Parents Press June 2021

WWW.PARENTSPRESS.COM

June 2021

Navigating Virtual College Visits Opportunities Are Plentiful pg. 28

Product Roundup

Water Play Toys and More for Summer Fun pg. 14

Get a Jumpstart on the College Application Process

Camps & Summer Programs Your Child’s Best Summer Ever Starts Here! PG. 17

pg. 26

PS CAMPUS

PS HOME

At Prospect Sierra, whether on campus or at home, w and caring people who strive to build a better w

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Parents Press | June 2021

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Bay Area Green Business - NAIS Model School of the Future - Ashoka Chang

PS JOY

me, we help your children become successful students tter world. At the heart of everything we do is joy.

ctsierra.org

ka Changemaker School - US Department of Education Green Ribbon School

Parents’ Press

2020

BEST OF

WINNER 3 June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

23/07/2020 12.25

Contents JUNE 2021

www.parentspress.com Volume 40 • Number 8

17 Camps & Summer Programs

Your Child’s Best Summer Ever Starts Here 8 Good to Know •

•

•

8

2021 Bay Area Summer Camp Guide Camp and Summer Virtual Expo Safety on Hoverboards

14 Product Roundup 14 26

26 The College Application Process

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www.ParentsPress.com

Parents Press | June 2021

8 Ways to Get Started

28 Tips to Navigating Virtual College Visits 30 How to Teach Kids to Take Care of Small Pets

Mailing Address: 875-A Island Dr, Ste 421 Alameda, CA 94502

4

Products and Toys for Summer Fun

Publisher | Parenting Media, Inc. Art Director | Debbi Murzyn Account Managers Carol Flores, Sophie Archer Advertising Sales & General Info sales@parentspress.com Copies of Parents’ Press are distributed to locations throughout the Bay Area.

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Parents’ Press is published monthly. ©2021 Parents’ Press

2021 Virtual Camp & Summer Expo Coming In June

e h t e v Sa e Dat

Receive camp information and learn about more than 75 day and overnight camps as well as summer programs for all ages and interests.

Thank You to our Sponsors:

June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Summer I

An Innovative Summer Program for Mot

IN-PERSON & ONLINE O

JUNE 14 THRO

DETAILS & REGIS

shcp.edu /

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Parents Press | June 2021

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Motivated Students & Athletes Ages 9-14

E OFFERINGS AVAILABLE

OUGH JULY 23

EGISTRATION AT

u / summer

, CA 94109

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415.775.6626

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Good to Know 2021 BAY AREA

Summer Camp Guide T

he 2021 digital edition of the Bay Area Camp Guide features helpful articles on picking the right camp, specialty programs, preparing for camp and more. Read it on ParentsPress. com­—just click on the Magazine tab then on the image of the Bay Area Camp Guide.

Camp & Summer Virtual Expo Join

Us!

June Register Online CAMP & SUMMER PROGRAM VIRTUAL EXPO 2021

VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP FAIR

P

arents’ Press has redesigned the Summer Camp Fair into a Camp Expo Flip Book complete with information and video for over 75 camp and summer programs. Information in the flip book is sorted to fit your needs. Register today to receive the next Camp Expo Flip Book on June 9. https://parentspress.com/summer-camp-fair.html

Celebrate Flag Day THIS FLAG DAY (JUNE 14), bust out some facts about the American flag to impress your kids. For example, only Pennsylvania observes Flag Day as an official holiday. Each color of the flag has a special meaning. White signifies purity and innocence, red stands for hardiness and valor, and blue is for vigilance, perseverance and justice.

1938

We bet you didn’t know that National Doughnut Day, taking place on June 4 and has origins dating back to 1938! That’s the year The Salvation Army created the sweet holiday to honor the folks who served the deep-fried treats to soldiers during World War I (they were affectionately referred to as Doughnut Dollies). For the record, National Doughnut Day always takes place on the first Friday in June. Delicious!

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Parents Press | June 2021

June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Good to Know Safety on Hoverboards

H

Father’s Day, June 20 s we prepare to

A

celebrate Father’s Day, keep in mind that it was the governor of Washington State that first declared the celebration on July 19, 1910.

All of the hard-working papas in the country had to wait until 1972 for Father’s Day to actually become a nationally celebrated holiday in the United States (that’s 58 years after Mother’s Day was made official by President Woodrow Wilson).

It was Richard Nixon who signed the proclamation into action.

