JANUARY 2025
Get Ready for Summer
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit Your Child?
Sending Teens to Summer Camp
Is Your Child Ready for Overnight Camp?
Photo by Brooke Trisolini
Pediatric
Wesley Barton, DMD
Ronen Krausz, DDS
Bahar Houshmand, DDS
Ava Ghassemi, DMD
Mahdieh Beheshti, DMD
Dentist
Orthodontics
Shaima Tabari, DMD
Roger Taylor, DMD
Oral Surgery
Joseph Krajekian, DMD, MD
Orthodontist
2025 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo
Monthly January through June
Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.
Click here to register and receive access to regularly updated online camp expo materials
Get Ready for Summer
ADVERTISING
Family F.Y.I.
GET READY FOR SUMMER!
Looking for a Great Summer Camp?
Don’t miss the Boston Parents 2025 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo starting on Jan. 26. This year we are doing a virtual program for camps that can be customized so you receive the information you want. Please register to receive your customized package of camp information: https://bostonparentspaper. com/summer-camp-expo.html
TOP BABY Names in 2024
Noah and Olivia topped the list of the most popular baby names, with both names holding the top spot 10 2024, according to Babycenter.com. One new name that appears on the top ten boys list is Asher, bumping off Luca. On the girls top ten list Ellie makes a debut bumping off Evelyn. Both lists had very little movement in the top ten.
GREATER BOSTON PRIVATE SCHOOL GUIDE IS
AVAILABLE!
The 2024/25 edition of The Greater Boston Private School Guide provides information on how to help parents find the best private school for their children. This guide has information on prioritizing the most critical factors for your family, determining what type of school to consider, navigating admissions tours, shadow days, interviews, needed exams, tuition assistance, and writing an excellent essay. Use the month-by-month calendar to keep your family on the admissions track to getting accepted to the school of your choice. Available in print and online at www. BostonParentsPaper.com – just click on “Our Magazines” tab.
TOP BOYS NAMES OF 2024 1. Noah
Liam
Oliver
Elijah
Mateo
Lucas
Levi
Ezra
Asher
Leo
TOP GIRLS NAMES OF 2024 1. Olivia 2. Amelia 3. Emma
Sophia
Charlotte 6. Isobella 7. Ava 8. Mia 9. Ellie 10. Luna
Private School Online Admission Events Calendar
What better way to keep track of all the preschool and private school admission events than this handy tool? With over 50 entities participating, check out the Online Open House & Admissions Calendar on www. BostonParentsPaper.com. Look for the School Open Houses button on the main header bar and tap. Don’t forget to tell them you saw their event on www. BostonParentsPaper.com
FOR NEARLY 70 YEARS, MAY INSTITUTE HAS PROVIDED EXCEPTIONAL CARE TO AUTISTIC CHILDREN AND THOSE WITH OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS. OUR SER VICES ARE B ASED ON APPLIED BEH AVIOR AN A L YSIS (AB A):
Special edu cation schools for autism and developmental disabilities
Center-based services for to ddlers and you ng children
Early intervention servi ce s
Home-based services
Supportive Technology services
Play it Safe this Winter
• Electric space heaters are a leading cause of fires. They should be placed on flat, noncombustible, non-carpeted surfaces and at least three feet from anything flammable. Never leave them unattended or use them where children play or sleep.
• Avoid hypothermia – an abnormally low body temperature. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, lethargy, pale and cold skin, confusion and slowed breathing. In infants, symptoms include bright red and cold skin and lethargy. Call 911 immediately if you notice these symptoms and attempt to warm the child by removing wet clothing and replacing it with warm clothing on the trunk, groin, neck and head. To avoid shock, don’t place the child in warm water or apply direct heat.
2025 National Parks
FEE-FREE Days
According to National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, “The entrance fee-free days to encourage people to discover the beauty, history, and inspiration awaiting them in the more than 400 national parks throughout the country.” Only about 100 of the 400+ national parks have an entrance fee, with costs ranging from $5 to $35+. Detailed information about what to see and do in each park is available on NPS.gov or the NPS app. It’s essential for people to know before they go what is open and available, especially if they are staying overnight. Fee-free days apply only to entrance fees and do not cover amenity or user fees for camping, boat launches, transportation, special tours or other activities. ,
• Make sure sledding hills are free of trees and fences, and that they are far from busy roads, not too crowded, well-lit, well-covered in snow and have a flat runoff.
• Check sleds to make sure there are no sharp edges or cracks. Make sure children can steer them; avoid using snow disks and tubes.
• Wear a multi-sport or winter helmet for all winter sports.
• Children under age 16 should never operate a snowmobile, and kids under age 5 should never ride a snowmobile, even with an adult operating it.
Baby Name Trends for 2024
Top baby naming trends for 2024 focus on non-binary names and softer names for boys.
Geographical names (London, Cairo, Cali, Sydney)except for Milan, up 223 spots are losing favor. They are replaced with nicknames, such as Josie, Ellie, Theo, and Leo, instead of the more formal versions of these names. Three-letter names are jumping up the list. On the playground, you will hear more names such as Teo, Koa, Jay, Kai, Lia, Tia, and Joy in the coming years. Names from Taylor Swift’s songs, Bettie, Marjorie, and Ivy, became popular after The Era’s Tour. Other Hollywood-influenced names from popular characters, Wednesday & Jenna (Wednesday Addams), Daisy (Daisy Jones & the Fifth) and Ronald (Jury Duty), are more popular. Hopefully, the name 6:30 (Lessons in Chemistry) will only go to the dogs.
