Rhode Island Parent Magazine February 2017 by Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Parent

February 2017

RHODE ISLAND

MAGAZINE

Bad news for the Tooth Fairy Checklist to choose early education Local kids film festival

2017 Camp & Summer Program Guide Plus, 5 steps to choose the perfect camp Sidney Silva Hurley, at 11 months, of Pawtucket

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Rhode Island Parent Magazine ï&#x201A;§ February 2017

Happy Valentine's Day!

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February 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

2017

camp & summer program guide Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it in our Guide! Camps types represented: Art

Educational

Nature/Outdoor

Chess

Faith-based

Rock climbing

Dance

Gymnastics

Sailing

The Guide is spread through the magazine – look for the title at the top of the page. Some advertisers offer services year-round, so be sure to check out the Guide even if you aren’t looking for summer programs/camps.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

Contents February 2017 / vol. 2 / no. 7

Departments 6 A Note from the Publisher Would you subscribe to the magazine?

10 A Better Life Introducing a new monthly column. 12 The Healthy Child Baby teeth storage for stem cells.

16 Education Checklist for choosing early care.

17 Education Pennies for Patients.

Features

18 Calendar What to do in February.

8 Cover Feature:

Check our website,

www.RIParentMag.com to enter for your chance to win great prizes. And while you’re there, take a look at our latest calendar of events, articles, and directory of businesses and organizations for whatever you need.

5 steps to find the perfect summer camp

14 Providence Children’s Film Festival

2017 Camp & Summer Program Guide

Find information about camps and programs throughout the magazine.

Looking for entertainment?

On the web:

For birthday parties and other events, see pages 19 and 21.

Visit our all new website! It’s a one-stop shop for parents in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Find the current magazine and past issues on the website. The digital edition is great for reading on a tablet, phone, or computer. Also online, sign up for our email newsletter and join our Facebook and Twitter pages. Visit www.RIParentMag.com, Facebook.com/RIParentMag, and Twitter.com/@riparentmag

February 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

A Note from the Publisher

s parents, we always have so much going on. We not only have to make and remember our own schedules but our children's too. This makes for very crowded brains, and sometimes, missed opportunities. So, it's always a good idea to get ahead of things if we can. This month we aim to help you do that with the start of our 2017 Camp & Summer Program Guide. Throughout the magazine you will find fun activities for your children to do this summer. Make sure you look at the entire Guide. There may be a camp out there that you’ve never thought about before – something different your child may really enjoy. Plus, some advertisers in the Guide also offer programs during the February break so you can try them out now. Rounding out the Guide, we offer a cover story on page 8 about the steps you can take to choose a camp and give you some resources. Start looking now, because it will be June before you know it! For many, it's also time to think about where your little ones will start their early education in the fall. We have many great early childhood learning possibilities throughout the magazine, including some who also offer summer programs and appear in the Guide. See page 16 for an early education checklist. Our goal has always been to deliver you interesting and educational articles. Now we'd like to deliver them right to your door. However, we need at least 250 people to sign up for a subscription before we can affordably do so. If you are interested and would be willing to pay a small amount per year to cover the costs of handling and mailing, let us know at editor@riparentmag.com. Once we have the numbers we'll start subscriptions. And, of course, please always let us know how we are doing. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Susan Gale

57 Rolfe Square, Box 10094 Cranston, Rhode Island 02910 (401) 337-9240 Founder and Publisher Susan Gale publisher@RIParentMag.com Art Director/Graphic Designer Rob Kenney artdirector@RIParentMag.com Copy Editor Sheila Flanagan editor@RIParentMag.com Business Manager Lisa Koulibaly sales@RIParentMag.com Advertising Sales (401) 337-9240 sales@RIParentMag.com On the cover: photo by Kimberly Dobosz of Kimberly Dobosz Photography. kimberlydoboszphotography.com Publisher photo taken by Keith Jochim. KeithJochimPhotography.com Rhode Island Parent Magazine is published monthly by Gale Force Communications. Unless specifically noted, no advertisers, products, or services are endorsed by the publisher. Editorial submissions welcome.

Like us on Facebook and Twitter: Facebook.com/RIParentMag @RIParentMag

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

2017 camp & summer program guide

February 2017 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Cover Feature

55 steps to choose the

perfect summer camp

Editor’s Note: It’s cold and maybe a little hard to imagine your kids running off to play sports, do crafts, shoot a bow and arrow, and swim – things they do at summer camp. But now is the time to start thinking about it. Many camps fill up fast and if you want to find the best one for your children, you need to start looking today. We’ve developed a series of steps you can use when you are searching for a camp or even if you are considering whether to send your children back to a camp they used last year.

