Staten Island Parent Magazine February 2017

february 2017

SOLUTIONS FOR PARENTING IN STATEN ISLAND

10

How to Transition from Early Intervention to

Preschool Special Education

Museums You May Not Have Tried

Tooth Fairy Tango

American Girl Doll Giveaway Win 2017’s Girl of the Year Gabriela McBride

What’s the Going Rate on Staten Island?

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Did the Kids Steal Your Holiday?

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contents • february 2017 Advertiser Index page 69

Cover Story

siparent.com Your link to all the fun!

Hey Cupid! Did the Kids Steal Your Holiday?

Valentine’s Day is a day for romance, right?

Not so much if you are a mom. Gone are the candlelight dinners and quiet evenings celebrating your love with your spouse. Now it’s character-themed cards and cute candy and gifts for the entire second grade class!

Read more on page 36

basket auctions

Is your school hosting a spring basket auction?

Submit the info (time, date, location) to jcintron@siparent. com and we will publish it in our annual Basket Auction list at siparent.com.

Birthday Freebies

See which local stores give you a special treat on your birthday. siparent.com/birthday-freebies

Kids Eat Free

Check out the list of Staten Island restaurants offering a day when you can bring the kids to eat for free! siparent.com/kids-eat-free-restaurants

Free Times at NYC Museums

Time to Tango with the

Tooth Fairy

24

40

Transitioning from Early Intervention to

10 Museums You Might

Preschool Special

Education

64

Winter Blues –

Not Have Tried

28

How Art Benefits

And How to Lose Them

Young Brains

fun stuff

columns

32

Handprint Frame Craft

42

What’s the Word, Mike?

34

Valentine’s Day Treats

46

Growing Up Online

38

American Girl Doll Giveaway

48

Dear Teacher

55

Family Calendar

50

Good Sports

66

Party Needs

Save big when you time your museum visit to take advantage of free admission offers. siparent.com/free-times-at-nyc-museums

stuff you need 8

Community &

44

New Moms

event calendar

School News

44

Birth Announcements

Keep up-to-date with fun activities for the kids everyday. siparent.com/events

65

It’s in the Cards

52

Birthday Club

67

Family Classified

Bookmark siparent.com

68

Professional Directory

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Publisher & editor-in-chief Roselle Farina Hecht 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

features 16

Staff

Assistant Nicole Farina

S

Parenting Media Association (PMA)

AWard Winning Magazine

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

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.

cool stuff

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stuff you need / community and school news

community & school

everything you need to know about your community

Groundhog Day at the S.I. Zoo

How much more snow is in store for this winter? Staten Island Chuck, the Staten Island Zoo’s famous resident groundhog, will once again emerge from hibernation on Groundhog Day to make his seasonal prediction. According to tradition, if Chuck emerges from his burrow and fails to see his shadow then spring will arrive early. However, if he comes out and is frightened by his shadow, causing him to return to hibernation, then winter will persist for six additional weeks.

Staten Island Chuck with Mayor DeBlasio.

With Chuck’s impressive 80% accuracy rate, we hope he doesn’t see that shadow! Want to meet him? The Groundhog Day event at the zoo is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 7am on Groundhog Day (Thursday,

>> find links mentioned in Community & School news on siparent.com

Click on the Community and School News tab to download or receive more information on: • National Wear Red Day • The Fresh Air Fund • IDNYC Card

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• Where to Turn • Staten Island Slimdown • Police Athletic League

• Winter section online

august 2017 2016 february

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Open House Saturday, february 18 12-4pm

Staten Island’s Most Popular Day Camp

Meet directors & staff Tour the facility Enroll at our lowest tuition

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stuff you need / community and school news

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!

February 2) and Chuck’s prediction at 7:30. This year’s ceremony will feature a special appearance from Patrick & The Rock-a-Silly Band.

Important School Dates

Mid-winter Recess – February 20-24 School Resumes after Break – February 27

National Wear Red Day

We know you’re planning to wear red on Valentine’s Day, but February 14 isn’t the only day to rock your red clothes.

Friday, February 3 is National Wear Red Day, a day designated by the American Heart Association every year to raise awareness of heart disease in women.

Heart disease affects more women than men and is sometimes called the “silent killer” because its symptoms often go unnoticed. Heart disease and stroke kill 1 in 3 women, yet the disease is 80% preventable. Show your support for the cause by wearing red on February 3 and sharing your pictures on social medial using the hashtag #GoRed. You can also make a donation to the cause. Go to siparent.com learn more about National Wear Red Day.

summer of 2017. Through the Friendly Towns Program, children on first-time visits, seven through 12 years old, enjoy a one-week experience with volunteer host families. Children re-invited to the same host families may visit through age 18. At sleep-away camps in Fishkill, New York, girls, ages eight through 12, and boys, ages 8 through 15, explore outdoor adventures.

Fresh Air child Shearjashub, age 16 from Staten Island, has been visiting his volunteer host family since he was 10 years old. He says, “My favorite activity when I went to New Hampshire was learning how to swim. I also really enjoyed building a treehouse with my host Dad, Barry. Every year, we go back and work on it together, because snow gets on the roof and makes the wood expand, so you have to replace it every year. I like spending time with Barry on our project. And my host family even came to my middle school graduation on Staten Island, which meant so much to me.” Go to siparent.com for more information on the Fresh Air Fund.

CSI’s Teacher Nominated for LifeChanger Award

Congratulations to College of Staten Island High School Teacher Rosario Miano on his recent nomination for the annual Nation Life Changer of the Year award. The honor recognizes teachers, administrators, and any school staff K-12 making a positive impact on the lives of students while positively serving their local community. Mr. Miano is known for his charitable participation, having worked with organizations such as “Stomp the Monster” for breast cancer and “Staten Strong” which focused on rebuilding Staten Island in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Most recently, he took part in the New York City Marathon to provide support for JAR of Hope’s ongoing mission to raise awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a foundation for which he serves as an ambassador.

Each year, The LifeChanger Awards receive hundreds of nominations from all 50 US states and the District of Columbia.

Mr. Miano, nominated by a student who

The Fresh Air Fund

Every kid deserves the chance to breathe a little fresh air in the summer.

That’s why the Fresh Air Fund was started over 140 years ago. The program gives New York City children in low-income communities the opportunity to enjoy a summer in the countryside entirely for free. Children who participate in the program live with a host family along the East Coast and Southern Canada or attend sleep-away camps in upstate New York. Registration is now open for the

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2017 Day Camp Open House Dates:

Sunday, March 12, 2017 • 11am-3pm Saturday, April 8, 2017 • 11am-3pm Saturday, May 6, 2017 • 11am-3pm

Look for these programs this summer:

Early Bird registration Deadline: Monday, April 10, 2017

Lego Robotics Animation & Filmmaking PARC Camp Ed Perpetua Tennis Academy Club Getaway Talented and Gifted

2017 Day Camp Dates: June 12-August 18 Closed July 3 and 4

staten island academy www.statenislandacademy.org/summer/welcome

dcrowe@statenislandacademy.org ~or~ cbruno@statenislandacademy.org february 2017

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stuff you need / community and school news wishes to remain anonymous, feels that having him for an English teacher senior year was a privilege. According to the nominator, Miano exudes wisdom and creativity and keeps each of his students engaged and having fun at all times. The winners of the 2016-2017 LifeChanger of the Year will be announced in the spring. Good luck to Mr. Miano!

New IDNYC Card Benefits

only certified helipad, the SIUH Trauma Center is also capable of receiving patients by air, especially those who suffer medical emergencies that occur offshore or in New York Harbor.

“Our pediatric trauma center at SIUH provides the highest quality care for children sustaining injuries on Staten Island and in Brooklyn,” said Mitchell Price, the hospital’s

Winter Fun & More

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall — you can always count on Staten Island Parent to deliver tons of family fun! Head over to our Winter Page online for kid-friendly crafts, recipes, snow day fun, free days at local museums, Valentine’s Day fun, Super Bowl party ideas, February holiday facts, winter health and safety info and more!

Want to receive free memberships to local museums and discounts on entertainment and sporting events? Of course you do! New Yorkers who sign up for the IDNYC card are eligible for a slew of new benefits for 2017. The card is a free government identification card that is available to any and all residents of New York City, regardless of documentation, address, or history. Cardholders gain access to city buildings, services, and programs, and may use their IDNYC card as a library card as well.

Here in Staten Island, the participating cultural centers are the St. George Theatre and the Jacques Marchais Center for Tibetan Art. Head over the bridge to enjoy benefits at the American Museum of Natural History, the Bronx Zoo, and more. Cardholders also enjoy discounts to Broadway shows, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the YMCA, NYC Parks Department Recreation Centers, Modells and more. Go to siparent.com to link to the complete list of benefits.

You can apply for the IDNYC card at 350 Marks Place (first floor), however, you must schedule your appointment in advance. Link to the appointment page on siparent.com.

SIUH Trauma Center Accolades

Staten Island University Hospital’s (SIUH) Trauma Center has recently become one of two trauma centers in New York City to receive dual verification as a Level I Adult and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center from the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

SIUH joins the list of impressive hospitals achieving verification from the ACS, which promotes the development of trauma centers that have the resources to provide care to all injured patients from pre-hospital, to hospital and through the rehabilitation process. With the recent addition of Richmond County’s

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director of pediatric trauma. “SIUH offers a full range of pediatric specialties to ensure that the tiniest patients receive comprehensive, trauma-related care and follow-up services inclusive of concussion treatment programs and injury prevention.”

Shovels Full of Help for Seniors

Where-To-Turn, a local not-for-profit relief organization, is once again teaming up student volunteers with local seniors to help those who need a hand shoveling out their homes after a snowstorm. Volunteers are appointed to the closest location available, where they remain assigned throughout the winter. Both seniors and students can sign up online. Go to siparent.com for a link to their website.

National Children’s Dental Health Month

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health stress the importance of the first dental visit by one year of age to promote good oral health for your baby. Flip through the pages of this issue to find a friendly, local pediatric dentist who will keep your child’s smile beautiful and bright.

Staten Island Slimdown

How is the “new year, new you” coming along? The Staten Island Slimdown kicked off last month, a free health and wellness program sponsored by Borough President Oddo. The Slimdown, now in its 7th year, encourages Staten Islanders to embrace healthy lifestyle practices. Participants in the program gain free access to exercise classes, coaching, meal plans and other health information. The participant with the most inspirational transformation will win a cash prize at the end of the year. To register for the Slimdown or learn more about the program, go to siparent.com for a link.

Cops & Kids Sports

The Police Athletic League Cops and Kids Sports Programs lets officers bond with kids through a variety of sports, including basketball, flag football, baseball, volleyball and soccer. The PAL Cops & Kids Basketball for boys and girls ages 14-19 will take place in two locations in Staten Island starting this month: Thursdays at 6pm at I.S. 2 (beginning February 2) and Tuesdays at 6pm at McKee High School (beginning February 7). For more information, contact P.O. Marin at 646-373-0367. Go to siparent. com to link to the Police Athletic League.

(Photo credit: Michael Anton, DSNY)

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feature / children’s dental health month

time to tango with the tooth fairy? >> Kids around the world anxiously await their first chance to cash in

It seems like just days ago when I waited patiently for my son’s first little biters to erupt in his infant mouth. Those days somehow melted magically into years and before I knew it, I could hear the Tooth Fairy fluttering about.

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Like many parents, I wondered: what is developmentally normal when it comes to baby tooth loss, how does the tooth-obsessed fairy collect her pearly prizes, and what is the paying pixie’s going rate for a baby tooth these days?

Losing Baby Teeth. Pediatric dentist Dr. Jill Jenkins says, in general, children lose their first tooth between the ages of four and seven with teeth falling out in the order in which they first came in.

Should you yank a loose tooth? “Usually, the best policy is to let it come out on its own,” Jenkins says. “If the other tooth is coming in, parents can have their child suck on a popsicle to numb the gums and eat pizza crust, carrots or apples. If a tooth is wiggly and we’re not seeing the new tooth, letting your child work through it on his own is usually the easiest way and the

least stressful way to go about it.”

Be sure to consult your child’s dentist if you have any concerns.

Enter the Tooth Fairy. That first loose tooth can cause anxiety for some children. Often, anxiety turns to excitement as children listen to tooth-loss stories exchanged among classmates and anticipate the reward the Tooth Fairy leaves behind.

While the exact origin of the enigmatic Tooth Fairy is steeped in mystery, historically the loss of baby teeth is an important rite of passage.

The earliest known written records regarding baby teeth date from northern Europe and describe a tann-fe, or tooth fee, in which money was paid for a baby

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feature / children’s dental health month tooth. In the Middle Ages, Europeans, fearing witches could curse their children if they acquired their baby teeth, buried the teeth in the ground. The Vikings wore baby teeth as jewelry considering them good luck talismans in battle.

Other cultures fed the teeth to animals believing the adult tooth would resemble the animal’s powerful, strong teeth.

What amount does the tooth fairy leave for a tooth at your house?

