tips for Middle-School Survival 21 Win It!

4

is Happy, Healthy Children!

Warm, Friendly & Fun Atmosphere

SpecialKids 8 Inclusive Back-to-School Clothing

We Specialize in Children’s Dentistry State-of-art Equipment & Techniques

Family Fun 17 Day-by-Day Calendar 22 Kids’ Theater Preview

Super “KID” Friendly Environment

Ad Sections

3 Dental Health; 7 Enrichment; 11 Finance; 13 Education 19 Events; 20 Child Care

12

Our Goal

16

BE in the KNOW!

Excellent Pediatric Staff

*Accepting New Patients Voted Delaware’s Top Pediatric Dentist

by Delaware Today Magazine

Sign up for

mk enewsletters GIVEAWAYS

FAMILY FUN SPECIAL OFFERS SPECIAL NEEDS EVENTS

and MORE!

MetroKids.com/enews SEPTEMBER 2019

RACHEL A. MAHER, DMD

CALL TODAY

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

302-475-7640

DentistryForChildrenDE.com

2036 Foulk Rd., Suite 200 • Wilmington, DE 19810 MetroKids.com 3

mk

Health

If the Shoe Fits Kids’ feet grow quickly. Here’s how to make sure their shoes help, not hurt.

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

By Emma Kuliczowski Back-to-school shopping usually involves a trip down the shoe aisle, but the old trick of pinching the front of the shoe to make sure your kids’ tootsies have enough room isn’t enough to guarantee a good fit, especially if they are at an age where their feet are still growing quickly.

From barefoot babies to flat-footed kids

Babies should be left to walk barefoot or in socks, says Dr. Steven Dowshen, a pediatric endocrinologist in Wilmington, DE. In their first two years, babies’ feet need as much sensory input as possible to grow proper bone structure and develop muscles.

For the times they need to wear shoes, Dowshen suggests ones that are lightweight and flexible, not too loose or tight, and have non-skid soles.

When it comes to school-aged children, the main purpose of shoes is shock absorption and protection. Sneakers, sandals, dress or casual shoes should all meet those criteria.

Children are born with flat feet and typically develop an arch around age six, so choose structurally supportive shoes that help a developing arch instead of sandals or flip flops.

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: Riley Mudgett, ext. 100 marketing@metrokids.com Interns: Colleen Claggett, Rose Destra, Emma Kuliczkowski, Jacob Orndorff, Sally Tan, Sawyer Thomson

Custom fit

Vincent Flocco, co-owner of Flocco’s Shoes Clothes & Formal Wear in Conshohocken, PA has been fitting children’s shoes for decades.

“What a lot of parents want is not what’s appropriate or what’s good for the age of the kids,” Flocco says. “Many want a fashion-type shoe, but usually it doesn’t properly fit the child.

“Your child may look cool, but a shoe that is improperly fitted can cause problems down the road.”

Kids shoes shouldn’t need to be broken in, as adult shoes sometimes might, says Dr. Roman Burk, an Idaho podiatrist and graduate of Temple University School of Podiatry. “Buy shoes that don’t need to be broken in; children’s shoes should be comfortable immediately,” Burk says.

Fit by phone

Parents who don’t live near a shoe store that can help with fitting can try a relatively new app developed by a Philadelphia company. Jenzy helps parents find shoes that fit kids up to six years old.

“It’s like a shoe store on your phone,” says Carolyn Horner, co-founder and CEO of Jenzy.

The app, which launched last year, asks parents to take a photo of their kid’s foot.

An algorithm then calculates the foot’s measurements and recommends the best sizes from the brands offered on the app, which include Keds, Saucony and PediPed. “Seventy percent of kids are wearing shoes that don’t fit and that could affect their foot health for a lifetime,” says Horner. “Things like bunions or curled toes may come from wearing shoes as a child that are too small or unsupportive.”

Emma Kuliczowski is a MetroKids intern and Temple University student.

4 MetroKids.com

ADVERTISING SALES 888-890-4668

Becky Henry Jeanie Mudgett-McGeoch

Erin Thompson Samantha Tuttle Classified Sales

ext. 105 ext. 111 ext. 120 ext. 106 ext. 100

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:

SEPTEMBER 2019

Sponsored

Five Things About Your Baby’s Teeth That Might Surprise You

By Suzanne Koup-Larsen A first tooth is a big milestone in a baby’s life. Unfortunately, it might soon be followed by a first cavity.

Approximately one third of children get dental decay in their baby teeth between age 2 and 8, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. “Dental decay has reached epidemic proportions in children,” says Rachel Maher, DMD, a pediatric dentist practicing in North Wilmington, DE. “We are seeing children as young as 18 months with multiple cavities,” she says.

With that in mind, we talked with Dr. Maher about how to protect your child’s teeth from cavities and decay starting from when they are infants.

1. Don’t Put Your Baby’s Pacifier in Your Mouth To “Clean” It

Doing so will pass along bacteria that can cause tooth-decay, says Dr. Maher.

The same applies to sharing utensils; this is a no-no. Instead, rinse the pacifier with warm water and soap, or run it through the dishwasher if it is dishwasher-safe.

Sanitize the pacifier every so often by placing it in boiling water on the stove for five minutes. Make sure it is completely cooled before giving it to your baby.

2. Thumb Sucking Is Fine for a Couple Years

It’s okay for an infant to suck his/her thumb or pacifier, says Dr. Maher, but by the time he/she is a toddler, sucking habits should start to be addressed. Two thirds of thumb habits end by age five and pacifier habits appear to end earlier, with about 90 percent that end before five years of age. Some kids don’t suck on their thumbs, but only rest them in their

Brushing Teeth

mouths. This does no harm. But true thumb sucking can affect the bite, the shape of the jaw and become an orthodontic issue later down the road.

Positive reinforcements often work to wean thumb sucking in toddlers, says Dr. Maher. There are other tools to help if necessary, such as Mavala, a bad-tasting nail polish, or orthodontic devices, such as a tongue-crib appliance, to help break the habit if it persists beyond toddlerhood.

3. Clean the Mouths of Infants After EVERY Feeding

This includes middle-of-the-night feedings for very young infants. Use Xylitol wipes to clean the baby’s mouth, or wipe with a moist paper towel or wash cloth over the gums to remove bacteria and sugars. “Washcloths have a little friction to help clear the bacteria,” says Dr. Maher.

Concentrate on the front teeth, but don’t forget the tongue side of the teeth, advises Dr. Maher. When teeth start to come in it is okay to start to use a small, soft toothbrush to clean the teeth.