STEP

What kind of camp do you want?

There are many different kinds of camp available. Think about what you and your child want to accomplish during Summer 2017 and what kind of camp will work best for that goal. Also consider hours of operation, whether you need early and after care, transportation possibilities, and cost. Here is a list of the types of camps from the American Camp Association, New England: Day Camps typically serve children ages 3–15. Session lengths vary from one to eight weeks. Some camps offer up to ten weeks of programming. Before camp and after camp programs are offered for an additional fee at some day camps. Overnight Camps (also referred to as Resident or Sleepaway) usually serve children ages 6–17. Campers sleep at camp for one to eight weeks, depending on the camp’s session length. General Camps offer a broad range of activities. Many provide campers with the opportunity 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. 8

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

Specialty Camps are based in day or resident settings. Popular options for specialization may 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 very specific diagnoses, while others are geared to meet a broader array of needs at any one 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 own 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.

STEP

Research camp choices

There are many lists of camps out there, but we haven’t found one that lists every camp in RI and southeastern MA. A great place to start is with our 2017 Camp & Summer Program Guide, found throughout this issue. Our Guide is filled with exciting camps of all kinds. Also, check with friends and family for recommendations. Put it out on Facebook – you’ll get lots of information. Here are a few websites that can help with research: American Camp Association, New England: Camps that meet certain requirements can be accredited by this association. They offer a guide to day and overnight camps in RI as well as Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Visit www.acanewengland.org to find their membership guide.

TheBestCamps.com: This website fills the top of their page with “featured camps” that are not in RI but click on “Jump down to first camp” to get to the local ones. Visit www.thebestcamps.com/best-rhode-island-camps.html to find them. CampResource.com: Search by location at www.campresource.com to see the camp list. KidsCamp.com: This site offers a longer list of camps but many do not have details. However, it can be used to get camp ideas that you can then research further.

STEP

Research specific camps

Once you’ve picked a few camps to consider, check out their websites to see how much information they provide. Also see if there are any online reviews or news stories about the camps. Contact the camps you are interested in – here are 12 questions to ask: What does a typical day/week look like?

What medical staff work at the camp and what backup facilities are nearby? Can the camp provide parent references? Does the camp offer financial aid, scholarships, or other discounts? Can you visit the camp beforehand?

STEP

Visit prospective camps

STEP

Pick a winner and register!

Certainly, not every parent has the time to do this and the weather may be prohibitive. But if you can do it, it’s a good idea. Consider taking your children along so they can be introduced to a new camp and provide feedback about the choices.

How will the camp communicate with you?

You’ve done all the research, talked to everyone you know, and asked every question you can think of, so now it’s time to choose a camp. The winner will be the perfect summer camp for your child. Once you have that winner, call or go online to register right away. With your summer camp plans all set, you’ll lower your stress come spring and have more time to enjoy your children. 

How does the camp handle food allergies and medication?

Future article: How to prepare for summer camp

How does the camp recruit, screen, and train its staff? What is the ratio of counselors to campers and how old are the counselors? What percentage of staff and children return each year?

What is the camp’s cell phone and calling home policy? What is the camp’s approach to discipline and conflicts between campers?

February 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

A Better Life By Stephanie Bernaba

Introducing a

new monthly column

hen asked to take on my own column at Rhode Island Parent Magazine, I was giddy with excitement! As a busy mom running a family with three elementary school students (a 7-year-old son and 6-year-old twins), there was no question I’d have a few things to say. Through my exploration (and a lot of trial and error) I have been working on finding better, less wasteful, more enjoyable ways of life for both myself and my family. Hence, this new column’s name: A Better Life. We always seem to be on autopilot, shuttling back and forth to school, ballet class, stores, and often forget to actually see what’s in front of our eyes. We miss local businesses with great products and services, we miss really wonderful offthe-beaten-path entertainment options, and we often miss ourselves and each other in the process. So, the dream I had was simple: Let’s slow down a bit, take a good look around, spend a few moments with ourselves and each other, and see what we can find. I feel like I’ve been living under a rock since my kids were born, buried by dishes and laundry. The tedium of hitting the same store for the same stuff every week just made me crazy. And giving my time and money to businesses that didn’t deserve it really began to annoy me. I grew cold patronizing drive-thrus, going to widely publicized events that were overcrowded and unenjoyable, and often finding that the “best” things were often anything but. So, we started branching out. We started checking out the holes-in-the-wall no one talks about, trying new ways of doing things, and interacting a whole lot more with our community – and wonderful things began to happen.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

