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September 2019 | FREE
Kids’ Theater Preview Schools Hit SNOOZE
When HOMEWORK HELP Hurts
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2019 High School Survey Dress Without Stress
Middle School Survival Tips
(for Parents)
If the Shoe Fits...
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September 2019 Vol. 30, No. 9
In This Issue 4 How to Fit Kids’ Shoes 6 Explore Nature Books 10 Tips for Middle-School Survival 11 Win It! 12 When to Help With Homework 14 Schools Hit Snooze 18 2019 High School Survey 16 Safe Haven from Bullying 20 Get Your Teen Into Art
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2019 Season
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SpecialKids 8 Inclusive Back-to-School Clothing Family Fun 23 Day-by-Day Calendar 30 Kids’ Theater Preview
3 Events; 5 Health; 9 Special Needs; 13 Education 21 Classes; 28 Child Care
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Health
If the Shoe Fits Kids’ feet grow quickly. Here’s how to make sure their shoes help, not hurt.
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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.
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Books
Of Land and Trees Books about nature and a New York-centric alphabet. By Frank Lipsius
Trees: A Rooted History
By Pietr Sacha & Wojciech Grajkowski Abrams, $24.99, Ages 8-12 Some delightful books about nature and the environment remind us that those subjects are not just political footballs and can be appreciated and lauded for just what they are. Trees: A Rooted History starts out noting that “trees are the largest living things on Earth,” and “for most trees, a hundred years is just the beginning of their life.” This obviously large subject is well-organized with a series of two-page spreads that discuss the parts of a tree, how the seasons affect them, various kinds of trees, trees’ predators and inhabitants among the animal kingdom, and man’s relationship to trees, including using them to build shelter, create art with and about trees, tree worship and family trees. The illustrations by Pietr Sacha show the myriad differences among trees, seeds and flowers while organizing large spreads that encompass many individual items that range from different trunks to transport vehicles. The world through the lens of wood and trees brings appreciation and wonder to a subject too easy to take for granted.
Owling
By Mark Wilson Storey Publishing, $18.95, Ages 8-12 Mark Wilson, the author of Owling, obviously has a special interest in owls, which he shares with the reader and that starts with a look at one to explain what you are seeing. The big, round, intelligent-looking eyes have large pupils to see in the dark. Owls have a passive appearance but are raptors with deadly talons. They excrete white feces but also furry pellets, which are the parts of their carnivorous diet — like feathers, bones, and fur — that they do not digest. The author explains that looking at an owl is not just a theoretical exercise. Their camouflage feathers and stillness make them hard to detect, but they are probably in the woods and surroundings of most areas and with some practice would be visible. With that in mind, the book discusses all the kinds of owls in North America, the etiquette of dealing with one, especially whispering because they are extremely sensitive to sound, and keeping a distance for their comfort and your safety. Himself an owl photographer for many years, Wilson shows a great knowledge born of sheer observation and patience that he imparts with enthusiasm and the hope that his own insights will convey his interest to others.
Manhattan: Mapping the Story of an Island
By Jennifer Thermes Abrams, $19.99, Ages 8-12 The front endpaper of Jennifer Thermes’s ambitious history of Manhattan shows the left side of Manhattan island from the southern end at the Battery to the middle of Central Park where the Metropolitan Museum of Art is. The back flyleaf has the right side, from the rest of Central Park to Inwood and the Henry Hudson Bridge in the north. In between these ends of the book is a history of the island and how it got to look like it does, from the receding glaciers that left an island teeming with animals and plants surrounded by a sea of fish, to its growth and development throughout history. The second page jumps to the thousands of years the island was occupied by itinerant Lenape tribes, and by the third page Henry Hudson is sailing up his namesake river in 1609. As the author notes, “The island was about to change.” Each two-page spread takes the island to its next turning point — colonization by the Dutch, the arrival of the British to displace the Dutch, the American Revolution. Part of the story is New York’s important role in American history but there are also strictly local events, like the Great Fire of 1835, the design and building of Central Park, transportation with the subway and bridges, and of course its famous skyscrapers. The author specializes in the interaction of history and geography, which works well with this subject that played a role in major events and eras like immigration, the Gilded Age and modernization. As Manhattan island came to be crowded with people, so do the illustrations that convey a cheerful simplified pastel coloring of hand-drawn ink structures and people’s outlines.
NYC’s ABCs
By Mr. Boddington’s Studio Penguin Board Book, $9.99, Ages 3-5 The product of a hip Brooklyn paper store called Mr. Boddington’s Studio, NYC’s ABCs may be a board book with simplified stick-figure characters going through the paces of illustrating the letters of the alphabet. But belying its ostensible focus on the pre-literate set, the letter S is for “Schlepping,” illustrated with a stylish stylized lady carrying lots of packages trailed by a dachshund on a leash. The audience of 3-to-5 year olds obviously stretches to their elders capable of sharing a wry smile over a New York-centric alphabet. Other examples are X for “X-tra mustard for my pretzel” illustrated with a food truck; Q for “Q train delayed”; and N for “New York Times with coffee stains.” All very tongue in cheek but no doubt a useful guide to hip or aspiring hip of any age in NYC. Frank Lipsius is a contributing writer to MetroKids.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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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.
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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
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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 10 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
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Win It!
PLAY TO LEARN
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)
A series of free performances for children, families, and adults
FALL
2019 All programs begin at 2:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Free admission! Montgomery Auditorium Parkway Central Library • 1901 Vine Street
SEPTEMBER 8 Zydeco-a-Go-Go Stomp your feet and dance in the aisle to this popular local band’s spicy gumbo of irresistible rhythms. Enjoy special activities before and after as part of the Our 5 Senses Community Day.
SEPTEMBER 15 Free to Dance Travel from a 16th-century Brazilian slave plantation to Rio’s Carnival in an exuberant, dancebased exploration of Afro-Brazilian history and culture led by Ginga Brasileira.
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) 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
OCTOBER 6 Shadow Ball: The Story of Black Baseball Rochel Garner Coleman’s one-man show pays homage to Negro league baseball players and America’s suffering during the Great Depression.
OCTOBER 27 Jambo Mama Africa Celebrate the African and African-American oral tradition with storytelling from the Philadelphia ensemble group Keepers of the Culture. This series is made possible by funding from the Philadelphia City Institute Board of Managers.
freelibrary.org/sundaysonstage
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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.
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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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
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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
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.
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MetroKids.com 15
Sponsored
CCA Provides Students a Safe Haven From Bullying When going back to school, the only thing students should have to worry about is reaching their full potential—not fears about bullying or personal safety. Sadly, this is the situation faced by far too many students. According to StopBullying.gov, 20 percent of students aged 12-18 reported being bullied during the last 12 months and 70 percent of students report witnessing bullying in their school. Bullying is defined as any aggressive, unwanted behavior among school-aged children and can take many forms. While the most common form of bullying is social or verbal, physical bullying, exclusion and threats remain a persistent problem experienced by many students.
