Staten Island Parent - December 2022

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

When it comes to holidays, I’m a December girl through and through. I love everything about this season: The sparkling lights, the buzzing excitement, the joy of giving. It is truly a magical time.

One of the best things about December is how much there is to do! I suggest getting out and having some fun before January arrives, when all you want to do is curl up at home. Check out our Winter Bucket list on page 24 for plenty of ways to keep your family busy this month, and don’t miss even more Holiday Fun on page 26. Be sure to use the pro tips on snapping great photos (page 28) as your family enjoys all the holiday adventures.

Need a little help with your holiday shopping? We got you! You’ll find must-haves for kids of all different ages in our Holiday Gift Guide on page 30. No holiday shopping trip is complete without ice skating, so flip to page 12 for a list of the best rinks in and near Staten Island.

There’s one major aspect of the holiday season, however, that I do not love: the stress! From gifts to decorations to baking and then some, the pressure is ON to make everything picture perfect. The thing is, there is no such

thing as picture perfect. Go to page 10 for more of my thoughts on that.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a very happy and healthy New Year! See you in 2023!

Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Email Jeannine at jcintron@siparent.com Get news, tips and humor all month long: siparent.com/signup

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What’s Happening on Stat E n iS land

city Debuts tHe neWest staten

isL anD Ferry

Get ready to set sail into New York Harbor on the Dorothy Day, the newest Staten Island Ferry boat.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez officially commissioned the Dorothy Day on Nov. 4. This is the third and final new, 4,500-passenger Ollis-class Staten Island Ferry vessel joining the fleet this year.

Dorothy Day (1897-1980) was a renowned Catholic peace activist who lived and worked on Staten Island.

“Dorothy Day represents so much of what is great about New Yorkers and our city, and we are proud to honor her by commissioning this Staten Island Ferry,” the mayor said. “Having her name on this boat will remind New Yorkers and visitors alike of her fight for peace and against hunger, fights that we are continuing every day. Thank you to all of those carrying on her legacy.”

The $85 million ferry completed harbor trials and passed U.S. Coast Guard inspections. It will serve passengers for the first time later this year.

Other officials on site to christen the boat included Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.

“We’re here to honor Dorothy Day, but we have to remember what’s behind us, it’s

a lifeline for thousands of people a day,” Fossella said, pointing to the new ferry. “We all may disagree from time to time but we put all those differences aside for the common good and in a way Dorothy Day was about that. She talked about dignity of every life, talked about hope and gratitude, and a little way of love. And wouldn’t the world be a much better place if more people exercised that little way of love?”

Martha Hennessy, granddaughter of Day, shared her thoughts, too.

“My grandmother loved the Staten Island Ferry, so what an honor to have one named after her,” Hennessy said. “In these days of

global instability, let us use this moment to remember her efforts to make peace.”

The Dorothy Day is preceded by two new ferries this past year. The Staff Sergeant Michael H. Ollis — named for a war hero from New Dorp killed saving the life of a fellow soldier in Afghanistan — began passenger service in February. The Sandy Ground — the second Ollis-class boat, which honors one of the nation’s first Black settlements that was located on Staten Island’s South Shore and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad — was commissioned in February and began regular passenger service in June.

neW meDsaFe DruG Drop boxes pL aceD on staten isL anD

Borough President Vito Fossella and District Attorney Michael McMahon announced the placement of two MedSafe drug drop boxes at Staten Island health facilities, which will provide a safe and anonymous way for residents to dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription medication.

The drop boxes were placed at Richmond University Medical Center and at the Rosebank Pharmacy, located at 500

Tompkins Ave.

Unwanted medications often sit in the medicine cabinet, are flushed down the toilet or thrown out with regular household trash. These practices can lead to someone other than the intended user consuming the medication.

A number of pharmacies, the borough’s four police precincts, and Staten Island University Hospital, also have safe disposal

locations.

In addition, Borough President Fossella and District Attorney McMahon, along with Tackling Youth Substance Abuse, announced a new public awareness campaign. The goal is to provide information and resources on safe and responsible use of prescription drugs, how to access Narcan, and more through a QR code which will be placed on prescription bottles at several participating pharmacies.

by barbara russo

stoLen portrait returneD to Historic ricHmonD toWn aFter 50 years

Historic Richmond Town has some exciting news. The popular Staten Island cultural organization recently welcomed back into its collection a portrait that was stolen in 1970 and remained missing for 50 years. The portrait is of notable Staten Islander and original daughter of the American Revolution Ann Totten.

Here’s how it all went down. On Nov. 9, 1970, a cleaner at Historic Richmond Town (then called Richmondtown Restoration) arrived to work at the Historical Museum to find that several items were missing. A window had been forced open overnight, sometime after the guard’s last round. Many items were stolen—among them, the portrait of Totten.

The then-director of Richmondtown Restoration reported the theft to the police and the Art Dealers Association of America. News reports and follow-up stories about the theft ran in media outlets. The next year, some items were recovered in Brooklyn, but not the portrait of Totten.

Last year, Historic Richmond Town

received an email from California Bay Area area folk art collector, Gordon Fine, who noticed the portrait listed on the website of a local auction house, Michaan’s Auction House. After some research, he discovered that Ann Totten’s portrait had made its way to California and was about to be auctioned, almost 51 years later.

Over the following year, Historic

Richmond Town began the process of bringing the portrait home. The FBI’s Art Crimes division and local police were notified. The FBI removed the portrait from the auction house, where staff was originally unaware of the portrait’s status as stolen art, kept it secure, and sent a letter of proof and documentation on behalf of Historic Richmond Town to the consignor, Gregory Gromadzki, a retired art restorer. Also originally unaware of the portrait’s history, Gromadzki helped in both the restoration of the portrait as well as its safe return.

“It is rare to have stolen artwork returned, especially after 50 years,” Jessica B.

Phillips, Historic Richmond Town CEO, said. “Historic Richmond Town is deeply grateful for good samaritans like Mr. Fine and Mr. Gromadski who were critical in the return of this local treasure. We are truly satisfied to have more closure on the cold case of the Ann Totten portrait.”

The portrait will be on display in April 2023 at the Historical Museum.

nyc scHooL s to Get a $4 biLLion eLectric makeover

Electric bikes. Electric cars. And now… electric schools? It’s true! Mayor Eric Adams announced a new enviro-focused initiative that will make all new NYC schools electric, eliminating heating oil and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

As part of the plan, dubbed “Leading the Charge,” the construction of all new city schools will be all-electric. And, the city will complete or initiate the conversion of 100 existing schools to all-electric heating by 2030. Right now, the city is using No. 4 heating oil in schools, which some research has shown is a high pollutant. Under the plan, Adams said he will end the use of this type of oil before 2030, which is when No. 4 heating oil will be banned in NYC.

“New York City is ‘Leading the Charge’ in fighting climate change, giving our young people the tools for a great education and pre

paring them for the green jobs of the present and the future,” Adams said.

P.S. 5 in Bedford-Stuyveant, Brooklyn, will become the city’s first existing school to undergo the infrastructure makeover. There is no word yet on which Staten Island schools will immediately follow.