I am just like you – I work, take care of a family, and have several obligations in the community. Life just gets out of hand. There’s a whole world out there we don’t see – a beautiful land of art and creativity, of pampering ourselves and our loved ones, and of making unique and amazing memories with our children, and I’d like to share my finds with you. From shopping to theaters to restaurants to simple ways of interacting with our peers, my family’s been blazing new trails. I’d like this column to be a time out for parents, if you will – a time to regroup, recharge, and contemplate ways of running your family you may have never considered before. I’d also like to present you with a few of my favorite (costeffective) ways to pamper yourself, because, after all, we all deserve it. So, please join me. I hope to present a unique point of view, and the best of Rhode Island as I’ve seen it recently. I’d like to thank Rhode Island Parent Magazine for bringing me on board, and its loyal readers for helping the publication flourish over the past year and a half. I’ve been writing professionally for six years now, in print and around the ‘net, but this is one of my most exciting assignments to date. I’d like us to get cozy, get to know each other. And I welcome your ideas and suggestions. Send comments or suggestions to Stephanie at editor@RIParentMag.com.  Stephanie Bernaba, of Richmond, is a freelance writer and blogger specializing in parenting, raising families in the digital age, and entertainment. She writes at SheKnows.com, Redbook Magazine, BlogHer, and White Orchid Media. www.whiteorchidmedia.com

2017 camp & summer program guide

Your camp or summer program here Reach thousands of local parents with advertising that fits your budget.

401-337-9240 sales@RIParentMag.com February 2017 ď&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

The Healthy Child By Dr. Peter Verlander

A use for baby teeth that

doesn’t include the Tooth Fairy

he next time your child loses a baby tooth or has an upcoming extraction at the dentist, you might want to skip the Tooth Fairy. Instead, you can “bank” it. Dental stem cell banking – a secure way to store the stem cells in your child’s baby teeth, wisdom teeth, or healthy extracted teeth – may be used to help fight serious conditions in the future. Much like banking umbilical cord blood at a child’s birth, dental stem cell banking presents a similar opportunity to protect your child’s future health. Even if you’ve already banked cord blood, you can still bank dental stem cells as they could be used in developing different treatments and cures in the future.

A new frontier in cell research

Ordinary cells in your body replicate to make new cells of the same type. For example, blood cells make more blood cells, skin cells make more skin cells and so on. However, there is another type of cell, called a stem cell, that can make many types of cells. This is one of the features of stem cells that give them the ability to repair or replace damaged tissue. After our birth and into adulthood, we keep a store of stem cells in certain parts of our body. Different types of stem cells exist in different body tissues. For instance, cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells which are used to treat blood-related diseases and cancers such as leukemia, anemia, genetic blood diseases, and more. Our bodies also contain mesenchymal stem cells, which are one of the most well-understood and widely-researched type of stem cell. These cells are believed to be more suited for generating solid tissues to repair or replace damaged tissue, such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, skin, and blood vessels. Though found in many places in the body, mesenchymal stem cells can be found in high concentrations in the healthy dental pulp of teeth, which is why baby teeth, wisdom teeth, and teeth removed for orthodontia present the perfect opportunity to preserve, rather than discard these cells. Mesenchymal stem cells also help body tissue repair itself, and play an important role in healing by suppressing inflammation. This is why scientists and doctors are so excited about the growing role of stem cells to treat disease, injury, and the deterioration of tissue due to aging. 12

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

Every day, researchers are learning ways in which dental stem cells may eventually be used to treat serious diseases such as type 1 diabetes, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as spinal cord injuries, corneal damage, brain injuries, heart disease, periodontal disease, and a variety of sports injuries. Similar to the way that the discovery of antibiotics revolutionized medicine, regenerative technologies using stem cells are predicted to have an equal, if not greater, impact on the future of medicine.

What happens to my child’s tooth?