16 MetroKids.com
Fortunately, as awareness of bullying grows, parents and teachers are better able to spot the warning signs of bullying, including changes in engagement with family members, teachers and peers; lack of participation at school; declining interest in organized activities, and changes in academic performance. If your child exhibits any of these behavioral warning signs, they could be experiencing bullying in their current learning environment. Not only does bullying have serious, long-term emotional and psychological consequences, but if left unchecked, it could seriously affect your child’s academic performance.
SEPTEMBER 2019
Finding Safety at CCA
Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar schools, Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA) provides a safe haven for students who have experienced bullying. As a K through 12 public cyber charter school serving more than 9,500 Pennsylvania students, CCA knows safety and bullying concerns play an important role in many families’ decision on where to send their children to school. About 34 percent of CCA parents chose CCA because of safety concerns in their previous school, while 29 percent selected CCA because of bullying issues. That’s why CCA offers a network of academic and family resources to help students overcome the aftermath of bullying and reach their full potential. At the focal point of these resources is CCA’s Student Assistance Program (SAP), which aims to identify and assist students who are facing non-academic barriers to learning, such as bullying. Once issues have been identified, SAP links students and their families to resources in their community that can help them craft appropriate accommodations. While lessons at CCA are conducted online, school counselors are always available to help families and students as they transition to public cyber charter school. Not only are these professionals trained to listen and offer support, they can design strategies to successfully guide students through the healing process. Students who have previously experienced bullying at school may have school-related anxieties, such as fear or distrust of teachers, fear of getting in trou-
ble, or fear of getting called on in class. At CCA, school counselors work directly with teachers, parents and students to design a customized plan that meets each student’s individual needs. Many times, CCA can offer solutions not available in traditional schools, such as allowing students to attend virtual lessons or switching teachers. “Here, there is no passing your bully in the hall or facing someone every day during sixth-period math class,” said Brian Comegna, manager of pupil services at CCA. This collaborative, student-focused approach to learning ensures students have all the tools they need to overcome bullying and achieve their full potential. Beyond bullying, CCA’s innovative learning platform to learning guarantees students’ academic progress is never held
back by safety concerns. Because students attend live lessons and recorded lessons online, they have the freedom to learn when and where they want, including from the safety of their own home. Safety is essential for parents like Jannell Banks, who lives in Philadelphia and has three students enrolled at CCA. “It was a safety issue. That’s what made me look into cyber school,” Jannell said. “Once I did that I found the education was beyond the safety issue. The education at CCA was more hands-on which was funny for a cyber school. You would think that it’s not going to be more hands-on because it’s online, but it’s more hands-on, which was a plus for us.” CCA is a public cyber charter school open to all Pennsylvania students in grades K through 12, with enrollment available throughout the school year. To learn more about how CCA can work for you and your family, visit ccaeducate.me.
ccaeducate.me SEPTEMBER 2019
MetroKids.com 17
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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 Southeastern Pennsylvania, 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 $$$$ = > $30,000
LANGUAGES OFFERED: AR= Arabic FR= French ASL= Amer. Sign GE= German CH= Chinese GR= Greek ESL= English as a HE= Hebrew Second Lan. IT= Italian
XXX = Enrollment
LA= Latin MA=Mandarin PL= Prima Lingua SP= Spanish UK= Ukranian
SERVICES = Accommodates disabilities = Summer camp, school or program = Boarding school
Abington Friends School, (Quaker) Jenkintown, PA; Abingtonfriends.net; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 540 $$-$$$$; FR, SP; Quaker school with a culture of intellectual & creative ambition; small class size; individual attention; freedom from standardized testing. Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, (Catholic) Villanova, PA; Ndapa.org; Grades 6-12; Girls; 418 $$-$$$; FR, LA, MA, SP; Academy of the New Church, (Christian) Bryn Athyn, PA; Ancss.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 227 $$$; FR, LA, SP; Agnes Irwin School, The, (Nonsectarian) Rosemont, PA; Agnesirwin.org; Grades PreK-12; Girls; 285 $$$$; FR, GR, LA, MA, SP; AIM Academy, (Nonsectarian) Conshohocken, PA; Aimpa.org; Grades 1-12; Coed; 363 $$$$; LA, SP; ATG Learning Academy, (Nonsectarian) Chalfont, PA; Atglearningacademy.com; Grades K-12; Coed; 28 $$$$; SP; Baldwin School, The, (Nonsectarian) Bryn Mawr, PA; Baldwinschool.org; Grades PreK-12; Girls; 238 $$$$; AR, FR, LA, MA, SP; Church Farm School (CFS), (Christian) Exton, PA; Gocfs.net; Grades 9-12; Boys; 200 $$$-$$$$; FR, SP; City School, The (Christian) Phila. 19123; cityschool.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 150 $; ASL, SP; PreK to 12th grade private Christian school on three campus locations in Philadelphia. Concept School, The, (Nonsectarian) Westtown, PA; Theconceptschool.org; Grades 7-12; Coed; 32 $$$; FR, SP; Crefeld School, The, (Progressive) Phila. 19118; Crefeld.org; Grades 7-12; Coed; 100 $$$$; SP, MA; Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, (Catholic) Phila. 19132; Cristoreyphiladelphia.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 507 $; LA; Delaware County Christian School, (Christian) Newtown Square, PA; Dccs.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 630 $$; CH, GE, SP; Delaware Valley Friends School, (Quaker) Paoli, PA; Dvfs.org; Grades 3-12; Coed; 203 $$$$; ASL, SP; Devon Preparatory School, (Catholic) Devon, PA; Devonprep.com; Grades 6-12; Boys; 212 $$$; FR, GE, LA, SP; Dock Mennonite Academy, (Christian) Lansdale, PA; Dock.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 350 $$; SP; Episcopal Academy, The, (Christian) Newtown Square, PA; Episcopalacademy.