Miami Kids Magazine issue 408

August-September

NUMBER 408

2020

9 PAG.

Are you ready for your children to go back to school?

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20 Feature

Superintendent of Miami-Dade Alberto Carvalho discusses back to school changes in our new normal

13

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Parenting

Family

Miami Kids Highlight Rising Talent

22

• Sofia’s Hope • Supporting local business owners • New trends in school

Nutrition

10 vegetables to plant with your kids 4

Miami Kids Magazine August-September 2020

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PAG.

11

36 Social

• Miami Kids Magazine Anniversary Celebration Sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

After School Guide

Sponsored by Zoo Miami & bakerly

28

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Community

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17

Schools Guide II

Sponsored by SuperCuts

Welcome to August and the time of year when our kids are getting ready to go back to school. We hope that all of your kids are having a great Summer even with the difficulties of living with social distancing.

PUBLISHER - EDITOR Karla C. Richey

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Enrique Chavez Pincilotti

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS I want to congratulate all of you parents for your great job! It is not easy to work managing all the tasks at home and also if you go to the office or are working from

home while keeping our kids entertained.

SPANISH EDITOR

I’m sure that all these challenges and new routines will help us to make our families stronger and also learn more about each other.

In this issue, we are proud to have Miami Superintendent Alberto Carvalho on the cover page with an inspiring interview on pages 20 and 21. We know how difficult it is for him and all of the Miami- Dade School Board members to make difficult decisions under these unpredictable cases of COVID-19. We recognize all his hard work in keeping our students focused on their education.

Don’t miss checking out our After-School Guide sponsored by Zoo Miami and bakerly with many activities to do with the entire family after school hours, including weekends on page 22. Also, on page 28 a Schools Guide sponsored

by SuperCuts with many options of schools in Miami and Broward.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month and we are here to support many parents that have been or are going through this trauma in their lives. Don’t miss on page 17 a very emotive article written by Marta, founder of Sofia’s Hope Organization.

I want to thank all of our readers and followers that participated in our Anniversary Celebration sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. We were so happy to visit your neighborhoods during the month of June with All Around Entertainment, and to bring happiness to many families with Sharky, Safari Sam, Super Why and Woofter, our friends from PBS Kids. Take a look at the pictures on pages 34 & 35.

MKM wants to wish all the students, teachers, and parents a safe back to school!

Don’t miss visiting us on August 8th at our drive-thru Back to School Celebration at Shops at Merrick Park. We will give away free backpacks with goodies to the cars driving in at San Lorenzo Avenue! We hope to see you there!

Karla C. Richey 6

Diane Landsberg The American Heart Association Marta Blanco Coach Nick Bevilacqua Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

Miami Kids Magazine August-September 2020

Nelly Lusich

MARKETING AND SALES Karla C. Richey

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE Claudia Del Castillo

CRM Lucia Galeano

PHOTOGRAPHY Enrique Tubio

DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT Jessica Almeida

GRAPHIC DESING jhonriveraarrera@gmail.com Jhonn Rivera

WWW.MIAMIKIDSMAGAZINE.COM @MiamiKidsMagazine @MiamiKidsMagazine © 2020 Miami Kids, LLC. All rights reserved.

Issue 408. Miami Kids™ Magazine is published bimonthly in the USA. Reproduction in whole or in partial without written permission is prohibited.

Publisher is not responsible for claims and content of advertisements.

Are you ready for your

childrentogo back to

By Diane Landsberg

SCHOOL?

A

t this time of year everyone is trying to make plans for the return to school. Items on the annual list usually include doctor and dentist check-ups, haircuts, buying school supplies and finishing those summer reading assignments. It is important that these activities still take place and are consistent. However, the return to school in the fall this year is filled with questions, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty.

It is very important for parents not to influence their children with negative, fearful, frustrated, or angry feelings about homeschooling versus brick and mortar school.

Miami-Dade County Public School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and Broward County Public School Superintendent Robert Runcie have worked tirelessly for months to ensure the health and well-being of all students and staff to return to school. Parents have a choice to continue on-line learning, hybrid models of 2 or 3 days of in school with eLearning, or full-time in-person classes.

The goal is to reduce class size, temperature checks, one-way hallways, continual sanitation procedures, face coverings, and much more. It will be challenging, but it all can be accomplished.

Families have adjusted to homeschooling via the computer (some better than others), requiring learning new and special skills by both students and parents.

I asked several students how they dealt with home learning and most said it was easy and days are shorter.

The younger ones said they passed just because they showed up. The older ones said that they feel they are

falling behind their grade level. They missed their friends and have missed out on other celebrations such as graduating from kindergarten, elementary school and high School. As much as the “drive by” celebrations attempted to acknowledge these important milestones, it certainly wasn’t the same.

Regardless of what a family decides to do with their child’s schooling this year, a designated “learning space” must be set up. Have all books, learning materials and supplies in one location. If a desk or shelf isn’t possible, keep a plastic bin with everything. Set up a realistic schedule with short breaks, a healthy lunch and some exercise for both parent and child.

The lessons we can teach our children are to learn resilience, stay positive, being flexible, and supporting one another. If we do these things, we will not only survive, we will thrive!