Since dental stem cells can only remain viable for a short time after the tooth loses its blood supply, dental stem cell banking companies provide a tooth transportation kit to parents, which can either be used at home or brought to the dentist, depending on which teeth will be submitted. This kit allows parents to easily collect and ship their child’s sample overnight to the cryopreservation facility where it will be processed and the stem cells will be maintained until needed. Like our body, all of our cells are prone to experience the normal aging process, and deteriorate over time. Freezing cells in a youthful state preserves their future ability to generate replacement tissue and heal the body. Although teenagers and adults are still eligible candidates, stem cells found in younger teeth have characteristics that seem to give them more potential than other adult stem cells. When compared to the cost of cord blood banking, dental stem cell banking tends to be more affordable and requires as few as one to two teeth, depending on the processing methods used to garner millions of stem cells for multiple treatments. So, the next time your child loses a tooth, remember – that little pearl could one day save his or her life.  Dr. Peter Verlandar is Chief Scientific Officer of Store-A-Tooth in Littleton, MA, a service of Provia Laboratories, which has partnered with dentists across the U.S. since 2006 to inform parents about the opportunity to preserve the valuable mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found within their children’s baby teeth, wisdom teeth, or teeth removed for orthodontia for use in future potential treatments.

2017 camp & summer program guide Artists’ Exchange

50 Rolfe Square, Cranston 401-490-9475 www.artists-exchange.org Fantastic day camps for the creative mind! Art, Theater, Rock ‘N’ Roll, and Ceramics. Ages 5–15. Camps start June 19th and run through August 25th. Monday–Friday, 9 am–3 pm, before and after care available. See ad, page 7.

Community Boating Center

India Point Park, Providence 401-454-7245 www.communityboating.com Two-week youth sailing camps offered June–Aug. Mon–Fri 9am–3:30 pm. NEW one-week Save The Bay Camp. Two age groups, 8–11 years old and 12–16 years old. Waterfront “Sailabration” skippered sailing events, room/deck rentals, youth afterschool programs, and evening or weekend adult lessons, recreational sailing, and NEW kayaking also available. See ad, page 11.

Dream Big Academy

41 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston 70 Industrial Rd, Cumberland 401-228-8946 www.dreambiggym.com See ad, page 7.

Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England

Glocester, West Kingston, Newport, Swansea, MA 401-331-4500/1-800-331-0149 www.gssne.org Get ready for a summer filled with activities like archery, hiking, sailing, reaching new heights on the challenge course, swimming, and don't forget campfires & s'mores! Financial aid available. Visit gssne.org to register NOW!

J-Camp at the Dwares JCC

401 Elmgrove Ave, Providence, RI 401-421-4111 www.jewishallianceri.org June 26–August 25, Mon–Fri 9am–4pm. For children ages 3–15. Welcoming all faiths and backgrounds. Enjoy a variety of activities with themes such as mystery, construction, Olympics and carnival. Daily schedules filled with sports, swim lessons, art, cooking, science, drama, field trips, and more. Lunch and snacks included. Early arrival and extended day options; half-day options for 3–4 year olds; sibling and early bird discounts; payment plan options; counselor-intraining opportunities for teens.

Kingston’s Camp on Larkin’s Pond South Kingston 401-783-8620 www.kingstonscamp.com See ad page 11.

Mother of Hope Camp

1589 Putnam Pike, Chepachet 401-568-3580 www.motherofhopecamp.com See ad page 11.

RISD Young Artists

2 College Street, Providence (401) 454-6200 CE.RISD.EDU Summer is busy at RISD, where kids shape their creativity and imagination, and teens develop their personal style as artists and designers. Camps and classes for kids and teens ages 6–17.

Rock Spot Climbing

100 Higginson Ave, Lincoln, (401) 727-1704 1174 Kingstown Rd, Peace Dale, (401) 789-SPOT www.rockspotclimbing.com See ad, page 7.

Teamworks

170 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick 401-463-5565 www.teamworkswarwick.com See ad, back cover.

The Children’s Workshop

Multiple locations 401-475-3668 www.childrensworkshop.com A fun, active, and educational summer experience. Bi-weekly themes cover every interest from sports to discovery science to travel. Field trips, special guests, arts and crafts, swimming, dancing, singing - you name it, we do it! Also, special events for both children and families. See ad, page 7.

YMCA of Greater Providence

Barrington; Cranston; Warwick; Peace Dale; Seekonk, MA. See website for telephone numbers www.ymcagreaterprovidence.org See ad, inside cover.

February 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Feature Story

Go around the world with films What: 8th Annual Providence Children’s Film Festival When: February 17–26 Where: Multiple venues in

Providence. Four main sites: Avon Cinema; Gilder Center for the Arts, Wheeler School; Metcalf Auditorium, Chase Center/RISD Museum; and RISD Auditorium.