Making NYC schools electric isn’t cheap. The price tag for the plan is $4 billion. So far, the city committed $2 billion. It’s yet to be announced how the rest of the costs will be covered.

It’s not just about heating systems, though. The hefty cost also includes installation of upgraded LED lights in 800 schools by 2026. There will also be support training and devel opment for students who want to be part of a “green workforce.”

The city will no longer initiate projects to install fossil-fuel combustion boilers in exist

ing schools. The program is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 120,000 tons an nually. It’ll also remove over 20,000 pounds of harmful fine particulates from the air, accord ing to the city. The use of No. 4 heating oil will be eliminated by 2026 by converting over 200 schools to ultra-low sulfur biofuel, a “critical step towards electrification.” The mayor also announced more than $18 million in funding from the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus program for 51 new school buses.

“We are going to be expanding renewable energy and reducing emissions, switching to these electrified powered school buses, elec trifying our schools and a fleet of clean energy buses to get children to their destination,” Adams said. “It’s something we must do now to protect our city and our children.”

To learn more about the Leading the Charge initiative, visit nyc.gov.

Instagram vs. Reality: Holiday Edition

By Jeannine Cintron

I will never forget the time I cried over an elf.

No, I was not so green with envy over someone’s shockingly creative Elf on the Shelf setup that I tossed my phone into a burning yule log in frustration. I’d simply forgotten to move the damn thing.

After a long, mid-Decem ber weeknight full of doing ALL THE THINGS, I had lugged my tired bones up to bed to drift off while scrolling through funny holiday memes and reels of dogs in Santa suits. Unfortunately, the minute I opened In stagram I was hit with an elf-staging worthy of a wall at MoMa, and reminded of my own failure to move my family’s elf, Lollipop. In that moment, I just felt so exhausted, so cozy in my warm bed, that the mere thought of getting up for anything — a creepy elf with imaginary powers no less — brought me to actual, literal tears.

I’m not entirely blaming Instagram for my little episode. But let’s face it, no one would even care about that darn elf so much if it weren’t for social media. Generally, elves don’t brush their teeth, or steal Christmas lights, or drive Tonka trucks, or get into any of the hijinx that overzealous parents like to post pictures of throughout the season. In those homes, the elf (or elves!) goes on nightly, well-documented adventures. In my house, he usually just moves from one boring spot to another.

There is a good chance you are someone who moves their family’s elf as arbitrarily as I do. Many of us — the ones who got suckered into getting one in the first place — aren’t putting much thought into where he’s going every night. A good handful of us won’t remember to move him at all! We will go to sleep without ever thinking of magical stuffed toys whose whereabouts have power to ruin an entire morning. And after that

morning ends, the afternoon brings news that your child’s classmate’s elf starred in their own Nutcracker ballet the night before. You check their mom’s insta and yup, there it is – complete with dancing sugar plum fairies, wooden soldiers and all. Suddenly you feel awful that your elf just spent his third night collecting dust on top of the kitchen cabinets.

Raising children has always been a difficult job. But it seems every new generation of parents is faced with a new set of challenges their predecessors could never even imagine. Today, it’s undoubtedly social media.

Every year, on the evening of December 24, I brace myself for the endless scroll of wrapped packages as far as the eye can see, moms and dads boastfully posting the array of gifts their kids will tear into the next morning (there will be videos posted of that, too, I am sure). The parents mean well; they’re proud of themselves for giving their children another wonderful Christmas. And they should be, of course. But no matter how hard you worked all year to make your own family’s Christmas – or Hanukkah –perfect, that barrage of photos will likely get to you, at least a little. Someone always does

a better job. More gifts, a fuller tree, lovelier decorations, prettier wrapping paper, more toys, whatever. We need to remember that things are not always what they seem on the surface, or in this case, on an instagram page.

I have a photo on my own Instagram from a few Decembers ago of my daughter ripping open a package on Christmas morning. I think it was an LOL Doll of some sort, the toy at the very tippy top of her wish list. She looks adorable in the photo – candy cane pajamas, high pigtails, her mouth agape with shock and pure joy as she peeled open her gift. But I hate that picture. In the background of the photo, her dad is perched on the steps, sitting as far from me as possible. We had just made the tough decision to split up the week before, and every time I see her happy face in that picture I am reminded of the many sad faces that followed in the coming months as our family processed the divorce.

Sorry for going all Debbie Downer there for a moment but I am trying to point out that every picture you see plastered on someone’s social media page has a story behind it – one that the poster would probably never want the world to see.

This holiday season, instead of allowing Instagram to fuel your frustration, try to let it roll off your back. That mom who shared the most perfect batch of rainbow cookies you’ve ever seen? She burned the chocolate twice because she sipped her way through an entire bottle of wine while she baked. That perfectlooking family posing by their perfect-looking tree? Their trip to the tree farm could have rivaled that of Chevy Chase and his family in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

There’s already enough pressure to make your family’s holiday perfect without holding yourself to the impossible standards other parents portray online. So don’t do it! This season, put away your phone, ignore what everyone else is doing, and live in the moment. Remind yourself that those moments – unlike the pictures that might accompany them – are just as imperfect as the next parent’s.

A seasonal reminder that there’s no such thing as picture perfect

Time to Go Skating in New York City!

There aren’t many good reason to go outside in the cold weather, but ice skating is definitely one of them. We’ve rounded up some great indoor and outdoor ice-skating rinks in Staten Island, plus a few rinks that are worth the trip to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and nearby New Jersey.

staten is L an D

Staten Island Skating Pavilion Ice Skating Rink

Indoor rink

3080 Arthur Kill Road thepavilion.org

Enjoy public skating and take lessons at this indoor rink located on Staten Island’s South Shore.

WWll Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink

Outdoor rink

Victory Boulevard, west of Clove Road nycgovparks.org

Enjoy ice skating at this rink in one of Staten Island’s public parks. Call in advance, as some information is subject to change.

man Hattan Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park

Outdoor rink

40th-42nd streets between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Midtown bryantpark.org

This annual ice-skating event at Bryant Park also features its famous Winter Village Holiday Market. The popular holiday markets hosts many merchants and dining options from New York City and around the world.

The Rink at Brookfield Place

Outdoor rink

230 Vesey St. therinkatbrookfieldplace.net

Enjoy ice skating in NYC at this water-side rink in Manhattan’s bustling Downtown area. The rink offers public skating, private lessons, birthday parties and special events packages.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center

Outdoor rink

Fifth Avenue, between 49th and 50th streets, Rockefeller Center rockefellercenter.com

Set in the world-famous Rockefeller Center, this rink is one of the most popular holiday attractions in New York City. Enjoy skating in a landmark and take photos with the beautiful Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Upcoming Holiday Events

Glow in the 8-10PM Glow in the 8-10PM Glow in the 8-10PM Glow in the 8-10PM

Skate with Santa 2:30-4:30PM

Our First Holiday Fair

Every Friday night is Glow in December 4th Our First Holiday Fair Skate and shop for the perfect

To Inquire please contact December 10 Skate with Santa 2:30-4:30PM December 27-31

Winter Wonderland Skate All Week Long

Winter Wonderland Skate All Week Long and Holiday Fun

as your backdrop.