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 1,267 $$$-$$$$; CH, FR, GR, LA, SP; Friends’ Central School, (Quaker) Wynnewood, PA; Friendscentral.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 375 $$$-$$$$; FR, LA, PL, SP; Friends Select School, (Quaker) Phila. 19103; Friends-select.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 588 $$$-$$$$; FR, IT, LA, MA, SP; George School, (Quaker) Newtown, PA; Georgeschool.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 540 $$$$; CH, FR, LA, SP; Germantown Academy, (Nonsectarian) Fort Washington, PA; Germantownacademy.net; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 565 $$$-$$$$; CH, FR, GE, LA, SP; Germantown Friends School, (Quaker) Phila. 19144; Germantownfriends.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 916 $$$-$$$$; FR, GR, LA, MA, SP; Girard College, (Nonsectarian) Phila. 19121; Girardcollege.edu; Grades K-12; Coed; 100 0; FR, SP; Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, (Catholic) Gwynedd Valley, PA; Gmahs.org; Grades 9-12; Girls; 400 $$$; FR, LA, SP; Haverford School, The, (Nonsectarian) Haverford, PA; Haverford.org; Grades PreK-12; Boys; 443 $$$-$$$$; CH, LA, SP; 18 MetroKids.com
SEPTEMBER 2019
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2019-2020 H.S. INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SURVEY
Hill School, The, (Nonsectarian) Pottstown, PA; Thehill.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 530 $$$$; AR, CH, FR, GR, LA, SP; Holy Ghost Preparatory School, (Catholic) Bensalem, PA; Holyghostprep.org; Grades 9-12; Boys; 461 $$$; FR, LA, SP; Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, (Jewish) Bryn Mawr, PA; Jbha.org; Grades 6-12; Coed; 360 $$$-$$$$; FR, HE, LA, SP; Kimberton Waldorf School, (Progressive) Kimberton, PA; Kimberton.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 250 $-$$; GE, SP; At Kimberton Waldorf School, learning is a process of discovery that engages the whole human being in a process of exploration. La Salle College High School, (Catholic) Wyndmoor, PA; Lschs.org; Grades 9-12; Boys; 1,083 $$$; CH, FR, IT, LA, SP; Lancaster Country Day School, (Nonsectarian) Lancaster, PA; Lancastercountryday.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 581 $$$; CH, FR, LA, SP; Lansdale Catholic High School, (Catholic) Lansdale, PA; Lansdalecatholic.com; Grades 9-12; Coed; 720 $; FR, IT, LA, SP; Linden Hall, (Christian) Lititz, PA; Lindenhall.org; Grades 6-12; Girls; 218 $$$-$$$$; FR, GR, LA, MA, SP; Malvern Preparatory School, (Catholic) Malvern, PA; Malvernprep.org; Grades 6-12; Boys; 500 $$$$; CH, FR, LA, SP; Merion Mercy Academy, (Catholic) Merion Station, PA; Merion-mercy.com; Grades 9-12; Girls; 445 $$; CH, FR, LA, SP; Mount Saint Joseph Academy, (Catholic) Flourtown, PA; Msjacad.org; Grades 9-12; Girls; 531 $$$; FR, LA, MA, SP; Nazareth Academy High School, (Catholic) Phila. 19114; Nazarethacademyhs.org; Grades 9-12; Girls; 400 $$; FR, IT, LA, SP; New Hope Academy, (Nonsectarian) Yardley, PA; Newhope.academy; Grades 6-12; Coed; 125 Case-by-case basis; GE, SP; Perkiomen School, (Nonsectarian) Pennsburg, PA; perkiomen.org; Grades 6-PG; Coed; 292 $$$$; CH, GE, LA, SP; Phelps School, The, (Nonsectarian) Malvern, PA; Thephelpsschool.org; Grades 6-PG; Boys; 110 $$$$; SP; Philadelphia-Montgomery Christian Academy, (Christian) Erdenheim, PA; Phil-mont.com; Grades K-12; Coed; 107 $$; FR, SP Plumstead Christian School, (Christian) Plumsteadville, PA; Plumsteadchristian.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 129 $$; LA, SP; Quadrat Academy, (Progressive) Phila. 19123; Quadratacademy.com; Grades 6-12; Coed; 4
$$-$$$; SP
Revolution School (Progressive) Phila.; Revolutionschool.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 40-60 $$$$; Student Choice Roman Catholic High School, (Catholic) Philadelphia, PA; Romancatholichs.com; Grades 9-12; Boys; 920 $; AR, FR, IT, LA, MA, SP Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr, (Catholic) Bryn Mawr, PA; SHAbrynmawr.org; Grades K-12; Girls; 250 $$$; FR, LA, SP; Saint Basil Academy, (Catholic) Jenkintown, PA; Stbasilacademy.org; Grades 9-12; Girls; 247 $$; LA, FR, SP, UK; Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School, (Catholic) Phila. 19130; Sjprep.org; Grades 9-12; Boys; 896 $$$; CH, FR, GE, GR, LA, SP; Shipley School, The, (Nonsectarian) Bryn Mawr, PA; Shipleyschool.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 410 $$$$; FR, LA, MA, SP Solebury School, (Nonsectarian) New Hope, PA; Solebury.org; Grades 9-12; Coed; 235 $$$$; FR, SP; College prep school offering AP and honors classes, Teach2Serve and progressive electives in a beautiful country setting. Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, (Nonsectarian) Phila. 19118; Sch.org; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 1,025 $$$-$$$$; CH, FR, LA, SP; Valley Forge Military Academy, (Nonsectarian) Wayne, PA; Vfmac.edu; Grades 7-12; Boys; 250 $$$$; CH, FR, LA, SP; Villa Joseph Marie High School, (Catholic) Holland, PA; Vjmhs.org; Grades 9-12; Girls; 400 $$; FR, IT, LA, SP; Villa Maria Academy High School, (Catholic) Malvern, PA; Vmahs.org; Grades 9-12; Girls; 425 $$$; FR, ESL, LA, SP Westtown School, (Quaker) West Chester, PA; Westtown.edu; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 365 $$$$; FR, LA, MA, SP; William Penn Charter School, (Quaker) Phila. 19144; Penncharter.com; Grades PreK-12; Coed; 450 $$$-$$$$; CH, FR, LA, SP; Woodlynde School, (Nonsectarian) Strafford, PA; Woodlynde.org; Grades K-12; Coed; 275 $$$-$$$$; FR, SP; Wyncote Academy, (Nonsectarian) Melrose Park, PA; Wyncoteacademy.org; Grades 6-12; Coed; 70 $$$; SP; Wyoming Seminary, (Christian) Kingston, PA; Wyomingseminary.org; Grades PreK-PG; Coed; 795 $$$-$$$$; FR, LA, MA, SP; SEPTEMBER 2019
MetroKids.com 19
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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.” 20 MetroKids.com
Find Local Art Classes for Teens at MetroKids.com/ ArtClasses
SEPTEMBER 2019
Free Intro Classes Saturday, September 21st
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SCHOOLS
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Weekly Themes, Outdoor Activities, Art, Music, Gymnastics and Soccer Shots
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www.busybeeschildcare.com MetroKids.com 21
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SEPTEMBER 2019
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Family Fun
Get hands-on at the Museum of the American Revolution's Back-to-School Weekend.