Cost: $10/adults; $8/youth under 18 and seniors; $75/Film Fanatic Pass (10 films); school and group discounts available. What you need to know: Not all PCFF-curated

films may be appropriate for all ages. Film listings online include recommended ages, notes on thematic elements, and descriptions of potentially challenging content.

More information and tickets: Visit www.pcffri.org

or call 401-209-7585.

xplore new worlds with this year’s 8th annual Providence Children’s Film Festival (PCFF). With 14 feature-length movies and more than 75 short films created by filmmakers from around the world, you can travel to the Philippines (Blanka), Korea (The World of Us), and Iran (Sonita). A film classic, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, will be shown along with live-action films, documentaries, and animations. Films were selected for their compelling stories with a global perspective that challenges young audiences to better understand the world. “We believe in the power of visual storytelling to transform how we think about the world and our place in it,” said Anisa Raoof, Executive Director of PCFF. “By giving voice to people of many cultures, PCFF’s international films encourage Rhode Island children and families to embrace a global perspective—and find themselves reflected on the screen.” This year’s film lineup includes a series of mini documentaries that explore a range of topics, such as summer camp for gender diverse kids (Rainbow Day Camp); two teen sisters conjoined on the head (Chenelva & Sheneeva); and Norwegian skateboarders using a beach to build ramps (Northbound). In addition to its screenings, PCFF offers filmmaking workshops, including Claymation and green-screen, for children ages 6 to 14 on the weekend of February 11 and 12. These workshops fill up quickly. PCFF will also host a juried Youth Filmmaker Showcase on February 23 and 26 to nurture and promote the work of young, international filmmakers. These two admission-free sessions will be held at RISD Museum’s Metcalf Auditorium Chace Center and include Q&A sessions with the RISD Art Circle Teen Jury and several youth filmmakers. The Festival is partnering with Media Smart Libraries, Providence Community Library, Providence Athenaeum, and Warwick Public Library to host free film screenings and workshops February 20–25. Additionally, the Festival’s ongoing partnership with RISD Museum provides free screenings of select films on February 19, 23 and 26. The RISD Museum provides free museum admission to Festival attendees on February 17, 18, 19, 25 and 26 upon presentation of a Festival ticket stub. All children attending the Festival will receive a free Cinema Passport to document the real-world connections made while watching films. Visit www.pcffri.org for more information. 

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

Phantom Boy

A small sample of films Feature Film: Phantom Boy

He’s eleven, he’s invisible, he can fly, and he’s got 24 hours to save New York. Leo is a brave kid with a serious illness, a loving family, and a superhero talent: he can float free of his body and roam the city at will. When a mobster with a face like a Picasso painting threatens NYC with a computer virus for a ransom, Leo teams up with a cop, uses his unique gift to follow the suspects and, ultimately, they get their man! Ages 8+

Feature Film: Blanka (East Coast Premiere) Abandoned on the streets of Manila, 11-year-old Blanka has an eye for an unguarded purse and a level of bravery born of desperate circumstances. Despondently, she witnesses children tenderly hugged by their mothers and it inspires her to a plan of action: steal enough to buy a loving mother! Drawn to the guitar melodies of Peter, a 55-year-old blind man singing on the streets for tips, Blanka fortunately changes her “savings” plan from stealing to singing. A true friend to rely upon is all this fiercely resilient girl needs to keep hope. Ages 10+

Blanka

February 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

Education By Lisa A. Hildebrand, M.A.

A checklist for choosing



quality early care and education

he latest science tells us that the early years of life matter because early experiences affect a child’s brain development and set the foundation for the rest of their progress, including how they will grow socially, emotionally, and physically. When you are choosing care, think about what is important for your family and child, such as hours, location, cost, activities, training of teachers, etc. Then contact a BrightStars referral specialist at 1-855-398-7605 or visit the Exceed Early Learning Program search tool at www.EarlyEducationMatters.org. Once you have narrowed your list, use this checklist to help you evaluate programs that you visit: A healthy and safe environment: High-quality early care and education programs follow national health and safety best practices, including frequent and proper handwashing, proper diapering and toileting procedures, safe spaces, and nutritious meals prepared and stored safely. FF Are the indoor and outdoor spaces for children safe and free of hazards? FF Are children supervised at all times, even when they are napping? FF Do adults and children wash their hands before eating or handling food and after using the bathroom? FF Are there procedures for handling emergencies?