Wollman Rink

Outdoor rink

Central Park (enter at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue) wollmanrinknyc.com

A mainstay in New York City for more than 70 years, this outdoor ice skating rink in Manhattan offers public skating, neighborhood events, and artistic programming.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

Indoor rink

61 Chelsea Piers, Chelsea chelseapiers.com/sr

A year-round NYC ice skating destination since 1969, this rink offers public skating, birthday party packages, and programs for youth and adults, including adult skate clinics- because it’s never too late to learn to skate!

The Ice Rink at the Seaport

Outdoor Rink

Seaport Square between Piers 16 & 17, 89 South Street, New York, 10038 theseaport.nyc/ice-rink

A winter tradition with a downtown twist, the Ice Rink has returned to the Seaport for a season of winter festivities and complimentary skating along the East River. Skyline views continue to set the Ice Rink apart, and this year skaters can also take in the celestial sights of Aurora, an overhead light installation designed by Ithaca Studio. Open until January 16, 2023.

b rook Lyn

IC Ice Rink

Outdoor rink

Courtyard 5/6, between 34th and 35th streets and 2nd and 3rd avenues, Industry City industrycity.com

After you’re done ice-skating at this Brooklyn rink, Industry City offers a lot of additional

activities. Visit some of the hundreds of restaurants, shops, and other businesses located in this popular creative hub of Brooklyn.

Ice Skating at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside

Outdoor rink

171 East Drive, Southeastern Prospect Park prospectpark.org

This year-round recreation center offers roller skating in warmer weather, and then ice skating in the winter.

Vale Rink

Outdoor rink

111 N. 12th St., 23rd floor, Williamsburg thewilliamvale.com/vale-rink

Enjoy outdoor ice skating at this rooftop Brooklyn that offers great views of the Manhattan skyline. Get cold easily? No problem! There’s a heated enclosure nearby.

Abe Stark Skating Rink Indoor rink

Coney Island Boardwalk and West 19 Street nycgovparks.org

Quirky Coney Island is home to the beach, an amusement park and the New York Aquarium, but did you know there’s also an ice rink here? Located right on the famous Coney Island Boardwalk!

n e W Jersey

The Rink at American Dream Indoor rink

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford Americandream.com

American Dream’s NHL regulation sized indoor ice rink will add some icy fun to your family’s holiday shopping! Located on the lower level of the mall.

151 Parsonage Road, Edison middlesexcountynj.gov

This scenic skating rink in New Jersey overlooks the lake in Roosevelt Park. In warmer months, it offers roller skating for kids and families. Lessons are available.

Pro Skate Indoor rink

1000 Cornwall Road, Monmouth Junction proskatenj.com

Glide on the ice at this central New Jersey ice-skating rink that offers public skating, lessons, hockey programs, and more. After skating, visit Tony Loco’s concession area for a snack.

Public ice skating is available at this newly renovated sports center. In warmer weather—or if you’re ok with the cold— enjoy scenic trails through the 205 acres of parkland. Other amenities and activities for families and kids include boating, a new café, and more.

Westfield Rink Indoor rink

650 Fourth Ave., Westfield thewestfieldrink.com

Families and kids can enjoy public skating, and family and open hockey. Lessons available.

Park Family Ice Skating Rink Outdoor rink

Roosevelt

Warinanco Sports Center Indoor rink 1 Park Drive, Roselle warinancopark.com

EMERGENCY CHILDREN’S HELP ORGANIZATION

EMERGENCY CHILDREN’S HELP ORGANIZATION

Your automatic monthly donation will provide support on a recurring basis.

Scan the QR code to become a monthly donor.

Scan the QR code to become a monthly donor.

MERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM “EAP”

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM “EAP”

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM “EAP”

ECHO’S FOUNDER

ECHO’s EAP Program provides financial assistance to children and their families who are experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency.

ECHO’s EAP Program provides financial assistance to children and their families who are experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency.

ECHO’s EAP Program provides financial assistance to children and their families who are experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency.

Description of monetary assistance provided to a child and their family:

Description of monetary assistance provided to a child and their family:

Description of monetary assistance provided to a child and their family:

• Assist in the purchase of medical equipment.

• Assist in the purchase of medical equipment.

• Assist in the purchase of medical equipment

• Supply store gift cards for food, household necessities and clothing.

• Supply store gift cards for food, household necessities and clothing

• Supply store gift cards for food, household necessities and clothing.

• Assist in funding toward basic utility bills

• Assist in funding toward basic utility bills.

• Assist in funding toward basic utility bills

• Assist in funding school or sports programs

• Assist in funding school or sports programs.

• Assist in funding school or sports programs.

• Assist in funding the costs of physical and/or occupational therapy needs

• Assist in funding the costs of physical and/or occupational therapy needs.

• Assist in funding the costs of physical and/or occupational therapy needs

• Assist in funding toward transportation/lodging during out of state doctor or hospital visits

• Assist in funding toward transportation/lodging during out of state doctor or hospital visits.

• Assist in funding toward transportation/lodging during out of state doctor or hospital visits

FUNDING AWARDED

In 2022, ECHO awarded so far $277,449 to 51 Families in need.

In 2022, ECHO awarded so far $277,449 to 51 Families in need.

In 2022, ECHO awarded so far $277,449 to 51 Families in need.

Since our inception in 2008, ECHO has awarded $3,770,161 toward our EAP Program, the ECHO Pediatric Emergency Unit and other Family Relief Programs.

Since our inception in 2008, ECHO has awarded $3,770,161 toward our EAP Program, the ECHO Pediatric Emergency Unit and other Family Relief Programs.

Since our inception in 2008, ECHO has awarded $3,770,161 toward our EAP Program, the ECHO Pediatric Emergency Unit and other Family Relief Programs.

ECHO’s founder and Chairman, Sebastian Angelico, has assembled a diverse Board of Directors, whose unquestionable motivation and agenda is to help children. Sebastian has always supported charitable organizations ranging from those helping children to those helping the elderly.

ECHO’s founder and Chairman, Sebastian Angelico, has assembled a diverse Board of Directors, whose unquestionable motivation and agenda is to help children Sebastian has always supported charitable organizations ranging from those helping children to those helping the elderly

ECHO’s founder and Chairman, Sebastian Angelico, has assembled a diverse Board of Directors, whose unquestionable motivation and agenda is to help children Sebastian has always supported charitable organizations ranging from those helping children to those helping the elderly

His vision for ECHO was borne from his desire to help children who lack the necessary resources to receive proper medical assistance or who may be battling a living emergency “When I learn of a child who is in need, I believe ECHO will be able to help”

His vision for ECHO was borne from his desire to help children who lack the necessary resources to receive proper medical assistance or who may be battling a living emergency. “When I learn of a child who is in need, I believe ECHO will be able to help”.

His vision for ECHO was borne from his desire to help children who lack the necessary resources to receive proper medical assistance or who may be battling a living emergency. “When I learn of a child who is in need, I believe ECHO will be able to help”.

ECHO PEDIATRIC MERGENCY UNIT

ECHO PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY UNIT

ECHO PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY UNIT

ECHO provided funding to construct the ECHO Pediatric Emergency Unit at Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health South Site on Seguine Avenue This new state of the art emergency unit has segregated its emergency room into adult and pediatric sections Several new treatment rooms, nurses’ stations and waiting areas have been designed.