SEPTEMBER DAY-BY-DAY CALENDAR
Special needs event Feria del Barrio
Sept. 8
Editor's Pick
$ = $1-$5; $$ = $6-$10; $$$ = $11-$19; $$$$ = $20 & up
1 Sunday
Back-to-School Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. Find out how kids in the 1700s learned their ABCs and apprenticed for trades. $$$$ Labor Day Celebration at Franklin Square, Phila. FREE
Archaeology Festival
Sept. 14
2 Monday
Back-to-School Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution, Phila. See Sept. 1. $$$$ Garden Railway Closing Day at Morris Arboretum, Phila. View this mini city, with a quarter-mile track that runs through it, for the last time this season. $$$
Labor Day Volksfest at Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein, Phila. This Oktoberfest bash features entertainment, vendors, amusement rides and prizes. $$
Labor Day Celebration at Franklin Sq., Phila. FREE
Labor Day Weekend Celebration at Sesame Place, Langhorne. Join Sesame Street characters for a meal, parade and fireworks. $$$$
Polish-American Family Festival and Country Fair at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown. See Sept. 1. $$$
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Heroes of the Realm Weekend at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$
Fall Migration Bird Walk at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. FREE
Polish-American Family Festival and Country Fair at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown. Celebrate Polish culture, heritage and traditions with food, games, attractions and entertainment. $$$
ÂĄConexiones! Mexico at Hunting Park, Phila. Performance features tunes by some of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular 20th- and 21st-century classical composers. FREE
Summerfest Closing Day at Blue Cross RiverRink, Phila. Enjoy the skating rink, carnival games and play area for the final time this season. FREE
Labor Day Volksfest at Cannstatter VolksfestVerein, Phila. See Sept. 1. $$
3 Tuesday
4 Wednesday
5 Thursday
World Heritage City Celebration at the Crystal Tea Room, Phila. Festivities include dinner and live entertainment. FREE
Village Renaissance Faire
Sept. 14 & 15
SEPTEMBER 2019
See MetroKids.com/familyfun for more information on these and other events. MetroKids.com 23
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Wizarding Weekend at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$ Philadelphia Honey Festival at the Wyck Historic House, Garden and Farm, Phila. See “Do Good, Have Fun,” p. 25. FREE Polish-American Family Festival and Country Fair at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown. See Sept. 1. $$$ Wings and Wheels Festival at Wings Field, Blue Bell. Check out vintage aircraft and classic and antique cars, then enjoy kids’ activities, music and food. $$
8 Sunday
Audubon Bird Town Bird Walk at Lorimer Park, Huntingdon Valley. FREE
FAN OF . . . THE RIVERFRONT
Whether you’re boating, lounging on a hammock or soaking up the sun, Philly and Camden, NJ’s waterfronts are summer hotspots. Spend the day there Sept. 7 during the Delaware River Festival. Penn’s Landing and Wiggins Park play host to on-the-water and land-locked activities, including crafts, face painting, boat tours and live music.
6 Friday
Chestnut Hill First Friday on Germantown Avenue, Phila. Take advantage of shopping deals and extended store hours. FREE Philadelphia Honey Festival at Glen Foerd on the Delaware, Phila. See “Do Good, Have Fun,” p. 25. FREE
7 Saturday
Bank of America Museums on Us, Phila. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders are granted access to the African American Museum of Philadelphia, Museum of the American Revolution and the National Museum of American Jewish History. FREE Cup Runneth Over Fest at the Incarnation Holy Sacrament Episcopal Church, Drexel Hill. A family-friendly 5K and beer festival with face painting and an obstacle course for kids. $$$$ Delaware River Festival at Penn’s Landing, Phila. & Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ. See “Fan of,” above. FREE Doylestown Arts Festival in downtown Doylestown. FREE Early Access Morning at the Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown. Visitors with special needs experience the venue before it opens to the public. $$$ Family Fun Day at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, Ronks. $$ International Vulture Day at Peace Valley Nature Center, Doylestown. Family activities, scavenger hunts and games focus on the creature. FREE Kennett Square Mushroom Festival in downtown Kennett Square. Pay homage to the town’s top crop with a 5K run/walk, parade, kiddie rides, cook-offs, tastings and an eating contest. $ A Musical Celebration of West Philadelphia at Malcolm X Park, Phila. Members of The Philly Pops Big Band pay tribute to musicians with West Philly connections. FREE
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Bank of America Museums on Us, Phila. See Sept. 7. FREE Brazilian Day Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Phila. Celebrate the country’s Independence Day with authentic food and merchandise, dance and musical performances and family activities. FREE Doylestown Arts Festival in downtown Doylestown. FREE Feria del Barrio on 5th St. between Cambria St. & Lehigh Ave., Phila. This celebration of Latino arts and cultures features performances, crafts, games and food. FREE Greenfest Philly on the Bainbridge Green, Phila. Expect 100-plus eco-friendly exhibitors and vendors, as well as demos and fun for kids. FREE Kennett Square Mushroom Festival in downtown Kennett Square. See Sept. 7. $ Mt. Airy Village Fair at Green St. & Carpenter Ln., Phila. This outdoor fest includes a pet parade, live music, games and a pie-eating contest. FREE Nature Scavenger Hunt at Lorimer Park, Huntingdon Valley. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Wizarding Weekend at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$ Philadelphia Honey Festival at Bartram’s Garden, Phila. See “Do Good, Have Fun,” p. 25. FREE Play Without Boundaries at the Please Touch Museum, Phila. Limited entry makes it easier for kids with sensory sensitivities to explore the venue. FREE Polish-American Family Festival and Country Fair at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown. See Sept. 1. $$$
10 Tuesday
Children's Nature Series: Seed Travelers at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Learn about various types of seeds and make a craft. $ Stroller Tour at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford. $$$
12 Thursday
Nearly Full Moon Hike at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. FREE
SEPTEMBER 2019
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Family Fun
13 Friday
Fall Beach Jam at Morey’s Piers, Wildwood, NJ. In addition to camping on the beach, fun includes a dance party, bonfire, hayrides and canvas painting. $$$$
14 Saturday
A to Zoo at the Philadelphia Zoo, Phila. Little ones partake in early learning activities. $$$$ Archaeology Festival at Newlin Grist Mill, Glen Mills. Help out with excavations, dig into kids’ activities and view displays and exhibits. FREE Bookbinding Workshop at Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown. Make an 18th-century-style notebook with the pages, cover and decorative marbled paper of your choice. Materials provided. $$$$ Day Out with Thomas on the Strasburg Rail Road, Ronks. $$$$ Eastern Coyote Program at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Learn about the animal’s natural history and diet. FREE Fall Beach Jam at Morey’s Piers, Wildwood, NJ. See Sept. 13. $$$$ Harvest Moon Hike at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, Phila. $$$ Outdoor Social Language Group for Autism Spectrum Teens at WeWork, Phila. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Pyrates Weekend at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$ Peppa Pig Party at Sesame Place, Langhorne. Meet the character and snag exclusive merch. $$$$ Scarecrow Festival at Peddler's Village, Lahaska. Fall fun includes scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live music and a scarecrow competition. FREE Storytime and River Walk at Lloyd Hall, Phila. FREE
Village Renaissance Faire at the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds, Wrightstown. Entertainment includes living-history pavilions, puppetry, archery, theatre, music, dance, merchants and “human chess.” $$
TOWN & COUNTY: FALL KICKOFF
15 Sunday