We asked our Facebook friends how the Tooth Fairy compensated their kids for a lost tooth. The common thread was that there was a higher value on the first tooth, as well as teeth that needed to be pulled by a dentist. Whether it was $5, $10, $20, or even $50 for the first tooth, most were leaving $5, $3, or $1 for subsequent baby teeth.

We also found out the amount left varies, depending on if the Tooth Fairy has change or not. (LOL!) Sophia Barbato and Milinda Marie added a new toothbrush to the gift In Kristina Maria’s house, the formula is $1 per year of the child’s age as well as a little gift.

Angelica Cabida-Daly children are treated to a trip to Cold Stone Creamery.

Amanda Prasenski Piantosi — $10 for first and front teeth. $5 for others.

Mary Bratti — $20 first tooth. Then $5 increments till the molars.

Rachel Colony — $5 for front $2 for the rest.

Yael Spiegler — Small lego and a note.

Alan Klispie — Wait....what happened to a quarter?

Today, countries all over the world continue to mark the loss of baby teeth with various customs. In Spain, France, Italy and Mexico, for example, the Tooth Fairy appears as a small white mouse or rat, symbolic because rodents have strong teeth that never stop growing. In Sweden, the baby tooth is placed in a glass of water where it is mysteriously replaced overnight with coins. And, it is customary in much of the Middle East for baby teeth to be thrown towards the sun and in Asia, onto the roof.

The Tooth Fairy as many of us know her, appeared in the early 1900s.

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Cups, Pillows, Pockets and Doors. The Tooth Fairy isn’t picky about how she collects baby teeth. Lori Poland grew up placing her baby teeth in a clear glass of water on her february 2017

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feature / children’s dental health month nightstand. She says she loved fishing a wet $2 bill out of the cup the next morning, setting it out to dry and storing it in her memory box.

Although a tooth placed in a plastic ziplock bag or envelope tucked under the pillow should do the trick, many parents opt for a Tooth Fairy pillow or pouch for their youngster. Retailers offer an assortment of pillows or try making your own.

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Monica Bradford designed a Tooth Fairy Pocket for her 6-year-old son when he lost his first tooth.

“He placed his tooth in the pocket, hung it on his bedpost and woke up to find $2 for his first tooth,” she says. (For instructions on making your own Tooth Fairy Pocket, visit Bradford’s blog at http://scrapinspired.com/2011/10/ tooth-fairy-pocket/.)

Cathy Green, mom of three, says the Tooth Fairy enters their home through a small ceramic door that Green’s stepmother designed. The door is outside the kids’ bedrooms. After collecting the tooth from a small box under the child’s pillow, the Tooth Fairy replaces the tooth with her reward and leaves the box next to the tiny door.

The Going Rate. According to a 2015 survey conducted

by Visa, the tooth fairy is tightening her belt. Kids are receiving an average of $3.19 per tooth. That’s down 24 cents from last year.

Beth Foster says that the Tooth Fairy typically pays $1 per tooth although her daughter Logan, 6, discovered a $5 payout under her pillow for her fifth tooth.

“This is a Foster tradition and I’ve been assured the good old fairy does not leave $10 for the tenth,” Foster says.

What does the Tooth Fairy do with those teeth? Leg-

end says that the Tooth Fairy tosses the teeth up to the sky and they become stars.

Naturally, many theories exist. Foster’s daughter Logan says, “The fairy uses her wand to shrink the teeth to a very small size so she can carry them in a bag with her from house to house. She then takes the teeth to Santa so he can use them to make toys.”

Whatever she does with them, with each tooth lost, adulthood gains another foothold on our kids. No wonder through the ages we’ve found ways to mark this stage in our kids’ lives, which seems as fleeting as the Tooth Fairy herself.

By Christa Melnyk Hines, a freelance journalist who, together with her husband are the parents of two boys. The Tooth Fairy visits their home frequently these days.

Christa’s latest book is Happy, Healthy & Hyperconnected: Raise a Thoughtful Communicator in a Digital World.

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feature / school break fun

10 museums you may not have tried >> Visit a new museum with your family over the break When school lets out for the midwinter break, the learning doesn’t have to let out with it. Visiting a museum with your children affords them the opportunity to discover new information and ideas in a fun and engaging way. Although children have different interests and hobbies, from young science enthusiasts to early sports fans, there’s a museum to pique the curiosity of every kid. Pick your child’s favorite or try something new to spark fresh interest. Here are some museum day trip ideas for families with curious youngsters.

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NY Transit Museum — Located in a decommissioned Court Street subway station in downtown Brooklyn, this museum boasts an impressive collection of vintage subway cars and retired buses, as well as other bridge, tunnel, and railway artifacts and memorabilia. Any child with an appreciation (or more likely, a fascination) for trains and other forms of transportation will delight in this ride through the history –and future – of New York’s mass transit system. Located at the corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn. www.nytransitmuseum.org NYC Fire Museum — The fire house-turnedmuseum aims to collect, preserve, and present the history and cultural heritage of the fire service of New York and to provide fire prevention and safety education to the public, especially to children. From a horse-drawn ladder wagon and early rescue gear to modern day tools and equipment, museum-goers get a sense of what firefighting was like at different time periods throughout city history. There’s also a special memorial to the 343 members of the FDNY who were lost on 9/11, featuring a number of

firefighting artifacts recovered from the World Trade Center site. Located at 278 Spring Street, Manhattan.www.nycfiremuseum.org Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum — The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum lets visitors climb aboard the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, see the space shuttle Enterprise, as well as the world’s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine. Kids will especially love the interactive Exploreum exhibit, where they can climb in an actual Bell 47 helicopter, navigate through a submarine and steer the wings of an airplane. There’s also a 22-foot, 550-pound model of Intrepid crafted from over 250,000 LEGO bricks! Located at Pier 86, W 46th St & 12th Ave, Manhattan. www.intrepidmuseum.org Museum of the Moving Image — Museum of the Moving Image helps visitors understand and appreciate the art, history, technique, and technology behind film, television, and digital media. Families will enjoy exploring the Museum’s hands-on core exhibition Behind the Screen, which features over 1,400 artifacts, from

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feature / school break fun

mind-bending optical toys to a real Yoda from the Star Wars films, as well as various interactive experiences in which families can make stop-motion animations, add sound effects and music to famous movie scenes, and star in a personalized flipbook of their own. Located at 36-01 35 Ave, Queens www.movingimage.us Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center — Young baseball fans will find the Yogi Berra Museum both entertaining and inspirational as they tour the life and career of one of the most beloved sports figures of all time. The Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center strives to remind young people that they can be anything they want to be. Located on the campus of Montclair State University at 8 Yogi Berra Drive, Little Falls, NJ. www.yogiberramuseum.org The Children’s Museum of the Arts - CMA combines contemporary art exhibitions and hands-on art-making studios for children ages 10 months to 15 years, offering different workshops every day for guests. The popular Clay Bar lets artists mold their favorite creatures out of modeling clay; kids can record a song, speech, or score a soundtrack in our Sound Booth on Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday; the Fine Arts Studio is open for families to paint, draw, sculpt, or sew an original masterpiece.

Kids under five can explore creative materials in the WEE Arts early childhood studio. Located at 103 Charlton Street, Manhattan. www.cmany.org Insectropolis – View thousands of beautiful and bizarre exotic insects from all over the world at this bug enthusiast’s utopia. Touch a live tarantula, scorpion, millipede, and a hissing cockroach before you leave, crawl through a mudtube like a termite, and explore the world of insects up close. The museum isn’t huge, but worth the trip for any budding entomologist.

Located at 1761 U.S. 9, Toms River, NJ. www.insectropolis.com

A Multi-Sensory Approach to Learning

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Dimenna Children’s Museum - This children’s wing of the New York Historical Society makes history fun for kids.

Targeted toward children ages 8–13, the museum focuses on the life stories of a diverse selection of youngsters who lived in New York City from the late seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. Each character has its own pavilion within the museum combining objects, games, and information that help tell the story of each person’s childhood and adulthood. Another exhibit allows families to choose a borough and peer through an engaging viewfinder to see then-and-now photographs of selected locations in New York City. Located at 170 Central Park West, Manhattan. www.nyhistory.org/childrens-museum New York Hall of Science - NYSCI boasts over 450 interactive displays that explain science, technology, engineering, and math (popularly known as STEM) to young audiences. Kids learn through hands-on displays and demonstrations. The 60,000 square-foot outdoor Science Playground and Rocket Park lets visitors get an up-close view at vintage Atlas and Titan rockets, and experience a nine-hole miniature golf course that shows how mini-golf really is rocket science. There’s also a special section designated for the preschool crowd. Located at 47-01 111th St., Queens. www.nysci.org The National Museum of Mathematics - MoMath features innovative interactive displays and exhibits that provide a place for people of all ages to experience the excitement of math — with special emphasis on activities for 4th - 8th graders. Ride a bike on square wheels or form your own unique geometric creation.

Family Fridays feature engaging mathematical workshops.

Located at 11 East 26th Street in Manhattan. www.momath.org​​​

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Staten Island Parent’s March Issue will feature its annual Camp and Summer Program Directory.

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feature / art

how art benefits young brains >> Kids use art for much more than entertainment A recent study showed a significant reduction in stress in children who received music therapy during routine immunization visits. They, as well as their parents, were better able to cope with the procedure compared to those who received traditional care. While merely listening to music during the procedure has shown positive effects in past studies, the new study focused on children participating with music therapists by singing along or playing instruments that were provided. The general conclusion supports the common belief of music serving to distract, calm, and lessen anxiety.

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Art enriches lives and can be used to connect people from all walks of life. Among the many additional benefits of art is its effect on young people and the development of their brains. The American Association of School Administrators notes that neuroscience research has shown that the effects of the arts on a young brain’s cognitive, social and emotional development can be profound.

activities remain essential for young brains.

Art helps to wire the brain. The AASA notes that especially young children spend much of their time playing, and that play often includes forms of art such as singing, drawing, and dancing. These artistic activities engage various senses and help to wire the brain so it can learn. As children age, these seemingly basic

Art helps kids learn to think.

The AASA notes that art can be a valuable tool in instilling essential thinking tools in children, including the ability to recognize and develop patterns, the ability to form mental representations of what is observed or imagined, and the ability to observe the world around them.

Art helps children develop their motor skills. Dancing and other movements that might be prompted by exposure to art help children develop motor skills. Motor skills are necessary for kids to perform important and necessary daily tasks while also promoting independence.

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Pre-School 3 Year Old Thru Grade 8 FOR OVER 50 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN: “Large enough to serve your child…

Small enough to know your child”

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Art can improve memory and focus. The AASA cites studies that listening to music can stimulate parts of the brain responsible for memory recall and visual imagery. In addition, background music played in a classroom has been shown to help students remain focused while completing certain learning tasks.

Art can positively affect how students approach other courses. Studies have shown that incorporating arts into core curriculums can have a number of positive effects on students’ overall academic performance and benefit students socially. Studies indicate that students involved in such integrative programs are more emotionally invested in their classes and work more diligently than those not studying in such conditions.

“Art is a sense of intelligence when introduced properly. I feel it helps balance out life. When young children take art, it helps them gain confidence in themselves at an early age and teaches them to take pride in their work.”

- Steven Bunnicelli, Owner, Director, & Artist of SMB Studio Arts Inc.

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“Exposure to the arts is important for children’s academic and personal development. Engaging in music and art activities allows children to cultivate life-long skills in problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, collaboration, and risk-taking. Participation in the arts provides hands-on, meaningful experiences that fosters children’s self-identity, confidence, expression, and understanding of the world around them.”

- Magi D. Kapllani M.M, Founder/ Director DEA Music & Art Studios In addition, students may learn more from one another when the arts are integrated into core curriculums than when they are not.

Art is often mistakenly seen as a strictly fun component of children’s education. But the effects of art on young brains is considerable, helping young people develop in ways that may surprise many people.

Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm • Sun 12pm-5pm • Call for Buy Hours

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craft

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Valentine’s Day

salt dough handprint frame Bright red paint is the perfect finish to this adorable Valentine’s Day photograph keepsake from MessyLittleMonster.com. Kids will love getting their hands dirty making salt dough and Mom & Dad get to show off their work when it’s all done. materials A heart shaped biscuit cutter, sharp knife, small photograph, paint, sealer (optional) For the salt dough: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, up to 1 cup water Directions: 1. Mix up a batch of salt dough by combining the flour and the salt and slowly adding the water. If your mixture gets too sticky, add more flour.

2. Flatten your salt dough until it’s about 1cm thick.

3. Press your child’s hand into the salt dough.

4. Carefully cut around the handprint with a sharp knife.

5. Cut a heart shape out of the handprint using a heart biscuit cutter.

6. Leave your salt dough to dry. You can dry the salt dough out by putting it in the oven at a low temperature for a few hours or you can leave it in a warm room for a couple of days.

7. Once the salt dough is completely dry, paint your handprint frame.

8. Seal your creation using a sealer. This is optional but sealing will ensure it lasts.

9. Glue a small photograph behind the heart cut out.

10. You can glue a magnet or picture hook for displaying, or simply prop it up against the wall or window.

Craft courtesy of messylittlemonster.com

Correction

In our January Crafting with Kids section last month, featuring the talented students of Castleton Hill Moravian Church Preschool, one of the photographs was not a depiction of the children from that school. Here are the photos we had intended to publish of the kids working on their project.

