Staten Island Parent Magazine April 2016 by Staten Island Parent

april 2016

SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYDAY PARENTING

How To Throw A

Sensory Sensitive Birthday Party For Your Child

Parents, Kids and Homework Is Your Child Exhausted? Peaceful Playdates

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contents • april 2016 Advertiser Index page 93

Cover Story How to Throw a Birthday Party for Your Sensory Sensitive Child Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) want to celebrate their birthday just like everyone else. Although some parents find it a challenge to plan a party without overwhelming their child, it can be a fun and memorable day with Meagan Ruffing’s six tips on how to celebrate without causing undue stress on your child. Read more on page 48

special needs section

begins on page 46

More Articles & Local Information on siparent.com

Babymoon: Pregnant and Due for Vacation

Spring Allergies are Here

Why Having “Only” One Kid is Harder Than it Seems

How to Childproof Your Home

Books for Baby

fun stuff • Camp & Summer Program Directory • Basket Auctions • Kids Eat Free Restaurants on Staten Island and so much more!

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Eight Ways Kids Can Go Green

26 68 86

Crafting with Zion Lutheran School Family Calendar Party Needs

stuff you need 88

Family Classifieds

It’s in the Cards

Professional Directory

senior editor/Designer Gerri Friscia junior Editor Jeannine Cintron Art and Production Michelle Yannaco operations & finance Director Linda Bellesi Account Executives Ilene Cohen Janine Mulé Cecilia Saccomagno Jodi Fatto Assistant Nicole Farina

AWard Winning Magazine

16 Shenandoah Avenue • Suite C Staten Island, NY 10314 Advertising: 718.494.1932 Info@siparent.com

parenting 28

Publisher & editor-in-chief Roselle Farina Hecht

Parenting Media Association (PMA)

features 32

Staff

Parents, Kids & Homework

Keeping the Peace During Playdates

Is Your Child Exhausted?

columns 54 56 58 60

Ask the Doctor Growing Up Online

siparent.com Follow us on Facebook Twitter Instagram S.I. Parent magazine is published 12 times a year. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The publisher of this magazine does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or writers.

Dear Teacher Good Sports

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Get Links Online Visit ww.siparent.com and click on the Community and School News tab to download or receive more information on: • Discovery Day Events at Freshkills Park • High Rock Park Challenge Entry Form • Light It Up Blue For Autism Awareness • St. George Day Website • SI Green Charter School Application & Info

Info in Your Inbox Want more news, events, activities, contests, savings from local businesses, and seasonal happenings in Staten Island and nearby? Become an S.I. Parent Family of Friends member today! Start receiving our e-newsletters by signing up on www.siparent. com/signup. It’s fast and easy. You can also sign up directly from our Facebook page by clicking on the “Sign Up” app button. we only send the good stuff!

Message in a Bottle

A local artist was thrilled to learn that a message in a bottle he heaved from the shores of Wolfe’s Pond Beach in 2013 washed up in France last month. Artist George Booruji launched the bottle as part of an art project called New York Pellagic, which aims to prove just how far garbage travels in the ocean and the impact it has on birds. The message contained the drawing of a bird and a letter with his contact information, and was received by a very surprised couple along France’s southwestern shores.

Comic Con in Staten Island

The Fans of the pop culture festival Comic Con won’t have to wait until the wildly popular convention hits the Jacob Javits Center later this year to get their comic book fix. New Dorp High School will be hosting its own version of Comic Con for the first time next month. The event will be held on May 21 from noon to 5pm and will include vendors, comic book displays, comic book and pop culture artwork, Dungeons & Dragons, local artists, student artwork, various panels and presenters, a costume contest, cosplay, and a student created graphic novel. All proceeds from the event will be used for school funding. “This is very exciting for the New Dorp High School community. There is quite a buzz already. We pride ourselves on planning instructional initiatives that are somewhat outside the box, and this would be one such event,” New Dorp High School Principal Deirdre DeAngelis said in a statement. “It is a bit nerve-wracking because it is the first of its kind in a public school, and I wonder if our participants and visitors will compare our event to the huge comic book events in New York City and San Diego.”

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ADVERTORIAL

Recognizing and Understanding the Subtle Signs of Auditory Processing Deficits in children Auditory processing disorder, or APD, has recently been receiving more exposure in the medical and general community, creating awareness for children who suffer from this disorder and helping to increase access to diagnostic care. However, even with increased exposure, there is still quite a bit of confusion as to what an auditory processing disorder actually is, and how it is diagnosed and treated.

What is an Auditory Processing Disorder?

The simplest way to explain what defines an auditory processing disorder (APD) is to realize the role of the central nervous system, or CNS, in APD. The CNS malfunctions and causes an uncoordinated relationship between the ears and the nervous system’s ability to fully process sounds and language. APD causes issues with: •Understanding language •Remembering information •Processing conversation However, there are multiple disorders that are different from APD but share these hallmark symptoms. Some similar disorders that may be mistaken for APD can include: •Autism •Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) •Developmental disorders To understand what APD is, it helps to recognize the important fact that it does not stem from any other greater cognitive or language disorder. While these other afflictions may exist parallel to APD because of a dual diagnosis, many children with this disorder do not have any other impairment. How is a Child Diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder? APD is a complex and nuanced disorder, so an accurate and detailed assessment of any child presenting with the following symptoms must be performed: •Difficulty discerning words in a noisy environment •Problems following directions •Issues differentiating between speech and other sounds •Problems spelling or reading •Understanding information in the classroom Once again, it is important to recognize that these symptoms in and of themselves are not necessarily indicative of APD. Thus, a careful and in-depth evaluation process of the entire spectrum of problems that a child with APD might potentially experience is necessary. A team of care experts from a variety of disciplines are usually called upon to fully identify and explain the symptoms that a child with APD struggles with. Some professionals who are usually called upon to help diagnose the condition may include: •Teachers who help to explain and identify academic difficulties •A psychologist to evaluate and explain cognitive functions •A speech and language pathologist who will assess written and oral language abilities •An audiologist to administer definitive tests to prove a diagnosis While all of the above listed professionals are crucial to fully understanding a child’s symptoms, an audiologist is the only professional capable of giving a final diagnosis of APD. The diagnostic process involves: •A test of audio signals delivered to the child in a sound-controlled room •The child must respond to these signals repetitively, establishing a baseline of comprehension and recognition •Differing signals are delivered to help specify the exact audio deficits a child experiences

action, help a child to focus on information and retention. •Compensating for APD with other areas of cognition - Helping a young person to rely more heavily upon solution formulation, recall abilities, attention span and further various cognitive skills may assist them in finding solutions to the everyday problems of APD. Teaching techniques, such as active listening, can also help a juvenile to become more proactive in processing and comprehension success. •Treatment of the actual disorder - Individualized therapy can help to directly address APD. Some techniques utilize computer-assisted learning while others rely on individualized person-to-person therapy. The effectiveness of treatment does not follow a clearly defined path, and each child often responds quite differently. Some children may seemingly recover fully, while others operate with some degree of difficulty due to APD for their entire lives. However, expert and attentive treatment provides the opportunity for any child with APD to be properly diagnosed. This ensures that appropriate interventions can occur to allow their kids to learn, grow and adapt to their language processing difficulties with the most effective treatments available. For parents who struggle with the special needs of raising a child with APD, these diagnostic and treatment models offer hope for a future that is not muddled by an unaddressed neurological disorder. For the children themselves, learning to take command of their own comprehension and communication skills empowers and enables them to prepare for a fulfilling and successful future.

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148 New Dorp Lane • 2nd Floor • SI, NY 10306

718.980.0188 www.audiologyisland.com

Learning About Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment Options

APD affects every child in a unique manner. Thus, an individualized and adaptable plan of treatment is of paramount importance to helping each child find an effective method of treatment. The 3 areas of functioning that are considered for treatment are: •Environment - Altering or enhancing academic and other communicative arenas helps to increase comprehension. Electronic devices and teaching methods to increase ease of communication of data can, along with other plans of

Dr. Stella Fulman, Au.D , CCC-A Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro, Au.D., CCC-A Doctor of Audiology

april 2016

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Important School Dates

April 5-7 NY State ELA Exams

April 8-12 NY State ELA Exams Make-up Dates April 13-15 NY State Mathematics Exams April 18-20 NY State Mathematics Exams Make-up Dates April 25 to 29 Spring Recess (Public Schools Closed)

Discovery Days at Freshkills Park

Have you discovered the new Freshkills Park yet? If not, here’s your chance! The park is offering free Discovery Day events on May 15th and June 26th from 11am to 4pm. During these events, 700 acres of the otherwise closed site will be open for tours and recreation, and eight miles of trails and paths will offer views of the park’s hills, creeks, and wildlife. A 5K course will be mapped out for runners and walkers. There will also be shuttle buses into the park and a shuttle to and from the top of a hill that offers panoramic views of New York City. Parking will be just outside Freshkills Park in the lots near 350 Wild Avenue in Staten Island. From there, visitors can take a shuttle bus or walk or bike one mile to the main hub. A free shuttle will also make trips to and from the St. George Ferry Terminal Ramp E (Taxi Stand) during the event.

Shine a Light on Autism

Saturday, April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. In honor of the day, the group Autism Speaks is encouraging the world to “Light It Up Blue” to spread awareness. The initiative is supported globally, with such iconic landmarks as the Empire State Building, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sydney Opera House glowing blue in past years. You can show your own support by wearing blue clothes or accessories, switching your outdoor lights to blue bulbs, or sharing your “LIUB” pictures on social media using the hashtag #LIUB. Visit siparent.com to learn more ways to go blue on April 2 and to learn how you can make a donation to Autism Speaks.

New Charter School Seeks to Open in 2017

The Staten Island Green Charter School is planning to open its doors to K-1 students starting in September 2017. The school is a fully public charter school, partnering with the NYS Department of Conservation and the NYC Parks Department, aiming to integrate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning into the curriculum, as well as robotics, water and pollution research, and recycling. Go to siparent.com for more information or to link to an application.

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Discovery Days at Freshkills Park

(continued) At 2,200 acres, Freshkills Park is almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park to be developed in New York City in over 100 years. It also has a significant history as the site of the former Fresh Kills Landfill, which was the largest landfill in the world before closing in 2001. Since then, the landfill has been covered with layers of soil and infrastructure, and the site has become a place for wildlife, recreation, science, education, and art. As the park is built in phases, free tours and events provide access for learning and exploration opportunities. Be sure to check our event calendar at siparent.com to get updated info on all events at Freshkills Park.

(Photo credit: Michael Anton, DSNY)

Combating the Heroin Crisis

The heroin crisis in Staten Island and across New York State has reached epidemic proportions, and Assemblyman Michael Cusick is taking it very seriously. He recently announced $30 million will be included in the Assembly Budget Resolution for the coming year to combat the issue. The proposal includes $15 million for treatment and preventative services, $9 million for the post-treatment community to ensure they have the best chance to avoid relapse, and $6 million for patient engagement programs to provide individuals with the information on where to look for the best treatment options available. In addition to the $30 million to expand treatment options for New Yorkers, the Assembly also announced that $2 million will be included to fund Substance Abuse Prevention and Intervention Specialists (SAPIS) in New York City’s schools. This funding was included in last year’s budget, resulting in 22 SAPIS employed across Staten Island schools to educate our students on the dangers of drug abuse and to guide those struggling with addiction on the path toward recovery. “Maintaining funding for the existing SAPIS in Staten Island’s schools was simply a must. Together with Senator Lanza & Borough President James Oddo, we urged both the Senate & Assembly to include this funding again this year, and I am pleased that our request has been included in this Resolution.” Said Cusick in a statement. “Although I wish we were not at this critical point in the battle against heroin addiction, I am pleased that the Assembly has agreed to include this vital funding to help those who are battling this disease. Unfortunately, Staten Island finds itself at the epicenter of this crisis and it has been my utmost priority to find ways to beat back the tide of abuse.”

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New Dorp HS Students Visit Borough Hall

Last month after seniors in New Dorp High School wrote to the Borough President to discuss important issues pertaining to Staten Island as part of a civics project for a government class, they were thrilled to then receive an invitation to talk and visit with Boro President James Oddo in person. The visit took place on March 2, when they engaged in a conversation about the growing deer population as well as the current opioid epidemic. “It was an amazing opportunity to meet with Mr. Oddo who showed us how government can work. He’s an inspiring individual who really cares about Staten Island,” said student Andrea Diaz. “The Borough President and his staff did a wonderful thing in inviting the kids to visit and discuss Staten Island issues with him,” said Mr. Benjamin, a teacher at the school. “This experience truly expands their horizons and also can show them that there is not always a perceived disconnect between the government and its community.” “I walk away from these meetings with a sense of hope. So often we read negative stories in the media about younger generations, and we are painfully aware that our community is battling an opioid epidemic that is negatively affecting too many young people. While we do have challenges, there are also many students like those I met with from New Dorp who are working hard to get into college and dreaming about their future careers and how they will improve our community,” noted the Boro President.

St. George Day 2016

The annual St. George Day Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! The local Earth Day and arts celebration will take place Saturday, April 23 from 11am to 5pm in and around Tompkinsville Park. This free North Shore event will include kids’ activities, family oriented fun, outdoor art installations, live music, street performance, crafts, and Earth Day demonstrations. Several of St. George Day’s signature offerings, including Earth Day Zone, Art Around the Park, the Festival Dragon Parade, and the giant 35-foot puppet spectacle, “St. George & the Friendly Dragon,” will again be presented. The Dragon Parade kicks off at 2pm. Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help out on the day of the event. High School students will receive community service credit for their participation. Head to siparent.com for further details on this exciting Staten Island tradition.

High Rock Park Challenge Grab a buddy and get ready to rock the competition! The 2016 High Rock Challenge Adventure Race will be held on Saturday, April 30. Held in memory of NYPD Officer John Kelly, two-member teams must run together at all times and compete in mystery events located throughout the approximately 10k course.

INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING?

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Visit siparent.com to link to the registration form. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with handing out refreshments and directing the runners, call 718-667-2165 ext. 311. april 2016

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In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday last month, the pre-k students at Zion Lutheran Preschool were treated to a very Seuss-tacular day!

t Zion, teachers are responsible for creating an activity on special theme days that can be enjoyed by all students. For Dr. Seuss Day, Miss Jennie converted the gym to a Dr. Seuss Playground featuring several educational and physical activities. The students even enjoyed colorful Goldfish crackers on festive One Fish, Two Fish-themed paper for snack time, which required each child to count their fish and place them over corresponding numbered bowls before eating. How fun!

crafting with zion lutheran preschool

Here’s how to make Miss Jennie’s Cat in the Hat Stick Puppet at home: Materials

Would your school like to be featured in S.I. Parent’s Crafting with Kids section? Email jcintron@siparent.com or call 718-494-1932 for more information

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Jumbo craft stick *Cat face printouts

Red marker Pencil

(*available at kidssoup.com/Dr.Seuss/c_cathatstik_p1.pdf)

Red bowtie (cut by hand from red construction paper) Glue

DIRECTIONS

1. Print out cat face printable sheet. 2. With a pencil, draw the cat’s eyes, nose and mouth. 3. Glue the completed cat face to the middle of the craft stick, leaving room at the top for the hat. 4. With a red marker, draw stripes on the area above the cat’s face, creating the hat. 5. Glue the bow that you cut out of red construction paper below the cat’s face.