Fall Beach Jam at Morey’s Piers, Wildwood, NJ. See Sept. 13. $$$$ Mexican Independence Day Festival on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Phila. Enjoy performances and traditional food. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Pyrates Weekend at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$ Village Renaissance Faire at the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds, Wrightstown. See Sept. 14. $$
16 Monday
Community Night at the Franklin Institute, Phila. FREE
17 Tuesday
Audubon Bird Town Bird Walk at Pennypack Trail, Phila. FREE 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. $$$$
20 Friday
Beginner Fishing at Penn Treaty Park, Phila. $$ Philly High School Fair at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. Parents and students meet reps from charter, regional, private and district schools to learn about extracurricular and academic programs, application processes and admissions criteria. FREE
The season is changing. Soon we’ll be sipping apple cider, taking hayrides and donning our best sweaters. A few local farms and orchards are embracing the harvest season and kicking off the celebrations early. BUCKS COUNTY Peddler’s Village in New Hope ushers in the season with the annual Scarecrow Competition and Display. Cast your vote starting Sept. 14 for categories that range from Thrills with Chills to Kids Only. CHESTER COUNTY West Chester’s Highland Orchards hosts its first Harvest Festival Weekend of the season Sept. 7 & 8, complete with hayrides, farm animals, craft vendors and treats. DELAWARE COUNTY Starting Sept. 14, Linvilla Orchards’ Pumpkinland in Media is an area favorite. The attraction boasts 100-plus tons of pumpkins on display, as well as towering scarecrows that share tales of the harvest season. LANCASTER COUNTY Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks switches seasons Sept. 13 with corn and straw-bale mazes, wagon rides and barnyard attractions.
DO GOOD, HAVE FUN
Bees serve an important role in our environment. Celebrate their contributions and learn how to keep the population buzzing during the Philadelphia Honey Festival, Sept. 7-9. The fun kicks off Friday at Glen Foerd on the Delaware with a bee-bearding demo, honey extraction and vendor marketplace. On Saturday, the event brings an open-hive talk and kids’ activities to Wyck Historic House, Garden and Farm. It wraps up the next day at Bartram’s Garden, where you’ll find a kids’ carnival and bee parade. SEPTEMBER 2019
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FAB FREEBIE
The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place, Langhorne. Through Nov. 3, come in costume to enjoy themed shows, trick-or-treat and parades. $$$$ Delco Arts Week. Explore the local arts scene during concerts, exhibits, movie screenings, workshops and tours at venues across Delaware County. Through Sept. 28. Cost varies Family Campout at Riverbend Environmental Education Center, Gladwyne. Food and campfire setup provided. $$$$ Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers perform at Mifflin Square Park, Phila. FREE Museum Day Live! at participating museums. See “Fab Freebie,” left. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Time Travelers Weekend at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$
Inspired by the free-admission Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C., Museum Day Live! grants free access to ticketholders at select venues Sept. 21. Each ticket — downloadable from Smithsonianmag.com/museumday — admits two guests to one museum. View the full list of participants at MetroKids.com/museumdaylive.
Tailwaggers' Trot at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Bring the family pup for a stroll. FREE Tailgating Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse. See Sept. 20. FREE
22 Sunday
Participants include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Philly High School Fair at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Phila. See Sept. 20. FREE
Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. American Swedish Historical Museum, Phila. Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford Fonthill Castle, Doylestown Fort Mifflin, Phila. Independence Seaport Museum, Phila. James A. Michener Art Museum, Doylestown Mercer Museum, Doylestown National Museum of American Jewish History, Phila. Pearl S. Buck International, Perkasie Penn Museum, Phila. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Phila. The Print Center, Phila. Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore Woodmere Art Museum, Phila.
Art and Music Festival at Linvilla Orchards, Media. FREE Sunday in the Park at Gorgas Park, Phila. Watch performances by the Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir. FREE Natural Dyes Hike at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Search for color-producing plants like marigolds, black walnuts and pokeweed berries. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Time Travelers Weekend at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$
27 Friday
Dinos After Dark at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Phila. Expect animal presentations and a pop-up beer garden. $$
28 Saturday
Apple Festival at Linvilla Orchards, Media. FREE Special Abilities Night at Storybook Land, Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. Kids with special needs enjoy the park with fewer crowds. $$$ Tailgating Festival at Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse. Vote for your favorite scarecrow throughout the village, sample homemade food during cooking demos and compete in the pumpkin whoopie-pie-filling contest. FREE Terror Behind the Walls at Eastern State Penitentiary, Phila. This super-scary haunt is suited for ages 7 & up. Through Nov. 9. $$$
21 Saturday
Art and Music Festival at Linvilla Orchards, Media. FREE Camp Pottsgrove at Pottsgrove Manor, Pottstown. Uncover the lives of the Revolutionary War soldiers who camped in the area in 1777. $ Civil War Reenactment at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, Newtown Square. Watch Northern troops defend the farm from invading forces, then experience camp-life vignettes and firearm demos & drills. $$$
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Artisans In the Park Harvest Festival at the Conrad Weiser Homestead, Womelsdorf. Vendors, food, live entertainment and tours are all part of the fun. FREE Family Nature Exploration Walk at Awbury Arboretum, Phila. FREE Instrument Petting Zoo at the Marple Public Library, Broomall. Members of the Delaware County Symphony stop by to demonstrate how to play a variety of instruments, then give kids a chance to try them. FREE Outdoor Social Language Group for Autism Spectrum Teens at WeWork, Phila. FREE Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Oktoberfest at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$
29 Sunday
Apple Festival at Linvilla Orchards, Media. FREE Fall for the Arts Festival on Germantown Avenue, Phila. The Chestnut Hill neighborhood hosts an outdoor arts & crafts marketplace. FREE
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Family Fun
Festival of Fountains Closing Day at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square. Watch an illuminated fountain show set to live music for the last time this season. $$$$ Naturalist Foray: Seed Packages at Peace Valley Nature Center, Doylestown. FREE Outdoor Skills Workshop: Low-Impact Recreation at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Learn how to minimize your impact on land and water while engaging in activities like fishing, biking and hiking. FREE Overwatch League’s Grand Finals at the Wells Fargo Center, Phila. Watch the world’s top two teams go head-to-head in the popular first-person action game. $$$$ Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: Oktoberfest at the Mount Hope Estate and Winery, Manheim. $$$$ Wild Mushrooms Walk at Lorimer Park, Huntingdon Valley. Join a park naturalist to find and identify mushrooms. FREE
30 Monday
Art Inspired by Nature at Norristown Farm Park, E. Norriton. Make a masterpiece using natural materials. $ All Abilities Night at iFly Indoor Skydiving, King of Prussia. Following a training session, embark on two indoor skydives alongside an instructor. $$$$
Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire
Looking for the BEST school for your child? The Delaware Valley has some of the most prestigious schools right in our very own backyard. WHAT’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 SEPTEMBER 2019
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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.