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Parents Press | June 2021

Marie Donovan Injury Prevention Intern

overboards became the new craze in 2015. They have proven to be a fun way to get around that involves balancing yourself on the boards that can be one or two wheeled. Because the hoverboard requires constant balance, there are injuries that follow. Within the first two years of the hoverboards being on the market, nearly 27,000 kids were admitted to the ER with hoverboard related injuries. The most common injuries were in the wrist, forearms, and head. About 40% of the cases were fractures, 17% were bruises, and 13% were strains/sprains. There are precautions parents can take to help prevent injuries and ensure a safe ride.

There are many safeguards parents can put in place to help protect their child. First, parents can inspect the board and make sure there is no damage to the board and that wheels are functioning properly. Parents should also read the warning label and guidelines including age and weight restrictions. Parents can make a list of instructions on when and where they are allowed to use the board. Rules can vary depending on where you live. If you live on a side or quiet street, vehicular traffic may not be an issue.

For others, traffic may play a large role in where and when the child is allowed to ride the board. It’s important to sit down with your child and explain the dangers of riding outside or in the street where cars are coming through. It is also extremely important to enforce protective gear while riding. Every person that steps on the hoverboard should have an appropriate helmet on. There should be a strict rule that you cannot ride unless you have a helmet on. Other protective gear is important such as wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads. Since the board is all about balance, children can be very unsteady for a while and thus prone to more falls. Finally, it is imperative to not let your child multitask while on the board. They should not be using their phones or other electronics while operating the board. This distracted driving could lead to an accident.

Hoverboards can be enjoyable for kids, but there are many risks associated with them. To prevent injuries, it is important to discuss the rules and instructions on when, where and how the hoverboard is allowed to be used.

Spanish Summer Camps for Pre-K and Elementary students

Discover our Spanish Classes for all levels too!

Online / In-person (Lafayette and San Rafael)

Berkeley City Ballet berkeleycityballet.org

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In-studio & Online

Summer Ballet Camps & Classes Pre Ballet - Pre Professional Ages 4 & Up New! July 12-23

Oakland Ballet Summer Intensive at ABA More info: AlamedaBallet.com | admin@alamedaballet.com

Ages 2 and up Boys ballet Dance camps Birthday parties State-of-the-art studios Sprung floors Easy parking Easy online registration and payment

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June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Parents Press | June 2021

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Onli n In-pe e & rson Clas ses

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13

Product Roundup

By Elena Epstein, Director of the National Parenting Product Awards

SNAPSIES MIX AND MATCH SURPRISE SPLASH Perfectly sized for infants and toddlers to splish and splash their way into summer. Just pour water, using the foldable bucket and get ready to splash! $29.99, ages 6m+, https://bbluvgroup.com/product/splashbaby-paddling-pool/

These adorable collectibles are perfect for road trips.

Unicorns, llamas, goats, and dragons — each with their own distinct personalities, looks, and accessories that you can customize for endless combinations. $9.99, ages 6+, https://www.funko.com/shop/details/funko-toysvinyl-figures-snapsies-surprise-series-one

SUNKITO Designed to protect your child from the sun, sand, wind and mosquitoes on family outings. $49.99, ages: 0-36 months, https://bbluvgroup.com/product/sunkito-antiuv-pop-up-play-tent-with-mosquito-net/

3D GLOW SPIN ART STATION Capture your little artist’s imagination with this unique swirl art machine that includes fun 3D-glasses to make your painting come to life! $24.99, ages 6+, https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-4898625/ discovery-kids-3d-glow-spin-art-station.jsp

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Parents Press | June 2021

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

Product Roundup KIRA DOLL, BOOK & ACCESSORIES Go on a summer adventure to an Australian wildlife sanctuary where you learn the importance of protecting animals and the planet with this American Girl of the Year. $170, ages 8+, https://www. americangirl.com/ shop/p/Kiradoll-and-bookand-kirasaccessories05bun51

WRAP Even the warmest pool water can feel cold to a young baby’s skin. This neoprene super soft wetsuit is designed to keep babies and toddlers warm in water and comfortable out of water..$25.99, ages birth-6 months or 6-18 months, https://bbluvgroup. com/product/neoprene-wetsuit/

SKIMBE® A fun new toy for your favorite pool or water playground. It skips, skims, slides and jumps across any water or slick surface up to 100 feet. $19.99, ages 3+, http:// www.waterlinetoys.com

ZURU GLOVEA-BUBBLES Make 1000s of bubbles with these adorable animal, Rainbocorns or Paw Patrol themed gloves that come with re-sealable bubble solution bags. $1.99, ages 4+, https:// zuru.com/brands/bubble-wow