The annual $80 America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass allows the pass holder and companions accompanying them unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including all national parks. There are also free and discounted passes available for currently serving members of the U.S. military and their dependents, military veterans, Gold Star Families, fourth-grade students, disabled citizens, and seniors.
Free Entrance Days for 2025
January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
April 19: First day of National Park Week
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4: Anniversary of Great American Outdoor Act
September 27: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Boston National Historial Park
11 WAYS TO CELEBRATE Martin Luther King Day with Your Kids in Boston and Beyond
Boston is a special place to celebrate MLK Day, his life, and his legacy. Dr. King was in Boston when he met his wife, Coretta Scott King, and earned his Ph.D. in Theology at Boston University. He viewed Boston as his second home.
1Watch or listen to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches. This is an inspiring activity for older kids and teens. The “I Have a Dream” speech is about 17 minutes long; you can listen to or watch it on YouTube along with some of Dr. King’s other famous speeches. Follow up with a discussion about what Dr. King’s message means to your child and you.
2Visit local monuments and exhibitions or attend celebrations created in honor of Dr. King. Visit the Roxbury Love Story mural created to honor where Dr. King met his future wife, Coretta Scott. Attend the Annual MLK Memorial Breakfast, visit for free (M.A. residents) MLK Day at the MFA, walk the Black Heritage Trail, or take in the MLK Tribute Concert by Boston Children’s Chorus and explore the many crosscultural events, exhibitions, sightseeing trails, and more.
3Read a book or watch a movie about diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can honor Dr. King’s legacy by choosing children’s books about anti-racism, social justice, etc.
4
Talk about racial inequality and social justice with your child. Research shows that talking with children about these topics has a lasting positive impact on a child’s development.
5Read a children’s book about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Your local library is an excellent resource for these.
6For younger kids, make a “Peace” craft. Use art and creativity to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of
peace and love. Draw and color peace signs to hang in your window, paint a dove using your child’s handprint, or create a heart garland to drape over the front door.
7Plant a tree as a living tribute to MLK. While planting, discuss King’s belief that a society grows great when men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit. Progress, like a tree, needs time to take root.
8
Create your own day of service. Consider the day as a “day on not a day off.” Americorps has been leading the charge for the last quarter century. Visit americorps.com with your child and learn how to create your own event. Encourage kids in your community to volunteer and be of service because serving others has a profound positive benefit on those who volunteer.
9
Discuss your kid’s dreams. Talking to your children about their hopes and dreams, both big and small, will be a meaningful catalyst for important family discussions.
10
Attend the MLK Jr. day in D.C. virtually. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously proclaimed, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do… you have to keep moving forward.” This year, you and your family can follow along virtually with the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Walk Parade, which takes place in Washington, D.C., in person.
11
Visit KingBoston.org. Learn about MLK and the amazing work of King Boston through posts, blogs, and community events. Learn about the cultural significance of The Embrace, a world-class memorial on the Boston Common unveiled in 2023, and learn more about the vital work of Embrace Boston
Winter Family-Friendly Activities to Make the Most of the Season
The weather outside may be frightful, but Boston’s indoor and outdoor winter-friendly activities are oh, so delightful. The city and surrounding areas offer many recreational options to keep families moving throughout the chilliest and most gluttonous, season.
THE BOSTON COMMON FROG POND
Channel your inner Michelle Kwan (or simply hang on to a loved one and inch around the rink) at Boston Common Frog Pond, where families can ice skate to their heart’s content. Breathe in the crispness of the season while skating around the open-air rink. Bring your skates – you can even have them sharpened for $8 a pair – or rent them at the pond. Visit the Frog Pond Café, where you can grab a grilled cheese, hot dog, or other kid-favorite foods and those oh-so-necessary warm drinks like coffee and hot cocoa. If a member of your party isn’t in the skating mood, free WiFi is also available at the café.
Boston Common, Boston, 617-635-2120; www. bostonfrogpond.com.
THE BUTTERFLY PLACE
The Butterfly Place is an indoor garden filled with hundreds of freely-flying butterflies from around the world. See caterpillars, chrysalids, and cocoons up close as you walk around the winding pathway. Open Valentine’s Day - Columbus Day.
120 Tyngsboro Road, Westford, 978-3920955; www.butterflyplace-ma.
NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
You don’t need scuba gear to see, touch, and learn about the wonderful creatures that live in our seas. Just enter Boston’s finest aquarium for an underwater adventure the entire family will love! Central Wharf, Boston, 617-973-5200; www.neaq.org.
DISCOVERY MUSEUM
Kids are capable of incredible things. The Discovery Museum futures this ability and supports healthy development. Visit the indoor STEAM-rich environment; if it’s not too cold, find more activities outside-reservations are required. No walk-ins. 177 Main Street (Route 27), Acton; 978-264-4200; www.discoveryacton.org
SKI WARD WINTER TUBASLIDE
Snowtubing is the perfect activity for all levels, and with up to 12 lanes, 2 lifts, and over 200 tubes, you’re guaranteed to have a great time! They provide everything for you, including the snowtubes and the fun! ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE AT LEAST 6 YEARS OLD AND 42” IN HEIGHT TO TUBE.
1000 Main Street, Shrewsbury;508-842-6346; www.skyward.com.
WESTON
SKI TRACK
No matter how excellent your golf game is, the sport simply doesn’t work during the winter in Massachusetts, so the Leo J. Martin Golf Course turns its course into a cross-country ski and snowshoe trail for the colder months. The center is beginner-friendly, so kids and adults can have fun, regardless of their skill level. Weston Ski Track features one of New England’s largest cross-country ski snowmaking systemsif Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. Ski lessons are available at a variety of skill levels for adults, as well as classes for children starting at 4 years old. 190 Park Road, Weston; 781891-6575; www.skiboston.com.