ECHO provided funding to construct the ECHO Pediatric Emergency Unit at Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health South Site on Seguine Avenue. This new state of the art emergency unit has segregated its emergency room into adult and pediatric sections. Several new treatment rooms, nurses’ stations and waiting areas have been designed.

ECHO provided funding to construct the ECHO Pediatric Emergency Unit at Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health South Site on Seguine Avenue. This new state of the art emergency unit has segregated its emergency room into adult and pediatric sections. Several new treatment rooms, nurses’ stations and waiting areas have been designed

Emergency Children’s Help Organization “ECHO” is a non -profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to a child experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency. ECHO’s goal is to help ease the burden financially, along with brightening the child’s life during a time of crisis.

Emergency Children’s Help Organization “ECHO” is a non profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to a child experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency. ECHO’s goal is to help ease the burden financially, along with brightening the child’s life during a time of crisis.

Emergency Children’s Help Organization “ECHO” is a non profit 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to a child experiencing a challenging medical or living emergency. ECHO’s goal is to help ease the burden financially, along with brightening the child’s life during a time of crisis.

ECHO’S FOUNDER

education A Parent’s Guide to NY Schools

Plus an educational glossary

By Mia Sala S

Every parent wants the best for their child and a key aspect is education. But in a state with many types of schools, the options can seem endless and can boggle the most organized parent. Each school has its unique opportunities, so it’s a matter of finding what works best for your family. That’s why we put together this guide to simplify navigating the school search for your child. Read on to find out what each school offers and terms you should know as you research and tours!

Public Schools

What They Are: Public schools are open to all students if they meet local residency requirements.

Tuition: The schools are free to all students.

What They Offer: Public schools are typically larger than the average private school. They offer a wide range of AP and IB courses for your child. as well as a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. These schools not only provide an opportunity for personal growth but for your child to make friends who live nearby within your community. Public schools also have several special education and multilingual learning programs to make education accessible to everyone.

Charter Schools

What They Are: Charter Schools are independently operated public schools for advancing student achievement. They serve about 15% of NYC’s public school children.

Tuition: Charter schools are free to all students.

What They Offer: Charter schools also offer all students an equal chance of being enrolled with a lottery system of choosing prospective students. Charter schools are independent from the NYC Department of Education and can be closed if they don’t meet certain student achievement

standards. However, being independent from DOE gives these schools a chance to explore methods of teaching and learning beyond the DOE standards.

Private Schools

What They Are: Private schools are an independent organization run by private entities.

Tuition: These schools are funded through charging tuition and receiving donations from alumni and the student’s parents. Even if tuition seems expensive, do not worry! These schools offer financial-aid programs and many different scholarships to assist with tuition costs.

What They Offer: Despite the smaller size of these schools, the teachers at private schools can provide more 1:1 help, make classes more student-focused, and give their students more responsibility. Private

schools also offer state-of-the-art facilities, incredible resources, and opportunities through their alumni network.

Boarding Schools

What They Are: Boarding schools provide a learning community where students live within the premises and have more rigorous requirements to prepare them for life after school. There are several boarding schools in and near NY state.

Tuition: Boarding schools are afforded through tuition and are more expensive than typical private schools because tuition includes meals, housing, educational costs, and more. However, they still offer financial aid to students to make the cost more affordable.

What They Offer: Boarding schools offer a wide array of types to consider for your child’s exact needs. These schools

Terms To Know

NY education can get very confusing. It can feel overwhelming when you’re on a school tour and lots of terms are being thrown around. Here are some terms to know as you embark on your school search.

District: A geographical unit for the local administration of elementary or secondary schools. This is the large area on the map that holds many zones within itself.

Zone: The roadways immediately adjacent to the school. This is the small area outlining the school on the map.

Gifted & Talented: Programs for highperforming students with accelerated curriculums and rigorous instructional strategies. Students may begin to apply from kindergarten to third grade and must pass tests to be eligible.

Specialized: There are 9 specialized high schools for NYC’s highest-performing students. 8 schools require students in 8th or 9th grade to perform exceptionally well on the Specialized High School Admission

Test, only offered one weekend in the fall. The other has a competitive audition.

Technically Focused: Student’s work towards a Regents Diploma in a specialized skill focused on a “handson” career skill. Such programs focus on skills such as film, engineering, and construction, and offer students job shadowing to gain work experience.

Individualized Education Program: An evaluation of the student’s needs for special needs care. Families work with the DOE to set academic goals and ensure the correct accommodations are made for their child.

Special Education: Special needs students have specific accommodations made for them with their families and the DOE. NY public schools have individualized programs for families of kids with special needs, but you can also seek a private school.

Dual Language: Also known as dual immersion instruction, students will develop academic skills in their own language while building those skills in

another language. This instruction aims to add a new language for students while not extinguishing a minority language.

Alternative High School: Schools for students aged 15-21. These schools serve as an opportunity for students behind on credits or those who have dropped out to catch up and graduate.

Young Adult Borough Centers: These centers offer evening classes. They are designed for students with adult responsibilities during the daytime.

Montessori: The Montessori method is a unique way of teaching that develops children’s independence, initiative, and citizenship. Education is adjusted to each student’s interests and needs. There are lots of Montessori schools in and near NY, even preschools and daycares for early education.

Common Core: NY state preschool-12th grade internationally benchmarked and evidence-based standards. The standards are a set of expectations for what students should learn and be able to do at each grade level.

include college preparatory, military, fine arts, sports, religious, therapeutic, and junior. They also have smaller class sizes allowing more teacher-student connection, a safe environment with an immersive community, and a heightened focus on developing your child to be ready for life after school.

Bilingual Schools

What They Are: Bilingual schools are designed to teach students two languages and the students become fully immersed in both languages.

Tuition: Bilingual schools also have tuition costs, and they can cost around the same as the average private school.

What They Offer: Bilingual schools are unique because they teach everything in two languages. Your child will not only be immersed in another language but another culture, which will encourage a diverse, global perspective. NY bilingual schools include the following languages: Arabic,

Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Yiddish.

Catholic Schools

What They Are: Catholic schools are preprimary through secondary institutions under the aegis or in association with the Catholic Church.

Tuition: These schools charge tuition and the cost can be lower than typical private schools.

What They Offer: Catholic schools excel in education and many have outperformed NY public schools in performance growth. However, these schools offer much more than education. Community is the foundation and students feel like family to the teachers and staff.

Daycare/Nursery

What They Offer: Daycare is high-quality childcare that keeps children safe and healthy. Nurseries are schools that offer

education to children up to age 4.

Tuition: Daycare for ages 3-5 can average around $12,000-$23,000 per year, compared to nurseries which can charge around $16,000 per year. However, costs vary greatly and much of this depends on the schedule you choose. Thankfully there are fantastic daycare and nursery options in New York to consider.

What They Offer: These institutions aim to provide supervision and childcare for parents while they work. Parents who send their children to daycares and nurseries often find their children have improved language development, developed increased cognitive abilities, and form better relationships with peers. There are many types of daycares in NY, ranging from part-time to full-time care, infant to toddler care, and even in-home daycares that are run from the personal home of a child care provider. So be sure to ask about the number of days per week, age range, caregiver-to-child ratio, and more!