4. First Tooth Means It’s Time for Baby’s First Dentist Visit

“Cavities can happen as soon as the teeth start erupting in the mouth,” says Dr. Maher. As a result, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says a child’s first visit should be within six months of the eruption/emergence of the first tooth and no later than age one. At that first visit, a complete dental evaluation should be performed. The dentist will check for cavity risk, decay, bite problems, teething, dental injury prevention, sucking habits or grinding teeth and proper brushing techniques, which will be discussed if indicated.

Don’t let kids go to bed without wiping their gums or brushing their teeth, say Dr. Maher. The typical amount of toothpaste for adults is too much for kids. Instead, use a smear of toothpaste for toddlers and a peasized dab of toothpaste for kids 3 and older. Parents should supervise and assist with brushing to make sure kids don’t swallow too much toothpaste, advises Dr. Maher. One- and two year-olds are not very good at spitting, she says. If they swallow a little bit, it’s no big deal, but keep an eye on them to be sure it’s not too much.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Juice Guidelines

“Limit juice to almost zero,” advises Dr. Maher. “Apple juice rots teeth. It’s like soda.” The American Academy of Pediatrics revised its recommendations for juice for children in 2017.

It advises: • No juice before 12 mos.

• Less than 4 ounces for 1-3 yrs. per day • Less than 6 oz for 4-6 yrs. per day • Less than 8 oz for 7 and older per day • Toddlers should not drink juice from bottles or sippy cups • Encourage children to eat whole fruits instead

Many dentists don’t see children that young, so ask your family dentist or pediatrician for a recommendation for a pediatric dentist. Establish a “dental home” for your child to help make her feel comfortable with the dentist from a young age. Usually, for a first visit, the dentist will perform a lap exam, with the baby sitting on the parent’s lap. “They may cry for the first exam but this is age appropriate behavior,” says Dr. Maher.

5. A Baby Should Give Up The Bottle Around His First Birthday Excessive exposure to sugars through bottle-fed liquids can lead to tooth decay, whether it’s breastmilk, formula, or juice, leading to a condition called early childhood dental caries, nicknamed “baby-bottle tooth decay.” “Bacteria in the mouth feeds off sugars and forms cavities,” warns Dr. Maher. Bottles should especially not be given at bedtime or naptime because sugars will stay on the teeth all night long or for hours while the baby sleeps. Sippy cups and drinking through a straw does the same damage, therefore, no matter how your baby drinks, be sure to wipe his mouth or brush his teeth after a feeding, advises Dr. Maher.

For more information about Dr. Maher visit Dentistryforchildrende.com

MetroKids.com 5

mk

Classes

5

Ways to Get Teens Into Art

By Jennifer L. Jacobson As a parent, foster parent or influential adult in a child’s life, your attitude and approach to art shapes how your teen thinks about art. While we all know that the creation of art is a great way to express yourself and build confidence, if it’s not something you’ve done before it can be daunting.

feedback about something she’s struggling with, offer suggestions, but do it in a way that is positive. And remember; this goes for your art too. When you and your teen make art together, avoid the temptation to criticize or put down your own work. If you’re stuck with a part of your art, say, “I’m struggling with xyz. What would you do to make it more like xyz.”

So how do you get your teen interested in art? While these tips address painting specifically, similar approaches could work for other art forms — sculpture, photography, music, dance.

4. Explore different styles

1. Have art supplies out and ready

You don’t need a studio, just a corner of a room or even a drawer. Whatever it is, make a dedicated space in your home for your teen to create. Show him where and what everything is.

2. Make art together

Lead by example and do it regularly.

Even if your teen seems to be too cool for art projects, make some time to make art together. Even if it’s just you painting the first time, he’ll see what you’re doing.

Give him time to come around. See if your teen is interested in an art party and invite friends over. Provide the food and painting supplies.

Not everyone can or should paint like Rembrandt. Think of Picasso. Think of Jackson Pollock. Think of the impressionists, expressionists, the modernists.

Each has a very different look and that’s what makes it all wonderful. There are many styles of painting.

Some are made to look like real life, some are made to look like alternate versions of life, some are symbolic, and some are abstract.

Search artists and artistic movements online and share your findings with your teen. Browse local book-

stores and libraries and look at books about art. Remember, your art is yours. It can be any style you want.

5. Make your home a family gallery

Find a wall (or walls) within your home to display your family’s art. Tell your teen you want to show a painting of his and one of yours. Be sure to include all members of the household. Ask them what they’d like to see in that space. Whenever they make new art, find a place for it. If your teen is prolific enough, you may even cycle paintings out as he creates them.

Remember: Art is an ongoing experience and helps teens express themselves. The best art is a conversation between the artist and the audience, and this conversation happens entirely without words.

Connecting your teen to art is an important part of being an influential adult or parent in her life. Set the tone for how she engages with art. You can do it.

Jennifer L. Jacobson is an artist, communications professional and founder of Nimbus Haus (Nimbushaus.com), a volunteer art program in Seattle, Wash. that helps LGBTQ+ youth and youth in foster care connect with art.

3. Don’t be negative

Art requires an open-minded environment to flourish. How you respond matters. No matter what your teen’s art looks like, find something positive to say about it. “I really like what you’ve done with xyz.” If she asks for

No matter what your teen’s art looks like, find something positive to say about it. “I really like what you’ve done with xyz.”

6 MetroKids.com

Find Local Art Classes for Teens at MetroKids.com/ ArtClasses

SEPTEMBER 2019

A Delaware Library Card... It’s FREE!

THIS IS Y.

For sports, youth programming, healthy lifestyles, and smiling faces.

PLUS, JOIN NOW AND PAY NO JOINER FEE!

join.ymcade.org/fall19 Financial assistance is available. Offer valid at all YMCA of Delaware locations through September 30, 2019.

SEPTEMBER 2019

For unlimited classes, free childcare and MetroKids.com 7 finding time for YOU.

mk

SpecialKids

Inclusive Designs That Are Cool for School Adaptive clothing makes it easier for kids with disabilities and sensory issues to comfortably fit in.

By Rose Destra Every new school year, the hype for fresh back-to-school outfits has families clearing the racks. But parents of a child with a disability or sensitivity have other things to consider besides the latest trend.