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why having “only” one kid is harder than it seems One kid, two kids, or ten kids. Parenting isn’t easy, period.

hen I’m not busy contributing to all great stuff you find here in Staten Island Parent, I blog about my adventures in parenting. After perusing my website recently, a very sweet reader left a comment stating she only has one kid but still really enjoys all the stuff I write about. “ONLY” one kid, she said. My kids are over three years apart, so I had “only” one kid for a while myself and let me tell you, having one kid is not necessarily easier than having two. It’s probably not even much easier than having a whole litter of ‘em actually. Now that I have two kids, a nice chunk of my day is admittedly spent physically prying my children off of one another, mediating arguments prompted by pressing matters like whether it’s time to watch Team Umizoomi or Scooby Doo, and who gets to eat the last package of fruit snacks. But in between those annoying spurts of fighting,

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my home is filled with the joyful sounds of children playing together. Frequent fits of giggles and shrieks of laughter, freckled by mischievous moments of quiet scheming, then followed by even more explosive laughter– these are the sweet, sweet sounds of siblings getting along. And to me, they’re some of the most beautiful sounds you will ever hear. I think that if you could bottle the blissful sound of children’s laughter, it might just cure every illness under the sun. I’m not implying that having one child will leave you with a dull, laughter-less home. Not at all. As any parent knows, all children are hilarious in their own way. We just tip the laughter scale around here even more than we used to before my second child came along. Particularly for a new parent, caring for “only” one child can be one of the loneliest feelings in the world. In fact, I was extremely depressed for most of the three years I spent as

a mother of one child. The door would close in the morning as my husband headed off to work, and the seemingly endless hours of loneliness would begin. I’d look down at my little guy and he’d look up at me, his eyes as wide as his expectations for the day, and I knew that keeping him content for those long hours was all on me. It’s a big job, and not an easy one. Fact: there is really only so much coloring, finger-painting, and shape-sorting you can do before you start to lose your ever-loving mind. Some moms like to stay busy by filling their toddler’s schedules with exciting play dates. And that’s great. But what about parents who, like I was, are new to their neighborhood and don’t have a ton of mommy friends with whom to set up play dates? You could sign your kid up for a playgroup or some type of class that encourages socialization, but those things aren’t always cheap. For new parents making

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ends meet, there’s rarely room in the budget for such expenses when you can roll a big ball around and sing The Wheels on the Bus to your kid at home for free. Another problem I had when my son was an only child was sharing. At home, all of his precious toys were his and his alone. Without the frequent wails of “but it’s MY turn!” from a jealous sibling, sharing was a foreign concept to my little guy. I’ve always found it to be painfully awkward when your kid has engaged in a knock-down, drag-out, tug-of-war match with another kid over a toy, and the parents need to step in and encourage the angry toddlers to “take turns,” as if that really works. Usually the match rages on until the toy is removed and both children are sulking, or the other kid hands it over and your kid ends up looking bad. Either way it’s an uncomfortable situation that rarely results in any follow-up play dates. So moms of “only” one child, do yourselves a favor and give a little, in fact a LOT, of credit where it’s due. Raising kids is tricky business, no matter how many you have. Every type of parenting comes with its own set of challenges- one kid, two kids, ten kids, twins, triplets, whatever. The bottom line is that you are raising a living, breathing, human being who is depending solely on you to keep him or her thriving and well, 24/7. It’s a big responsibility. I think, even for those parents raising a whole boatload of kids, we’re all just figuring out this parenting thing as we go. By Jeannine Cintron, a Staten Island mom of two who would like to state, for the record, that she does NOT want a whole boatload of kids. Read her blog at www.HighchairsandHeadaches.com.

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feature / babymoon oftentimes there isn’t much energy put into nurturing the marriage relationship and preparing it for this change.” Sabitha Pillai-Friedman, Ph.D., relationship and sex therapist, agrees. “All relationships work like a bank balance,” she says. “You have to have enough positive experiences in the love bank in order to make it through challenging times. The birth of a child is a challenging period in couples’ lives, so it’s important to fill the love bank and have a lot of fun, romantic experiences, before the baby arrives.” This is what Shelley Dawson and her husband did. “We had talked about taking a trip for our first anniversary, then I found out I was pregnant,” she says. “When I met with my ob-gyn, I told him I was thinking about going to Europe because I knew it would be a long time before I could go again. The doctor said it was fine as long as I went before week 32.” Dawson proceeded with plans to travel to Italy and Scandanavia, but she was careful where she went. “We had been to Europe before, so we had an idea of what to expect. We crossed off small towns and stayed with larger cities where we knew we could find an English-speaking doctor if we needed one,” she says. As sensational as a European sounds, pre-baby getaways don’t have to elaborate. A weekend in the mountains or trip to the beach can still be a fun, romantic

pregnant and due for a vacation Getaway Tips for Parents-to-Be

Pregnancy is a pivotal time in a couple’s life. The birth of a child brings a whole new set of demands on time and energy that can create stress in the marriage relationship. Along with traditional childbirth preparations, some parents-to-be plan one last getaway to rest, rejuvenate and reconnect before their baby is born. “I like the idea of couples getting away during the gestation period,” says Walt Ciecko, Ph.D., psychologist and relationship consultant. “It’s a season of change for both men and women. Couples are anticipating and contemplating the issues surrounding starting a family. But

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vacation be that a quick vacation.

For Jen and Scott Johnson, four days in St. Petersburg, Florida, served as one last fling before their son arrived. “It was April and we wanted to go somewhere warm so we could lie on the beach and swim at the pool,” says Jen, then six months pregnant. “We didn’t want a lot of touristy stuff. We just wanted to relax and be together because we knew our lives were about to change.” But having a child wasn’t the only change on the horizon for the Johnsons. “We were building a house at the time and it was supposed to be done the day I was due, so there was a lot of added stress,” she continues. “It’s easy for couples to get tunnel vision when they are under pressure and in their normal environment,” Ciecko suggests. “Getting away puts the pause button on usual activities and creates an atmosphere where parents-to-be can relax and reconnect.”

“I think that was one of the nicest things about our vacation,” says Shelley. “We were out of our routine and had two weeks to spend alone together—no work, no other people to deal with, just us.” While couples are relaxing, things they can do to prepare

there are productive for this life change.

“I recommend they go through a ritual where they look at the gains

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they had from this period in their lives—‘What were the good things in our relationship when we were a twosome? What dreams did we realize?’” says Ciecko. “Then to recognize that they are transitioning into a new stage in life and plan a strategy for keeping their relationship strong and staying together while they raise a family.”

Although getting away is far easier when you are planning for just the two of you, plenty of couples expecting their second (or additional) child enjoy Babymoons as well. If you are fortunate enough to secure trusted childcare (think: Grandma), take the opportunity for some R&R before your life gets really hectic. If you elect to take along your little one, be sure to plan a getaway that is scaled back to include plenty of peace and rest, and save the Disney vacations for when the kids are older. This is also a good time to refocus and set long-term goals. Each spouse should listen to the other’s thoughts and then formulate concrete ways to move their family into the future. Both experts agree, however, this is not a time to deal with the day-to-day responsibilities of child care. “As important as it is to cement issues about child care assignments—who is going to do what for the baby—this isn’t the time to take it up,” says Pillai-Friedman. “Save those conversations for before and after the vacation. Use this time to focus on yourselves and where you are headed. Plan to do things you both enjoy and remind yourselves of what brought you together in the first place.” “Our vacation was one of the last times we had together for nearly a year,” says Jen. “We had nights out after our son was born, but it wasn’t the same. It was just nice to get away one last time as husband and wife before becoming mommy and daddy.”

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“Couples who take time to invest in their relationship before the baby arrives will be ready to move into that next stage of life,” Ciecko concludes. “This will help build a strong marriage that will not only benefit the couple, but their children as well.” By Denise Yearian, former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.

Traveling abroad? Check out page 62 for important information on the Zika virus. S.I. Parent is on instagram

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parenting

LIPM

how to childproof your home it’s never too early to make your home safe for baby’s arrival

ew parents face a host of challenges upon bringing their newborn sons and daughters home, not the least of which is childproofing their homes so the newest additions to their families are safe and sound. The strategies moms and dads employ when childproofing their homes will change as youngsters grow older and more curious, but the following are a few tips to get parents started.

• Install safety latches and locks on cabinets and drawers. Curiosity might start to take over at the moment infants learn to crawl, so new parents should install safety latches and locks on all cabinets and drawers in their homes. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that such latches and locks can prevent access to a host of potentially harmful items, such as medications, cleaning products, knives, and other sharp objects. • Use anti-scald devices. Hot water can quickly cause significant burns to young children’s skin, so install anti-scald devices that regulate water temperature and reduce the risk of kids being burned. The CPSC also recommends lowering water heaters to 120 F to further reduce the risk of burns. • Use safety gates at stairways and in rooms that are off limits. Safety gates around stairways and in doorways of prohibited rooms can reduce the likelihood of potentially harmful falls and keep kids out of rooms where they might be harmed. Place gates in the doorways of rooms that contain sharp objects, work tools, substances that can prove harmful if ingested, and any other items you don’t want inquisitive tots to come into contact with. Make sure all safety gates at the top of stairways are the kind that can be nailed into the wall. • Attach bumpers to the edges of sharp furniture. Corner and edge bumpers can reduce the risk of injury when kids bang their heads on sharp furniture, such as coffee tables or other items with hard edges. Make sure the bumpers are firmly secured before allowing youngsters into the room. • Children and window cords are a very dangerous combination! When window cords are accessible to small children, these seemingly harmless products may become strangulation hazards. This is especially important with older window coverings that may not meet the latest national safety standards. Use only non-corded window coverings if possible. • Furniture that poses a tipping hazard must be secured to the wall with a bracket. This is true for not just tall pieces of furniture as drawers on a short dresser can be pulled out, causing it to fall on a small child. • Curious children get into all kinds of things. Be sure you protect them with safety covers for electrical outlets, stove knobs, oven doors, refrigerator doors, toilet bowls, and anything else that might be hazardous to little ones. More childproofing tips are available at www.cpsc.gov.

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feature / health

spring allergies are here

taten Islanders know that spring season means allergy season, and spring allergies can provide a lot of discomfort for both kids and adults. Some of the symptoms of springtime allergies include sneezing, coughing, stuffy noses, itchy eyes, and more. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has found allergies to be the third most common chronic disease among children.

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ith so many children suffering from these seasonal allergies, it’s good to know the different ways that parents can provide their children with some relief from their symptoms. Here are some tips for relieving spring allergies in children. 1. Keep windows closed in your home.

One way to help provide your children with some relief is to keep the pollen and dust outdoors from getting inside. This is especially important on days when the pollen count is high and the wind is blowing.

2. Remove stuffed animals. Stuffed animals attract dust mites and other allergens so they should not be kept on your child’s bed. Instead, keep them stored away, cut down on the collection, and wash them regularly. You can also try putting the stuffed animal in a zipper storage bag and leave it in the freezer all night to eliminate allergens. 3. Protect your child’s bedding. There are other parts of your child’s room where allergens may be lurking. Look for hypoallergenic bed sheets and use a mattress and pillow protector. These will trap allergens within the bedding in a way that

prevents your child from inhaling them during the night.

4. Get rid of mucus.A stuffy or runny nose is a telltale sign of spring allergies and very uncomfortable for kids. To help your child breathe easier, gently clear out mucus from your child’s nostrils, using a special mucus removal tool

5. Use a dehumidifier. Mold, mildew, and dust mites are known to grow in moist areas and areas with high humidity. Invest in a dehumidifier for your home to decrease the level of moisture and limit the growth of these allergens. Please consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding your child’s health and before following any of the suggestions.

Tips provided by Nina Farzin, a pharmacist and inventor of oogiebear, a mucus removal tool.

3/18/16 2:26 PM

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parenting

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books for baby

choosing the right books for each stage

Kids of all ages adore story time, but did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends reading aloud to children from birth? Of course, infants may not understand the words you read from a book, but they do respond to your voice and facial expressions. Hold them in your lap while you read and keep it animated to hold their attention. Show them bright and colorful pictures and be sure to give them your full attention. Make a daily routine of reading together and you will be building a love of literacy that can last a lifetime. Parents can easily create a reading library for little ones, providing a fun, hands-on playtime experience for babies and toddlers. Here are some helpful tips from Justine Smith, a preschool publisher for DK Publishing for choosing books for your baby:

0-6 months:

• Page illustrations with bright, bold colors and vivid patterns • Books that are light and easy to hold for easy sharing between baby and parent • Parents should choose books with text they will enjoy reading out loud. Babies love hearing the sound of their parents’ voice – the more enthusiastic you are about reading a book, the better it will be for the baby!

6 months – 1 Year:

• Includes images of babies, toddlers, children, animals, vehicles – these are all things babies this age find fascinating! • Books with plenty of surprises in them to encourage curiosity (i.e. big simple, flaps) As your child grows, be sure to engage him or her in the process. Give them choices about which book(s) to read. Explain the meaning of words they may not know. Ask them questions about what is happening in the book and see what their predictions are for the outcome. These reading sessions will build vocabulary, increase attention span, and provide valuable parent/child bonding. They also provide an opportunity to explore alternate outcomes for the story, characters’ feelings, values, personalities, and methods for problem-solving.

Toddler:

• Books with images of the real world – toddlers love pointing out things they know and saying the words out loud • Includes fun novelty experiences they can repeat (flaps, sounds, pull tabs, and anything touch and feel are ideal) • Books with plenty of surprises in them to encourage curiosity (i.e. big simple, flaps)

Preschool (3-5 years):

• Includes details they can talk about with parents – preschoolers love books that reflect their world and interests • Memorable and repetitive text – memory is a very important reading skill! • Word labels to help preschoolers make associations between the image and text

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Eventually, when your child is able to read on his or her own, there are still many benefits to reading together. You can read books that are above their own reading level, thus improving vocabulary. You can have a common topic for discussion, setting in place a comfort level for conversations as they grow older. Investing your time in reading with your child and the good example you are setting by prioritizing reading for pleasure sends a powerful message that will certainly pay dividends in their academic career.

3/18/16 2:26 PM

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parenting

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Don’t Fake It

Don’t try to muddle through homework you don’t understand. Pretending you’re a geography guru will lead to mass confusion (we’re pretty sure Orlando is not the capital of Florida). Instead, when you’ve reached a roadblock, send an e-mail to the teacher for clarification or touch base with her at drop-off and request extra resources on the topic. “Avoid trying to learn something quickly,” says Neil McNerney, author of Homework: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Out Without Freaking Out. “This has backfired on me numerous times because my kids can always tell.” Attempting to wing it will probably confuse your child and distract her from her teacher’s explanation.

Ask Professor Google

parents, kids, & homework Tips for Knowing How to Help

It’s been ages since you’ve tackled an algebra assignment, and now your child is home with a backpack full of homework and needs some guidance. This time around, though, mastering multiplication problems seems harder than it used to be. If you don’t feel fully equipped to help him through his study struggles, here are a few ways you or your partner can still pitch in – without homework hour sounding like nails on a chalkboard.

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The marvels of modern technology can come in handy if a particular problem has you scratching your head. “Use the Internet,” McNerney says. “There are amazing teaching tools online that can help with a homework issue.” A quick search on the Internet can often provide the clarity you need or jar some basic academic concepts back to the forefront of your mind. There are also online forums (including subscription-based ones) dedicated to certain subjects that can help you brush up your skills. McNerney recommends The Khan Academy for math, and CyberSleuth Kids offers free study help for subjects including language arts and science.

Create a Homework Hotline

Don’t hesitate to phone a friend – take some time to identify the areas you don’t excel in and create a roster of people you know who are adept in those subjects, such as your science-minded spouse and your history-buff neighbor, and who would be willing to help when you and your child are stumped. Ask your child to suggest contacts as well, so he’ll feel comfortable reaching out for help when you can’t support him. If his school has a class blog or online Listserv, have him note and create a list of kids in his class whom he can count on. Chances are, there is always someone who can help. Consider using your social-media network to broaden your group of smarty-pants backups. A post on Facebook, Twitter, or other networking site may soon lead to your newsfeed being jam-packed with information on the Constitution or tips on how to craft a haiku.