Academy Of St. Dorothy

1305 Hylan Blvd., 10305 Sr. Sharon McCarthy 718-351-0939 srsharon@academyofstdorothy. org academyofstdorothy.org

Academy of St. Dorothy (ASD) is a private elementary school in Old Town with a focus on academic excellence through a nurturing, collaborative learning environment. ASD instills in students, from pre-k through eighth grade, the religious and moral values of a Catholic Christian environ ment - community, service, reverence and leadership. ASD offers instruction, ac tivities and sports on its vast and easily accessible 13-acre campus.

Learn and Explore Preschool

241 New Dorp Lane, 10306 mselizabeth@laepreschool.com 718-667-4701 laepreschool.com

Learn and Explore Preschool believes that children learn through play. Children are

encouraged to engage in hands-on experiences that lead to learning through dis covery, recognition of logical consequences, organization of thoughts and problem solving. This “whole child” develop ment is critical for paving the path towards school readiness and beyond.

New World Preparatory Charter School

285 Clove Road, 10310 Stephen Gonzalez, Coordinator of Recruitment & Social Media 718-705-8990 Ext. 211 Sgonzalez@newworldprep.org New World Preparatory Char ter School (NWP) is a public college preparatory charter school serving kindergarten through 8th Grade. NWP’s Guiding Values are Pride, Respect, Excellence, and Purpose. NWP supports the academic, social and emo tional needs of their students. They primarily serve the North Shore Community of Staten Island. Lottery preference is given to scholars who come from a home where English is

not the primary language spo ken in the home. NWP’s new building will be open in 2024.

Prodigy Preschool 3800 Arthur Kill Rd, 10309 Jessicaturkus@ pavilionprodigypreschool.com Prodigy Preschool at the Staten Island Skating Pavilion is a Pre-K For All NYC Depart ment of Education 4-year-old specialty program in which children learn the fundamen tals of ice skating and become academically prepared for kindergarten. Prodigy Pre school encourages explora tion and hands-on learning and teaches through direct instruction and center-based activities. Children are given an age-appropriate curricu lum that will prepare them for kindergarten. It is truly a Dif ferent Kind of Preschool.

St. Joseph Hill Academy 850 Hylan Blvd., 10305 stjosephhillacademy.com St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School is a pre mier co-educational, pre-K 3

and pre-K 4 to 8th Catholic school. The school provides a traditional learning classroom environment that incorporates a variety of innovative learn ing models to provide instruc tion to students. At SJHA, students develop a lifelong love of learning.

Staten Island Academy 715 Todt Hill Road, 10304 718-303-7802 statenislandacademy.org

At Staten Island Academy, every child receives the kind of meaningful attention that makes them feel at home, comfortable enough to ask questions, pursue ideas, and create solutions. Their child-centered classrooms are centers of curiosity, coopera tive learning, brainstorming and laughter. Learning needs to be challenging, but also supportive and engaging. Children have space on the 12acre campus to explore, take chances and find their voices, preparing them for a world that will need their leadership.

Open House Dates for The High School: Dec 7, 12 & 14, Jan 9 & 25

The

The High School Program provides a complete high school

bright adolescent with learning disabilities, providing basic preparation for studies at the college level or within a post-secondary program.

High School: 201-862-1796 1135 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 07666

Lower School: 201-837-8070 11 W Forest Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 www.CommunitySchoolk12nj.org

The Community School High School: 201-862-1796 CHSoffice@communityschool. k12.nj.us 1135 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ Lower School: 201-837-8070 office@communityschool.us 11 W Forest Avenue, Teaneck, NJ communityschoolk12nj.org

Community School serves the bright child with learning and attentional disabilities.

For 54 years the school’s primary goal has been to help children achieve a level of classroom performance that is fully commensurate with their abilities, intellects & talents. Visit their upcom ing open houses. High School Open House events are De cember 7, 12 & 14 & January 9. For the Lower School visit on December 14. Located in Tea neck, NJ just over the George Washington Bridge.

The STEM and Exercise Program, LLC

Virtual and in-person tutoring Dr. Carole Reiss, Director 718-608-5232

This program combines tutoring in K-12, SAT and

PSAT Prep for all students from ages 3 to adult who want to improve in reading, math, science and technol ogy, as well as their physical fitness and emotional health. The program partners with your child’s school and you, the parent, to offer the right instructional framework aligned to grade-appropriate and formative progression. Sessions available virtually or in person, meeting at the public library. Individual and small group lessons are $25 per lesson with a minimum of twice per week.

Tiny Treasures Academy 360 Van Duzer Street, 10304 718-273-5157

tinytreasuresdaycare.com

Tiny Treasures childcare and wellness center puts a twist on traditional ways of enhancing children’s devel opment and supporting the modern-day parent. They differentiate themselves by offering a holistic approach in both body and mind to equip kids with tools for a healthier and happier life.

Bucket List Winter in NYC

By Jeannine Cintron, Donna DuarteLaDD anD Shara Levine

1. Take a magical journey filled with delicious treats, festive crafts, a larger-than-life snow globe, and more at Pinkmas at the Museum of Ice Cream.

2. See the world-famous Rockettes at the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.

3. See the lighting of the world’s largest menorahs at Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and Midtown, Manhattan, every night of Hanukkah in Park Slope.

4. DREAM BIG at the Big Apple Circus with fantastical performances featuring King of the High Wire Nik Wallenda, comic daredevil Johnny Rockett, and aerialist Alan Silva.

5. Visit the Winter Lantern Festival after dark for an enchanting display of beautifully lit and dazzling lanterns.

6. Visit the NYBG’s Holiday Train Show—a favorite holiday tradition—and see model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks.

7

. Visit the Bank of America Winter

Village where you can ice skate, shop, dine, and play!

8. Experience the world of Encanto x CAMP at 110 5th Ave., Chelsea complete with secret passages, interactive magic, live music, and surprises behind every magic door.

9. Admire the stunning views of the city all lit up for the holiday season from one of NYC’s observation decks like The Empire State Building,

10. Visit the American Museum of Natural History to see their famous 13-foot Origami Holiday Tree, featuring over 1,000 intricately designed origami models. ‘

11. Catch a showing of the annual Christmas Show at the historic St. George Theater.

12 . Visit The Oculus, the central epicenter of the World Trade Center and an architect of beauty that will have you oohing and aahhing

13. Stroll around the city and check out the elaborate holiday window displays outside department stores like Macy’s, Saks, and Bloomingdales.

14. Head over the bridge to

Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights (between 11th to 13th Avenue or 83rd Avenue to 86th St.) for the neighborhood’s famous annual holiday light displays.

15. Show Broadway some love, and check out a matinee the kids will love and treasure for years to come

16. Stay warm on a cold day and visit your local library branch to check out books and partake in some free programs the kids will love.

17. Take the kids to the Harry Potter Store (935 Broadway) and thoroughly enjoy an hour or two of magical adventure and fun

18. Take advantage of the Culture Pass (culturepass.nyc) and visit the amazing participating institutions for free admission

19. Lift your spirits, grab your sleds, goggles and parkas and slide into some winter whimsy during Color Factory New York’s Winter Colorland.