SKY
ZONE INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK
What could get the wiggles out better than a high-energy play area like Sky Zone? This indoor trampoline park has walled “play courts” perfect for your little jumping bean. Age-specific sessions are available (like Toddler Time for the little guys) to ensure everyone is jumping as safely as possible. Their SkyRobics is a challenging and effective workout for adults (no postholiday guilt here!).
69 Norman Street, Everett; 617-387-1000; www.skyzone. com/everett
100 Independence Way, Danvers; 978-252-3000; www.skyzone.com/danvers 101 Kingston Collection Way;
781-514-7595; www.skyzone. com/kingston
BOSTON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Winter is no time to stop playing. The Museum is filled with things for your family to enjoy, including three floors of exhibits, everyday programs, a unique Snowmazing Polar Playground, and more. Skate with your socks, create in the STEAM and Art Labs, climb to the top of our 3 story climber, and enjoy our iconic PlaySpace exhibit for our youngest explorers Check the calendar to learn more about daily activities. 308 Congress Street, Boston; 617-426-6500; www. bostonchildrensmuseum.org.
BOSTON BOWL
Put on your game face and head to Boston Bowl, where they have 30 Tenpin and 14 Candlepin lanes so you and the family can bowl to your heart’s content. Open around the clock, each lane can add bumpers if you’re playing with the smaller set who are just learning the ropes (or you simply want to keep your scores extra high!). Ditch the Wii Bowling and get out there and experience the real thing. Billiards is also an option if bowling isn’t your thing.
820 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston; 617-825-3800; www.bostonbowl.com.
58 Rockland Street, Hanover; 781-826-5263; www. bostonbowlhanover.com.
Weston Ski Track
Boston Common Frog Pond
By Aaron Crowe
If you can withstand a financial emergency, give yourself a pat on the back.
Nearly half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and 52 percent don’t have enough money to cover six months of expenses. In contrast, over half of Americans are uncomfortable with their level of emergency savings, according to a Bankrate.com survey.
The rut of working just so you can cover day-to-day expenses can lead to the worst money mistake of your life—not having an emergency fund.
Without it, you could be forced to go into debt to pay for emergency medical care, a broken car that you rely on to get to work, a busted water heater, job loss, or any other unexpected event. Sooner or later, something will pop up.
A “no-spend month” could help solve that problem so that you’re not part of the 22 percent of U.S. adults who don’t have any money in an emergency fund or the 63 percent who don’t have at least $500 set aside for emergencies, according to the survey.
NOT SPENDING FOR A MONTH
The first goal for an emergency fund should be to accumulate enough to cover six months of living expenses. After that, work to increase it to a cushion of 18 to 24 months.
To give it a good kick-start, eliminate all nonessential spending for a month. Do this by sorting your expenses into “wants” vs. “needs.”
You know what these are. If you have children, you constantly have to explain these to them whenever you take them to a store and they demand cookies or something else they want when all you
want to do is get some milk and eggs and leave.
“Wants” can include eating out, going to a movie, vacation, a date night, drinking alcohol, shopping, and anything you can live without, such as cable TV.
“Needs” are pretty obvious. You’ll want to pay your rent or mortgage, buy necessary groceries, get the medical care you need, and pay your monthly bills. Don’t live without hot water or electricity to save some cash.
PAY IN CASH ONLY
The mortgage and water bills can be paid with a check or transfer from your checking account. All “needs” should be paid with money you already have in hand and not with a credit card.
“Wants,” however, are often paid with a credit card and not thought about until a month later, when the bill arrives. For most of these, use cash to take a “nospend month” at least semiseriously.
If you’re really committed, avoid these “wants” entirely, don’t spend any money on them for a month and see how it goes.
Go to the coffee shop a few times a week? Pay with cash—not your phone app—or make coffee at home.
The same goes for any other daily living expenses. Leave your credit cards at home for a month and bring snacks and lunch to work. Watch broadcast TV and cancel your cable TV for a month. Ride a bike for a picnic in the park with your loved one instead of going out for dinner and a movie on date night.
Do whatever it takes to not spend money for a month beyond the basic
necessities.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE SAVINGS
At the end of the month—or beginning if, you’re sure your budgeted numbers are correct—move the unspent money to a savings account or another account where you can get the money relatively quickly if needed. The point is to set aside for emergencies, which by definition can require quick access.
Hopefully, the savings from your “no-spend month” will be enough to cover your monthly expenses in an emergency fund. If possible, continue the no-spend month for another month, or at least cut out nonessentials you’ve found you can live without. Cable TV may not seem so important after a month away from it.
After that difficult first month, decide how much you can now afford to put aside each month in an emergency fund and have it automatically transferred to that account. You may not feel you need to set aside all of that first month’s savings each month and can add some “wants” back to your monthly expenses. Security and peace of mind in knowing you can handle paying for life’s emergencies may be worth sacrificing luxuries such as expensive dinners or vacations. If all it takes to beef up your emergency fund is downsizing to mid-priced dinners out and shorter vacations closer to home, then a good night’s sleep and not worrying about paying for emergencies is probably worth it.
Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist who specializes in personal finance writing. He writes for various websites and has worked as a reporter and editor at a few newspapers.