They must take into account the comfort of the material or the ease of getting it on. Something simple, like a tag on a shirt, can trigger a reaction from a child with sensory processing issues. Some adaptive clothing, such as a weighted hat or vest, and compression T-shirt, can provide a sense of security to a child with anxiety or OCD. For children with physical disabilities that make buttons and zippers difficult to manage, clothing with magnetic closures or Velcro allow them to dress themselves easier and faster.

“Children are empowered to learn and grow when you give them reasonable choices. If the fabric is scratchy, the seams rub, or the design doesn’t express who you are, then getting dressed is the worst way to start your day,” says Daniela Weiss, marketing director at Fun and Function, in Merion Station, PA.

What is a sensory sensitivity?

For some parents, a child’s response to his clothing might be the first signal that he has a sensory disorder. Does he hate wearing long sleeves and pants, even if it’s cold out? Does he complain about itchy clothes and tight shoes? The smallest thing, like a seam, can be uncomfortable to a child with a sensory processing issue.

It is more than a discomfort. A child focused on how uncomfortable his clothing is can find it hard to focus on academics in the classroom.

If these issues aren’t addressed, the child can develop a tactile dysfunction that compels them to touch everything, have a high pain tolerance or have difficulty with fine motor tasks.

8 MetroKids.com

Touch is not the only sensation that affects a child with sensory processing disorder.

“Sometimes the sensory processing difficulties are much more than the touch processing,” says Susan Donohoe, owner of Kozie Clothes in Pottstown, PA. “People with sensory processing disorder misinterpret everyday sensory information, such as sound and movement.

“They may feel bombarded by information, crave intense sensory experiences or be unaware of sensations that others feel.”

For children with autism, clothes that apply pressure calm the nervous system during sensory overload.

“Weighted or snugfitting clothing can help a child that has trouble interpreting his position in space.

The weight or the snug fit provides the needed additional input for the child to feel grounded or secure,” says Donna Clee, an occupational therapy assistant at Jefferson Sub-Acute Rehab in Sewell, NJ.

Clothes make the kid

Kids like to dress the way they want and fit in with their peers. They value this freedom of expression because it’s a piece of their identity.

Adaptive clothing with cool graphics and patterns gives chidren a sense of belonging and boosts their confidence.

Certain design features, like a lack of tags or rough material, and the addition of magnets or Velcro, can

make clothing easier to wear without looking different. Other products, such as seamless underwear and socks, are even more subtle.

“Teaching dressing to a child is a challenge and teaching dressing to a child with sensitivities without access to adaptive clothing is exclusion.

Kids just want to be kids,” says Clee.

Big retailers get on board

Department stores like Target and Kohl’s have started to carry their own adaptive clothing.

Target’s Cat & Jack adaptive apparel line launched in 2017 with tagless clothing and Tommy Hilfiger has added Velcro and magnetic closures to some of its line. Kohl’s three children’s lines offer clothing suitable for those in wheelchairs with adaptations that include wide pant legs, elastic waistbands and reinforced belt loops.

Smaller companies have been in this niche longer. Aviva Weiss founded Fun and Function in 2007. Its clothing ranges from weighted vests to tagless tees made for children, teens, and adults with sensory impairments. “The purpose is to help children develop and participate in daily life, and it needs to be appealing, kid-friendly and affordable,” she says.

Kozie Clothes offers pieces for a variety of disabilities, such as body suits that can accommodate a feeding tube. Its temperature-controlled shirts react when a child sweats and quickens its absorption so he doesn’t feel sticky and overheated.

Adaptive clothing has expanded to the point where it doesn’t include just everyday wear. Halloween costumes, swimsuits and formal attire are also available. Target released a line of costumes for kids in wheelchairs so they can easily dress up too.

Rose Destra is a MetroKids intern from Temple University.

Images provided by Fun and Function

SEPTEMBER 2019

THE

aeriefes

MOVE TO LEARN

a1 roolcwood par

4651 Washington St. Ext., North Wilmington NCCDE.ORG/SPECIALEVENTS

sep1ember 15.. 12-4 p.m. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Froo

crafts s1a1ions perf ormanoes make a faerie house faerie parades hourly s1ory lime a1 1he gazebo family museum lour food 1ruok oour1 vendors

Emory Hill

wn;

'-

FUSCO

W1X���

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

County Executive Matthew Meyer Department of Community Services �I Division of Community Resources

https://sites.udel.edu/move2learn/current-projects

302-831-8666 • andreabc@udel.edu

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: ...and so much more!

WilmWaterAttractions.com 302-425-4890 Riverfront Water Attractions SEPTEMBER 2019

MetroKids.com 9

mk

Education

Should You Help With Homework?

By Tanni Haas Here is a scenario most parents can relate to: It’s late afternoon and your children come home from school exhausted, weighed down by school bags full of homework. Do you sit down to help them with it or encourage them to do it on their own?

The answer is “It depends.” In the most comprehensive summary of the scientific literature to date, researchers from Duke University concluded that whether parents should help their children with their homework depends on: 1. The child’s grade level 2. How knowledgeable parents are about the subject matter 3. How parents help

How old are they?

Before you sit down with your children to help them with homework, consider their ages. Researchers have consistently found that homework assistance is beneficial for children in elementary and high school, but not for middle-school-aged children. If your children are in middle school, you are better off letting them do their homework on their own.

Why? Researchers believe that parental assistance in elementary school helps because their kids are young and impressionable and your help is about more than completing the homework; you are also teaching them how to study.

It is different when they are in high school. At that age, researchers speculate that your involvement adds value because you are only likely to help out when you have particular expertise to share.

Why is it detrimental to try and help middle-schoolers?

Researchers think the issue is their specific developmental stage. As budding teenagers caught between childhood and adulthood, middle-school-aged children have a strong need for autonomy and are likely to resist any effort on your part to interfere in their affairs.

“Researchers have found parents are better able to help children with reading and writing than with math homework.”

As the father of a 14-year-old son who is about to enter high school, I recognize these behaviors from my own experiences.

When my son was in elementary school, he absolutely loved when we did his homework together; it was a great occasion for father-son bonding. Over time, he developed some impressive study habits and skills that have served him well in middle school, and which, I hope, will continue in high school. Although we still share many great moments together, it is safe to say that they rarely involve his homework.

What do you know?

Before you decide whether to help your child, you should also consider if you are qualified to do so. Researchers have discovered that the more parents know about the subject matter, the more useful it is for the child. This makes intuitive sense. You may even teach your children new ways to accomplish certain tasks. However, when you know little or nothing about the topic, your children are likely to get frustrated and you might even introduce mistakes into their work.