20. Learn about and celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan.

Holiday Fun

Cue the hot chocolate, bring on a reindeer or two, and holiday lights for however you celebrate- it’s the holidays, and it is on. We are excited to share the events are amazing partners are holding this month, so dress warmly, remember to take a pic or two and happy holidays!

Breakfast & Bowling with Santa at Rab’s

Rab’ s Country Lanes 1600 Hylan Blvd. 718-979-1600, bowlatrabs.com Sunday Dec.18, 9am-12pm Santa Claus is coming to your favorite destination for fun! Join in a magical morning of Bowling & Breakfast with Santa. The experience includes one hour of bowling, a breakfast buffet, a photo with Santa and special treats. $22 per person. Reserve your spot with Rab’s Elves at bowlatrabs.com

Christmas Fantasy with Lights at Storybook Land

6415 E Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township,NJ 609-646-0103, storybookland.com Experience Christmas magic right before your eyes! Watch as Santa Claus waves his magic wand and lights Storybook Land with over one million lights. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus until December 23. All rides and snack bars are open. Check their website for holiday hours.

Holiday Hoopla at oasisVRX Bell Works

101 Crawfords Corner Rd, Holmdel, NJ (a five minute drive from the PNC Bank Arts Center) oasisvrx.com

oasisVRX is New Jersey’s premier spot for Virtual Reality Entertainment, featuring the largest game library in the state! Their Lo comotion Zone boasts four racing and roller coaster simulators and a huge 400 square foot Free Roam Arena, plus tons of group gamesso there is something for everyone! Book for one guest and get 50% the next.

SI Skating Pavilion

3080 Arthur Kill Road, 10309 skateschool@thepavilion.org thepavilion.org

December at the Pavilion is full of fun! Holiday schedule:

Fridays, 8-10pm - Glow in the Dark Skating Dec. 4 - Holiday Fair. Skate and shop for the perfect gift!

Dec. 10, 2:30-4:30pm - Skate with Santa Dec. 27-31 - Winter Wonderland. Skate all week long and enjoy hot cocoa, activities and holiday fun

Staten Island Ballet Nutcracker Holiday

Nicotra’s Ballroom Hilton Garden Inn, 1100

South Ave. 718-980-0500, siballet.org

Saturday, Dec. 17, 5:30 pm

Sunday, Dec. 18, 1 pm & 4 pm

A unique gift immersing you directly into the holiday spirit. Show and dining, $85 per person. Start with an elegant holiday meal amid palace guests, then follow dancers as the story unfolds in the land of enchantment. Tickets can be purchased by phone or online.

Mommybites.com provides expertly curated resources for all parents in the New York area, including our most popular feature — our mom-generated nanny board — the best online source for parents to find vetted (by other parents), experienced nannies and

who want to work in New York City, Westchester, Long Island and Northern New Jersey. MommyBites.com

Snap Shot!

Tips from top photographers for taking kid & family photos

By Donna Duarte -LaDD

Ever wonder why our covers look so good? This is because we have the best photographers who shoot for us. We also do a lot to get a great pic, especially with kids. I have personally done somersaults, worn silly hats, and begged and pleaded for a great photo. But there are also times our crew does something crazy- we let kids be kids , and we take the pics as they live in the moment. Whether you want to take a great family photo or take keepsakes of your littles, we have tips from our amazing contributing photogra phers on how to get it. Take the pic and make sure you get pictures where you are in it, mama!

Ana Gambuto anagambuto.com

Move it, move it: Take a group picture while you’re all walking towards the camera, swaying, singing, yelling something (“happy Halloween” offers good mouth shapes), or do anything that has your body moving naturally. This will always give you a more authentic picture full of life. If you’re taking a photo of your kid, have them run toward you, spin in a circle or do some kind of action, maybe a jumping jack, try a high five and these photos will look more casual and more natural than a grip-and-grin.

Set the scene, call action (toddlers): For a young toddler, first, back them up against a blank wall (as plain as you can find!) Then have a friend sit beside you and call “ACTION!” make them dance and sing and do ridiculous stuff right above the phone or camera, maybe with a toy, with their voice, or anything that uses the element of surprise (and delight). Just go crazy! A toddler will at least briefly stand there and smile and laugh against a perfect

plain backdrop.

The Hail Mary: For older kids who are just too ‘cool’ to participate, find ample floor

space and tell them to lie down and go to sleep. Now put their heads together, legs straight out in front of them, arranged in so that their bodies are making a little pinwheel shape. Just put a blanket over all of their heads and then whisk it away, playing silly hide and seek or “don’t you smile!” games and even though they’re old and way too cool, they can’t help but smile if you’re playing with them from overhead. Then you can offer to switch and you lay down on the ground and they look down over the top of you, maybe do a little ring around the Rosie action and you’ll take pictures from down below with all their hair flying over the camera and it’s very silly and an awesome photo.

My iPhone upside-down trick! Simply hold your pointer finger on the up-volume button on your iPhone with the camera open, flip the phone upside down and hold the camera close to the ground or kitchen counter. Fire away, taking photos upside down! Your subjects may be so intrigued with what you’re doing that they will want to participate. Foolproof!

Photo of Yumi Matsuo by Greer Goldenberg

Greer Goldenberg greergoldenbergphoto.com

Let kids be kids: Shoot kids as they are. Sometimes kids, especially younger ones, are not in the mood to get their picture taken or smile. That’s ok!

A great portrait captures kids in the moment of being silly or mad, etc. So roll with it! Chances are you can get them to laugh or crack a smile by just letting them be them.

Vibe with them: Get on their level, set your shutter speed fast and be ready to run! A great way to capture active kids is to get them to run towards you or catch you. When you are down on their level you get all the amazing expressions that come with the joys of mo tion. Just make sure your shutter speed is fast enough to avoid blurry pictures!

Michelle Rose

michellerosephoto.com

It’s all about that light: To get professional-looking photos indoors, turn off your overhead lights. Try to use as much natural light as possible and take photos by a window.

Feed the models: Be sure to have snacks with you during a photoshoot in case anyone gets hungry. No one wants their photos taken when they are feeling Hangry! Non-messy snacks are best, a bottle for the little ones (bring a bib!), pouches for the older ones, and something easy/not messy to eat like soft gummies as a treat for older kids. Avoid chocolate and crumbly snacks.

Babies: For little babies (non-newborns) I have a really simple trick I use to get a smile. I stand in front of a baby, hold eye contact, put a huge smile on my face and sweetly sing-song say “HI” (like hiiiigggghhhheeeee) a bunch of times until I get my smile. For shyer children I say it more quietly with a big smile in order to not scare them. Try it!

When in doubt, do a lift! There’s almost

no child (best for after the age of four months) that doesn’t LOVE to be lifted up in the air! It makes for the sweetest photos.

Bribes: There’s no shame in the bribe game — I personally prefer a lollipop bribe at the end of a session; however, the promise of a special toy, activity or extra episode of a show are fan favorites. Generally, the promise of anything the child really loves tends to do the trick!