SOLAR A cool pair of shades for your little one offering optimal protection against UV rays. Safe, stylish, durable and reversible. $19.99, ages 12 months+, https://bbluvgroup. com/product/solar-baby-and-toddler-sunglasses/

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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Parents Press | June 2021

Summer Camp Programs Your Child’s Best summer ever starts here

June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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ALAMEDA BALLET ACADEMY’S SUMMER INTENSIVE AND THEME CAMPS! (ALAMEDA)

AUTHORS OF THE FUTURE! SUMMER WRITING CAMPS (PALO ALTO AND PLEASANTON)

CAMP DOODLES (BERKELEY, ORINDA, MILL VALLEY AND SAN FRANCISCO)

510-841-8913 Age or Grade Range: Minimum Age: 4 ABA’s Summer Intermediate Intensive Camp for Dancers 10+ Years and Ballet Theme Camps for Dancers 4-12 Years. https://www.alamedaballet.com/

925-485-5750 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-13 Every summer, Emerson Montessori Schools of Pleasanton and Palo Alto open their doors and offer their innovative programs in a camplike setting to outside students who want to share in the summer learning adventures. https://emersonmontessori.com/ programs/summer-writing-campwritenow/

415-388-4386 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-15 Camp Doodles offers a projectbased, hands-on camp environment.

Our philosophy emphasizes fun in maker and art labs designed to encourage creativity, coupled with ample outdoor time! http://www.campdoodles.com/

ATHENA CAMPS | GIRL-POWERED CAMPS (SAN JOSE) 408-490-4972 Age or Grade Range: Grades K-8 Athena Camps’ mission is to inspire courage and build confidence in girls through a unique combination of athletic, creative, emotional, and social activities in a nurturing community.

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Parents Press | June 2021

BERKELEY CITY BALLET SUMMER DANCE CAMPS (BERKELEY) 510-531-8566 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-8 Weekly Dance Camps from 9am-3pm culminating in performance! https://berkeleycityballet.org/classesand-more/classes/dance-camps

CAMP EDMO (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) (618) 623-9157 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-13 For kids entering Pre-K to 8th grade. 30 plus Bay Area & Greater Sacramento locations. Join us for a summer filled with Science, Technology, Maker and Art with a Social Emotional Learning Twist. https://edmo.org//

Performance & Recording Summer Camps Offering Remote and In-Person Options sanramon.schoolofrock.com

June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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CAMP GALILEO (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

CHOIR CAMP CONSTELLATION NEW VOICES (OAKLAND)

800-854-3684 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-10 REDISCOVER SUMMER. GET OUTSIDE WITH GALILEO. At Camp Galileo, pre-K – 8th graders tackle hands-on art and science challenges that ignite their inner innovator and boost their creative confidence—all in COVID-safe cohorts that spend 75% of the day outdoors. https://galileo-camps.com/our-camps/ summer-camp-galileo/

510-547-4441 x3 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-8 A summer camp that focuses on music! How cool is that! Come join our introductory exploration into choir camp. A half day in-person camp that includes singing, musical games, docent-led nature hikes, and stargazing. https://www.piedmontchoirs.org/camp

CAMP GRIGIO - SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM (SAN FRANCISCO) 415-518-2400 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-8 To ensure safety for staff members, campers, and their families, we will be following guidelines from both SF County and CA State Department of Health. Camp Grigio is currently offering three 3-week sessions. http://www.salesianclub.org/

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Parents Press | June 2021

CITY OF EL CERRITO SPORTS CAMP (EL CERRITO) 510-559-8208 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-12 Non-competitive co-ed since 1993.

Sports & Games Camp, Soccer Camp & Baseball Camp @ Cerrito Vista Pk. Swimming, play structure, Foosball. dodgeball. Frisbee, basketball, water balloons. 3 canopies w/ tables & chairs, chess & much more.. http://www.elcerritosportscamp.com/

CODEREV KIDS TECH CAMPS (CUPERTINO, MOUNTAIN VIEW & SAN FRANCISCO) 415-658-5915 Age or Grade Range: Ages 6-16 Check out the hottest tech camp for kids, now with 2 amazing locations in San Francisco (Sunnyside & Outer Sunset), one in the heart of Mountain View, and one in Cupertino. http://coderevkids.com/camps

EDEN VILLAGE WEST (HEALDSBURG, CA) (510) 560-5610 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-16 Eden Village West is the Jewish organic farm camp situated along the Russian River in Sonoma, CA. https://www.edenvillagewest.org/

FAD PAD (OAKLAND) (510) 219-3474 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-12 The FAD PAD is a magical outdoor camp offering a wide variety of

Youth Camp is Back!