Researchers have found parents are better able to help children with reading and writing than with math homework, primarily because most parents are simply better at it. Parents often know less about math and are less up-to-date with the latest instructional strategies. Also, a parent’s old instructional strategies often conflict with contemporary methods taught at school.

Set rules, don’t do the work

One of the most consistent findings is that children benefit the most when parents support them in their efforts rather than help them out every step of the way.

There is nothing wrong with working very closely with your children on their homework, since this will help them develop study habits and skills. Yet, the most effective form of involvement is to set clear expectations and guidelines and reward good behavior when those are met.

Create rules for when, where, and how homework is supposed to be completed. Research indicates that when parents set ground rules, children spend more time on their homework, use that time more effectively, and, most importantly, internalize those rules so that they become routine, good habits over time.

Tanni Haas, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York Brooklyn College.

10 MetroKids.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

Bed time.

Story time.

College saving time.

The first step to helping their dreams come true is to make saving part of your routine.

The Delaware College Investment Plan account offers tax-deferred growth and no minimum to open an account.1 There’s also the Fidelity Investments 529 College Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, which lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back2 on everyday purchases. Rewards are deposited directly into your 529 account to make savings as routine as living happily ever after.

To learn more, or to open an account, visit

Fidelity.com/delaware

Managed by:

or call 800.544.1655.

Please carefully consider the plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information on any 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity, contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

The Delaware College Investment Plan is offered by the state of Delaware and managed by Fidelity Investments. If you or the designated beneficiary is not a Delaware resident, you may want to consider, before investing, whether your state or the beneficiary’s home state offers its residents a plan with alternate state tax advantages or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.

Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation.

Zero account minimums apply to self-directed brokerage accounts only. Account minimums may apply to certain account types (e.g., managed accounts) and/or the purchase of some Fidelity mutual funds that have a minimum investment requirement. See https://www.fidelity.com/commissions and/or the fund’s prospectus for details.

2 You will earn 2 Points per dollar in eligible net purchases (net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns) that you charge. Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. Upon approval, refer to your Program Rules for additional information. You may not redeem Reward Points, and you will immediately lose all of your Reward Points, if your Account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, due to Program misuse, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). Reward Points will not expire as long as your Account remains open. Certain transactions are not eligible for Reward Points, including Advances (as defined in the Agreement, including wire transfers, travelers checks, money orders, foreign cash transactions, betting transactions, lottery tickets, and ATM disbursements), Annual Fee, convenience checks, balance transfers, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, overdraft advances, interest charges, fees, credit insurance charges, transactions to fund certain prepaid card products, U.S. Mint purchases, or transactions to purchase cash convertible items. The 2% cash back rewards value applies only to Points redeemed for a deposit into an eligible Fidelity account. The redemption value is different if you choose to redeem your Points for other rewards such as travel options, merchandise, gift cards, and/or statement credit. Other restrictions apply. Full details appear in the Program Rules new card customers receive with their card. Establishment or ownership of a Fidelity account or other relationship with Fidelity Investments is not required to obtain a card or to be eligible to use Points to obtain any rewards offered under the program other than Fidelity Rewards.

The creditor and issuer of the Fidelity Investments 529 College Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is Elan Financial Services, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. The Fidelity Investments and pyramid design logo is a registered service mark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917. © 2018 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 789188.4.0 1

Hitting the Snooze Button Some local high schools have decided to start the school day later; others continue to study the idea.

By Ann Rappoport, PhD Maggi F. sets three alarm clocks — 5:45am, 6am and 6:15am — to “get awake” for the start of classes at Central Bucks East High School at 7:25am. And she doesn’t even have to catch the bus, which might require even earlier alarms.

Maggi’s sleep challenge typifies why Central Bucks School District is one of many districts in the region that are studying the pros and cons of starting the school day later. A number of local districts have already adopted later start times. Here’s why.

Puberty means late to bed, late to rise Five years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued its warnings about sleep deprivation for adolescents and recommended a change to start times for high school and middle school to 8:30am or later. The AMA, CDC, American Academy of Sleep Medicine and others concurred. Science backed their message: Sleep deprivation is a significant public health issue that impacts health, safety and academic success of US adolescents.

Serious health risks include metabolic problems like diabetes, compromised mental health and suicide, and accidents.

While some adults suffer from sleep deprivation too, puberty shifts the circadian rhythms of most adolescents and resets their biological clocks to fall asleep later and wake up later. Medical studies show most adolescents need 81/2 to 91/2 hours of sleep a night, but their metabolic sleep cycles kicks in around 11pm. A later start to the school day can therefore be a “key modifiable contributor” to better adolescent health and performance, medical experts believe.

“It was one of the hotter topics at school all year,” says CB East junior

12 MetroKids.com

Andrew W., who serves on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.

Andrew wakes up at around 6am and manages to get a decent breakfast, because “If I don’t, I suffer for the rest of the day.” Involved in choir and baseball, there are times when he’s up until 1am.

Yet he considers himself “one of the luckier ones.”

He says about 80 percent of his classmates work and he sees peers struggle with sleep deprivation. Some of them are up until 3am.

Just another 30 minutes more in the morning, he believes, could provide “flexibility, so they’re not sleep walking.”

It gives the kids padding, insurance, an opportunity for more sleep or breakfast.

Extra time provides more “control over their day, options, resources,” he says.

Andrew appreciates that for a school district, “It’s about more than ‘I’m tired.’”

School officials have to take a holistic view and be aware of repercussions to things like the bus schedule.

To change or not to change

CB District has studied this issue for almost two years, according to Superintendent John Kopicki, EdD. Data from the district’s spring survey are being analyzed. He describes many “moving parts,” including 23 public schools, 18,000 students, transportation costs, community needs and child care, among others.

On one hand, he acknowledges, “The research is real clear: We can’t be a walking contradiction. We want the best outcome for students. That’s why we’re here.” But he insists on “prudence,” which includes studying all angles, impacts and obligations, and conversation with all stakeholders.

Christina School District in Delaware is among the schools across the nation struggling with this dilemma, according to Noreen LaSorsa, assistant superintendent. “Woefully aware of sleep deprivation” issues, LaSorsa explains how change at the front end of the day not only impacts the back end, but impacts every system in the community, from school families and employees, to lunch and medication schedules, to rush-hour patterns.

Considerations include logistical complexity to coordinate 32 urban and suburban schools, before- and after-school care, inter-scholastic competitions and transportation costs.