Frederick M. Misilo, Jr., Esq fmisilo@fletchertilton com
Anne E. Grenier, Esq. agrenier@fletchertilton.co Dani N. Ruran , Esq. druran@fletchertilton
ids with well-developed leadership skills are more confident responsible, and push themselves to their full potential. Leadership helps them develop better and more creative coping skills in problem-solving and project management. The art of compromise, empathy, and good decision making skills, things most parents strive to teach their children, are also important benefits of having well-developed leadership skills. For some children, leadership comes naturally; for others, it must be developed and encouraged. Either way, parents can help develop their child’s leadership qualities so that when they are ready to attend college and enter the workforce, leading others and knowing when to follow someone else’s lead is already second nature.
SET AN EXAMPLE
Parents can help their kids develop good leadership by showing them what a good leader looks like daily. When you lead others, including your children, try to be optimistic, a good listener, treat people fairly and do the right thing. Your kids will learn these skills simply by modeling your good example.
SET THEM UP FOR SUCCESS
Kids who are successful at what they try are more confident and more willing to get out of their comfort zone and help others in the future. You can do this by encouraging them to try activities where they have natural strengths and talent or assist them in projects just enough to help them succeed while still allowing them the majority of the decision and work the project entails.
BUILD COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Listening and good communication are keys to making a leader successful and well-liked by peers. Encourage your child to put their communication skills into practice by developing listening skills, public speaking, and expressing their frustrations in a healthy way. Parents can do this by asking their children to order their food at a restaurant, encouraging them to approach coaches or teachers when there is a problem, and teaching them to ask questions after listening to a friend talk.
BE A TEAM PLAYER
School projects, team sports, clubs, or being a part of a band, orchestra, or choir helps kids understand how to work towards a goal as a group. These experiences help your child
Continued on page 16 >>>
By Sarah Lyons
<<< Continued from page 15
understand how to be a good leader, when to listen to others, and why both are equally important.
Encourage lifelong skills
Integrity, empathy, work ethic, respect, negotiation, and compromise are excellent skills for any leader, as well as, any student, employee, or friend. You can encourage these skills by setting a good example and talking through situations where they were or were not utilized well. Ask your child how they would have handled this differently and why. Praise them when they have used these skills well and encourage them when needed.
Show them the value of diversity
There is great value in diversity. Everyone has different backgrounds, experiences, and gifts. Encourage your kids to learn about other cultures and experiences and that differences make us a stronger team. They can learn to stand up to those who are singled out or viewed as different. This is what makes a great leader.
Ask for help
Kids who know when to solve problems and when to ask for guidance are better teammates and stronger leaders. It’s also essential to help others in the group who may be struggling. Lead by example and be encouraging and helpful when needed.
Develop good work habits
Kids who have responsibilities at a young age are better prepared to lead others. Encourage your child to get a part-time job at a young age or pick up jobs like yard work, babysitting, or volunteer work so they can build their leadership skills, develop their work ethic, and get experience in a variety of areas.
Time management
When your child has a large project to complete, encourage them to map out their plan for completing it on time. Create steps and set goals to accomplish to meet the deadline. Good project management skills will serve them well as a future leader and employee.
As your child develops strong leadership skills, it’s important to understand that they will not always be the person in charge. Having good leadership skills doesn’t mean you are always the one who is leading. Being respectful and willing to listen to others and compromise while not officially being the person who is “in charge” of the group is still a way to lead others. Whether your child is a natural leader or a great teammate, these leadership skills will serve them well in the future.
Sarah Lyons is a mom of six, including triplets. She enjoys writing, reading, and spending time outside with her kids.
Extracurricular Activities that Build Leadership Skills
TEAM SPORTS
Being part of a team helps build leadership and helps kids learn to work as a group and understand the art of leading and following others.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Being part of student council or government helps kids learn to lead and build speaking and negotiating skills.
START YOUR OWN CLUB
If your child is interested in something specific, chances are others their age are as well. Starting their own club is a great way to learn how to lead others and share common interests.
VOLUNTEER WORK
Giving your time helps kids put others first, work on a project for the greater good, develop a good work ethic, and build leadership skills.
ACADEMIC TEAMS OR CLUBS
Being part of an academic team or clubs such as robotics, mathletes, speech and debate, National Honors Society, and science club are great ways to build skills in areas that interest them but also give them leadership skills they can use in college and the workforce.
MUSIC AND ARTS
Not everyone is drawn to team sports, but being part of a choir, orchestra, band, theater, or working on a creative project as a group can have the same benefits as team sports do when it comes to leadership skills.
SCOUTS
Groups like Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts give kids the opportunity to work as a team and individually while helping others and being exposed to diversity, volunteer work, team building, and life skills.