June 21–25, 2021 June 28–July 2, 2021

Your child will love all the fun-filled traditions of overnight CAMP! Campers will enjoy Canoeing, Crawdad Fishing, Hiking, Archery, Volleyball, Swimming, Beach Fun at Lake Tahoe, Skits, Arts & Crafts,

Tye Dying Shirts, and Campfires with S’mores. Roundtrip bus transportation from Concord to South Lake Tahoe included. Strict policies around Covid-19 will be in place and camp will be at 50% capacity.

Ages: 8–13 (at the time of camp) Returning Camp Registration Opens March 9, 2021 New Camper Registration Opens March 16, 2021

Space is limited to 50 campers each session. To register: FriendsOfCampConcord.org/Youth-Camp or contact us at: YouthCamp@FriendsOfCampConcord.org

FUN! Art, Cooking, Gardening, Fairy Lore, Drama, Cooperative Games, Hand Sewing and Starwitz. http://www.mehstories.com/

FIELDGUIDES SUMMER BACKPACKING (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) (650) 969-6325 Age or Grade Range: Ages 12-17 15-day backpacking trips for youth ages 12-17 in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The trips travel 4-7 miles a day, and are an ideal entry into the area’s pristine high-altitude lakes, unique limestone pinnacles and caves, and rich conifer forests, home to a number of endemic species.

Trips in these unique wilderness areas with our experienced guides encourage participants to challenge themselves, build long lasting friendships, and create connections with the outdoors that will help them gain a stronger sense of self and a better understanding of the world they live in. For 16-17 year olds we are also offering a wilderness leadership training (CIT) program designed to increase leadership and outdoor living skills. https://www.fieldguides.org/summerprograms.html

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP (NOVATO) 415-897-2510 Age or Grade Range: Ages 2-5 We will hold camp Monday-Friday with various hourly options from June 21st to August 6th. During summer camp, we offer play-based activities centered on a weekly theme; we also offer special events like a bubble show or jump house. http://www.gslsnovato.org/

INTEGEM AUGMENTED REALITY CODING & ART CAMP (MULTIPLE CITIES) (408) 459-0657 Age or Grade Range: Ages 5-18 Fun and Educational Camp! K-12 students learn Augmented Reality coding, digital art, game design, animation, 3D, storytelling, STEM/ STEAM, design thinking and more.

Beginner to Advanced levels with personalized curriculum. https://camp.integem.com/

KIDZTOPROS SUMMER CAMPS (MULTIPLE CITIES) (510) 356-8726 Age or Grade Range: Ages 4-14 Explore, learn and thrive at KidzToPros STEM, Arts & Sports Summer Camps for kids ages 4 to 14! From coding and robotics to digital arts, film studio, basketball, tennis and more, KidzToPros will help ignite your child’s creativity and passions. https://www.kidztopros.com/summercamps

LEARNING PLUS ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMP (SAN JOSE) (408) 377-4114 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-13 Learning Plus Tutoring uses our award-winning programs to help students catch up on academics, get ahead, increase skills, and have fun! We offer in-person and online academic summer camps for students entering grades 2-9 that cover reading, comprehension,

math, writing, vocabulary, and study skills. https://www.learningplustutoring. com/summer-camp.html

LEGARZA SPORTS (MULTIPLE CITIES) (415) 334-3333 Age or Grade Range: Grades PK-8 Basketball, All-Sports, & Volleyball Summer Camp PreK-8th Grade. http://www.legarzasports.org/

THE RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (OAKLAND) 510-531-8566 Age or Grade Range: Grades 1-8 This summer we offer Montessori classroom activities in the morning, followed by summer camp in the afternoon for Lower Elementary (first through third grade) students, and an all day summer experience for Upper Elementary and Junior High students (fourth through ninth grade). https://www.therenaissanceschool.org

RIPE FRUIT WRITING (SAN FRANCISCO AND VIRTUAL) (415) 337-4369 Age or Grade Range: Ages 11-17 Awarded Best of Teen Summer Programs by Parents Press in 2015, these camps are both for teens who love writing and for those who find it challenging. Here, students learn tools to become stronger, more original writers and are encouraged to trust their

ID TECH THE #1 STEM CAMP (CAMPBELL) 408-871-3700 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-19 iD Tech is the world leader in STEM education, with 400,000 alumni and 20+ years of experience. Summer programs for ages 7-19 are held at 150 prestigious campuses including Stanford, NYU, HKU, and UCLA

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Parents Press | June 2021

Add your site or regional info here!