August-September 2020

Miami Kids Magazine

9

“Gardening is a fun way to boost mental health and physical activity along with nutrition”

By The American Heart Association

vegetables

to plant with

your kids

Even with high temperatures year-round in Florida, it’s not too late to get a garden in the ground. Planting one with your kids can offer health benefits beyond nutrition and provide some home-based fun.

As kids dig, mulch, trim, water, and remove those pesky weeds, they may relieve some stress and anxiety linked to social distancing and cancelled activities which can result in mental health fluctuations according to the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.

Adding activities to the routine that get kids active and outdoors can offer mental health benefits through physical activity.

“Don’t let the heat stop you from the fun of a garden,” said Kim Aman volunteer gardening advisor for the American Heart Association’s Teaching Garden Network, a school-based garden program teaching students about nutrition and food access through real-life hands-on garden laboratories. “In the hot months pay extra attention to water, measuring by touch. Organic amendments of fish emulsion, worm castings, or dried molasses are helpful to provide nutrients. Mulching the top of the soil helps to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.”

“As a leader in the field of nutrition and obesity prevention, the American Heart Association is passionate about educating and empowering Americans to fight heart disease, including preventative measures such as good nutrition,” said Jennifer Campbell, Executive Director from the American Heart Association.

In addition to basil and herbs, Aman’s recommendation for heatfriendly planting include: 1. Cucumbers 2. Okra 3. Eggplant 4. Beans

5. Sweet potatoes 6. Melons 7. Summer squash 8. Tomatoes

9. Pumpkins 10. Peppers

“Creating a home garden is an activity to get the entire family involved while increasing physical activity to improve mental health and reduce anxiety and depression,” said Larry D. Mitnaul, Jr., M.D., MPH, MS, American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and child, adolescent, & adult psychiatrist at Ascension Via Christi. “Now, in the third or fourth month at home, away from friends and school, a child’s mental health can become increasingly delicate.”

According to the CDC, children who experience high stress levels are at increased risk for being overweight, having disrupted sleep or smoking – all of which can lead to serious health problems.

Stress hormones can lead to inflammation, which raises the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease. Since schools have been closed since March, childhood obesity numbers are anticipated to trend at higher than normal rates. Providing activities that prioritize physical and mental health is a way to help children grow to their full potential.

For more information on gardening at home with kids, visit heart. org/kids.

Nicholas Ryan Hernandez Mia Gonzalez Luca Tubio

Gabriela Punzo Gabriela Punzo, “Gaby” is 11 years old, 5 feet 2 inches tall, and a singer, composer, guitarist, actress, cheerleader, painter, and tennis player. She is an enthusiastic Tik-Toker. She enjoys time recording to her new Youtube channel “Painting with Gaby”.

Music being her passion, she has performed live at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts where she played songs by The Beatles, John Legend, Lionel Richie, and Ed Sheeran. She speaks, English, Spanish, and Italian.

Luca Tubio is 11 years old, and was born in Miami, Fl. When he was 7 years old, he discovered his passion for music so he started music lessons. He sees his future as a great DJ. Thanks to the support of his teacher Christina Hernandez, he was able to perform at Citadel food court, and at a private party for Netflix where he mixed 80’s music.

He loves to explore th e d i ffe re n t s o u n d s of instruments and discovered that his favorite instrument is the battery. He auditioned to study middle school at MAC (Miami Arts Charter School Wyndwood). In his free time, he works as a DJ and plays music at kids and family parties.

Mia Gonzalez is a 9 year old girl and was born in Miami.

She is the sister of an older brother, Tyler, and has a dog named Harley. Although she has danced since she was 3 years old, Mia enjoys trying new things. Mia loves sports. She played baseball for 3 seasons, studied jujitsu for a couple of years, and plays basketball. She started acting and modeling in 2019. She has really loved acting and has worked several commercials, print, short films, and feature films in just over a year for very prestigious companies such as Visit Orlando, Ashley Furniture, Disneyworld, Sedanos, and Florida Keys Tourism.

She plans to further her acting/ modeling career and add cheerleading to her busy schedule!

Nicholas Ryan Hernandez, known as Nick, is a 13-year-old actor from Miami, Fl. He is starting High School this year, and enjoys acting, gaming, reading, rescuing animals, and helping his dad renovate cars at the family body shop.

He started his career modeling for companies such as Toys R Us and Carters when he was 3. Nick has filmed dozens of commercials throughout the years for large companies such as Universal Studios, Disney, Fisher-Price, Chuck E. Cheese, and Party City. These past few years have brought many new and exciting opportunities for Nick. For the past three seasons, he has been one of the main characters on the PBS show “Kid Stew”, filmed locally in Miami, Fl. This show was created by legendary author James Patterson.

Nick was in Disney’s Jungle Cruise, which stars Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. This film is slated to release in July of 2021. Most recently, Nick was in Atlanta filming a new movie starring Dennis Quaid and Queen Latifah called “The Tiger Rising”. He had a great time playing one of the films antagonists. The Tiger Rising is the movie adaptation of the book by the same name and will be released in the Fall of 2020.