ADVANCED K-12 MATH PROGRAM
School Admission Events
READING
BOSTON
British Trinity School
Coffee Mornings
January 8, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 15, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 22, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 29, 2025 @ 9:00 am 17 Hale St www.bostontrinity.org
German International School
Virtual Info Night Grades 5-8
January 9, 2025 @ 8:30 am 57 Holton St gisbos.org
Kingsley Montessori School
Open House
January 9, 2025 @ 8:30 am 30 Fairfield St & 26 Exeter St www.kingsley.org
Learning Project Elementary
Open House
January 9, 2025 @ 8:30 am 107 Marlborough St www.learningproject.org
Torit Montessori School
Open House
January 14, 2025 @ 8:30 am
January 23, 2025 @ 4:30 pm 300 Cambridge St www.toritschool.org
CONCORD
Fenn School
Academics @ Fenn (Virtual)
January 23, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
Finding the Magic in Middle School
February 3, 2025 @ 7:00 pm 516 Monument Street www.fenn.org
Tremont School
Open House
January 12, 2025 @ 2:00 pm 575 Concord Road https://tremontschool.org/
DEDHAM
Dedham Country Day School
Open House
January 23, 2025 @ 8:30 am 90 Sandy Valley Rd www.dedhamcountryday.org
The Rashi School
Info Session
January 15, 2025 @ 6:30 pm 8000 Great Meadow Rd www.rashi.org
EAST SANDWICH
Riverview School
In-Person Information Sessions
January 10, 2025 @ 10:00 am
January 24, 2025 @ 10:00 am
February 7, 2025 @ 10:00 am
February 21, 2025 @ 10:00 am Virtual Information Sessions
January 15, 2025
February 21, 2025
February 26, 2025 551 Route 6A www.riverviewschool.org
FALMOUTH
Falmouth Academy Info Session
February 5, 2025 @ 9:30 am 7 Highfield Dr www.falmouthacademy.org
FOXBOROUGH
The Foxborough Regional Charter School Elementary School
Open House
January 29, 2025 @ 6:00 pm 35 Commercial St ww.enrollfoxboroughrcs.org
The Foxborough Regional Charter School Middle/High School
Open House
January 29, 2025 @ 6:00 pm 131 Central St ww.enrollfoxboroughrcs.org
FRAMINGHAM
St. Bridget School
Open House
January 26, 2025 @ 10:30 am 832 Worcester Road www.sbframingham.org
GREENFIELD
Stoneleigh Burnham School Open House
January 20, 2025 @ 10:30 am Virtual Open House
February 17, 2025 @ 7:00 pm 574 Bernardston Road https://sbschool.org
LEXINGTON
Cotting School
Information Sessions
January 17, 2025 @ 9:00 am
February 7, 2025 @ 9:00 am
March 14, 2025 @ 9:00 am 453 Concord Avenue ww.cotting.org
Waldorf School of Lexington
Winter Open House
January 25, 2025 @ 10:00 am 739 Massachusetts Avenue thewaldorfchool.org
LINCOLN
Birches School
Open House
January 11, 2025 @ 1:00 pm 100 Bedford Road www.birchesschool.org
MARLBOROUGH
New England Innovation Academy Discover NEIA
January 25, 2025 @ 9:00 am Virtual Raising Future Entrepreneurs
January 9, 2025 @ 6:30 am
Virtual Academic Preview Night
January 23, 2025 @ 7:30 am 280 Locke Drive https://neiacademy.org
MILLIS
Woodside Montessori Academy Open House
January 26, 2025 @ 12:00 pm
Prospective Parent Teatime
January 22, 2025 @ 9:30 am
March 19, 2025
350 Village St https://woodsideacademy.com
NATICK
Riverbend School
Walk & Talk Wednesdays
January 15, 2025 @ 9:00 am
January 22, 2025 @ 9:00 am January 29, 2025 @ 9:00 am 33 Eliot St riverbendschool.org
NEWTON
Jackson Walnut Park School
Winter Fun
January 11, 2025 @ 11:00 am 200 Jackson Road www.jwpschools.org
Wellan Montessori School
Open House Age 15 months - Grade 3
April 15, 2025 @ 9:00 am 80 Crescent Ave www.wellan.org
PROVIDENCE
The Wolf School
Winter Open House
February 13, 2025 @ 8:00 am 215 Ferris Avenue https://thewolfschool.org
Austin Prep
Middle School Open House
March 6, 2025 @ 9:00 am 101 Willow St www.austinprep.org
SOUTHBOROUGH
Fay School
Boarding Students
January 7, 2025 @ 2:00 pm 48 Main St www.fayschool.org
WELLESLEY
Dana Hall School
Virtual Middle School Preview
January 8, 2025 @ 6:00 pm
Virtual Upper School Preview
January 9, 2025 @ 6:00 pm 45 Dana Rd www.danahall.org
Tenacre Country Day School
Fireside Chat with Head of School
January 14, 2025 @ 7:00 pm
January 23, 2025 @ 7:00 pm 78 Benvenue St www.tenacrecds.org
WORCESTER
Bancroft School
PreK - 5 Learn & Play
January 16, 2025 @ 4:00 pm 110 Shore Dr www.bancroftschool.org
FOR MORE EVENTS, CHECK OUT HTTPS:// BOSTONPARENTSPAPER. COM/SCHOOL-OPEN-HOUSECALENDAR/
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STARTING EARLY Supporting Language and Literacy Skills for Babies and Toddlers
By Liz Brooke
Alot of attention is being paid to the massive learning loss that K-12 students suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, and for good reason: according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, 9-year-olds’ reading scores fell by the largest margin in more than 30 years during the pandemic. And that’s just one of many statistics that point to the fact that significant learning loss took place during that extreme period of uncertainty.
And while we understand the critical nature of K-12 student learning— particularly in reading—there’s been less focus on the impact of the pandemic on infants and toddlers in this area. Even though these babies and children may not be reading yet, the critical connection between oral language and reading has
been studied for the last several decades and is well documented. In fact, a 2013 study analyzed public records from more than 5,000 children in Minnesota to help quantify the relationship between pre-K language skills and reading comprehension at the third-grade level.
What this analysis revealed was that children who struggle with oral language are six times more likely to struggle with reading (compared to their peers). This is a telling statistic that proves just how valuable language is to their later reading, even if they are not talking in sentences or sitting down to read their favorite book.