Adult supervision. Rhode Island requires programs to maintain minimum ratios and small numbers of children in groups. Indicators of higher-quality programs are based on staff showing awareness of the whole group and providing careful supervision adjusted for different ages and abilities, and providing frequent personal contact. Ratio of children to adults for child care centers are: infants – 4/1; toddlers – 6/1; age three – 9/1; age four – 10/1; and age five – 12/1. For family home care the ratios are: infants – 6/1; and toddlers – 8/2. FF Does the number of children in a group meet Rhode Island licensing standards? Trained and qualified educators. Educators with training and the right qualifications are critical to ensure that they can recognize and provide for your child’s learning and

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

development. At the higher levels of quality, educators have college credits and/or degrees in early childhood education and training in the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS). FF Does the director/provider have a degree in early childhood education or related field? FF Do teachers or providers have any formal education in early childhood? Promotes learning and development. Programs should offer many opportunities to learn and practice skills in a stimulating environment for all children, including those with disabilities and developmental delays. High-quality programs use a curriculum to maximize children’s learning and development and gather information about each child to meet their individual needs. FF Are adults warm and welcoming? Do they engage in conversation with the children throughout the day? FF Is the space organized and are children able to reach and use many different type of materials and toys? FF Do the adults read to the children daily or encourage them to read, if age appropriate? Welcomes and includes families. High-quality programs communicate regularly with families and offer opportunities for family involvement. FF Does the program welcome families any time the children are in care? FF Will the program regularly provide you with information about your child’s activities and development? FF Do families have input in program decision making?  Lisa A. Hildebrand, M.A., is the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children (RIAEYC) and BrightStars.

Education

Turning “Pennies” into

life-saving research Get involved What: Pennies for Patients and bRAVE dance marathon, a national fundraising campaign, sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Why: To help find a cure for leukemia, the leading fatal cancer of children under the age of 20. Where: Your school. When: Any three weeks that work for your school or during the official dates of March 6–24. How: Visit www.studentseries.org/ri for campaign information, including Learning Curriculum, video library and fundraising ideas. For more information, call Deborah at LLS at 401-854-4413 or email deborah.watterson@LLS. org. Also, visit www.facebook.com/ LLS-Pennies-for-PatientsRhode-Island-Chapter and penniesri on Instagram.

our school can help thousands of children and adults in their fight against blood cancers through a program called Pennies for Patients operated by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Pennies for Patients is a service learning program as simple as collecting spare change and as interactive as online giving. It can be organized by a teacher, student, or parent group. Last year, 188 Rhode Island schools completed Pennies for Patients and raised $263,375. In fact, for more than 15 years, RI has had the highest percentage of schools participating and completing the fundraiser, nationally. The fundraiser can enrich learning through meaningful service as students make a difference in the lives of local patients while helping fund life-saving research.

Everything you need is provided

LLS provides all the free materials a school needs to run the program, including a variety of lesson plans, classroom collection boxes, educational videos, and student collection boxes. An online giving page is provided to help spread the message and collect donations from friends and family across the country. Free assemblies are available to educate and inspire students and staff. The program can be done creatively, encouraging both team and school spirit and a little healthy competition. With guidance, older students can coordinate much of the program on their own.

New incentives for 2017

Pennies for Patients offers many incentives for schools and students: Rewards lunch: For raising at least $650. $50 gift card: For raising $2,000–$2,499. $75 gift card: For raising $2,500–$2,999. $100 gift card: For raising $3,000–$3,499.

$125 gift card: For raising $3,500-$5,000. $150 gift card: For raising $5,001+. Personalized vinyl banner: For raising $4,000+. Ice cream party: For top five schools (top 3 overall and top 2 per student average, donated by Hood). Student iPad drawing: All students entered for every $50 they raise online and offline. Plaques: Top five overall fundraising schools and top 5 per student average schools. Pennants: Top classrooms raising $100, $200, $300+. Gift card: For highest online fundraising school.

Dance for a cause

LLS also offers bRAVE, a 7-hour dance marathon, which can be organized by a high school’s Student Leadership Group, to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient aid. Students can feature student DJs and performances by the school’s dance team, drum line, and cheerleaders, etc. bRAVE helps teens exercise leadership skills and schools can raise $15,000 in one night with 600 students participating (600 students x $25 = $15,000.) The bRAVE dance encourages school spirit and can include the entire student body. LLS donates 74% of all donations toward accomplishing its mission to find a cure for the blood cancers – leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, funding research and patient aid and services. In 1960, a child diagnosed with leukemia had a 4% chance of survival, compared to a 90% survival rate today. As of this writing, 175 Rhode Island schools have registered for Pennies for Patients and Cranston High School West will operate the first bRAVE dance. There is still time to join. 