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3/18/16 2:29 PM

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Don’t Mix Dinner and Diagrams

If you’re attempting to make dinner while trying to master the order of the planets in the solar system, there is guaranteed to be a mix-up along the way. Doing everything plus a side of fractions is going to create a tense, distracted environment. “Getting frustrated and emotional in front of a child does not helpCLINIC the situation,” says FUNDAMENTAL K-2ND GRAD Joshua Langberg, Ph.D., a school psychologist Space is Limited – Please sign up early! and assistant Virginiaand 5-6pm) (Two professor classes of onpsychology Tuesday’sat4-5pm Commonwealth “This with leads Your children willUniversity. learn to dribble bothtohands and sh arguments the parent and child.” lay-up, between pass/catch, play defense andYour most important– ability to comprehend an assignment may be basics of team play!! 10 week session. hindered if you don’t read it properly. So before you stress about what you don’t know, take a break and give it a second glance later on, when you can focus.

Invest in a Tutor

If your child is really struggling with homework and you aren’t able to help him, consider finding and investing in a tutor. Dr. Langberg points out that the transition to middle school means heavier workloads and tougher assignments from multiple teachers, so as elementary school years come to an end, it may be a good time to enlist outside help. By Andrea Stanley of Eye Level • www.eyelevelny.com

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Check out our website for info and dates!

FASTBREAK LINEUP

• FUNdamental Clinic K-2nd Grade (2 Classes on Tuesdays 4 or 5pm) Your children will learn to dribble with both hands and shoot a lay-up, pass/catch, play defense and most important–the basics of team play!! 10 week session.

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Elizabeth W. Pouch Center for Special People A Division of the Staten Island Mental Health Society, Inc.

“A Lifeline for a Lifetime”

Serving Staten Island Residents of All Ages Who Are Developmentally Challenged • Clinical outpatient services including diagnosis, treatment, specialized therapies, and supportive services for children and their families • Comprehensive CPSE evaluations • Saturday socialization groups for children with autism • Parent partnership in all programs Preschool Inclusion Classes at Head Start

718.448.9775

657 Castleton Ave. www.simhs.org Early Childhood Program services are funded by local and state taxes earmarked for special education and other services. Transportation for the Preschool Inclusion Classes available at no cost to parents.

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cover story

how to throw a birthday party for your sensory sensitive child

Celebrate the special day without overwhelming them

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Birthdays. They come once a year and are usually met with much anticipation and excitement by the celebrated boy or girl. When you think birthdays, you think balloons, cake, ice cream, friends, and presents, right? Those are all wonderful traditions, but what happens when you have a child who acts out (in a defiant way) when all of these good things are going on around them? Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) want to be celebrated like any other child. But for the parents who have to watch the tailspin of emotions that come from what was supposed to be a great day to what has now become a dreaded occasion it can be very tough. Let these 6 tips help you celebrate and enjoy your child on their birthday because when it really comes down to it, they want to be loved just like everyone else on their special day. 1. Bigger isn’t always better. I used to tell myself that I had to invite every single one of my son’s friends to his birthday party in order for it to be a success. Wrong. The more kids I invited, the more hyper he got because there was just too much going on for him to focus on what the occasion was really about; him. Now we let him invite one friend to do one special thing and the focus becomes about the experience and not the behavior. 2. No hype. Remind your child that her birthday is coming up and that you are so excited to be celebrating her special day. Talk to her about her very first birthday and share photos with her from years past. Instill the idea that the day she was born was one of the best days of your life and that you are so thankful to have her has as your daughter. This special moment will prioritize what is really important about her upcoming day; that she is happy, healthy and loved. Sometimes when parents build up the big day, it can become too overwhelming for their child to understand. No need to down play the big day but do not build so much anticipation that your child is unrealistic about what to expect. 3. Kids who are sensory seeking (like loud noises, have a hard time understanding personal space, are loud, and in general, pretty hyper) are easily swept up in the chaos that can come with a birthday party. Think outside the box and invite one or two friends to keep the noise level to a minimum to help your child function on his special day. 4. Kids who are sensory avoiding (get stressed out by loud noises, do not like to be touched, get overwhelmed when there are multiple things going on) will most likely act out if they cannot process what is going on around them. Remove the obstacles before the party even begins and set your child up for success. Instead of latex balloons that pop easily and make loud noises that can scare children, opt for Mylar balloons. They last longer and are less likely to pop. Instead of buying your child 10 gifts that she will likely forget about once she has opened

them, buy her two or three gifts that you know she will get lots of play out of and that are equally beneficial to her (necklacemaking kit, dinosaur excavation kit or water beads). It is simply too much for a child with sensory issues to be expected to sit still in front of 20 people, opening gifts, saying thank you, and remaining calm. Know your child’s limits and work around them.

looking for

special needs services for your child?

Children at Play page 51 Direct Behavioral page 50 Early Start page 51 Eden II pages 19 & 47 Elizabeth Pouch page 47 Fidelis page 46 Gingerbread page 95 Island Sensory Shoppe page 47 Parent to Parent page 51 Wishes of Literacy page 50 We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym page 50

5. Pick the right time of day. If you know your son is usually grumpy in the morning but acts pretty happy in the afternoon, then plan a get together in the afternoon. If you have a big family and you know your child does not do well with lots of people around, turn his birthday into a birthweek and space out when he sees people. This will be more fun for everyone involved. Family gets a chance to celebrate and notice the birthday boy and you get to be around an equally happy child who is more likely to act appropriately when the attention is directed at him.

6. Don’t expect too much. If you notice that everything going on around her is overwhelming your child, then take a time out. Let your child have a few minutes to herself to collect her thoughts and take things down a notch. Maybe instead of playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey, you opt for a coloring contest where each person gets a prize for participating. Children with SPD have a hard time understanding social situations that other people just simply know how to handle. Take the drama out of a birthday meltdown and create an environment where everyone wins. Celebrating a birthday can be bittersweet for the parents of children with SPD. Most likely, we have thought of every way possible to make the day

a great o n e for our child, only to be disappointed when they act out from not being able to process all that is going on around them. This heavy weight of guilt washes over us as if we cannot breathe and we start to question whether or not we are good parents for only allowing our child to invite one friend to his party. Let go of the guilt and accept the reality for what it is. Your child functions better when things are simple. Celebrate that and while you are at it, celebrate the fact that you and your child have made it one more year growing in this SPD world together. Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist with a sensory seeking and sensory avoiding child. She encourages other parents to learn as much as they can about their child’s diagnosis to help cultivate a happy and healthy home environment for the entire family. www.meaganruffing.com

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laydates were anything but playful for Piper Leslie’s two older children, 11-year-old Kaylee and 10-yearold Kyle. “When we first started playdates, Kaylee was usually the one to have friends over,” she says. “Kyle has Asperger’s syndrome and has a harder time making friends, and I never wanted him to feel left out, so I always made Kaylee include him.” But when fights started springing up between the normally close pair, Leslie knew she needed a new playdate plan of action. In theory, playdates are supposed to be fun, but visits from friends can spark squabbles between even the friendliest of tween siblings. From “She always wrecks everything!” to “It’s my room!” to “You always take his side!” scuffles abound as kids jockey for alone time with pals, stake their claim to bedrooms and playrooms, and try to one-up siblings in an attempt to appear cool in front of their friends. And brokering household peace can leave parents exhausted.

Playdate Pandemonium

Clinical psychologist Michelle P. Maidenberg, Ph.D., of Harrison, N.Y., is a mom of four who referees playdate problems on a regular basis with her three school-age boys, Addison, Foster, and Wyatt. “Sometimes, we’ll have several playdates in a week,” she says. “It’s a constant struggle keeping everyone happy.” So why are playdates such a pain? According to Maidenberg, there’s often more to the problem than meets the eye. Though kids may fight over fairness and alone time with their friends, the real issue at stake is sibling rivalry. Playdates can set the stage for siblings to feel excluded and hurt, and conflicts ignite when one sibling thinks that he’s been wronged, especially if he perceives that another child is being favored. When tempers flare, kids often set parents up to take sides: “Make him leave us alone!” or “Tell her that it’s my room!” Parents should tread carefully, says Maidenberg, because the time-honored tactic of forcing one child to include a left-out sibling in their play can strain sibling relationships. A child who is forced to include a sibling in a playdate may feel resentful and angry, and direct those feelings at the playdate-crashing brother or sister.

Playful peacekeeping

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Happily, playdates don’t have to be breeding grounds for sibling rivalry. Instead, they can be exercises in family problem solving, says Adele Faber, co-author of the New York Times best-seller Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Chilapril 2016

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dren Live Together So You Can Live Too. Since most playdates are planned in advance, Faber recommends that parents sit down with kids and draw up a pre-playdate action plan. “You know your own kids; you know if one child is going to want alone time with their friend and the other child is going to be moping around,” she says. “So sit down to gether and ask them, ‘How can we make this playdate fun for everyone?’” When kids are involved in creating a plan, they become invested in the solution, Faber says. Creating a shared plan of action also sends an important message to each sibling: One child doesn’t get to have fun at the expense of another. Every family member has valid needs and ideas. Rivalry diffuses when kids see that they are valued and that one sibling isn’t being favored, she says.

Ideas for Inclusion

Planning ahead is ideal, but even the best-laid playdate plans aren’t foolproof. Plans can fall through (for example, when a surprise rain shower keeps everyone indoors) and sometimes planning is impossible (such as when a neighbor knocks on the door for an impromptu playdate). When hectic schedules or weather curveballs make planning impossible, parents can keep the peace by finding activities that everyone can enjoy. Great examples are bowling, ice skating, jumping rope, and active electronic gaming systems like the Nintendo Wii that allow kids of different ages and skill levels to participate side by side. Finding a special “job” for a younger child can help that sib join in the fun; for board games, younger kids can be in charge of money or rolling the dice, and for an obstacle course, a younger child can be in charge of the stopwatch. After a round of group play, parents can give the child with the playdate some alone time with her pal by asking siblings to help fix a snack for everyone. Leslie found playdate peace when she stopped micromanaging friends’ visits. Instead, she talked with her kids about the importance of kindness and inclusion—and then she stepped back and trusted her kids’ judgment. “I realized it wasn’t Kaylee’s responsibility to keep Kyle entertained. I let them know that while I expect Kaylee and her friend to be kind to Kyle (and vice versa), it’s up to her to decide if she wants to include her brother. Overall, they’re both good about including the other. They know it’s not fun to be left out.” By Malia Jacobson, a nationally published freelance journalist and mom. She blogs about parenting and family health at thewellrestedfamily.com.

>> 4 Tips on Planning the Perfect Playdate

1. Sit kids down one to two days in advance. Ask everyone to come up with ways to make the playdate fun for everyone—guests and siblings alike. 2. Write down all ideas, even ones that sound impractical and ridiculous, like “Eat cotton candy at the zoo!” and “Bake 1,000 cookies!” 3. Websites like familyfitness.about.com and gameskidsplay.net have ideas for physical games for the entire family. 4. Discuss why the ideas may or may not work for the playdate. Together, come up with several ideas that enable everyone to have fun together. Now, go play! Source: Adele Faber, author of Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too

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column / ask the doctor Ask the Doctor is Sponsored by

special caution on concussions

Concussions are often hard to recognize. A forceful hit to the head or any part of the body that cause a rapid movement of the head may result in a concussion. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) 65% of sports- and recreation-related concussions seen in the emergency department are in children ages 5 to 18 years. Symptoms may not happen right away, but include impaired thinking, memory problems, and changes in emotions or behavior. Concussions in children younger than 10 years old are even more difficult to diagnose.

uating concussions gives the child approval to resume sports or recreation activities.

Head injuries are most common in contact sports, but protective equipment can limit the risk. A helmet reduces the force of contact and slows the impact to the brain. Unfortunately, helmets can give athletes a false sense of security. Soccer isn’t risk-free, either. Children should not “head” the ball until they are in their mid-teens, although flying elbows, kicked balls, or collisions may pose bigger threats to unprotected heads.

Although symptoms may not occur right away, common signs of a concussion include:

Experts agree that more research on concussions is needed. Having had one concussion increases your risk for a second, and may cause slower recovery from the second one if it occurs. The CDC recommends that you know your concussion ABCs:

• Headache • Dizziness or vertigo • Lack of awareness • Nausea and vomiting • Poor attention and concentration • Fatigue • Double or blurred vision • Irritability and/ Immediately after a or bothered by light head injury, a doctor, school or noise nurse, coach, or trainer who • Memory problems is experienced in evaluating • Sleep disturconcussions should check the bances

child’s mental status.

• Assess the situation • Be alert for signs and symptoms • Contact a healthcare provider It’s important to remember that a child should not return to sports or recreation activities until they are evaluated by a healthcare provider experienced in treating concussions. Rest is key for the treatment of a concussion. The brain needs time to repair itself. Often athletes have no symptoms after a few days and headaches, nausea, and other problems may return from plunging back into sports too soon, though. Dr. Teresa Lemma is a Board Certified Pediatrician who practices at Pediatric Health Care PC. She is the Program Director for the Pediatric Residency Program at Richmond University Medical Center. For more information, visit www.RUMCSI.org/health.

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Initially, the child’s level of consciousness should be very closely monitored for 30 minutes, then his or her state of consciousness will be monitored closely for the next 24 to 72 hours. Activity should be restricted until the child is cleared by his or her healthcare provider to resume normal activities. The child should gradually return to light activity and the healthcare provider should be contacted if symptoms recur.

Immediately after a head injury, a doctor, school nurse, coach, or trainer who is experienced in evaluating concussions should check the child’s mental status. Additionally, the child should be removed from the activity, especially after loss of consciousness, until a healthcare provider experienced in eval-

If you cannot easily wake a person who has a concussion, they need immediate medical attention. You can take a number of steps to help reduce your risk for a concussion or prevent it in your children: • Wear a seat belt every time you’re in a motor vehicle. • Make sure your children use the proper safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt. • Wear a helmet for activities such as riding a bicycle or motorcycle, playing contact sports, skiing, horseback riding, and snowboarding. • Have your vision checked at least once a year. Poor vision can increase your risk for falls and other types of accidents.

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column / growing up online

new guidelines for tots and tech

For many years, the American Academy of Pediatrics had strict rules about screen time—no exposure for kids under 2 and no more than two hours a day for preschoolers. Last December, the Academy abandoned those guidelines, acknowledging what parents already knew: Screens are everywhere. One recent study, published in the Academy’s journal, Pediatrics, found “nearly universal exposure” for children under two. Even under age one, half of all babies interacted with a mobile device every single day, playing simple games, watching videos and fooling with apps. Academy policymakers concluded, “In a world in which ‘screen time’ is becoming simply ‘time,’ our policies must evolve or become obsolete.” The revised guidelines from the Academy don’t offer specific rules, perhaps because there isn’t clear-cut research showing that certain uses of mobile devices help or harm very young children. Instead, they provide general advice, intended to guide parents as they make decisions about when to hand over a tablet or a cellphone to a baby or a toddler. Here are their guidelines: Media is just another environment. Child development hasn’t changed. The Academy points out that kids do what they have always done, but now they do much of it virtually. The most rapid period of brain development takes place before age three, so infants and toddlers need a wide range of experiences, with and without technology, under the supervision of loving adults.

check reviews from organizations like Parents’ Choice (parents-choice.org), Children’s Technology Review (childrenstech.com/) or Common Sense Media (commonsensemedia. org/) Co-engagement counts. The Academy points out that kids are more likely to benefit from screen time if adults are involved. Just talking about what a child is seeing or doing on a screen provides context and gives a small child a sense of connection. Playtime is important. Unstructured playtime stimulates creativity and independence. Unplugged play is especially important for very young children because they learn from touching and manipulating objects in the three-dimensional world. Set limits. As many adults know, technology can have a mesmerizing effect. Games, in particular, are often designed to encourage mindless swiping, and little kids—like everyone else—may find it difficult to disengage. Setting limits requires the same gentle but firm techniques parents use in other settings. When children want cookies for lunch—or unlimited time on the iPad—it’s up to parents to steer them in a different direction.