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TV Demo Show Day Specials

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recipes

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Valentine’s Day

treats for your sweetie Heart-shaped cookie cutters are the key to making your yummy Valentine’s Day treats even more special! These sweet treats are perfect for dessert, class parties or just to share with your family this February 14th.

hidden heart cake

Ingredients For the red cake:

• All purpose flour - 2 cups • Baking powder - 1 tsp • Butter - 2 sticks • Granulated sugar - 1 cup • Eggs - 4 large • Vanilla extract - 2 tsp • Salt - 3/4 tsp • Red food coloring - 1/2 tsp

Quick Tip: Buy chocolate and strawberry cake mix from your local grocery or buy vanilla cake mix and use your own food dye.

Directions For the red cake:

1. Pre heat the oven to 350 F. Grease and line a 9x5x3 loaf pan.

2. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one or two at a time, along with vanilla and beat again.

Scrape the bowl after each addition.

4. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt. Add little by little and fold gently. The batter will be very thick.

5. Add the red color and beat again lightly until the color is mixed well to the batter.

6. Transfer the batter to the loaf pan and bake for 50 - 60 minutes.

7. The cake is done when a tooth pick or skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack. Once the cake is completely cool, cling wrap the cake and keep it in the refrigerator.

8. Before starting the chocolate cake, remove the red cake from the refrigerator and slice the cake evenly. Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out hearts from each slice of the cake and set aside.

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Recipe courtesy of FullScoops.com february 2017

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Ingredients For the chocolate cake:

• All purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups • Cocoa powder - 1/2 cup • Baking powder - 1 tsp • Butter - 2 sticks • Granulated sugar - 1 1/4 cup • Eggs - 4 large • Vanilla extract - 2 tsp • Salt - 3/4 tsp • Instant coffee granules - 1/2 tsp (optional)

Directions For the chocolate cake:

1. Pre heat the oven to 350 F. Grease and line a 9x5x3 loaf pan or a slightly larger loaf pan.

2. In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one or two at a time, along with vanilla and beat again.

Scrape the bowl after each addition.

4. Sift in the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, coffee granules and salt. Add little by little and fold gently.

5.Fill 1/4 of the greased loaf pan with chocolate batter and even it out.

6. Now place the hearts vertically next to each other on the batter. Pack them close. Leave a bit of gap at both corners for the chocolate batters to flow through and hide the hearts.

7. After the hearts are placed, add the remaining chocolate batter over the hearts and around the hearts.

8. Fill pan, and tap gently so that the batter flows all around the hearts.

9. Bake in the pre heated oven for 50-60 mins.

10. The cake is done when a tooth pick or skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack.

11. Frost the cake as you wish and decorate with heart-shaped candy.

1/24/17 10:29 AM

sweetheart cherry pies Ingredients • Pie dough • Fresh cherries, chopped • Ricotta cheese • Sprinkle of sugar • 1 TBSP butter, melted

3. Sprinkle and stir sugar with the chopped cherries in a bowl.

4. Lay out your heart cut outs on the baking sheet. Spoon on some fresh ricotta cheese, then spoon on the cherries. Lay down the top dough, seal to press with a fork.

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out pie dough (you could do this between 2 sheets of plastic wrap). Cut out shapes with cookie cutter.

5. Brush the top with melted butter.

6. Bake for about 15 minutes or until mini hearts are golden brown. The baking time will largely depend on the thickness of your pastry dough and your oven. Just keep close watch.

7. Cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Recipe courtesy of CakeStudent.com

chocolate dipped krispie hearts Ingredients • 3 tablespoons butter, plus extra for buttering pans • 1 (10-ounce) package regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows • 6 cups crisp rice cereal • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate (baking chocolate or chocolate chips) • Valentine’s sprinkles

3. Using a 2 to 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, press cutter into the cooled krispie treats, removing the heart-shaped treats to a wax paper or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 12 ounces chocolate chips on 50% power for one minute. Stir. Continue this process until the mixture is melted and smooth but not overheated.

Directions: 1. Butter a large rimmed baking sheet or two 9X13-inch pans. Set aside.

5. If desired, push a cookie or lollipop stick into the bottom of the krispie treats (optional). Holding one side of the krispie heart (or use the stick as a handle), dip half of the krispie treat into the melted chocolate and then transfer to the wax paper or parchment paper.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the krispies. Press mixture into the prepared pan(s) and set aside to cool for about an hour.

6. While the chocolate is still warm on the krispie heart, sprinkle festive Valentine (or other) sprinkles onto the chocolate. Let the treats cool completely and the chocolate harden before serving, about 1-2 hours.

Recipe courtesy of MelsKitchenCafe.com

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cover story Hey, Did the Kids Cupid!

Your Holiday?

steal

Dear Cupid, Forgive me for butting in on your business, this being a hectic time of year for you and all. But I had to write you about something that has been bothering me in the years since I became a mom: if you haven’t noticed, your holiday has been hijacked. By other little people who don’t sport wings and a bow and arrow. Three of them reside in my house and they’re not remotely ready for the idea of romance (okay, so maybe the fourteen year-old thinks she is). Yet they’ve embraced what should be a celebration between couples for their own purposes.

For instance, have you ever noticed on February 14th how my husband hurries to leave love notes on the breakfast table for our daughters and in his haste forgets to even tell me goodbye? And the grandparents send along cards and candy hearts for the kids while the love of my life gives me… nothing?

It seems your powers of attraction have been redirected to cause parents to overexert themselves in being sure on this day of days that their children know they are cherished. They’re moved to gush over their offspring, whom they already cuddle and coddle. They shower them with hugs, gifts, attention. And at the end of it all, they give their conspirator in the scheme called “family” an exhausted peck on the cheek and a quick, ‘love ya, hon!’

I’m not sure that’s what you’re aiming for, Cupid.

I’ve been a victim in this hijacking myself. Reduced to tucking frilly cards in lunch boxes, writing chalk marker messages on our patio window and decorating heart-shaped sugar cookies. Oh yes, and I’ve been swayed into spending hours coaching my children to squeeze their names on the cheap character-themed greetings they exchange with classmates. I guess I should be grateful they haven’t convinced me to do it all for them. In the name of love, of course.

By the way, I’m pretty sure the kids don’t mean any of the sappy sentiments on those cards, except maybe for the ones they give to their best friends. But this isn’t a “friendship” holiday, is it? Or did I miss that chapter on the history of St. Valentine?

For once, dear Cupid, I’d like to wake to flowers on my dresser and champagne in the fridge. I’d be thrilled to break out a dress and heels for dinner on the town at a restaurant that doesn’t serve chicken fingers or macaroni and cheese. I could use a special day where the cards and wishes flowed only between me and my sweetheart.

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Find

Actually Cupid, what I really wish is that you had given me a warning about the influence over endearment held by babies and children. A heads-up for what was to come. I would have squeezed in more romantic fondues or steak-andseafood dinners. I would have taken more chilly moonlit strolls and splurged on that carriage ride. I would have fussed more over gifts of tenderness in that brief span of years.

Valentine’s Da Craft Ideas

on siparent.com/win

Then again, in those days I probably wouldn’t have believed your warnings, my cherubic friend. After all, I was too smitten to imagine bringing little people into our lives could do anything but multiply our devotion to each other.

Which in a way, it has. I have so much more to appreciate about my husband now. Like the way he can create a fishtail braid in a young girl’s slippery tresses.

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Or how he gently glues the heads back onto tiny plastic princess dolls to restore them for his own princesses. And have you seen how he bristles with a show of manly protection over the mention of a boy by our tween-aged daughter?

See, it somehow always comes back to those kids!

Yet for all the devotion and love flowing in our household, I wish I could, for one Valentine’s Day again, be the center of someone’s world. To attract again all that affection to myself. Which is why you should do something to reclaim your holiday for romance.

So what do you think? Will you take back Valentine’s Day from the youngsters?

If not, I guess I’d settle for a box of chocolates, a candlelit dinner at home with my husband and a snuggle in front of the lit fireplace.

While the kids wash the dishes and clean up the kitchen. After all, we have to give them some way of participating in the holiday they’ve hijacked. In the name of love.

By Lara Krupicka, a parenting journalist and mom of three, who enjoys doting on her husband of 18 years when she’s not focused on the kids.

Romantic Films to Watch Together this Valentine’s Day The following are a handful of love-inspired movies that can add a special something to Valentine’s Day festivities after you put the kids to bed.

The Notebook: The story of a love that lasts through the years and even survives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

The Proposal: In order to remain in the country, a demanding New Yorkbased book editor asks her brow-beaten assistant to marry her.

An Affair to Remember: Romantic melodramatic starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, who fall in love aboard a cruise ship.

Say Anything: In pursuit of a woman he believes is out of his social league, Lloyd Dobler creates hope for the underdog in us all.

The Wedding Singer: This story of a wedding singer who falls for a banquet waitress highlights the importance of loving each other for what makes you unique.

Once: Attraction between the main characters comes by way of creative musical collaboration.

West Side Story: “Romeo and Juliet,” told in a New York 1960s’ style.

My Best Friend’s Wedding: Julianne is called on to be the “best man” for her friend’s wedding, and realizes she is in love with him

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ine’s Day ft Ideas

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Never Been Kissed: A reporter goes undercover at a high school to discover something controversial and ends up being the subject of her story when she falls in love with her English teacher.

Harold and Maude: A man in his twenties and a much older woman begin a romantic relationship and challenge social norms along the way.

Annie Hall: This story follows a comedian who is trying to maintain his relationship with a woman.

Bridget Jones’ Diary: A modern adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice,” the movie tells the tale of a self-conscious woman who finds love in a man that seems to be her polar opposite.

Ten Things I Hate About You: Filmmakers reinvented “The Taming of the Shrew” in this teen comedy starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger.

ion

Casablanca: Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are in top form in this movie of chance meetings.

band esses.

The Princess Bride: Girl meets boy, girl detests boy, girl truly loves boy, and then girl loses boy. This fairy tale shares the purity of true love and happily ever after.

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Win

American Girl’s 2017 Girl of the Year!

Gabriela McBride aims to inspire young girls to create positive change in their communities through her love of the arts and spoken word poetry. Read her story in her book, which comes with the beautiful 18-inch doll from American Girl.

One lucky winner will receive a Gabriela doll and book, a prize valued at $115!

Enter at siparent.com/contests

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Happy Valentines Day from

What’s better than a bouquet of roses?

Roses you can eat! Get your sweetheart some today!

Call to Schedule Your

WINTER BREAK FACTORY TOUR!

Tue, Feb 21 & Thur, Feb 23 • $4pp. No min. Includes: CAN YOU Educational Movie: “The History of Chocolate”, RGET EBSITE O F M ’T Goodie Bag, Tasting & Tour of Factory DON P OUR W ATIER.CO To book a tour call Frances AT 718.761.9600 SHO HOCOL EMEC 1150 South Ave • SI, NY 10314 SUPR www.supremechocolatier.com www.facebook.com/SupremeChocolatierNY www.instagram.com/supremechocolateny TEXT CHOCOLATE TO 95577 FOR SPECIALS

FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH

Call to schedule a complimen tary evaluation

To raise awareness about the importance of kids oral health

• Straight teeth help to effectively bite, chew & speak • Straight teeth can lower the risk of cavities & gum problems • Early treatment can guide jaw growth and development • Early treatment can lower the risk of trauma to protruded front teeth

AAO recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age of 7 VIEW PICTURES OF THE OFFICE ON FACEBOOK & FIND HELPFUL INFORMATION ON MOVEATOOTH.COM

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Cannot be combined with reduced fee insurance, must bring coupon. Expires 2/28/17.

718.948.4384

www.moveatooth.com 115 Seguine Ave• SI, NY 10309 “LIKE” us on Facebook! facebook.com/Michael D’Anna DDS

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the transition from early intervention to preschool special education >> Some helpful information for parents of 3 to 5 year olds with special needs.

Early Intervention (EI) services are made available through the NYS Department of Health for infants and toddlers up to the age of three years old. At three, a child may no longer need services or may transition to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). The CPSE is funded by the NYS Department of Education for children three to five years old.

The evaluation and services for which a child may be eligible are at no cost to the parent.

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Special Education.indd 2

You have the right to choose an evaluation site from a list of State Education Department approved evaluation sites. If there is a second language spoken in your home, your child should receive a bilingual evaluation.

The CPSE must hold an IEP meeting, within 60 calendar days from the date you signed consent, to discuss the evaluation results and to determine eligibility for CPSE services. This meeting must take place prior to your child’s third birthday. If the meeting does not take place, EI services will end the day before your child turns three. Additionally, if the CPSE holds the meeting and determines

that your child is not eligible for preschool special education services, your child’s EI services will end the day before your child turns three. If your child’s third birthday is drawing near and your child’s evaluation site has not completed the evaluations or the CPSE has not scheduled an IEP meeting, you should call your EI service coordinator or the Staten Island EI director. If the evaluation and the meeting are not held before your child turns three, EI services will end the day before your child’s third birthday.