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13

Dealing with

Uncertain

Times

By Coach Nick

W

e are headed back to school this fall…? Right? I find myself praying this is the weirdest thing my children will ever have to experience. Trying to parent is difficult enough, headed back to school can be difficult enough; however, this year, 2020 decided to mix in a Covid-19 pandemic and social and racial issues and awareness to the likes the world has never seen before. WOW!!! Where do we go from here? How do we get to some kind of normal? What is normal now? What is safe now?

Those are just a few questions that are running through my mind as I begin to look forward to the start (or is it re-start) of school in the fall… um, like 1 month away, like wow…

I decided to pick the brain of one of the best people I’ve ever met on the subject of schooling (and many others) as her 40+ years as an educator and 20+ as an administrator qualifies her well. She also happens to be a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 5. And… she is my mom too ;) Although I might be biased, I think she came up with some pretty amazing questions: I. What curriculum has been designed to transition children back following the long closing of schools?

II. Will teachers and other instructors be prepared to assist these children?

A. To council them?

B. Identify their needs?

III. What is the plan to address the long absence?

Some other questions come to mind too: IV. What if there is another spike this year?

V. What if I don’t feel comfortable sending my child to school?

VI. Is virtual school available?

VII. Is there some other type of distance learning?

My wife and I have three Munchkins. We are navigating through this time and frankly we are unsure of many things.

Our children attend different schools and all three schools have rolled out their “Return to School” plan; however, we feel there are so many unknowns and still several risks at play for our children and our households.

I would rather be letting you know where the best deal on pens and pencils are instead of masks and hand sanitizer. This is our reality for now and it would serve your children and your family best if you found a way to settle in and add some necessary

stability. Complaining about any situation doesn’t solve anything and think about what it shows your kids. Worrying about a situation doesn’t solve anything and think about what it shows your kids. The flip side of all of this is depression and anxiety are very real things and ever present. They tend to show up more in times like this. The angst you may be feeling is normal and you are not alone. Please seek some help if you find yourself here. I am confident support groups are all over places like FaceBook. You can also reach out for some professionally trained help from a licensees therapist. At the very least, share your feelings with your spouse and your best friends, that is what they are there for.

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15

Hope

Sofia’s

When parents receive the diagnosis, “your child has cancer” the world stops spinning.

And, as the mother of two girls one of which was diagnosed with cancer at the age of four, I know firsthand how quickly your world can change. I am the mother of two beautiful girls only 16 months apart. Sofia made me a mom; Gabriela made us a family!

By Marta Blanco Being there every day and watching them grow was exhausting, frustrating at times, yet fabulous.

They did everything together and shared the same interests: animals, especially horses; reading, Littlest Pet Shop and more. Our days were filled with pre-school, ballet, playdates, family get-togethers and trips to New Orleans to visit my parents. Life was great!

Then in December of 2003 I found a painful and enlarged lymph node in Sofia’s groin and she had a persistent fever. All signs pointed to an infection but after 10 days of different antibiotics, various visits to the pediatrician and Sofia becoming more and more lethargic, we found ourselves in the ICU at Baptist Children’s Hospital. Within a few days, Sofia was on a heart-lung machine (ECMO) yet the biopsy of her lymph node was inconclusive.

Turns out Sofia had an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with an unusual presentation: the cancer cells were infiltrating her lungs.

Fortunately, she responded well to the chemotherapy. By Christmas her lungs were clearing and by New Year’s she was off the respirator.

After three long weeks she was awake! I was able to hold her in my arms for the first time and Gabi was finally able to see her.

Sofia completed a full year of treatment (chemo every three weeks) which included weekly doctor’s visits, needle pricks, hours in Infusion, overall pain and stress. It was overwhelming for all of us. But

A year later, I founded Sofia’s Hope, a nonprofit to fight childhood cancer with HOPE. In Sofia’s name we got through it, and she joined Gabi in elementary school. She lived a full life for about 8 years when her heart, damaged by the same chemo that saved it, failed. Doctors tried to get her a transplant but it was not meant to be so on April 3, 2012 we let her go.

Less than a year later, I founded Sofia’s Hope, a non-profit to fight childhood cancer with HOPE. In Sofia’s name, we stand alongside the almost 16,000 children diagnosed each year. To learn more about Sofia’s Hope and to join us in the fight, please visit www.sofiashope.org.

August-September 2020

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17

Promoting Children’s Eye Health as Electronics Use Increases

By Nicklaus Children Hospital

For families with children of all ages, the last several months have been a time of transition and adapting to social distancing and virtual schooling, leading to an increase in the use of electronic devices such as tablets and computers.

Dr. Luxme Hariharan, pediatric ophthalmologist at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, has noticed an increase in patients with eye strain, irritation and dryness. Dr. Hariharan attributes this to increased screen time. The doctor recommends five simple steps, BLINK 20-2020, to address the underlying causes of ocular surface irritation and eye strain associated with electronic devices.

REMEMBER TO BLINK 20-20-20: B – BLINK with more frequency. Blinking moisturizes the eyes naturally. Prolonged use of electronics reduces the rate we blink significantly. Look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds, while blinking and relaxing the shoulders and neck muscles.