The most rapid period of brain development takes place before age three, so infants and toddlers need a wide range of experiences, with and without technology, under the supervision of loving adults.

Parenting has not changed. Parents still have to make decisions about what’s good for a particular child in a particular situation. The video that makes one child giggle may be overstimulating to another child or the same child at a different time of day. Good parents respond flexibly to new situations and, most importantly, to each child. Role modeling is critical. Little kids imitate adults. Parents who want kids to have healthy relationship with screens will have to model self-control by setting limits for themselves.

Carolyn Jabs, M.A., raised three computer savvy kids including one with special needs. She has been writing Growing Up Online for ten years. In 2016, she will publish Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart. Visit www.growing-up-online.com to read other columns. @ Copyright, 2016, Carolyn Jabs. All rights reserved.

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We learn from each other. Young children learn most easily when they are interacting with people. Language, in particular, develops most readily during natural back-andforth exchanges between babies and adults. According to some studies, lengthy passive exposure to media, such as videos, may actually inhibit language acquisition. On the other hand, technology that promotes interaction—video chatting with a family member, for example—may stimulate language and other kinds of learning. Content matters. Rather than setting arbitrary limits on time spent with screens, the Academy recommends that parents think about everything a child does during the day. Is there plenty of time for being outdoors, moving around, reading books, singing songs, snuggling, being silly? Time with technology becomes a problem when it edges out other activities. Curation helps. Any app can claim that it’s educational. Very few have research to back up that claim. Little children, in particular, deserve the highest quality products parents can find. Before downloading an app or firing up a video,

Create tech-free zones. In particular, the Academy recommends that parents teach kids to power down during meals and at bedtime. Little children are more likely to adopt healthy eating habits if meals are a happy, social time with lots of playful interaction. At bedtime, research shows that light from screens can interfere with sleep cycles, so the Academy recommends devices be kept out of bedrooms.

Kids will be kids. Very little children are likely to be hard on devices because they don’t know any better. They may put them in their mouths, bang with them or toss them in the toilet. The Academy points out that “these can be teachable moments if handled with empathy.” Other organizations have also analyzed the existing research and come up with recommendations about the use of technology with very young children. Zero to Three offers Screen Sense: Setting the Record Straight, a free paper that summarizes recent research and suggests guidelines for screen use for children under three. (www.zerotothree.org/parenting-resources/screen-sense). The National Association for the Education of Young Children recommends best practice for childcare providers in another paper, Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children Birth through Eight. (www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children.) All these organizations make it clear that definitive rules about young children and technology will have to wait for more research. They also emphasize that decades of study into child development, as well as common sense, confirm that children thrive when they have warm and trusting relationships with the people around them. The world may be filled with screens, but this advice from AAP rings true: “Keep face-to-face up front and don’t let it get lost behind a stream of media and tech.”

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column / dear teacher Skills Needed for Kindergarten

ask questions. get answers!

Question: What do kindergarten teachers feel are the most important skills that young children need in order to be ready for kindergarten? – Getting Ready Answer: Look at the list below to see how kindergarten teachers ranked from most important to least important what they are looking for in their kindergarten students: 1. Comprehension of the spoken word 2. Thinking: attention span and problem solving 3. Fine motor skills (small muscles) 4. Social development 5. Self-help skills 6. Emotional development 7. Speaking skills 8. Pre-reading activities 9. Understanding numbers 10. Gross motor skills (large muscles) You can use the Kindergarten Readiness checklist on our website to get an idea of how ready your children are for kindergarten.

Handling Kids’ Complaints about Teachers

Question: Every day my fifth grader comes home and complains about what she calls her very mean and demanding math teacher. What should my role be in this conflict? – Uncertain

Answer: In April 2013, the science standards known as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) were issued. There has not been a great rush to adopt these standards as there was for the earlier Common Core Standards. There are several reasons for this. First of all, most of the states are making sure that they have the Common Core curriculum under their belt, and teachers are comfortable using that new curriculum. There is also the fact that there are no federal incentives for adopting them. Plus, states are trying to coordinate their existing science standards with the new ones. It will also take time to write new curricula, provide professional development and prepare assessments. The science standards do not spell out what should be taught in as much detail as Common Core did for English language arts/literacy and math. In fact, many states may be ending up with their own version of NGSS. The states and local districts will be filling in the details so students can learn the key ideas in the standards. Therefore, not all schools will be teaching the same things in science. Right now, science educators estimate that it will be another three to four years before schools transition to the new standards and even then it is expected to be an ongoing process.

Behavior Chart Upsets Student

Question: Our son’s second grade teacher sends home a behavior chart every day that has a color code describing his classroom behavior. The color code really bothers him when he doesn’t get a good color. He seems to need reminders not to “chat” with his friends in class. Our son now says that school is “no fun.” Should I be worried? – Unhappy

Students who constantly chat in the classroom tend to annoy teachers. In addition, it does show some inattention to what is going on in the classroom.

Answer: At every level, children have conflicts with their teachers. How to resolve them depends greatly on a child’s level in school. However, there is also one constant: Don’t jump the gun and call the teacher right away or ask for your child to switch teachers. Instead, be a fact-gatherer first, to make sure you completely understand the situation before searching for solutions. At preschool and elementary levels, it is usually wise to visit the classroom in order to see exactly what is happening. After that, it is time for a conference with the teacher.

Parents should send questions to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ website at www.dearteacher.com. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2016 Distributed by King Features Syndicate

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Be sure to point out to your child that it is natural for conflict to occur. For example, there will be bosses and neighbors in the future with whom your daughter will have conflicts. This can be a first lesson in learning how to get along with difficult people. Do act as a mentor, however, in guiding her to find possible solutions to this problem. And be sure to express to your child that you have confidence in her ability to handle this situation.

The Common Core Science Standards

Question: I know we have Common Core Standards for English language arts/literacy and math. Are we going to have them for science, too? Will all schools then be teaching the same things? – Would Like to Know

Answer: Some teachers have stricter behavior standards than others. Your son may have been freer to chat with others in the classroom last year. Don’t let this go on another day. You and your son need to talk to the teacher to try to devise ways that he can limit his tendency to chat. Before the meeting, ask your son what steps he could take to limit his chatting. Then he can be part of the solution. In the future, when he brings home a favorable color, tell him that you are proud of the way he is learning to behave well in the classroom. On the other hand, if he brings home a color denoting too much chatting, ask him to describe specifically how he might have avoided getting a color that bothers him. Students who constantly chat in the classroom tend to annoy teachers. In addition, it does show some inattention to what is going on in the classroom. The sooner your son learns to limit his chattiness, his relationships with his teachers will improve and possibly his grades.

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column / good sports In a conversation I had with a local youth basketball coach recently, I was reminded of just how much some parents don’t get the point of youth sports, or their role in their child’s organized sports activities.

don’t be a youth sports bully

Joe LoVerde has been coaching youth sports on Staten Island for nearly 40 years. He’s also a longtime newspaper editor and sportswriter.

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She told me of a conversation she had with a parent of her 4th-grade girls’ Catholic Youth Organization basketball team earlier in the season about another team in the division. “I know how to beat them,” the parent told the coach, anxious to relay the strategy he had devised.

Another time, I saw an adult berating a player on the other team during a youth soccer game after that player had accidentally knocked down one of the players on his team. It happened mainly because the child who was knocked down was much smaller than the other boy. I’ll never forget the look of fear on that child’s face as the adult berated him. Thankfully, that child’s parent either wasn’t there or had the good sense to ignore the heckler and let the referee handle it.

“Really? How?” the coach wondered.

Then there was the time I saw a parent bring a teenaged referee to tears at Miller Field because he disagreed with a non-call.

“We put pressure on their point guard and she will get frustrated and start crying,” the parent said. “Then the coach will take her out and we should be able to beat them.”

Chances are, if you’ve been around youth sports at all, you’ve witnessed similar bad behavior. Hopefully, you don’t recognize it as something you’ve done yourself.

These games are played by children. The Really? The strategy is to drive another outcomes should be person’s child to tears decided by children. and frustrate her to the There is a right way and No adult should point she has to come out try to influence a wrong way for parents to of the game? It’s scary those outcomes when you think about it. behave at their children’s games. with distractions or It’s OK to cheer. But don’t yell taunts aimed at kids. It’s a form of bullying. “strike her out!” to your team’s There is a right Bottom line: Is that pitcher. Instead, keep the focus on way and a wrong something you’d like to your child. “Throw strikes” way for parents see happen to your own to behave at their child? is an acceptable alternative. children’s games. Playing to win isn’t a It’s OK to cheer. But don’t yell “strike her bad thing. It’s the point of playing games, out!” to your team’s pitcher. Instead, keep after all. But learning to win and lose the the focus on your child. “Throw strikes” is right way is equally important. And abusing an acceptable alternative. other people’s kids is anything but the right way. Don’t yell “miss it!” or something like that when a child on the other team is at the Still, the examples of adults treating foul line. Instead, remind your son and his children on opposing teams poorly in order teammates to “get ready for a rebound.” to give their child’s team an advantage are numerous. Running up and down the soccer sidelines yelling instructions isn’t appropriate protocol I was at a kids’ baseball game last fall for an adult at a game. Find a spot, relax and and an adult was yelling “right there!” at the enjoy watching the kids compete. Keep the top of his lungs each time his team’s pitcher comments positive. Be a supporter of all the would throw the ball. I can only imagine it children. And don’t interfere with the game. was to either try to influence the umpire’s call or, worse, intimidate the young batter. Most of all, treat other people’s children the way you’d like your child to be treated. One time at a Little League All Star game, I witnessed a parent wildly blowing a whistle as the pitcher released each pitch. That had nothing to do with influencing the ump. We know why that was being done.

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• Practice is limited to children, young adults and those with special needs.

y s tr

Personalized care & professionally planned curriculum

michelle giumenta, dds

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new moms

LIPM

welcome to our newest islanders! Cullen Thunder Pastoriza-Webster February 20, 2016 4 pounds, 15 ounces Parents: Alyssia & Jermaine

Kelly Rose Partnow February 27, 2016 8 pounds, 12 ounces Parents: Ryan & Stephanie

Logan Wolf Pastoriza-Webster February 20, 2016 4 pounds, 15 ounces Parents: Alyssia & Jermaine

Saverio Anthony Daccordo October 23, 2015 8 pounds Parents: Melissa & Christopher

Mackenzie Claire Savarese February 1, 2016 7 pounds, 11 ounces Parents: Liz & Anthony

Killian Alexander Glancy March 14, 2016 7 pounds, 2 ounces Parents: Shawn & Marissa

Julia Grace Santiago January 29, 2016 7 pounds, 13 ounces Parents: Carlos & Josephine

Violetta Sofia Solorzano February 17, 2016 6 pounds Parents: Abraham & Maria

Submit Your Baby’s Birth Announcement

@ www.siparent.com

product review

Preggie Pops

You probably used Preggie Pops to ward off morning sickness during pregnancy, but did you know you the tasty lollies been have been approved for use during labor too? A desirable alternative to ice chips, Preggie Pops are naturally flavored to add sustenance and alleviate dry mouth during delivery. A must-have for every mom-to-be’s hospital bag!

giveaway

everything you need to know about zika

The sudden outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil earlier this year has expectant parents everywhere on edge. The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that poses the greatest risk to pregnant women, as it can cause a severe birth defect known as microcephaly. Here’s what you need to know: How does it spread? The Zika virus is known to spread via infected mosquitoes, carrying it from person to person. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still determining whether it can also be spread through urine or saliva, but it may be found in semen. Men who have traveled to an affected area should abstain from sex with pregnant women. What are the symptoms? Symptoms include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache rash, and conjunctivitis (pink eye), lasting for 2-7 days. Unfortunately, only 1 in 5 people will have symptoms, and 80% of cases will go undiagnosed. There is currently no known vaccine or treatment. What is microcephaly? Microcephaly is a birth defect resulting in an abnormally small head associated with incomplete brain development. There is substantial evidence to show a link between the Zika virus and microcephaly, although other possible causes for the sudden rise in babies with this particular birth defect in Zika-affected areas are still under investigation. Which areas are affected? Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks were reported in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Currently, the large number of cases in Brazil has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a public health emergency. Many other countries around the world have been affected as well. While some cases have been discovered in the United States, they have all be associated with travel this far. Go to siparent.com/zika to link to a chart from the CDC displaying the most affected areas. Is it safe to travel? Pregnant women in all trimesters should not travel to any area affected by the Zika virus. Those who have traveled to such an area should be tested within two to 12 weeks, regardless of whether symptoms have occurred. How can it be prevented? The best way to be protected from the Zika virus is by wearing long pants and long-sleeve shirts and using insect repellent. The most effective insect repellents are those containing DEET or picaridin. While some question the safety of such chemical-based products during pregnancy, the EPA has indeed approved their use for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Lemon eucalyptus sprays are generally not recommended, and repellents containing plants like cedar or citronella are safe but considered much less effective than DEET or picaridin. Women should talk to their doctors when weighing the benefits versus the risks of utilizing any chemical-based products during pregnancy.

Tiny Love’s Gymini Bouncer Under the Sea

Tiny Love’s colorful, fun and brand new Gymini Bouncer Under the Sea showcases a variety of activities -- including baby-activated lights, music, and a standalone crab toy to provide endless entertainment for baby, plus a multi-stage bouncer that offers two reclining positions and adjustable arches. Get more info at www.tinylove.com.

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We’re giving away a Gymini Bouncer to TWO lucky winners this month! A $54.99 prize value for each of our two winners! april 2016

www.siparent.com

Enter online at siparent.com

3/21/16 11:55 AM

Specialized Care for YOUR Child

Phyllis G. Merlino, DDS Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry

Call Today

• Infants • Children • Adolescents • Special Needs • Sedation Dentistry

Child Friendly, Modern Office with New State-of-the-Art X-Ray Equipment

Time for a Spring Check Up

718.761.2090 • 268 Todt Hill Road Corner of Westwood Ave, Near Slosson Avenue

www.DrMerlino.com

april 2016

www.siparent.com

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parenting

LIPM

INSTILLING CONFIDENCE, DISCIPLINE, TECHNIQUE AND EXPRESSION WHILE HAVING FUN

Creative Movement, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Pilates & Adult Fitness Classes

Inspirations in Dance ASK ABOUT SUMMER DANCE CAMP!

6 WEEK NEW DANCER STARTER PROGRAM Thursday Mornings Ages 2-4 Starting April 14

Ages 2 to Adult

www.inspirationsindance.com 1698 Victory Blvd • 10314 (Between Manor and Slosson)

718-494-6280

now buyspinrigng for

Ten signs to look for and what to do about it

MISS JENN’S CENTER FOR DANCE & FITNESS

large selection of spring gear

is your child exhausted?

lowest price

e all know the signs and repercussions of our own exhaustion– careless mistakes, not being able to express your thoughts clearly, crankiness. You may very well like biting someone’s head off if asked to do something, anything. If you’re a parent, do you know when your child is exhausted? And I’m not talking about the obvious drowsy heads like when you’ve had an 8-hour day at Disney. Did your child wake up at an ungodly hour to accommodate your work schedule and then head to school, after-care, dance class, piano lessons, homework time, and finally, Dad’s house for dinner? Think about your child’s weekly schedule. How much time a day is spent on instrument practice, sports practice, homework, religious instruction, and chores. As they get older, there is the addition of test prep, college applications, tournaments, and perhaps a part-time job. What happens when Mom and Dad are divorced and there is back and forth between homes, possible step-siblings, and parental tension?

We buy & sell children’s used items. Call for buy hours!