The district must also take into account families that rely on students’ after-school jobs; a shortage of bus drivers, and a societal belief that early start times help prepare students for “real life.” Employee contracts and students’ after-school lessons must be factored in as well, notes Christina School Board Member and mom, Elizabeth Paige. She advocates for “healthier start times” and believes the obstacles can be overcome and are “worth trying to tackle.”

Paige cites research on adolescent sleep cycles that equate a child who awakes at 5am on a school morning to an adult who gets up at 2am to start work. “Kids are asleep on the bus and many struggle with early classes,” she explains. Later start times have been linked to better academic performance and a later school dismissal gives kids less unstructured time in the afternoon to get into trouble.

Where it’s worked

Solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, but can help inform strategies of those who seek them.

Solebury School, a co-ed college prep school in New Hope, PA that offers boarding and day options, launched an examination of its schedule about four years ago in an attempt to reduce the stressful “phrenetic pace of the school day,” according to Rick Tony, director of studies.

At that time, classes began at 8am; breakfast was served at 7:15am. There were eight, 45- to 50-minute periods a day. The 18-month review process “spawned a deep conversation about what we value,” Tony says. “When is more, more, and less, more?”

Solebury moved its start time to 8:30am (9am on Wednesdays), with breakfast at 7:45am. Class periods

SEPTEMBER 2019

changed to 80-minute blocks that meet every other day. The end-of-day dismissal didn’t change.

Tony concludes that the changes produced a win-win with no measurable cost. Four years later, “It’s hard to top the health of students,” he says. “It feels right, working well.”

AP psychology students in Unionville-Chadds Ford (PA) School District were asked to study one thing they believed would make school better. As Superintendent John Sanville recalls, a year or so before the AAP recommendations about sleep deprivation, these kids, sitting with coffee and energy drinks, presented their own suggestions to address the problem that “we’re tired.”

At that time, the UCF high school started the day at 7:35am and the first bus pick up was 6:07am. Students were not alert or ready to learn, Sanville says.

To embark on the change is “not for the faint of heart,” admits the superintendent. But now, in the third year with a revamped schedule, Sanville reports positive feedback of 10 to 1, far “exceeding expectations.”

The occasional “one” generally was due to employee childcare issues, some of

SEPTEMBER 2019

which have been addressed through professional flex time and other adaptations.

“Be brave,” advises Sanville, who happily finds himself increasingly consulted by districts that want to explore a change in start times. Both quantitative and anecdotal data show increased student sleep and better performance from UCF’s later start times.

“There’s no way we could go back; there’d be a revolt.”

Ann Rappoport is a contributing writer to MetroKids.

Tips for Schools Sanville has these observations for school leaders who want to consider a later start time.

• Don’t give up if you can’t go to 8:30am – a modest 30-minute improvement over the week adds up and is better than what you had.

(Unionville High and Patton Middle School now start at 8am.)

• Smaller changes may not disrupt the elementary school schedules or dramatically alter endof-day activities. Strategies to accommodate students who leave early for spring baseball or band include a schedule that assures the last period isn’t always the same subject or takes advantage of online learning.

• Communicate with everyone. Coordinate with childcare agencies, arts and sports providers, local employers, faith organizations, other schools, etc.

• Work hand-in-hand with teachers’ unions.

• Efficiencies in bus runs, combined with inhouse bus service, can result in minimal or no increased transportation costs.

• Size matters. The relatively small size of the district meant less complexity.

MetroKids.com 13

mk

2019-2020 H.S. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SURVEY

Do you want to find a high school that fits your child perfectly? This 30th annual Independent School Survey is a great place to start. It is a snapshot of the top independent high schools in Delaware, from day schools to boarding schools, large and small.

You’ll find information about school size, tuition, summer programs and services for students with special needs.

More detailed information on each school

is available as a searchable database at Metrokids.com/educationguide, where you can sort by school name, state, county, grades or gender.

Also be sure to check out the MetroKids 2019 Guide to Schools, coming out this month, which will also include PreK–8 schools, programs that serve students with learning differences, in-depth school profiles as well as Open House dates.

KEY TUITION: $ = < $10,000 $$ = $10,000-$20,000 $$$ = $20,000-$30,000 $$$$ = > $30,000

LANGUAGES OFFERED: CH= Chinese FR= French GE= German IT= Italian

LA= Latin MA= Mandarin SP= Spanish

SERVICES XXX = Enrollment

= Accommodates disabilities = Summer camp, school or program = Boarding school

Archmere Academy, (Catholic) Claymont, DE; Archmereacademy.com; Grades 9-12; Coed; 506 $$$; CH, FR, SP;

Independent Catholic college-prep school on the PA-DE border. Founded in the Norbertine tradition. Focuses on the whole person, developing students into empathetic leaders.

Capitol Baptist School, (Christian) Dover, DE; Cbcofdover.com; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 25 $; FR, SP Caravel Academy, (Nonsectarian) Bear, DE; Caravel.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 360 $$; FR, SP; Centreville Layton School, (Nonsectarian) Centreville, DE; Centrevillelayton.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 92 $$$; FR, SP; Fairwinds Christian School, (Christian) Bear, DE; Fcsknights.com; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 40 $; SP; Padua Academy, (Catholic) Wilmington, DE; Paduaacademy.org; Grades 9-12; Girls; 600 $$; FR, IT, SP; Red Lion Christian Academy, (Christian) Bear, DE; Redlionca.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 230 $; SP; Saint Andrew’s School, (Christian) Middletown, DE; Standrews-de.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 305 $$$$; CH, FR, SP; Saint Elizabeth High School, (Catholic) Wilmington, DE; Sehs.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 343 $-$$; FR, LA, SP; Saint Mark’s High School, (Catholic) Wilmington, DE; Stmarkshs.net; Grades 9-12; Coed; 560 $$; FR, IT, SP Saint Thomas More Academy, (Catholic) Magnolia, DE; Saintmore.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 167 $$; FR, IT, SP; Salesianum School, (Catholic) Wilmington, DE; Salesianum.org; Grades 9-12; Boys; 1,040 $$-$$$; FR, GE, LA, SP; Sanford School, (Nonsectarian) Hockessin, DE; Sanfordschool.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 234 $-$$$; FR, LA, SP; Tall Oaks Classical School, (Christian) Bear, DE; Talloaksde.org; Grades K-12; Coed; 70 $; LA, SP; Tatnall School, The, (Nonsectarian) Wilmington, DE; Tatnall.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 600 $$$; FR, LA, SP;

Provides a strong, balanced foundation with exceptional academics, outstanding athletics, unparalleled arts and authentic relationships.