Learn more at steveandkate.com/locations June 2021 | ParentsPress.com 23

own unique voice. They gain both confidence and competence and get excited about language itself! Here, in this supportive environment, the imagination is honored and each student is honored and respected.

The camps are both inspirational and fun! Offered on zoom with in-person options. The teacher has taught creative writing for over 25 years, including with Poets-inthe Schools, and is a nationally awarded fiction writer. http://www.ripefruitwriting.com/ classes/teen-writing-camps/

SUMMER@STRATFORD (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

more! http://walnut-creek.org/summercamp

(408) 244-4073 Preschool - Middle School Summer@Stratford is back with our academic camp favorites and all NEW day camp programs!

This summer, children will have a wide range of options to explore new interests, discover a world of wonder, and enjoy a summer to remember at Stratford! https://www.stratfordschools.com/ summer

WILDCARE’S SUMMER NATURE PROGRAMS (TIBURON, SAUSALITO)

SCHOOL OF ROCK PERFORMANCE UC BERKELEY’S EMBARC AND RECORDING CAMPS SUMMER DESIGN ACADEMY (SAN RAMON AND VIRTUAL) (BERKELEY) (925) 415-3340 Age or Grade Range: Ages 8-16 Do you want to learn how to play in a band or learn to write songs?

School of Rock San Ramon offers a wide variety of music camps and workshops that cover topics such as these. www.sanramon.schoolofrock.com/

SPANISH IMMERSION CAMPS WITH VIVA EL ESPAÑOL (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS) 925-962-9177 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-10 Viva el Español offers engaging, interactive Spanish language camps for pre-school to elementary school-aged kids. Our camps are designed to give children a unique opportunity to learn, practice, and improve their Spanish language skills. http://www.vivaelespanol.org/

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Parents Press | June 2021

Age or Grade Range: Ages 15-18 embARC is an immersive summer design program at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design that brings together high school students from diverse backgrounds in a virtual space to explore architecture, urban design and sustainable city planning. http://bit.ly/embarcwebsite_2021

WALNUT CREEK ARTS & REC SUMMER DAY CAMPS (WALNUT CREEK) (925) 295-1490 Age or Grade Range: Ages 3-14 Join Walnut Creek’s Arts & Recreation for summer camps this year! Arts & Rec offers summer camps in arts, sports, outdoor recreation, preschool camps, specialized recreation, and much

(415) 453-1000 x19 Age or Grade Range: Ages 7-11 WildCare’s Summer Nature Programs provide young people with an unforgettable wildlife and nature experience! This summer we are offering in person Nature Hikes and Virtual Wildlife Classes. https://discoverwildcare.org/summernature-programming/

YOUTH MUSICAL THEATER COMPANY (BERKELEY) (510) 595-5514 Age or Grade Range: Grades 7-12 YMTC is offering 3 in-person workshops this summer appropriate for 7th grade to 12th grade students at its Aquatic Park campus in Berkeley. Class size currently limited to 14 students.

Classes are outdoors following all county covid requirements. http://www.ymtcbayarea.org/

June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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8 Ways to Jumpstart

N

o matter where you are in your college search journey, there are many things you can do right now to get the process moving along so ensure a calmer fall semester.

Halley Shefler, CEO & Founder of ArtsBridge, an educational consulting firm that offers college admissions consulting and specialized coaching programs in the visual and performing arts, shares productive ways rising seniors can jumpstart the college application process over the summer: • Create a Common App account <https://apply. commonapp.org/createaccount>, fill out the basic parts of the Common App form, and familiarize yourself with the parts of the application that will take some work to complete, like listing your activities and entering senior year courses and grades, for example.

schools but make sure that your list includes colleges that you have a good chance of gaining admission to where you’d be excited to be a student.

• Build and finalize your college list. While some students have already finalized their lists, many others are just getting started with the process of deciding which colleges to apply to. If you are still researching, get efficient with your time. Write down what things are most important to you in a college. As you attend information sessions, take virtual tours, and/or talk with current students at different colleges, keep notes organized in a spreadsheet on each according to what is important for you.

• Get an early start on the financial aid application process. Create a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) account <https://studentaid.gov/h/applyfor-aid/fafsa> and get as much completed as you can.