VOTED #1 CHILDREN’S STORE IN STATEN ISLAND 718-370-3006 • 2305 Richmond Ave (Heartland Center) Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm • Sun 12pm-5pm

STATEN ISLAND TENNIS CAMP Mon-Fri • 9am-4pm • Ages 6-17 6 Indoor Air Conditioned Courts 6 Outdoor Courts

Swimming & Other Activities

SI Community Tennis Center at the College of Staten Island

718.982.3355 • statenislandtennis.com . Also Available:

• Leagues/Random Courts • Junior Tennis Program (ages 4 & up • beginner-advanced) • Day ~Evening ~Weekends Available • Private or Group Instruction

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According to Dr. Laurie Hollman, author of Unlocking Parental Intelligence and a psychoanalyst for 30 years, these are the ten signs to look out for: 1. Increased crying and tantrums 2. Acting out in school 3. Not getting enjoyment out of certain activities they used to love 4. Loss of appetite or overeating 5. Telling you they are tired or bored when they’ve had enough sleep 6. Increased fears 7. Withdrawing into their rooms for too long 8. Erratic sleeping or wanting you to sleep with them 9. Losing interest in friendships 10. Seeming to lose a sense of pleasure and vigor in general

april 2016

www.siparent.com

3/18/16 2:58 PM

According to Dr. Hollman, enriching your child’s life with violin lessons or art classes is not the problem at hand. The problem is not giving our children enough time to just be kids– to play, act silly, build bunkers under the dining room table, and as they get older, hang with their friends. Dare we say—do what they want to do. “We’re so goal oriented,” says Dr. Hollman, “everyone in the house needs time with no agenda. Additionally, parents need to curb their own anxieties about their children’s performance in their various activities.” How should a parent handle their child’s extracurricular life? Here are six tips for listening to your child about their life outside of school: 1. Don’t scrutinize and judge your child’s performance on their activities. 2. Watch what you say about school activities, so you don’t push for a competitive edge too hard. 3. Make sure they have free time to do what they want to do. 4. Take a step back and don’t react immediately when you see puzzling behavior (“How can you know what to do about a misbehavior before you understand it?”) 5. Collaborate with your child about which extracurricular activities they prefer. 6. Value your child’s thoughts, opinions, points of view, and desires by listening carefully to them without interrupting until they are really finished with what they have to say.

ST. JOHN VILLA ACADEMY SUMMER CAMP June 27 through August 12 • 8:45-3:45 • Ages 5-12

• 5 & 3 Day Programs Available (Early drop off and late pick up) • Sibling Discounts • 2 Swimming Pools (Lessons available)

Gift icates Certif able v A ail

Early y Bird b 0 2 y Ma

• • • • •

Creative Arts and Crafts Mad Science Same s a Carnival Rides Rates 2 201 Talent Show Interactive Learning Programs

Information, application materials and rates on www.sjva.org or call Mary Ellen at 718.447.4150 x156 57 Cleveland Place • SI, NY10305

Serena’ s

CATERING HALL

2016 COMMUNION DATES AVAILABLE

Basic Buffet

Packages start at $40 pp Includes: Beer, Wine & Sangria

Provided by Laurie Hollman, PhD lauriehollmanphd.com

192 Ebbitts Street • SI NY 10306 Private Parking Available www.serenascateringhall.com• serenascateringhall@aol.com 718.980.0001

A Multi-Sensory Approach to Learning

On-Going Registrati on

• Core Curriculum • Emphasis on Language & Communication Skills CALL FOR A VISIT • FLEXIBLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE ON-GOING REGISTRATION Monday-Friday, Half & Full Days Available Liz Brandefine - Educational Director • Early Drop Off Established 1990 Early Bird Licensed by the Bureau of Day Care • 4 year old Pre-K program Special For • 3 year old Pre-K program Camp & Fall Registration • 2 year old Nursery program

www.villagepreschoolsi.com village.preschool@gmail.com s Age 2-6

718.967.5809

76 St. Albans Pl (off Amboy) April 2016

www.siparent.com

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LIPM

feature /earth day

8 ways kids can go green

aising eco-friendly children is less complicated than it once was. From very early ages, today’s kids are exposed to environmental topics and how they can do their part to maintain and protect the planet’s resources. Between activities at daycare and lessons at school to information they receive from educational television programming, some kids are taking their own environmental initiatives - and involving their parents along the way.

april 2016

www.siparent.com

Earth Day NEW.indd 2

Inspiring children to be eco-friendly can be enjoyable and get those creative juices flowing. The following are eight ways children and their families can work together to protect the environment: 1. Precycle. Kids can attempt to reduce waste by

recognizing products that could be wasteful and then avoiding those items. Toys or everyday items with excessive packaging that we use without thinking are just some examples of items that can be precycled.

2. Repurpose. Look at items that normally end up in the trash and find new and fun ways to repurpose them. Children can make crafts out of junk mail, catalogs and old newspapers. Juice boxes or plastic containers can be turned into boats or accessories for dolls and action figures. Use natural materials found in the yard or on a nature walk to make a fairy garden or imaginative world for small toys. 3. Reuse. Toting lunch or snacks around can be more eco-friendly when reusable containers are part of the equation. Explore the many lunch bags, beverage cups, thermoses, Bento boxes, and other packaging available. Many are made from recycled materials as well. 4. Walk. Encourage getting around without firing up the car. Walking, jogging, biking, or scootering

around the neighborhood is more eco-friendly than driving. Many adventures can unfold when seeing the world from a pedestrian’s vantage point, but things are easily missed when riding inside cars or trucks.

5. Conserve water. Lessons learned in conservation are important. Water is one resource that is crucial to human life. Kids can explore ways to cut down on water consumption or use water more efficiently. The environmental resource Green Lifestyle Changes says that a 10-minute shower with a standard showerhead can use upward of 80 gallons of water and generate up to four pounds of CO2 emissions. Simply reducing shower time can save energy and water. There are other ways to conserve as well. Make it a family project to collect rain water to use for washing cars or watering plants. 6. Rent rather than buy. From toys to video games to movies, people have more entertainment options than ever before. And nowadays it’s easy to access a fresh supply of entertainment without making purchases that require the manufacturing of new items. Streaming rented content rather than buying

3/18/16 3:00 PM

L.A. DANCE PRESENTS... SUMMER OF DANCE

SUMMER CAMPS DISNEY JR & NICK JR

DANCE • ACTING • VOCAL SNACKS • GAMES MOVIES AND MORE SESSION 1: DISNEY JUNIOR July 12-21 (Tue/Wed/Thur) SESSION 2: NICK JUNIOR August 16-30 (Tue/Thur) All camps run 9:30am-12pm Receive 20% Off When Your Register for Both!

SUMMER OPEN INTENSIVES

ALL GUEST TEACHERS SESSION 1: WEDNESDAYS June 29 Ballet July 6 Contemporary SESSION 2: MONDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

August 22 Ballet August 24 Jazz Funk August 29 Contemporary August 31 Turns/Tilts/Technique & Tap

HIP HOP OPEN WORKSHOPS

Wednesday • June 29, July 6, August 24, August 31 Monday • August 22 & August 29 Company Auditions Daily

packaged versions can reduce waste in a number of ways.

7. Turn off/turn down. Turn off lights, appliances, electronics, and much more when they’re not in use. Also, encourage children (of an appropriate age) to unplug certain electronics so appliances aren’t consuming electricity while in standby mode, which is called vampire power. 8. Change body care products. Introduce kids to earth-friendly soaps, shampoos, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. Children are the next generation to take on the task of protecting the planet. When they begin an eco-friendly lifestyle early on, they may be more likely to employ the same strategies in adulthood.

Did you know?

The excitement of driving a new car off of the lot extends beyond the thrill of having a new set of wheels to show off. Some people just love the smell of a new car. But while that aroma may be pleasant to the olfactory senses, it may be wise to eliminate the smell as soon as possible. According to a study from the nonprofit Ecology Center and HealthyStuff.org, that “new car smell” may include toxic fumes from chemicals used to create the car’s interior. To speed up the process of removing VOCs from a car, open all of the windows and let it sit in the hot sun. Also, purchasing a vehicle that has been sitting on the lot for a while may mean some of the chemicals have dissipated.

L.A. Dance School of the Arts

718.967.9723

24 Ellis St • 10307 ladanceNYNJ.com ladancenynj@gmail.com

A NEWLY RENOVATED NANSEN’S LODGE WILL BE COMING SOON! NOW BOOKING: BABY SHOWERS, 1ST BIRTHDAY’S, SWEET 16 AND GRADUATIONS

The Banuquet Hall at

Nansen Park

718-983-0464 • 3465 Victory Blvd • 10314

www.tasteofhoney.com

Interesting facts about the environment

1. Recycling one aluminum can save enough energy to run a TV for three hours. 2. Around 25,000 trees are cut down each day just to produce toilet paper. 3. Approximately five million tons of oil produced in the world each year ends up in the ocean. 4. Seventy-eight percent of marine mammals are threatened by accidental deaths, such as getting caught in fishing nets. 5. Plastic bottles used to package water take more than 1,000 years to biodegrade. 6. Supermarkets go through millions of paper and plastic bags each year. 7. A glass bottle can take 4,000 years to decompose. 8. Short car trips burn substantial amounts of fuel and put a lot of wear and tear on a vehicle over time, making the vehicle operate less efficiently. 9. Rainforests are being cut down at a rate of 100 acres per minute. 10. The United States is the No. 1 trash-producing country in the world. 11. Ford Motor Company has said that 75 percent of every vehicle is recyclable. 12. If the entire world lived like the average American, we’d need five planets to provide enough resources. april 2016

www.siparent.com

Earth Day NEW.indd 3

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Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Friday, April 1

nyrr.org 7:30am • $50 • All ages Conservation, Environment, Habitat Awareness, & Trail Walk Zimmer Club 4411 Arthur Kill Road 718-948-9599 9am • Free • Ages 8-17 Build a Butterfly House Home Depot- Forest Avenue 2501 Forest Avenue 718-273-5069 9am • Free • All ages

Kids’ Movie Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • All ages

Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Saturday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages

Monday, April 4

Toddler Time South Beach Library

april Is:

Alcohol Awareness Month Autism Awareness Month National Poetry Month School Library Month Stress Awareness Month

important dates:

April Fool’s Day – April 1 Autism Awareness Day – April 2 Siblings Day – April 10 Income Tax Deadline – April 15 Earth Day – April 22 Passover – April 23-30

Sharpie Art for Kids West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 6+

Storytime with P.S. 44 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 12pm • Free • All ages

Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Wildlife Puppet Show Blue Heron Nature Center 222 Poillon Avenue 718-967-3542 1pm • Free • All ages

Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 8pm • 13-16 • All ages

Open Craft Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 6-16

Saturday, April 2

Staten Island Half Marathon South Beach Father Capodanno Blvd. & Sand Ln

april Calendar.indd 1

Sunday, April 3

Open Run: Run for Life The Conference House 298 Satterlee Street 855-569-6977 9am • Free • All ages Alvin and the Chipmunks Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Grades PreK-8

Light, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

Tavern Concert M. Bennett Café Richmond Road and Court Place 718-351-1611 6pm • 11-13 • All ages

Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults

Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8 Children’s Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11 Read Aloud Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6 Warm Your Heart Project: Knitting & Crochet Meetup Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 6:30pm • Free • All ages

Tuesday, April 5

Wee Little Ones Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 9:30am • Free • Ages 0-1

21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free • Ages 0-5

Blood Drive Staten Island Borough Hall 10 Richmond Terrace 718-816-2000 9:30am • Free • Ages 16+

All Join In! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4

Tot Time Tuesday The Interpretive Center 2351 Veteran’s Road West 718-967-1976 10am • Free • Ages 1-3

Pre-School Stories West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 3-5

Baby Space St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Baby Space! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 2-4

La Leche Meeting Christ Church of New Brighton 76 Franklin Avenue 347-432-1134 10:30am • Free • Adults

Wii Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:45pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages

3 to 6 Club Walker Park

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum

3/21/16 10:23 AM

Summer Gymnastics Camp at Richmond Gymnastics

on Staten Island

What Are Little Girls Made Of?

Featuring the USA Junior Olympic Program Endurance

Dedication

Ages 3-17. Monday to Friday 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 Days a Week Full Time (9am-4pm) Part Time (9am-1pm) Ask About Our After Camp Program • Largest Competitive Team Program Levels 3 thru 10 • Special Group Rates • Fully Air-Conditioned FLIP your way into 1st place

Strength

2 hour tumble classes For all levels Everyday Monday through Friday from 2pm-4pm

Serving Staten Island Since 1976

Perseverance

1297 Arthur Kill Road 718.475.5275 or 718.720.7983 www.sijcc.org April 2016

www.siparent.com

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Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Toddler Time West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8 Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-12

855-569-6977 7pm • Free • All ages

Wednesday, April 6

Reading Fun for Everyone St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-5

Children’s Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Midweek Bird Walk Conference House Park 7455 Hylan Blvd. 718-727-1135 10am • Free • All ages

Unstructured Activity Time for Kids St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Baby Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-3

Read Me a Story St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 3-8 Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Read Aloud South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6 LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 212-620-5462 5pm • Free • All ages Open Run: Run for Life Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road and Forest Ave

april Calendar.indd 2

Bookcraft Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-8

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3

Read Aloud/ Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane

Light It Up Blue Saturday, April 2 • All Day siparent.com/liub

Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Grades PreK-8 Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11

Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Go blue in honor of World Autism Awareness Day! Share your support by switching your outdoor lights to blue bulbs, wear blue clothing or accessories, or sharing your blue on social media using the hashtag #LIUB. Go to siparent.com/liub for more ways to go blue and shine a light on autism awareness! Paint Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8 Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • All ages Teen Tech Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18

718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Wonderful Wednesdays Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 4pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6 Taking Care of the Baby Staten Island University Hospital 475 Seaview Avenue 718-226-9000 7pm • Free • Adults

Thursday, April 7

5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Greenbelt Peepers- Early Childhood Series Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 10:45am • 0-3 • Age 2 Baby & Me Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Bouncing Babies West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 A Helluva Choir Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 1:30pm • Free • All ages Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 CloseKnit Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 2pm • Free • Adults Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Fairy Tale Science West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 6+

Greenbelt Tree Tots Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 9:30am • 0-3 • Ages 3-4

Kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11

Toddler Time St. George Library

Homework Help Port Richmond Library

3/21/16 10:23 AM

• KIDS and PARENTS are amazed dental visits can be FUN & STRESS FREE! • General Anesthesia & Sedation available: In-Office or at Staten Island University Hospital

K I D S

ier Prem l S.I.’s ric Denta t g ia in d id e P Prov e, Officeprehensiv d e m z o li C na Perso are C

Helping Kids One Smile at a Time! Your Child’s HAPPINESS & DENTAL HEALTH are our #1 prioity!

Board Certified Pediatric Dentistry

Exce Stat ptional e, Pedi of-theArt atric D Offic ental e

Dr. Lisa Lazzara

With over 20 years specialty experience

Spring Special $99 New Patient Exam, Cleaning & Fluoride

Restrictions apply. Mention SI Parent ad when making your appointment.

Serving Children of All Ages and Those with Special Needs

Dr. Lauren Cox

www.sikidsdental.com Happy Spring

4864 ARTHUR KILL RD 718-356-KIDS (5437) Like us on Kids Dental of Staten Island Follow us on Instagram @kidsdentalofsi Major Insurances Accepted. Financing Available. april 2016

www.siparent.com

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Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12

75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3pm • Free • Ages 5-12

309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Grades PreK-8

21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages

Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Saturday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages

Stargazing in Great Kills Great Kills Park Hylan Blvd. & Buffalo Street 212-535-2922 8:30pm • Free • All ages

Spring Craft New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 4+

Lego Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Saturday Sing-Along St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 11:30am • Free • All ages

TH Science Lab Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4:30pm • Free • Ages 6+

Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

NYC BBQ Cookoff 2016 Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 12pm • 5-12 • All ages

Movies South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4:30pm • Free • All ages

KCBS BBQ Certified Table Captain Class Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 7pm • 40-50 • Ages 16+

Storytime with P.S. 44 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 12pm • Free • All ages

The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place richmondcountypipesanddrums.com 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Build a Butterfly House

Friday, April 8

Saturday, April 2 • 9am Home Depot – Forest Avenue 718-273-5069 workshops.homedepot.com

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 10:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-5 Baby Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 10:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Light, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Book Necklace Port Richmond Library

april Calendar.indd 3

Under the Big Top…Come One!…Come All!