4 WAYS TO GET BACK ON TRACK
For children, a significant part of oral language development comes from
environments that are rich in spoken language and social exchanges. At family gatherings, for instance, infants and toddlers are exposed to abundant language. They witness turn-taking rituals and learn from facial expressions as well as how to form sounds by watching adults speaking. And daycares are another opportunity for infants and toddlers to be surrounded by language and observe other social interactions.
The problem is that for the last two-plus years, the pandemic has impeded these kinds of social get-togethers and many daycares were closed. Starting in March 2020, infants and toddlers have often been in the presence of only their immediate family. Plus, any additional exposure has been largely to adults wearing masks, which hide facial expressions and any visual cues that are necessary to a young child’s taking in how sounds are formed
in the mouth. Masks also affect speech volume.
These factors possibly have had a negative impact on infants’ and toddlers’ oral language development and therefore their future reading ability. The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to make up for this dearth and get toddlers and infants back on the path to learning. Here are four steps parents and teachers can take to account for this learning loss:
1Talk
to your babies…a lot.
Most parents understand the value of reading to young children and have continued to do that throughout the pandemic. However, many parents might not be fully aware of the importance of engaging with infants when they are babbling in repetitive consonant-vowel combinations like “ma-ma-ma” and “baba-ba” before they actually begin talking with recognizable words.
Early vocalization skills in relation to later reading ability is very important, and some parents might assume that until the infant or child is talking, there is no need to speak with them.
2 Provide daily commentary. While working as a speech-language pathologist, I used to tell parents who wanted to increase language exposure for their children to describe things they were doing throughout their day—similar to a TV commentator. Parents or other caregivers could and should engage with their child verbally, whether or not the child is talking: “Mommy is going up the stairs now—up, up, up” or “We’re going to go shopping at the mall.” For the latter, you might describe the categories of the aisles or sections of the stores as you navigate through them. If your child is not yet speaking, these
discussions will increase their language exposure, and if your child is already talking, you could start conversations with them by asking them questions. Very young children may respond in one- or two-word utterances. In this case, you can repeat and/or extend their answers into three or four words or a complete sentence.
3 Expand your language as they grow. As your child develops, you can continue to expand the conversation by using three- to four-word sentences that increase in complexity as the child grows older. You already might have been having these early conversations with your baby and toddler because they can happen naturally. Continually talking to babies helps them make sense of their world and provides social context for them long before they are actually ready to speak in words.
4 Turn to science-based instruction for help. We know the components required for learning how to read, where challenges may occur for some students, and how to prevent them. The science of reading is grounded in a collection of research from cognitive scientists and other reading experts developed over the last 50 years. Through science-based instruction, teachers can focus on phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, and both oral language and text comprehension.
We are now seeing state and school district leaders throughout the U.S. seeking solutions to improve reading proficiency, with several trying to model what Mississippi accomplished through the adoption of new learning standards during 2013 to 2019. They’re using or onboarding science of reading-based programs that
provide professional development for teachers and that help early childhood and elementary educators adopt new instructional practices.
CLOSING THE GAPS
Now more than ever, our teachers and schools require support and evidencebased instruction to prepare our students to read and to be set up for success now and in the future. For K-5 teachers, their students and those children born during the pandemic who will begin school in a few years, Lexia LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) incorporates strategies and tools based in the science of reading. With a focus on the relationship between oral and written language, these tools can help accelerate learning, create proficient readers, and close the learning gaps left agape by the pandemic.
Liz Brooke, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is the chief learning officer at Lexia Learning. Dr. Liz Brooke serves as Chief Education Officer for Lexia Learning. Liz joined Lexia from the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) in 2010, where she served as the Director of Interventions from 2005–2010. Prior to joining FCRR, Liz worked for several years at Massachusetts General Hospital on the Learning Disabilities Team in the Speech and Language Department where she treated and evaluated school-age children with a variety of learning disabilities. Liz earned her doctorate degree in Communication Disorders at Florida State University, a bachelor’s degree in Child Study from Tufts University and a master’s degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders as well as a reading certification program at Massachusetts General Hospital-Institute of Health Professions.
How To Teach a Child to Ice Skate
Ice skating is a fun activity... ...that gets kids physically active and teaches them a lifelong skill.
Get started teaching your kids with these 5 tips. Teaching a young kid to ice skate is fun for both parent and child. Although most children do not express an interest in ice skating until they are at least three years old, any child who can walk can technically learn to skate. If your child wants to begin learning, be sure to work carefully with them, teaching them both the technique and safety involved in ice skating.
Dress your child warmly, but correctly.
A jacket, gloves and a helmet. Skip the snow pants; the slick material makes it harder to get up from falls. Stick to one pair of medium socks. Anything thicker and the boot won’t fully tighten. Either figure or hockey skates are fine, but stay away from double runners. They have no edges and slip and slide too much. When you buy skates, always have your child with you to try them on. You want her ankles to be straight up – they’ll be that way on the ice. Lastly, make sure that the blades have been sharpened.
First, teach your child how to fall.
He’s going to do it often. Have him bend his knees, lean to one side and gently go down. To get back up, have him kneel on both knees and, while keeping his back straight, bring one skate up onto the ice and push down on that knee. He’ll pull himself up and bring the other skate onto the ice.
Start with little steps.
Lift one foot. Put it down, then lift the other. She’ll get a feel for the blade on the ice and for shifting her weight. Have her hands out in front and pushing down, as if she’s pushing down on a table, to help maintain balance. With confidence, she can start to glide with both blades on the ice. To build up speed when she’s ready, and with knees bent and feet together, have her bring one skate behind her and push off with the inside edge of the blade. During all of this, stand either to her side or in front of her with your hands under her hands. Just avoid taking only one of her hands in
the name of assistance. It will throw off her balance.