This will force the eyes to reset, refocus and relax, while helping to increase your blink rate.

N – NEAR DEVICE BREAKS from electronics such as tablets, phones and computers. It is equally important to ensure the break does not involve other screens such as televisions or video games. Instead, consider non-screen options such as going outdoors, reading a book or playing with a toy. Going outdoors for at least 20 minutes exposes the eyes to natural light.

K – KNOW YOUR SOURCES and choose those with evidence-based guidelines and strategies. These include your child’s pediatrician, pediatric ophthalmologist, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. These sources help defy myths, such as whether the use of blue light glasses decreases the effects of a screen. Currently, there is not enough evidence to support whether blue light glasses or filters reduce the effects of strain on the eye.

L – LUBRICATE your child’s eyes by applying artificial tears throughout the day. You may In addition to following the BLINK 20-20-20 use over the counter products that indicate strategy, remember that vision screenings are an important part of they are preservative free, LET'S MAKE IT A GOAL a child’s annual physical as these are less likely to exam. This is critical since irritate the eyes. Applying TO ACHIEVE HEALTHIER a child’s visual pathway artificial tear ointment at continues to develop until night when the eyes are at VISION THIS 2020! approximately ten years rest can also help. Wear glasses instead of contact lenses, when of age and certain visual disorders may possible, especially when using electronic be corrected through early detection and devices to reduce dryness. Also, consider treatment. Therefore, if a child fails a routine using a humidifier to increase moisture in vision exam at the pediatrician’s office or school screening, it is important to follow up the air at home. with a pediatric ophthalmologist or pediatric I – INCHES AWAY from the computer. An optometrist. Remember, a healthy set of appropriate distance for healthy vision is eyes are important for success in school at least 25 inches away or at arm’s length. and life!

Angle the computer screen down about 15 degrees to help prevent tears from For more information about the evaporating. Adjusting the screen’s contrast, Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology lighting, glare, display and quality also helps at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, visit nicklauschildrens.org/ophthalmology optimize the screen for the child.

August-September 2020

Miami Kids Magazine

19

a v r Ca superintendent

Albert

discusses Back Changes in our

Superintendent, tell us about your formal education and how you initially developed the passion to educate children?

Anyone who knows me can tell you that I draw much inspiration from my father. He was very wise, and despite having only a third-grade education, he taught me some of the most important lessons of my life. My informal education continued as I worked my way to the United States from Portugal as a teen. My formal education began right here, in South Florida, at Broward College. This was thanks to the late Florida Congressman E. Clay Shaw, who I met while I was waiting tables and who years later helped me obtain a student visa and a work permit. After Broward College, I attended Barry University with the goal of becoming a Doctor. I began my collegiate career as a preMed student, doing research with a background in chemistry, biology and physics. I was on my way to achieving that goal when, somehow, it hit me: I left Portugal, my family and the home I knew and loved in search of opportunities, in part because of my love of education. These are the interesting turns that sometimes life puts in front of you. That is how I found myself in education as a science

20

Miami Kids Magazine August-September 2020

alho of Miami-Dade

to

k to School

New Normal

teacher. It was at that point that I truly knew that my purpose was to help my students move forward through education. Since then, through Miami-Dade County Public Schools, I have been privileged to work with incredible colleagues, as part of a community that believes in education as a way to provide our children an opportunity to achieve their greatest potential.

Many families are very excited and also concerned about the upcoming school year during this difficult time of COVID-19.

What is going to be the plan for kids to continue with their formal education?

During these uncertain times, one thing is certain: our plan to educate Miami-Dade’s kids is moving forward. By that I mean that although we understand that in-person, faceto-face instruction is the best way to educate children, we are ready to pivot to online learning, through our comprehensive and innovative My School Online program. As you know, in March we were able to successfully transition students from in-person learning to distance learning swiftly, in part due to the District’s longstanding commitment to digital convergence, which made the transition more seamless. Since the start of the pandemic, we have continued to develop, expand, and innovate our academic instruction. Before the school year ended, we had already begun implementing our Securing Opportunities for Academic Recovery plan to mitigate learning loss for students most vulnerable to academic regression due to the pandemic.

All these steps laid the foundation for our

tentative reopening plan, which gives parents choices on how their children would move forward with their education in the fall. The comprehensive plan includes extensive professional development for our teachers, a streamlined distance learning platform, infrastructure enhancements and better tools to teach and learn, whether the student is in school or at home. In short, whether through brick-and-mortar school, if scientific data proves local health conditions will allow for it, or through distance learning, we will continue to provide a world-class education to our students.

Why have you and your Board decided to have three different school models, the traditional in-school model, the distance-online learning model, and a hybrid model? Is this decision based on the survey you sent out to parents?

Our School Board is truly committed to the education of our children, and they agree that providing parents options during this difficult and unprecedented time in our community is the best course to take. Part of that commitment was approving a plan that will allow the school district to pivot easily between learning models, under the current, fluid circumstances. I thank them for their support and commitment to finding the best way forward. As far as the school models, our plan was based directly upon feedback we received from our parents and teachers, along with the valuable recommendations proffered by our reopening workgroup, comprised of health, logistics and education experts, parents and business leaders. I am thankful to all our stakeholders for their support, and for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our students and staff.