Join our hands-on workshop with your child and build a butterfly house to welcome some fluttering insect friends after a long winter. After the butterfly house is built, your child can decorate their project with paint. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Also available at other Home Depot locations.

Saturday, April 9

Gun Safety Zimmer Club 4411 Arthur Kill Road 718-948-9599 9am • Free • Ages 10-17 Fatherhood and Family Enrichment Conference Port Richmond High School 85 Saint Josephs Avenue 718-971-6682 9:30am • Free • Adults La Leche Meeting Sunnyside call for location 347-432-1134 10am • Free • Adults Nature Exploration Hike (vigorous) High Rock Park 200 Nevada Avenue 718-967-3542 11am • Free • All ages Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library

SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Romeo and Juliet Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street 212-539-8500 1pm • Free • All ages Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Spanish Read Aloud South Beach Library

Sunday, April 10

Birding for Beginners Wolfe’s Pond Park Cornelia Avenue 718-967-3542 10am • Free • All ages Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Monday, April 11

All Join In! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4

Pre-School Stories West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 3-5 Baby Space! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 2-4 Wii Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:45pm • Free • Ages 5-12 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8 Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11 Decorate Canvas Bags West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 4pm • Free • Ages 5-10 Drawing Game South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages

3/21/16 10:23 AM

Proudly serving the Staten Island Community for Over 7 Years! ORTHODONTICS: Dr. Abraham Ganz

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY: Dr. Abhinav Sinha & Dr. Michael Capozzi

Michael De Simone Ph.D, LCSW michaeldesimonetherapy.com

HELPING ADULTS, CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH 718.967.2412 • 6795 Hylan Blvd Corner of Hylan Blvd & Page Ave • SI, NY 10309 www.smallworlddental.com

COMPREHENSIVE DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

DR. ABHINAV SINHA IS THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S DENTAL CENTER AT NEW YORK-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL/WEILL CORNELL MEDICAL COLLEGE. Modern technology including digital radiography as well as TVs and toys for children to enjoy in our themed treatment rooms. Sedation is available in our office.

SPRING SPECIAL 20% OFF YOUR FIRST VISIT

(new patients only) and/or free orthodontic consultation • Aetna • Metlife • Delta • Cigna

Anxiety • Fears & Worries • Anger Depression • Grief & Sadness Insecurity & Shyness Self Esteem & Relationship Problems In a Private, Comfortable and Confidential Setting For information or consultation call 718-650-9000 or e-mail michael.w.desimone@gmail.com 175 Burbank Ave (New Dorp) Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MichaelDeSimonePhD

~HEALTH PLANS ACCEPTED~

• Guardian • BC/BS • UFT • Fidelis

• All Health Plus Plans • Affinity/ Dentaquest

• Healthplex PPO • UHC Including Community NYPD, FDNY Plan & Sanitation

If your insurance is NOT listed, call to coordinate care to maximize benefits.

BUILDING BLOCKS MONTESSORI SCHOOL at beautiful Silver Lake

Preschool • Kindergarten Elementary Grades 1st - 5th Complete Montessori Curriculum • Small Classes Individualized Instruction • Spanish • Yoga Art • Music • Gym • Multi-Cultural Studies

NOW ENROLLING FOR SEPTEMBER CALL FOR A TOUR! Flexible & Extended Hours • Convenient to Ferry NYC Licensed

Quality Education Since 1972

55 Forest Avenue 718-448-2992

www.buildingblocksmontessori.com april 2016

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73 3/17/16 11:40 AM

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Read Aloud Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6 Warm Your Heart Project: Knitting & Crochet Meetup Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 6:30pm • Free • All ages

Tuesday, April 12

Wee Little Ones Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 9:30am • Free • Ages 0-1 Tot Time Tuesday The Interpretive Center 2351 Veteran’s Road West 718-967-1976 10am • Free • Ages 1-3

Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Preschool Program New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Ages 2.5-5

Wednesday, April 13

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3 Paint Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue

Saturday, April 9 • 12pm Historic Richmond Town 718-351-1611 historicrichmondtown.org NYC’s only KCBS sanctioned cookoff for the whole family! Sample, stroll, quench and enjoy fun stuff with the kids. Eat or Compete! The classic American dish served saucy and just right. It’s BBQ NY style. Rain or shine! No refunds or exchanges.

Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages

4pm • Free • Ages 3-8

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5

Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11

Toddler Time West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Read Aloud South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+

Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 212-620-5462 5pm • Free • All ages

Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8

Open Run: Run for Life Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road & Forest Ave 855-569-6977 7pm • Free • All ages

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Reading Fun for Everyone St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-5

NYC BBQ Cookoff 2016

Baby Space St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Special Education Workshop and Strategy Day Session Elizabeth Connelly Center 930 Willowbrook Road 718-227-2171 10am • $10 • Adults

Special Education Workshop and Strategy Night Session Staten Island University Hospital South Campus 375 Seguine Avenue 718-227-2171 7:30pm • $10 • Adults

212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8 Blackout Poetry West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 6+ Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • All ages Teen Tech Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834

3:30pm • Free • All ages Wooden Picture Frames Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 3:30pm • Free • All ages Unstructured Activity Time for Kids St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Manga Drawing Workshop Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Bookcraft Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-8 Read Aloud/Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Play Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 800-936-47234 4pm • Free • Ages 5+ Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Thursday, April 14

Miles & Miles of Milestones Thursday’s Child 348 Seaview Ave. 718-980-1700 7pm • Free • All ages Greenbelt Tree Tots Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 9:30am • 0-3 • Ages 3-4 Preschool Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-4 Greenbelt Peepers- Early Childhood Series Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 10:45am • 0-3 • Age 2 Baby & Me Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

3/21/16 10:23 AM

Pre-School 3 Year Old Thru Grade 8

Kinder Combos • Ballet • Tap • Modern • Jazz • Hip Hop

FOR OVER 50 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN: “Large enough to serve your child… Small enough to know your child”

DANCE STUDIO

o A Ca nvir E ring Ch n ristia

nment

Open House

MOST STUDENTS ARE ACCEPTED TO THEIR FIRST CHOICE HIGH SCHOOL

ELTINGVILLE LUTHERAN SCHOOL

Sunday, April 17 11am-1pm

Preschool 3 & 4 Year Old Program 2-5 Full or Half Days Available

ENRICHMENTS INCLUDE:

Smartboards, iPads, Laptops, Spanish, Robotics, Band, CYO Sports, Drama Club, Chess Club

Dance Birthday Parties

Spacious Waiting Room, New Sprung Floor & Large Party Area Extended Day Available Reasonable Rates

Genesee Avenue 718-356-7811 300 Staten Island, New York 10312

elselc@yahoo.com

2½ through adult

www.eltingvillelutheranschool.org

Eltingville Lutheran School admits students of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin.

ONGOING REGISTRATION! CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

230 Livingston Ave

(near Susan Wagner H.S.l) Sandy Osgood, DEA Certified

6 WEEK SUMMER PROGRAMCall today to

reserve your spot. 718-727-2649 www.silhouettedancestudio.net

april 2016

www.siparent.com

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75 3/17/16 11:41 AM

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5

Preschool Play Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 2-5

Walk MS College of Staten Island 2800 Victory Blvd. 800-344-4867 9am • Free • All ages

Bouncing Babies West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5

Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10

Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Staten Island SAFE Disposal Event Midland Beach Parking Lot Fr. Capodanno Blvd. & Hunter Ave 212-219-8090 10am • Free • All ages

Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+

Light, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Tour Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

Super Science Saturdays: Gross Gravity Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 10am • 5-10 • Ages 8-13 ZLP’s First Car Show & Vendor Fair Zion Lutheran Preschool 505 Watchogue Road 718-981-3623 11am • Free • All ages Nature Photography Clove Lakes Park 626 Clove Road

Under the Big Top Literacy Day Saturday, April 9 • 1pm S.I. Children’s Museum 718-273-2060 sichildrensmuseum.org

Kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Homework Help Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12

There will be read alouds, craft activities, and a lot of fun! Event is free with museum admission. Each child will receive a free book. Sponsored by the Staten Island Reading Association.

Rainforest Connections New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 212.439.6500 4pm • Free • Ages 4-10

Kids’ Movie Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • All ages

TH Science Lab Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4:30pm • Free • Ages 6+

Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place richmondcountypipesanddrums.com 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Friday, April 15

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 10:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-5

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Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 8pm • 11-13 • All ages

Saturday, April 16

Marksmanship – Archery Zimmer Club 4411 Arthur Kill Road 718-948-9599 9am • Free • Ages 10-17

718-967-3542 11am • Free • All ages Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Grades PreK-8 Saturday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Storytime with P.S. 44 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 12pm • Free • All ages Book Flicks St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 1pm • Free • Ages 3-11 Pinhole Camera Workshop Alice Austen House Museum 2 Hylan Blvd.

718-816-4506 1pm • $5 • All ages Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Open Craft Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 6-16 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Children’s Origami South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • Ages 7+

Sunday, April 17

Kids Nature Hike Goodhue Recreation Center 304 Prospect Avenue 718-967-3542 11am • Free • All ages Farm Day & Shear Madness Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Sea Shantey Sessions Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 2pm • Free • All ages

Monday, April 18

Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free • Ages 0-5 All Join In! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4

3/21/16 10:24 AM

Dr. Rachel Iospa, DMD

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

No insurance? Take advantage of our

YOU CANNOT STUDY IF YOU CANNOT FOCUS Use Biofeedback with your TEST PREP and increase your focus 100% Biofeedback complements any TEST PREPARATION • Absorb your study material • Lower your test anxiety for best performance • Effective treatment for ADD www.NetworkBioFeedbackServices.com Contact Donna Comanda, LCSW Staten Island Office 718 667 1924

$129 SPECIAL Includes exam, cleaning & flouride

718.215.9050 Most Insurances Accepted • Saturday & Evening Appointments Specializing in children and special needs patients

BRAND NEW EQUIPMENT DIGITAL X-RAYS NITROUS OXIDE AVAILABLE

115 Seguine Ave www.HappyTeethDental.com *Some restrictions apply

april 2016

www.siparent.com

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77 3/21/16 11:38 AM

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:45pm • Free • Ages 5-12

7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

EZ Silkscreen South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Ages 13-18

Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8

Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-12

Children’s Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11

Warm Your Heart Project: Knitting & Crochet Meetup Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 6:30pm • Free • All ages

Tuesday, April 19

Tot Time Tuesday The Interpretive Center 2351 Veteran’s Road West 718-967-1976 10am • Free • Ages 1-3 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Toddler Time West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library

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Wednesday, April 20

Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Grades PreK-8

Paint Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10

Wonderful Wednesdays Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 4pm • Free • Ages 3-12

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street

This performance features our intrepid Jungle Explorer and her puppet sidekick Youcan the Toucan, an engaging audience participation poem, and our play, “The Adventures of Captain Cocoa.” Join our humorous superhero, Captain Cocoa, on an adventure to save the rainforest—only to discover it might be the common person who can really save the day.

Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Read Aloud South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6 LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 212-620-5462 5pm • Free • All ages

Children’s Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages Read Aloud/ Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+

Thursday, April 14 • 4pm New Dorp Library 212-439-6500 nypl.org

Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11

4pm • Free • Ages 4-8

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3

Rainforest Connections

Read Aloud Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Open Run: Run for Life Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road and Forest Avenue 855-569-6977 7pm • Free • All ages

cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8 LiteracyINC: Story Hour West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 212-620-5462 3:30pm • Free • All ages Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • All ages Teen Tech Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Bookcraft Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427

Thursday, April 21

Greenbelt Tree Tots Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 9:30am • 0-3 • Ages 3-4 Toddler Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Greenbelt Peepers- Early Childhood Series Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 10:45am • 0-3 • Age 2 SI Arts Pop Up Artist Market Staten Island Cultural Lounge 10 Ferry Terminal Drive 718-414-6904 11am • Free • All ages Baby & Me Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Bouncing Babies West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road

3/21/16 10:24 AM

Moms & Dads, what are you doing this summer with the kids? Simply click on our Camp & Summer Programs Tab right from your Smartphone!

siparent.com

OVER 60 YEARS OF QUALITY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Middle States Accreditation

Lutheran Schools Association Member

~ NatioNal luth ~ Middle

UPK • PRE-SCHOOL THRU 8TH GRADE Project-Based Learning Enrichment Classes Smartboards • Laptops iPads • Title 1 Service Outdoor Playground Indoor Gym Extended Day Program AM & PM Available After School Programs Sports • Music Middle-School Preparation for all RD Types of High Schools SATURDAY, APRIL 23

OPEN HOUSE 12–3PM

SAVE THE DATE: SPRING FESTIVAL/AUCTION Saturday, May 21st • 12–4pm

Call For a Tour! 718.761.1858 Christian Values

www.school.stjohnslutheransi.org

663 Manor Rd • 10314

april 2016

www.siparent.com

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Small Class Attention

St. John’s admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin.

79 3/18/16 10:48 AM

Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+

718-414-6904 11am • Free • All ages

Behind the Scenes at the Museum Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Kiddie Tech Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Homework Help Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Movie of the Month Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages

R.A.B.B.I.T.- Special Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 212-620-5462 12pm • Free • All ages Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Movies South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4:30pm • Free • All ages The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place richmondcountypipesanddrums.com 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Friday, April 22

Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 11am • Free • Grades PreK-8

Saturday, April 16 • 10am Staten Island Museum 718-727-1135 statenislandmuseum.org

Experiment with gravity then design and build a system that will protect an egg from a fall. Eggs that smash or crack fail the test while eggs that survive without a scratch pass!

1000 Richmond Terrace 718-425-3504 2:30pm • Free • All ages 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-5

Lego Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

Toddler Rhyme Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-2.5

Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

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Sensory Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 11am • Free • Ages 2-10

Super Science Saturdays: Gross Gravity

Toddler Time Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 10:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

SI Arts Pop Up Artist Market Staten Island Cultural Lounge 10 Ferry Terminal Drive

St. George Day Tompkinsville Park Victory Blvd. & Bay Street stgeorgedaysi.com 11am • Free • All ages

Light, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Tour Historic Richmond Town Saturday Storytime 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 Barnes & Noble 2:30pm • Free w/ admission • All ages 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Earth Day SI Children’s Museum

Earth Day Stories & Craft New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 4+ TH Science Lab Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4:30pm • Free • Ages 6+

The Interpretive Center 2351 Veteran’s Road West 718-967-1976 10am • Free • All ages

Saturday, April 23

Earth Day Clean Up

NYC Regional Chili Cookoff Historic Richmond Town 378-410 Clarke Ave 718-351-1611 12pm • 5-12 • All ages Storytime with P.S. 44 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 12pm • Free • All ages Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Kiddie Game Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 2pm • Free • All ages

Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Children Science Activity South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Sunday, April 24

Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day Alice Austen House Museum 2 Hylan Blvd. 718-816-4506 12pm • Free • All ages Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Monday, April 25

Spring Zoofari Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12am • • Grades PreK-1 All Join In! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11am • Free • Ages 2-4 Pre-School Stories West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 3-5 Baby Space! Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 11:45am • Free • Ages 2-4 Wii Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:45pm • Free • Ages 5-12 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8 Bubbles Kids Show Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 3:30pm • Free • All ages Read Aloud Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636

3/21/16 10:25 AM

All Camps are Run by Seaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Varsity Coaching Staff

INSTRUCTIONAL SPORTS CAMPS at St. Joseph by the Sea High Shool

Registration Forms on www.JosephSea.org (Click on Sports tab at top of Home Page) Richard Bruno, Director of Camps at 718.984.6500 x5316

JULY 11-JULY 15

Football (Grades 6-9) 9am-12pm Co-Ed Tennis (Grades 5-10) 9am-12pm

JULY 18-JULY 21

Boys Basketball (Grades 5-10) 9:30am-2:30pm Co-Ed LaCrosse (Grades 5-12) 9am-12pm Softball (Grades 5-9) 9am-1pm

JULY 25-JULY 28

Girls Basketball (Grades 5-12) 9:30am-2:30pm Baseball (Grades 5-10) 9am-1pm Girls Flag Football (Grades 5-10) 9am-12pm

AUGUST 15-AUGUST 18

Co-Ed Soccer (Grades 5-12) 9am-1pm Co-Ed Volleyball (Grades 5-10) 9am-12pm

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Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com 4pm • Free • All ages Circuits, Science, and Making Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Ages 9+ Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6 Warm Your Heart Project: Knitting & Crochet Meetup Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 6:30pm • Free • All ages

Tuesday, April 26

Spring Zoofari Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12am • • Grades PreK-1

cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8 Game Day West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • All ages Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 3:30pm • Free • Grades PreK-8 Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3-11

Wee Little Ones Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 9:30am • Free • Ages 0-1

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Toddler Time West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Teen Lounge Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Magic from around the World South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • All ages Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street

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Wednesday, April 27

Spring Zoofari Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12am • • Grades PreK-1

Reading Fun for Everyone St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-5 Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 0-3 Paint Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060

ZLP’s First Car Show & Vendor Fair Saturday, April 16 • 11am Zion Lutheran Preschool 718-981-3623 zionlutheranpreschoolsi.com

Open Run: Run for Life Silver Lake Park Silver Lake Park Road and Forest Avenue 855-569-6977 7pm • Free • All ages

Over 50 classic/muscle cars. More than 30 vendors indoors. Live music. Food & Family Fun! NO entry fee.