With increased speed comes the need to stop. Before you teach any technique, have him stand and, with feet together, have him push out the inside edge of each blade to get a feel of shaving the ice. Once he has that, have him stop by doing a snow plow, bending his knees, bringing his toes together in an inverted V, and pushing down with his hands to maintain balance. After the plow, with his legs together and knees bent, have him put his weight on one leg and have the opposite skate slide out.
Keep your feedback positive, stressing the progress that’s been made. Keep initial lessons to 25 minutes. Kids’ bodies start to hurt after that point.
Safety Tips That Will Keep You
Gliding All Winter
NEVER SKATE ALONE.
In any emergency, you’ll need someone else’s help.
CHECK THE ICE SURFACE FOR CRACKS, HOLES OR DEBRIS.
At lakes and ponds, walk around the perimeter of the area you want to skate and look carefully at the ice. It should be smooth, thick, blue or clear-colored, with ice that looks at least 6 inches thick. Light grey, dark black or slushy ice is not safe. The ground around the edge of the ice should be frozen, with no flowing water near the edges of the ice. If the surface looks safe, slowly skate the outside area, looking and listening for cracks. Go slow and back away if you encounter thin ice.
CONTACT
LOCAL
POLICE
OR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR CONDITIONS AT A SKATING POND.
Only skate on ice that is monitored for safety. If while skating, the ice starts to crack beneath you, get down on all fours (distributing your body weight evenly), stay low and crawl to safety.
HOW TO PICK THE
Best Camp FOR
YOUR CHILD
IN NEW ENGLAND, WE’RE INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ABUNDANCE of summer camps for our children to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a day or sleepaway camp, one that focuses on the performing arts, science, or whatever else your child is passionate about, it more than likely exists in our region.
Which Type of Camp Would Best Suit the Needs and Interests of Your Child?
The opportunities that summer camp provides are endless: the ability to try new things, the chance to make new friends, and the prospect of gaining independence are just a few. Consider the possibilities:
DAY CAMPS typically serve children ages 3-15. Session lengths usually vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming, before and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps.
OVERNIGHT (also called Resident or Sleepaway) Camps usually serve children ages 6-18. Campers stay at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length.
GENERAL CAMPS offer a broad range of activities. Many allow campers to focus on one or a few areas while encouraging them to try a variety of others. It is sometimes possible to explore an activity or interest in depth within the context of the whole program.
TRIP & TRAVEL CAMPS involve outdoor exploration through active sports like biking, hiking, climbing, and canoeing. Campers spend most of their time traveling and preparing to travel.
The only downside to having so many options is that it can feel like an exhausting search to find the right fit for your kids. We want them to be happy. We want them to feel comfortable. And, most of all, we want them to be safe. But how does a parent know they are making the right choice? Read on to find a wide range of information that will answer your checklist of questions regarding how to best decipher the information in all of those brochures and how to make the most of an informational visit. You’ll have better peace of mind, and chances are, your kids will have an incredible summer.
BE PREPARED
Before you start scheduling camp interviews, research the options that appeal most to your family, then weigh the pros and cons of each (you can even grade them on a points system if you like). After you’ve compiled a list in order of interest, start eliminating some. You don’t want to drive yourself crazy going on interviews for camps that aren’t all that appealing to you. It’s a waste of your time and theirs. Once you’ve ruled out camps that don’t meet your essential search criteria or
SPECIALTY CAMPS are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization include horseback riding, the arts, sports, computers, or travel. Programming revolves around intensive exposure to the specialty area.
CAMPS FOR SPECIAL POPULATIONS serve specific clientele like children or adults with particular medical conditions, disabilities, or special needs. Some camps focus on campers who share specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any time.
RELIGIOUSLY AFFILIATED CAMPS offer religious education formally and informally. Review materials carefully for explanations of how religion influences a camp’s culture to find one with the balance that best matches your family’s values and beliefs.
FAMILY CAMP SESSIONS include family members of all ages, from grandparents to infants. Accommodations vary, as do program options and session length. The focus is on being together as a family—to learn, to relax, and to enjoy new experiences and adventures.
expectations, begin exploring the details of each option you like. Sometimes, the filtering process yields too many camps to interview personally; sometimes, it doesn’t yield enough. Adjust key variables, such as location and session length, to narrow or expand the number of options on the results page. Use the results page to go directly to camp websites.
GET ORGANIZED
Camp interviews may feel tedious at times, depending on how many you plan on talking to. Still, they are necessary in determining how your child might fit into the environment. Go into each interview armed with knowledge of your pros and cons so that you have your questions firmly planted in your mind. How does the camp convey who they are and reflect the world they’ve created exclusively for a child’s benefit? Camp seekers can learn much from a close look at camp websites, brochures, photos, videos, FAQs, newsletters, social media, and camper or parent testimonials. Many camp websites are a gateway to most camp information on this list,
from video content to downloadable brochures and forms, all reflecting the camp’s culture.
Camps are much more than lists of activities they offer; they are vibrant educational communities – and no two are exactly alike. There is probably not just one perfect camp for your child. More than one camp may turn out to be a great fit, given your search criteria, so the interviewing stage will most likely factor into your final decision and help you pinpoint the camp. So, how do you decide between two (or a few camps) with comparable activities, locations, schedules, amenities, and prices?