If you do not agree with recommendations made by the CPSE at your child’s IEP meeting, you have the right

1/24/17 10:42 AM

to exercise your due process and ask for mediation and/or an impartial hearing. For example, at the IEP meeting you may provide a list of reasons why you believe your child needs a special education class to make progress, even though the CPSE does not agree. You should have a discussion about this disagreement at the meeting. At the end of the meeting, your CPSE administrator will provide you with a form that lists all your child’s services. You should write an explanation on the form about your disagreement with the CPSE’s recommendations.

If your child is eligible for services through the CPSE, parents may choose either- (1) for their child to remain in early intervention until the mandated exit date, or (2) begin receiving preschool special education services on their 1st eligibility date.

When a child turns three between January 1st and June 30th, they must exit EI by August 31st. If a parent opts for an early transition from EI, they can begin CPSE services as early as January 2nd. When a child turns three between July 1st and August 31st, they must exit EI by August 31st. If a parent opts for an early transition from EI, they may begin CPSE services as early as July 1st. When a child turns three between September 1st and December 31st, they must exit EI by December 31st, but may begin CPSE as early as July 1st. Although this is a personal choice, we strongly encourage you to transition your child in September of the school year. There is often a wait list for services, particularly center-based programs, in the middle of the school year. Additionally, it is a nice transition for all children to start the school year with their peers to learn the classroom routines and make friendships.

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For Local practices that can help with early intervention or other Special Needs related Issues go to www.siparent.com and click on Special Needs

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education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents teachers education school staten island children community parents tea

column / ask the doctor

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column / what’s the word, mike?

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Michael Reilly.indd 1

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Michael Reilly

Many Staten Islanders turn to Community Education Council 31 President Michael Reilly for information on community issues via Facebook. Now you can read about the trending topics every month here in Mike’s column.

Raise Your Hand For Our Kids…….

Your Voice Matters!

The NYC Dept. of Ed. 2017 Education Council selection process will begin on February 9, 2017.

There are 32 Community Education Councils (CECs) in New York City, one for each of the community school districts. There is also a Citywide Council on Special Education (CCSE), a Citywide District 75 Council (CD75), a Citywide Council on High Schools (CCHS), and a Citywide Council on English Language Learners (CCELL).

The powers and duties of Community and Citywide Education Councils are set out in NYS Education Law Art. 52-A§2590-b,e and include: ▪ Hold public meetings at least every month with the superintendent to discuss the current state of the schools in the district, review the district’s educational programs and assess their effect on student achievement ▪ Serve as a liaison to School Leadership Teams, as well as a seat on District Leadership Team ▪ Hold hearings on the Capital Plan, Prioritize requests for Capital Improvements in district schools ▪ Participate in Joint Public Hearings on school closings and co-locations ▪ Submit an annual evaluation of the superintendent to the Chancellor

Citywide Council for Special Education (CCSE)

Parents of a student with an IEP who currently receives special education services provided by the Department of Education can apply.

Citywide Council for English Language Learners (CCELL) Parents who have a student who is or

was at any point in the past 2 years an English language learner can apply.

Citywide Council for District 75 (CCD75) Parents of a student who is currently enrolled in a District 75 school or program can apply.

Eligibility is determined at the time a candidate submits their application. You cannot serve on a Council if you are a public official, DOE employee, member of the Panel for Educational Policy, or have been removed from any educational council, PA/PTA, SLT, President’s Council or convicted of certain crimes.

Have a question regarding education or quality of life on Staten Island?

Let us know and Mike may address your concern in the next issue.

Visit siparent.com/mikereilly to submit your request.

▪ Approve zoning lines as submitted by the superintendent Staten Island parents can apply to serve on one of the following Councils if they meet the selection criteria listed below.

Community Education Council 31 (Staten Island) Staten Island parents who have a child in

grades K – 8 in a public, non-charter school can apply for the Community Education Council ‘s 9 elected parent positions. Two of the positions are reserved for a parent of a student with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and a parent of an English language Learner (ELL)

Citywide Council for High Schools (CCHS) Parents who have a child in public, non-charter Staten Island High School can apply for the CCHS. There are 2 positions available.

Selectors

The Parent Teacher Association’s core officers, President, Recording Secretary and Treasurer at each school are the selectors of the council members. They cast their allotted votes via an online system for the candidates they wish to serve during the selector voting period.

The nine candidates with the highest votes will be seated.

There are additional seating criteria, for example; generally there cannot be two Council members seated from the same school.

Important dates for the selection process: • February 9 to March 5: Apply to an Education Council • March 22: Meet the Candidate Forum 6:30pm • April 23 to May 9: Selector voting • May 15: Results announced Selectors and members of the community will meet candidates at a forum on Wednesday, March 22. The forum will be held at The Michael J. Petrides School, 715 Ocean Terr., SI, NY 10301 bldg A, room 118 & 213 from 6:30- 8pm. http://schools.nyc.gov/Offices/CEC/GPInformation/default.htm for the latest updates.

1/24/17 10:43 AM

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43 1/24/17 2:47 PM

new moms

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welcome to our newest islanders!

back pain & pregnancy As if pregnant women aren’t feeling enough physical discomfort while growing a small human in their body, many experience highly debilitating back pain for the first time in their lives throughout their second and third trimesters.

Elena Santiago July 19, 2016 5 pounds, 4 ounces Parents: Tina & Lionel Peyton Sienna Hill November 26, 2016 7 pounds, 5 ounces Parents: Selena & Jermaine Keira Rose Cabello January 6, 2017 8 pounds, 12 ounces Parents: Dorothy & Ralph

According to WebMD, the main causes of back pain during pregnancy are weight gain, posture changes, hormone changes, possible muscle separation, and even stress (which causes muscle tension in the back).

Submit Your Baby’s Birth Announcement

@ www.siparent.com

Once the little human finally exits your body, your back should be feeling better within a week or two. Here are a few helpful ways to find some relief sooner than that.

• Exercise. Strengthen your muscles and improve flexibility.

• Alternate hot and cold. Use a cold compress several times a day for up to 20 minutes at a time, then switch to a heating pad (against your back only) for two or three days.

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• Improve posture. Slouching wreaks havoc on the spine.

• Try prenatal yoga. Yoga can improve posture, strength, flexibility and mental stress.

• Talk to a professional. Chiropractors, physical therapists, masseurs and acupuncturists can help you find relief. Just be sure to check with your obstetrician first.

• Support your back at night. Get relief from your back pain and a better night’s sleep with the right support.

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The Boppy Multi-Use Slipcovered Total Body Pillow offers the highest level of comfort. Filled with 100% virgin fiber, this one-piece pillow features a unique contour shape and offers full body support from head to toe. This one-piece pillow can be used in bed for sleeping or to prop yourself up on the couch. SRP $55.

The Boppy Bump & Back Support Pillow provides extra support while sleeping on your side, offering both both back and belly support while sleeping. It can also be used under your legs or wrapped around your waist in a chair to get support and comfort when sitting. SRP $30. www.boppy.com

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column / growing up online

news that’s worth sharing

How do you make a good decision or form a sound opinion? For most adults, the answer is obvious. Find the best information you can from sources that have proved themselves to be reliable in the past.

For young people, things may not be as clear. By age 18, it’s estimated that 88 percent get much of their news from what’s shared on Facebook and other social media.

Unfortunately, many kids aren’t able to evaluate what they find according to a highly publicized study from researchers at Stanford University.

“Many assume that because young people are fluent in social media they are equally savvy about what they find there,” notes Professor Sam Wineburg, lead author of the report. “Our work shows the opposite.” Middle-schoolers didn’t understand the difference between reported news and “sponsored content.” High school students assumed that an unattributed photo proved the truth of a story. And college students couldn’t detect the bias in a tweet.

ing with addresses that are deceptively close to legitimate sites. Point out extensions—.gov is a government agency, .edu is colleges and universities and .ru is a site that originates in Russia. (A complete extension list is available at Webopedia, tinyurl.com/48t5r). Lists of sites that play fast and loose with the facts are available from Snopes, a website that has been debunking Internet hoaxes for a long time (tinyurl.com/zjzvuf2) and Melissa Zimdar, a media professor at Merrimack College (tinyurl.com/jtrnbz8).

Another website, realorsatire.com allows you to plug in URL’s to find out whether an article comes from a fake or biased website.

What’s the source? Help children understand sources by talking about who they trust at school. Some kids are genuine authorities in different areas—they know the stats for the sports team or can tell you when assignments are due. Others have a reputation for spreading rumors or even telling lies. The same thing is true online. A story is worth sharing only if it comes from reliable sources. The sources should be named and, in most cases, there should be more than one. They should be people who are qualified to have an opinion because they’ve studied the topic, done research, or have relevant experience.

So what should parents do? Social media means that children—and adults—are becoming information sources for each other, so we need to take on some of the tasks that used to be done by editors. Start It is harder than ever to Can the story be conby talking to your children about decipher truth from fabrication firmed? Anyone can say anywhat deserves to be shared online. online. Teach your children how to thing online. Teach kids to Google stories and, for that matter, Point out that false and biased research information in order to authors to find out whether anyinformation comes from many one else finds them credible. A sources—deceptive advertising, educate themselves about what is story that appears in one place satirical websites or organizareal and what is fake news. or is based on a single tweet tions with an agenda. And then should be discounted. You can there’s “click bait”—tidbits so also point older kids to webastonishing, outrageous or imsites that help differentiate good information from bogus plausible that people click and share without thinking. claims. Healthnewsreview.org evaluates stories about These so-called stories are created simply to generate revmedical research. Politifact.com and Factcheck.org try to enue. The more clicks, the more revenue. Anyone who verify claims by politicians. Tineye.com helps users track shares one of these items is essentially letting an unscrudown photographs to see if they’ve been manipulated. pulous person make money off them and their friends.

No one, including kids, likes to be duped by bad information. To help your child develop the savvy to evaluate what he or she finds online, talk regularly about how important it is to be skeptical and ask the following questions: Carolyn Jabs, M.A., has been writing Growing Up Online for fifteen years. She is also the author of Cooperative Wisdom: Bringing People Together When Things Fall Apart, a book that describes a highly effective way to address conflict in families, schools and communities.

Visit cooperativewisdom.org for more information. @ Copyright, 2017, Carolyn Jabs.

All rights reserved.

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Is it worth reading? According to a study at Columbia University, 59 percent of links shared on Twitter have never actually been clicked. Kids show respect for their friends by sharing only things that they were willing to read or watch. Fake news sites in particular count on mindless sharing to make more money.

Who stands behind it? Encourage kids to track stories back to the website where they originated. What’s the purpose of the website? How are they funded? How do they pay contributors or staff? Are they trying to sell a product or promote an agenda? To answer these questions, kids may need to do a little detective work. Check the “About Us” page and scroll down the home page to find out who owns the copyright to the material. Look at the URL. Some fake news sites reel in the unsuspect-

What’s the tone? Many online stories are designed to trigger strong feelings such as fear, anger or even hatred.

Encourage your child to pay attention to words that manipulate or inflame emotions. Point out that people should be especially careful about sharing stories of this kind.

The question should always be: Will sharing this make the world a better place?

Obviously, much of what’s shared on social media isn’t serious, and kids don’t need to apply this level of scrutiny to animal videos or other playful posts. At the same time, children—and adults—should be aware that they and others are using the information they get through social media to make decisions about social, political and health issues. As the Stanford researchers put it, “Never have we had so much information at our fingertips. Whether this bounty will make us smarter and better informed or more ignorant and narrow-minded will depend on our awareness of this problem and our educational response to it.”

1/24/17 11:04 AM

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column / dear teacher How to Teach Children to Print

ask questions. get answers!

©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2017 Distributed by King Features Syndicate

48 dear teacher2.indd 1

Question: I want to get a jump on helping my child learn to print. She’ll be going to kindergarten next year. What is the best way to do this? I don’t want to teach her how to make letters incorrectly.

Am I wise to start teaching her to print now? - Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Answer: Writing a blog can definitely help children develop their writing skills, because they are writing for a purpose. There are a number of free blog sites (WordPress, Blogger and Edublogs) that make it very easy to begin blogging. Of course, you will definitely want to talk about Internet safety -- especially focusing on decisions about using her own name, address and the name of her school. The accounts can be restricted when you set them up.

To give her ideas about what to blog about, she can look at the kid blogs on Sports Illustrated for Kids and National Geographic Kids. Their audience is likely to be other kids and relatives. For most children who like to write, blogging is a lot of fun.

Answer: If your child is interested in learning to print, go for it. Knowing how to print some of the letters will be an asset when she gets to school. Do make sure that you are teaching her how to form the letters correctly. Get a letter formation chart from her school or online from a reliable source. This is extremely important, as you don’t want her to have to relearn how to write letters when she gets to kinAchieving a Balance between dergarten.