Tome School, The, (Nonsectarian) North East, MD; Tomeschool.org; Grades K-12; Coed; 450 $; CH, FR, LA, SP; Tower Hill School, (Nonsectarian) Wilmington, DE; Towerhill.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 730 $$-$$$; FR, LA, MA, SP; Ursuline Academy, (Catholic) Wilmington, DE; Ursuline.org; Grades PreK-12; Girls; 200 $$$; FR, LA, SP; West Nottingham Academy, (Nonsectarian) Colora, MD; Wna.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 130 $$-$$$$; FR, SP; Wilmington Christian School, (Christian) Hockessin, DE; Wilmingtonchristian.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 245 $$; GE, SP;

FIND MORE ONLINE

Wilmington Friends School, (Quaker) Wilmington, DE; Wilmingtonfriends.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 285 $$$; CH, FR, SP;

MetroKids.com/EducationGuide

14 MetroKids.com

SEPTEMBER 2019

Now Offering Sedation and Special Needs Dentistry!

Not all kids learn the same.

This DE school gets it.

OPEN HOUSE: Every Wednesday 10 AM – 12 PM

ENROLLING

We Help Shape Healthy Smiles For Life!

NOW

Concord Dental 2304 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803

(302) 791-3750

GATEWAY LAB SCHOOL

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.

2501 Centerville Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808 302-633-4091 ext. 232

Free DE Public Charter School

www.gatewaylabschool.org

Celebrating

63 YEARS of Excellence!

Full Day & Part-Time options available

making a world of difference... since 1989

MONTESSORI EDUCATION

OPEN HOUSE: 2nd Tuesday of the Month - 9-11am or call to schedule a tour:

302-239-2917

1313 Little Baltimore Rd., Hockessin, DE 19707

caccmont@caccmont.org

caccmont.org

Small Class Size • Caring Teachers Ages 1- Kindergarten Hours: 7:15 am - 5:45 pm

1800 Fairfax Blvd. • Wilmington, DE 19803

302-654-9629

Concordpreschoolandchildcare.com

mk smart. local. parenting.

MetroKids.com SEPTEMBER 2019

Give your child the head start they deserve.

Developing -

• A love for Learning • Self Direction • Self Esteem • Infants - K • BS, AS, Summer Camp • Enrichments including Mandarin Chinese, Music, Art, Gym, STEM & Gardening MetroKids.com 15

mk

Parenting

6 Tips for Middle School A local school counselor uses his years of experience to help you get your child from kid to teen.

By Andy Mullen Eventually, you are going to have to go through it. With preparation, planning and reasonable expectations, it can be easier to handle.

We’re not talking about military boot camp or even a colonoscopy. Welcome to middle school! Below are a few tips and reminders that might ease the pain of these notoriously challenging adolescent years.

1. Stay calm If you have not seen it yet, you will soon. Your kid is poised to start saying and doing things that will tempt you to the dark side. Resist! Remind yourself that they don’t mean it and that they really do love you. They are going through a temporary stage that won’t last forever. They will eventually stop rolling their eyes, it just might take a few years.

2. Mistakes are good Middle school

is the minor leagues of life and mistakes will and should happen. Mistakes or failures are often the result of accepting new challenges or taking appropriate risks.

This is how they learn and grow. How you respond to their setbacks makes all the difference. Your job is to help them look at the situation and figure out how to do it better the next time. Don’t say things like, “You are going to turn out just like your Uncle Eddie,” or “You are grounded forever.”

3. Structure Predictable, clear and reasonable consequences create an environment that both comforts and reassures adolescents. They will never admit it to you, but your child, more than ever, needs and wants rules and expectations.

When you make the effort to enforce 16 MetroKids.com

rules and set expectations, it sends a message that you care.

4. Listen to them As your child gets

older, lots of new thoughts race through his mind. Slow down and take the time to listen to him. It can be hard to hear the story about a kid who stuffed 15 tater tots in his mouth at lunch when dinner needs to be cooked and you have work left to do.

Make the time. If they know that they can talk to you about tater tots, they will also talk with you about the more serious stuff later.

5. Identity formation Be patient and open

minded about their interests.

Share the hobbies and things you are interested in, while being receptive to other ideas as well.

Know ahead of time that most things they try will not pan out into a lifelong interest. You can always sell the lacrosse stick, guitar and mountain bike to make the down payment on that midlife-crisis Jeep you’ve been looking at.

Finding a few areas of interest is key to self-esteem and a healthy picture of who they are.

6. Laugh If viewed through a lens of

understanding, empathy and compassion, the antics of middle schoolers are absolute gifts of hilarity. Appreciate the mistakes and enjoy this stage of parenting!

Andy Mullen has been a middle-school and highschool counselor in Tredyffrin/Easttown School District for 16 years and just published Middle Schooled: Parenting Tips and Reminders to Keep You Smiling, a month-by-month guide to getting your kids through the tween years. It is available on Amazon.

SEPTEMBER 2019

mk

Family Fun

Don your most fanciful attire for the Faerie Festival in Rockwood Park, Sept. 15.

SEPTEMBER DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR

Special needs event Rehoboth Beach Sandcastle Contest

7 Saturday

Editor's Pick

$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up

1 Sunday

Back-to-School Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Find out how kids in the 1700s learned their ABCs and apprenticed for trades. $$$$ Labor Day Celebration at Franklin Square, Phila. FREE Steamin' Day at Auburn Valley State Park, Hockessin. Enjoy vintage car rides, crafts, demos and a spin around the Auburn Valley Railroad to see what travel was like at the turn of the 20th century. $$

Science Saturday: Circuit Antics

14 Saturday

Summerfest Closing Day at Blue Cross RiverRink, Phila. Enjoy the skating rink, carnival games and play area for the final time this season. FREE

2 Monday

Back-to-School Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. See Sept. 1. $$$$ Garden Railway Closing Day at Morris Arboretum, Phila. View this mini city, with a quarter-mile track that runs through it, for the last time this season. $$$ Labor Day Celebration at Franklin Square, Phila. FREE

5 Thursday

Story Time Sprouts at the Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin. $$

6 Friday

Glory of Stories at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. $ Movie Night: What About Bob? on the Boardwalk Bandstand, Bethany Beach. FREE

7 Saturday

Brandywine Festival of the Arts at Brandywine Park, Wilmington. Features artist exhibits, crafts, music and kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities. $ Rehoboth Beach Sandcastle Contest on the beach between Delaware & Laurel Aves., Rehoboth Beach. While you stroll the beach, keep an eye out for 100-plus sandy creations that range from swamp treasures, sharks and dolphins to mermaids, pyramids and pop-culture characters. FREE

8 Sunday

Brandywine Festival of the Arts at Brandywine Park, Wilmington. See Sept. 7. $ Feria del Barrio on 5th St. between Cambria St. & Lehigh Ave., Phila. This celebration of Latino arts and cultures includes performances, crafts, games and food. FREE

Korean Festival

21 Saturday SEPTEMBER 2019

See MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information on these and other events.