College financial aid officers are happy to help stu• Get a huge head start on your college essay. dents and parents who have questions along the way The Common App’s annual essay prompts <https:// - don’t hesitate to contact them. Research which of www.commonapp.org/blog/2021-2022-commonyour colleges might require (in addition to the FAFSA) app-essay-prompts> are the best place to begin. Be the CSS Profile <https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org>, thoughtful when it comes to choosing a topic, but which is a financial aid application form administered write the first draft as if the deadline were tonight by the College Board that is used by a few hundred at midnight. Starting the essay writing process early private universities across the country. If any colleges will give you the space and time for revision, reviyou are applying to require it, then get started early sion, and more revision. If you get others’ feedback because it’s a hefty workload. on your essay drafts (and you should), make sure that it is feedback and not specific sentence sugges- • Review the application requirements for all your colleges. Whether you’re planning to apply to 3 coltions. In other words, do all the writing yourself and leges or 23, make note in your spreadsheet of all the you will end up with an essay that is truly yours. materials you will need to compile/upload/submit for Aim to have it done before senior year even begins. each application to ensure nothing gets missed. Double • Think now about whom you’ll ask to write letcheck requirements again in August as they are often ters of recommendation for your college apupdated over the summer (and especially this year as plications. Most students will need a guidance colleges have been changing requirements in major counselor recommendation and an academic teacher ways since the beginning of the pandemic). recommendation, but some colleges require a second • Prepare as many supporting application materials academic teacher recommendation and some proover the summer as possible so that you have less to grams (such as performing and visual arts majors) worry about them in the fall. Find a resume template will require an artistic recommendation or even two. you like and finish it before senior year. For instance, Consider asking your teachers before the end of juvisual arts applicants can finalize portfolio selections nior year as you may face early action/early decision early, while music applicants can decide on audition deadlines in the fall. repertoire decisions and make plans for recording pre• Have an honest conversation with yourself and screens early. with your guidance or college counselor about ArtsBridge is a consulting firm that works with high school stuyour academic and other qualifications as a college dents who aspire to study the arts. Their counseling and artistic applicant, both in general and perhaps also in the training programs prepare students for the rigorous college apcontext of particular colleges that are already of in- plication and audition processes. For more information, visit www. terest to you. It’s great to apply to a couple of reach artsbridge.com and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

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Parents Press | June 2021

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Do community you while are pregnant?

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Doneed you care need careyou while you call Berkeley Public Health at Berkeley 510-981-5300. are pregnant?

Please call Public Health at 510-981-5300.

We canhelp helpwith with community forincome low and middle incomeHealthy families.

We can programs for lowprograms and middle families.

(Medi-Cal, (Medi-Cal andand CHDP) Families, CHDP other community programs)

Ear Infections Sinus Infections Sinus Tonsillitis Infections Tonsillitis Snoring Snoring Montessori School Enrolling Now: An Established Enrolling now: www.littleelephant.net Most plans Ages 2.5-6 •insurance Immediate • Yearaccepted round or school year Most insurance plansstart accepted

A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens

A Group for Parents of Struggling Teens Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? •

Is your teen no longer listening to you?

Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked?

Are you concerned about the safety of your son or daughter? •

Is your teen no longer listening to you?

Is your son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking to connect with other parents in the same Have you tried therapy or other avenues of support that haven’t worked? situation?

Is yourparenting son or daughter already in an out-of-home placement and are you looking This six-week group starting in early March offers help and support during stressful times. to connect with other parents in the same situation?

Cindy Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues. She is a DirectorThis of Willows in the Wind, www.willowsinthewind.com six-week parenting group starting in early March offers help and support during BART stressful times.

Centrally located near Cal and

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

ForCindy additional information about the group to schedule a free introductory meeting Part/full/extended day available • Limited financial aid available Rasicot, MFT is in private practice in and Lafayette, California with a specialization in adoption issues.