Academics and Sports The sooner children learn how to print letters auQuestion: My elementary school children are tomatically, the better it is. Then they can conceninvolved in at least one after-school sports team trate on other aspects of writing, such as the spacing throughout the year. Their grades are OK, and they of letters in words and spelling. One caution: your absolutely love the sports that they play. Does this child will be ready to learn how to print only if she mean they have a good balance between extracurhas developed the essential small motor skills. ricular activities and academics? - For Balance Your daughter can learn now through all kinds of playful activities to form some or all of the letters.

Answer: They probably have a good balance.

What she will have to do for most of the letters is However, to ensure that they keep a good balance, to make them with straight lines and circle shapes. there are things that you as The key thing to remember their parents can do to help is that all letters are formed them keep this balance. from the top down.

Got a question?

1. Make sure your chilAn incredible amount of Send it to dren have solid time-manrepetition is necessary to imdearteacher@dearteacher.com agement skills so they are print the correct shape of letable to not only participate ters into the minds of young or ask on the in sports but also have time children. Here are some fun columnists’ website at to get all their homework ways to teach the letters. www.dearteacher.com. done.

--Write a letter in the air.

2. Don’t put all your at--Write the letter in sand tention on their sports activities and all that is inwith a hand or a stick on the beach. volved, from practices to games. Instead, put an --Write on a sidewalk with a paintbrush. equal amount of time into talking about and going --Write with large erasable markers on white over their schoolwork with them. This will help boards or tile. them remember the importance of academics in --Write with chalk on a chalkboard. their lives and keep their sports activities from takAs your child writes a letter, have her describe ing too big a role. the movement. This gives auditory reinforcement 3. Make sure your children understand they to the correct formation of letters. She should almust continue to earn good grades to continue with ways start by saying: “top down.” You can start by their extracurricular activities. Do provide any necteaching her how to write her name or, easier yet, essary academic help. to print the letters that are formed by straight lines Incidentally, the view on sports that has emerged (t, f, l, etc.). After she masters these letters, you can recently is that younger children should participate go on to those written with slanted lines (k, v, w, in a variety of sports rather than concentrating on etc.), then finally to those written with curved lines just one. Basketball superstar Stephen Curry played (c, d, s, etc.). football, soccer, baseball and other sports. He did not concentrate on basketball until college.

The Safe Way for Kids to Blog Question: My 10-year-old daughter is absolutely nuts about writing. She wants to start a blog online. I keep saying no because I think she is too young to be online. Plus, is it really safe for her to do this? - Wants to Blog

february 2017

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1/24/17 11:10 AM

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49 1/24/17 11:12 AM

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column / good sports

in ‘unity’ there is strength

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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The Unity Games, a Staten Island happening that is going on its 15th year of using basketball to help teach tolerance to middle school boys and girls, has no doubt had an impact in these parts. But Evan Pickman, who has been on the group’s board of directors from its inception and whose basketball expertise and connections have contributed greatly to the games’ success, said that organizers are looking for ways to expand their reach beyond the borough and the one weekend a year.

“We meet every month and have discussed ways,” said Pickman, a longtime coach and former NBA scout who made his mark on the Island for his success as head coach of Staten Island Community College and then the College of Staten Island. “Expanding this has always been the dream of (founders Jacob Carey and Dr. Mark Sherman). I’d say we’ve never needed this more than we do right now, in light of what’s going on in the world.”

“I love coaching these kids,” Pickman said.

Pickman is enjoying remarkable success at Heschel, where he took a program that had one winning record over 14 years to one that has reached its league semifinals the last three seasons. This year, as late as mid-January, Heschel was undefeated and ranked No. 1 by Jewish Hoops America, which ranks the top Jewish high school basketball teams in the country.

“I still consider myself the same coach as always,” the high-energy, excellence-driven Pickman said. “I take this very seriously.

I might not be the best game coach in the world, but I’m good at motivating kids to work hard.”

The school is a good fit for Pickman in that Heschel stands for many of the same things as the Unity Games. The school, which opened in 1983, is named for Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who was active in the American This year’s event is set for March 18-19 civil rights movement in the 1960s and at Susan Wagner HS and was a member of other nearby locations.

Martin Luther King Any 7th- or 8th-grader Jr.’s inner circle. can participate for free.

Besides its religious Players who don’t follow The two days consist mission, the school of basketball games, sportsmanship guidelines could is dedicated to the clinics and contests, values of intellectual adversely affect the team and educational workshops affect the fun of participation for exploration, respect, geared toward teaching integrity and social tolerance and celebrating his or her teammates. justice. diversity, arts and crafts, games and guest “I’ve learned so speakers, and usually much,” Pickman attracts 350 to 375 said. participants.

That Heschel shuts down each weekend “Basketball is the hook,” said Pickman, for the Sabbath gives him time to visit his a youthful 70 year-old. “In fact, we’ve grandchildren and, of course, work the Unity increased the number of games from three Games. to five 40-minute games with referees. But All participants in the games will receive we’ve also improved the workshops to make uniforms, giveaways, meals, breakfast and them more meaningful and interesting to the lunch, and — for those who need it — kids.” busing two and from the event. All of the Basketball has long been a huge part of information, including how to sign up to play Pickman’s life. After leaving CSI, where or volunteer to coach, can be found on the he guided the program to several NCAA group’s website at http://theunitygames.com. appearances and even had the Dolphins Again, it won’t cost you a cent. ranked No. 1 in the nation on one poll in “About 80 percent of our head coaches 1981-82, the former Arden Heights resident have been with us 10 years or more,” briefly coached at Tottenville High School Pickman said. “They understand what we’re and then became a scout for the NBA’s Los trying to accomplish. And when we call to Angeles Clippers. After giving that up, he ask them to coach again each year, they thank soon found himself back on the sidelines, first us for inviting them.” as head JV coach and then assistant varsity coach at the Dalton School in Manhattan, and the last four seasons as the head varsity coach at Abraham Joshua Heschel High School on the Upper West Side.

If you’re the parent of a 7th- or 8th-grader, register your child and find out why.

1/24/17 11:12 AM

COMMUNITY RESOURCES PRESCHOOL

NYS Licensed Preschool Teachers

The WIZARD OF

Art

SPRINGTIME SPECIALS

Communions, Confirmations, Sweet 16, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Specializing in Balloons, Centerpieces, Tulle & Lights, Candleabras, Invitations, Arches, Candy Displays, Large Photo Props JOIN US FOR ART CLASSES Drawing & Painting, Portfolio & Fashion Design Classes Friday Night Tweens & Teens Art Classes

Openings Available....Register Now

Birthday Paint Parties...Dates Available

22nd Year of Art Excellence

255 Nelson Ave (Great Kills) 718.227.7600

Denise Cartelli-Arena, Art Director & Licensed Art Teacher Complete Art Center

OPEN HOUSE Every Tuesda y 10-12

for All your

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FREE FULL DAY UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN through NYC Board of Ed LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE

SERVICING TOTTENVILLE FOR 26 YEARS

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

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OPEN FEB 1-3, FEB 6-10, HOUSE FEB 13-17, & FEB 27-28

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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

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• Full & half day program ages 2-5 • Flexible schedule & extended hours

JOAN P. HODUM EARLY LEARNING CENTER FREE NYS SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

• Diagnostic Evaluations • Full, Half Day & Integrated Classes • SEIT • Round-Trip Transportation

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PRODIGY PRE-K FOR ALL

Open e Hous h 4t Feb. to 11am 1pm

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FREE ICE SKATING LESSONS INCLUDED IN THE CURRICULUM! EXTENDED HOURS AVAILABLE Caryl 718.948.4800 • carylstingo@thepavilion.org • SI Skating Pavilion • 3080 Arthur Kill Rd www.pavilionprodigypreschool.com & check us out on Facebook! february 2017

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51 1/24/17 11:14 AM

birthday club

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Join S.I. Parent Magazine’s Birthday Club!

Log on to www.siparent.com February 1 Viviane T. Mejia Sylvia Franze Amara Agu Isabella La Greca Jake Maiello Stephanie Brandi Foye Jimmy wepy Tyler Hummler Bella Weinerman Victoria Lamberti Carmen Spurrell Alexandra Mauro Riley Corson Robert Ralph Russo Rebecca Stengle-Wilson Patricia Aponte Kylie Olivia Norman February 2 Andrianna B. Castillo Alexa Marie Avallone Eric Puletti Jr. Gregory Perriri Anthony Guirguis Naim Ibroci II Nevin Ibroci Angel Espada Joanne Mary Darretta James Phelan Gianna Phelan Angeliah Negron Dominic Hughes Abigail Harlow Angeliah Negron Dominic Hughes Zacari Kizer February 3 Brianna L. Quinones Brandon M. Quinones Dennis J. DeLuca Jr. Vanessa Palmer Sergio Rigau Jr. Tiffany Bonello Andrew Zuppardi Heavenlia Janvier Justin Levine Juan Carlos Robles-Corona George Elkik Giavanna Anwar Corey Newell-Hopkins Kyle Kavanagh February 4 Crystina Hynes Gabrielle Cestone Joseph R. Thompson Jr. Amanda Guarino Silvia Sereno Hiba Ahmed Blake Benevento Samantha Smith Alyssa Bavaro February 5 Sha-anne Goddard Kayla Dawson Andrew N. Gargiulo Camilla Abdalmegeed Fatima J. Gonzalez Olivia Frances DePeppo

Lori Caban Mariham Tharwat Leilani Jenkins Jason Anzalone Matthew Tzur Mirai Adame February 6 Julia Widmayer Catherine Mignano Bashkim Ardolic Chioma Agu Nicole Buccellato Kevin Schoenau Nicholas Dropp Elizabeth Maira February 7 Sharon Jorge Patrick James Calvo Dominick Maruffi Noah Samuel Liebman J.D. Overton Xavier Gonzalez Stefania R. Santoro Gabrielle Darretta Arianna Monteleone February 8 Stephanie Craven Fernando Rigau Jr. Julie Higgins Robert Butler Ashley Lambert Gianna Clarke Gabrielle Morri Kyle Taylor Jacob Alvarez Jake Terzo

February 9 Gregory Neal Orlando Molina Jr. Joseph Fornito Samantha Pugliese Devin Bernard Bester Jessica Vasquez Anthony Di Leo, Jr. Ryan Rocchio Dennis Mitchell Giada Gagliardotto Susan Borazzo Byrant Sandiford February 10 Kyanda Lewis D.J. McKay Maliyah A. Greene Kerri McCarthy Kristen Ann McGill Jason Young Gia Reyes Roshan Mathew Alexandra Nat Bajek Kristinia Lamberti Nicholas Barbieri Lily Olsen Ryan Milone Rivka Steinherz Michael O’Leary Juliana Rae Melisi

February 11 Bianca Kneski Caitlyn Rowan Gianna Taylor Clark Brittani Taylor Agosta Venus Collins John Castelucci John Rutherford Katie Schoenau Gianna Borriello Ayana Angell Aiden Ciero Liam Morales Aza Villodas Halle Marie Nova Isabella Carrescia February 12 Anthony Saldana Jessica Saldana Nicholas Murphy Steven Cintron Jr. Jared Moller Alexis Compton Lauren Ormond Salvatore Polemeni Joseph Sciarrone Hunter Pesin Lisa Lamberti Ryan Rocchio Kassandra Mojica Sasha Tolbert-Francis Kailani Collado Kassandra Mojica

February 13 Giavanna Esposito Ashley Meyers Taylor Nicole Bove Omar Hegazy Olivia Becker Julianna Milillo Joel Rivera Rebecca Holzer Alishah Warraich Sophia Deserto Brianna Sampson

February 14 Matthew Caban Daniel J. Londono Mariesa Cay Antonio Bella Linda Newman Elliot Taylor Ryan Angelica Reyes Maxwell Roach Salvatore Isolda Sophia Esposito Teddy Novick Sabrina Velez February 15 Felicia Ann Sboto Robert Sacaccio Marina Guirguis Shannon Denise Massey Joseph Di Leo Joseph Anthony Guarnieri Michael Joyce Chris Best Brianna Osorio

Alyssa Cianfrone Ralphie Cimmino February 16 Joseph Paul Ursini Sophia Rose Jernigan Melanie Akilova Amber Rose McBryer Alexander Olinsky John Doyle Tyler David Antoinette Lamberti Anthony Sercia Joseph McDonough Alexandra Nonnenmacher Isabella Delehanty Antonio Bordwick Aria Brousseau Kalvin Ball Isabella Delahanty February 17 Denzel M. Green Alyssa Lynn Sperrazza Valerie Colon Anthony Guidotti Michael Joyce Kaitlin Jennifer Arroyo Joseph A. Temperino Jr. Samantha Taylor Slovitz Michelle Piazza Joseph DePalo Alyssa Sperrazza

February 18 Dante Acquatico Darnell Louden Sabrina Bodden Lucas S. MacDonald Santo Agosta Jr Stephanie De Molfetto Kate Hagen Kendall Savino Adrian Rzonca Gia Koppie Christina Losinno Christian Wikande Jenna Hershkowitz Daniel Palmeri Sydney Eil February 19 Marc Grossman Lauren Zaremba Chelsea Pisarri Mathew Abramowitz Michael Delaney Gabriel Todd Lanette Batts Anaya Fieros Joseph Vann Jordan Clanton Emily Retino Jade Yu Joseph Gottlieb Juan Diego Cordova Tyrese Tucker Devon Nieves February 20 Jennifer Marie Karlovits Anthony J. Scavuzzo Radwa Ahmed