February 2017  Rhode Island Parent Magazine

February 2017 Always check with event sponsors for updated information. Visit the calendar at www.RIParentMag.com for the latest information and the best way to submit calendar items. Or email to editor@RIParentMag.com.

Special events Through February 28: Winter Wonder Days and Half-price Admission. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence. $7.50/adults; $4.95/children 2–12. February 1–April 1: Movies. Free

showings of blockbuster movies in a new Blu-Ray theater with high definition and surround-sound. For titles, times and dates, call 401-828-3750 x4 or visit the Information Services desk at the Library. West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick. Free.

February 3–5. Providence Boat

Show. Find the latest in boats and gear; learn about boating from a full slate of seminars and lessons; meet mariners; shop for boats and equipment. See website for details. www.providenceboatshow.com

February 6 and 13. Film Club at

Weaver Library. Kids (grades 4+) will view animated and live action short films from around the world (ranging from 5–30 minutes in length) followed by a fun film-related, hands-on activity. You must register at 401-434-2453. 3:15–4:30 pm. Weaver Library, 41 Grove Avenue, East Providence. Free.

February 11–16: The Providence Children’s Film Festival. See article, page 14. February 17–26: Newport Winter Festival. A two-week festival with many events for all ages at various locations in 18

Newport and Portsmouth. See website for details. www.newportwinterfestival.com

February 20–24: School Vacation Fun! Providence Children’s Museum’s line-up for school vacation fun. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org February 20: Keith Munslow. Popular children’s singer and storyteller. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. February 21: The Hoopoe Show. Hoopoe the hilarious mime, Chris Yerlig. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. February 22: Mad Science: Fire and Ice. Experience mesmerizing science experiments in a mindbending interactive show. Recommended for ages 4 and up. 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. February 23 and 24: Imagination Playground. Kids invent their own ways to play as they stack and build with huge blue foam blocks, wheels, spools, tubes, and a variety of loose parts. 10 am–4 pm.

Fridays February 17: Evening with the Raptors. Learn about local raptor species, their adaptations, and how to identify them. NBS’ Red-tailed Hawk and Barred Owl will appear. Proceeds support care of these non-releasable wild birds. Wine, beer, and dessert will be served. 7–8:30 pm. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown. $30/members; $35/nonmembers. www.normanbirdsanctuary.org

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(continued on page 20)

Thank your favorite teacher Barnes & Noble in Rhode Island created the My Favorite Teacher Contest as a program to provide students an opportunity to voice their appreciation and recognize a teacher who has had a positive impact on them, either personally or academically. Barnes & Noble Corporation developed it into a national program. From January 1–March 1, students can complete an entry form, available for download at bn.com/myfavoriteteacher; request by email at crm2159@bn.com; or pick up at Barnes & Noble, Warwick. The form is submitted with their essay/story/thank you to: Community Relations Manager, Barnes & Noble Warwick, 1350B Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI 02886 by March 1, 2017. A winner is chosen by a team of judges and the bookstore recognizes the teacher and the student at a special ceremony in April along with two runners up. The local winner is entered in the regional contest and has a chance to win a $500 Barnes & Noble gift gard along with the opportunity to be named the Barnes & Noble National Teacher of the Year. The national winner will be honored in a ceremony at their local Barnes & Noble store. They will receive a $5,000 cash prize and their school will receive $5,000 as well. The national student winner will receive a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card and a NOOK® device.

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February 2017 ï&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

February 2017 Every Friday: Messy Arts! Bring

the kiddos for a unique craft each week, storytime, and open play gym. 10 am–11:30 am. Dream Big Academy, 41 Comstock Parkway, Cranston. $12.

Every Friday: Toddler Try-It. Young children, ages 18 months to 3 years, use real tools and explore the creative process as they delve into different hands-on art and science activities each Friday morning. 10 am–noon. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org Every Friday: Bring Your Own Improv. Family–friendly comedy show. 7–8:30 pm. Warwick Museum of Art, 3259 Post Road. $8/adults; $4/children under 12 and seniors. www.bringyourownimprov.com Every Friday: Frosty Drew Observatory & Sky Theater. Public stargazing. 6:30–11:30 pm. 61 Park Lane, Charlestown. $1/person suggested donation. www.frostydrew.org

Weekends February 4/Saturday Sing Away Hunger Concert. A benefit for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Bring the whole family to enjoy award-winning children’s entertainers Bill Harley and Keith Part of the Ocean State Theater Company’s Family Fun Fest. Two shows: 11 am and 2 pm. Ocean State Theatre, 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. $10.