We know that you were very active at the end of the last school year, while kids studied virtually, giving out lunches every day. In the case that we will have some days of school from home, is this lunch service going to still be available for the students?

No child shall go hungry on our watch. As we speak, the District is developing alternative meal service options for our return to a physical school environment when conditions are safe to do so. These options include graband-go meals to be eaten in the classroom or outdoor spaces, classroom meal delivery models for younger students and much more.

I invite your readers to visit our reopening schools’ website, reopening.dadeschools. net, and read our tentative reopening plan.

We are also exploring additional options for meal service to students who are learning from home. Since school closures began in March, we have provided millions of to-go meals to students across our community, including over the summer months.

Finally, we know the most fragile communities may need additional support, so through our partnership with local restaurants and food providers, and thanks to more than $1 million in philanthropic donations, our Family Meals-on-the-Go meal distribution program has enabled us to distribute an additional 85,000 hot meals over the summer in the neighborhoods that need them most. Anyone interested in supporting these efforts can find out more at www.giveourstudentstheworld. org.

Is there a plan to have school buses with social distancing?

The health and wellness of students and staff is our top priority, and that does not stop at the schoolhouse. We have developed protocols to provide the safest possible experience on our buses. To give you an idea of the magnitude of our transportation operations, last school year we had 1,050 buses covering 863 bus routes across the district. We have one of the largest school bus fleets in the world. Our tentative reopening plan made sure that the opportunity for education in a safe way starts the moment our children board the school bus to go to school. Our safety protocols start at the bus stop where we will encourage social distancing and require students and staff to wear face coverings before entering the buses, and throughout the ride. As far as the buses themselves, we are adding bus routes and adjusting current ones to accommodate reduced occupancy to facilitate social distancing, intensifying cleaning protocols, and installing protective barriers for bus drivers and hand sanitizing stations for all to use. And speaking of our bus drivers, we are currently hiring additional drivers to support reduced occupancy per bus.

We know this is a difficult time in our community and there are no easy answers.

But we are making our decisions about all aspects of our schools reopening plan based on science and medical expertise to provide innovative educational offerings. Rest assured that we will continue to prioritize the health and wellbeing of the students in our care and the committed professionals who facilitate their learning. You can count on us.

As a leader in our community, and with all the responsibility you have on your shoulders, Miami Kids Magazine wants to recognize your hard work during the entire year and throughout the summer knowing that you and your staff didn’t have any time to rest because you were making important decisions contemplating several models of schooling and listening to experts. We are sure that any decisions you are going to make will be most beneficial to all the students and parents.

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21

ZOO MIAMI

BAKERLY

Zoo Miami is the largest zoo in Florida and the fifth largest in the US! With a Zoo this large and interactive, there’s always more to see and more to learn. Becoming a Zoo Miami Member means you will have unlimited visits to take it all in – for a whole year! That’s 365 days of adventure, at an unbeatable price.

bakerly is a happy baked goods company that offers delicious crêpes & pancakes to-go, and authentic French brioche made using quality ingredients and French Expertise. Grad-and-go snacks, school lunchbox snacks, breakfast treat, or dessert, we have you covered. Parents will love our products; kids will crave them!

For more information, head to ZooMiami.org/ Become-A-Member.

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Miami Kids Magazine August-September 2020

CORAL GABLES MUSEUM

We advise parents to check our partners’ web pages to confirm updated information on each program. Dates might vary, and also some programs might change to a virtual setting depending on what Miami-Dade County guidelines allow due to COVID-19.

The safety of our children is very important and all of the programs in this guide follow the appropriate guidelines of our state.

I SWIM ACADEMY Back to school?!?! Really!?!? Are you looking for something for your children to do as an addition to their Virtual PE? Give iSwim Academy a call! 305-456-0518 Like many other businesses, we have made changes and adjustments to our programs to suit our client’s needs. Swimming lessons and swim training in your pool or ours. Private and group lessons. Call now!

Phone: 305-456-0518

CHINESE LEARNING CENTER OF MIAMI At Chinese learning Center of Miami, you will easily learn a second language by being immersed in the language and culture through the hands-on learning indoor and outdoor classroom experience. We offer Saturday 3 hours Chinese immersion program, After school Program, Adult Chinese class and adult business class. Contact us for more information: Phone: 786-476-2105 Website:https://www. miamichineselearningcenter.com

The Coral Gables Museum offers a monthly Family Day on Aragon program in partnership with the Coral Gables Art Cinema and Books and Books. The programs at the museum are free to the public from 2:00-5:00pm on the second Saturday of the month. Activities include performances, art making stations, tours of the museum and a self-guided scavenger hunt. In addition to these monthly programs the museum offers year-round field trip programs and when school is out, camp is in! Camp programs are available on teacher planning days, winter, spring and summer break camps are also offered.