Enough research will provide answers to your questions without you having to utter a single word. Camps try to anticipate what families need to know and provide this information online. You’ll want to use interview time to ask questions that haven’t already been answered – questions that explore the fit for your child.
Are you running low on time? Interviews with some camp head honchos may already be available online. You can also consult with friends who’ve previously met with the camp for information you never even realized you might want. Look for an interview with the example,; you might see photos on the website or Facebook showing the salad bar or a cabin group sitting around the table with food served family-style. This might spark a question about camp food and how your child’s dietary needs can be met. Or, combing through the part of a website developed exclusively for parents of overnight campers might enable you to understand the camp’s plan and suggestions for communicating with your camper. Perhaps reading the director’s blog from last summer or looking at newsletters might give you insight into the camp’s philosophy and culture.
BE YOUR CHILD’S BEST ADVOCATE
You’re the expert on your child! What aspects of his personality might affect the camp fit? (Your child is shy and cautious in new situations, for instance. Or your child needs to have a certain amount of time to practice music, sports or academics.)
Submitted by American Camp Association, New England.
Week
June 29 – July 12, 2025 July 13 – July 26, 2025 July 27 – August 9, 2025 4 Week Sessions June 29 – July 26, 2025 July 13 – August 9, 2025 6 Week Sessions June 29 – August 9, 2025
Boston Ballet School offers a variety of summer programs that provide a platform for students to elevate their knowledge, refine technique, and explore new dance styles.
Our expert faculty work with students ages 3–17* to create a supportive and enriching environment, where they can first be introduced to ballet, or work to master their training.
Register today to secure your place! bostonballet.org/bbs-summer
Photo by Brooke Trisolini
Sending Teens to Summer Camp
By Kerrie McLoughlin
Community service camps offer a great chance for teens to make a difference and help out in the community, while also learning lifelong skills.
Summer camp seems the perfect summertime solution for elementaryage kids so they don’t sit around the house bored and so they can make friends and learn new things while having fun. As our children grow out of their “little kid years,” we sometimes forget they still need those kinds of experiences they had when they were younger, just in a different form. Maybe the thought hasn’t crossed your mind that your teen might need to find a fun summer camp. Your teen should be babysitting, mowing lawns, working at the pool, making TikTok videos, hanging around with friends, right? Well, sure! But why not send teens off for a week or more of summer fun and learning this year for a break? Here are some great benefits for teens attending summer camp:
Learning how to give back. Community service camps offer a chance for teens to make a difference and help out in the community while also learning lifelong skills. Kids spend their days helping others, which feels good
to everyone involved. Maybe your teen will learn how to pack food for the homeless, teach kids how to read, or work on a project that will benefit the community, like cleaning up a playground or fixing equipment. Teens could even learn how to paint a house, care for the yard of an older adult who is unable to do so anymore … or even learn how to plan and build a house for someone in need.
Deepening faith. If your teen enjoys church youth groups and activities, a church or other organized religious camp might be just the ticket. The day might begin with a church service, followed by breakfast, then a hike and some time spent in the cabin with friends memorizing Bible verses for a competition at the end of the week. Later, there could be singing songs around a bonfire while roasting s’mores.
Working as a team. Your child will meet kids of different ages and from diverse backgrounds. Learning how to get along and work as a team is a huge life skill that will be
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reinforced at camp. Some camps even have kids do team-building and trust activities to help them get to know each other.
Standing on their own. Let’s face it. As our kids get older, they start to grow away from us. They are simply preparing to head out on their own and preparing you for that transition by perhaps being a little distant. They are stuck between childhood and adulthood, and it’s a confusing time. Going away to camp for even a short period helps teach independence. A daily structure at camp is already in place, which teens need to follow. Because parents aren’t doing the nagging, teens don’t tune out but rather respect and learn from other adults. Appreciating everything. Away from screens, a person finds it easier to focus on nature, learning, forming relationships, and more. Being away from parents, kids will come home with a new appreciation for what it takes to be in a family and help run the household. Your teen will probably also appreciate funny things like a full pantry that’s open
Working
as a team, your child will be meeting kids of different ages and who are from different backgrounds.
all day, a comfy bed, and privacy!
Teen summer camp has so many benefits that cover all the bases, including physical, social, mental, and spiritual. As for the rest of the summer? Well, your teen can spend plenty of time doing those odd jobs to help pay for camp
next year!
Kerrie McLoughlin is the seasoned homeschooling mom of five. Find them at TheKerrieShow.com.
Day Camp or Overnight Camp
Deciding between day camp or residential (overnight) camp is one piece of the decision for families. Camp is an experience and not limited to a singular location. Campers can develop hard and soft skills, whether sleeping away from home or returning to their own beds each night. While there are differences between day and residential camps, above all else, the most important outcome of this decision is finding the right fit for your camper and family.
This begins with knowing your camper. Many overnight camps begin taking campers between ages 7 to 9. However, some children may be ready at 6, while others may not be ready at 10. While there is no clear, linear checklist to determine whether day or overnight camp is right for your child, the questions listed here can help guide that conversation.
These questions help begin a dialogue with your family about which camp best fits you. The choice of day versus residential camp is a crucial aspect of the overall decision. But even then, make sure you follow up with those potential camps. Talk to directors. Ask for tours. Ask for references. Do your due diligence. In the end, both you and the camp want this summer to be the first of many and the beginning of a great relationship.
• What is the primary reason for wanting to go to camp?
• Has your child ever spent multiple nights sleeping away from home?
• What’s your budget for camp?
• Can your child bathe and dress independently?
• How far away from home do you want your child’s camp experience to be?
• What activities are important to your camper’s experience?