Liana Ortiz Grace Angelica Rignola Jalen K.M. Payne Jakub Rodriguez John Chernack Nadia Chernack Francesca Saccomagno David Kurbalidze Joe Lamberti Paulie Battipaglia David Ginsburg February 21 Matthew Vuotto Chris Corrado Nicholas J. Aspromonte Justin Joseph Sterlacci Andrew Snyder Lauren Marino David Kholodovsky Christena Armento Victoria Lopez Tyler Wise Lucas Gasparino Joseph DiStefano February 22 Victoria L DiGianni Samantha Schlemovitz Dominique Scherma Rebecca Marie Panarello Neyla Ibroci George Lambert, Jr. Grace Paulina Tabora Nicholas Medordi Connor Kealy Sienna GallegoMontantine Haelee Chan Pamela Aliotta Mikayla Prather February 23 Kristi Salvatore Tiffany Marie Alberino Ian Sacknoff Kali Young Sarah Westin Christopher Slinger Constandina Haralambidis Sanuli Dharmawardena Samantha Sicari Sabrina Mogollon Jenna Labarbera Michael Vergo Olivia Medordi Brandon Gentner February 24 Desiree C. Hernandez Samantha Schiavo Justin Peter Blank Christian Spears Brittany Ariel Sheridan Nader F. Tallat Michael Charles Biscotti Alexis Rivera Daniel Agarunov Jose Carlos Aguilar Jr. Antonio M. Antonaros Matthew Marino Christopher Zandler Vincent Villani

Sean Keag Hunter McCarthy Anthony Del Re February 25 Amanda Marie Giglio Joseph Mannino Justin Thiel Nicolas Fichtl Anthony R. Cassieri Lawrence Frank Joseph Pellegrino Daniel Guariglia Daniel Dewakumara Giselle Rau Giavanni Esposito February 26 Paige Victoria Sofia Michael Kelly Kyle Ryan Guzman Antonio Facciolli Comfort Majekodunmi Emily Becker Zachary Bellantoni John Marsh, Jr. Francesca Delapi Nicholas Garcia Jessica Paoli Ava Valenti Meaghan Viviani Julia Jamrog February 27 Kiara Nelson Elizabeth DiLiberto Antonio T. Frierson Michael Notaroberta Myah Simms Jaysen Sullivan Nina Russo Jordan Hafiz Thomas Mantellino Dominique Litrell Lauren Minks Amaya Lewis February 28 Thomas John Gonzalez Shannen Richards Joseph Lipari James Lipari Nicholas Casuccio Victoria Rymer Jordan Roman Jordana Roman Andrew Trapani Cristina Mogollon Diandre Green Ayden Villodas Ta’Jon Duncan February 29 Joseph A. Toto Daniel Korenski

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.

Birthday Club single.indd 1

1/24/17 11:19 AM

february 2017

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Casa Belvedere.indd 1

53 1/24/17 11:15 AM

We speak Italian, Spanish, & Albanian Arabic

Big Bird’s Playhouse

&

Family O wned & Operate d Since 1991

Early Childhood Development Program

PRE-SCHOOL REGISTER NOW

EXTENDED HOURS AVAILABLE FROM 6:30AM-6:30PM

Meals & Snacks Included Daycare & Preschool 6 Wks-5 Yrs First 25 Before & Afterschool Drop Off / Pick Up at people that P.S. 54, P.S. 58, P.S. 60, P.S. 69 register for Trained in First Aid and CPR • Low Tuition FREE FULL DAY UPK (Breakfast and Lunch Included) FOR ALL (children born in 2013) UFT, 1199, ACD & HRA Vouchers Children in Diapers Accepted

by Feb 24, 2017 9 Air-Conditioned Classrooms will receive a FREE 4 Custom Built Play Grounds 1-hour Enrichment Licensed by NYC Bureau of Daycare Program!

Licensed Early Childhood Teachers & Staff

SUMMER CAMP Serving Staten Island Since 1991 While Providing Children With a Safe, Fun-filled Summer Licensed Teachers & Staff • Lunch Included Camp Hours 9am-4pm • Extended Hours 6:30am-6:30pm UFT, 1199, HRA & ACD Vouchers Accepted As low as $50/day • 9 Week Program Bus service for traveling campers pick up & drop off to homes

INFANTS TO 12 YEARS OLD

Call For Open House

Sports & Trips Daily Staten Island Yankees Swimming Pool With Slide Arts & Crafts • Museums Bowling • Movies • Roller Skating Liberty Science Center • Carnival Day

BIG BIRD’S TODDLER TIME Ages 2-3 • Indoor Gym 1869 Richmond Ave BIG BIRD’S CLUB HOUSE AGES 4-12 YEAR OLDS STAFF ARE CPR & FREE REGISTRATION FOR PRE-SCHOOL & CAMP FIRST AID CERTIFIED With Ad

www.bigbirdsplayhouse.com • 1859 Richmond Ave • 718-982-0550

CELEBRATING 31 YEARS!

• Parent Child Playgroups -Baby Buzz 4-12 months -Tot-Time Together 12-20 months • 2 Year Old Toddler Program

• Early Literacy • Critical Thinking Skills • Handwriting Program • Music Enrichment

• 3 & 4 year Old Classes Half & Full Day Programs • Pre-K for All available

all through an integrated curriculum

• State-of-the-Art Outdoor Playground • Large Indoor Gym • Certified Staff • Reasonable Rates

Curriculum reflects the changing needs for today’s child including

A CREATIVE PRESCHOOL WITHIN A CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT

Including SMART Board Educational Technology

OPEN REGISTRATION Begins Saturday, February 4th • 9-11am

54 sip054.indd 1

718-442-5350 • 1657 Victory Blvd www.castletonhillpreschool.com • Like us on Facebook february 2017

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1/24/17 11:17 AM

LIPM

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fun stuff

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 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages

718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Teen Tech Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18

Homework Help Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11

Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-8

Five Senses Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3pm • Free • Ages 3-5

Ready To Learn St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 3+

Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 6pm • Free • All ages

Kids’ Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Toddler Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 1-3

Groundhog Day at the Zoo Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway

Wednesday, February 1

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 10:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Toddler/Preschool Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 2-3

Baby Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Family Literacy Workshop Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 12:30pm • Free • Ages 0-5 Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • $2 plus admission • Ages 2-10 Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages 1,2,3 Play with Me St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 2:30pm • Free • Ages 2-5 Storytime with LiteracyInc Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • All ages Children’s Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Knitting & Crocheting Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • All ages Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace

February Calendar2.indd 1

Thursday, February 2

Pete the Cat Story Hour and craft West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue

february Is:

American Heart Month Black History Month Children’s Dental Health Month Youth Leadership Month

important dates:

Groundhog Day - February 2 World Cancer Day - February 4 Super Bowl 51 - February 5 Valentine’s Day - February 14 Presidents’ Day - February 20 Academy Awards - February 26 718-442-3100 7am • Free w/admission • All ages

718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3+

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

Family Storytime Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • All ages

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

Pre-K Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 3-5

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

Half-baked Hobbies Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 8-11

CloseKnit Noble Maritime Collection 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 2pm • Free • Adults

Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace

The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place

richmondcountypipesanddrums.com 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Friday, February 3

Parent/Child Yoga Ocean Breeze Park 625 Father Capodanno Blvd 212-360-3440 9am • Free • Ages 2-4 Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Toddler Story Time & Activity Hour Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-5 Family Literacy Workshop Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 12:30pm • Free • Ages 0-5 Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Game On! St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • All ages Free Play Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • Ages 0-6 Cook hors d’oevres SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/admission • All ages Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 8pm • $15-18 • All ages

1/24/17 11:21 AM

LIPM

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fun stuff

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 Saturday, February 4

North Shore Green Neighborhood: Viburnum Leaf Beetle Management Clove Lakes Park 626 Clove Road 212-360-3440 9am • Free • All ages Disney Reads Day 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 Reading Help Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 12pm • Free • Grade K-6 1st Saturday Family Workshop: Sailors’ Valentines Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Hieroglyphs in the Art studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace

718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages All about Maple Trees Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 1pm • $5 members; $7 non-members • Ages 7+ Cancer Fundraiser for Julia Spurge-Salerno Pier 76 76 Bay Street 646-483-4331 1pm • $20 • All ages Game On! Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 6-12 Sensory Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 2pm • Free • All ages Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Movie Matinee Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • All ages

Groundhog Day Thursday, February 2 • 7am Staten Island Zoo 614 Broadway 718-442-3100 statenislandzoo.org

Chuck will once again astound with his accuracy and affection. The Patrick Raferty Rock-a-Silly Band will perform at the ceremony.

Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 6pm • $13-15 • All ages

Sunday, February 5

Headed to Houston?

SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages Shelter Building Blue Heron Nature Center 222 Poillon Avenue 718-967-3542 1pm • Free • All ages

February Calendar2.indd 2

Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Do It Yourself Bird feeders Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 2pm • $4 members; $6 non-members • Ages 6+ Story Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Monday, February 6

Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free • Ages 0-5

Krazy Kidz West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5+ Tots Time Ocean Breeze Park 625 Father Capodanno Blvd 212-360-3440 12:30pm • Free • Ages 2-3 Matinee Monday South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 1pm • Free • All ages Homework Help Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Kids’ Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Crafternoon West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5+ LEGO Club St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 4-11 Craft Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 3:30pm • Free • All ages Family Storytime Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd

718-494-1642 4pm • Free • All ages Lego Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-8

Tuesday, February 7

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

St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 1-2

La Leche Breast Feeding Meeting Christ Church of New Brighton 76 Franklin Avenue 347-432-1134 10:30am • Free • Adults Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $5 plus admission • Ages 1-5 Preschool Story Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 11am • Free • Ages 3-5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Baby Social St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 12pm • Free • Ages 0-2 Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-12

1/24/17 11:21 AM

LIPM

Follow us on social media

fun stuff

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 Five Senses South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-5 Kids’ Coding Club: Google CS First St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 7-14 RoboTakeover West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Game On! Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-12 Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Volunteer Hour Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Anti-Bully Workshop Stapleton Library 132 Canal Street 646-765-6531 5pm • Free • All ages

Wednesday, February 8

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

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 10:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 1-3 Baby Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • $2 plus admission • Ages 2-10 Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages 1,2,3 Play with Me St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 2:30pm • Free • Ages 2-5 Valentine’s Day Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Family Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • All ages Tween Crafters Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 9-14 Expectant Parents Group SI University Hosptial (North) 475 Seaview Ave (Regina McGinn Center 718-226-9533 7pm • Free • Expectant Parents Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Tech Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18

Toddler/Preschool S tory Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 2-3

Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-8

Ready To Learn St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 3+

Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 6pm • Free • All ages

Toddler Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum

February Calendar2.indd 3

Thursday, February 9

1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $5 plus admission • Ages 1-5

75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 6pm • Free • Ages 12-18

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

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

Paint Day Friday, February 10 SI Children’s Museum Parent/Child Yoga 1000 Richmond Terrace Ocean Breeze Park 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 625 Father Capodanno Blvd 212-360-3440 9am • Free • Ages 2-4 Animal Time SI Children’s Museum Preschool Play 1000 Richmond Terrace Huguenot Library 718-273-2060 830 Huguenot Avenue 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Homework Help Port Richmond Library Preschool Story Time 75 Bennett Street Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 718-442-0158 2550 Victory Blvd 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Five Senses Port Richmond Library Toddler Story Time & 75 Bennett Street Activity Hour 718-442-0158 Port Richmond Library 3pm • Free • Ages 3-5 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 Kids’ Homework Help 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-5 St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Read Me a Story St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • All ages Valentine’s Day Clay Jewelry Making West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • All ages Family Storytime Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • All ages Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Movies South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4:30pm • Free • All ages Teen Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 5pm • Free • Ages 12-18

Sailors’ Valentines Saturday, February 4 • 1pm Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-727-1135 statenislandmuseum.org

First Saturday Family Workshop.

Sailors’ valentines from the end of the nineteenth century often had sentimental messages in English, like “Forget me not,” and “Home sweet home.” Create your own sailors’ valentine for someone special.

Teen Advisory Group Port Richmond Library

1/26/17 10:35 AM

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Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Turn & Learn Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-425-3504 1pm • Free • All ages Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Game On! St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3pm • Free • Ages 5-12

1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/admission • All ages Lego Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-11 Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 8pm • 15-18 • All ages

Saturday, February 11

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

Choose the Right Bin Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-425-3504 11am • Free • All ages

Clay Date South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • All ages

Black History Month Movie West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11am • Free • All ages

Cook hors d’oevres SI Children’s Museum

Valentine’s Day Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Healthy Habits for Pets SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages

Headed to Houston?

Sunday, February 5 • 11am Staten Island Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 sichildrensmuseum.org

Is your favorite team in headed to Houston and the Superbowl? Show your fan pride and make a pennant or have your face painted.

