Why Attend an Open House?

10 reasons you should attend these events if your child is applying to a new school for the 2022-2023 year

By Jeannine Cintron

If your child is in the process of applying for enrollment in a new school for the 2022-2023 academic year, attending as many open house events as possible at prospective schools is extremely important—even if they are being held virtually. Here’s why these open houses are essential.

6. VOICE SAFETY CONCERNS

1. MEET THE FACULTY

This is your opportunity for you and your child to meet their potential future teachers and principal. The principal plays a major role in the school and, consequently, in the lives of the students. It is very important that you feel comfortable with this person being at the forefront of your child’s education.

2. LET THE SCHOOL KNOW YOU’RE INTERESTED

Schools often take note of which students attend their open house events and that could be factor in their decision to offer your child a spot. Always be sure to neatly write your child’s name on the attendance sheet so the school knows they were there.

3. GET A FEEL FOR THE SURROUNDINGS

Your child’s safety is crucial. At the open house, the school will address any questions or concerns you have about security measures, emergency procedures, possible crime statistics, health and safety precautions, and more. This is your chance to express any concerns you have.

7. LEARN ABOUT THE SCHOOL DAY

You’ll find out what time school starts and ends, when your child will eat lunch, what their day might look like, how the periods are structured, and other information about the school day.

8. SEE WHAT EXTRACURRICULARS ARE AVAILABLE

Most schools offer after-school sports, academic clubs, and other programs your child might be interested in joining. A school that offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities might play a large role in your decision to apply.

Ever hear of good vibes? That’s exactly what you should feel for a prospective school. The atmosphere, the staff, the location, the students—all of it should just feel right. If it doesn’t, trust your gut and cross that school off your list.

4. ASSESS YOUR COMMUTE 9. MEET CURRENT STUDENTS

One of the best ways to learn about a school is from current students. In fact, current students are often on-hand at open houses to help describe the programs in which they are involved and what student life is like at the school.

If the event is being held in person, it’s a good chance to do a practice run on the commute. You can see how far the school is from your home, how long it takes to get there, and what the surrounding neighborhood is like. At the open house you’ll also learn what transportation options are available for your child.

5. LEARN ABOUT PROGRAMS OFFERED

This is often one of the most important deciding factors when selecting a school. At the open house event, you’ll be given an indepth look at the programs and courses offered at the school. You can ask questions, meet the teachers heading up each program, and learn about your child’s academic options.

10. LEARN ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Some schools require tests or auditions, other schools screen applicants based on grades or other factors, and some select students entirely at random. At the open house, you’ll learn what is required to apply to the school and estimate your child’s odds of receiving an offer. You can also ask questions or voice your concerns about the process to ensure you have all the information you need to help your child apply for enrollment.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com

Countryside Montessori School offers children, 18 months to 6 years, a well-balanced and enriched curriculum that includes traditional subjects, art, and music. It is located on an estate-like setting with an outdoor playground and nature walks. Classrooms are fully equipped and spacious.

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org

The Hagedorn Little Village School is a not-for-profit school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides yearround programs and services that include diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.

Temple Sinai Early Childhood Center

425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-8708 mysinai.org/ecc ldayan@mysinai.org

Temple Sinai Early Childhood Center is a safe, supportive, and positive environment for play-based learning and exploration. Inspired by Jewish values, our curriculum fosters curiosity, confidence, and growth. Our team is dedicated to helping each child reach their greatest potential. Most importantly, our classrooms are filled with learning, laughter, and love.

Variety Child Learning Center

47 Humphrey Drive, Syosset 516-921-7171 Variety Child Learning Center at the Gallow School 72 Farmedge Road, Levittown 516-490-3301 vclc.org

Variety Child Learning Center provides evaluations, early intervention, special education (special classes, special classes in integrated settings, itinerant services), ABA, and Family Center Respite Program to more than 750 children and families annually, and professional training. VCLC has implemented COVID protocols in accordance with NYS DOH and CDC guidelines.

Vincent Smith School

322 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington 516-365-4900 vincentsmithschool.org

Vincent Smith School is Long Island’s premier prep school serving students with learning issues such as school anxiety, ADHD, dyslexia, and auditory and language disorders in first to 12th grades. VSS students come from all over Long Island and NYC to take advantage of the school’s unique programs and individualized curriculum.