NAEYC: Accredited—National Assoc. of Education of Young Children PAIS: Accredited—PA Assoc. of Independent Schools MSCES: Accredited—Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools AMS: Accredited—American Montessori Society
* Note: DHS License: requires annual on-site visits. DE License: 20% of all facilities are inspected annually.
MULTIPLE SITES
CHESTER COUNTY
JENKINTOWN, MONTGOMERY COUNTY
HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE DAY SCHOOL, INC. 520 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington, PA 215-654-9955 • HeyDiddleDiddleDaySchool.net LITTLE DIDDLE PRESCHOOL 440 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington, PA 215-565-5866 • LittleDiddlePreschool.net Ages: 6 wks.-PreK • Hours: 7am-6pm Our school offers full-day programs. Our staff members are well-educated and experienced which enables us to give the students an educational program in a caring, nurturing environment. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS, DE
KIMBERTON WALDORF SCHOOL 410 W. Seven Stars Rd. Kimberton, PA 610-933-3635 • Kimberton.org Ages: PreK- 12th grade • Hours: 8am-3:15pm At Kimberton Waldorf School, learning is a process of discovery that engages the whole human being. Instead of passively receiving information, our students are involved in a dynamic process of exploration and experience, both of the world and of themselves. Emphasis on the breadth of skills and opportunities that we value in childhood and in adulthood provides a reminder that education needs to be designed to produce holistically developed learners who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of life in the 21st century. We develop analytical thinkers with imaginative minds capable of producing life-changing ideas. Our students build capacities and skills of creativity, resourcefulness, collaboration, perseverance, integrity, and ethical understanding. How we teach this matters. Every aspect of Waldorf education is intentional and planned. Why we teach this way matters. At each stage of child development, students are challenged, capacities are built, foundations are set, and opportunities are given. When we teach things matters.
ABINGTON FRIENDS 575 Washington Ln., Jenkintown, PA 215-886-4350 • AbingtonFriends.net Ages: 3 yrs.-K • Hours: 8am-3pm w/ext.-day option Our lower school early childhood program values and preserves childhood, building on the excitement and curiosity that children bring to their first school experience. Located on our beautiful 50-acre campus, our emergent curriculum program is designed to support your child’s developing independence. AY, SP, BS, AS, DHS, DE, NAEYC, PAIS
NEW YMCA OF GREATER BRANDYWINE Multiple Locations, Chester County, PA 610-643-9622 • Ymcagbw.org Ages: 6 weeks to 5th grade The YMCA’s childcare and early learning programs provide each child a warm and supportive environment in which to grow. We meet the needs of each child with experiences that foster development and a sense of self-esteem. Programs strive to develop the total child, with particular emphasis on educational, physical, emotional and social skills necessary for success in the coming school years. Brandywine YMCA, Coatesville, 610-380-9622, FY, AY, SP, MP Jennersville YMCA, West Grove, 610-869-9622, FY, AY, SP, BS, AS Kennett Area YMCA, Kennett Square, 610-444-9622, FY, AY, SP, BS, AS Lionville Community YMCA, Exton, 610-363-9622, FY, AY, SP Octorara YMCA Program Center, Atglen, 610-593-9622, FY, AY, SP, BS, AS Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center, West Chester, 610-696-9622, FY, AY, SP, BS, AS Upper Main Line YMCA, Berwyn, 610-647-9622, FY, SP West Chester Area YMCA, West Chester, 610-431-9622, FY, SP
BUCKS COUNTY BRIGHT BEGINNERS ACADEMY 800 Clarmont Ave., Suite A, Bensalem, PA 267-520-7200 • Brightbeginnersacademy.com Ages: 6 wks. to 6 yrs. • Hours: 6:45am - 6pm Our preschool is designed to meet the needs of every child in a developmentally inclusive setting. Our program encourages progress at a child’s own pace and according to individual needs and abilities. Play-based learning centers for math, science, dramatic play, blocks, music, creative art and technology provide opportunities to balance and stimulate both shared and independent learning experiences. Private pay and subsidized funding accepted, infant and toddler care available. Parent volunteer opportunities available. FY, AY, SP, DA, SN, DHS*, DE TREVOSE DAY SCHOOL / NESHAMINY MONTESSORI 4951 Central Ave., Trevose, PA 215–355-4373 • Trevosedayschool.org Neshaminymontessori.org Ages: 2.5-10 yrs. • Hours: 7am-6pm Established in 1970, our programs excel at offering state-of-the-art education in a community-minded environment. We combine interactive technology, the visual and performing arts and scientific exploration with a sustainable hands-on approach that values our planet and nurtures curiosity. Our teachers are Pennsylvania Certified Early Childhood and Elementary Education Teachers. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, SN, AMS
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NEW MESSIAH COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL 46 W. Lancaster Ave. Downingtown, PA 19335 610-269-4488 messiahcommunitypreschool.com Ages: 2.5-5 yrs. Hours: 9-12pm M-F Messiah Community Preschool is a community based early learning and preschool program operated out of the Messiah Lutheran Church. Our program allows children to explore, examine and discover the wonders of learning for themselves. All classes are designed to nurture and develop a child’s self-esteem and positive attitude toward learning and school. AY SP DA SN
MAIN LINE, DELAWARE COUNTY FRIENDS SCHOOL HAVERFORD 851 Buck Lane, Haverford, PA 19041 610-642-2334 • Friendshaverford.org Ages: Nursery through 8th Grade Hours: 8:00am - 2:45pm Friends School Haverford, a co-ed Quaker school, promotes academic scholarship, creativity, respect, integrity, and self-awareness with a commitment to creating a culture and kindness. Our unique hands-on, minds-on curriculum encourages and celebrates curiosity, imagination, and exploration. Offering a full-day kindergarten program with full- and half-day nursery school, preschool, and pre-k options. AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, PAIS
SWARTHMORE/MEDIA, DELAWARE COUNTY SCHOOL IN ROSE VALLEY, THE 20 School Ln., Rose Valley, PA 610-566-1088 • TheSchoolinRoseValley.org Ages: Preschool-Grade 6 • Hours: 7:30am-6pm With over 80 years of experience, The School in Rose Valley offers a progressive, Preschool – 6th Grade program committed to the development of the whole child. Full and part time enrollment options are available for Preschool and Kindergarten students. Weekly special subjects include Woodshop, Spanish, Science, Art, Music and Sports. SRV is located on a beautiful 9.5 acre campus just minutes from Media, PA. AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, TP, PAIS