BY JANA BEAUCHAMP & DONNA DUARTE LADD

1. VTECH Level Up Gaming Chair

Kids will love this preschool game station complete with a swivel chair, joystick, pretend headphones, and Wi-Fi-free tablet for innovative, imaginary play. 18 months+; $33.74, target.com.

2. Melissa and Doug Pineapple Soft Stacker

Kids will love the different textures and sounds as they grasp, squeeze, shake, and stack this precious pineapple and parents will love that the stacker is an engaging way to help infants develop important sensory, fine motor, and problem-solving skills. 6+ months; $22.99, melissaanddoug.com.

3. Fischer-Price DJ Bouncin’ Beats

Move and groove with this interactive dance partner of 75+ songs, sounds, and phrases that teach the alphabet, counting, colors, and more. Parents will love that it has 3 Smart Stages and lots of exciting bouncing action for their little loved one. 9 Months+; $30.99, amazon.com.

4. My Plush Hess Truck

Little ones will love this soft, train plush that is just right tiny hands and big hugs. Parents will love that there’s a night light feature with auto-shutoff for bedtime and a ‘Silent Mode’ setting for lights-only activation. Ages 0+; $34, hesstoytruck.com.

5. GUND Baby Fox

In Play mode, baby can tap anywhere on the box to coax the Fox out of the box and play interactive games such as peek-a-boo. In Song mode, Fox gradually emerges and sings a fun song for baby. Age 12 months+; $33, Qvc.com.

6. Hot Wheels® Racing Loops Tower by Little People

Kids will love the easy-lift ramp that sends cars zooming down and around the tracks for cool racing and stunt action, and the 50+ sounds and musical tunes that play as they launch their Wheelies cars. Ages 18+ months $31.99, target.com.

7. LeapFrog ® Wooden AlphaPup

Parents will love that this cute pup helps bring music and movement to the littlest walkers. They will also love that it is made with 100% FSC-certified wood that comes from well-managed forests. Age 1+; $22.49, target.com.

1. Dance & Play Bluey

In talking mode, Bluey says 55+ phrases. In dance mode, she can even stand on one leg and dance up a storm. In singing mode, she sings four songs, and plays three different games, including Statues, when a key word makes everyone freeze in their place. Ages 3+; $39.99, target.com.

2. Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Ultimate Ice Cream Truck

Kids will love running their very own ice cream truck and making the menu of pretend play-doh creations using the soft serve station and customizing their creations with the sprinkle maker, 27 tools, and candy molds. Ages 3+ $79.99, amazon.com.

3. Squishmallows

Kids can cuddle and collect Squishmallows from all the collections, from HugMees to Squishville. Ages 0+ $48, amazon. com.

4. CoComelon Boo Boo JJ Plush

When JJ gets hurt the injured areas light up and kids can take out the Bandage Case, with three CoComelon-themed bandages, to come to his rescue. When JJ starts to cry, the bandage can be held over the lit up hurt area to cure the boo boo. Ages 2+; $34.99, target.com

5. Disney Junior Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Alice Doll & Magical Oven Set

This sweet set comes with Alice wearing her signature outfit from the show and the magical oven that lights up and plays cooking sounds, phrases, and “The Baking Song!” as they “bake.” Ages 3+, $39.99, target.com.

6. PAW Patrol Truck Stop HQ

In closed mode, the pups can jump into the command center, pull up and transform to reveal an over three foot wide HQ with a garage spot for each pup, a tune-up station, car wash station, vehicle launcher and lights and sounds. Ages 3+; $73, amazon.com.

7. Monster Jam Monster Garage Playset

Jam and play up to 20 Monster Jam trucks and features lights and sounds to bring the live action home. Ages 3+; $40-44.99, amazon.com.

FOR AGES 2�3

1. LEGO Large Creative Brick Blocks

Kids will love to build to their hearts’ content with the big box of classic LEGO bricks featured in 33 different colors and a wide variety of windows and doors, along with other special pieces to spark bright imaginations. Ages 4+; $43, amazon.com.

2. The Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball

Everyone will love using the interactive spellcasting wand and special magic words to fill the crystal ball with mist as they make their Magic Mixie, giving it color, a voice, fortune telling powers. Ages 5+, $69.29 amazon.com.

3. Cra-Z_Art Shimmer ’n Sparkle Light Up Studio

A makeup and beauty essential kit to get glam, record tutorials with the clip on selfie light, and post beauty stories (with parent permission, of course). Kids can create their own original designs or simply follow the illustrated “Makeup Tutorial & Story Cards” included in the kit. Ages 8+; $29.97, walmart.com.

4. L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Mini Sweets™ Surprise-O-Matic Dolls

Your kids will love seeing their favorite sweets transform into these themed, delectable dolls and parents will love the interactive and fun unboxing with Surprise-O-Matic where the press of a button delivers each sweet surprise, including an outfit, shoes, bottle, accessories, or sticker. Ages 4+, $11.99, target.com.

5. RUKUSfx

Your aspiring DJ will can punch, swipe, twist, and flick they can loop, mix, and remix customized music tracks while LEDs flash and change color with every move they make. Ages 6+, $49.99, target.com.

6. Beyblade Burst Quadrive Interstellar Drop Battle Set

With this set kids can customize the battle on two levels: battle on the top level of the Beystadium, then remove the disc, drop through the Warp Hole, and take the battle to the drop level. Ages 8+; $59.99. amazon.com.

7. Cool Maker Stitch N’ Style Fashion Studio

Your fashion fan will adore this all-in-one fashion studio that has six easy to make projects like a sunglasses case, scrunchie, purse, and more. Kids can also customize designs with unique prints that are magically applied with water. Ages 8+; $29.99, amazon.com.

1. LEGO Friends Emma’s Art School

This Toy Insider Top Holiday Toy winner art school consist of 844-pieces that include a spinning pottery wheel, a photography studio, landscape canvases, and other artthemed accessories. 8+, $69.99, walmart. com.

2. American Girl Claudie Doll, Book, and Accessories

Creative Claudie is quite chic in her 1920’s era look, although her Mary Jane shoes are pretty on trend for 2022! The 18” Claudie™ doll comes with all the accessories (an authentic-style 1920s Baby Ruth candy bar, knee-high socks are just a few gems). 8+, $151, americangirl.com.

3. Ultra Bionic Blaster

Kids who obsess over robotics will love this wearable, air-powered blaster glove. The cool part is they can also learn about pneumatic systems (a collection of interconnected components using compressed air to do work for automated equipment) and the physics of air. 10 +, $39.95, amazon.com.

4. Nintendo Switch Sports –Nintendo Switch

This game is perfect for your sporty kid. There are six games they can play: Soccer, Volleyball, Bowling, Tennis, Badminton and Chambara-so weekends and snow days, watch out as this will keep them active all day! 10+, $50, amazon.com.

5. Chicken Vs Hot Dog

This game by Big Potato Games is a gift for your eight-plus kid but can also include the entire family. Flip ’em and stick ’em also involves (safe) challenges, character cards, and more. 8+, $30, bigpotato.com.

6. Crayola Glow in The Dark Coloring Set with Markers, Mythical Creature Coloring Pages

Kids can be creative and use the formulated glow markers that come in vibrant shades that be to colored on coated cardstock paper and make glow-tastic art! 8+, $14.99, amazon.com.