It’s Great to Hibernate. Did the groundhog see its shadow or do we have an early spring headed our way? Join NBS educators to learn more about the nation’s favorite season-predicting rodent, hibernation, and other strategies animals use to survive the winter. After meeting animal ambassadors, hike the trails searching for signs of animal activity. 10:30–11:30 am. Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown. $8/members; $10/nonmembers. www.normanbirdsanctuary.org

All Ages Hike. Join the South Kingstown Land Trust for an all ages hike in our largest land holding through pine and oak forest and past amazing stone walls. Hike about three miles, though you can shorten your outing to about one mile if desired. Kids and leashed dogs welcome! This monthly hike on first Saturdays is part of a new ParkRx initiative. 10 am–noon. Browning Woods Trail, 779 Shannock Road, South Kingstown. Free. www.sklt.org No Time to Waste. Kids and adults learn what's so funny about trash during an interactive family comedy that gives a lighthearted look at the three R’s of protecting the environment – reducing, reusing, and recycling. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 20-minute shows at 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:30 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org

February 5/Sunday Family See + Sketch. Doodle, dabble, draw, and more in a program that gets kids to look at art through close examination, discussions, and hands-on making. Drop in. 2–3 pm. RISD Museum, 224 Benefit Street, Providence. Free with admission.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

No Time to Waste. See February 4.

February 11/Saturday Tours for Tots. Playful stories, creative art-making, and gallery adventures inspire children ages 3–5 and their favorite grown-up to imaginatively explore art and learning. 10:30– 11:15 am. RISD Museum, 224 Benefit Street, Providence. Free with admission. Heart Smart. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-healthy activities. Kids test their heart rates, learn about the anatomy of a heart, and more. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 11 am–2 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org Story Time. For children six months to six years old. Occasionally cancelled, call 401-331-9097 to check. Books on the Square, 471 Angell Street, Providence. Free.

February 12/Sunday No Time to Waste. See February 4. Heart Smart. See February 11.

February 18/Saturday Colonial Food for Thought: A Newport Eats Living History Event. What did people eat 240 years ago to survive the harsh winter and war-torn environment? The Newport Historical Society will host costumed interpreters who will share insight on what foods were eaten, when, and why, from tea to pickling, oysters to chocolate, and soldiers’ rations to spices. 10 am–1 pm. Colony House, Washington Square, Newport. Free. www.newporthistory.org (continued on page 22)

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February 2017 ï&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine

February 2017 Be an Engineer. In celebration of National Engineers Week, kids investigate the world of engineering at fun-filled activity stations with members of the Society of Women Engineers. Experiment with electrical conductivity, investigate the power of pulley systems, and more! Recommended for ages 5 and up. 11 am–2 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org Tours for Tots. See February 11.

February 19/Sunday Engineer It! Pulleys. Explore and experiment during a monthly series of

engineering challenges. Discover the power of simple machines – construct pulley systems using broomsticks, yarn, rolling pins, and other household items and experiment by lifting heavy objects. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 11 am–2 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org

February 25/Saturday Tell Your Story: Words and Pictures. In celebration of the Museum’s new Coming to Rhode Island exhibit – a time-traveling exploration of history and culture through stories – families tell their own stories using materials

including story stones, doodle cubes, and costumes. 10 am–3 pm. Providence Children’s Museum. 100 South Street, Providence. $9/person; free/children under 12 months. www.childrenmuseum.org Art + Design Lab. Collaborate with other teens to make art, experiment with materials, question ideas, and discuss connections between art and life. Open to ages 13–18. No registration required. 3–5 pm. RISD Museum, 224 Benefit Street. Providence. Free with admission. Story Time. See February 11.

February 26/Sunday Tell Your Story: Words and Pictures. See February 25.

Do you have a family-friendly event coming up? Let us know at editor@RIParentMag.com or go to our website, www.RIParentMag.com, to directly enter your event in our calendar. Make sure to give us at least two months notice if you'd like to get your event in the magazine.

Rhode Island Parent Magazine  February 2017

February 2017 ï&#x201A;§ Rhode Island Parent Magazine