Phone Number: 305-603-8076 Address: 285 Aragon Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33134

NATIONAL FLAG FOOTBALL Join the Nation’s #1 NFL Flag Football Program for Boys & Girls Ages 4–14! The safer alternative to tackle football! Practices held the same day as games. Our Hollywood, Wellington/West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and our affiliate location in Hialeah are a 7-week season with games played ONLY on Sunday’s. Coaches are screened and trained. Registration includes an NFL team jersey & flag belt for players to keep. Fall Season begins October 18th. DEADLINE is September 18th.

Register online at www.NationalFlagFootball.com or call us at (954) 248-2090 for questions.

YOUNG AT ART MUSEUM The Young At Art Institute holds classes for ceramics, digital art & film, darkroom photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media. We believe engagement with the arts, exploring a variety of art mediums, and sharing artwork at Museum Showcases, builds self-esteem while providing freedom to explore the creative process.

Email: ArtInstitute@youngatartmuseum. org Phone: 954-424-5031 Address: 751 S.W. 121st Avenue Davie, Florida 33325

KUMON Kumon’s unique approach can help kids master math and reading, build study skills - such as confidence, locus and work ethic - and reduce homework stress along with test anxiety. Students advance through the program at their own pace. Our emphasis on individualized learning helps your child become focused, motivated and self-reliant.

Call us at 305-665-3276 email: elissachamizo@ikumon.com Website: https://www.kumon.com/coralgables-university Shops at Merrick Park 256 Altara Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33146 SCHOOL OF ROCK School of Rock is an ingenious concept that gets kids rocking out and performing on stage. In addition to individual private music instruction on guitar, bass, vocals, keyboards and/or drums, students also jam with their peers in a weekly practice session. Visit us at The Shops at Sunset Place Phone Number: (786) 843-9230 Website: www.coralgables.schoolofrock.com WHITE TIGER AND DRAGON MARTIAL ARTS White Tiger & Dragon Martial Art’s Scholar/ Warrior program is the perfect blend of excelling in academics in the Martial Arts.

We offer homework assistance, light healthy snacks & Martial Arts training. We also have private tutoring & instruction available. Only the first 40 students are accepted into the program. Free transportation is available for certain schools.

To reserve your spot call 305-505-4919 or email whitetigermia@gmail.com MAD SCIENCE Blast off to out of the ordinary fun! Mad Science brings STEM to life with engaging science birthday parties, in-school field trips and after-school programs. We tailor our events to your needs. Mention Miami Kids when booking for a 5% discount.

For more information visit: https://miami.madscience.org/ Email: info@madsciencemiami.com Phone: 305-204-1106

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GAYLORD PALMS The spectacular Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center offers family-friendly entertainment, restaurants and breathtaking gardens under glass. Stay close to Walt Disney World® and other theme parks while immersing yourself in the sights of Kissimmee, Florida. Dive into a full day

BAKE IT ON WHEELS Bake It On Wheels is a unique and exciting baking experience on wheels! Simply choose your package, pick your date, pay your deposit, and get excited by all of the candy-coated fun to follow. We look forward to hosting your bash in our bakery on wheels!

1-877-ibakeit info@bakeitonwheels.com

of thrilling aquatic fun at the Evergladesinspired Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park. Treat your taste buds to a fresh, authentic seasonal buffet and discover distinctive fine dining options.

Phone: 1 407-586-0000

LEGOLAND Share unforgettable family moments and

BRITISH SCHOOL OF SWIM We strive from the belief that every child should learn water safety and survival skills.

Our classes go from babies-adults, each offering unique swimming programs with their own set of goals. We have the option to teach safely in our indoor pool or in your own home all the year round! If you are just getting used to the water or want to advance your swimming skills, our learn to swim program is designed to help you succeed and have fun!

Phone: 844-446-7946

discover the awesomeness of LEGOLAND® Florida Resort, the multi-day destination built for kids 2-12 to take the lead. Enjoy more than 50 rides, shows and attractions and experience hands-on building activities, oversized LEGO creations, plus a water park and on-site accommodations in multiple LEGO themes.

TOP TRUMPS USA Top Trumps USA makes an assortment of world-famous educational card and board games, including the original Top Trumps card game, Top Trumps Match - The Crazy Cube Game, Top Trumps Quiz, and fastpaced word tile game Lexicon-GO! Explore hundreds of Top Trumps titles and find out more at: www.toptrumps.us

CENTNER ACADEMY Centner Academy offers a wide range of exciting enrichment activities for preschool through 8th grade. Choose from Drama, Photography, Knitting + Stitching, 3D Printing, DJ + Music, Dance + Ballet, Science, Robotics and more. Athletic Teams include Tennis, Basketball and Soccer. Find us: 305.576.6070 + CentnerAcademy. com.

P H I L L I P A N D PAT R I C I A F R O S T MUSEUM OF SCIENCE The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is bringing the science fun straight to your home (or classroom). From virtual birthday parties to educational outreach, the museum has engaging virtual experiences that can be enjoyed from anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection!

Email: virtualprograms@frostscience.org Website: https://www.frostscience.org/ virtual-programs CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE ORLANDO This is where the magic of Crayola comes to life! With 70,000 square feet and 27 hands-on attractions, Crayola Experience is Florida’s most colorful family destination for interactive, creative play! Name your very own Crayola crayon, learn how crayons are made in a live manufacturing show, and more!