Read Everywhere with Literacy Inc. St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Read Me a Story St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 3-8 Read Aloud South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6 LiteracyINC: Story Hour Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 212-620-5462 5pm • Free • All ages

Unstructured Activity Time for Kids St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Bookcraft Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 4pm • Free • Ages 4-8 Make Your Own Play Dough Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Read Aloud/Picture Book Time New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Wonderful Wednesdays Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 4pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-6

Thursday, April 28

Spring Zoofari Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12am • • Grades PreK-1

Greenbelt Tree Tots Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 9:30am • 0-3 • Ages 3-4 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

Preschool Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-4

Teen PASS Program Faber Park Kill Van Kull & Faber Street cityparksfoundation.org 3:15pm • Free • Grades 6-8

Greenbelt Peepers- Early Childhood Series Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 10:45am • 0-3 • Age 2

Family Story Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • All ages Teen Tech Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Board Games South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Baby & Me Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 11am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • 5 w/ admission • Ages 1-5 Bouncing Babies West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416

3/21/16 10:25 AM

Servicing the South Shore for 20 years

Universal Prekindergarten Free UPK for 4 Year Olds (Extended Hours Available)

OPEN HOUSE

Full Day Universal Pre-K Available

April 4-8, April 11-14, April 18-22 9:30am-2:30pm • Monday to Friday

Mini Tots Program

Ages 2.4–3.9 (Not Potty Trained OK) Register NOW! • Fun Outdoor Play Area • Licensed & Certified Teachers • Nurturing Staff • Enriched Learning Program • Summer Camp Available Open Enrollment For All Classes Year Round

718-948-9535 • 7516 Amboy Rd Conveniently located near PS 1 & PS 6

miniworldpreschool.webs.com

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Events announced in this calendar are subject to change. Call to confirm before you attend.

Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com 11:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5

Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace Teen Lounge 718-273-2060 Tottenville Library 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 2:30pm • Free • Ages 11+ 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 3 to 6 Club 212-360-3440 Walker Park 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 Kids’ Movie Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue Legos 212-621-0690 West New Brighton Library 3pm • Free • All ages 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Clay Potter Making For Kids Part 1 West New Brighton Library Kiddie Tech Time 976 Castleton Avenue Mariners Harbor Library 718-442-1416 206 South Avenue 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5+ 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-11

TH Science Lab Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4:30pm • Free • Ages 6+ The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place richmondcountypipesanddrums.com 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Friday, April 29

Spring Zoofari Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 12am • • Grades PreK-1 Toddler Time Tottenville Library 7430 Amboy Road 718-984-0945 10:15am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Toddler Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-5 Preschool Play Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 2-5

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Saturday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Spring Baby Health Fair & Expo Babies R Us 2655 Richmond Avenue 718-818-1234 12pm • Free • All ages Storytime with P.S. 44 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 12pm • Free • All ages

Saturday, April 30

Italian Tutoring Garibaldi-Meucci Museum 420 Tompkins Avenue 718-442-1608 12am • 35 per hour • Adults High Rock Challenge High Rock Park 200 Nevada Avenue 718-351-3450 8am • • All ages Free Math & Reading Tutoring New Dorp Library 309 New Dorp Lane 718-351-2977

Monday, May 2

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

Tuesday, May 3

Art Studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

It’s hard work running a farm, especially with all the animals that need attention! And spring is sheep shearing time, removing the heavy winter coats from our flock at the Children’s Center! Professional sheep shearers will demonstrate how the wool is expertly sheared. And the Zoo Woolies will demonstrate how the wool is hand spun into yarn.

Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

HERE’S A SNEAK PEEK OF THE EVENTS IN MAY. CATCH THE REST ONLINE AT SIPARENT.COM.

Baby Buzz Castleton Hill Moravian Church 1657 Victory Blvd. 718-442-5215 10:30am • Free • All ages

Sunday, April 17 • 12pm Staten Island Zoo 718-442-3100 statenislandzoo.org

Wii Love Gaming Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 718-727-0427 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11

PLANNING AHEAD?

Arbor Day Hike The Interpretive Center 2351 Veteran’s Road West 718-967-1976 1pm • Free • All ages

Farm Day & Shear Madness

Homework Help Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Clay Date South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages

11am • Free • Grades PreK-8

718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Open Craft Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 6-16 Dance of the African Diaspora Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 212.421.1380 2pm • Free • Ages 5+ PJ and Book Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2pm • Free • All ages Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults

Wednesday, May 4

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

Taking Care of the Baby Staten Island University Hospital 475 Seaview Avenue 718-226-9000 7pm • Free • Adults

Thursday, May 5

Greenbelt Peepers- Early Childhood Series Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 10:45am • 0-3 • Age 2 3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12 The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place richmondcountypipesanddrums.com 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Friday, May 6

3 to 6 Club Walker Park Davis Avenue 212-360-3440 3pm • Free • Ages 7-12

3/21/16 10:25 AM

What’s Happening on siparent.com?

Pouch Day Camp

Owned and operated by Boy Scouts of America

Boy Scouts of America

Win some sweet prizes at local a

Basket Auction For a listing visit

siparent.com/basketauctions

A fun-filled outdoor experience consisting of 120 acres of pristine wilderness in the heart of Staten Island’s Green Belt. William H. Pouch Scout Camp has miles of hiking trails and a gorgeous 17-acre lake. Pouch Day Camp is accredited by the Boy Scouts of America and regularly inspected by the NYC Dept. of Health.

William H. Pouch Scout Camp 1465 Manor Road 212.651.3073 • Marcelle Grant www.camppouch.org

_________________

Vote 2016

Link to helpful voting information, see voting deadlines, download a voter registration form, and locate the Staten Island Board of Elections Office. More info

siparent.com/vote2016 _________________

Summer Camp It’s that time of the year! Find a perfect camp for your child. More info

siparent.com Click on the Camp & Summer Programs Tab

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Swimming Crafts Scavenger Hunts Water Bottle Rockets Fishing Nature and Ecology Field Sports/Olympics Archery Hiking Climbing Wall Knot Tying STEM Adventures Weeks 1 & 8 • Friday BBQ MONTHLY TRIPS: • BounceU • Luna Park • Kids n’ Shape

FOR SCOUTERS: Program has been redesigned to fit in with the new Cub Scout advancement requirements. Get to your next rank faster!!

Learn About: Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

For Grades 2-6 $275 by April 30th $325 after April 30th Call Today! Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Extended Hours No Extra Fee 7am-6pm

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fun stuff / party needs

We Bring the Fun to You!

www.BerniesFunHouse.com• 718.442.0069

Games • Carnival Parties

Costume Characters

• Magicians • Face Painting • Clowns • Balloon Artists • D.J.’s •

Party Smarty 718-556-9475 Entertainment 718.556.9475

Affordable Party Packages Face Painting, Glitter Art Tattoos Sculpture Balloons, Temporary Tatoos, DJ’s, Entertainers, Karaoke, Rides, Spin Art, Sand Art, Candy Art, Arts & Crafts, Theme Parties, Stuff a Bear Parties, Candy Cart, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Snokones, Pretzels, Sundae Bar, Carnival Games, & More!

www.partysmartyentertainment.com

Party time entertainment

Party With Us Now!

• Disc Jockeys • Video Taping • Karaoke • M/F Dancers • Party Servers • Dancing Gorillas • Caricaturist • Magicians • Singing Telegrams • Celebrity Look-a-Likes

• Costume Characters • Clowns • Puppet Show • Petting Zoo • Theme Parties • Double Dare Mini Circus • Dress Up Tea Parties • Carnival Games • Cotton Candy

• Candy Carts • Ice-Cream Sundae Bar • Sno-Cone Machines • Hot Dog Wagon • Candy Sticks • Craft Parties • Sand Art • Spin Art, T-Shirts & Pictures

• Stuffed Bears • Airbrushed Tattoos • Wax Hands • Candle Art • Rides • Moon Walks • Ball Crawl • Super Slide • Dunk Tank • Gyro • Train • Carousel

• Jousts • Catapillar • Lazer Maze • Birthday Machine • Obstacle Course • Casino Parties • Photo Favors • Balloon Typhoons • Chair Rental • And More!

Online Advertising Opportunity for Party Service Businesses...

get your own personal party page

siparent.com Call 718.494.1932

check out our party directory on siparent.com

www.PartyTimeEntertainmentInc.com • 718.667.8998

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stuff you need / family classifieds

Tutoring By Christine

“Help Bring Your Child’s Education to the Next Level”

Affordable tutoring with proven, positive results.

Private tutoring and small classes available for TACHS, SHSAT, HSPT, PSAT, SAT, ELA and Math State test prep. Orton Gillingham trained teachers available to tutor ELA in all grade levels.

917.748.9089 christine@tutoringbychristine.com

www.tutoringbychristine.com

Advanced Tutoring

Karen L. Goldman, MA, LMHC-BC Psychotherapist & Bereavement Specialist

By Appointment Only • 1076 Forest Ave 347-850-2322 karengoldmansitherapy.com kl.goldman@yahoo.com NYS Licensed Mental Health Counselor Treating Adults, Teens, Children & Families for Over 20 Years Evening and Weekend Hours

All Grades & Subjects K-12 NYS Certified Teachers Ready to Work With Your Child

C: 718-755-3025

Tots “R” Us Daycare, Inc. 6 weeks–12 years • early pre-school curriculum open 6am-6pm (extended hours available) • Free Breakfast, Lunch & Supper • Over Nights & Weekends • Hablamos Espanol • Summer Camp & Recreational Activities • NYS Licensed, ACD & HRA Accepted Accepting Admission at our New Location on St. Paul’s Avenue

Email: totsrusdaycare@hotmail.com

Locations Located Off 718-954-4108 5Forest Ave, Near PS 22

Online tutoring directory Opportunity for Tutoring Businesses to be Listed on siparent.com! 718.494.1932 info@siparent.com

april 2016

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birthday club

LIPM

Join S.I. Parent Magazine’s Birthday Club! Log on to www.siparent.com APRIL 1 Thomas DeSantis Robert Joyce Joseph M. DelliSanti Joshua Falero Christopher Ruggeri DeAndre Niles Isabella Jimenez Stephanie Fetik Alyssa Owens Mike Spaventa Caitlin Corson David Corson Journey Ine Thome APRIL 2 Lauren Lopez Breanna Behan Kristen Mullins Teresa Picciallo Sean Cahill Joseph McDermott Melissa Aldorasi Alyssa Murphy Juliana Romeo Christopher Spotorno Traore Aich Elizabeth McIsaac Gina Siclari Liam O’Brien Matthew Shafer APRIL 3 Elaine Kristal Colon Owen Turitto Sonny M. Alloway Jr. Dean Grande Michael Cahill Jason Ruggiero Ryan Salazar Ande-Marie Balla Anna Storberg Daniel Hansen Derek Bailey APRIL 4 Racquel Siclari Kelsey Ann Ahr Ashley Suechee Brianna Lorenzo Giana Long Aviana Auleley Sophia Mostovoy Chyanne Jeffrey JZ Auriel Rivers Chyanne Jeffery APRIL 5 Teresa Capretta Tyler N. Kruppa Hersh Ranade Dana Loren Mattera Alyssa Nicole Hughes Bianca Marie Ulloa Alexa Marotta Mariano Fiallo Abby Bocola Jacob Bajek Kingsley Liang Jonathan Perfetto APRIL 6 Kathryn Grieci James Tazzetto Michael Tesoriero

Vincent Notabartolo Michael Tortora Joseph Donato Kristylynn Cahill Jake Anthony Alessi John Caputo Anthony Guadagno Kristen DiGiulio Angelina Vinocur Chyanne Jeffery Cheyenne Raven Williams Damari Royer APRIL 7 John Saad Micheal Saad David A. Vasquez Jr. Nicole Vulovich Russell E. Doyle, IV Kyle Guaragno Victor Lopez Alessio Iacono Jennifer Sorrentino Kayleigh Nelson Nicolette Mazella John Butler Zachary Weeks Alyssa Hughes Jaiden DiLorenzo Olivia Cordova Angelo Giuseppe Sorci APRIL 8 Brandon Vasta Samantha Vasta Jonathon Yanovsky Gianna Bello Jason Piccolomini Brandon Piccolomini Diamond Hopkins Hannah Sportbert Patrick Casey Daniel Casey Michael Bergstrom Leah Gunther Dante Rose Samantha Weisberg Caleigh McCulloch Zain Rasheed APRIL 9 Nicolette Jones Frankie Troland Jennifer A. Gutiervez Sabrina Kraker Michael Moyle Zephan Pardee John Mills Ryan Pollio Sabrina Perrotta Taylor DiPietro Robert Ellefsen Summer Rose Donato Hailey Papa Gabriella Pilzer APRIL 10 Edward M. Murphy Patricia Ebrahim Kathleen Lee O’Connell Ashley Kate Farley Sarah Sebastiano Michael Klink Michael Russo John Arambages

Antonio Zingaropoli Angelise Maldonado Rihanna Marshall Amiya Josiah APRIL 11 Andy Murnieks Mark R. Horvath Dillon Thomas Clark Samantha Seblano Dara DePalma Richie Santangelo Christa Louisson Olivia Vallario Antonio Zingaropoli Stephen Yannaco Richard Byer APRIL 12 Daniel Brandon Shostak John Vincent Torres III Anthony Sutera Jaime Pugliese Clarissa Ciccotto Christina Ciccotto Helena Ettu Gavin Avaltroni Reese Kroski Anandah Porter Nora Cruce Zakeia Mohammed APRIL 13 Gianna Hynes James Soren Matthew Rivera Jason Santana, Jr. Stephen Dapello Jillian Ippolito Nicolette Hillery Sophia Hillery Jimmi Love Spaulding APRIL 14 Brittany Piro Kelley A. Sito Isabella Kaminski Cherry Buckley Taylor Terlizzi Gianna Marie Maggio Joseph Jennerich Frank Geosits Julia Feliciano Delmar Hinton APRIL 15 John Vincent Boccanfuso Joshua P. Rodriquez Amber Quick Kristen Sitro Sebastian DeFrancesco Christina DeRossi Jessica Fetik James Basich Ashlyn Gravagna Sebastian Scala Daniel Zapata Liam Cragan APRIL 16 Regina Branche Jonathan Maxwell Cator Angelica Stringer Heather L Smith Destini M. Harris