She is a Director of Willows in theAve Wind, Cindy Rasicot, MFT | McGee cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463 2008 McGee •www.willowsinthewind.com Berkeley • www.littleelephant.net 2008 Ave••510.679.5056 Berkeley • 510.679.5056

For additional information about the group and to schedule a free introductory meeting

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

2014 | East Bay | Parents ’ Press 11 Cindy Rasicot, MFT |March cindy.rasicot@gmail.com | 510.332.0463

We provide a Year Round Program

March 2014 | East Bay | Parents ’ Press 11 2/25/14 11:27 AM

PP EB MAR 2014_1-16.26rm.indd 11

Infant and toddler care for ages 12-24 months Preschool for ages 2-5 years

PP EB MAR 2014_1-16.26rm.indd 11

Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Extended Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Full-day program: 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

510-652-7021 admin@rockridgemontessori.org www.RockridgeMontessori.org Close to Rockridge Bart 5633 Manila ave – Oakland 94618

Helping your child excel in a warm and nurturing environment

2/25/14 11:27 AM

Virtual tours on website

Lic. 01213520,013417669 & 013417787

Dynamic Education The Optimizing Each Child’s Potential NOW ENROLLING Child Call for More Information Day Schools, LLC • Language & Literacy • Math & Science • Problem Solving Parents’ • Art & Creativity Press BEST OF • Social Skills 2020 TOP 5 Low Ratios Highly Trained Teachers

FAMILY OPERATED SINCE 1976

www.t cdschools.com

Preschool • Pre-K • Jr.-K • Toddlers • Kindergarten • School Age ANTIOCH 925-754-0144 Lic# 073406638 073406639

SAN RAMON 925-820-2515 Lic# 073406846 073406845, 0734066634

PLEASANTON 925-462-1866

LAFAYETTE 925-284-7092

MORAGA 925-376-5110

Lic# 013420524 013420525

Lic# 073406632 073406633

Lic# 073406850 073406849 June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

27

Tips to Navigating Virtual College Visits

M

PHOTO BY DYLAN GILLIS, UNSPLASH.COM

ost colleges are closed to in-person prospective student visits during the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a rich and informative virtual campus visit experience. Virtual campus tours have never been better, and opportunities to attend presentations and information sessions are plentiful.

Shaun Ramsay, Vice President of ArtsBridge, shares a handy guide so prospective students can make the most of their virtual college visits: • Virtual campus tours got some serious upgrades this past year. Many are interactive and feature student tour guides who will show you around campus. Just about every college has virtual tours available on its admissions website, and you won’t need to register or sign up.

• Request a meeting with a faculty or staff member to learn more about your specific area of interest.

• Attend a webinar-style information session • Depending on your intended major, it may offered by the college admissions office. These be possible to arrange a private lesson with sessions usually require advance registraa faculty member or to observe a class. tion and are attended by multiple prospective students simultaneously. They are a great way • Talk to a current student for an authentic to get an overview of the institution in terms perspective! There are several ways to get of academics, student life, admissions, and ficonnected: check whether the college admisnancial aid, but they aren’t the best place to get sions office offers meetings with current individual questions answered. students; ask the department or admissions office if there are students in your major you • See if the college offers an information sescan meet with; find out who from your high sion geared towards your major. For instance, school or extracurricular activities goes to that if you’re an aspiring arts student, larger insticollege and get introduced; or ask ArtsBridge if tutions or schools with prominent arts prowe can connect you with a student. grams will often offer them separately from the general/institutional info sessions.

• Explore the college virtually in other ways, like following the college on social • Arrange a Zoom meeting with an admismedia, watching both college-produced and sions officer. Many colleges are now offering student-produced YouTube content, and reone-on-one meetings with a member of the searching the college on Big Future or the admissions staff. Treat these like an interCollege Navigator. view and come prepared with questions about things that you hope to learn about the college. ArtsBridge is a consulting firm that works with high school stuArtsBridge recommends setting up any potendents who aspire to study the arts. Their counseling and artistic tial individual meetings only after attending a training programs prepare students for the rigorous college application and audition processes. For more information, visit general information session.

28

Parents Press | June 2021

www.artsbridge.com and follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

CHATHAM SCHOOL

FUN CHILD-CENTERED PRESCHOOL

Chatham SChool

Montessori Children’s Center

F4500 un Redwood Child-C entered PreSChool Road 4359 39th Avenue Oakland, CA Road 94619 4500 Redwood Lic#013418176 Oakland, CA 94619 Lic#013418177

Oakland, CA 94619 4359 39th Avenue Lic#01341436 Oakland, CA 94619

6 mo. - Kindergarten

2 yrs. - Kindergarten extended care 2 yrs. - Kindergarten

Lic#013418176 Lic# 013418177

(35mo.