Winston Preparatory School

Seven schools located in New York City, Long Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, California, in addition to a fully online school accessible anywhere in the U.S. 631-779-2400 winstonprep.edu liadmissions@winstonprep.edu

Winston Preparatory School is a network of six campuses offering students with learning differences a highly individualized and responsive education. Our unique model serves students through 12th grade. Winston Online now allows students to learn from anywhere in the country. Visit winstonprep.edu/admissions to sign up for a virtual open house.

index

CAMPS

Countryside Montessori School............ 3 Music Institute of Long Island............ 37

CHILD CARE / DAY CARE

Temple Sinai of Roslyn.........................7 Variety Child Care ...............................8

CLASSES

Advanced Academic Programs ........... 37 Further Music and Media Group Inc..... 7 Hofstra University Continuing

Education....................................... 3 Music Institute of Long Island............ 37 Soccer Shots........................................ 8 Temple Sinai of Roslyn.........................7

DEVELOPMENTAL

ABA Psychological Services P.C. ......... 25 Advantage Care Health Center .......... 17 Applied Behavior Health

Management LLC ......................... 26 Hagedorn Little Village School ........... 21 Helping Hands Family........................19 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech...................................... 5 Path 2 Potential.................................23 Vincent Smith School.........................23 Winston Preparatory School -

Long Island................................... 25 Yellow Bus ABA................................. 14

EDUCATION

Countryside Montessori School............ 3 Hofstra University Continuing

Education....................................... 3 Huntington Learning Center ................ 5 Variety Child Learning Center ............16 Vincent Smith School ........................23

FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT / EVENTS / OUTINGS

Gazillion Bubble Show......................... 2 Jones Beach Adventure

Excursions LLC.............................. 48 Madison Theatre at Molloy College.... 20

HEALTH

Advantage Care Health Center .......... 17

LEGAL

Law Offices of Brad H Rosken ............ 22 The Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy...... 27

MUSIC

Further Music and Media Group Inc..... 7

RETAIL

Once Upon a Child............................ 13

SPECIAL NEEDS

ABA Psychological Services P.C. ......... 25 Advantage Care Health Center ..........17 Applied Behavior Health

Management LLC ......................... 26 Hagedorn Little Village School ........... 21 Helping Hands Family........................19 Janine Stiene Suffolk Center for Speech...................................... 5 Law Offices of Brad H Rosken ............ 22 Path 2 Potential.................................23 The Law Offices of Susan J. Deedy...... 27 Variety Child Learning Center ............16 Vincent Smith School ........................23 Winston Preparatory School -

Long Island...................................25 Yellow Bus ABA................................. 14

SPORTS

Jones Beach Adventure

Excursions LLC.............................. 48 Soccer Shots........................................ 8

THEATRE

Madison Theatre at Molloy

College......................................... 20

TUTORS

Advanced Academic Programs ........... 37 Huntington Learning Center ................ 5

No matter what season, Mamas ain’t making it without coffee. Recently, I’ve been living on Lucky Jack Coffee. It’s a handcrafted, sustainable coffee that’s roasted in small batches with a slow cold-steep brew process. They come in great flavors, all of which are certified organic: Caramel, Mocha, Vanilla, and the seasonal Pumpkin Spice. Plus, Lucky Jack also offers nitro oat milk lattes. luckyjackcoffee.com.

It’s Fall, Y’all!

By Zlata Faerman

Fall happens to be my favorite season of the year. There’s something special about the changing colors of leaves, cozier outfits, crisp fresh air, and the multitude of outdoor activities available to choose from. All that, and my hair doesn’t frizz as much as it does in the summer!

Brands like Starbucks, Bath and Body Works, and even Budweiser notoriously offer up pumpkin-spiced flavors before the season even begins. Truth be told, I’ve never tried pumpkin, let alone anything pumpkin-spiced, but, hey, crowds go wild for the flavor.

There’s plenty of other fall-themed products to try outside of just pumpkin, so here are some of my picks:

As fall progresses and the days get shorter, the mornings feel harder. I love simple and quick breakfast options because chances are I’m tired and groggy from a Real Housewives binge on Bravo from the night before. Purely Elizabeth’s oatmeal options are crafted with a plant-based protein and superfood ingredients, like chia and flax, to fuel the start of your day. Fall flavors include Classic Cinnamon and Apple Cinnamon Pecan. purelyelizabeth.com.

Creating a calming candle at home is possible with Siblings, a DIY candle kit that uses eco-friendly materials to encourage the reuse of its awesome vessels. Not only do the candles smell delicious, but it’s a fun and easy activity to do with the family. Just microwave the bag to melt the wax, add the wick to the vessel, and pour the wax. Genius! siblings.co. Another easy breakfast option? Ellenos, my favorite yogurt ever, is a cult-favorite Greek yogurt brand. It recently launched a seasonal Pumpkin Pie flavor made with its iconic base and enhanced with a swirl of pumpkin puree and a pumpkin crumble on top. ellenos.com.

Decocrated is an award-winning home decor box that offers seasonal pieces delivered right to your door four times a year. Items can be decorative trays, tabletop decor, throw pillow covers, DIY projects, and more. The curated collection lets you seamlessly transition your home each season and complements any existing decor you already have. decocrated.com.

Little Bridges

provides a set of funfilled activities that are designed to inspire meaningful conversations and connections between kids and adults. I was a huge fan of its Grandma & Me: In the Kitchen Activity Kit (well, my mom was!), and I’m really pumped for the newest activity kit called Family Time Fun. It offers more than 45 boredom-busting ideas for fun and memorable play, perfect for those rainy, cold fall days when you can’t go hiking or apple picking! littlebridges.com.