Tea Time for your Valentine Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 11am • $3 members; $5 non-members • Ages 3-7 Get Movin’ Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-11 Reading Help Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 12pm • Free • Grade K-6 La Leche Breast Feeding Meeting Sunnyside location TBD 347-432-1134 12:15pm • Free • Adults Adult Coloring South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 1pm • Free • Adults

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

Nature Exploration (Moderate Hike) Clove Lakes Park 626 Clove Road 718-967-3542 1pm • Free • All ages

Winter Journal Writing Blue Heron Nature Center 222 Poillon Avenue 718-967-3542 1pm • Free • All ages

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

Turn & Learn Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-425-3504 1pm • Free • All ages

Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Valentine’s Party St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3pm • Free • All ages Five Senses South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-5 Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 6pm • $13-15 • All ages

Sunday, February 12

Trail of the MonthLavender Trail in High Rock Park – Easy!

High Rock Park 200 Nevada Avenue 718-351-3450 11am • Free • All ages Hieroglyphs in the Art studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Monday, February 13

Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free • Ages 0-5

Toddler Time Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3 Krazy Kidz West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5+ Tots Time Ocean Breeze Park 625 Father Capodanno Blvd 212-360-3440 12:30pm • Free • Ages 2-3 Homework Help Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11 Kids’ Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Crafternoon West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5+ LEGO Club St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 4-11 Finger Puppet Workshop West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 4+ Family Storytime Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd

1/24/17 11:21 AM

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Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • All ages Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-8

Tuesday, February 14

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

St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 1-2

Preschool Story Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 11am • Free • Ages 3-5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Valentines Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $5 plus admission • Ages 1-5 Baby Social St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 12pm • Free • Ages 0-2 Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Kids’ Coding Club: Google CS First St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 7-14 RoboTakeover West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12

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Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Game On! Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-12 Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6 Read Aloud & Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages Storytime SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Crafts Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4:30pm • Free • Teens

Wednesday, February 15

Pinot’s Palette Fundraiser Pinot’s Palette 20 Ellis Street 718-370-1088 ext 271 8am • $50 • All ages Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 10:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Toddler/Preschool Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 2-3 Ready To Learn St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 3+ Toddler Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 1-3 Baby Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace

718-273-2060 Animal Time 1:30pm • $2 plus admission • Ages 2-10 SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 Animal Time 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 Homework Help 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 1,2,3 Play with Me 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11 St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 Kids’ Homework Help 2:30pm • Free • Ages 2-5 St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 Family Storytime 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 Read Me a Story 4pm • Free • All ages St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 Knitting & Crocheting 3:30pm • Free • All ages Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 Do You know 4pm • Free • All ages Your Presidents?

West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue Children’s Craft 718-442-1416 South Beach Library 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5+ 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 4pm • Free • All ages Family Storytime Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd Storytime 718-494-1642 SI Children’s Museum 4pm • Free • All ages 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Tech Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-8 Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 6pm • Free • All ages

Thursday, February 16

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $5 plus admission • Ages 1-5 Bouncing Babies West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 Paint Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10

Anti-Bully Workshop Wednesday, February 15 • 4pm Rossville A.M.E. Zion Church 584 Bloomingdale Road 646-765-6531 playitforwardny.com

For children/teens who have been bullied, as well as kids being teased about their food allergies. Come hear from others who have lived through the experience and created a positive life and meet other peers in similar circumstances. Parents are welcome to meet with other parents.

1/24/17 11:21 AM

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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 Pre-K Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 3-5 Tech Zone Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-12 Storytime SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Adult Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 5pm • Free • Adults Addiction Angel Parents/ Siblings Support Group Our Lady Star of the Sea 5411 Amboy Rd. 646-404-0637 7pm • Free • All ages The Pipes Are Calling St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 76 Saint Albans Place richmondcountypipesanddrums.com 7:30pm • Free • All ages

Friday, February 17

Parent/Child Yoga Ocean Breeze Park 625 Father Capodanno Blvd 212-360-3440 9am • Free • Ages 2-4 Early Literacy at Home Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 11am • Free • Adults

Mighty, Mighty Construction Site Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages

Toddler Story Time & Activity Hour Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-5

Reading Help Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 12pm • Free • Grade K-6

Turn & Learn Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-425-3504 1pm • Free • All ages Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Game On! St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Monday, February 13 • 3:30pm West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 nypl.org

Learn to make your own finger puppet and bring it to life with Nicola, the Puppeteer. Sometimes tiny puppets are the best ones and can tell the best stories!

Manga Workshop South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Free Play Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 3pm • Free • Ages 0-6 Cook hors d’oevres SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Storytime SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue

February Calendar2.indd 6

Saturday, February 18

Super Science Saturdays: Geology Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 10am • $5 members; $10 non-members • Ages 8-13 w/an adult

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

Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Finger Puppet Workshop

718-351-1611 8pm • $15-18 • All ages

Lincoln Center’s Boro-Linc: Opera Ebony Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace snug-harbor.org 1pm • Free • All ages

212-621-0690 3pm • Free • All ages Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Storytime SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 6pm • $13-15 • All ages

Sunday, February 19

Living with White-Tailed Deer Blue Heron Nature Center 222 Poillon Avenue 718-967-3542 11am • Free • All ages

Hieroglyphs in the Art studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 Hieroglyphs in the Art studio 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace Sea Shanty Sessions 718-273-2060 Noble Maritime Collection 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-447-6490 Owls and Pellets 2pm • Free • All ages Blue Heron Nature Center 222 Poillon Avenue Animal Time 718-967-3542 SI Children’s Museum 1pm • Free • All ages 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 Turn & Learn 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace Story time 718-425-3504 SI Children’s Museum 1pm • Free • All ages 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 Game On! 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue Monday, February 20 212-621-0690 Historical Craft 1:30pm • Free • Ages 6-12 SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace Craft 718-273-2060 Huguenot Library 11am • Free w/admission • All ages 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 School Holiday Break 2pm • Free • All ages Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A Animal Time 718-727-1135 SI Children’s Museum 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 Kids Week Staten Island: 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Living with Deer Bloomingdale Park Teen Gaming Ramona & Lenevar Avenue Port Richmond Library 718-967-3542 75 Bennett Street 1pm • Free • All ages 718-442-0158 2:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Tuesday, February 21 Movie Matinee Tot Time Tuesday Mariners Harbor Library The Interpretive Center 206 South Avenue 2351 Veteran’s Road West

1/24/17 11:21 AM

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descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com 718-967-1976 10am • Free • Ages 1-3 Wee Little Ones St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-1 Baby Space!

St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 1-2 Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $5 plus admission • Ages 1-5 Preschool Story Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 11am • Free • Ages 3-5 Tuesday Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Historical Craft SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages Kids Week Staten Island: Animal Tracks The Conference House 298 Satterlee Street 718-967-3542 11am • Free • All ages School’s Out, We’re In! “Sew” much fun Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 11am • $6 members; $8 non-members • Ages 8+ Baby Social St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 12pm • Free • Ages 0-2 School Holiday Break Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages Lego WeDo Camp Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 7-10 Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages

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Afternoon Story Time and Craft Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3:30pm • Free • Ages 3-12 Kids’ Coding Club: Google CS First St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 7-14 RoboTakeover West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Craft Corner Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • Ages 3+ Game On! Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 6-12

Itty Bitty Play Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 10:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

The Three Little Pigs South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Toddler/Preschool S tory Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 2-3

Literacy Inc Story Hour West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • All ages

Ready To Learn St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 3+ Toddler Time Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 11am • Free • Ages 1-3 Historical Craft SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages

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

School’s Out, We’re In! Water Bottle Scientists Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 11am • Free • Ages 8+

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

Baby Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 0-1.5

Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Master Trackers Clay Pit Ponds 83 Nielsen Ave 718-967-1976 1pm • Free • All ages

Presley and Melody: Dr. Seuss Celebration Read to Succeed Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4:30pm • Free • All ages

School Holiday Break Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/ admission • All ages

Teen Volunteer Hour Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 La Leche Breast Feeding Virtual Meeting Dr. Charles Patterino 2281 Victory Blvd.

347-432-1134 7:30pm • Free • Adults

Wednesday, February 22

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

Underground Railroad SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages Clay Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • $2 plus admission • Ages 2-10 Party with Bubbles St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 2pm • Free • All ages

Family Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • All ages Secret of a Book Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 10-14 Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Tech Time Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18

Kids Week Staten Island: Animal Tracks Tuesday, February 21 • 11am The Conference House 298 Satterlee Street 718-967-3542 nycgovparks.org On this Urban Park Ranger-led walk, kids will discover and follow different footprints of wild animals and see where they lead.

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

1/24/17 11:21 AM

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Events & Activities

descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-8 Group Hike or Trail Run Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 6pm • Free • All ages

Thursday, February 23

Tot’s Time Plus SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • $5 plus admission • Ages 1-5 Historical Craft SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages School’s Out, We’re In! Nature Journals Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 11am • $6 members; $8 non-members • 8+ Bouncing Babies West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue

718-442-1416 11:15am • Free • Ages 0-1.5 EZ Silkscreen Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 1pm • Free • Ages 12-18 School Holiday Break Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages Paint Day SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1:30pm • Free w/admission • Ages 2-10 Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/ admission • All ages Family Storytime: Art Explorers!

Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3pm • Free • All ages Family Storytime Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 4pm • Free • All ages Pre-K Storytime Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 3-5

Party with Bubbles Wednesday, February 22 • 2pm St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 nypl.org

This Children’s Entertainment/Show presented by Bubble Playhouse includes face painting, balloon animals, parachute games, bubbles, singing, dancing and a lot of audience participation.​

February Calendar2.indd 8

Half-baked Hobbies Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 8-11 Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • 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, February 24

Parent/Child Yoga Ocean Breeze Park 625 Father Capodanno Blvd 212-360-3440 9am • Free • Ages 2-4

Preschool Play Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 3-5

Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Historical Craft SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 11am • Free w/admission • All ages

Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 8pm • $15-18 • All ages

School’s Out, We’re In! Dynamic Dinosaurs Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 11am • $6 members; $8 non-members • 8+ Preschool Story Time Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library 2550 Victory Blvd 718-494-1642 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-5 Toddler Story Time & Activity Hour Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-5

Saturday, February 25

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Storytime Barnes & Noble 2245 Richmond Avenue 718-982-6983 11am • Free • All ages Get Movin’ Story Time St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 11:30am • Free • Ages 3-11 Reading Help Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 12pm • Free • Grade K-6

School Holiday Break Staten Island Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building A 718-727-1135 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Maple Syrup Science Clay Pit Ponds 83 Nielsen Ave 718-967-1976 1pm • Free • All ages

Lego WeDo Camp Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 7-10

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

Kidz Cook SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2:30pm • Free w/admission • All ages Wii Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • All ages Cook hors d’oevres SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 3pm • Free w/admission • All ages Black History Month Program West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5+

Open Craft Hour Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 1:30pm • Free • Ages 6-16 Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Gaming Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 2:30pm • Free • Ages 12-18 Knitting Hour South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3pm • Free • Adults Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages

1/24/17 11:21 AM

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

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descriptions & details on the events listed here can be found on siparent.com Tavern Concert Guyon Tavern 441 Clarke Avenue 718-351-1611 6pm • $13-15 • All ages

Kids’ Homework Help St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12

Guy Klucevsek’s 70th Birthday Accordion Performance Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-425-3504 6pm • $10 • All ages

Crafternoon West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5+

Sunday, February 26

Hieroglyphs in the Art studio SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 1pm • Free w/admission • All ages Historic New York: Goodhue Park Goodhue Recreation Center 304 Prospect Avenue 718-967-3542 1pm • Free • All ages Animal Time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 2pm • Free w/admission • All ages Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages

Monday, February 27

LEGO Club St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 4-11 Children’s Craft South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 3:30pm • Free • All ages Literacy Inc. Read Aloud St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 4pm • Free • Ages 5-13 Homework Help Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 5pm • Free • Grades 1-8

Tuesday, February 28

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

Toddler Time South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 10am • Free • Ages 0-5

Wee Little Ones St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10am • Free • Ages 0-1

Toddler Time Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 10:30am • Free • Ages 1.5-3

Baby Space!

St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 10:30am • Free • Ages 1-2

Krazy Kidz West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 11:30am • Free • Ages 1.5+

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

Tots Time Ocean Breeze Park 625 Father Capodanno Blvd 212-360-3440 12:30pm • Free • Ages 2-3

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

Matinee Monday South Beach Library 21-25 Robin Road 718-816-5834 1pm • Free • All ages

Baby Social St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 12pm • Free • Ages 0-2

Homework Help Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 3pm • Free • Ages 6-11

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

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Kids’ Coding Club: Google CS First St. George Library 5 Central Avenue 718-442-8560 3:30pm • Free • Ages 7-14 RoboTakeover West New Brighton Library 976 Castleton Avenue 718-442-1416 3:30pm • Free • Ages 5-12 Math Tutoring Tuesdays Huguenot Library 830 Huguenot Avenue 718-984-4636 4pm • Free • Grades 1-6 Pirate’s Pete High Seas Hygiene Show Mariners Harbor Library 206 South Avenue 212-621-0690 4pm • Free • Ages 2+ Story time SI Children’s Museum 1000 Richmond Terrace 718-273-2060 4pm • Free w/admission • All ages Teen Crafts Port Richmond Library 75 Bennett Street 718-442-0158 4:30pm • Free • Teens

Tuesday, March 7

CELEBRATE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR

Saturday, February 11 • 5pm Church of the Ascension 1 Kingsley Ave • 10314 718.448.9508 www.ascensionsi.org A sumptuous Chinese will be served buffet style. Kids menu items of Chicken Nuggets and Mac’N Cheese will be on the buffet table and craft projects will be available for kids as well. Soda, Coffee, and Oolong Tea are included.