MetroKids.com 17

Science Saturday: Circuit Antics at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington.

Explore the basics of electrical circuits, then design a greeting card that incorporates a circuit that powers an LED bulb. $$$

HIDDEN HOLIDAY

Celebrate our biggest fans and dispensers of wisdom during Grandparents Day, Sept. 9. Hockessin’s Mt. Cuba Center hosts themed family activities and hayrides. Over in Elkton, MD, Milburn Orchards grants free admission to Grandma and Gramps Sept. 14 & 15.

Greenfest Philly on the Bainbridge Green, Phila. Expect 100-plus eco-friendly exhibitors and vendors, as well as demos and fun for kids. FREE Grandparents Day Celebration at the Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin. See “Hidden Holiday,” above. $ Play Without Boundaries at the Please Touch Museum, Phila. Limited entry makes it easier for kids with sensory sensitivities to explore the venue. FREE Who Hears Twell Van Dunder, Family Opening at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. Meet the artists behind the newest installation in the Kids’ Corner.

FREE

13 Friday

Movie Night: Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again on the Boardwalk Bandstand, Bethany Beach. FREE

14 Saturday

A to Zoo at the Philadelphia Zoo, Phila.

Little ones partake in early learning activities. $$$$ Archaeology Festival at Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills, PA. Help out with excavations, dig into kids’ activities and view displays and exhibits. FREE Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington.

View the collections and research department, a space typically closed to the public. $$ Grandparents Day Weekend at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. See “Hidden Holiday,” above. $$ Nun Run 5K at Jeanne Jugan Residence, Newark. Hosted by the Little Sisters of the Poor. $$$$

18 MetroKids.com

Try Science: Be a Physicist at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. $$

15 Sunday

Day Flights: Bird School at the Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington.

Learn about these flighty friends and see them in action. $$ Johnny Appleseed’s Birthday Weekend at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. Pose for pics with the guest of honor and enjoy a slice of birthday cake. $$

Car Show at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Enjoy vehicle parades, video- and pedal-car racing and a food court. $$

Korean Festival at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. Celebrate Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving, with performances, cultural experiences and food. FREE

Faerie Festival at Rockwood Park, Wilmington. Join the Faerie Queen for costume parades, games, storytelling, hula-hoop demos and face painting. FREE

Art and Music Festival at Linvilla Orchards, Media, PA. FREE

Grandparents Day Weekend at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. See “Hidden Holiday,” left. $$ Mexican Independence Day Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Phila.

Enjoy performances and traditional food.

FREE

16 Monday

Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE

17 Tuesday

Constitution Day at the National Constitution Center, Phila. Listen to a reading of the Preamble and sign a giant constitution. FREE History After Hours: The Lion and the Unicorn at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Find out which symbols were used to unify the British Empire, then try locally made brews. $$$$

19 Thursday

Story Time in Enchanted Woods at the Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Wilmington.$$$$

22 Sunday

Johnny Appleseed’s Birthday Weekend at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. See Sept. 21. $$ Pumpkin 5K Dash and Mile Smash at Ramsey’s Farm, Wilmington. Race benefits local charities. $$$$ West Street Art Festival at the Delaware Contemporary, Wilmington. Enjoy workshops, activities and entertainment. FREE

23 Monday

Peace Week and Fall Equinox Labyrinth Walk at the Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington. Mark the occasion with a stroll in the outdoor labyrinth. FREE

27 Friday

Dinos After Dark at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Expect animal presentations and a pop-up beer garden. $$

28 Saturday

Apple Harvest Weekend at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. Treats and an apple taste test are on tap. $$ Jr. Engineers: Be an Aeronautical Engineer at the Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington. $$

20 Friday

Science Saturday: Pop Goes the Roll Mill at the Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington. Find out how and why things explode and build a structure that controls the direction of an explosion. $$$

Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, Phila. This super-scary haunt is suited for ages 7 & up. Through Nov. 9. $$$

Tree Festival at the Mt. Cuba Center, Hockessin. Activities include hayrides, demos and kid-friendly programming. $$

Movie Night: Solo: A Star Wars Story on the Boardwalk Bandstand, Bethany Beach.

FREE

21 Saturday

Art and Music Festival at Linvilla Orchards, Media, PA. FREE Breakfast with the Red Pandas at the Brandywine Zoo, Wilmington. $$$

29 Sunday

Apple Harvest Weekend at Milburn Orchards, Elkton, MD. See Sept. 28. $$ Overwatch League’s Grand Finals at the Wells Fargo Center, Phila. Watch the world’s top two teams go head-to-head in the popular first-person action game. $$$$

SEPTEMBER 2019

mk

Family Fun

TOWN & COUNTY: FALL KICKOFF The season is changing. Soon we’ll be sipping apple cider, taking hayrides and wearing our best sweaters. A few local farms and orchards are embracing the harvest season and kicking off the celebrations early.

KENT COUNTY Enjoy a corn maze, slides, pumpkin painting, a tractor train and music starting Sept. 21 at Fifer Orchards Farm and Country Store in Camden-Wyoming.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY In Wilmington, Ramsey’s Farm debuts its autumnal offerings late Sept, including pumpkin-picking hayrides and mazes.

CECIL COUNTY, MD Just over the border, Elkton’s Milburn Orchards holds the season’s first fall festival weekend Sept. 14 & 15. While each weekend’s theme differs, you’ll always find pick-your-own fruit and veggies, hayrides, a farmyard playground, the tractor-tire tower, Groundhog Hill and an inflatable obstacle course.

FAB FREEBIE

Inspired by the free-admission Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C., Museum Day Live! grants free access to ticketholders at select venues Sept. 21. Each ticket — downloadable from Smithsonianmag. com/museumday — admits two guests to one museum. View the full list of participants at MetroKids.com/ museumdaylive.