1 0 )- Kindergarten 531-1302 fax: (510) 531-1301 (510) 531-1302

Full and half-day programs available Before and after school care Open 7am - 6pm

Lic#01341436

(510) 531-1534

(510) 531-1534

• We do Potty Training • Snacks/Hot Lunch Time/Full Time am-6 pm We Part do Potty Training • 7:30 Snacks / Lunch Part Time / Full Time 7:30am - 6pm www.chathampreschool.com

www.chathampreschool.com

An Authentic Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten Lic #384001313

Serving children ages 2 - 6

80 Juan Bautista Circle | San Francisco | 415.333.4410 montessorichildrenscenter.org

Offering a Year Round Academic Montessori Program Preschool Program (ages 2-5) Kindergarten Program Part-day program: 8:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Full-day program: 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

510-430-1322

Oak Grove Learning

Hwy 580 • Keller Ave exit 8115 Fontaine Street • Oakland 94605

Now Enrolling – Virtual Tour on website!

admin@oakgrovelearning.com www.OakGroveLearning.com License 013423093

If you could give your child one gift to last a lifetime, what would it be?

Parents’ Press

www.nomurapreschool.com

Lic. #070209834

2020

BEST OF WINNER

A ministry of Bay Area Chinese Bible Church

- Friday 7am - 6pm A ministry of Monday Bay Area Chinese Bible Church lunch service provided

1803 North Loop Rd. Alameda, CA 94502

TTPreschoolalameda.org Facility # 013422027

• Ages 2-5 Years and Bridge K • Nurturing Academic Environment • Preparation for Kindergarten

• Two Expansive Campuses • Potty Training Available • Covid-19 Safety Protocols

Telephone # 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 Fax # 510-373-2241 1803 North Loop Rd | Alameda | Facility # 013422027 kim.smith@bacbc.org 510-995-5383 ext. 1336 | kim.smith@bacbc.org

Now Enrolling!

1629 Carlson Blvd., Richmond Annex 94804

Admissions - 510-526-7847 ext.2 June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

29

How to Teach Kids to Care for Small Pets

By Clementine Schouteden

S

mall pets (rabbits, hamsters, These may include: not grabguinea pigs) can be the bing your small animal from the perfect way to teach your cage, waking them unexpectchildren about responsibilities, kindedly or being heavy handed. If ness and compassion. Daily tasks to necessary, write these rules on feed, groom, care for and play with paper and hang it beside the a small pet can teach children the cage as a reminder. importance of routine while help• Encourage your child to be calm ing them develop an appreciation and quiet around your small for the joys that accompany reanimal, rather than shouting. sponsible pet ownership. UK-based Explain that loud unexpected Clementine Schouteden is founder noises can frighten a rabbit or of Kavee, known names in the care guinea pig and cause them to and housing of guinea pigs, rabbits hide, which is the last thing you and other small animals. She offers want at feeding and play time. the following tips to parents: • Teach your child to never feed • Before adding a small animal to your small animal something your household, it is important without checking with you first. to set realistic, age-appropriate A fresh batch of Vitamin C rich expectations for your children. dandelions from the garden are Under-fives can learn by observa lovely treat. But if your child ing you with your guinea pig mistakenly adds daffodil petals or rabbit as well as ‘helping’ at to the mix, the results could be feeding time by offering fresh disastrous as these are poisonvegetables. They could also ous to guinea pigs and rabbits. gently stroke your small animal • Whilst you may decide against when they’re being held by you. involving your child in cleanOlder children may take a more ing out the cage, they can get active role and may be able to involved in less messy jobs, hold your small animal indepensuch as refilling water bottles, dently but must be supervised to putting fresh pellets in bowls avoid accidents. or replenishing hay. And don’t • Lay out ‘kindness rules’ which forget the fun stuff such as your child must follow to choosing names for your new minimize the risk of your small animal along with picking out animal being hurt or distressed. some toys for them to enjoy!

30

Parents Press | June 2021

Promotional

KAVEE’S MISSION is to provide outstanding products that will allow guinea pigs and other small animals like rabbits to lead their best lives. They are best known for their offering of fully modular C&C cages (C&C stands for “cubes and coroplast”). The brand has already become one of the most well-known names in the guinea pig space. Since being founded in 2017, over 50,000 animals are now being housed in Kavee’s spacious, modular cages.

Lastly, be sure to check out Kavee’s Instagram page.

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e

SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT STEM CAMP? Get Kids Back to Camp this Summer!

Exciting in-person and Live Virtual Summer Camps!!

South Bay Peninsula East Bay San Francisco In-person camps with COVID-19 safety regulations in many cities.

Check out your city‛s Parks & Rec. website for Mad Science Camps.

Virtual camps are all live and interactive.

All materials will be delivered at your doorstep. thebayarea.madscience.org 510-438-9702 June 2021 | ParentsPress.com

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