LAFAYETTE HILL, MONTGOMERY COUNTY MIQUON SCHOOL, THE 2025 Harts Lane, Conshohocken, PA 610-828-1231 • Miquon.org Ages: 3 yrs.-12 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Located on a wooded 11-acre campus just outside Northwest Philadelphia, Miquon is a co-educational day school offering Progressive education for children in Nursery (age three) through Sixth Grade. Our Nursery program offers full-day, 3-day, 4-day schedules and includes art, music, science, physical education and library. Miquon teachers provide a positive and nurturing environment for children to learn through play while meeting their social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs. Snacks provided. Optional van service available. AY, SP, BS, AS, PAIS
MAIN LINE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY BALA HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL 27 Conshohocken State Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-6767 • BalaHouse.org Ages: 3 yrs.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8am-6pm Mixed-age classes, for ages 3 - 6 yrs., are led by sensitive, nurturing and highly qualified teachers who offer gentle guidance in an atmosphere of freedom, warmth and trust. Flexible schedules, convenient hours (7:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.) and three-, four-, and five-day afternoon class options are available. Art, music, gymnastics, kindergarten Spanish classes, extended care, summer camp round out our program. Some tuition assistance is available. Embracing diversity since 1969. AY, SP, DHS, DE CHILDREN’S SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN’S, THE 404 Levering Mill Rd., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-4588 • Childrens-school.org Ages: 3 mos.-K • Hours: 7am-6pm We offer a warm and creative learning environment where everyone has a “hands on” approach to learning. Our developmental approach includes music, Spanish and Tumbling Tots, Pre-K follows the Letter People Curriculum and Handwriting without Tears. Subsidized funding from the state accepted. 4-star facility with Keystone Stars. FY, SP, BS, AS, SN, DHS, DE, NAEYC FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF PHILADELPHIA 150 N. Highland Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-667-1284 • Frenchschoolphila.org Ages: 3 yrs.-Grade 8 • Hours: 7:30am-6pm The French International School of Philadelphia offers a French/English bilingual program from preschool through grade 8. Our non-French speaking students develop their verbal skills in French in the younger grades as they engage in developmentally appropriate activities. New students with no prior knowledge of French are admitted at the age of 3, 4 or 5. Extended care is provided starting at 7:30am and until 6pm. Accredited by the Middle States Association and the French Department of Education. AY, AS, BS, SP, MP, DHS, MOSES
SEPTEMBER 2019
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Child Care & Early Education Dir.
MAIN LINE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY cont.
WILLOW GROVE, MONTGOMERY COUNTY
THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL 450 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, PA 610-642-3020 • Haverford.org Ages: PreK-12 Extraordinary educators prepare boys to be future-ready in a supportive learning environment designed to bring out the best in each student. Haverford strives to develop a well-balanced boy who is a high academic performer, socially and emotionally aware, and a good citizen of the School and community. Financial aid available. SP
KIDSPARK 23 Easton Rd. (Entrance on Davisville Rd.) Willow Grove, PA 215-657-KIDS (5437) • KidsPark.com Ages: 18 mos.-12 yrs. • Hours: Mon-Thu 7am-10pm; Fri 7am-12pm; Sat 10am-12pm; Sun 1pm-6pm A family favorite for over 20 years! Hourly drop-in childcare for ages 18 months-12 yrs old. Morning Preschool, birthday parties on the weekend. Arts & crafts, games, indoor climbing structure, music & stories. Days, evenings, weekends, attend meetings, run errands, exercise... while your children are safe and having fun. We accept CCIS. FY, SP, MP, AS, DA, SN, DHS, BS
ROBERT J. WILF PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN Kaiserman JCC, 45 Haverford Rd. Wynnewood, PA 610-896-7770 x118 • Phillyjcc.com Ages: 4 wks.-K2 • Hours: 8am-6pm A nurturing, child-centered environment for infants-kindergarten including gym classes, music, dance and more. We honor the uniqueness of each child, celebrating individual potential, and helping children question and discover. Teachers help children reach milestones necessary for healthy growth/ wellness. Tuition includes a family membership to the JCC. Families of all faiths welcome. Accredited by PA State Board of Private Schools. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, DHS* TEMPLE BETH HILLEL – BETH EL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 1001 Remington Rd., Wynnewood, PA 610-649-2277 • Tabber.org Ages: 3 mos.-Kindergarten • Hours: 9am-3pm Programs for children 3 months to kindergarten in a Jewish setting. Working families love the 7:30 AM Early Care and 6:00 PM Late Care! Special needs children welcome! AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS, DE WALDRON MERCY ACADEMY 513 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, PA 19066 610-664-9847 • Waldronmercy.org Ages: 3 yrs.-grade 8 • Hours: 8:15am-3pm Waldron Mercy Academy is a co-educational age 3 to grade 8 independent Catholic school, offering an innovative curriculum integrating academics, technology, arts, athletics and service, with a commitment to Mercy and service. WMA offers a Child Care Center and Montessori or PreSchool tracks. FY, AY, AS, BS, DA, DHS* NEW THE WEST HILL SCHOOL 1455 West Hill Rd., Rosemont, PA 19010 610-525-7660 • Thewesthillschool.org Ages 2.7 yrs.-5 yrs. • Hours: 8:45am-11:45pm The West Hill School is a unique coeducational preschool for children 2 years 7 months - 5 years. We offer a safe and nurturing environment that encourages a life-long celebration of learning. AY, SP, BS, AS, NAEYC, PAIS THE WETHERILL SCHOOL 1321 Beaumont Dr., Gladwyne, PA 610-649-2299 • Wetherillschool.org Ages 2.7 yrs.-5 yrs. • Hours: 8:15am-3pm Seeks to create a warm, secure, first-school experience where the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of each child is carefully nurtured. Curriculum based on Montessori, Piaget, Reggio Emilia schools. Classroom teachers supported by specialists in Music, Spanish, Creative Movement. Full or half-day Kindergarten. Licensed by State Board of Private Academic schools. AY, SP, BS, DE
SEPTEMBER 2019
Committed to teaching children through music, art, and dramatic play.