DISCOVER

ART

THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY is the perfect destination for busy families interested in experiencing the art of today.

THE DELAWARE CONTEMPORARY

200 South Madison Street Wilmington, DE 19801 302.656.6466 | decontemporary.org

JOIN US FOR OUR

WEST STREET

ARTFestival

Sunday, September 22 11 AM to 4 PM | FREE

Hayrides at Hagley

Participants include: • • • •

Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington The Delaware Contemporary, Wilmington Delaware History Museum, Wilmington Delaware Museum of Natural History, Wilmington • Old Swedes Historic Site, Wilmington • Read House and Gardens, New Castle • Iron Hill Museum and Science Center, Newark

SEPTEMBER 2019

See brilliant fall foliage by the Brandywine!

OCTOBER 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, & 27 • 11:30 A.M. TO 4 P.M. WWW.HAGLEY.ORG/HAYRIDES GPS: 200 HAGLEY CREEK ROAD, WILMINGTON, DE 19807 • (302) 658-2400

MetroKids.com 19

mk

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 ★

20 MetroKids.com

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 • Newarkdaynursery.org 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* 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 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 ★

SEPTEMBER 2019

mk

Child Care & Early Education Dir.

WILMINGTON, NEW CASTLE COUNTY (CONT.) 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

2019 Season

Family Owned Since 1860

Wilmington, DE

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 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

mk

Win It!

PLAY TO LEARN ick U-P tch a ur it o in P Vis mpk Pu

Kids love to show off their unique style, and Chalk of the Town’s customizable tees and tote bag let them do just that. Grab the chalk markers and stencils provided to doll up the apparel, then use the eraser cloth to make room for a new masterpiece. (2+; $19.95-$24.95)

Fast-track your tot’s imagination and fine-motor skills with the LeapBuilders Soar and Zoom Vehicles playset, which prompts little ones to use easy-build blocks to construct a variety of creations.

(Leapfrog; 2+; $9.99)

Open Weekends Sept 21st thru Oct 27th Sat/Sun and Columbus Day 10am - 5pm Open Fridays in October Noon to 5 pm Weekday School Groups by Appointment (Private parties hosted year-round by appointment)

8 am SEPTEMBER 22 INAUGURAL RAMSEY’S FARM PUMPKIN TROT 5K, 7.5 Mile and Kids Race – Great prizes and a Pumpkin for all participants Details soon on Ramseysfam.com

Log on to MetroKids.com/winit and enter to win your favorite prize, beginning September 1. Prizes will be mailed by the provider to the address given on the entry form.

SEPTEMBER 2019

MetroKids.com 21

mk

Family Fun

Enjoy the

SHOW School hallways aren’t the only place drama returns this September. Local theater companies kick off their 2019-2020 seasons, featuring performances for audiences of all ages. Whether you’re introducing your little one to kiddie versions of popular productions or encouraging a teen thespian’s love of the art form, there’s a performance for everyone.

CLEAR SPACE THEATRE, REHOBOTH BEACH Young kids James and the Giant Peach (Nov. 8-10) Tweens & teens Ghost: The Musical (Oct. 18-27) A Christmas Story: The Musical (Nov. 29Dec. 15)

SECOND STREET PLAYERS, MILFORD

MERRIAM THEATER, PHILA.

Young kids The Hobbit (Oct. 11-13)

Young kids The Rainbow Fish (Nov. 23) A Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 20 & 21) Wild Kratts Live (April 18) Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live (May 9)

Tweens & teens Elf the Musical (Nov. 29-Dec. 15)

WILMINGTON DRAMA LEAGUE, WILMINGTON

PLAYHOUSE ON RODNEY SQUARE, WILMINGTON

Young kids Beauty and the Beast (Dec. 13-29) A Mystery Family Musical (June 5-14)

Young kids Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical (Nov. 23) Pete the Cat (Jan. 14) Judy Moody and Stink (Jan. 23) Frindle (April 24) Magic School Bus (April 29)

Tweens & teens Noises Off! (April 24-May 3)

Tweens & teens The Play That Goes Wrong (March 12-15) The Color Purple (April 16-19) Fiddler on the Roof (May 7-10)

Tweens & teens Rent (Oct. 18-20)

ACADEMY OF MUSIC, PHILA. Young kids Baby Shark Live (Nov. 10) Nick Jr. Live: Move to the Music (Feb. 7-9) Tweens & teens Don Quixote (Oct. 10-20) Mean Girls (Nov. 19-Dec. 1) Hello, Dolly! (Feb. 19-March 1) Les Misérables (March 17-29) Jesus Christ Superstar (April 7-13)

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live

WALNUT STREET THEATRE, PHILA. Young kids The Little Mermaid Jr. (Sept. 21 & 22) Grace for President (Feb. 1 & 2) Junie B. Jones the Musical (March 28 & 29) Nate the Great (May 30 & 31) Tweens & teens Young Frankenstein (Sept. 3-Oct. 20) Shrek the Musical (Nov. 5-Jan. 5) A Woman of No Importance (Jan. 14-March 1) The Bodyguard (May 12-July 12)

Frindle

22 MetroKids.com

Mean Girls

Log on to MetroKids.com/familytheaterguide for a full list of performances.

SEPTEMBER 2019

Looking for the BEST school for your child?

The Delaware Valley has some of the most prestigious schools right in our very own backyard.

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INSIDE:

At-a-glance indexes let parents view pertinent facts about regional schools and refer to In-Depth School Profiles for sponsor schools.

AVAILABLE

SEPTEMBER 2019 PARENTS: Sign-up to receive updates on our 2019-20 Guide to Schools at MetroKids.com/GuidetoSchools or email info@metrokids.com Schools interested in participation contact Darlene Weinmann at sales@metrokids.com or 215-291-5560

.

Y A D O T G N I HIK G N I Z A L B L I TRA .

W O R R O M TO

At Girl Scouts, she’ll have endless At Girl Scouts, have endless opportunities to getshe’ll outdoors, opportunities to adventures get outdoors, inspiring her to seek inspiring her to seek adventures and overcome challenges so she and overcome challenges so she can can create her own success— create herlooks own success—whatever whatever that like to her. that looks like towho her. she Hereis, she’ll Here she’ll discover discover who she about, is, whatand she’s what she’s passionate passionate about, and what she what she wants to achieve—both achieve—both today and today wants and intothe future. in the future.

BECOME A GIRL SCOUT AT BECOME A GIRL SCOUT AT gscb.org/join or call 800.341.4007