Sam Seidito Vincent Hetzel Giana Maria Caputo Erin Murphy Brian Hemmer Aryana Latchman Thomas Bland Nicholas Bland Joseph Litrell APRIL 17 Salvatore Candrilli James J Grome III Alissa Cianci Kristen M Auciello Jessica Starek Juliana K. Ohene Anya Kiser Xavier Barrow Andrew Finazzo Christopher Campbell Charles Jackson Christian Bedoya Matthew Rooney APRIL 18 Sandra Prendergast Maria-Lisa Ceparano Thomas Hopkins Anthony Galante Christopher Evans Ilyssa J. Chapan Giovanni Maranzano Antonio Santoro Stephanie Ferrandino Nicholas Mejia John Gall Juliette Armenia John Gall Michael Anthony Loffredo John Gall APRIL 19 Ryan Cottone Christopher Marchetti Justin Pettinato Antonio Morales Robert Brian Birch Elif Ismail Brandon De Lapi Anthony Gargiulo Nicholas LaMorte Maria Vazquez Didier Sauersinger Ryan Callahan Bradley Vaval Anthony Carlsen APRIL 20 Christie E Barnes Lauren Amber Amato Dianne Marie Fallucca Jacqueline Cautela Courtney Miller Danielle Reiss Carlos V. Cortez Alia Soto Michael Shana Jason Lamantia Alexa Winchel Christopher Brown Colleen Walsh Angelina Walsh Jace Ramos Alana Samarasekera

Emma Commissiong APRIL 21 Kimberly Russo Renee Ann Russo Frankie Siclari Sonia Rose Reyes Christian Jensen Christopher John Torres Nicolette D’Alessio Nicholas D. Scheuerman Lauren Albanese Christina Muraca Joseph Tsuei Julianna Orlando Shyanne Swain

Tommy Barnes Vincent Pellegrino Michael Minetello Kimberly Russo APRIL 26 Michael A. DiMartino Melissa Tronolone RitaMarie Blake Alicia Anne Cohen Andrew C. Anderson Jr. Emilyrose Buxbaum Rita Blake Jessica Mills Erin Hagen Theodore Yanni-Shehata

APRIL 22 Thomas Byrne Frank Daniel Adinolfi Stephen Z. Trombetta Kayla Hughes Michael Luis Ramos Erik Konvise Nicholas DePaulo Madison Boyd Quentin Green-Lind Daniel Dunleavy Gina Barberie Antonio Jude Tizio Deanna Squarciafico Quentin GreenLind Jadyn Velez

APRIL 27 Sonja Svindland John P. Gilman Jr. April Sinclair Keyon Faulkner Terrill Littman Jr. Salvatore C. Mosca Lola Antoinette Mosca Vincent Borriello Krystal Valdez Julianna Puca Jessica Christine Klapak Giovanna C. Perricone Jayden Perez Jeremy Castro Melanie Ann Tapia

APRIL 23 Marvin Centeno Josephine Mariano Gabriella Palmieri Mikayla Hoff Mikayla Logan Justin Selznick Gabriella DiMattina Caitlyn Paige DeMuro Robert Mauro Amanda Singler Vincent Gargiulo Rithika Lingala Kyla Graham

APRIL 28 Brianna Rezza Emily Bianco Alyssa Owens Lela Kay Ally Rainbolt Antonia Forte Steven Antoine Williams Jada Sullivan Simisola Adebayo Emma Callahan Ryan Viviani Gabriella Mutate Benjamin Nicholas Rondo Watson

APRIL 24 Ryan Manahan Liam Canavan Jasmine Donato Victoria Pagan Nicholas Scott Morra Clare Rose Higgins Anthony Ventrone Christopher Hansen Madison Kravitz Giacomo Maniscalco Kayla Medina Kravtiz April Breanna McGlynn Alyssa Demarest Dovan Maidenberg Madison Kravitz APRIL 25 Lisa Renee Boynton Amanda Russo Philip DePalma Saleema Josey Thomas Casuccio Maggie Deignan Jillian Frances Cannon

APRIL 29 Stephen Bruno Carmine J. Ambrosino Gianna Ramage Kristen Raskin Brendan Jones Emily Sandford Natasha Watler David Loffe Luke Macwan Liliana Adame Michael Skeans APRIL 30 Nicholas Lufrano Thomas K. Nolan Jillian Chrust Vincent Barone Jaida Joy White Amanda Singler Nicholas Zangrillo Eric Bucchieri Salvatore Brunetto Osagie Benson

Birthday Club members are entitled to receive

10 free tokens at funstation Funstation is located on 3555 Victory Boulevard • 718.370.0077 Good only for birthday club members on this list. Not to be combined with any other offers. Offer valid on child’s birthday only.

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stuff you need / itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the cards

Interested in Advertising? Call 718.494.1932 26 Years of Proven Results.

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can your dentist deliver these services? • Intravenous and Oral Sedation • Nitrous Oxide “sweet air”

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and comfort • Availability of topical gels for gum comfort during hygiene visits • Understand your dental needs; see it on TV with our intra-oral camera! • Ask us about the 25 other ways we can help you!

If your answer is “no,” you need to call

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Special Web Offer! www.AfraidOfTheDentist.com

1520 Richmond Avenue Staten Island, NY 10314

We are sorry but we are not able to accept Medicaid april 2016

www.siparent.com

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stuff you need / professional directory orthodontics

attorney

Divorce Family Court • Child Custody Spousal & Child Support Domestic Violence • Adoptions Name Changes • Annulments Separation Agreements Free Initial Consultation for Divorce Actions 24 Kurt T. Richards, P.C. Hour Phone Service

Attorney at Law

www.krichardspc.com 718.720.1000

1200 South Ave, Ste 201 • SI, NY

Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D. Specialist in Orthodontics

Gentle, Personal, Quality Care for Children & Adults

Kim Williams-Jenkins

Culturally Competent Compassionate Counseling

• Advanced Integrative Therapy • Indiv/Couples/Family • Special Needs/Identity/Self Esteem • Work & Educational Issues/ Abuse-Recovery • Autism/Aspergers

Some Insurances Accepted 1st Street, 2nd Floor • 10306

917-613-4009

718.494.1932

SPEECH, OT & PT

Speech, OT & PT

speech pathology

(718) 967-5213

Member American Association of Orthodontists

QUALITY CARE SPEECH CENTER, INC.

NYS Licensed Speech Pathologists, Occupational & Physical Therapists Evaluation and Treatment of Pediatric Speech, Language, Feeding, Oral, Fine & Gross Motor Disorders, P.R.O.M.P.T., Russian Bilingual Services, State of the Art Sensory Gym Dept of Ed Provider (CPSE & RSA) Top of Tertiary Tier Designation

718.873.4516

claire guttsman m.a., c.c.c. - slp

1076 forest ave. (corner of Manor Rd.) Evaluation & treatment of pediatric speech & language, fine & gross motor delays & disorders

718.605.4301

• Department of Education CPSE & CSE Tertiary Designation • Most Insurance Accepted • Homecare & School Services Offered

www.qualitycarespeech.com

southshorespeechtherapy.com 520B Bloomingdale Rd Staten Island, NY 10309

3767 Hylan Blvd (Great Kills) Randi Pino M.A., CCC-SLP/TSHH, Director

We accept all major insurance plans. Free consultations.

speech pathology

PreCare Speech Language Pathology PC • Diagnosis & treatment of infants, toddlers, adults • Autism, learning and communication disabilities • Articulation, impaired language, stuttering or lisps • All major credit cards and insurances

www.slpmd.com

718.259.4001 • 1829 Richmond Rd

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Individual, Couples & Family Therapy

www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312

speech pathology 718-967-0359 • 3767 Richmond Ave www.brightstartspeech.com brightstart@si.rr.com • Private practice with energetic & talented Speech Language Pathologists • Extensive experience Now • Full range of services Offering (diagnostics & evaluations) Homecare • Occupational Therapy • NYS & ASHA Certified • Multi-Lingual Therapists Speech & Language • NYC Dept of Ed Contracted Agency for Preschool & School Age Children Pathology, P.C.

Psychotherapist Specializing in Children Ages 4 and Up

Call Us and Have Your Business Advertised Here!

Goal Oriented Therapy ~ Dialectical Behavior Therapy ~ Cognitive Therapy Play Therapy 175 Burbank ave • 10306

Psychotherapist LCSW-R, MSEd, CRC, CASAC

psychotherapist

Kim Allen-McGinley lcsw

718-608-1508

speech pathology Contact us to findout how our multidisciplinary feeding program can help your child overcome feeding issues ranging from th mild picky eater to more complex issues, such as failure to thrive, pediatric dysphagia, or the transition from tube to oral feedings. We turn mealtime for you and your child into a HAPPY and ENJOYABLE experience!

Utilizing the SOS Approach to Feeding

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com Lisa Jiannetto,

MA, CCC-SLP, Director

718.356.6604

4056 Amboy Rd • 10308

718-447-5501

Certified professional, providing quality evaluations and treatment of adults and children for over 35 years. additional services: Public Speaking Improvement, Accent Reduction, Corporate Speech Pathology & Lecturing

speech pathology

Sandra Mazzucco M.A., C.C.C.-SLP

NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist

Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults PROMPT Trained Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy Specializing in Fluency ASHA Certified 465 Belfield Ave • Annadale Town North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave

718-815-6024

speech pathology

Speech and Language Therapy Associates of Staten Island, PLLC PROMPT Trained Therapists SOS Feeding Approach Orton-Gillingham & Wilson trained therapists Earobics

Individualized and Customized: Language Enhancement Programs, Auditory Training Programs, Fluency Enhancement Programs, Oral-Sensory-Motor Plans, Voice Treatment Programs, Accent Reduction Programs, FeedingTreatment Plans, Pediatric & Adult Clients We welcome NYC DOE clients, and we are now an associate of The Perfect Playground for all CSE cases.

www.pediatricandadultspeech.com

New Lisa Jiannetto, MA, CCC-SLP, Director Location 718.356.6604 • 4056 Amboy Rd • 10308

april 2016

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stuff you need / professional directory speech pathology

Call Us and Have Your Business Advertised Here!

DOE APPROVED TO PROVIDE MONO AND BILINGUAL SERVICES FOR PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN.

Speech and Language Pathology Practice Serving You and Your Children

Autistic Spectrum Disorders, PDD, Craniofacial Differences, Fluency Disorders, Apraxia of Speech, “Late Talkers,” Hearing Impairments & Phonological / Articulation Disorders

718.494.1932

347.640.4SLP (4757) • 188 Hylan Blvd • 10305 www.bbslp.org • Email: info@bbslp.org

Most Insurances Accepted

ADVERTISER INDEX 5 BPY Kids & More................................. 53

Genesis Fertility...................................... 30

Saint Peter’s Prep.................................. 41

A Taste of Honey................................... 67

Gingerbread Learning Center.......... 95

Serena’s Catering Hall......................... 65

Alphabet Academy............................. 34

Grade Power ........................................ 71

Showplace Entertainment.................. 29

Athletic Edge Sports Center.................. 5

Happy Teeth Dental............................. 77

SI Academy.................................. 57 & 59

Audiology Island.................................. 17

Hugs and Kiddies................................. 61

SI Braces................................................. 21

Bario’s Restaurant................................. 75

Huntingon Learning Center............... 27

SI Community Tennis........................... 64

Big Bird’s Playhouse............................. 55

Inspirations in Dance........................... 64

SI Day Camp........................................... 7

Boy Scouts of America........................ 85

Island Sensory Shoppe........................ 47

SI Dental................................................. 91

Bricks 4 Kidz............................................ 63

Island Shores........................................... 8

SI Family Music...................................... 23

Building Blocks Montessori ................ 73

Ivy League Day Camp....................... 41

SI Mental Health Society..................... 47

Camp Koala......................................... 73

JCC of Staten Island.............35, 45 & 69

SI Pediatric Dentistry............................. 30

Casa Belvedere.................................... 87

Kiddie Wonderland............................. 39

SI Skating Pavillion................................ 43

CDC......................................................... 79

Kids ‘N Shape ....................................... 52

Silhouette Dance.................................. 75

Children at Play.................................... 51

LA Dance .............................................. 67

SI University Hospital............Back Cover

Children’s Harbor Montessori............ 37

Lickety Split............................................. 10

Small World Dental.............................. 73

Dea Music.............................................. 83

Majors Travel......................................... 27

Small World Preschool......................... 83

Delco Drugs........................................... 39

Master Curry Karate............................... 3

St. John Villa Academy....................... 65

Direct Behavioral Services.................. 50

Mathnasium................................. 14 & 24

St. John’s Lutheran................................ 79

Dr. Lisa Lazzara (Kids Dental) ............ 71

Mini World Preschool........................... 83

St. Joseph by the Sea - Camps......... 81

Dr. Michael D’Anna............................... 6

Music Together of SI............................. 27

St. Joseph Hill Academy..................... 61

Dr. Michael De Simone ...................... 73

Network BioFeedback......................... 77

Suzanne’s Fashion Corner.................. 53

Dr. Michelle Giumenta........................ 61

New Dorp Christian Academy.......... 77

The Stone House................................... 81

Dr. Phyllis Merlino DDS......................... 63

Once Upon A Child............................. 64

The Village Preschool.......................... 65

Early Start, Inc........................................ 51

Parent to Parent.................................... 51

Thursday’s Child ................................... 94

Ed Perpetua Tennis............................... 52

Pinot’s Palette........................................ 24

Victory Gymnastics.............................. 39

Eltingville Lutheran................................ 75

Pole Position.......................................... 41

Wagner College External................... 34

Eden II...............................................19, 47

Pool Doctor............................................ 12

We Rock the Spectrum ...................... 50

Fastbreak Basketball........................... 44

Rab’s Country Lanes............................ 15

Wishes of Literacy................................. 50

Fastrackids ............................................ 63

Richmond County Day Camp............ 9

Xaverian................................................. 37

Fidelis Care............................................ 46

Richmond County Savings Bank........ 2

YMCA...................................................... 11

Fun Station............................................. 31

Richmond Hill Children’s Center....... 37

Young People’s Day Camp............... 25

Fun Station Day Camp........................ 33

Richmond University Med. Ctr........... 13 april 2016

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~Equal Opportunity Employer~

Gingerbread Pre-K Summer Program

Call or Visit our School & Pick Up a Free Brochure.

8 Week Program $1500 Register Early Before June 1 For Only $1300 – A $200 Savings! Registration is going on now! Hurry, limited class space!

Water Play, Outdoor Sports, Field Trips, Special Play Ground Equipment, Arts and Crafts, Indoor Sports, Games, Air Conditioned Gym Potty Training is our Specialty

UPK/Pre-K For All Full Day Program with Master Degree Level Teachers

Ask About our low prices for regular daycare for ages 2-3

Extended Daycare Hours 7am-7pm Available As per Section 4410 of Article 89 of the Education Law

For Information About The Early Intervention Program Call 311.

• Group or Individual Curriculums at Your Home, Preschool or our Center. • Diagnostic Evaluations and Therapy by Licensed Certified Professionals. Placement determined by NYC CPSE.

• NYS Approved Preschool Evaluation Site. Not responsible for any typographical errors.

• FREE Tuition and Transportation* * For all eligibile children. Funding provided through state and local agencies. Parent may transport for reimbursement.

• Developmental Areas: Behavior and Socialization, Cognitive Development, Speech and Language Hearing Loss, Physical and Occupational Therapy.

718-356-0008 www.gingerbreadlctr.com ~Two Convenient Staten Island Locations~ 80 Woodrow Rd • 471 North Gannon Ave Email: gingerbread@gingerbreadlctr.com

april 2016

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PRST STD

16 Shenandoah Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Suite C Staten Island, New York 10314

U.S. Postage Paid Staten Island, Ny

www.siparent.com

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