Address: 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, FL 32809 Website: www.crayolaexperience.com/ orlando Phone: 407.757.1700 Email: orlandoexperience@crayola.com

AREA STAGE COMPANY Our new online classes are the perfect thing to engage your mind, grow your performance skills, and have fun during these uncertain times. Learn to sing, act, or even dance on your own time, from the comfort of your own home!

Phone: 305.666.2078

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Miami Kids Magazine August-September 2020

GUIDE #2 Sponsored by

SUPERCUTS As a locally owned business, we care deeply about our customers and are taking every precaution to provide the safest salon environment possible. Not only have we adopted all government regulations, Supercuts has worked extensively with infectious disease experts to create best-in-class procedures that make us the safest salons in the country. Our highly trained team looks forward to providing your family with excellent service and a commitment to safety.

Locations: South Miami, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Doral, Miami Springs, and Flagler.

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Miami Kids Magazine August-September 2020

We advise parents to check our partners’ web pages to confirm updated information on each school. Dates might vary, and also some schools might change to a virtual setting depending on what Miami-Dade County guidelines allow due to COVID-19.

The safety of our children is very important and all of the schools in this guide follow the appropriate guidelines of our state.

CENTNER ACADEMY Centner Academy students learn how to cultivate happiness, develop emotional intelligence, think critically, problem-solve, communicate and collaborate, all while acing tests and mastering multiple languages.

• Mindfulness embedded across curriculum • Over 5 languages • Entrepreneurial thinking in every class • Project and problem-based learning • In-person and online options

MATER GROVE ACADEMY Mater Grove Academy has been serving the South Florida community since 2011. We are an A + school providing a tuition-free Kindergarten through 8th Grade educational program.

We are a Verizon Innovative Learning School and implement the Leader in Me Program for character education. Visit our website today to learn more about our school.

2805 SW 32 Avenue East Building Miami, Florida 33133 (305)442-4992 www.matergroveacademy.com

CUTLER RIDGE ACADEMY https://www.crcamiami.org/

Ludlam Road Campus (Ages 6-12, Grades 1-5) 14850 SW 67th Avenue Miami, FL 33158

RANSOM EVERGLADES SCHOOL https://www.ransomeverglades.org/

GLOBAL CONNECTION Global Connection International School focuses on “active learning”, or learning through play, to obtain the child’s joy of learning. Here at Global Connection, your child will easily learn a second language by being immersed in the language and culture in a safe and nurturing environment.

S T. S T E P H E N ’ S E P I S C O PA L D AY SCHOOL www.sseds.org

For more information please contact our Program Coordinator at (786)362-7483

Old Cutler Road Campus (Ages 2-6) 14400 Old Cutler Road Miami, FL 33158 Palmetto Bay Campus (Ages 1½ - 6) 17800 Old Cutler Road Miami, FL 33157

SCHECK HILLEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL www.eHillel.org

MIAMI LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND PRE-SCHOOL Miami Lighthouse Learning Center for Children™ is a national Accredited Professional Preschool Learning Environment (APPLE center). Using the evidence-based HighScope Curriculum, blind or visually impaired students are supported in a print/braille rich environment. Learning in all classrooms is conducted by Florida-certified early childhood teachers, Florida-certified teachers of the visually impaired and teaching assistants.

Toddler through 5th Grade (ages 1½ - 12) Red Road Campus (Ages 3-6) 6050 SW 57th Avenue Miami, FL 33143

AMERICAN HERITAGE SCHOOL https://www.ahschool.com/

305.576.6070 + CentnerAcademy.com.

Website: https://www. globalconnectionpreschool.com/ Phone: 786-476-2105

ALEXANDER MONTESSORI SCHOOLS: We follow the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952). Our task is to aid children in their work of self-creation to help them become independent learners and thinkers. We teach them to learn to love to learn. www.alexandermontessori.com Established 1963

SOMERSET ACADEMY KENDALL Somerset Academy Kendall is a highperforming, tuition-free public charter school.

Join the Knight Family! We offer a rigorous curriculum in a safe and nurturing environment.

Openings in grades PreK3 - 5th Grade Telf. 786-860-5975

MIAMI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL https://www.miamicountryday.org/ MIAMI LEARNING EXPERIENCE SCHOOL https://www.mleschool.org/ CHERRY BLOSSOM LEARNING CENTER http://cherryblossommiami.com/ MC GLANNAN SCHOOL. www.mcglannanschool.com CRYSTAL ACADEMY CORAL GABLES www.crystalacademycg.com VILLAGE MONTESSORI https://www.montessorischoolmiami.com/ PINE CREST SCHOOL https://www.pinecrest.edu/

Tutoring Services KUMON Kumon’s unique approach can help kids master math and reading, build study skills - such as confidence, focus and work ethic - and reduce homework stress along with test anxiety. Students advance through the program at their own pace. Our emphasis on individualized learning helps your child become focused, motivated and selfreliant.