There will be drawings for raffles as well as a 50/50 drawing. Seating is limited. Doors open at 4pm. $25 adults. $5 children.

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

Tuesday, March 14

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

Tuesday, March 21

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

Thursday, March 23

Addiction Angel Parents/ Siblings Support Group Our Lady Star of the Sea 5411 Amboy Rd. 646-404-0637 7pm • Free • All ages

Tuesday, March 28

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

School’s Out, We’re In! Dynamic Dinosaurs

Friday, February 24 • 11am Greenbelt Nature Center 700 Rockland Avenue 718-351-3450 sigreenbelt.org

Millions of years ago, in the land before the Greenbelt, dinosaurs roamed the earth. Join in an expedition in search of fossils of those long-lost creatures. Then return to the nature center and visit descendents of the dinosaurs, the resident reptiles, and make a prehistoric craft. This program is suitable for ages 4-8 with adult chaperone. Registration and pre-payment required.

1/24/17 11:21 AM

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feature / winter

the winter blues – and how to lose them >>Quick and easy tips to get you to spring!

Not everyone views February as a “cozy, stay-at-home with the family and de-stress” month. The cold, grey days and long nights give some people a nasty case of the “winter blues.” Some have mood swings, and feel letdown or fatigued, while others experience mild depression.

About 25% of people who experience the blues suffer from a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is often attributed to fewer hours of sunlight. Light therapy is often recommended to alleviate symptoms.

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Catching the winter blues is not a modern phenomenon. Sociologists tell us that people have been responding mentally and physically to the changing seasons since ancient times.

If you are among those who are affected by seasonal changes, you may be able to conquer those negative feelings with relaxation techniques, visualization, physical exercise, and/or changing your diet.

Exercise helps keep the body both physically and mentally in tune, so you are less likely to get the blues. Working out, even if only a few minutes a day, can help. Simply stand or sit and stretch your neck, arms, fingers, legs, toes, and spine. Jog in place. Listen to your favorite music and dance.

Walk whenever possible. If it’s very cold, dress in several layers and after ten minutes of brisk walking, you should be warm and you should feel great. If you are home with a baby, wrap her up in the stroller and take her out. It will put roses in her cheeks and strengthen her immunity.

Here’s a relaxation exercise that’s great for dispelling tension: Lie on the floor or sit in a chair with your arms on the armrests and your feet flat on the floor. Start with abdominal breathing. Hold

your breath for a moment, then slowly release, allowing tension to be exhaled. With each breath, relax a part of your body, starting from the top of your head, all the way down to your toes. Take at least ten breaths.

When you feel relaxed, visualize yourself in a place or situation that makes you feel good - a tropical beach, a mountain, a cloud, a party. Hold the picture in your mind for a couple of minutes.

Diet is also an important part of helping yourself feel better. Most people tend to eat heavier in the winter. You might feel satisfied right after consuming a heavy meal, but in the long run this type of food is physically devitalizing, and can be a mental downer if you gain weight and feel guilty.

Lighten your menu, and your family’s, with salads, fish, soups, vegetables, lean meats and fresh fruit.

It may help you to know that while most people experience slight mood “glitches” when the seasons change, most of us who “catch the blues” are able to quickly toss them away. Chances are, you can too. Look ahead. Spring is on the horizon, and with it is a promise that you will lose those blues.

Provided by the Staten Island Mental Health Society

1/24/17 2:48 PM

stuff you need / it’s in the cards

As an early childhood elementary teacher with a Master’s degree in reading education I am thrilled to have found something special that allows me to spread literacy to children! I am happy to help you choose books for your children, or you can stay at home and just invite friends with a Facebook event that I will create filled with videos and information for your friends to choose books while you earn free books!

USBORNE BOOKS

Vikki Bonick • 561-676-7382 vikkimichelle@gmail.com • https://a5960.myubam.com

february 2017

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fun stuff / party needs

Just Fun Kids Parties

Costume characters, fun activities, games, face painting & more!

Ded Moroz & Snegurochka Show

Natalia

I speak Russian & English 347.681.9102 facebook.com/justfunforkids atlantanata@gmail.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!

www.PartyTimeEntertainmentInc.com • 718.667.8998

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

check out our party directory on siparent.com

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stuff you need / family classifieds Ms. H.’s Place

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

Small Group Tutoring & Enrichment

Advanced Tutoring

Grades 2-5 1-3 Students Per Class

All Grades & Subjects K-12

$25

Per Hour

*Private Tutoring Available*

917.923.9044

NYS Certified Teachers Ready to Work With Your Child

www.mshsplace.com

C: 718-755-3025

151 Woolley Ave • Entrance on Garrison Ave

Tots “R” Us Daycare, Inc.

Classic Day Care | Est. 2008 241 Norway Ave • SI, NY 10305 718-380-9051 • 347-735-3650 Mon-Fri 7am-7pm • Ages 6 mos-5 yrs Full & half day services • Flexible days Outdoor play | After school programs

Dance Studio

Dance Birthday Parties

2½ to adult

Kinder Combos • Ballet • Tap Modern • Jazz • Hip Hop 230 Livingston Ave (near Wagner HS)

718-727-2649 www.silhouettedancestudio.net

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

718.494.1932 info@siparent.com

6 weeks–12 years • early pre-school curriculum open 7am-5:30pm (extended hours available) • Summer Camp & Recreational Activities • NYS Licensed, ACD & HRA Accepted • Hablamos Espanol • Free Breakfast, Lunch & Supper • Over Nights & Weekends • Children Ages 2+ Must Wear a Uniform

Tutoring By Christine 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 Staten Island Family Music

The premier music enrichment program for babies, toddlers, 3, 4 & 5 year olds and their grown-ups!

3 convenient locations.

Morning, afternoon & weekend classes.

Accepting Admission at our New Location on St. Paul’s Avenue

www.SIFamilyMusic.com 718.207.1128 Mary Lee Aloia, Director

Email: totsrusdaycare@hotmail.com

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

Evolve, Create, Grow!

at

The Sunnyside School (for 27 years)

Piano • Voice Guitar Lessons by college educated professionals

Free Trial lesson

Recitals • on premise parking

www.sunnysideschool.net 1366 Clove Road • 718-442-4848

Tutor for Grades K-5 NYS Certified Teacher in General & Special Education with over 6 years full time experience. Reading Phonics and Math. Call Melissa at 347.321.0989 for pricing & availabilty.

february 2017

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stuff you need / professional directory 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

counseling services

Karen L. Goldman

NYS Licensed Psychotherapist Bereavement Specialist For Individuals, Groups, Adults and Children • Play & Art Therapy • Anxiety • Grief & Loss Issues • Relationship Issues • Depression • School/Career Issues

1076 Forest Ave • S.I., N.Y. 347-850-2322

By Appointment • Day & Evening Hours

Speech, OT & PT

Ph.D, LCSW

Anxiety, Fears & Worries, Anger, Depression, Grief/Sadness, Insecurity/Shyness, Self-Esteem, Relationship Problems Private, Comfortable & Confidential

718-650-9000

michael.w.desimone@gmail.com 175 Burbank Ave (New Dorp) michaeldesimonetherapy.com

Evaluation & treatment of pediatric speech & language, fine & gross motor delays & disorders

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

718-608-1508

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

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. We accept all major insurance plans. Free consultations.

speech pathology

PROMPT Trained Oral Motor & Feeding Therapy Specializing in Fluency ASHA Certified 465 Belfield Ave • Annadale Town North Shore: 1076 Forest Ave

68

718-815-6024

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Specialist in Orthodontics

Gentle, Personal, Quality Care for Children & Adults 444 Huguenot Avenue • SI, NY 10312

(718) 967-5213

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

15 1st Street, 2nd Floor • 10306

www.bracesbydrindelicato.com

917-837-1317 CulturallyCompetentCounseling@Gmail

SPEECH, OT & PT

speech pathology

Member American Association of Orthodontists

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

718.605.4301

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

www.qualitycarespeech.com

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

1076 forest ave. (corner of Manor Rd.)

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

Speech and Language Therapy Associates of Staten Island, PLLC

M.A., C.C.C.-SLP

Evaluations & Therapeutic Intervention for Children & Adults

Salvatore R. Indelicato, D.M.D.

speech pathology

Sandra Mazzucco NYS Licensed Speech Language Pathologist

LCSW-R, MSEd, CRC, CASAC

QUALITY CARE SPEECH CENTER, INC.

Michael DeSimone

Psychotherapist

Kim Williams-Jenkins

MA, LMHC-BC

psychotherapist

Helping Adults, Children and Adolescents with

orthodontics

PROMPT Trained Therapists SOS Feeding Approach (Find the Fun in Feeding Program) Orton-Gillingham & Wilson trained therapists

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

Most Insurances Accepted

Call Us and Have Your Business Advertised Here!

718.494.1932

february 2017

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1/24/17 11:49 AM

advertiser directory

A New Heritage Limo.........................................33

New Dorp Christian Academy........................47

A Taste of Honey.................................................33

Notabartolo Chiropractic.................................27

Bario’s Restaurant ..............................................26

Notre Dame Academy ......................................6

Big Bird’s Playhouse...........................................54

Once Upon A Child...........................................30

Building Blocks Montessori...............................43

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

Casa Belvedere..................................................53

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

Castleton Hill Moravian.....................................54

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

Child Mind Institute.............................................22

Richmond University Medical Center..............5

Children’s Harbor Montessori..........................31

Showplace Entertainment................................21

Community Resources Preschool..................51

SI Academy.........................................................11

Delco Drugs ........................................................31

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

Dr. Lisa Lazzara (Kids Dental) ..........................45

SI Dental...............................................................70

Dr. Michael D’Anna...........................................39

SI Divorce & Mediation......................................20

Dr. Phyllis Merlino DDS.......................................49

SI Mental Health..................................................49

Early Start, Inc......................................................22

SI Pediatric Dentistry...........................................41

Ed Perpetua Tennis Academy.........................30

SI Skating Pavillion..............................................51

Eltingville Lutheran..............................................29

SIUH Northwell Health...................... Back Cover

Fastrackids...........................................................47

Small World Dental............................................27

Fidelis Care..........................................................17

Small World Preschool.......................................49

Fun Station...........................................................25

South Shore Toddler Academy.......................18

Fun Station Day Camp......................................23

St. Joseph Hill Academy...................................45

Genesis Fertility....................................................41

Strength Within Yoga.........................................22

Gingerbread Learning Center........................71

Supreme Chocolatier........................................39

Huntington Learning Center............................31

Suzanne’s Fashion Corner................................43

Inspirations in Dance.........................................30

Tender Care on the Mount..............................43

Island Shores.......................................................29

The Village Preschool........................................26

JCC of Staten Island................................... 14, 19

Vik’s Fine Jewelry................................................39

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

Wagner College.................................................18

Mathnasium........................................................13

Wizard of Art & Design.......................................51

Mill Basin Day Camp.........................................29

Words ‘N Motion.................................................27

Mini World Preschool.........................................51 february 2017

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can your dentist deliver these services?

• Intravenous and Oral Sedation • Nitrous Oxide “sweet air”

• 42 years of experience with over 3,000 hours of continuing education

• Painless injections with “The Wand.”

• CPR and emergency management trained staff

• Doctor’s cell phone number

• Comfort care cleanings

• Drill free dentistry

• Always see the same Doctor

• State of the art oral cancer screening with Vizilite

• One hour hygiene visit devoted to oral health

• Financing available • An overall heath approach with blood pressure and blood sugar testing • Be seen on time!

• Evening and weekend hours

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

Staten island dental care 718.761.5757

Dr. Frederick S. Hecht, D.M.D., P.C. Crown Council Humanitarian Dentist award for overseas dental missionary trips

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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 february 2017

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1/24/17 12:06 PM

~Equal Opportunity Employer~

UPK/Pre-K For All Full Day Program

Celebrating our 29th Year...

Looking forward to our 30th!

To you, they’re learning.

To them, they’re having fun.

For Information About The Early Intervention Program Call 311.

available with Master Degree level teachers

Classroom Based Programs With ABA Instruction for 2-3 years olds (limited space) Programs Available for Ages 0-5 5 Days - Full Day/Half Day Extended Daycare Hours 7am-7pm Available As per Section 4410 of Article 89 of the Education Law

• 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 with approval.

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

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

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

february 2017

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PRST STD

SOLUTIONS TO EVERYDAY PARENTING

16 Shenandoah Avenue • Suite C Staten Island, New York 10314

U.S. Postage Paid Staten Island, Ny

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