7. National Geographic Herb Garden Growing Kit

This Toy Insider pick is all a kid needs to start their own garden. The kit includes basil, oregano, chive seeds, steel pots, stickers and paints . 6+, $24.99, Toys R us at Macys.com.

FOR AGES 8�11

FOR TWEENS & TEENS

1. Brave like Rosa “Nah” Punch Needle Craft Kit

This woman-owned company’s mission is to show girls stories of mighty women who have trailblazed a path before them. Through crafts, girls can learn the stories of remarkable women. $29.99, 8+, kidscrafts. org.

2. Disney Stitch Active LED Watch

Whether you have a 3year old or 13-yearold, this Stitch activity watch is also perfect for our tweens. This Digital LED will also track steps, how much distance has been traveled and calories burned (not that this matters – they are kids!) point is this is a fun watch under. 3+, $20. claires.com.

3. Cup Noodles® Snack Attack Earbud Case Cover

Parents resort to all sorts of maneuvers to have their kids not lose things…name tags, post-it notes, and these Cup Noodles ramen earbuds case scream TWEEN! 8+, $19.99, claires.com.

4.

Full of Life, Exploring Earth’s

Biodiversity:

Isabel Thomas, illustrated by Sara Gillingham

This creative book is a guide to Earth’s Tree of Life, a reference that scientists use to organize the many living things on our earth. The layouts are gorgeous, fun, loaded with cool facts, and a glossary of the species, plants and animals we share in our world. $24.95, phaidon.com.

5. Nick Jonas’ LINKEE

We love the Jonas brothers, and this Nick Jonas’ LINKEE is a fun yell-out-the-link trivia for your tween, their friends, and the entire family. How it works is you split into teams to solve the link between four quiz questions. 12+, $20, walmart.com.

6.

Lite-Brite Wall Art Pop Wow!

This 16 x 16 that consists of 6,000 colorful mini-sized pegs is a way for kids to chill and create 3 HD Pop Art designs that double as wall art. 14 +, $100, walmart.com.

7. Wordle The Party Games

If your kid is one the obsessed Wordle players out there, they'll love this game. A player designated as the host writes down a secret word. Players get a few tries and in this game, players compete against each other. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins. 14+, $20, target.com.

t hing S to D o in De C em B er

By BarBara ruSSo

With December comes lots of festive and fun events for families and kids to enjoy! Here are some of this month’s most exciting events in Staten Island and nearby. Be sure to call ahead or visit event websites to confirm details. Go to siparent. com/events for info on the events listed here and even more stuff to do with your family throughout the month and all season long!

NYC Lantern Festival Fridays-Sundays, 5-9:30pm. SIUH Community Park 75 Richmond Terr.

See beautiful, dazzling displays of hand-made Chinese lanterns, ride illuminated swings and enjoy lots of food options at this fun event. The festival will also be open daily, Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, 5-9:30pm.

2nd Annual Yule Log Jog

Saturday, Dec. 3, 9-10:30am

Conference House Park 298 Satterlee St.

Don your festive running gear and head to this fun 5k run/ walk through the park trails. Theconferencehouse.org.

Santa’s Workshop

Saturday, Dec. 3-Sunday, Dec. 4, 11am-7pm

Empire Outlets 55 Richmond Terr.

Head to the Created for You Artists Market’s last event of the year. Browse Santa’s Workshop and a fun holiday market with lots of vendors. Kids activities and photos with Santa Claus, too.

Santa Cares Day at the Mall Sunday, Dec. 4, 9-10am

t he n YC Lantern Festical lights up sIUH Community park on Fridays to s undays this month.

Staten Island Mall 2655 Richmond Ave.

Children within all spectrums of special needs and their families are invited to this sensoryfriendly visit for family photos with Santa. Make a reservation online at statenislandmall.com.

Louie’s Legacy Animal Adoption Event

Sunday, Dec. 4, 11am-3pm

Mount Loretto 6581 Hylan Blvd.

Over 100 adorable puppies, kittens, dogs and cats will be on site, all hoping to get the gift of a forever home for the holidays.

Colonial Christmas at the Conference House Sunday, Dec. 4, 11am-4pm

Conference House Park 298 Satterlee St.

Enjoy free hot apple cider and cookies courtesy of the Auxiliary and Conference House Association while shopping and strolling in the outdoor holiday market. The fire pit will be lit for everyone’s enjoyment and holiday music will be playing throughout the day.

Staten Island Skating Pavilion Holiday Fair

Sunday, Dec. 4, 2:30-4:30pm

Staten Island Skating Pavilion 3080 Arthur Kill Rd.

Skate and shop for the perfect holiday gift from local vendors.

Conference House Grand Illumination

Sunday, Dec. 4, 4:30pm

Conference House Park 298 Satterlee St.

The traditional Grand Illumina

tion will take place and the historic house will be aglow in candlelight to start the holiday season.

Christmas Show Friday, Dec. 9, 7pm; Saturday, Dec. 10, 3 and 7pm; Sunday, Dec. 11, 3pm and 7pm

St. George Theatre 35 Hyatt St.

Now in its 19th year, this twohour production is a high energy, rhinestone-studded series of songs and dances that the whole family will enjoy.

Christmas in Historic Richmond Town

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 10-11 and 17-18, 11am-5pm

Historic Richmond Town 441 Clarke Ave.

Historic Richmond Town will be transformed into a Dickens-style

holiday wonderland where guests of all ages will find themselves immersed in holiday cheer.

Aquatics Winter Festival of Lights

Sunday, Dec. 11, 11am-4pm

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Rd.

Enjoy a free indoor pool party to celebrate the winter festival of lights.

Tombola Night

Tuesday, Dec. 13, 6:30pm

Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere 79 Howard Ave.

The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere will host its annual Tombola Night. Tombola is similar to bingo; cards must be purchased for each round.

Holiday Show: Cool Down Mamma for the Holidays

Friday, Dec. 16, 5-7pm Stapleton Senior Center

189 Gordon St.

See Peter Cummings & Friends in a holiday show with a program that features music, dinner, gifts and raffles.

Chanukah Family Show and More!

Sunday, Dec. 18, 1-2:30pm

Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC 1466 Manor Rd. Mainstages Theater will present a show, Maya’s Metaverse!, a Chanukah adventure and inter

active performance. Following the show, families can decorate donuts, make Chanukah crafts and play dreidel games.

Staten Island Ballet’s Nutcracker Holiday

Saturday, Dec. 17, 5:30pm; Sunday, Dec. 18, 1 and 4pm Hilton Garden Inn Staten Island 1100 South Ave.

Start with an elegant holiday meal amid palace guests, then follow dancers as the

story unfolds in the land of enchantment.

Baby Shark Live! The Christmas Show

Thursday, Dec. 29, 4pm St. George Theatre 35 Hyatt St.

Enjoy hit songs in this dazzling kids spectacular, including “Baby Shark,” “Five Little Monkeys,” “Wheels On The Bus,” and “Monkey Banana Dance,” as well as holiday classics.

t he Christmas s how returns to the st. George t heatre this month.

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