Call us at 305-665-3276 or email elissachamizo@ikumon.com Website: ://www.kumon.com/ coral-gables-university/ Shops at Merrick Park 256 Altara Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33146

August-September 2020

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Back to School Trends Miami Kids Magazine wants your kids to go back to school in style, either at the school or via remote learning. On this page, you will find various items from matching backpacks, lunch bags, and water bottles to the basics like notebooks and planners, all available in new fashionable patterns. We are also featuring a lot of technology for remote learning and working.

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WAYS TO GET ORGANIZED IN STYLE: Mix and match planners, wall calendars, folders, binders and more available in trendy new colors and patterns

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13 FIND ITEMS 1 TO 13 AT STAPLES.

UNICORN LITTLE TRAVELER LUGGAGE

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Unicorns are real! Your little traveler will love this adorable, small but spacious Little Traveler 2-wheel luggage piece. With a luggage handle as well as a shoulder strap, it’s easy to travel with, whether a kid or an adult is carrying it.

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SHARK LITTLE TRAVELER LUGGAGE

NEW BACKPACKS:

Ferociously cute! Your little traveler will love this adorable, small but spacious Little Traveler 2-wheel luggage piece. With a luggage handle as well as a shoulder strap, it’s easy to travel with, whether a kid or an adult is carrying it.

Find the perfect backpack

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“MEME SPACE ODYSSEY” DUFFLE – LARGE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Because back-to-school season will look different this year, find PPE essentials at Staples including facemasks and hand sanitizer for a safe return to the classroom.

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From galaxy-surfing dinos to pepperoni pizza planets, our new Meme Space Odyssey Collection is off the hook! The only thing crazier than a shark escaping a wormhole to devour a taco are burrito spaceships launching through the space-time continuum. Our new pack has both and more. Hot Dawg!

To find these products visit https://bixbee.com/

Miami Kids Magazine

SUPPORTING LOCAL

business owners

Miami Kids Magazine and its efforts to support local businesses during the pandemic gave the opportunity to four local businesses to be featured in our magazine. They were selected thanks to our followers that voted for them.

ADRIANA ORTEGA Adriana Ortega is the owner of Glookies Cookies and a single mother of an amazing girl named Gabriela.

She began baking when the pandemic began. She bakes delicious cookies by using all organic & natural ingredients made to order. In the pursuit to support our community, she purchases all organic free-range eggs directly from local farmers in Homestead, Fl. @Glookies_cookies

rtega

Adriana O

REBECA LAGO and MIRIAM TISCHLER

Rebecca Lago and Miriam Tischler are the owners of Ginger & Juice Bar located in South Miami.

They have been open since March 2020. Rebecca is also the mother of two children ages 4 and 5.

Their business is a juice & smoothie bar that also serves up healthy eats. Their mission is to offer a healthy and delicious alternative to fast food, catering to adults, kids & also dogs!

During this time of social distancing, Rebecca was presenting live videos on the business’s social media page, recording with her daughter healthy recipes to keep families entertained and healthy at the same time. https://www.gingernjuicebar.com/

MARI BLANES AND MARGA MONTILLA

Rebeca Lago

Mari Blanes and Marga Montilla are the brains and founding partners behind Koko Tribe boutique. They were born and raised in Puerto Rico to sea-loving parents and have a deep appreciation for the Caribbean, the beach, traveling and all things tropical.

Between the two of them, they have 5 children.

Koko Tribe is an online boutique that specializes in swim and resort wear. They also sell matching pieces for the whole family. They sell lines from all over the world. They have been in business for 3 years. www.shopkokotribe.com

ga Montilla

s and Mar

Mari Blane

JEAN PRADEL and ROSANNA CASTRO PRADEL

Jean and Rosanna are the owners of Physical Therapy Now located in Miramar. They launched the company on June 1st, 2020.

Married for 13 years and are the parents of two boys- Maxwell, who is 7, and Mason who is 4, with Autism.

Their licensed and experienced therapists at the clinic provide patients with compassionate, comprehensive care for injuries, chronic conditions, post-surgical recovery, and more. They work closely with their patients to create a customized plan of care to meet their needs and to be with them on every step on their journey to recovery. https://www.physicaltherapynow.com/miramar/

Jean Pradel and Rosanna Castro Pradel

August-September 2020

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The Giraldo family

The Yanez Family

The Van Tienhoven family

Safari Sam

MIAMI KIDS MAGAZINE

Anniversary Celebration During the month of June, Miami Kids Magazine celebrated its 3rd anniversary. We wanted to share this special milestone with all of our readers. We visited the homes of some of the readers with a drive-through caravan of fun thanks to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.

Each family won many prizes from our partners like tickets to Zoo Miami, Young at Art Museum, Frost Science Museum, and many more. At this caravan of fun from All-Around Entertainment we had the presence of Super Why and Woofster, the famous characters from PBS Kids, Safari Sam singing our new birthday song, and many others. We also had our charismatic MC Rosie and many of our team members dancing and singing.

For us, the safety of our community is our first priority and we requested all of our readers to please wear a mask and to respect the social distancing guidelines for this successful celebration!

The Cordova Family