CENTER CITY/SOCIETY HILL, PHILA. COUNTY BUSY BEES LEARNING CENTER INC. 601 Walnut St., #LL-25, Phila., PA 19106 215-733-9271; 866-Be-Busy7 toll-free BusyBeesChildcare.com Ages: 6 wks.-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:30am-6pm ”What’s important to your family is just as important to ours.” A family owned and operated homey and contemporary facility in the spectacular Curtis Center overlooking Independence Park. We have a family room for nursing and visits, multicultural activities with focus on Spanish, Montessori philosophy, Parents as Partners Program, mature professional staff. Online classroom observation at Guardiancam.com. Snacks provided. FY, MP, BS, AS, DA, SN, DHS
The Joshua Tree Learning Academy 401 Chester Pike • 484-540-7541
EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS 762 South Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 215-844-0178 • Ecedesigns.com Ages: 3-12 yrs. • Hours: 6:30am-6pm EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENTS provides a bilingual, multicultural program where children learn and develop socially and emotionally. Head start, pre-school and after-school programs are provided for children ages 3-12. FY, AY, SP, MP, BS, AS, DA, TP, DHS*
joshuatreeschool.com
SOCIETY HILL SYNAGOGUE 418 Spruce Street Phila., PA 19106 215-922-6590 • Societyhillsynagogue.org Ages: 2-5 yrs. • Hours: 7:45am-6pm We provide the best care for your child! Small class sizes provide a warm, nurturing classroom environment. Our goal is to get your child excited about learning! Age-appropriate curriculum with emphasis on play, socialization skills, as well as rich exposure to Jewish values. We are flexible to the needs of our families! Fullday service. AY, SP, BS, AS, DA, SN NEW ST. GABRIEL SCHOOL 2917 Dickinson St., Phila., PA 19146 215-468-7230 • Stgabrielphila.org Ages: 3-4 yrs. • Hours: 7:55am-2:45pm A hidden gem in the heart of Grey’s Ferry! Your child will learn and grow in a safe, family environment with a focus on service, community, and faith. AY, MP, DE*, MSCES THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE OF PHILADELPHIA MONTESSORI SCHOOL 2611 S. Broad St., Phila., PA 19148 215-570-0757 •Phillychildrenshouse.com Ages: 18 mos.-6 yrs. • Hours: 8:30am-3pm Full day and half day programs available for our Primary and Toddler programs. Primary Program: morning Montessori program includes lunch,& group play. Toddler Program: explore age appropriate Montessori materials with a Montessori trained teacher. Extended Day: after-school snack followed by Montessori-inspired playgroup: build, cook, paint, etc. before going outdoors for dismissal. FY, AY, SP, BS, AS, NAYEC, AMS
The Joshua Tree Learning Experience 766 S. 9th Street • 215-922-3460 The Joshua Tree Early Learning Center 910 N. 6th Street • 267-534-5296
What are you looking for? Drama Instrumental Art Martial Arts Gymnastics Vocal Ballet Athletic
CLASSES
Metrokids.com/ Classes MetroKids.com 29
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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. ACADEMY OF MUSIC
MERRIAM THEATER
MEDIA THEATRE, MEDIA
Young kids Baby Shark Live (Nov. 10) Nick Jr. Live: Move to the Music (Feb. 7-9)
Young kids The Rainbow Fish (Nov. 23) A Charlie Brown Christmas (Dec. 20 & 21) Wild Kratts Live (April 8) Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live (May 9)
Young kids Matilda the Musical (Oct. 2-27) Elf the Musical (Nov. 13-Jan. 12)
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 (Apr. 7-13)
Tweens & teens Rent (Oct. 18-20)
Young kids The Snow Queen (Nov. 27-Jan. 26) Dr. Seuss’s the Cat in the Hat (April 9-June 7) Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live
WALNUT STREET THEATRE
Dr. Seuss’s the Cat in the Hat
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)
30 MetroKids.com
PLAYERS CLUB OF SWARTHMORE, SWARTHMORE Young kids Junie B. Jones the Musical (Oct. 5-13) We Are in a Play (Feb. 29-March 8)
ARDEN THEATRE COMPANY
Tweens & teens Ragtime (Sept. 19-Oct. 20) My General Tubman (Jan. 16-March 1)
Tweens & teens Mamma Mia! (April 15-June 12)
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)
STEEL RIVER PLAYHOUSE, POTTSTOWN Young kids Aesop’s Oh So Slightly Updated Fables (April 4-5) Tweens & teens A Christmas Carol (Dec. 6-22) The Diary of Anne Frank (March 6-22)
Tweens & teens Annie (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) Next to Normal (Feb. 7-22) Anything Goes (April 17-May 2)
WOLF PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, BRYN MAWR Young kids A Year with Frog and Toad Kids (Dec. 4-8) Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids (April 25 & 26) Tweens & teens Charlotte’s Web (Dec. 13-15) A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Summer Camp Shake-Up (Jan. 9 & 11)
MONTGOMERY THEATER, SOUDERTON Young kids Imaginary (Oct. 18-27) Tweens & teens Nutcrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical (Nov. 14-Dec. 8) Log on to MetroKids.com/familytheaterguide for a full list of performances.
SEPTEMBER 2019
Empowering Kids Through the Arts KELSEY THEATRE 2019-2020 Season of Special Shows for Kids Thumbelina
ANNIE - The Movie Sing-Along Rosie Revere, Engineer Frozen Jr.
Chicken Dance Treasure Island
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Purchase all 7 Shows and Save over 35%!
$61 Adult • $53 Senior $53 Child/Student Plus Special Events: ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas & The Nutcracker
609-570-3333 www.kelseytheatre.org
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 3* A fun, fall family event at Dutch Wonderland, featuring the Trick-or-Treat Trail, with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs! *Weather permitting
$3 OFF Happy Hauntings Tickets (ages 3+) DUTCHWONDERLAND.COM
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PROMO CODE: 192033 PRESENT THIS COUPON AT THE DUTCH WONDERLAND ENTRANCE OR USE THE PROMO CODE ONLINE AT DUTCHWONDERLAND.COM TO RECEIVE THE ADVERTISED DISCOUNT ON UP TO FOUR HAPPY HAUNTINGS ADMISSIONS. COUPON MUST BE PRESENTED AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS OR SPECIAL ADMISSION PLANS. COUPON MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED OR SOLD. COUPON EXPIRES NOVEMBER 3, 2019.
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